Goodwill: Insider Fashion Tips + How to Stretch Your Back to School Budget #giveaway

(photo credit: Goodwill)

“Never pay full price for anything” is a general rule our family lives by.  We are always looking for ways to stretch our budget and save money any way we can.  One of my favorite ways to save money on back to school clothes is by shopping at Goodwill.  Inventory at Goodwill stores is always unique and ever changing.  Shopping is more like a treasure hunt — you never know what you might find but you’ll definitely be getting it at a bargain price!

(photo credit: Goodwill)

Let’s start with some insider fashion tips from Whitney Adams, Goodwill school fashion expert.  She says EVERYTHING is in right now — anything you want to be, you can be.  Shopping at Goodwill will allow kids to flex their creativity and get away from cookie cutter style.  Here are a few things she suggests:

• Statement pants (different prints on pants like plaid, stripes are really popular)
• Oversize sweatshirts
• Edgy feminine in general
• Skinny jeans with frayed bottoms
• Casual shirts over leggings for comfort
• Brands (shoes, jackets) that never go out of style … Supreme, Vans, Nike, Adidas, Puma, Thrasher

(“Stranger Things” style. Photo Credit: Goodwill)

One thing that’s really popular right now is the show Stranger Thing. 80’s decade inspired style including color block, chunky sandals, windbreakers, hair scrunchies etc. are taking off.

(photo credit: Goodwill)

Whitney also says all early era band tees are timeless, mom jeans and “boho” styles are still in, and retro prints and embroidery are cool.  Thrift stores are an excellent source for what’s still hot, even after years.

(Leslie shopping with her daughter Kayla. Photo Credit: Goodwill)

Now that we have some fashion advice, it’s time for some shopping tips. Leslie Pleasants, mom and lifestyle blogger from Today’s Every Mom give this advice for Back to School shopping:

• Be there, but NOT there — allow your kids to seek out their own fashion on their own.  Be at the store but shop separately giving them some independence.
• Give your kids a list and let them loose.  Having a checklist will help keep them on task and moms can screen selections for appropriateness before purchasing without being a helicopter mom.  This makes shopping less stressful.
• Don’t forget Spirit Days!  Most schools participate in themed spirit days.  Goodwill is the perfect place to shop for these and prepare in advance so you won’t have to rush last minute to find oddball things for your kids to wear when Spirit Day sneaks up on you
• Don’t forget the shoes!  Thrift stores are a great place to hunt for great brands for boys and more unique style for girls

Emily Sanchez, Goodwill Assistant Store Manage and insider mom offers these tips for shopping at thrift stores:

• Shop frequently — inventory is unique and refreshed much faster than department stores.  New inventory comes in every day, even multiple times per day so grab the good stuff as it hits the racks!
• Don’t miss the sales — Thrift pricing is always great but it gets even better a week or two after the item hits the shelf because that’s when the price is reduced.  Look for the sales but if  you find an item you love that hasn’t been reduced yet, don’t wait! Chances are it won’t be around a week later when it discounts down to 50% off or $1.99.
• The hunt is more fun at thrift stores:  finding good, unique AND super cheap is the thrill … look for clearance when you shop

Brittney Getsinger (collage student) suggest taking advantage of thrift variety. “I shop thrift because of the variety it
contains.  At brand name stores I would have to go to 3 – 4 places, … here at Goodwill (for example) it is all under one roof.

If you live in Washington on the Olympic Peninsula or Southwest Washington (Store Locator) don’t miss these coupons to save even more at Goodwill stores:

•  Denim BOGO (buy one, get one) coupon runs Aug 19 – Sept 1
• BOGO mug for college students that expires Aug 17

Also be sure to plan your shopping days around specials like Student Discount Days, Tag sales, Military, Senior or other special discounts.  You can find the calendar here.

Need some shopping inspiration?  Check out the Goodwill Pinterest page for Back to School DIY.  You can also find Goodwill on Facebook and Twitter @goodwillwa and Instagram @wagoodwill.  Visit www.goodwillwa.org for more information. Join the Goodwill email list to receive discounts and hear about the latest sales and events at Goodwill.

Complimentary product was provided for this review, however, all opinions expressed are my own.  I was not compensated in any other way.  See Mommies With Cents disclosure policy for more details.

Feeling lucky?  Enter to win a $50 Goodwill gift card good at these locations by filling out the form below.  Also, be sure to check out all of our other giveaways. NOTE: If you don’t leave your address, I won’t have a way to get your prize to you. If you need more guidance filling out this form, you can watch this video on how to enter Rafflecopter giveaways.

This giveaway is open until August 29, 2019 at 12:01 am EST to U.S residents.

 

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