New Clothes for the Children

A few weeks ago we purchased some new "uniforms" for our gaggle. Old Navy was having a 20% discount + free shipping, so I took the opportunity to buy a few items for our brood to wear to church. I'm slightly obsessed with sweater vests and both hubby and I especially love when all the boys match, so here is what we picked up for them, and then we added the matching dresses for our daughter.

We also were in need of new church shoes for the boys. I had foundsome black, no lace, church shoes on sale at the BX a few months ago, and for the last few months I shake my head every Sunday at the deteriorating specimen that is their shoes. So, after talking with Mr. Wonderful I took the 3 big kids to the local Dollar Boots and Jeans store and got them some Tony Lama boots.

While a little pricier, this is my thinking: these shoes can be used for various activities from horses back riding, playing in the back yard, any outing, and on up to going to church (we clean them Saturday night). Also, the amazing girls there fit my children perfectly and left room to grow (I asked for this), plus Tony Lama's have a removable sole that will allow for even more growth. We had some Ariat's for the oldest two the year before last and I had to hide them from my daughter in order for her not to wear the boots that had become almost 2 sizes to small. Yes, boots are loved that much around here! I'd rather pay a bigger price tag upfront for some long lasting versatile footwear than cheap shoes that I end up buying several pairs of and eventually pay as much as I would have for a nice pair of leather goodness!

Do you have any quirky purchase habits when it comes to your children? I never buy anything full price (except for boots), so I'm always on the lookout for coupon codes or a clearance rack. Feel like sharing your secret shopping tips?