Shopping Haul!

I am one of those people that doesn't like to pay full price for much. Don't get me wrong, I'm not cheap, but I've found good ways of getting the best for my dollar, if I make little sacrifices here and there.

I was a single mother for over 10 years and needless to say, it was hard to balance paying for everything, including clothes. So I got in the habit of buying things a season early when it came to my son's clothes and other needs. At the end of each season, I would make my way down to places like Gymboree, Gap, Children's Place and Old Navy.

I never bought everything he needed in one store, because each of those places had strengths and weaknesses in what they sold in terms of quality. For example, while I would buy plain t-shirts, undershirts and underwear at Old Navy, I steered clear from their jeans because they wore down too fast. The same went for Gymboree. It was a matter of months before there were worn white patches on his knees, and I don't consider him an active kid! He's one of those book types that would rather sit in a corner reading than running around a gym or climbing a jungle gym. Gap is good for jeans. REALLY GOOD.

Last year when I married, my husband came with minimal clothing and what he had, and was more than willing to let me have free reign to buy him clothes when he saw my shopping results for my son. Yes!

This past weekend I went to the Gap and nearly had a heart attack from glee when I saw the potential savings adding up. I will say that I spent no more than $13.00 on any item that I purchased. And while the total of only 3 of the items would have been well over $150.00, I came out with 25 clothing items of khaki and corduroy pants, cashmere wool blend sweaters and gorgeous shirts for less than that would have been originally 980.00 plus tax, for $174.00!

Gap is one store that I believe to have a great quality of clothing and ridiculously great savings. If you're willing to wait. My guys don't care that they're last season. Frankly, don't most people wear good clothing for more than a year? So what's the difference? Not a thing!

Most people know this but Gap will keep marking down their clearance items ending in .99 until they reach a .97 ending. And Gap better not change it up after this either!

So if you're like me and want to maximize your dollars, keep your eye out at your local Gap store, because they're always good for a fantastic sale.