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To get the most value out of kids fashion, you have to know fashion and know your kids. You also have to have a good dollop of common sense and a strong temperament!

The first question you have to ask yourself when looking for good value' in kids fashion is "what does good value' mean to you?" Does good value' mean that the clothes will last for years, or does it mean the smile on your little girl's face?

LONG LASTING

If you want your kids clothes to be long-lasting, then buying top fashion isn't for you. Fashion items are rarely in' for more that a short season, and then will be shunned by the fashion conscious teen. If you want to keep your kid in the height of fashion, buy them cheap-n-cheerful brands that look the same. This way, you won't feel to bad when they refuse to wear it after four weeks because a new fashion has come along.

The exception to this rule is brand-named clothes for boys. Boys fashion often lasts a lot longer than girls' fashion, and you will find that expensive brands will often be of a more durable quality than cheaper ones.

TOP FASHION

If you look at fashion trends as a whole, you will see that they come and go with appalling regularity. Just listen the Heidi Klum in fashion, one day you are in, and the next day you are out! If your daughter badgers you relentlessly for a certain style dress or pair of shoes, be aware of the fact that she might not like them the next month and they will be consigned to the back of the wardrobe. For this reason, it is often worthwhile buying the things straight off. If you know that you are going to give in to the child eventually, then do it sooner rather than later, and she will get more wear out of it. You never know, it might be one of the things she refuses to take off, and wears until it falls apart!

KNOW YOUR CHILD

In deciding which fashion items to buy, you need to know your own child. How often will they wear a certain piece of clothing or pair of shoes? Don't buy a tom-boy girl an expensive frilly dress for just one party, because it might never be worn again until it is too small. On the other hand, if you have a girly girl, then she might have the same dress and wear it all the time, meaning that is represents very good value for money.

If your son likes to play basketball, then clothing worn by his hero might be very good value, too. If he has always liked his hero, and shows no sign of changing, then go with the flow and buy him the branded, endorsed items. If he swaps allegiance from week to week, then perhaps you will want to keep your wallet closed.

You also need to know your child's bargaining techniques. How do they ask for something they really like? Are they crying wolf when they say everyone else has one? Will they really wear it EVERY day? Can you tell when they are fibbing about the fit of a pair of shoes just to get you to buy them? This is where your parenting skills come into play- play them at their own game!

Buying fashion clothing for children is a very dicey business. Babies and toddlers are easy to dress, because they just want to be comfortable and don't care about brand name labels. Teens and pre-teens are more difficult, and you will have to make a judgment call every time you go shopping. Allow them a few big-name items as things that they can wear again and again, eg jeans, but buy cheaper versions of items such as party shoes, belts etc.

Good luck!

Learn more about this author, Susan Hibberd.
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