Today is THE BIG DAY . . . the biggest consignment sale in our area opens to the public.  I sure hope you're reading this from your cell phone while you wait in line to check out because if not . . . you're already late!

I had the opportunity to shop a little earlier than usual so I've already completed the gauntlet. This year seriously felt like I was going into battle for a few different reasons: 1.) I had time constraints, 2.) I had to take Callum with me to the sale, and 3.) IT WAS HOT Y'ALL!!!

As soon as I arrived (and got Callum loaded into the stroller with snacks galore) I made my way to the back of the field house to scan the racks of clothes.  This season I was looking for 4T . . . OMG can we just pause a minute to let that one sink in?!?!?!  OK, I'm back . . . holy moly there were so many racks of clothes for this size.  I spent a good 15 minutes looking through almost every single item and then realized there was another side full of clothes.  I scanned that one much faster because I was literally dripping with sweat!

I found some pretty great stuff (per usual), and I'm convinced I hit the outerwear lottery this year.  I found two lightweight jackets and a puffy vest ('cause we all know mama loves her little man in a puffy vest) for $15.00 . . . TOTAL!  I also grabbed a handful of long sleeve shirts for play/preschool and another pair of jeans.  I'm so proud of myself for sticking to the plan (although I strayed a little off budget this year).  And for those of you who know me well . . . I only got 4 items that were Gap : (

I skipped the snow gear although I was pretty impressed by the selection.  There was a really nice Columbia bib/jacket set for $30.00 that I left and a North Face fleece that I think may have been a fake.  Anyway, if you're looking for snow gear at this sale you'll probably find a good selection.

I also checked the rack of Halloween costumes, and with the exception of a Buzz Lightyear costume that I put in my bag and then put back, the selection for little boys was a tad disappointing.  No shortage of frilly tutus though . . . if that's what you're looking for : )

At this point Callum and I needed to take a break because his cheeks were flushed and my forehead was glistening.  Who knew that one little bottle of water I threw in the bag at the last minute would be so vital to my shopping success???  And who knew that I would only get one small sip before my kid guzzled the rest???

Once we were properly hydrated (well, his majesty was refreshed) we made our way to the field of toys before claiming our spot in line.  My kid has too many toys as it is, but I knew that he would really enjoy a Fisher Price Little People play set.  His imagination is blossoming, and I love to watch him set up a little world with his trains or animals and play.  I found a super cute little barn that makes some noises and included a few animals/farmers for $5.00 so I grabbed it.  ALWAYS be sure to check the price on other sets before you commit . . . if there are several versions of the same toy you can compare the price and set to make sure you're getting all the pieces and the best deal (learned that one the hard way).  I also picked up a Little Tikes racetrack thing for $8.00 that looked really fun.  I realized once I got it home that it only works with certain cars that I don't have and weren't included . . . whomp whomp!  

Callum and I were done shopping but I knew I wouldn't be leaving anytime soon (sorry kid). Last year I waited in line for over an hour, and I knew this would be the worst part.  I was so relieved when I discovered that the line wasn't that bad yet (only like 10-15 mins).  I knew that if I could get in and out before the military moms at 5:30 I stood a chance of my toddler not having a complete meltdown, and thankfully I was right!  

There was that awkward moment when I accused the lady behind me of skipping the line (find me a hole to crawl inside) although she was just meeting up with her husband who had saved a spot.  I apologized no less than 10 times, and we ended up having a nice little discussion (although I still wanted to hide in an air-conditioned hole).  She has shopped this sale for many years, and she said this year's sale had the most clothing items she had ever seen. Her daughter is now a teenager and she was excited about the items she found in her size.  So there ya go . . . it's not just for little kids : )

Overall I had a great experience, and I can't wait to go to the sale in Stafford later this season . . . and I have a new appreciation for air conditioning!  BIG THUMBS UP!!!

Did you make it out to the sale???  What was your favorite find???  You can share in the comments below or send me an e-mail at rlm0716@gmail.com with a few pictures.  I'd love to share some of your finds on my Facebook page.

You can click HERE to read about some of my other consignment finds this year.

And did I mention that I also blog for Fredericksburg Parent and Family?!?!?!  You can click HERE to read my other blog Past the Playground about all my family's adventures in and around Fredericksburg.

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!!!

Alright ladies . . . it's time for THE BIG ONE!  A lot of bloggers I follow have been going on and on (and on some more) about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale (it finally ended this week . . . thank God) and I'm over here like "is it time for the big consignment sales yet?" 

It would be the understatement OF. THE. YEAR. to say that I am a fan of consignment shopping . . . it is more like a passion and/or obsession (as long as that doesn't make it sound creepy).  Becoming a stay-at-home mom meant that I had to find creative ways to stretch our dollars (and sometimes pennies) while still providing nice things for my family.  I like for my kid to look good and consignment shopping allows me to check all these boxes.

I know I say it all the time, but I find the absolute best stuff at even better prices.  It's totally a win-win for me because I get to shop for the things I like/want and my bank account stays in the black!

Here are a few of my favorite consignment finds for Callum this spring/summer:  

OK, enough of the fashion show.  Let's get to work . . . 

Weecycled Wardrobe is the BIGGEST consignment sale in the area, and it's probably my favorite!  The sale in Fredericksburg is coming up this month (August 21-23), and I want to make sure you're ready . . . you know I'll be there with bells on : ) 

>>>>> Check out some of my finds from Spring 2015 and Fall 2014.

There are some other sales coming up later this season, and you can always look on Consignment Mommies to see a full calendar.  There's a few in Alexandria and Richmond that I would LOVE to shop, but we're usually set after 1 or 2 sales.  If you ever venture out to some of these other sales I'd love to hear your feedback and see your finds.

There are 2 other sales in the area that I have shopped in the past and highly recommend . . . the Weecycled Wardrobe sale in Stafford (date TBD) and the one at Moncure Elementary School (October 3).

>>>>> Check out some of my finds in Stafford (Spring 2015 and Fall 2014) and at Moncure E.S.

WHOA . . . that's a lot of information and I'm not even done yet!

I can't forget about my friends and readers in NC . . . there are some awesome sales in Fayetteville this season, and I'm sad that I won't be in town to shop them.  THIS article in the Fayetteville Observer will give you all the details.

>>>>> Check out some of my finds at Twice is Nice (September 5).

Now, what am I looking for at this season's sales???  I'm actually ahead this year thanks to two completely unplanned trips to Once Upon a Child in Fredericksburg.  You know they're another one of my favorites!  I found some awesome tops and pants on both shopping trips which give me a great starting point for Callum's fall wardrobe (I'm aware that it's silly for my toddler to have a wardrobe).

I'm so relieved that I already have some necessities because it can be pretty stressful shopping at the big consignment sales.  It's easy to get overwhelmed and feel like you have to settle for higher prices or lower quality because your kid needs clothes . . . but not this year! 

Here's what I'm working with so far:

I'm not sure that preschool is ready for this kid . . . can't you just imagine these cute outfits with his little L.L. Bean backpack?!?!?!?!  

Although I'm off to a pretty good start, his wardrobe is nowhere near complete.  He needs another pair of jeans, a few more long sleeves for layering, play clothes, a few lightweight jackets, snow gear, and a Halloween costume.  It's a marathon not a sprint people!

So now it's time to get ready . . . grab your giant tote bag, hire a babysitter, and work on that to-do list.  We've got some serious shopping to do : )

Do you have any tips for selling at the big consignment sales???  Do you have any tips for shopping the big consignment sales???  Feel free to share any info in the comments below. 

You can also LIKE my blog on Facebook and follow me on Instagram to see all the fun I plan to have.

I woke up this morning with a plan: I was going to make breakfast, head to the gym (for the first time in a long time), and then drive down to Once Upon a Child to look for a big boy potty.  Callum is starting to identify when he's going to the bathroom and use his words so I thought it might be time to get started on some potty training (keyword "might").  

After my workout we made our way down to Fredericksburg . . . I was a mama on a mission.  I had a specific thing I needed to purchase, but I wasn't planning to spend any money.  I packed up some of Callum's old clothes to sell hoping that I wouldn't have to open my wallet.  I even talked to Jesse while I was driving and told him about my master plan . . . he seemed impressed, but I'm sure he knew what would inevitably happen.

I made the mistake of scanning the rack of 4T boys' clothes and immediately knew that I was in trouble.  Of course I found some great stuff for Callum to wear to preschool in the fall . . . whenever I just pop into Once Upon a Child I always walk out with a bag full of stuff : )

Check out the Columbia jacket I got for $12.00!!!

I swung through the toy section and found the Fisher Price blocks that Callum loves to play with at the library (might as well) and then dug through the limited selection of potties.  

Long story short . . . I walked out of the store with some new clothes and toys for Callum but NO POTTY!!!  And I had to pull out the debit card : (  At least my customer appreciation card was full so I got 15% off my purchase . . . today I'm an optimist.

Just go ahead and throw that plan out the window . . . maybe it's a sign that we're not ready for potty training (yes, I meant to say "we").

I really love shopping at Once Upon a Child in Fredericksburg, and I snagged this flyer about their upcoming Clearance Blow Out Sale on June 6th.  Be sure to LIKE their Facebook page for more information on upcoming events and promotions. 

I probably won't go to the sale because Callum has plenty of clothes for the season, and I have no clue what size he'll be next summer.  I'd love to hear all about your finds though . . . happy shopping : )

Sorry about the long title . . . I'm trying to keep things organized in my "Consignment Finds" folder here on the blog : )  Since I'm the self-proclaimed Queen of Consignment you can imagine that folder is getting pretty full . . . and that makes me happy!

I didn't really have my heart set on going to this sale because I had already shopped the big one in Fredericksburg (click HERE to read about my finds) and found some GREAT stuff at Once Upon a Child.  Callum's spring/summer wardrobe was basically complete, and we can all agree that he doesn't need anymore toys : )

I left the decision up to fate . . . if Callum woke up from his nap in time to shop at 4:00 for the military pre-sale then we would go.  Well, he did, and it was like the stars aligned . . . very little traffic on I-95, very few shoppers to compete with, and NO LINE at check-out.  I'm so glad the conditions were right because I don't usually take Callum with me (could've been a recipe for disaster).

I checked out the clothes first hoping to score some cute 3T/4T duds for preschool (have I told you that he's starting preschool next year?!?!).  I didn't quite find what I was looking for, but I was more than pleased to find a few sets of dinosaur jammies and some really cute play clothes (#thisboyandhisdinosaurs).

I also decided (against my better judgment) to scan the toys for any gotta-have-it deals. Remember how I said that I don't usually take Callum with me . . . poor kid wanted to "have" every truck, car, train, and/or dinosaur he laid eyes on.  I can laugh about it because he didn't really throw a fit or anything, but he definitely knows what he likes.  He really wanted to "have" a blue sports car that made all kinds of fun noises, but I saw a bag of four trucks that did the same thing for the same price . . . trying to teach him young : )

You'll be happy to know that he hasn't put those trucks down since we got them on Wednesday afternoon (#momforthewin). 

Here's the kicker y'all . . . I only spent $30 AND I got home in time to still cook dinner.  Now that's what I call a WIN (I'll take the sparkly sticker please)!!!    

Once again, I'd like to say THANKS to the ladies at Weecycled Wardrobe for allowing military families to shop the pre-sale.  I had such a good experience (per usual) and found some really great stuff for my kid at even better prices!

Did you make it out to the sale???  What was your favorite find???  You can share in the comments below or send me an e-mail at rlm0716@gmail.com with a few pictures.  I'd love to share some of your finds on my Facebook page.

You can click HERE to read about some of my other consignment finds this year.


And did I mention that I also blog for Fredericksburg Parent and Family?!?!?!  You can click HERE to read my other blog Past the Playground.

Hope you have a fabulous MOTHER'S DAY weekend!!!  From one mama to another . . . you totally deserve it!!!

The first big consignment sale of the season is in the books, and I'm pretty pleased with the goodies I brought home.  We'll get to that in a minute, but first let me tell you about my experience at the sale:

I had to skip the spring sale last year because I was out of town, but you can click HERE to read all about my experience at the fall sale.  I would like to say a huge THANK YOU to the ladies who run the sale for offering a pre-sale for military moms!!!  We got to shop at 5:00 PM (with valid military IDs) the night before the sale opened to the public, and I'm so grateful for that opportunity.

I headed down to Fredericksburg with my giant tote bag and my good friend Holly hoping to snag a few deals.  I made a mental list of things Callum needed for spring/summer and reminded myself that he needed ZERO toys.  So as soon as we passed through the entrance I raced to the clothes (at the back of the field house).  

Apparently 3T is a popular size because my aisle was pretty full.  I will say that all the moms were courteous and willing to share the racks (which is a good thing because I take my consignment shopping seriously).  I started grabbing shirts and shorts that caught my eye, but I passed on way more items than I grabbed.  A lot of things were overpriced (sellers set their own prices), some had stains (you should always inspect carefully), and some were just poor quality.  Probably my biggest frustration was finding an item I liked but then seeing that it was attached to several items I really didn't like.  Sellers would attach a nice Gap shirt (you know I'm a sucker for Gap) to several pairs of dingy shorts and slap a higher price tag on the bundle.  So if the ladies of Weecycled Wardrobe are reading this . . . PLEASE STOP ALLOWING CONSIGNORS TO ATTACH ITEMS!!!    

This sale is one of the largest in the area so it's great for new moms loading up on essentials (especially the big stuff) and those moms/grandmas looking for new toys/clothes for their little ones.  I wandered over to the shoes, books, and toys but didn't see anything worth busting my budget (remember Callum just had a birthday).  After several trips back to the racks to thin out my items (because I try to stay within a $50 budget), I happily made my way to the line (which is where my happiness abruptly ended).

I thought last year's line was long . . . silly me.  This year we waited for over an hour, and the line snaked through several aisles.  I admit there were a few moments when I questioned my dedication to the cause, but Holly made for some pretty good company!  We stuck it out and both came home with some good stuff : )

So here's my loot . . . 8 shirts and 5 shorts for $50.00.  

All of these items are Gap (probably the most I've bought at one sale) because I'm vain and shallow and care about name brands:

And these are not Gap but still pretty darn cute . . . the aqua polo will probably be one of my favorites this spring!  The other two shirts caught my eye because they looked like Mini Boden shirts which I think are so fun but way too expensive.  They're actually from a company in the UK called Next . . . interesting!

This consignment sale was another huge success (at least in my book), and I can't wait for nicer weather so Callum can actually wear some of this stuff.  I have plans to hit at least one more big sale and browse Once Upon a Child a few times to fill up his closet and call it done for the season.  I'm still hunting for some athletic/play clothes, lightweight shoes/sandals, and a few swim outfits so wish me luck . . . 


What did you think of the sale???  What was your favorite find???

I don't know about you, but I am already thinking spring.  This week is suppose to be much warmer than last week, and I think that means I need to get to work on Callum's Spring/Summer closet.

I'm a big fan of consignment shopping because I find the best stuff at even better prices . . . it's like a win-win!  All the shopping with none of the guilt : )  

I usually leave the house with $50.00 cash (I always take cash because some places have a CASH ONLY line that's much shorter), a big tote bag, and a general idea of what my kid needs. I always come home with a big smile and a bag full of goodies!

This Old Navy military jacket was one of my favorite purchases last year, and I dare say we got our money's worth!!!

Weecycled Wardrobe is hosting their Fredericksburg sale this weekend (March 13-16).  I will be there Thursday night at 5:00 PM with my military ID so I can shop before the sale opens to the public Friday morning.  You can click HERE to read about my experience at this sale in August, and you can click HERE to read about my experience at the Stafford sale in October (upcoming sale TBD).

Moncure Elementary School in Stafford is hosting their spring clothing sale next weekend (March 21st).  I'm not sure if I'll make it this year because Callum has soccer early in the morning . . . and you better get to this sale early if you want the good stuff.  You can click HERE to read about my experience at this sale in October.

Calvary Road Baptist Church in Alexandria is also hosting their sale on March 21st.  I've never been to this sale, but I would think they offer some nice stuff because of the location.  I'm pretty sure I won't make it to this one either, but I hope you'll share your experience with me if you decide to check it out.

As always, I'll be shopping at Once Upon a Child in Fredericksburg this spring.  I can't wait to scan the racks for shorts, tops, and swimsuits!  I strongly encourage you to go there before hitting the retail stores . . . unless your son wears a 3T (then you might want to watch your back LOL).  You can click HERE and HERE to read about all the good stuff I found there last season.

I better go now so I can rest and mentally prepare myself for Thursday . . . I'll definitely have my game face on!!!

It's no secret this mama loves consignment shopping.  They don't call me the "Queen of Consignment" for nothing . . . and by "they" I really mean me and only me : )

Most of my consignment finds have been for Callum, but I have managed to find some cute stuff for myself.  I first heard about thredUP a few months ago while reading another blog (seriously can't remember which one though), and I decided to click on the link and read more about the company.  This was around the same time that I first heard about a "capsule wardrobe" . . . basically you get rid of the waste in your closet, put together a seasonal wardrobe that you love, and then put the credit card away (until time to prepare for the next season). 

I'm not really building a "capsule wardrobe," but I wholeheartedly subscribe to the philosophy. I have thinned out so many things from my closet that don't fit anymore or just don't make it into the usual rotation.  Why hold on to things that serve no purpose in my life???  Remember, my word for 2015 is SIMPLICITY : )

I created my account with thredUP immediately and began pulling items from my closet that were still in good condition.  I was thrilled to fill up that bag (which is huge, by the way) and drop it off at the UPS store.  It took several weeks for them to process the items in my bag, and the items they couldn't sell were donated.

I was surprised by some of the items they chose to keep and some they didn't (just the nature of consignment shopping I guess), but I was pleased with the money I received for the items. 

You can use the credit toward your purchase or wait a few weeks to receive a cash payout. Once they determined a dollar amount for my bag I got busy shopping (duh)!  It almost felt like I was spending free money : )  I searched the website high and low for several weeks before choosing my items (gotta spend that free money wisely), and I couldn't believe how good it felt to shop without any guilt!!!

Please ignore the wrinkles in my gray shirt . . . it gets worn/washed on the regular!

I also picked two J. Crew tees that I'm not crazy about, but it's my own fault : (  You have 30 days to return items that you're not happy with, but some items are FINAL SALE and can't be returned.  Lesson learned.

I've already sent in my second bag and can't wait to see what they choose to keep and/or donate.  It's kind of like a game for me now . . . and I always win!!!

In the meantime, I made the mistake of browsing the website over the weekend and found some things I couldn't live without . . . my bag won't be processed for a few weeks so I had to pull out my credit card (sigh).  Oh well, I'm confident these items will fill some holes in my Spring wardrobe, and I'll be sure to let you know when they arrive : )

Here's what I've learned about using thredUP:
DO download the app to make browsing and ordering that much easier (although it can be dangerous).
DON'T be in a hurry . . . it will take several weeks to process your bag and at least 1-2 weeks to receive your order.
DO create a "personal shop" so that you can focus on shopping your favorite brands.
DON'T order something that looks a little wonky in the picture . . . it's probably a little wonky in real life too.
DO send in those maternity clothes that you don't need anymore.
DON'T send clothes that show wear . . . they'll most likely be donated.
DO check out the kids' clothes . . . you never know what you might find.
DON'T feel guilty about shopping . . . it's free money after all : )
DO pay attention to the items you plan to order . . . some have tiny flaws (you can exclude tiny flaws in your search) and final sale items can't be returned.
DON'T forget to give yourself a HUGE pat on the back . . . consignment shopping is a form of recycling you know!

Happy consignment shopping ladies!!!  You can click HERE to get $10.00 off your first purchase and share the love with me too : )  

Tis the season to check out your local kids' consignment store . . . what you didn't know?!?! Don't worry, the "Queen of Consignment" has your back : )

I drove down to Fredericksburg yesterday afternoon to pay a visit to my favorite consignment store.  My dad agreed to watch Callum so I could go alone and really focus on the task at hand . . . finding some clothes for my growing boy!

Callum is currently wearing a 2T although he's only 21-months-old.  By the way, did you know there's a HUGE difference between 24 months and 2T???  I didn't really know that when I was shopping the big consignment sales this season so a lot of clothes have already been passed along (much to my dismay).

We probably have another 3-4 months of cold weather so I thought now might be a good time to start looking for a few things in the next size, and I'm pretty sure I hit the JACKPOT!!!

Look at all the loot I brought home with me . . . for less than $45.00!!!

Y'all, I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw the total.  I really did get lucky because the store was offering 70% off clearance items (you know I grabbed a lot of those) to make room for more stock.  I also had a full customer appreciation card which gave me 15% off regular-priced items, and the 4 items I sold took an additional $8.15 off my total . . . I walked out of that store with a very full tote bag and a noticeable pep in my step!

Take a closer look at some of these deals:

The navy thermal was on clearance so I paid $1.05 : )

The three plaid button-downs were on clearance too so I paid $3.15 for them ALL (had to pick my jaw up off the floor) . . . and mama loves her little man in Polo!

The red-orange half-zip is by Crewcuts (like J.Crew for kids), and it was on clearnace - $2.55 (pinch me, I'm dreaming).  

My kid definitely needs some pants, and I can't wait to put those Old Navy skinny jeans (far right) on him : )

I grabbed this jacket as soon as I walked into the store because Callum wears his green one ALL. THE. TIME.  It's really great because the jersey lining makes it warm but not too bulky.

Speaking of bulky . . . I grabbed these snow boots in a size 8 (yes, you read that right) because I'm afraid the ones sitting in his closet might not fit him through the whole winter. Last year it snowed on his birthday - March 3rd.

Well, that's it for this shopping trip . . . I would definitely suggest you try out Once Upon a Child in Fredericksburg, VA (let me know if you find any other good stores), and you can always call ahead to find out what promotions they're offering.  Oh, and don't forget to ask about their customer appreciation card!

I can't wait for the big consignment sales to start in February/March . . . you will find all the details here on the blog.

It makes me sad to write about the last consignment sale of the season : ( I found some really great stuff at the Weecycled Wardrobe sale in Fredericksburg, and I decided to see what Stafford had to offer.  Well, they say it's in Stafford, but I quickly learned that it's not . . . Stafford County but definitely not Stafford.

I had a pretty good idea of what I was looking for, and I was so excited when my friend Jayshree text me to say that there was a play kitchen at the sale.  I wasn't there yet, but I knew she would go ahead and grab the ticket for me.  As she was sending me a pic to make sure it was what I wanted some lady came up and grabbed the ticket (ugghh).  Oh well, I told her and myself that it just wasn't meant to be.  

Would you believe that the lady put the ticket back, and I snatched it up as soon as I walked in the door?!?!  See what I mean, it was meant to be (especially for $40.00).  Isn't it the cutest?!?!

Although the sale was much smaller than the one in Fredericksburg, it was much less crowded (which was a nice surprise).  We were able to walk right in for the military pre-sale Friday night, and I only had to wait in line behind one person at check-out.  There were Halloween costumes, infant and toddler toys, books, shoes, and of course clothes.

I bought Callum a super cute Halloween costume, but I'm going to save those pics for my Halloween post.  I also found some more toy cars that he loves and a Vtech laptop that he will go nuts over!  I can't keep that kid's sticky fingers off my smartphone, tablet, or laptop so I'm more than happy to buy him his own (for a whopping $4.00).

I have been patiently (yeah right) waiting for another consignment sale to come along, and I was thrilled when my friend Jayshree alerted me to one at a local elementary school (literally a mile down the road).   

Moncure Elementary School in Stafford hosts a Children's Second Hand Clothing Sale in the spring and fall to benefit their students . . . what a great fundraiser idea for all you elementary teachers, parents, and principals reading this!

This was the first year they used a computer system for check-out, and I would say that it was a success.  Obviously I didn't go to the sale last year, but I don't have any complaints.  I was a little thrown off by the layout of the sale, but I'm sure you can imagine how hard it is to set up in an elementary school . . . big items were in the gym, clothing items sized and lined up along one hallway, more clothes in the cafeteria, and toys/books along another hallway (sorry no pics). Once I figured out exactly where to find what I was looking for I was pleased with the goods : )

I bumped into my friend Lisa at the sale, and she commented on how low the prices were for the quality.  I was pretty shocked that some clothing items were only $1.00 and some outerwear was as low as $2.00.  With that said, the items were just spread out on tables for you to dig through and some of the brands/quality were not the best (you know I'm going to keep it real).  But that's what consignment sales are all about, and I really enjoyed this one.  

TIP: Get there early because the good stuff will be gone in less than one hour!  They are hosting their spring sale on Saturday, March 21st; I'll see you there bright and early with coffee in hand : )

Enough with the talk, let's see some pics . . . 

I also bought some books (including Green Eggs and Ham) that brought my grand total to $23.50.  I had enough money left over to take home Chick-fil-A for breakfast (BEST WIFE EVER)!  

The last sale for the season will be Weecycled Wardrobe October 18-20 . . . I'm still hunting for snow gear and a play kitchen set for Christmas : )

I have mixed feelings about writing this post . . . of course I want to tell you all about my wonderful experience at the Twice is Nice Consignment Sale, but I also want to keep this sale all to myself : )  I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of nice clothes for sale Saturday morning (after a full day of early shopping for consignors, volunteers, and teachers) as well as the short line for checkout!  It was a stress-free shopping experience, and I found some great clothes for Callum (oh yeah, and I only spent $38.00).

Although I was up before the sun, I didn't quite make it to the sale at 7:30; fortunately, I was able to walk straight in and begin shopping with the other military moms.  The first few tables were full of toys, but I had bigger fish to fry (one of my favorite southern expressions).  I quickly spotted the winter jackets and rushed to see if there were any vests in my kid's size (have I told you how cute he looks in a puffy vest).  I found a navy vest that was super cute but might be too big for this season : (

This sale was well organized - I really liked the pink and blue balloons they used to indicate the boys' and girls' sections (although I didn't see them until I was leaving).  I was a little disappointed with the handmade signs used to label the sizes . . . they were small and hard to see from far away (you know how focused I am while consignment shopping).  I finally found the 2T boys' section and started grabbing almost everything I saw (that's how nice the clothes were).  I did get a little sidetracked when I bumped into an old friend, but it was nice to catch up and talk about our little ones.  I ended up buying some great athletic clothes, long sleeve tops, and pants to add to Callum's wardrobe.  Here's the best part . . . most of the items were $2.00-$4.00 WHAT!?!?!?  

This sale was really great, and I will definitely be going back!  It was calm, organized, and full of nice kids' clothes.  The toy section was a little sparse, but we don't really need anymore toys at my house (so no love lost).  There weren't really a lot of baby items either (once again, not my focus at the moment).  If you're looking to build up your kid's wardrobe without spending a small fortune then this is a good place to start.  These ladies have their system down pat, and I would like to add another WIN in my column : ) 

I'm happy to report that I survived the Weecycled Wardrobe Kids' Consignment Sale in Fredericksburg, VA.  These moms in northern Virginia don't play!!!  I battled the other military moms just to get in the door at 6:30 PM, I searched the tables of toddler toys to find the right ones, and I flew down the aisle of 2T boys’ clothes to find the best deals.  There were moments when I wasn't sure I was going to make it . . . like the 45 minutes I waited in line to check out.  Thankfully I had good friends to laugh with and pass the time while waiting (shout out to Holly and Lisa).  Most importantly . . . I stayed within my $50.00 budget.  I'll take my sticker now : )

I was really impressed by the amount of items packed into the field house.  They had each field designated for specific items which made it very organized but a little bit of a rat race.  I checked out the toddler toys first and literally grabbed the first thing I saw . . . a Mega Bloks wagon for $5.00.  Of course I picked the biggest item first (like an idiot) and had to carry it the whole time.  I also found two sets of cars ($11.00 for both) that were the perfect size although the ones that make noise almost got thrown out the window on the way home (so annoying).

I finally made it to the clothes (at the back of the field house), and I swear I heard entry music in my head (like when a boxer enters the ring LOL).  I live for consignment shopping, and I was so ready.  There were a lot of clothing items available in 2T size, but I was a little disappointed that the items weren't organized by tops, bottoms, outerwear, etc.  It would've been super helpful to focus on what my kid needed for the fall/winter rather than shuffling through each item.  Oh well . . . I knew that Callum needed some simple, long-sleeve tops, and I definitely found some cute ones ($4.00 each).  I also got lucky with a few half-zip sweaters that make cool mornings/warm afternoons a lot easier ($5.00 - $6.00 each).  

I want to be honest with you though . . . I was a little disappointed with the selection of name brands (hardly any Baby Gap) and had to put back a few items with stains on them.  I also wasn't crazy about consignors selling "sets" of clothes that didn't belong together . . . I didn't purchase a few items I really liked because they were attached to things I didn't.  Overall, I have to say I was pleased with the items I purchased.

Other than the long line at check-out, I really enjoyed my experience at Weecycled Wardrobe and can't wait for the upcoming sale in Stafford in October.  I might even try to consign some stuff or volunteer so I can shop early (don't hold your breath).  It's always crazy when you're in the heat of battle (I mean shopping), but Jesse and Callum were both happy with the goodies I brought home.  My husband was super happy that I stayed on budget (I guess there's a first time for everything)!  

Oh, I almost forgot.  Holly and I found one of the weirdest and funniest things I've ever seen while shopping for kids' clothes . . . size 48 months.  Isn't that 4T?!?!?!  LOL LOL LOL

Here are a few things you may not know about me:
1. I love to shop for my son
2. I only buy certain name brands (my favorite is Baby Gap)
3. A student once bought my son a Polo outfit  
4. I rarely pay full price 
5. I try to buy one season ahead

I had no plans to blog about consignment shopping today, BUT I am so excited about my latest finds for Callum and just had to share them with you!!!  I started shopping at children's consignment stores and big sales about a year ago.  My hand-me-downs were running a little thin so I decided to see what was out there.  I am hooked on consignment shopping because I find the best stuff, and I don't feel guilty about buying it (win-win). 

In North Carolina, I shopped the Hugs and Kisses Consignment Sale and frequented Once Upon a Child.  I found so many cute shirts, sweaters, and shoes for last fall that I only had to pay full price for a few more things to complete his wardrobe (yes, he has a wardrobe).  I've also heard good things about the Twice is Nice Consignment Sale although I've never been. Both sales are coming up this month so check them out.

In Virginia, I am looking forward to the Weecycled Wardrobe Kids Consignment Sale which is right around the corner and routinely visit Once Upon a Child.  Seriously, I fill up my customer appreciation card at least once a season : )

Here is my advice for consignment shopping:
1. If you're going to shop a big sale then you should get there early and take a large tote bag
2. Beg your husband to keep the kiddo(s) so you can shop alone
3. Be picky . . . focus on the brands and items that are usually more expensive
4. Smile at the other customers (they're more likely to scoot over and share the rack)
5. Don't forget to check out the toys and books