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11 April 2016

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!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

137 comments:

  1. Very cool. I read that you like ThredUp too. I love sending in my kid's gently used clothes. It is a relief to not have to worry about them and know they are going to a good cause!

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    1. yes! - I've loved thredUP forever and just discovered Schoola -- I might never have to leave the house to shop for the kids again - ha.

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  2. Very cool idea! Always in the market for kids clothes!

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  3. Love this post! All of your outfits are adorable :)

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  4. I would love to get my kiddo some new clothes for summer!

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  5. We have an amazing children's second hand shop that I love taking Kate's old duds to. Also, we shop so much second hand that she calls Goodwill "the clothing store". LOL!

    Great to see other mommas getting awesome stuff!

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  6. Our 16M old is nearing the end of her hand me down box. We've been spoiled by free clothes since her birth but its time to find the good deals on 18M + girls clothes!

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  7. This one is new to me. Always on the hunt for good second hand clothes for my giant wolf pack

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  8. I could use some summer maternity things, since Babies #1 & #2=December, Baby #3=July.

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  9. I love shopping second hand online! I have all the littles and finding time to buy overpriced at a department store is just so hard and expensive... Glad to add another option to my ThredUp repertoire!

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  10. What a great concept. I am in the market for some nursing friendly dresses for the summer.

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  11. Are you kidding? Your outfits are adorable. You always make your look seem so effortless!

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  12. Between you and Anna at IHOD, I think I'm going to give this online second hand shopping thing a try.

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  13. Definitely need some good postpartum nursing friendly outfits!

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  14. I love ThredUp, but I'm so glad there is a whole other option to explore! I need to get summer clothes for my 3 year old (size 5!) girl!

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  15. I live in Dallas! We could use some family photos....

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  16. Size 5/6 girl clothes. Like these: https://www.schoola.com/stitch/products/gymboree-red-bottom-2070477
    And 12 mo boys pants https://www.schoola.com/stitch/products/carters-tan-bottom-2113119

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  17. I love Phoebe's dress the most - so cute!! I'd probably get a few summer dresses for myself :) I don't have kiddos yet but so happy to know about this site!

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  18. Love a good secondhand site for the kiddos! Yay!

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  19. Always looking for new spots for used clothes for Ted! I especially like these...https://www.schoola.com/stitch/products/carters-green-bottom-2093425

    When you donate clothes or buy do you get to choose where the donation goes?

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  20. I need some new summer clothes for work and would love to check out their site.

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  21. Shorts for my son!

    Ashley.d.whisenant@gmail.com

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  22. I've gotten stuff for my kids and me hear before and if I won I'd buy more stuff for us all. And I could because it is all such a good deal!

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  23. Yes! Love this idea. Currently in the market for some cool-mom black cut offs for summer...with Schoola prices, I may end up buying a pair of jeans to chop up to my preferred length of almost-too-short-for-a-mom.

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  24. Summer clothes for my 5 year old!

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  25. I'm interested in checking out the site for some new clothes for my 2 year old son as well as for the future little one we are expecting in August!

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  26. Thanks for sharing. That site looks awesome!!

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  27. Your kiddos are adorable. And LOVE your style :)

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  28. I have never loved secondhand shopping in a physical store as it feels overwhelming and disorganized. However, I think I could get on board the whole online deal. Way less intimidating!

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  29. I would buy my kids some clothes for this fall

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  30. You guys are all so cute! I'm into the floral dresses :)

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  31. Perfect timing! I love second hand clothes for my son who really needs some shorts and tshirts for this summer.

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  32. Ive been meaning to check out Schoola, I only have one child, a boy, but I've been a consignment junky from day one. This is very similar and I love that the money goes to a school. What a great idea! I'm on the hunt now for fall clothes.

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  33. I bought the leather jacket you had listed. Thank you! I've used Schoola twice now, both times stocking up on duds for my 2 year old who has been growing like a weed. What a great business model.

    www.sarahesh.com

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  34. Definitely clothes for my toddler girl and preteen boy!

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  35. Love this! I'd love to stock up on comfy play dresses for my three year old who refuses to wear anything else!

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  36. Cool! Some new dress clothes for my one year old would be sweet. Who doesn't love dressing up a sweet little boy?

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  37. Summer clothes for my 6 year old son - he is growing like a weed

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  38. I have 5 children too and shop second hand for their clothing. I'm going to check this place out :)

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  39. At first i thought this said shoe la la i.e. michael scott's company idea lol. I would be in the market for some preschool girls clothes if i won :)

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  40. What a great giveaway, I am definitely in the market for clothes for the 4 year old!

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  41. I need summer clothes for myself!

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  42. Yes! I love thredup and Kidizen, and here is another one to scour daily! Yay! Expecting #2 and find out next month if it's little boy or girl...I will definitely be looking for new little baby clothes! As well asay clothes for my toddler boy :)

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  43. Phoebe is getting so BIG! I'm in the market for women's clothes.

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  44. i am in the market for a pair of distressed denim!

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  45. I love getting "new" dresses every summer so that's definitely what I would be looking for! I love modcloth too so perfect!

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  46. The once-upon-a-time (pre-children) teacher in me LOVES this concept. Will be pursuing!

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  47. I'm in the market for girls 7 and women's.

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  48. I love finding cute thrifty items! Excited to check 'em out!

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  49. What an awesome way to give back! I love supporting schools and I hope this site can really contribute. We have a 4 year old boy but there is a baby girl on the way in a month that will need some new clothes! Looks like I could use this site to help out our school and downsize my attic space that's full of boy clothes too!

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  50. I love ThredUp and have been meaning to try Schoola. I'm going to have to place an order!

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  51. What a great concept! I love the flowered shorts from Janey and Jack for my niece!

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  52. Boys' clothes! I hate to spend a lot of money on things they just tear up!

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  53. I have a two year old- I'm constantly in the market for new clothes! Not quite summer in western WA, but we're trying to round out her wardrobe. This would definitely help!

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  54. Boys' clothes! I cannot keep up with how fast they grow!

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  55. Human shaped jimson weeds, indeed. I love that you don't have to leave home for used clothing. Thee best with small ones.

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  56. This is so great. Second hand kids clothes forever. Also I'll shortly be in the market for some in between postpartum clothes too!

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  57. as my two year old hurricane starts to really wear down his clothes, hole free pants are a beacon to me!

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  58. What a genius idea! I so love your dress! How do you look so good?! I read all of your interviews and found out that all three of you love English so I guess the new move for english lovers is blogging! lol Please don't ever stop! :)

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  59. These pictures are amazing!! Can your sister in law edit my pictures? Ha!

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  60. Your kiddos are so cute. I'd love to get some onesies, pants, and overalls for my baby girl.

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  61. I'll have to try this site, I love second hand!

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  62. so cute! I need to check out s

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  63. love it! need to check out schoola!

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  64. I need post partum stuff like woah so I'll need to check it out!

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  65. Looking for some cute summer tanks for my daughter!

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  66. I had never heard of Schoola. I'm happy you shared! What a great concept! I'm perusing the listings for summer business casual shirts and dresses for work.

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  67. So far I'm never not in the market for girls' clothing. :)

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  68. Your kids are the cutest!

    We're definitely in the market for some summer dresses.

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  69. This literally could not have come at a better time. My daughter was SO BIG when she was born and even now at 7 months, I can't figure out her sizes or keep up with her growing. I was just complaining to my husband that I need a new site to buy her clothes. Thank you thank you for sharing!

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  70. You have adorable children. The end.

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  71. I love ThredUp, but Schoola is a new one for me. Thanks for sharing!

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  72. Grace,
    Is it me or do your legs look really weird int he first (top) photo. It looks like your left leg is behind the right. Anyway enough to about the tricky leg photo, your kids are adorable and I look forward to reading your blog!

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  73. I like the idea of of Schoola! I'll add them to my shopping and donating options. :). I'm excited to find some shoes!!

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  74. with 4 kiddos, 2ndhand is a must! thanks for the new rec!

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  75. These pictures are too dang cute.

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  76. LOVE that they have ModCloth and accessories!

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  77. what a great website! my three year old needs summer clothes & i could use some shorts too!

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  78. Love the dress you scored! I also really like the idea of Schoola over Thredup

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  79. Love this idea. We are always outgrowing our clothes! I just had to pack away the winter stuff and will be looking for summer gear.

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  80. I really need some more shoes and so I would probably go with one of their pairs of shoes.

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  81. Awesome concept! I'm in the market for some new clothes for the post baby body and clothes for my little guy who is growing also like a weed!

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  82. yay! Another online thrift/consignment option! I am kind of an addict when it comes to buying dresses, and I think I have my eye on a few more from Schoola.

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  83. Summer post maternity clothes!

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  84. I would also be in the market for second hand kid clothes from Schoola. Love getting a deal :)

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  85. Site was very easy to navigate. Thank you!

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  86. Love that you're all about thrifting - me too! I need some new dresses for summer weddings for friends, and this seems like the perfect spot! Thanks for the giveaway :)

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  87. I am always looking for little boy clothes. My 6 year old ruins a shirt a day it seems!

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  88. Love it! I am a big fan of ThredUp so seeing that there are other options is always a plus! I would be in the market for some new work appropriate summer tops. I am a school librarian and spend about a month every summer preparing my library for the next school year.

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  89. Always looking for kids clothes!

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  90. How cool! I've never heard of them, love the idea! I would love a few new summer dresses.

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  91. We go through boys jeans like crazy - so that would be a must buy!

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  92. We love ThredUp in our house! That is where we've gotten 90% of our clothes this last year... and I don't see any sign of turning back anytime soon!

    Paige
    http://thehappyflammily.com

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  93. Lucy is always being either longer shirts or smaller-waisted shorts, or both. And I'm ready for a grown up wardrobe. My college leftovers are staying to feel REALLY frumptastic lately.

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  94. ALWAYS on the lookout for my one year old! Wouldn't hate it to find something for myself too! :)

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  95. Would love some new dresses for myself!

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  96. Love Julia's outfit (and expression!)... and I had never heard of Schoola before but am always looking for new second-hand options! Thanks for the recommendation!

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  97. I love that idea! What an awesome concept.

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  98. You got me hooked on thredup. Now I'm excited for this. My favorite is how they donate to schools in need. I'm always looking for good deals for my 4 kids. Thanks!

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  99. So many great options! Athleta for Malala for sure!!

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  100. Going crazy for spring clothes, mostly for my kids but I suppose momma's gotta wear something too, right..?!

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  101. I love the family/children photos! your SIL did an awesome job.. Dallas is a pretty cool place to live. I interviewed there. but sigh... Indiana won. My hubs does not like the heat whereas I LOVE IT and the AC that comes with it of course.

    Bash and Bosco - wow... twins!

    looking beautiful, Grace!

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  102. Seriously in need of more summer skirts and dresses. Searching the site with a fine tooth comb about now.

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  103. I love this idea. Discounted clothes and donation to charity- win win! I am in great need of some summer clothes for my 7 month old Penelope!

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  104. Ooooooh long tees/sweaters for my leggings!

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  105. this is a really good idea! I love the idea of helping out local schools!! I am looking for some summer work clothes, Its hard because I am petite.. but they even offer women's petite on schoola!

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  106. I tried Schoola last summer and LOVED it!
    If I won I would get a few things for my kids... but mostly I'd build myself a postpartum wardrobe!

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  107. So cute! Yay for another affordable online shopping venue, this is new to me!

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  108. I'll be in the market for summer clothes for my 4 year old and 2 year old that both have moved up on a size without telling me!

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  109. Will have to check their dress selection!! Thanks for sharing!

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  110. My 4 year old loves to wear dresses, but I can't justify paying full price for something she's going to trash on the playground anyway. Love the selection on Schoola!

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  111. Love these photos - your kids are so cute!

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  112. Nautica shorts for boys - $7. Yes please!

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  113. Yay - Just realized my kiddos' tiny Catholic school benefits from School😀

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  114. I'm very much in the market for maternity clothes right now, but regular store prices are ridiculous. This looks like a great option.

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  115. Since I won the Beachmate giveaway, I'm going to see if I'm doubly lucky :D :D :D

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  116. I'm in the market for simple dresses.

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  117. I'm in need of sleepers for the boy/girl twins I'm expecting in August!

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  118. I am always looking for work and casual clothes.

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  119. I'm feeling hopeful! I need to find 12-18 month summer clothes for my little girl! She's hit a growth spurt and all of our cute spring clothes don't fit!

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  120. Yes, the ripped knees!! Every. Single. Pair.

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  121. Coincidentally, I also posses a human-shaped weed! I'm going to check this site out!

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  122. Great site, I have a whole pile of clothes sitting on top of my vanity that I need to donate!! :)

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  123. I need clothes for my 22mobth old for the summer!

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  124. I'd shop for my granddaughter.

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