Local Consignment Shops Make Back to School Shopping on $100 Easy

You know that Staples commercial that used to air this time of year? You know the one with the dad sailing through the isles of school supplies, his sullen children looking on in disgust, all to the tune of "It's The Most Wonderful Time of the Year"? Well, it's that time again. Only for me it's less "wonderful" and more painful, as I hemmorage money in the name of back-to-school shopping.

Don't get me wrong. I like to shop. Oh, do I like it. But I'm a savvy shopper. If I can do chic on the cheap I'm not just ensuring that the wireless bill will get paid, I'm winning.

My favorite way to shop is at consignment boutiques where I can get designer goods forTarget prices. It hurts a little less to spend $50 when I know the value of my buy is $100. And because I am a mom of three, I like to pass on these skills and thrills to my offspring.

Child number three is a born shopper. Sequined purse of her arm she is my wing man, able to visit 10 stores in a day and always ready with just the right thing to say, "That looks good Mommy. You should get that."

Her older sister and brother, though? Not so much. For them shopping is painful. They're just happy when clothes show up in their closets. That's why when I ventured out Friday to spend the $100 I saved on back to school items for them, I knew it would have to be, as my friend Holly says, "swift and fruitful."

Two stops, I promised them. One hour max, and it will all be over.

Our first stop was Cherry Pick on Broad Street in . One look at the strollers out front and the pink polka dot logo and I could see my young teenager's thinly veiled angst. "Really?," I could hear his mind say. But I knew better. While the girls and I poured through racks of mint condition dresses, he made a beeline to the back of the store to hide. Only to return moments later clutching a pair of turquoise suede Etnies, nearly new, and in just his size. "They're only nine bucks," he said with baited breath, his eyes like saucers. "If I get these, can I still get school shoes too?" Ah, the moment of conversion.

In less than an hour, with the help of Andrea, the lovely and helpful  we had three high-end brand tees and the beloved high tops for my boy, two dresses for my older daughter, including a beautiful cable knit number by Ralph Lauren and two headbands. The total: $49.63. But for my little shopper? Nothing.

Being the youngest she's got more beautiful hand-me-downs than are justifiable. The only thing she asked for was a pair of jaguar shoes, with no strap. And much to mommy's dismay, the super chic, brand new, Michael Kors flexible sole flats at this boutique were just too big for her stinky petite feet.

Hunting for jaguar shoes (really leopard or cheetah print) is tough. It's an elusive animal in the 10.5 toddler size. So we journeyed down the Route 35 jungle to Cottontails in the WOW! Plaza in .

If the name didn't get my 13-year-old son, then the changing tables and bouncy seats that fill the front of this massive store, surely did. I could feel him inciting the mantra, "No one here knows me. I will survive."

Had he learned nothing? In the span of a minute he grabbed a brand new DC cap. His eyes popped at the $6 price tag.

Stick with me, young Jedi, you have much to learn.

We had less success with the jaguar shoes. Cottontails had the little spotted shoes in almost every size and price point, from brand new pedipeds to gently worn Circos. But none, my sad little five-year-old would find, in her size, sans strap.

My middle girl, now beyond reason with hunger pains, having long ago eaten the last granola bar, was having none of it. With no hand-me-downs to claim for herself she was the one who really needed this place. I sensed that I had mere minutes before total meltdown. The boy and the little one had already begun plugging in the Lightning McQueen power wheels car and were creating a scene in the center of the store. 

My non-shopper is too skinny for jeans and most pants so I headed for the dresses. I found a gorgeous navy blue cable knit dress for her, again Ralph Lauren. The price tag was steep for my tastes at $20, but it was too good to pass up. Had I the abs of an 8 year old, you can believe I would be rockin' this dress at library duty.

On the way to the register also also managed to grab for her a cute stretchy Children's Place outfit for gym and a pair of stretch pants from the same brand.

Our total damage at the register for five items: $38. Making our grand total for 13 items: $87.63. I left the store equally triumphant over deals and exhausted from breaking up mid-shopping fist fights. The thing I was most excited about though, had to be lessons I passed onto to my apprentice shoppers. Sure you can pay full retail for your favorite brands. But even if you could (and I definitely can't), the hunt is so much more fun.

Our Friday expedition left me with about 15 bucks for jaguar shoes. So if anyone asks, I'll be atMarshalls. And the kids will be at home this time.

You do not have to leave Rumson and Fair Haven to shop like this smart mom. Local consignment shops include  and