Watch CBS News

The Good Life For Less: Clothing Deals II

Earlier this week in 'The Good Life" blog, we talked about clothes swapping and friends and family discounts to save money on back-to-school clothes.

Here are a few more ideas to help your kids' closets and your wallet.

Make Older Friends

Never underestimate the power of hand-me-downs. If you have kids in various age ranges, this is self explanatory. But if you have an only child or maybe the hand-me-downs are looking a little warn out, you need to think outside the house. Find cousins, sports teammates, neighbors, older classmates, and organize a way to exchange clothing with them. Maybe set up a big swap with a few families.

Garage Sales And Second-Hand Stores

If you've always thought garage sales and Goodwill stores are places that old, outdated clothes go to sit -- you need to give it another try.

You'll have good luck buying kids clothes at most yard sales -- grandparents, aunts and uncles love to spoil the kids -- and often there's an abundance of children's sizes.

Places like Savers, Goodwill, and the Salvation Army sometimes get brand new, never-worn clothes from the "big" stores. Why? Those big stores make way for new stock, so they make the donation and write it off in taxes. That leaves you will the benefit of affordable clothes. Plus many thrift store makes money for their charity through sales.

On Monday Sept. 5, Goodwill has 50 percent off all blue, green and yellow tag items. Savers also has 50 percent off on Monday.

Click here for a directory of second-hand stores in Minnesota.

Stick To Neutrals and Basics

Pick clothes that will stand the test of time and mix with a few trendy accessories.

For girls: black pants, jeans (dark and light), brown pants, a neutral skirt, and some blouses/shirts and sweaters. Guys -- same thing, but another pair of jeans in place of the skirt.

Mixing and matching can really help you save, and if you want to spice up the outfit -- pick up trendy accessories instead. Jewelry, scarfs, headbands, belts are all things that usually cost less (and last longer) than clothing. Bonus savings -- skip anything that needs dry cleaning.

Shop With Codes

There are some Labor Day sales happening and if you're shopping online you can save even more by using codes. Here are a few:

Sears - Take $5 off orders of $50 or more with promo code SCHOOLFUN.

Target - Get $5 off orders of $50 or more.

Finish Line - Get $20 off orders of $125 or more with promo code GAN2011.

Old Navy - Free shipping on orders of $50 or more.

Kohl's - Get 15 percent off your order with promo code THANKU15AF (Sept. 2-4).

If you know of any other unique clothing deals, share them with other 'Good Lifers' in the comment section. You can also read more money-saving blog posts here and text WCCODEALS to 84816 for a 'deals of the week' reminder.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.