As the back to school season rolls around again, it’s time to put together our shopping list of all the things that are needed.  Backpack – check.  Lunch bag – check.  New shoes – check.  Jeans – check.  Fall coat – check.  Now if only I can get my kids to stop growing so I won’t have to repeat the list at holiday time.

I recall the time period when my son was in middle school.  He grew at least 5 inches in 12 short months.  We bought him bigger shoes and longer jeans every 6 weeks.  And it seems as if he’s not slowing down.  Girls don’t seem to grow at such a fast pace but they certainly have quick and sporadic growth spurts.  This poses the question…  How do you handle the wardrobe needs of fast growing kids? 

Buying a size larger is helpful but the tween and teenage crowd can be fickle.  Things have to look and feel just right.  So, what’s a parent to do? 

One solution is buy pre-owned for this size range.  Many of the clothes in this pre-teen to teen size range are only worn a handful of times and for the most part look like new.  Often times garments are outgrown before the tags are even snipped off.  Shop LoobaLee for tween range clothing.

Another solution (which is always a good idea) is to shop for rock bottom prices on the discount rack.  Snatch up basic jeans and tees for your kids to grow into.  Typically, very small sizes in adult clothing stores are left as are larger sizes in children’s stores.  Remember, this age group can be fickle so choose simple styles that won’t be out of fashion next year.  You can always fill in with trendy pieces which will get worn out by the time your child is done with them.   

What are your tips for keeping up with growing kids?  Share with us in the comments section below.

Loobalee.com:  Your premier site to buy and sell quality kids’ clothes!

You’ve heard the term “Upcycle“…. well, today I’m coining the tern, “Upstyle”, which as far as I can tell I made this up.  It’s not in the dictionary, not in Wikipedia, and when I google it, I only get hair updo styling results.   And, all is can find in commerce use is with association a Company selling handbags.   So, yeah!  A new LoobaLee term    Mark this date, August 28, 2010.

How did I think of “Upstyling”?

Today I shipped out a Gymboree Dress that I just sold.  It’s from the “Teacher’s Pet” line, 2005.  I asked the Buyer if she had anything special in mind for the dress.   And, I found out she lives in L.A. and that her daughter often auditions for TV and Commercials (even has an agent!).   She bought the dress as a potential audition / portfolio outfit.   She’s going to pair with modern boots, so it will fit right in with today’s styles!

This makes me think back to the Gymboree lines I loved from the early – mid 2000′s, which was Pre-CPSIA legislation and prior to the current trends I’m seeing at Gymboree.   I just don’t see the quality in materials and manufacturing today that Gymboree drove Gymboree’s popularity.  They used to be indestructible – but, not more!  (that’s another story, however).

Today, I want to encourage you to look at the older lines for some real gems.  You’ll find high quality fabrics, and sequins, rhinestones, and embellishments that are just too expensive for Gymboree to use these days due increased legislation and manufacturing costs.

Take a lessons from the buyer of this dress, and look pieces that you can easily update, or “upstyle”,  with today’s footwear, acessories, or coordinating pieces.   You’ll be glad you did!   And, you’ll find some awesome deals too!  it’s one of those all-around-feel-good kind of things.

Shop our current Gymboree listings here.   Each listings identifies the name of the item’s line, which is easily researched at sites like Gymbohaven.com and other line ID sites.

As the summer winds down, it’s time to turn our attention to fall.  This is the time of year where kids are getting anxious for the first day of school and excited to re-connect with friends.  It’s a time to get back into the groove of the normal routine again. 

It’s also time to purchase school supplies.  Rulers, notebooks, backpacks, paper and erasers are everywhere.  The sound of pens, pencils and crayons rolling around in shiny new pencil cases is a beautiful sound.  The ringing of the cash register however, not so much. 

Back to school shopping can be expensive with all the binders, book covers, special calculators and gym shoes that need to be on hand for the first few days of school.  Not to mention the list of donated classroom items which seems to get longer every year.  Shop sales, clip coupons and re-use items from the previous year.  This will help keep the school tab a little lower.

Shopping LoobaLee for fall clothing will also help make room in your family budget for more school needs and wants.  We have a great selection of essentials from socks and tights to jeans and dresses.   Don’t forget to browse for sweaters and jackets too.  

You can browse over 3,100 brand name, quality kids clothing items and feel good about sending your kids back to school this fall.  

Shop & Save on LoobaLee!

It’s time for back to school shopping… Yeah… Ugghh!  I go through the same dilemma every year with four kids to shop for.  Do we divide and conquer or shop for everyone all at once?  Do we shop online or make a trip to the mall?

On one hand it’s fun to browse the store fronts and see what’s new and trendy.  On the other hand, it’s a huge chore keeping all the kids occupied while focusing on picking up the right sizes and keep track of how much we’re spending.    

The internet has been a great tool for our shopping dilemma.  Visiting a store’s website before carting the kids off the mall has made life much easier on a number of levels.  It helps us devise a plan of what we need to acquire, which stores to visit and avoids the inevitable “I don’t like that” fashion squabbles.

If you are the type of shopper who prefers to see garments first  hand, you can still pre-shop online.  This will help narrow down the styles your child likes for the season while keeping the price in check.  It’s also nice to have the option of ordering via the web if an item is sold out in stores.  If you’re not thrilled with the quality, there’s no obligation to buy.  

If you are not a tactile shopper, virtual shopping can be fun and ease the stress of the school shopping hustle and bustle.  Shop the stores where you are familiar with the quality and sizing and you most likely won’t be disappointed.  Many children’s clothing retailers offer discounts and reduced or even free shipping, especially this time of year.  All around it’s a winning situation.

Whichever way you choose to shop, we hope you enjoy the experience with your kids.

Loobalee.com:  Your premier site to buy and sell quality kids’ clothes!

It’s back to school time and with all the options for kids to carry their school work back and forth, we were curious to know what type of bag your kids carry.

The good ol’ traditional backpack was a favorite by a whopping 70% vote from our readers.

In choosing the right bag for your kids, it’s important to keep in mind any special needs.  For example, does the backpack need to accommodate after school sports equipment? Do your kids prefer to have their lunch bag to clip onto the bag?  Will they carry a heavy load of books everyday? 

Once you size up your child’s needs, consider the scale of the bag.  Pick a back pack that is the proper proportion for your child’s body.  Not too big and not too small.  Not only will it function most effectively, it will also feel comfortable for them to carry back and forth daily. 

Need help with all the details?  Lands End has a great site that will help you find just the right backpack for your child.  They have a nice range of patterns for boys and girls, big and little.  You can even shop for coordinating lunch bags and add personalization too.

Loobalee.com:  Your premier site to buy and sell quality kids’ clothes!

Tax free days start this week for those of you are lo0king to save a few extra dollars on your back to school shopping.

Tax free items differ from state to state but you can keep Uncle Sam’s money for the purchase of clothing, footwear, school supplies, sports equipment and even computers.

Below is a quick listing of tax free dates along with the participating states.

August 6-8: Alabama, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia

August 6-15: Illinois

August 6-4: Iowa

August 8-14: Maryland

August 15-21: Connecticut

August 13-15: Florida

Click here for a complete list of states that participate along with the items that are tax free.

Doors Opening!

Yesterday I was at Nordstrom, opening day of the Anniversary Sale, when the doors opened at 8:00 – the same place I am ( at the same time) the 3rd Friday every July.

You may not know that I have to drive 2 hours to get there! Thank goodness the closest Nordstrom to my current home is one of the bigger stores. Needless to say, I’m not in the store very frequently, and the whole store had been remodeled — which made for a couple comical scenes yesterday that tripped up my usual targeted shopping:

• Even the parking lot was getting a face lift, and the 2 lots closest to the kids department were closed!
• Departments had moved!  It took me a bit to get my bearings.  But, once I did, I was very happy to realize the amount of floor space for babies and kids was even bigger than before
• The cash registers moved, the dressing rooms changed, the bathrooms changed — you name it.
• But, its even more gorgeous than before, so I’m not complaining

A Favorite Annual Display

You might find it simply irresistible to avoid the countless 30% off deals on merchandise throughout the store – and especially in the children’s clothing and shoe departments. After all, 30% off is not (by many standards) a great deal, but it is the best deal you will find on new Fall merchandise — in July.

Here’s some of my tips that guide my Nordie’s Anniversary Sale shopping purchases (and, truth be told, keep it check).  Keep in mind these tips are for kids.  Shopping for myself!?  That’s another story!

Where to Focus your Purchases

• Upcoming shower & baby gifts
• Upcoming birthday gifts
• Back to School Shoes (casual shoes and tennis shoes / sneakers)
• Pajamas for cool nights that can hit early in the Fall
• Outerwear needed early in the season
• A couple of new trends from either Nordstrom lines or higher end designers — things you are unlikely to find elsewhere

The following brands are to be seriously considered…

Baby True Religion Jeans

but only if you love them and are a true fan.  30% off is still pricey, but you won’t find a better deal before this season’s merchandise moves to close out.

• North Face outerwear.   Available in all departments.    If you are a North Face fan, 30% off on new styles is a great deal.  And, many of the styles are unique to the Nordstrom Sale.
• True Religion Jeans.   The classic style is available in every department, even babies!
• Ugg boots – 30% off is one of the best deals you will find until closeouts at the end of the season
• Widgeon and Corky & Co. Coats.  Gorgeous selection this year!
• Roxy and Miss Me – for older kids
• Flowers by Zoe - fabulous small line available on the sale
• Ralph Lauren – always a classic at the sale
• Juicy Couture – what’s there to say?  I’m not a fan, but I know many people are
• Naturino. Primigi. Geox, and Lelli Kelly — all high-end and high quality kids shoes

A few stand outs Deals (and not as expensive)

• In Little Girls – they have a fabulous Little Angel line, and not too expensive
• In Little Boys – you’ll find a lot of Quicksilver
• For infant & Toddler – don’t miss the Tea Collection (I’m guessing these are special edition)
• Nice selection of Barefoot Dreams & Little Giraffe blankets (great for baby gifts)
• For Little Kids , Pumpkin Patch large selection this year – styles may be unique to the sale
• I love the zippered back leggings (Nordstrom brand)  for girls, just $7.90
• My store had bins full of Crocs for $19.90 in several colors (classic Croc style)
• I shopped mostly big Girls this year, and found a nice selection of Tractor stretch “jeggings”.
• Good buys on Puma, New Balance, Nike, Converse, etc. for back-to-school shoes, but other stores are also likely to offer similar deals
• Baby/Little Kid Adidas Sambas (actually, the best deal I found all day was the $34.90 Sambas I bought for my husband!)

What’s Noticeably Missing from the Sale?

• Hanna Andersson &  Mini Boden — where are you? I was hoping to see them represented at the sale, but no such luck …at least not this year   But,…. you will find a nice selection of MIni Boden (at least) on the Sale racks and even on-line in the Sale / Clearance section .  The funny thing is… I think they have more than the catalog did during Summer Clearance!
• Ooh! La La! Couture - I would have loved to have seen this fabulous line at the sale.  But, you will find a few styles on-line and in stores on Clearance.  Snatch them up before they are gone!  The designs are timeless.

What I Personally Bought for the Girls:

• Tractor skinny Leg – Jeggings/ Stretchy Jeans (in Corduroy and “Denim”)
• Several Ivy Moon basics
• Keen Shoes for my oldest daughter
• Puma ballet flat sneakers for my youngest daughter
• Zippered Leggings
• A North Face fleece (first time every, eldest couldn’t live without)
• Socks, Tights, and Underware
• P. J. Salvage and Laura Dare pajamas / sleep sets
• A couple items in Big Girls from “Julie’s Closet” and “Miken”

Did you enjoy the sale?  Were you disappointed?  We’d love your comments.  Share with us what you bought and help point other Moms to your favorite deals – thanks!

Shopping year end sales can be a lot of fun!  Not only does finding a great deal get your heart racing, it also keeps your hard earned money where it belongs, in your wallet.   

Scoring a great deal this time of year is easy due to the early arrivals of back to school gear and apparel.  Don’t let the stores new shiny displays keep you from the summer sale rack.  Remember, we still have 2-4 months of warm weather depending on where you live.  And if you shop for pieces that can be worn now and in the fall, you’ll get more bang for your buck!

Denim skirts and long shorts can be paired with tights, leggings or knee highs when the temps drop.  Solid tees and tanks can be worn year round by wearing them on their own or layered under sweaters, hoodies and button down shirts.  Light summer cardigans and short sleeve button downs are perfect for early fall.  A cool pair of flip-flops look stylish with jeans or casual long pants.  Accessories such as baseball hats and sunglasses are cool and functional whenever the sun is shining.  Even swim suits are necessary for bigger kids who are lucky enough to have swim class at school or take swim lessons during the cooler months. 

Keeping all of your kids fall clothing needs in mind makes a trip around the sales rack much more productive.  Shop, score and save!   

  Loobalee.com:  Your premier site to buy and sell quality kids’ clothes!

I just scanned the remaining selections at the mini boden Summer Sale, which ends in just 6 days, July 14.

Size selections are already very limited, but that doesn’t mean you still can’t find a great 50% off deal on something you might have been eying or considering all season!

• What’s Available? (or not)
  • Boys is more sold out than Girls!  (for a change!)
  • Good selection remaining in Baby Boden and Johnnie b.
  • Sizes 7 and 8 have the lowest inventory (if not completely sold out)
  • You’ll do best if shopping for a 3 -5 year old or a 12 – 14 year old!
• Think Back to School:
  • Girls pants and jeans still had medium/high availability
  • Knitwear also has higher availability
• My Personal Picks These will be great for back to school for my elementary-aged girls:
  • Gladiator sandals  – totally in!
  • Long Gypsy Top  -  Try with jeans or leggings and ankle boots this fall
  • Plimsoles – great for school (and fun colors)
  • Skinny Cardigan
  • Classic Jeans – still available several colors

I remember when my now 10th grader was in school uniforms back in kindergarten.  Navy pants and white shirts were the protocol. 

It seemed like a simple enough task to find decent clothing for him to wear however, the school had specific dress code requirements.  In addition, the only uniform supplier was our local JC Penney, the French Toast catalog and of course the annual school uniform swap at the beginning of each year. 

Fortunately, school uniforms are now going main stream and can be found at many popular kids clothing stores like Gymboree, Lands End, Crazy 8 and 77 kids. 

You’ll find a small selection of basics such as tan or navy pants and white dress shirts and polos from all of the retailer’s mentioned above but for the best selection, shop Lands End.  They’ve got over 190 school items for kids from plaid jumpers, skirts and ties to sweater vests and cardigans.  You can even find your school’s dress code using their preferred school program. 

School uniforms are great for easing the morning chaos of what to wear but they need to be quality garments that will last the entire year.  Shop wisely and resell them here on LoobaLee for other kids to enjoy.

Loobalee.com:  Your premier site to buy and sell quality kids’ clothes!