If there is one thing I’ve taken away from TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting largest family, The Duggers, it’s “Buy Used, Save the Difference.” When my first baby came along he could have nothing but the best. His brand spanking new garments were hand-stitched by artisans in Italy and monogrammed in France then hand washed 25 times in dye and fragrance free detergent and hung on gold hangers lined with velvet.
Then I had my second baby. I set out to challenge myself to see how much I could get second-hand. I wanted to be cost-efficient and recycle all at the same time! So today about 85% of my daughters clothes have been bought second-hand or given to me by a friend. Here is how I did it.
- When I was in need of something specific I would post it on Facebook or send out an email to my mommy friends. They were eager to get rid of those 12 month onesies that they kept forgetting about in the back of their children’s closet. Even better that my friends have great taste!
- Shop resale! I’ll admit, I’m a bit of a clothes snob. I like brand names and boutique style. But it’s out there, you just need to pull up your sleeves and be ready to dig!
My favorite resale shops in Jax:
Lollipop Lane-363 Atlantic blvd., Jacksonville, Florida 32233
Children’s consignment shop in Atlantic Beach. I love this shop because they have brands like Tea, Baby Lulu, Baby Gap, Splendid, Mini Boden and more! Just like any resale shop it is packed full of goodies! I suggest leaving the kiddos at home and be prepared to pour through their racks and shelves looking for goodies! They also have great nursery bedding, accessories and a small maternity section. They have a Facebook page where they post info about their big blowout events that are not-to-miss!
Littlebits Children’s Resale-12226 Beach Blvd Ste 11 , Jacksonville, FL 32246
This shop is a great place for baby/kids clothes, gear and toys! They have also starting carrying cloth diapers (new of course!) Like them on Facebook and the owner is great about posting good items that she just received. If you are looking for something specific she will let you know if they have it!
Amy’s Turn Consignment-1415 3rd St N Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
Chalk full of everything you need for baby! Highchairs, toys, strollers and bikes. If you drive on 3rd street in Jax Beach you are sure to see them. They always have rows of bikes and baby gear set out on the sidewalk during their open hours!
There are, of course, so many more shops in Jax that I haven’t visited but when doing a Bing search these came up. Maybe take a Saturday afternoon to yourself and check them out!
Ladybug Lane-3835 Hendricks Avenue Jacksonville, Florida 32207
Once Upon a Child– Several locations!
I would love to hear about your best find (or shop)! Mine so far was a Columbia snowsuit and ski jacket for my three-year-old son. This set would have easily cost $200 and I got it for $28! So get out there and shop Mamas!
Ladybug Lane is terrific! She organizes her rooms to keep all the higher end (Janie & Jack, Ralph Lauren etc)/smocked items together. She carries a great selection!
Great post and tips, Tiffany! You just reminded me to “like” Lollipop Lane. Not sure why I never did that. I avoided Amy’s Turn for awhile because of it’s not-so-great appearance from the outside but once I went in, I was sold. They are also really easy to work with when you are the one consigning stuff. I’m still excited about the $6 barely-used snow pants I got before our ski trip last year, especially considering I was close to dropping around $80 for a new pair he would have needed only for that one trip.
Really a Great Post. Very Informative tips…