Here is something I will never understand: Mall, department store and boutique pricing. I just don't see why these places jack up their prices for items one can get for a fraction of the cost elsewhere. Is it really all about labels? When will we our society ever learn? The name on the tag of your shirt, the signature design on the butt of your jeans and the word etched across the side of your sneakers means absolutely nothing to anyone except for you. Nobody thinks you're cool. I have a hard time believing anyone buys expensive clothing just to feel good. I truly feel people do it so others will notice. I've heard from a source I will not name that the quality of the clothing is better. I'm sorry, but that is just a load of crap.... Shoes will fall apart, shirts will fade and/or rip, jeans will wear out (no pun intended), fake metal jewelry will tarnish and electronics will eventually need to be replaced. Just because someone pays $150 for something I refuse to pay more than, let's say, $30 for doesn't mean it will last any longer! I have also heard from the aforementioned source that I only feel this way because I can't afford to shop solely in the mall, so it makes me feel better to bash those who do. First off, I don't bash anyone. I would never tell someone they're wrong or insult them for their choices. I simply disagree with being overcharged for items I know I can get cheaper somewhere else. Second, even if I could afford to shop exclusively at the mall, department stores and boutiques, I still wouldn't. I am frugal by nature, and pride myself in stretching a dollar until it screams. I believe in getting the best bang for my buck every time.
This brings me to the second part of my post: Why are children's clothes so expensive? I realize we all have our own opinions of what is reasonable and what is not when it comes to prices. This being said, I have a huge problem with places charging more for children's clothing than I pay for my own. Kids grow out of their clothing so quickly, and many are rough on their clothing, so why pay top dollar for something they'll only be able to wear for a few months? Doesn't it make more sense to shop at cheaper places and get more for your money? Kids don't care about the labels on their clothing, so I truly feel parents buy name brand and boutique clothing for their kids for their own gratification. I have 3 young children, and I'm not ashamed to say their wardrobes consist almost entirely of clothing purchased from Wal Mart, a second hand store called Kid to Kid, Costco and Target. My oldest has more clothes than anyone in our household because she has a cousin who graciously provides great hand-me-down items. Does this make me a bad mom? I don't think so. I want my children to grow up focusing on who people are inside and not what they're wearing on the outside. I would hate for my children to feel bad about themselves or bad for others due to their clothing.
