Why I STILL Buy Branded Clothes

I haven't visited GYMBOREE in years because the first couple of times I visited the store the prices gave me a heart attack. But yesterday, while waiting for GNOMEO & JULIET me and my little one found ourselves browsing at the store opposite the theater, GYMBOREE.

I enjoyed the colors definitely and the designs and wow they are having a sale!

So we browsed on the sale items and while looking around it did certainly remind me why I still buy "branded" clothes despite the economy.  And please note they are "branded" not "designer" clothes! :)

Take a look at this pieces from GYMBOREE:

This dress was listed as $24.95 originally and now $10.49. 

This sandals was originally priced $29.95 now $15.74

Isn't that around the price for the stuff you buy at TARGET? And don't get me wrong I love TARGET!  I buy a lot of stuff at TARGET!

BUT there are at least 3 very important reasons why I STILL shop branded clothes for my daughter:

1) FAST COLOR & QUALITY
Branded clothes I have learned tend to stay in their color longer than cheap ones.  The fabric picked are stronger, they stay in shape even after so many washes.  I bought several clothes from JANIE & JACK and I notice that they are in my daughter's closet longer than all those that I bought with cheaper brands.  You will probably say, yeah but kids grow so fast.  Not that fast!  The clothes that I bought from JANIE & JACK, when I bought them they were just slightly big and they lasted at least a year or 2.  Expecially the jackets.

Shoes are extremely important to be good quality as your kids are still developing how they walk and how they stand. If they don't have good support then they might end up with crooked walk or legs.

2) YOUR MONEY'S WORTH
Believe it or not this is true!  This really a piggy back on the first reason.  If you buy clothes that last longer and then you do not need to buy clothes as often.  If you go to branded stores and look for the sale items. they are going to be around the same price as regular price in Target, Walmart or Children's Place.

3) PRESENTABLE
You want your kids to look good.  Especially for dinners with friends, or events at work.  Also you want them to look presentable on special occassions. I actually choose to buy gifts for kids from these places because they are gifts and I want them to be special. Parents can buy all the day to day stuff and gifts they should be a treat and yes, special!,

I am not saying you buy everything branded now. It is totally up to your budget. But it still does make sense to buy them. Personally, I mix them up. I buy here and there branded clothes and mix it up with the cheaper ones ones. I almost never buy anything from WAL-MART AND my favorite cheaper end clothes are from TARGET or The Children's PLACE. 

As for shoes, when my daughter just started walking all her shoes were from STRIDE RITE.  Thanks to GRANDMA! I probably only bought a couple of pairs. They were pricey but she is important to us.  Then after a year I started mixing them up. She would have at least a couple of "training shoes" still from STRIDE RITE then the rest, Target Shoes for say special occassions and less walking kinds.

Was $22.95 now $14.99

HERE ARE MY STORE RECOMMENDS: (Don't forget to look for the SALE, check out outlets, sign up for free rewards programs oh and clip the good old coupons)

1) Janie and Jack
2) Baby Gap
3) GYMBOREE

xoxo,
Nancy

all images courtesy of GYMBOREE