Thrifty Tip Thursday: Styling the Kids

Did you know that I love to shop? Uh duh, Chelsea, there's no denying that obvious fact. Unlike most though, I primarily like to shop at thrift stores. I know, another shocking discovery! Were it not for tampons, food, and toiletries, I could probably never step foot in a real store again. Eh, that's a lie, but you get the gist. If you're anything like me in the least, then you like to look fashionable and you like not giving over  an arm or a leg to do so. You want to know a secret, though? As much as I love finding amazing deals for myself, I love finding them for my two year daughter even more. I mean let's get real for a second, she basically gets new clothing every few weeks anyway because she is growing like a dang weed after a rain storm. She is constantly outgrowing things and her feet? Lord, just slow down already. So, from an economical standpoint and a necessity standpoint, thrifting for our daughter is the most sensible option. Otherwise, we'd be broke as a joke.

The easiest way to break it down for y'all is just to share with you not only sample pieces that I've found for her at thrift stores, but also how I shop for her and how I style her outfits. I'm that crazy mom that likes to dress her toddler like an actual little person instead of a toddler. Do I care if other people put their kids in Minnie Mouse or Paw Patrol clothes on the reg? Nope, not a bit. I just prefer for Emerson to wear clothes similar in taste to what I would wear. I guess it's the fashionista in me or something. I don't ask questions.

First up, let's just browse some individual items that have ALL been thrifted recently and are ALL name brand and in like new condition, shall we? These are just a few of the many, many thrifted items. Literally, we have bins full of thrifted clothes that she's outgrown (saving for the future).

YES, I buy her sleepwear from thrift stores. You wouldn't BELIEVE how many like new pajamas are at thrift stores just waiting for their next little dreamer. Kids outgrow these things in a heartbeat, so sure, I'll take it + save me $10!

Secondly, let's talk how I find the gems versus those items never to be worn again-why didn't you just throw it out in the first place. I browse for colors and patterns I like first. If something catches my eye, I'll view it. I completely check it for wear and tear, then I check it for price. Usually kids clothing is one of the cheapest things at a thrift store. Most I've found are $2-3 or less, which mean on sales days they're like $1. I don't only buy name brand, but I would be lying if I said I don't check the tag, too. I like searching for brands that I know fit her well and that will last: Old Navy, Target, Osh Kosh,  Gap, Children's Place, etc. I am always looking for pjs and leggings because we tend to go through those the quickest in terms of wear + tear. Also important to note, much like with my clothes, I always think about the versatility and functionality of the item. I try to stick to items that can be styled multiple ways, which you'll see down below in just a bit. My rule for myself is if it can't be styled 3 ways, don't get it. I try to apply that to Emerson, too. If you can only wear an item one way, chances are it won't get worn very often and it'll end up being a waste of money. Not always, but that's usually my experience.

So, you've seen what CAN be found. You've heard HOW I shop. Now, let's SHOW YOU how to style your little one to be a mini-fashionista. And, let's get the most bang for your buck. Here we go!

This jean jacket + these leggings were thrifted find sfor under $2 each {both from Old Navy}. The dress is Old Navy clearance + the boots are from Walmart. Here's some ways I've styled it:

This entire outfit including shoes was thrifted. (Bow excluded)

This little swing dress is from Old Navy. It's a size 18 month. It fit her like a dress during the summer, but now at 28 months {TWO} works like a tunic top under sweaters, sweatshirts and jackets. Boots are $11 from Walmart. Bow is DIY. Leggings thrifted. 

 Two more ways to wear this little twin dress. Blue sweatshirt from Target boys section + leopard sweatshirt + bow from Walmart. The stripped leggings were thrifted.

These 3 dresses are not Emerson's current size, so they no longer are dress length, but guess what? They still fit well as tunic-style shirts. So, when purchasing dresses for little girls, think ahead to whether they'll eventually work as shirts or not. These are some of my favorites. The pink + denim was thrifted {Carters}, the other two are from Old Navy clearance.

Two different ways to style the dresses-turned- tunic shirts. The black boots are from Walmart and the leggings were thrifted. Thrift stores are the jam for leggings, y'all! I always find TONS, especially the denim-like ones. The dress below was also thrifted and will fit her throughout the coming year as a dress, but it also works well with leggings. DOUBLE WIN! Pink sweater thrifted + jelly shoes are from Old Navy. The jellies were all she wore this past summer. She had them in 3 colors!

This next denim dress was also thrifted, but is from babyGap. It works great as a dress right now, but can also double as a tunic as she grows. The white cardigan was thrifted {Carters} and both boots + bows from Walmart. The socks are from Ross.

 Speaking of Ross! I always checkout the kids' section when I'm in there. As Emerson has gotten older, I've had a tougher time finding 24mo stuff for her, but occasionally you'll find a gem like this little Carters tutu shirt for $5.

The below outfits were all created using thrifted + Walmart pieces.

Walmart has some super cute dresses for girls for really cheap. This past summer I got Emerson about 6 dresses for ~$4-6 each. They are mostly versatile in color so they can be worn year round. Just pop a sweater overtop + some stockings underneath during the colder months.

Now, speaking of cold months, it's just about Christmas, which happens to be my favorite holiday. I know many a mama that are super festive for the holidays when it comes to dressing their children. The extent of my festivity usually comes down to bows, leggings and a festive shirt or two. I don't spend tons on the holidays because they're so short-lived. With that being said, I often adore the matchy-matchy holiday outfits, so keep doing yo' thing mama, if you're one of 'em! Here's a sample of an outfit Emerson would wear around the holidays using mostly items that she wears otherwise, just with a little holiday pop. ;)

I found these little stockings at Goodwill for $1! Perfect, right?? This entire outfit is from Goodwill actually .

While we're talking about the holidays, I think I should mention that to avoid an excess of toys (which we all know grandparents tend to go overboard usually), request clothing instead. I always tell family that if they want to gift anything to Emerson, to please grab her a pair of shoes or a cute outfit in either her current size or a size up. Most of my family knows how I dress her, so it's never been an issue that she's gotten some ungodly attire. But, if you're concerned about that, then just provide samples of colors your kiddo  you like, styles you like, etc. Also, if you have a girl, bows are always good gift options. ;) This little outfit below was a gift from my brother + sister-in-law for Emerson's birthday back in August. It was a little big on her then, but it will be perfect for the Christmas Eve service at church with her cute little thrifted red pea coat. Then she can wear it as a dress or tunic-style top. I LOVE it!

All bows are DIY or Walmart

Basically, here's what it comes down to when you are shopping, whether thrift or "real stores": shop for functionality, versatility, and longevity of wear. This goes for boys or girls. Think multi-purpose. Can it be styled 3 different ways? Will this particular piece work once it no longer fits as intended (dress-turned-tunic, for example)? Styling your kids doesn't have to be a dreaded task. Make it fun. Keep it simple and by all means, keep it affordable. 

* PSA: Unrelated to this post, but I will be switching the name of my blog over to 'Candidly Beautiful' come the new year. It will still be the same blog, same content, same ME, just a new name + look that's more encompassing of my "brand" now. I'll be doing a post on it later in December, but I just wanted to give the masses a heads up that if when you visit the blog in January and it is no longer "a little thrifty chic", that you aren't confused. :)