when secondhand means first rate

Not to sound like a scratched compact disc, because I know I've told you several times before, but as the kids get older and continue to grow at alarming rates I'm realizing how much I value being able to find clothing secondhand for my little human-shaped Jimson weeds. It's almost as if the boys know that if I dare to deviate from my norm and spring for a new pair of pants they are supposed to immediately run outside and give them a sizeable knee rip for good, "told you so" measure. Luckily, I've been fairly successful on my secondhand hunts but was so excited to discover a treasure trove of thrifty goodness over at Schoola. 

The kids can hardly contain their excitement.

And before I go any further I have to thank Simon for taking these pictures and throw out a massive thank you to my super talented sister-in-law for editing them. She's the best and I'm not pushing Simon for a post-Tampa move to Dallas just so she can take our pictures. No, not at all.

I've never thought the girls looked too much alike but this picture changes my mind ... a bit!

And I will forever think Bash and Bosco are nearly identical while Theo is the spitting image of my dad ...

Anyway, off track, Grace! Off track.

Julia's outfit came brand new from Gymboree, Phoebe's sweet dress came new from The Children's Place, Sebastian is rocking all Gymboree, Theo is wearing Cherokee duds, Baby B was lucky enough to score some Tea Collection clothing, and I'm wearing a dress by MOON from ModCloth (which I've tried in vain to find in other colors because I love the cut so much but! no luck, yet -- I'm not finished searching).

Schoola accepts donations of gently used women's and children's clothing that can be sent for free by requesting donation bags from their site. They sell everything at well over 70% off the original retail price (yay!) and donate 40% of their profits to schools in need (double yay!).

Often times, retail stores will donate brand new inventory to school and you'll find clothing with the tags still attached for sale on Schoola's site - as was the case with several of the kids' clothes pictures above.

We sent in a few fun pieces from our closets that you can shop right over here and the proceeds from those sales will benefit Mount Vernon Community School in Alexandria, VA where one of my dear friends teaches.

I had some fun "styling" (term used v-e-r-y loosely because fashionista I am not) an oxford for both a day and night look over on their site along with true fashionistas: Bridget and Gabrielle. Head on over to take a peek if you dare. And then head over to Schoola's site to shop their oxford shirt inventory so you can show up my style skills.

And to top it allllll off - the icing on the secondhand cake today is that Schoola is giving away a $100 credit to spend however the lucky winner would like.

Best of luck!!

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