Tampabay.com

FEBRUARY 25, 2011

Tot couture made cheaper with consignment

Babies, babiebabyjumper.jpgs, everywhere! We're not sure if there's something in the water, or if we're just at that age, but some of us at Deal Divas have noticed that EVERY SINGLE ONE OF OUR FRIENDS is either pregnant or newly mothered. Or at least it feels that way.

One of the best things about having friends with babies is that we get to go shopping for the adorable outfits: Tiny curduroy jumpers! Itty-bitty Nikes! Sweaters with bunnies! Bear hats! I remember the first time I perused through the baby rack for a friend's baby shower, I was thrilled out how inexpensive all this miniature-sized fashion was. Only $12.99 for a ruffle skirt at Target? Nine bucks for Run DMC onesie? What a bargain!

Until I realized that babies grow like crazy and can wear that onesie for, like, five minutes before Mom finds herself trying to jam fat little legs into too-small holes.

Which is why, if consigment makes sense for anyone, it would be kids. We recently learned that It's A Small World Kids Consignment in Seminole has new ownership by the adorable Wilkinson family -- babyclothes.jpgParents Sarah and Andy, 10-year-old Savannah, 6-year-old babyjuicy.jpgAidan and baby Dylan. They're bringing new energy to the shop at 9241 Seminole Blvd., which carries rack upon rack of gently used name brand kids' clothing, such as Tommy Hilfiger, Baby Gap and Gymboree.

Clothes usually run between $3 and $7. They also sell toys and playground equipment for about half of retail price, and maternity clothes, too. Even better, you can go and sell your kid's outgrown clothing, though they recommend you call ahead and make sure it's something they need, as they get new clothes every day. You can also follow them on Facebook to see photos of their newest offerings.

 

Deal Diva Emily (and no, Mom, I'm not pregnant)

Photos: Melissabphotography.com

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THE AUTHORS

Stephanie Hayes came out of the womb wearing high heels. While other kids were reciting multiplication tables, she was learning to calculate an extra third off the half-price discount during buy-one-get-one week. She loves animal prints, black mascara and anything that sparkles. She objects to visible panty lines, Crocs and anything that costs more than a car payment. And she doesn't drive a nice car. She can be reached at (727) 893-8857 or shayes@tampabay.com.

Katie Sanders foolishly spurned pretty dresses and shoes as a child, tossing new clothes over her shoulder at birthday parties with a totally rude "no, thank you." Her drab days of monocolor outfits are over now, and she certainly knows better than to turn down free stuff. Her wardrobe mixes classic with quirk. Think blazers with statement necklaces, and lots of patterned ballet flats. She can be reached at 850) 224-7263 or ksanders@tampabay.com..

Kameel Stanley has never encountered a thrift store she didn’t like. Her mother taught her that the true value of clothes isn’t how much they cost, but how many outfits one can create from them. Having grown up in Michigan, she was delighted to learn upon moving to Florida that she almost never needed to wear socks or boots again. There’s a lot of turnover in her closet, and she’s obsessed with dresses, necklaces and wedge heels. She can be reached at (727) 893-8643 or kstanley@tampabay.com.

A disciple of the little black dress classics school, Letitia Stein stretches her budget by looking for styles with staying power. She lives for 80 percent off shoes at DSW, floral sundresses and bohemian chic tops. She confesses to being a bit of a snob when it comes to handbags and jewelry. She can be reached at (813) 226-3400 or lstein@tampabay.com.

From camo pants and construction boots to sundresses, sweaters and sling backs, Keyonna Summers knows how to make all of it rock -- at rock bottom prices. A Detroit native, Keyonna delves into her urban roots to find fashion pairings that give a nod to street fashion while maintaining the class of the modern, professional woman. She believes in searching for affordable clothes that look expensive and can easily be dressed up or down. You won't find plaid shirts or fleece jackets in her closet; the only hiking Keyonna does is to the bargain basement. She can be reached at (727) 445-4153 or ksummers@tampabay.com.

Coming from a long line of fashionable women, Kim Wilmath considers herself lucky to fit into their hand-me-downs. Her wardrobe staples include her grandma's vintage blouses and her mom's funky jewelry. When she's in the market for "new" items, Kim hits her favorite thrift stores -- a habit she also picked up from mom. But when circumstances require a visit to the shiny stores in the mall, you'll find Kim at the sale rack like a good little diva. She can be reached at (813) 661-2442 or kwilmath@tampabay.com.

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