Did you know some of the BEST clothing sales run in the month of July? Stores clear out a lot of styles in order to prepare for the Back to School/Fall rush.
Every time, at this year, I stock up on my kids’ clothes for the next year. These prices are ridiculous – even online! Brand new stuff at consignment prices, and cute to boot!

Here are 8 tips for maximizing your savings (and saving your sanity).

1. Buy ahead.
As a general rule, I only buy ahead one size. So my girls are in 4t now, and I will only buy up to 5t in pants and 6 in shirts (I find shirt run smaller). This keeps me from OVER buying (which I sometimes do if it’s a REALLY good price).

2. Look for coupons to combine with sales.
A lot of stores, like Gymboree and will put out coupons for an additional percentage off your whole price. I find these in lots of magazines like Parents. If I’m ever at the doctor’s office, I always nab a few (I got permission, of course).

3. Stock Up.
I am not by any means saying HOARD, but by all means if you find a basic black long sleeve tee for $1.99, buy a few in the next few sizes up. Those basics are especially great
because you KNOW your kids will wear them.

4. Organize.
If you do plan on buying ahead, keep it organized. I keep my buy ahead clothes in a plastic tote in our garage labeled what size and what kid it is for. I also keep a VERY simple list of what I have purchased ahead, so I don’t buy too many of one thing.

5. Wait. But not too long.
If there is a specific item or brand name you must have (For example, I’m a sucker for Salt Water Sandals.), be patient. Check the price throughout the month and I bet you see a price drop especially as the seasons change!

6. Shop consignment.
Yes, you can find amazing deals; however, sometimes it’s not worth the time or effort to risk coming up empty. I feel like I’d rather save my time and buy during sales like these. Not that I don’t still LOVE a good consignment find. It’s the best feeling! I find it more difficult to find gently use clothing as my kids get older.

7. Upcycle. Reuse. Extend use.
Find a few ideas HERE. Plus our friend over at Make It and Love It also has some genius ideas.
Like adding waist ties to shirts to make them longer HERE or making jeans into the CUTEST shorts ever HERE

8. Keep updated on the best sales on our Facebook page and here.
We’re not a fashion blog (though we think fashion is fun!), but we like to shop. We only want to share the BEST deals with our readers or the things we really love. We do our best to keep you updated. If you see a good sale, will you let us know too? We gotta work together!

Without further ado,  here are some of our favorite retailers. These stores seems to have the best sales in general.

I will add, Crazy 8 tends to run 

GAP

I’m a total sucker for Gap. Baby and Kid. Okay, and for me! I really like the quality and they do have some great sales. Keep and eye out for additional % off clearance/sale prices like this. 30% is AWESOME, but sometimes you’ll see 40% (especially in store, but I hate leaving my house to shop). Also, if you are a Gap card holder, you usually get deeper discounts.

Gymboree

Gymboree is another you can combine with coupons. I have had good luck with the quality at Gymboree. I like to read the reviews for first hand experience. On a normal basis, I feel like some prices are a little high for me. That being said, sales like this are amazing and I often find items for around $3. I just got those skinny jeans for around $6.59 PLUS 20% off that with a coupon (Search skinny zipper jeans).