It’s time to break out the comfy sweaters and fluffy boots! Well, almost. Fall is around the corner, and Baby is going to need new outfits. Go green and save some green by swapping and reselling lightly loved clothing. Whether you’re looking for fun party outfits, PJs for brisk nights or snuggle-worthy hats, these online shops have it all. Plus, your mommy karma will be in great shape when you sell to and buy from other parents.

 photo: Moxie Jean

Moxie Jean

The Merch
The upscale resale clothing shop for kids and babies has a sweet spot: bargains on designer brands like Stella McCartney, Burberry, Haute Baby, Hanna Andersson, Christian Dior, Victoria Kids and more. If you’re looking for basics (especially a robust selection of Carter’s clothes for babies, plus Old Navy and Osh Kosh B’Gosh), you’ll find those, too.

The Process
Have clothing to sell? Moxie Jean buys items outright and pays you upfront. It’s their job to do all the work to prep your goods for sale, find a buyer and do all the work to get it sold. Start by requesting a Moxie Jean mailer. Pack your items, and send them in; once they are inspected and cataloged, stylists photograph them in adorable bundles and list them on the site. Any items that are not accepted or purchased will be donated to charity.

The Perks
When you purchase these fashions, a Moxie Jean mailer bag is included with your order, making it easy to send in your kids’ outgrown clothes whenever you like. If you love Moxie Jean’s items, you can choose to be paid in Moxie Money and receive an extra 20%, which you can use to buy other awesome outfits. Referrals are also a great way to give a friend $10 off their first order of $20 or more, and get a $10 credit for yourself. There is free shipping on all purchases of $50 or more.

Find the shop online at moxiejean.com.

photo: Neil Barnwell via Flickr

Swap.com

The Merch
This hub calls itself the largest online consignment store for baby and kids’ items. Along with clothing, it’s a source to buy and sell toys and games, baby gear and books. So you might click here looking for a cute pair of baby overalls by Osh Kosh B’Gosh and leave with a Winnie the Pooh walker. For your fall clothing fix, look for brands including Old Navy, Guess, H&M, Gymboree, Faded Glory and so many more. There is also a wide selection of maternity clothing — in case your own wardrobe is in need of a refresh.

The Process
Your swapping journey begins with requesting a shipping bag or personally shipping your items to the Swap team. Once the items are accepted they will be categorized and photographed. This is a consignment and swap shop, so before they are listed publicly, you get to set the prices and choose whether to sell your items or swap them with other sellers. You can ask them to be sent back to you if they do not sell.

The Perks
Swapping is an awesome alternative to selling because it puts the power in your hands. And there’s flexibility: You can combine items that you’re swapping with another seller and items you want to be sold on the site into one shipment.

Start selling and buying online at swap.com.

 photo: thredUP

thredUP

The Merch
This site is equal parts women’s style and kids’ style. In fact, we were shopping this site long before we had kids (hello, Diane von Furstenberg dresses for under $100). In the kids’ department, fans of Tea Collection, Baby Gap, Crewcuts, Mini Boden and Lands’ End are going to have a great time poking around this site. All of the fashions are inspected thoroughly, and sold for up to 90% savings. There are also shoes and handbags up for grabs.

The Process
You can shop anytime. If you want to sell, start by ordering a thredUP Clean Out Bag. Once you’ve cleaned out your closets, pack up your items and send them in to be evaluated by the resale pros. Acceptable items are new or lightly used, on trend, and clean. ThredUP buys items outright and pays you up to 80% of the resale value. You can earn shopping credit, or simply cash out. Anything they don’t accept will be donated to charity, or it can be sent back to you for a fee of $12.99.

The Perks
ThredUP is extremely user friendly. On the site, there is a Clothing Calculator, which you can use to estimate how much your items are worth. Don’t worry about paying to ship your Clean Out Bag to thredUP; it’s free. Also, you can fundraise for your school or nonprofit group using thredUP; for info, click here.

Get started online at thredup.com.

 

Have you ever used an online consignor? Let us know in the Comments!

— Natasha Davis

Back-to-school shopping can make a serious dent in the pocketbook — the clothes, the backpacks … the everything else you never knew your kid always wanted. Good news: You can get them ready without dropping a ton of money by taking advantage of the deals at local consignment shops and resales. Cute fashions and gear abound. Click through our album to find out where to go.

Longtime Favorite: The Second Child

The lowdown: This 27-year-old consignment shop has a tony address in a Lincoln Park brownstone. You’ll climb stairs to get in, but the store provides stroller locks to secure your strollers street-side.

The merch: High-end threads for infants to size 14 come from the likes of Lilly Pulitzer, Mini Boden and Ralph Lauren, and styles are less than three years old. The maternity selection is similarly swanky, and includes items from Japanese Weekend and Mimi Maternity. Rounding out the selection is wooden toys, Thomas & Friends trains, Legos, American Girl doll accessories, and baby equipment like exer-saucers and strollers.

The deal: Items are generally priced one-third to one-half of what they would sell for new, and the consigner keeps a third of the profit. You receive payment when your merch sells. After three months, unsold items are donated to charity.

954 W. Armitage Ave., Lincoln Park (
773-883-0880
 or 2ndchild.com)

Did we miss your favorite consignment store or sale? Let us know!

— Rebecca Little

The start of each school year brings new clothes, new gear, and new growth spurts. But you don’t have to break the bank to refresh or restock your little one’s wardrobe. Kid-centric consignment is the new retail and we’ve gathered up some of our fave resources from coast to coast. Some are utterly unique (a resale boutique on wheels!), some have displays that rival grown-up stores, and almost all have cool kid and parent perks (think play spaces and free cupcakes). Click through the slideshow below and get ready to shop.

Little Birdies Boutique – Washington, D.C.

A lush Georgetown staple, Little Birdies Boutique has the stylish sensibilities of a grown-up store (think Anthropologie and other eye candy spots) but offers up new and consigned children’s clothes, shoes, and accessories. Everything is extremely well curated so it’s like browsing a really cool kid’s closet. In addition to consigned clothes, Little Birdies Boutique also sells original artwork for kids rooms.

Photo credit: Little Birdies Boutique

What’s your go-to consignment spot for kids stuff? Share it with us in the comment section below!

— Abigail Matsumoto

Boasting 5,000 square feet of bargain shopping heaven, Itsy Bitsy Thrifty is Boston’s biggest kids consignment sale—and your Totally Awesome pick for best kids consignment. Featuring a humongous selection of discounted brand name clothing, baby gear, toys, books, and much more, this seasonal spring-up shop draws a crowd for a reason! Founders Ann Marie Palmer and James Fedas recently summed up what makes this sale such a hit, how they balance business and parenthood, and more. Read on:
Red Tricycle: Congratulations! Your community recently voted you “Most Awesome.” What do you think your customers value most about your business?

Ann Marie Palmer & James Fedas: Our customers love that we are down to earth, accessible and fun! And most importantly that we give back to the community that we work in.

RT: What inspired you to start your business?

AMP & JF: We were excited by the prospect of being able to find new homes for gently loved toys, clothing and baby gear and giving other families the opportunity to make a little extra cash for whatever they need next!

RT: Any advice for new business owners just getting started?

AMP & JF: Do your homework and be ambitious!  Turn your “Someday…” into “Right Now!”

RT: Can you give us one tip for balancing entrepreneurship with parenthood?

AMP & JF: Keep the kids involved!  Running a business is no easy task, especially when you’re also running a household. We get the kids involved and let them help! Whether it be drawing our next advertisement layout (in crayon, of course)or helping to organize items for our next event (a.k.a. “testing” all of the toys) making them feel like they are a part of what we’re doing makes them feel included instead of slighted by the fact that you are working.

RT: What is your proudest moment as a business owner or parent?

AMP & JF: The thing we are most proud of is what we can give back at the end of each event to a local charity that helps kids in need.  That makes all the effort worth it!

Intrigued by Itsy Bitsy Thrifty? Follow this totally awesome business on Facebook!

November 11 is for remembering. One of the best ways is to kick off the day with some gratitude at the Veterans Day parade in Hollywood to honor those who served and sacrificed. Then, you and the no-school-today set can make a day of it in this fam-friendly hamlet. There’s no limit to the merriment, except maybe time, energy and of course, daylight.  SEE
The Veterans Day parade kicks off at 9:45 a.m. sharp. Get there early for a flag to wave and a curbside view. The parade runs from NE 40th @ Tillamook to NE 48th and Sandy. It’s a quick, respectful way to say hooray and hearty thanks to those who gave (and continue to give) of themselves. And if it’s rainy there are many storefronts along NE Sandy with go-your-umbrella-one-better awnings. The parade also rocks school bands, groovy vehicles, local politicians and first responders. If there’s a parade to hit all year, this is it, for the attitude of gratitude alone. And when it’s done…time to tend to the bellies.

EAT
Some of our faves in H’wood include Shandong (ooooh those tan tan noodles), Laurelwood Pub (with kiddo menu extravaganza and a play area), Rose City Food Park cartopolis o’ nosh and two big thumbs up for – Panera Cares. One of but a few in the whole US of A, Panera Cares is a chance to further the day of appreciation. The sandwich and salad mecca will take your order, tell you what it would cost, and then ask that you simply pay what you can into a donation box. More, less, the exact amount – whatever works and no one is turned away for not having enough cash. Anything you spend over the actual fee helps subsidize food for those who cannot pay full price or is (after all operating costs are met) donated to programs like job training for at-risk youth. It’s a superbly-worthy biz model and another fab way to instill a sense of thankfulness in our next gen.

EXPLORE
Once bellies are full, think about some ways to burn it off! Hollywood Bowl is here where you can rock strikes and roll spares. We also heart Spark Arts Center (NE 39th) for their drop-in messy art fun. If the sun shines, or really, the rain does not pour down in buckets, run on over to Grant Park (NE 33rd at US Grant) and check out their fab new turf football field and track. While there, say hello to Ramona and friends at the statue garden.

SHOP
Wander and ponder, avec les petites, Hollywood’s many unique boutiques of dig-for-it hip and dusty consignment, vintage and antique deals.  Then head over to Popina and pretend you’re on vacation. The bathing suits, cover-ups, and uber-resorty vibe will transplant you and the kiddos will hang just fine with the toys, fish tanks and flatscreen cartoonathon. When and if you must get back to reality, Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s are right here for dinner munitions before you pile back into the truckster and head for the homeland.

Where are you sharing a bit of attitude and gratitude this Veterans Day? Will you hit up the parade or go elsewhere? 

— Liz Overson

Thank yous for the photos go to – Spark Arts Center, Rose City Food Park and Popina  Facebook pages, Brian Ebert and Amanda Armington.

Heat have you feeling a bit haggard? Think you don’t have time (or the budget) for a fresh look? Think again. Whether you need a new ‘do but hate the thought of shelling out for a haircut and a sitter—or in need of the perfect postpartum wardrobe that is trendy instead of tired—we’ve got you covered. Here’s your busy mom’s guide to looking chic on the cheap.  

Take Time for a Trim

Salon Red Kids
Technically, this Decatur haircut spot is just for kids—but the grownup salon is right next door. And since the kid salon includes all sorts of fun entertainment, including cool car seats with individual TVs, the awesome people here have been known to bring over a stylist from next door to give mom’s hair a quick cut while your little one is getting one too. Just don’t try this with a toddler who won’t sit still for a movie, because if your kid gets distracted by the candy and toy shop at the front of the store, your haircut experience may get cut short.

123 East Ponce De Leon Ave.
Decatur
404-377-6230

Lifetime Spa
You thought Lifetime was just a gym, right? Think again. You don’t have to be a member to get your hair done, and standard cuts start at only $32. You can get your kids’ hair trimmed here too, and after Junior’s hair is out of his eyes, drop him off at the complimentary childcare center so you can get your own done in peace.

5590 Roswell Road #250
Sandy Springs
678-832-2324

Trade Up Your Togs

Given Take Swap Boutique
Given Take was the brain child of East Atlanta mom Adrienne Tankersley. Not wanting to spend a lot of cash on a temporary postpartum wardrobe, even at consignment prices, she thought it’d be easier if she could just swap clothes with friends—and Given Take was born. Given Take organizes swap events. You buy a ticket and bring at least 10 items of clothing to swap—in season and in great condition, with no stains or tears. You leave with a bag of new clothes. Bonus? Each event also includes free spa activities. You will need to hire a babysitter for this one, since only infants-in-arm are invited to most swaps, but when the ticket costs less than one item of clothing, splurging on a babysitter ain’t so bad.

Soak Away Stress

 

Jeju Sauna and Spa
Jeju is hard to describe. Modeled after traditional Korean spas, it includes everything from massage to exfoliation to a pool and a restaurant. Kids are welcome, but be prepared: nudity is also welcome in some areas (separated by gender). Jeju is open 24/7, so you can also leave your partner with the kids and head out for some relaxation after bedtime.

3555 Gwinnett Place Drive
Duluth
678-336-7414

How do you freshen up when you are frazzled? Share your multi-tasking mama secrets below!

–Lisa Baker

Photos courtesy of Salon Red via FacebookGiven Take via Facebook and Jeju Sauna and Spa via Facebook

Who needs retail when you can shop for everything your kids need for back to school at 50-90% off retail prices at the Just Between Friends Kids’ Resale Event!? At over 100,000 gently used items for sale, it is the biggest consignment event in the NW! You’ll find everything you need for the upcoming school year including clothes, shoes, books, backpacks, bikes, art supplies, Halloween costumes, toys, infant items, children’s furniture, play equipment, and so much more! It’s just too big too miss. See you at the Portland Expo Center, September 14 – 16. FREE Admission! Volunteers shop early!

Just Between Friends
www.portland.jbfsale.com

Consignment Stores for Gently Used Kids, Baby & Maternity Gear in Seattle and the Eastside

You’ve heard it before. Reduce. Reuse. Recycle. If you’re rethinking your current shopping habits, it’s never been easier for eco-savvy Seattle & Eastside mamas to shop for great deals on gently-used clothes at area consignment stores. From thrift shops for die-hard bargain hunters (Value Village and Goodwill) to the vintage racks at neighborhood shops (Retroactive Kids and Pop Tots) there are loads of options for the eco (and price) conscious shopper.

One of the best ways to clean up and clean house is through the bevy of beautiful Seattle consignment stores that have cropped up around town. Most of the items sold in these modern boutiques are in such pristine condition, you’d never believe you were shopping for second-hand goods. Following are our picks for the best consignment stores for maternity, baby and children’s clothes.

Bonus: Bring your closet full of clothing, toys and gear and pay it forward (and earn some $$ to boot).
Tip:
The policies differ from store to store, so it’s a good idea to call before bringing your goods in.

Bootyland
Capitol Hill
1317 E Pine St
Seattle WA 98122
206-328-0636
www.bootylandkids.com
This Capitol Hill alternative kiddie boutique takes green living seriously. In addition to the generous selection of gently-used toys and clothing, shoppers can find new organic clothing lines (eight3one, Kate Quinn Organics), hemp and naturally made goods, nursing gear, baby wraps and significant space dedicated their collection of wooden toys.

Buggy
Madrona
34th Street
www.shop-buggy.com
206.325.5999
This hip Madrona consignment store offers quality items at affordable prices in a stylish, un-cluttered space. A nice mix of gently-used items and new accessories including shoes from Livie & Luca, onesies from Nest and eight3one, and “Flower Children Handknits,” hand-knit sweaters that have been rescued and refreshed (many are embellished or have wonderful new buttons). Don’t miss the onesie bucket, where everything is priced from $3.00 to $10.00. Buggy is ultra family-friendly, with a play area complete with a couch, toys, and lots of books to keep Little One busy.

Bump Urban Maternity
Ravenna
920 NE 64th Street
Seattle, WA 98115
206.522.BUMP
www.bumptobaby.net
Already the forerunner in organic, sustainable clothing lines for pregnant women (Shone, Leighlani,, Nuka, Kina, Ida J) Bump Urban Maternity store has recently begun carrying a select offering of consignment maternity clothes. Store owner Nyro Murphy is now receiving appointments to bring in gently-used maternity clothes. The clothes must be beautiful, in near-perfect condition, and something that is not currently being sold new in the store (they do not have to be clothes originally purchased from Bump). Please call ahead.

Cruzin’ Kidz Boutique & Consignment
Woodinville
13400 NE 175th St
Woodinville, WA 98072
425.939.0418
www.cruzinkidz.com
This Woodinville consignment store is well-organized and the clothes are in nearly-new condition. Even the itty-bitty baby hats are neatly displayed on individual hangers. Among the resale items, we spied a nice supply of Gymboree, Hanna Andersson (after all this is HA territory with the outlet right up the street), and Baby Lulu too. On any given day, you may also find gently used “gear” (the big stuff), toys, books, monitors, and more. Also check out the brand new offerings from BabyLegs, Bobux shoes and the most requested baby carrier in town, the Ergo. Cruzin’ Kidz also sells custom children’s furniture by a local designer – everything from step stools to custom play kitchens.

Le Petit Shoppe

Near University Village
3432 N.E. 45th St.
Seattle, WA 98105
206.525.0619
This is not truly a “consignment” store but a re-sale store; they buy your goods outright and then resell them. Nestled in this small strip mall, you’ll find high end clothing (think Hanna, Henri and Flora, Boden, boutique), shoes, and gear (strollers, bedding, furniture, some toys). Maternity clothing also sold. Most toys are organic or wooden. They also sell handmade apron dresses, bibs, and other local wares as well as Hanky Panky panties (new) for a steal. Kids are welcome with a play area in the back.

Rising Stars
Phinney Ridge
7404 Greenwood Avenue North
Seattle, WA 98103
206.781.0138
www.rising-stars.biz
This children’s consignment store houses a wonderful variety of everything kiddo. They sell many new items (See Kai Run, children’s books, an adorable pot and pan set, blankets, Moby Wraps, etc) and a large variety of gently used clothing for kids. Just a few short minutes north of the zoo. Kids are welcome and there is a small space for them to play while you shop.

smallclothes
West Seattle
3236 California Ave.SW
206.923.2222
www.smallclothes.info
This cozy West Seattle consignment shop carries quality brands in a clean, easy-to-browse environment. Mom-and-daughter team Ruth and Stephanie Hargrave have done all the zipper-and-button checking so all the items are ready to wear. You can also find stuffed animals, toys, greeting cards, and a shelf of hand-selected books. Mingling with the resale items are new items from popular brands — See Kai Run shoes, Babylegs, IMPWEAR fleece (made by a Seattle mom), Speesees organic cotton onesies and Jack & Lily booties.

Sugar Lump
Madison Valley
2709 E. Madison St.
Seattle, WA 98112
206.860.5083
www.sugarlumpshop.com
In the smallest space imaginable you’ll find a treasure-trove of gently used children’s clothing, shoes, maternity, books, small toys, and some new wares (See Kai Run). We love the “This is Paris” book (they also have London, New York , etc). Baby Legs and Putumayo CD’s round out this store. As a consignment store, you need to make an appointment, take in your clean, in great shape clothing, and you get 60 days to sell.

Treehouse
Redmond
15742 Redmond Way
Redmond, WA 98052
425.885.1145‎
This Redmond consignment fave is chock full of designer duds, toys (both new and used), and dance gear. Browse for a new-to-you outfit, keep the kids busy in the toy section, or pick out a great gift from the new section. The tulle halos are divine for any little princess on your list. They also sell scouting gear.

Honorable Mention:
Labels
7212 Greenwood Ave N
Seattle, WA 98103
206.781.1194

Me ‘n Moms
Ballard, Issaquah, Lynnwood
www.menmoms.com

Sweet Pea’s
Columbia City
4820 Rainer Ave So.
Seattle, WA 98118
206-722-1031

Two Timing Tams
North Bend
209 Main Avenue South
Suite 111
North Bend WA, 98045
www.twotimingtams.com

Kym’s Kiddy Corner

11721 15th Ave. NE, Seattle,
(206) 361-5974
www.kymskiddycorner.com

West Seattle’s Big Deal

Those clothes at smallclothes are kid-sized (infant to size 7/8), and so are the prices. Stop by the consignment shop, a hidden gem in West Seattle to see for yourself. Top-quality shirts, pants, skirts, onesies, jackets, and shoes are waiting to be discovered —and, because they are resale items —the prices can’t be beat. We found Gymboree sweaters and Janie and Jack goods for $8.00 — $12.00, Gap clothes for $5.00 –$10.00, and adorable jeans and cords for $5.00. Racks of gently-used brand-name and locally hand-made clothes are organized in three rooms by age; can shopping get any easier?

smallclothes is a upscale Seattle kids consignment shop, carrying quality brands in a clean, easy-to-browse environment. Mom-and-daughter team Ruth and Stephanie Hargrave have done all the zipper-and-button checking for you, so all you have to do is decide which sweater or pair of boots will be cutest on your Little One. Clothes are the big coup here, but you can also find stuffed animals, toys, greeting cards, and a shelf of hand-selected books.

Mingling with the resale items are new items from popular brands — See Kai Run shoes (picked up every other week from the warehouse; get the style you really want!), Babylegs, IMPWEAR fleece (made by a Seattle mom!), Speesees organic cotton onesies (the one-piece jumpers make dressing a squirmy toddler a breeze), and Jack & Lily booties. Seattle mamas in search of big style and with a small pricetag shop at smallclothes.

smallclothes
3215 California Ave.SW
206.923.2222
smallclothes.info

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