Turn old clothes into new cash all year round

In this week’s baby bargainista column, Jenny shares how she turned her daughters’ outgrown clothing and toys into cash – and how you can too.

For a change, instead of writing about getting bargains, I’m writing about giving bargains – selling your pre-loved baby clothes and toys.

Even though I hunt out sales and used clothes whenever possible, when you add it all up I’ve spent quite a bit on clothes for Girl #1 over the last 5 years – and she’s also been gifted with many adorable outfits that were barely worn as she grew quickly into the school-ager she is today. I happily passed many of these on to #2, and now SHE’S growing out of them!

With no future babymaking plans, and no family or friends expecting in the near future, I decided it was time for these togs to find a new home – and figured I might get back a little bit of what I’ve spent while I’m at it!

When looking to sell clothes that are in good condition, you can’t go wrong with Once Upon a Child. I’ve bought many items there over the years and have raved about them in the past – and I’m happy to report that the process of selling clothes and toys to them is easy, painless, and simple. Just bring your items to the store at any time; their staff will comb through them and offer you a fair price (usually $4 for name-brand clothes, $10 and up for large toys such as bouncers) on the spot.

A few tips to keep in mind before you go:
1. If you bring a lot of items, it can take the staff up to an hour to go through them – so you might want to plan to drop off your things, go for coffee, then come back (or risk spending your time shopping in their store as I did, and end up spending as much as you made from selling!)

2. They won’t accept toys without batteries or clothes that haven’t been washed – so come prepared; do any pressing or mending beforehand.

3. They have a very high standard so you may end up taking more items back home with you than you planned. I ended up bringing home a few items that I had thought were in pristine condition – until the staff pointed out faint stains or small tears. Oops!

4. For best results, call ahead to find out what sizes and seasons they’re buying; you might get a better price if the item you’re looking to sell is in demand, or about to be (for example, August is the best time to sell back-to-school stuff like jeans, jackets, and boots).

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Buy Design Spring Social for Windfall

I learned about Windfall a few months ago and think it’s a wonderful organization. Windfall is a clothing bank – it receives donations of new clothing from retailers. Then it redistributes these clothes to people living in poverty and/or in crisis – 64,000 in the GTA to be specific – for instance, by providing children with winter outerwear and adults with new clothes for job interviews. Last year, by working with corporate sponsors and partnering with social service agencies, Windfall distributed almost 1,000,000 clothing and personal items to people in need for free.

When Meg Stoudt asked me to help spread the word about their spring fundraiser Buy Design Spring Social for Windfall, I couldn’t refuse.

What?
Buy Design Spring Social for Windfall – A dirty thirties-themed fundraiser featuring a mess hall auction, croquet and badminton lawns and a swinging dance hall tent. Have fun sipping sidecars, sours and planters punch while parading across the big band stage in the boater pageant. Test your skills throwing darts at the Beauty Balloon Buster game and sample brown-bagged bites from the country fare stands and bake sale.

Where?
The Fermenting Cellar, The Distillery District (map)
55 Mill St.
Toronto, ON

When?
Sat., Apr. 10, 2010
8 p.m.

Tickets
$75 each or 6 for $375
Order online or call 416-703-8435
Win tickets by following @SpringSocial on Twitter

Contact Kelly Carmichael for more information

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Tzatz Shopping Party

What?
• TZATZ Late Nite Shopping Party
• Complimentary wine bar opens at 6:00 p.m.
• Shopping until 9:30 p.m.
• Receive a TZpecial gift with your purchase!
• Win a $100 or $200 Gift TZertificate

When?
Oct. 28: 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Where?
TZATZ
2512 1/2 Yonge St. (map)
5 blocks north of Eglinton Av. at Castlefield Av.
Green “P” parking is located directly behind the store
Enter lot from Castlefield Av.

Let us know if you go!

Marks & Spencer busted

Marks & Spencer took out full-page print ads in several publications across the U.K. yesterday. Why? They were apologizing to women for a surcharge (approx. $3.50) on bras with DD cups or larger. (Read the full story in today’s Globe.)

There was such an outburst, Britain’s largest clothing retailer succumbed to public pressure and back-peddled on their policy. For example, to date,16,600 women joined a Facebook group called Busts 4 Justice in protest. Kudos to Marks & Spencer for listening to their customers. They decided to publicly apologize (hence the ads) and are offering a 25% discount on all bras for the next two weeks.

All this got me thinking about consumer activism and what we’ll tolerate when it comes to paying a premium on clothing (and footwear) according to size.

Don’t get me wrong, I instinctively thought there was something wrong with Marks & Spencer’s policy. But we pay a premium for larger sizes all the time. No one balks at stores specializing in clothing larger or taller women. Think about those stores charging higher prices for kids’ clothes as the size increases.

What do you think? Did Marks & Sparks cave too easily to pressure from a Facebook group or did they do the right thing? If you had been offended by a similar policy, would a public apology combined with discount be enough to restore your support? If not, what would it take?

SWAP - Don’t Shop clothing swap party #3

Glad to see Hope and the gang are at it again only bigger and better. It’s just so grassroots and sounds like a lot of fun. Swap parties are also an inexpensive and green way to refresh your wardrobe, clean out your closet and give to those in need.

What?
Swap - Don’t Shop clothing swap party: A fun and frugal way to revamp your wardrobe

Gather up your unfortunate holiday gifts, regrettable impulse sale purchases and other unwanted clothing, and come out to our first co-ed clothing swap, where you’ll leave with bags of wonderful new wardrobe favourites!

All men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, and other accessories (with the exception of socks & undies) that are clean and in fairly good condition are welcome.

As well as fabulous clothing and yummy snacks, sewers will be on hand to do basic alterations and demos on reinventing your wardrobe.

At the end of the day, all unclaimed clothing will be donated to a local charity.

Where?
Beaver Hall Gallery
29 McCaul St. (north of Queen St.) (map)

When?
Saturday, Feb. 21
11 a.m.-2 p.m.

11 a.m.: Drop off your clothes, socialize, and enjoy the yummy snacks and drinks.
Noon: The swapping frenzy begins!

At the end of the day, all unclaimed clothing will be donated to charity.

How Much?
$8

RSVP
clothing_swap@hotmail.com

Join the facebook group
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=61408230503

Premium Retail Group featuring GUESS? Jeans warehouse sale

Premium Retail Group featuring GUESS? Jeans warehouse sale - Nov. 26-30 - International Centre, Mississauga

What?
Get ready for the winter with some hot deals on the greatest fashions from GUESS! Save from 60-90% off on denim, handbags, jackets, tops, sweaters, dresses and more! Fashions for both Men and Women!
More info

When?
Nov. 26, 12 noon - 9 p.m. (register for VIP preview)
Nov. 27, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Nov. 28, 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Nov. 29, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Nov. 30, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Where?
International Centre, Hall 4 (see map)
6900 Airport Rd.
Mississauga, Ontario
L4V 1E8

Note: This is a sponsored post. The links don’t work in the graphic above but the links are available in the “What?” section.

SWAP - Don’t Shop clothing swap party #2

Glad to see Hope and the gang are at it again only bigger and better. It’s just so grassroots and sounds like a lot of fun. Swap parties are also an inexpensive and green way to refresh your wardrobe, clean out your closet and give to those in need.

What?
Swap - Don’t Shop clothing swap party: A fun and frugal way to revamp your wardrobe

Come out to our secon clothing swap party with all of the unwanted clothing taking up space in your closet and drawers, and leave with bags of wonderful new wardrobe favourites!

All womens’ clothing, shoes, jewelery and other accessories (except undies) in clean and in good condition are welcome.

As well as fabulous clothing and yummy snacks, seamstresses will be on hand to do basic alterations and demos on reinventing your wardrobe.

Where?
103 Bellevue Ave.
St. Stephen-in-the-Fields church (at College, between Bathurst and Spadina) (map)

When?
Saturday, Oct. 25
11 a.m.-2 p.m.

11 a.m.: Drop off your clothes, socialize, and enjoy the yummy snacks and drinks.
Noon: The swapping frenzy begins!

At the end of the day, all unclaimed clothing will be donated to charity.

How Much?
$8 to cover the cost of food, drinks and location rental fee.

RSVP
clothing_swap@hotmail.com

Join the facebook group
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=61408230503

Dressing the belly

In this week’s column, Jenny Bullough share’s her thoughts about maternity wear.

Like a lot of moms and expecting moms, it’s an ongoing challenge for me to find inexpensive yet elegant maternity clothes. Staying stylish yet comfortable and not spending a fortune doesn’t seem like an outlandish or unreachable goal, so why is it so hard?

Part of the problem is that most maternity wear is designed to fit women who are at the most rotund stage of pregnancy – which often means that in the early months, these items are far too big. Right now I’m at the awkward stage of desperately cramming myself into my regular clothes – okay, my “fat” clothes usually reserved for premenstrual bloating – because my maternity clothes are still far too big and loose. I’m also deep in denial about the coming Clothespocalypse: saying goodbye to my cute fall sweaters and trousers, knowing I won’t fit into them until next year.

However, there is hope! A friend and new mom bequeathed to me her Bella band – a handy little piece of elasticized fabric that, miracle of miracles! Allows you to wear your prepregnancy pants unbuttoned. This should help me to make my fall wardrobe staples last a little bit longer, at least until my maternity pants will stay up! (Motherhood Maternity also carries their own version, the “tummy sleeve”.)

When the Bella band option has been exhausted, likely by October, I’m going to have to make a trip downtown to visit my two favorite mainstream maternity chain stores -- Motherhood Maternity and Thyme Maternity. Their clothes are decently priced, fairly fashionable without being overly trendy, and they have enough selection that I can mix-and-match their current pieces with the older and hand-me-down maternity clothes currently living in bins in my basement.

I’ll tell you what brand I *wish* made maternity clothes: Lululemon. I’m so tired of my favorite workout shirts riding up my growing belly while I’m trying to maintain an imprinted spine in Prenatal Pilates, or achieve camel pose in Prenatal Yoga!

What about you – do you have a favorite maternity store or brand? Or a favorite brand, period, that you wish had a maternity line?

Swap - Don’t Shop clothing swap party

When I received a request to share this event with you, I couldn’t resist. It’s just so grassroots and sounds like a lot of fun. Swap parties are also an inexpensive and green way to refresh your wardrobe, clean out your closet and give to those in need.

What?
Swap - Don’t Shop clothing swap party: A fun and frugal way to revamp your wardrobe

Come out to our first bi-monthly clothing swap party with all of the unwanted clothing taking up space in your closet and drawers, and leave with bags of wonderful new wardrobe favourites!

All womens’ clothing, shoes, jewelery and other accessories (except undies) in clean and in good condition are welcome.

Where?
103 Bellevue Ave.
St. Stephen-in-the-Fields church (at College, between Bathurst and Spadina) (map)

When?
Saturday, Aug. 16
11 a.m.-2 p.m.

11 a.m.: Drop off your clothes, socialize, and enjoy the yummy snacks and drinks.
Noon: The swapping frenzy begins!

At the end of the day, all unclaimed clothing will be donated to a local charity: Dress Your Best.

How Much?
$5 to cover the cost of food, drinks and location rental fee.

RSVP
clothing_swap@hotmail.com

Join the facebook group
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=61408230503

My first impressions of Smart Set

You may remember I was contacted by Smart Set via their PR agency to participate in a program. In return, I got a mini-wardrobe consultation and a $75 gift certificate.

Instead of buying the suggested outfit, I bought a pair of casual cargo shorts for $26.99 (I’ve been living in them ever since). They were on sale from $35 and a week later, they were back up at regular price. I also picked up another pair of shorts for $9.99 but I didn’t love them so I took them back. Fortunately, Smart Set has a no-hassle return policy.

I’ve been keeping a close eye on the chain and noticed they have different specials every week. For instance, they’ve introduced lululemon knock-off yoga pants and co-ordinating jackets this week for an unbeatable price – any two pieces for only $50! (A set usually sells for $70.) I’m tempted to use the remainder of my gift certificate before they’re gone.

I also found a decent selection of jeans at very low prices. I think I’ve seen them on sale for under $30!

My friend Connie told me they’ve also started offering reusable bags and last week they were free with a minimum purchase of $40 or $50.

Bottom line:
I was pleasantly surprised to see so many women customers. I expected to find only teens. Staff was friendly, clothes seem to fit nicely and prices are very affordable. I probably won’t buy my work clothes at Smart Set because I find them a bit too junior and I prefer better quality. However, when it comes to basics and weekend wear, I’ll definitely pay Smart Set a visit.

Smart Set’s fashion & sourcing director gives me a wardrobe suggestion

A while ago, I was asked to participate in a project for Smart Set. They wanted me to help them launch their new brand and fashionatplay.ca – “a site demonstrating one of the key principles of the brand – that Smart Set is a place where fashion lovers can mix, match and accessorize ’til their heart’s content”.

For participating, they’d send me a $75 Smart Set gift card. To be honest, I hadn’t stepped into a Smart Set since I was about 14 but I’m open-minded and accepted the offer. Besides, I’d be nuts to turn down free clothes and $75 goes a long way at Smart Set.

My assignment: send in a photo of a clothing item in my wardrobe that defines me. In addition to the gift card, Smart Set’s Fashion & Sourcing Director, Lindy Omassi would put together an outfit just for me.

No brainer – I sent in a photo of my new black pants.

Lindy suggested the following:
• Belted striped blazer - $50
• Wood necklace - $16

I breezed through the store one day and saw the blazer on display. It was cute but not sure it’s what I’m going to by with my $75. What do you think?

I think I may hold out for a bit. You see, I need new jeans and Smart Set has partnered with Parasuco for a new line they’re introducing this summer. I also really like the purple top they’ve partnered with black pants on fashionatplay.ca. I’ll be sure to let you know what I buy with my gift card. Stay tuned.

Check out Smart Set’s Facebook fan page and/or download the Fashion Cube application, just make sure to have your photo ready if you wanna play.

My new black pants – the saga of a spaz

I spent a weekend in Montreal last April. It coincided with a Banana Republic promotion. They offered a discount based on your total purchase price (sale stuff included). So I went for the max. and spent just over $200 and got a $50 discount.

This was my first big spend since my weight loss and I needed some new work clothes. The highest-ticket item was a sleek pair of cuffed black pants with a flat front. They were a bit long so as soon as I got home, I paid a visit to my dressmaker and had them shortened.

Okay, so the first day I wore them to work, I also wore a new pair of spike-heeled shoes from Town Shoes. I had a lunchtime appointment downtown. I had no idea those heels were like knives but they were. By the time I got back to the office, not only did they get caught in a grate and destroyed on Bloor St. but they sliced through the cuffs on my new black pants 3 times! Yes, I’ll admit I’m a bit of a spaz. ;)

So, back to the dressmaker I went. She did her best to salvage my poor new black pants but I lost the cuff and gained some additional seams. Under a magnifying glass, they looked like a bit of a jigsaw puzzle. But, before I could even wear my pants in this new configuration, I injured my hip and was on a forced six-week sabbatical from high heels.

So, off to the dressmaker I went again this weekend. I had my black pants shortened to just the right length (and no more funny stitching). Now, I can wear them with my new black flats. Finally!

By the way, Town Shoes covered the cost of repairing my shoes, no questions asked. Awesome!

Gotstyle 3rd year anniversary sale & midnight madness

According to Gotstyle owner, Melissa Austria, “This sale is for the ladies who want their men to start dressing better!” With Father’s Day around the corner, this sale might be just what you need to spruce up that someone special in you life’s wardrobe.

What?
Gotstyle
3rd year anniversary sale
• 20% off the entire store

Midnight madness event
• Up to 75% off
• Door crasher specials, giveaways, contests all night
• Michael Landsberg from Off the Record is making a guest appearance from 3 p.m.- 5 p.m.
• Cupcakes

When?
3rd year anniversary sale
• Fri. June 6 - Sun. June 8

Midnight madness event
• Sat. June 7

Where?
489 King St. W, (See map.)
Toronto, ON
M5V 1K4
416-260-9696

Let us know what you get if you go.

PHT Spring Sale - Apr. 23 & 24

What?
PH>T: The Spring Sale
Designer womens clothing at wholesale prices starting at $20, sizes 2-16
Cash or cheque only

When?
Wed., Apr. 23 – 4 p.m.-7 p.m.
Thurs., Apr 24 – 4 p.m.-7 p.m.

Where?
126 John St., Suite 408 (See map.)
Toronto
416-596-7242

Let us know what you get if you go.

Thanks Joy for the tip.

Premium Retail Group featuring GUESS? Jeans warehouse sale

Premium Retail Group featuring GUESS? Jeans warehouse sale - April 30-May 4 - International Centre, Mississauga

What?
Get ready for the summer with some hot deals on the greatest fashions from GUESS! Save from 60-90% off on denim, handbags, jackets, tops, sweaters, dresses and more! Fashions for both Men and Women!
More info
Get the VIP treatment

When?
April 30, 12 noon - 9 p.m. (register for VIP preview)
May 1, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
May 2, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
May 3, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.
May 4, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Where?
International Centre, Hall 4 (see map)
6900 Airport Rd.
Mississauga, Ontario
L4V 1E8

Note: This is a sponsored post. The links don’t work in the graphic above but the links are available in the “What?” section.

Spending Saturday at Vaughan Mills

I don’t know why our family started a ritual of going to Vaughan Mills at the end of December but we did. In the beginning, we focused on three places: Build-A-Bear, NASCAR SpeedPark and Eggspectation.

Vaughan Mills is a haven for outlets but we weren’t there for the bargains.

2007 was no exception. First, we ate lunch at the food court and then went bowling at Lucky Strike Lanes. What a blast! This state-of-the-art bowling alley isn’t your typical bowling joint. It’s upscale and spotless. Had we planned better, we would have eaten lunch there too.

If I’d had my way, I’d have spent more time at Holt Renfrew Last Call. They always have great stuff, sometimes even at affordable prices. I need new jeans and there was a 7 For All Mankind promo for $59, plus racks of other designer denim for under $100! But I did a dumb thing: Instead of trying on jeans when I got to the mall, I waited until we were about to leave. The line-up for the change rooms was huge and I didn’t have the patience to wait. Even Bargainista can pass up a good deal!

Next visit, my guys can go bowling or to NASCAR and I’ll go shopping.

What’s Tzatz coupon about?

Okay maybe I’m just a bit thick but I just received this coupon from Tzatz, a local clothing store, and I’m not sure what it means.


This coupon is good for:
a) $20 off my next purchase?
b) $25 off if my next purchase is for $299 or more?
c) $20 off my next purchase or $25 off if my next purchase is $299 or more?
d) $20 off my next purchase + $25 off another purchase of $299 or more?
e) All of the above
f) None of the above

What do you think they are trying to tell me? Maybe they needed a better copywriter and/or proofreader. Have you received any confusing coupons lately?

Tags: Tzatz

Weekly wish - tag, you’re it!

Hanukkah ended today so for the most part, gift giving and receiving is over in my household. We don’t usually go all out and gifts are mainly for the kids. They both get a little something each night.

This year the gift that excited them most was choosing new t-shirts from Threadless. Lucky for me, I was able to take advantage of Threadless Holiday Sale and buy the t-shirts for $10 each. Hurry up and you can too! The sale continues until Dec. 16.

I got my wish too! A brand new hot pink FinePix Z10 digicam. It’s nice and compact and designed especially for bloggers and other people into digital photo sharing. It comes in 7 flashy colours too. You can bet I’ll be snapping more of my shopping pics from now on. I even found a sleek pink case on sale at Black’s for $6.

As for Mr. Bargainista, he didn’t ask for much. Just some nice home cooked meals and a movie. Yes, I cooked for him but we haven’t seen the movie yet.

Enough about us, this week I’m turning the wishes over to you!
What are you wishing for this holiday season? Please let me know and leave a comment. You never know, maybe you’ll get lucky and someone will grant your wish too. ; )

Tags: camera, digital camera, Fuji, FinePixZ10, photoblogging, Threadless

Premium Retail Group featuring GUESS? Jeans mega wearhouse sale

What?
Premium Retail Group Mega Warehouse Sale
Stay warm while looking great this winter and stock up with some hot deals on the greatest fashions from GUESS! Puma, Marciano, and G-Star Raw.

Save from 60-90% off on denim, handbags, jackets, tops, sweaters, dresses and more! Fashions and fragrances for both Men and Women!

Get the VIP treatment!
Take this coupon with you on Dec. 12 and save an extra 10%

When?
Dec. 12, 12 noon - 9 p.m.
Dec. 13 & 14, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Dec. 15 & 16, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Where?
International Centre, Hall 6 (see map)
6900 Airport Rd.
Mississauga, Ontario
L4V 1E8

Tags: GUESS? Jeans, G-Star Raw, Marciano, Puma, warehouse sale

ESPRIT and Lacoste warehouse sale

What?
Save the date!
ESPRIT fashions and Lacoste footwear warehouse sale, details to follow.
I don’t usually post sales without all the details but I’ve had a special request from a member of the Facebook group.

When?
VIP Night - Nov. 7: 6 p.m.-9 p.m. save an extra 10%; tickets on sale soon
Public Sale - Nov. 8 to Nov. 11 - hours to follow

Where?
International Centre, Hall 4 (see map)
6900 Airport Rd.
Mississauga, Ontario
L4V 1E8

Tags: ESPRIT, Lacoste, warehouse sale