Thrifty Kids, part 5

Last night, we decided to dine out at our favorite local Italian ristorante. The food there is honest and good, the atmosphere comfortable and homey, not the least bit what you might call "fancy". But the kids think it is, and they both insist on dressing in kind. On this particular occasion, The Girl knocks it out of the park in a classic yet current glamour/preppy look perfect for a Summer evening.

A fitted ladies white oxford button down by Polo Ralph Lauren tones down nicely with a slap bracelet  featuring Rainbow Dash of My Little Pony fame.

A floral print skirt in bright colors on a dark ground adds just the right feminine preppy touch, dressing things up just so while staying comfortable.

Plastic Cinderella pumps from Target remind us that she is, in fact, a five year old girl. These cheap shoes cost more than the rest of the outfit combined.

Well dressed people learn young, as do cheapskates. Give your kids a healthy sense of occasion, but don't let them develop a habit of extravagance. That money is better spent on food and wine anyway.

Calm

I know my last post, the one in which I openly admitted to liking a pair of sandals, was shocking and scandalous. But keep calm. This blog is still written by the man pictured above.

Brooks Brothers vintage 1980s university striped shirt, $14.99; J. Press club tie, $3.99; favorite Southwick blazer; below, Brooks Brothers khakis, navy surcingle belt, penny loafers and yellow socks (full coverage of the feet).

Thrifty Kids, Part 1

My lovely girl knocks it out of the park with her hipster/preppy style. It's a cute look, especially on a girl not yet four years old. But then again, she can wear anything.

A deep purple quilted vest from Lands' End by way of thrift shop, a bold navy gingham shirt, and a handmade sweater in heavy kelly green wool, vintage in the first place, now also a hand-me-down from her older brother. Go preppy androgyny!

Button cute red shoes, white socks and skinny jeans...

with a bonus navy and red surcingle belt with navy leather fittings and a brass buckle, also now a

hand-me-down from big brother. I don;t remember exact pricing, but it all (except the socks)came from thrift stores. The whole rig couldn't have cost more than $15. Crewcuts be damned. Kudos to Mrs. G. for assembling the outfit. I only contributed the vest.

If you have kids, then you're a fool not to shop in thrift stores. They me be a gold mine of fine menswear for those persistent enough to dig, but they are easy pickings when it comes to the kids. Kids outgrow stuff, quick. This means that not only is it silly to pay full whack for things they're not going to wear much, but also that thrift shops tend to be full of stuff that hasn't been worn much. And then there's all the clothing gifts that didn't fit because Grandma always buys stuff three sizes too big that gets donated new, tags and all. Most kids clothes I see at thrift shops are $5 or less. Besides, how else are you going to get your kids that worn in East Coast look if some of the stuff isn't, you know, worn in?

p.s. new items available now in The Shop.