How to Afford Boutique Smocked Clothing for Your Children

if you follow a few important tips, affording smocked clothing that originated at a boutique is possible.

Smocking involves embroidering detail or a specific design onto pre-pleated fabric. The method has been handed down for generations and is used frequently on boutique-brand clothing. Smocked outfits for a little one usually cost no less than $50, which sets them beyond the budget for many families. Whereas such an investment may seem large at first, secondhand smocked clothing commonly retains much of its value and usually sells for a higher price than other used clothing. If purchasing new, smocked outfits is not an option, there are several other options available to help you afford these beautiful, handcrafted outfits.

Instructions

1. Sort through your children's outgrown and out-of-season clothing. Any apparel that is stained or has other imperfections should be set aside to donate or reuse in other ways. Clothing that is still in usable condition can be sold. and money made from the sale of your children's clothing can be used to purchase boutique-smocked clothing that's perfect for your child.

2. Open an account with an online auction site such as eBay.com. Not only will you be able to sell your children's outgrown wardrobes there, you may be able to purchase boutique clothing at discounted prices. Most of the smocked clothing you will find online is still in like-new condition and while you won't pay yard sale prices for most outfits, you will enjoy significantly discounted prices.

3. Search your area for a consignment store that offers you money or store credit for your gently-used children's clothing. Taking your items to a consignment store saves time and money since you don't have to ship them as you would with an online auction. However, a consignment store will probably not pay you as much for the clothing since they have to make a profit on the sale as well. While you are at the store, peruse their selection of smocked clothing. Many stores will have a separate section for boutique brands, while some consignment stores sell only boutique children's clothing.

4. Call your local sewing center or craft store to see if they offer smocking classes. Though this is the most difficult way to obtain affordable smocked clothing you would otherwise find in a boutique, it is certainly the least expensive. Smocking, though time-consuming, can become a lifelong hobby and your handiwork can be enjoyed now and then passed down through the generations.

Tips & Warnings

• If your city does not have a consignment store, chances are there is a seasonal consignment sale in the area. Ask friends, family and co-workers to keep an eye out for sales that are being advertised in your town. These sales normally take place twice a year. Once in late winter for spring and summer clothing and once in late summer for fall and winter clothing.

• Be sure to check the ratings and read reviews of the seller on the auction site. Steer away from anyone who does not seem to be a reputable seller.

References

• Garden Fairies Trading Company: What is English Smocking; Beth-Katherine Kaiman; 2010