Guten Morgen zusammen, der Sommer ist zurück, juchuh! Passenderweise geht es heute in meiner Guest Post Reihe nach Kalifornien! Kalani, die ich über den Online Kurs “Blogging your way” kennengelernt habe, schreibt uns heute etwas darüber, wie sie Kindermode vom Flohmarkt niedlich aufpimpt – ganz lieben dank für die tollen Tipps und Fotos!
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Good morning everybody, summer is back! And the guest post of today comes from Southern California – that fits doesn’t it! Kalani, who I got to know via the e-course “Blogging your way” tells us how she pimps up children’s clothes from thrift stores – thank you so much for your great tipps and lovely photos!

Guten Tag! It’s Kalani from kalanicut blog. I am so happy to be here guesting today. Today I want to chat about creating an charmingly unique wardrobe for your kids and save big money buying at thrift shopping. I am at the point now that I only buy new shoes, swimwear, socks and underwear at regular retailers. Everything else I have scored for just a couple of dollars each at our local thrift store.

I started thrift shopping in college, collecting great clothing accessories, kitchenware, furniture and decorating items. Then when the Little Bug came along I started buying clothing items for her. It’s amazing how many beautiful dresses, darling jeans, jackets and tops I have collected.  Little Bug’s wardrobe is so unique and she has personalized it so perfectly. I’ve been able to do it with a very small budget.

Here are a few tips to save big:

1) Get a feel for the shops in your area. Some will have much better selections than others.
I often try to shop thrift stores near affluent neighborhoods. You can often find amazing name brand clothing in these shops. Often items have very little wear.

2) Shop regularly.
When I need new things I try to pop in every few days. Things come in regularly and the good stuff goes out the door quickly. Checking in regularly allows you to get to know the merchandise, so you can quickly skim it each time you go in for new items. Plus you get the best selection.

3) Always check the condition of each item.
I have found several pairs of pants in great condition, only to realize the inside waistband was not in good condition. Without a good inspection there was no way to tell. This is also extremely important if you choose to buy kids shoes at a thrift store. Check the cushioning, wear on the heel, etc. or you may cause your child some serious foot and posture problems.

4) Buy a size or two ahead.
If I find something I really like that I know Little Bug will fit into within the next year I buy it.

5) Shop out of season.
I find great winter coats for sale just as winter ends. People often clean out their closets and get rid of things that no longer fit at the end of each season. So spring is a great time to shop for coats and ski pants for the winter to come as long as you plan for a possible growth spurt in sizing.

A warning: It is easy to get carried away when you see darling kids clothing for two or three dollars. But don’t get carried away. You can still really blow a weekly budget if you’re spending on stuff you don’t really need. Children only need a few of each item to get them through. Be picky and don’t go overboard or you’ve saved nothing.

I’d love to hear your experiences with this. Are you buying for your kids at thrift stores? What have been your best finds? If you don’t shop thrift stores, what has held you back? Thanks for popping in and thank you Melanie for having me here today. So excited for your new baby and all that is bringing to your life!