by Leslie M.

Created on: November 10, 2008   Last Updated: January 15, 2012

Let's face it; buying kids clothes from expensive designer stores isn't the most economic option during these fiscally challenging times. While it might be nice to punctuate your child's wardrobe with brand new items from stylish labels, paying $100 dollars for an outfit your child will grow out of in several months isn't the best way to keep that nest egg growing.

So how can you keep your kid looking great and still pay your mortgage? There are lots of options available to help your kids look fabulous on a budget. With the aid of advertising, "second season" outlets, and bargain stores you too can have a kid that's cute, trendy and "fashion forward."

First of all, you'll want to figure out what look you want your child to have; and by checking out stores on the internet or in magazines you can get a feel for how you want your child to dress. For example, if you're into having a hip urban looking kid (think of Angelina Jolie's kids or Madonna's son Rocco), check out Fooey or Psycho Baby. If you'd rather go for a more traditional look, go for Juicy or Jake and Jill a la Suri Cruise. Then once you have a really clear picture of what kind of cloths you want to buy, you're ready to hit the stores.

But not the expensive designer stores mentioned above. You'll want to check out stores in your area that have gently used garments that can be almost brand new in a lot of cases. In Tucson, Arizona, for example, stores like Buffalo Exchange, Twice as nice, and Community Closet offer great deals on lots of brand name clothing for kids at a fraction of the cost. And if you can't get the label you're looking for, lots of times you can get something very close to it.

Of course if you can't find anything in the gently used clothing arena, don't underestimate the power of bargain stores like Roses, Wal-Mart and the like. Very few people can tell the difference between a label and a bargain brand. And to prove it, Tyra Banks did a show about Moms who spend thousands every month funding wardrobes for their kids. So, to make a point, she told these passionate fashionistas that their kids would be walking out on her show in the latest brand names in kids wear. And guess what? The mothers loved the clothes, and yes. They were from K-Mart.

So you see, dressing your son or daughter in style doesn't have to cost as much as a new car. It can be done on a budget. With a little smart shopping and forethought, your child can look hip, cool, and stylish.

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