Maximize your Mid-Summer Sales Savings

Mid-summer sales are great, but only if you shop wisely. I've seen too many moms rush to the back rack of their favorite kids' fashion store and snatch up anything in their kids' sizes. Sure buying 6 pairs of $4 shorts really does seem like a bargain, but only if your kid is going to wear them. Most often, we tend to focus too much on the deeply discounted prices and not enough on what's practical, leading to overspending on items that will get minimal use. The smart shopper uses sales to maximize savings and diversify her kids' wardrobes. You must go into each and every sale with a plan of attack and only then will you truly save money.

My Plan of Attack for Mid-Summer Sales

• Before you hit the shops take a quick inventory check. See what your kids have and what they don't. Can they make it through the rest of the summer with their current wardrobes? If they've already covered their shorts and tees in grass stains that just won't budge, go ahead and pick up a few summer items, but try to find the best deals.
• Hopefully, your kids are already set this summer. If so, shop the sales but think ahead. based on your child's current size and typical growth rate, try to calculate sizes for next summer. Summer clothes are the most forgiving when it comes to buying ahead; a size up or down for shorts just varies the length, especially now that so many kids' bottoms have adjustable waists. Summer dresses can also be easily wearable for a couple of seasons.
• Grab year-round staples if you can find them. Socks, underwear, tees, pajamas and accessories often go on sale with mid-summer items; always try to buy these on sale and in bulk.
• Think about fall. I know it sounds crazy, but you can find tons of layering pieces in mid-summer sales. The same tank that is sold now as a summer top will be sold in the stores as a laying piece in fall. Tanks, tees and even summer dresses look great for back-to-school when paired with long sleeved tees, cardigans, hoodies and more.
• Last but never least, have fun. If you see something that maybe isn't the most practical item, but is on sale and at a great price, go ahead and treat yourself.