back to school on a budget

I pride myself on being pretty thrifty. I'm probably more excited when someone says they like something I bought for super cheap, than if they say they like something I made. 

School starts next week for us and in the name of tradition we've been doing some back-to-school shopping. With four school age kids, it can be very costly. 

Some ways I shop on a budget are:

-clearance, especially end of season for the next year

- buy second hand- (I find new things at thrift stores all the time)

- back to school sales for jeans

- refashion unused clothing you already have

I kinda have this rule in my head that I won't spend much more than $10 for an outfit. Sometimes I get worried when I go to a few stores and I don't find anything I like in that price range, but if I keep looking, it always works out. Of course the exception to that is boys jeans. It's really hard to find boys jeans second hand. That is when you have to take advantage of back to school sales and stock up.  

One of my favorite traditions is to do a little fashion show with the kids when we are done shopping. We've done it for the last few years. It's a fun way to show dad the new stuff and get the kids excited for school to start. 

Here are a few of our thrifty finds this year:

1. Arizona shirt- thirfted, $4; Levi's Jeans- thrifted, $8; total- $12

2. long sleeve T- thirfted with original tags, $2.60; jeans- The children's place, $12: total- $14.60

3. J. Crew polo- thirfted, $3; jeans- The children's place $12; total-$15.00

DC shoes, $10

1. dress- thrifted, $2; jean jacket- thrifted, $2.50; total- $4.50

2. sweater- thifted, $4; leggins- walmart, $5; total- $9.00

3. shirt- walmart, $5; turquoise corduroy pants- Osh-Kosh clearance, $6; total-$11.00 

1. shirt- Walmart, $3.88; skinny jeans - thrifted, $6.50; total- $10.38
2. dress- Walmart, $6; leggins- Walmart, $3.88; total- $9.88
3. shirt and pants combo- costco $7.99

One of my favorite buys were these hightop sneakers. I got them at a thrift store for $5. 

We got loads more stuff to integrate with their current wardrobe and I'm hoping to do a few more refashions for the girls this week. You can't beat free clothing.

Here are the links to the refashions I did last year, for those that missed them:

1. pear dress, 2. Skirt to Shirts 3. Pants to Tunic 

1. eyelet dress, 2. T-shirt dreses, 3. sundress to school dress

For more ideas on sewing for school age girls check out Dress Your School Girl starting next week on The Train to Crazy. I'll be guest posting on Monday.

What do you do to save money this time of year?