With teens that are in high school, the rush of back to school shopping is different.  When they were little, it was almost certain that they would outgrow clothing.  If they didn’t outgrow their outfits, they definitely were well-worn from recess, art class, etc.  Now, they are able to keep clothing items for greater periods of time, as long as they don’t have growth spurts or the style didn’t go out of fashion.

Thus, for the start of this school year, our 15 year old was fairly well-stocked for the start of the year.  We did purchase one new outfit for the start of school, but she seems to be all set until cooler weather returns.

Our 17 year old is another story. Although we shopped for him in the spring, he’s had another growth spurt, so yesterday we headed to the mall with hopes of finding some shorts still on the racks.  Imagine our delight when the first store we entered had a plethora of shorts available– and in his size and colors he liked!  Even better, the shorts were on sale, which meant saving some money but also getting a little extra.

We had set a plan of what items he needed and how many of each.  However, with everything (yes, every item we bought) on sale, we got an extra item of this and that.  Even buying more than planned, we still spent less than I had mentally budgeted for.

As we shopped for shirts and shoes, my son knew the value of checking the clearance racks.  When a shirt is a style you like and on sale, that’s the one to choose.  Saving money there allows for the splurge on another item that you really want, such as a customized item from The Tee Hive.  It’s all a matter of balance.

Although bargain shopping may not sound trendy, it sure does help expand the wardrobe.