Conference moira::parenting

    
    
    re. 0
    
    You mean Rachels in Shrewsbury? It is about 30 minutes from LKG
    off Rt 9. They have a large selection.
    
    I don't know what style and price range you are looking for, but
    one place that have a large selection of stores is Burlington Mall.
    They have 4 large department stores and a handful of children clothing
    stores like Gap Kids, Limited Too and Gymboree. 
    
    The discount stores like TJ Maxx and Marshalls have good quality
    stuff at very good prices, the only drawback - things are kind
    of mixed up - you need to inspect everything for defects.
    
    
    Eva
    
     
       

Raschell's is actually in Westborough, MA, at the intersection of routes 9
and 135.  They have limited evening hours, so you might want to call and
check that out before you trek down there.

Another possibility is the new Worcester Common Fashion Outlet which is right
in downtown Worcester.  It has an Osh Kosh outlet store which has lots of
stuff for toddlers (but not so much for the older kids).  There are other
kids clothing stores there too but I haven't been in them yet.

					Tracy

Calverts, in Shrewsbury, Needham, and Tewksbury.    I find them better 
than Raschels.   

Personally, I would not call anythign in the Burlington Mall, especially 
their specialty kids stores, a "value".    Maybe a sale at Filene's, 
but certainly not Gap Kids or Gymboree.  

    Personally, I do extremely well at K-Mart for my son's clothes,
    especially on their clearance racks.  A couple of weeks ago I bought my
    son an absolutely adorable overalls and flannel shirt set and it only
    cost me $7.00.  I also bought him a really nice sweatsuit for $6.00.  I
    don't think Rachels or any of those children specialty shops are any
    bargain.
    
    Lori B.

    I agree!  McFrugal's and Target are it for me.  Kids grow
    so fast (mine anyway!) that I do not spend any more that
    $5 for a piece of clothes, except church clothes.  But,
    you don't have those stores in MA.  Go to K-Mart or
    Caldor - department stores are the way to go for kids
    clothes, I think.
    
    Pam

    
    I was surprised by the prices in a store called
    Childrens Place.  I saw one in the Burlington mall
    and one in the Natick Mall.  I do not know if there
    are any others.  Their prices are pretty reasonably!
    Especially compared to the other mall stores (gymboree,
    baby gap...)
    
    Amy

    And don't forget Marshall's
    

    
    The Childrens Place is fantastic!  There's one in the Worcester
    Center Fashion Outlet Mall.  There prices are very reasonable, much
    better than Gymboree or Gap Kids.  
    
    They also have great accessories - pony tail holders, headbands, socks,
    necklaces etc. that all coordinate with the outfits.
    
    Kirsten
    

    
    
    I must be in the minority, but I find Rachels very reasonable for
    quality children's clothing.  I find that the major brands
    (Osh Kosh, Mousefeathers, Rothchild) hold up much better than
    the bargins.  I have 2 girls to dress, and I would rather buy 
    quality that they both will wear for a little more $$ than
    one of those bargins...
    
    They do sell some of the bargin-type things at Raschels.  I asked an
    employee how well this particular outfit would hold up and she said 
    that it was guarateed to last *ONE* season....One season won't do it
    for me....I have Osh Kosh hand me downs that 3 kids have worn and they
    still look great!
    
    Gymboree has good stuff too!  I don't know how well they hold up since
    I just started shopping there around Christmas time!!  
    
    Now if you want to talk expensive, visit New Arrivals in Worcester, I
    almost went broke on two dresses there!
    
    -beth

    I have to 3rd the Childrens Place!
    
    I was in Maine last weekned, and hit thier store in Kittery..
    
    I bought quilted sweatshirts for $5/piece! I ended up picking up
    3 of them in sizes much larger than Nicholas wears because they were
    such a great price. I didn't know they were local in Mass.
    
    And, the day I was there, I applied for a Credit card and saved
    15% on my purchase.... I cut up the card when it came in, so I really
    did save (espically since Maine has a tax on clothes).
    
    Anne Marie

    I have been finding great clothes for Angeline (5 1/2 months)
    in Caldor, Bradlees, and (believe it or not) Stuart's.  Stuart's
    even carries a very limited amount of Osh-bi-gosh and sells them
    at reasonable prices.  Generally they go on sale once a month
    at about 30% off also.   Their infant/toddler's department has
    saved me plenty of money and most of the stuff does wear well.
    They usually put all their other clothes on sale at 25% off 
    every two or three weeks.  I go to the Stuart's in Nashua, NH.
    Some of their stores are better than others.
    
    Bradless has the Tiny Toes line, and that is the stuff that
    gets warm and cuddly!  Nice cotton.  Now the Bradlees' in
    New Hampshire that I go to, both in Nashua, are not as good
    as the one in Chelmsford, MA (which is not far at all from
    Littleton).   It's on rte 110.   In fact, the Bradlees in
    Nashua off exit 6 is probably the worse kept infants dept.
    I have ever seen in any store and I've gone to their service
    desk and said so.  It really is a mess, which is too bad 
    because they have some nice things.
    
    Children's Orchard is real good for second hand clothes. I
    can't think of one near Littleton though.  The closest would
    be a part of Westford that is not on the Littleton side or
    convenient.  It's up by Tyngsboro and Pepperill.
    
    					cj *->

    I just reread the original note here and saw the child
    you inquired about is a toddler.  Um...my note -.1 may
    not be helpful!  :-)   I haven't bought into the toddler
    stuff yet.  Except for neices and nephews and I've always
    bought at Bradlees for them.
    
    					cj *->

    
    I second Children's Orchard, if you don't mind "used" clothes.  You can
    get some REAL bargains there!
    
    I too tend to shop at Rich's, Stuart's and K-Mart.  Bradlees seems to
    carry "the same" clothes for more money.  I have 3 boys, but they're
    all at odds with each other for seasons, so a lot of clothes never get
    used by another kid.
    
    For jeans, head to Wal-Mart or Sears and you can get the sears brand
    pretty cheap, or I think they're Rustler's at Wal-mart that are ~$8.00,
    and they last and last !
    
    -Patty

    I was in Stuarts last weekend and they were having 50% off on all their
    clearance.  I picked up a nice pair of sweatpants for my son for $1.50
    and a nice sweatshirt for $2.00.  Not bad!  Also, last night I was in
    Wal-Mart and they had little (6 mo. - 1T) blanket sleepers on sale for
    $2.88.  They had a couple of sweatsuits, boys size 5, for $4.00.
    
    Lori B.

    Lori,
    
    Glad to see that note on blanket sleepers at Wal-mart!  Angeline
    has only one.  She sleeps with her blanket on her face and 
    shoulders, with her body from her waist down exposed.  I've given
    up covering her all night, because she just pulls them up over
    her head again.  I had just decided to just buy her a bunch of
    sleepers and *poof* there's your note!
    
    						cj *->

    
    
    There's also Kids-R-Us, right next to the Pheasant Lane Mall in Nashua.
    It would be about 30 mins. from LKG.
    
    -Sadhana

    Calverts has some  great deals, sometimes you just have to hit it
    right.  (Rt 9 Shrewsbury).  JC Penney has some good sales.  Last month
    I picked up turtlenecks for $1.99 each.  Walmart (Hudson) has
    garanimals sweatpants for under $3.00 each.
    I like Gymboree in the Natick Mall, it isn't cheap but the clothes wear
    really well.  They tend to be more contemporary in style and the bright
    colors never seem to fade.  There is a good selection of coordinates so
    you can mix and match different pieces.

    
    Another comment on Gymboree...yes they are not cheap, but the stuff
    lasts forever. My daughter Lara is wearing outfits bought for Anna (my
    daughter) and handed down to Emily (my neice) and now I have them back.
    They are still in great condition and will go back to my sister
    (Emily's mom) if the baby due in 7 weeks ends up being another girl.
    Basically an outfit at Gymboree can cost a good $25 to $35 if you buy
    accessories to go with them. They also have clearence sections where
    you can get them cheaper. But if you divide the cost of an outfit (say
    $30) by 3 kids, it's only been $10 a kid and it's still got more life
    in it. I would note though to not buy the matching socks. Yes, they're
    cute, but they don't stay on and are really short. I never use them.
    
    I have also shopped at Stuarts and gotten some great deals. 
    
    

    
    Yes, the specialty stores brands are more expensive, but they carry
    all cotton clothes and the clothes last. The buttons and decorations
    stay on and the seams and zippers don't rip. They are good value for 
    someone who wants something basic and reliable that will stay nice 
    looking and comfortable wearing for a long time. These stores also 
    have a color scheme for each season, so mix and match is easy.
    
    
    
    Eva
    
    
    

    I like Raschel's for the name brands (Osh Kosh, Jet Set, etc) they are
    still less expensive than most of they other stores.  The lesser
    brands, even though they are cheap, tend to fall apart quickly or
    shrink up.  
    
    The Children's Place is very reasonable (and they are great about returns) 
    and I like that they carry colors (orange, yellow) that look good on my 
    warm skin toned daughter.
    
    Gymboree, ahhh, some of her nicest outfits come from there.  They
    really do last forever.  I've splurged on one outfit there and the
    others have been gifts.  I just wish they'd change their sales attitude
    from attack mode as soon as you walk in the store.
    
    I also love the brand FlapDoodles but really can't seem to find a place
    that sells them for reasonable prices.
    
    /Susan

	Thanks for the huge number of replies. Sounds like I'll have
	fun looking. 
	Even the more expensive items mentioned sound good value when 
	compared to prices over here - typically fifteen pounds 
	(about 25$) for an outfit of average quality. Osh Kosh and 
	other better quality brands are considerably more expensive.

	Paula.

    Paula,
    
    Of course, if you're looking for someone to go see some of
    these places with you, I'm always available and so good at
    shopping!  I know most of the areas mentioned quite well
    and am dying to go to Rachells (sp?)  :-) :-) :-)
    
    						cj *->

    I love Kid's R Us, especially for boys clothes.  I think they have the
    largest and best selection of boy clothing.  I have gotten the best
    deals by shopping on the clearance racks and if you catch it right,
    they often have 25% off clearance prices.  The best deal I've gotten
    was a Healthtex shirt for 75 cents and a high quality sweat suit for
    $3.00.  I love a good deal especially on quality items.  Have fun.
    
    Sue
    

    One other place I forgot to mention was, believe it or not, Toys R Us. 
    I've gotten some really great deals there on clothes for my son when
    they're on clearance.  About a year ago I picked up a couple of outfits
    that were denim pants with cotton hooded t-shirts for $3.00 each.
    
    Lori B.
    
    P.S. The Wal-Mart that had the blanket sleepers for $2.88 was in
    Lunenburg.  Every Wal-mart has different prices depending on the region
    that they're in.

    
    One comment on the Worcester Fashion Outlet Osh Kosh store... I found
    their prices to be slightly more than Raschells in Westboro and their
    selection was not as good.  So, for Osh Kosh, go to Raschells.
    
    This Childrens Place sounds like something I need to check out!  I
    didn't go in last time I was at the outlets (hubbie was with me so
    I can't go in every store).
    
    As far as the Childrens Orchard goes, I've stopped going there.  I
    find that their prices are only about 1/2 off normal prices.  I'd
    rather buy new (on sale).  For instance, I got Osh Kosh overalls
    there for $7.00, used.  At Raschels, I got Osh Kosh overalls on
    sale for $7.00, brand new.
    
    Karen  

    Speaking of Raschel's.  I'm not sure if my memory serves me
    correctly, but I seem to recall someone saying to me once
    that they had one of the best selections for boys.  Or do
    I have it backwards?  Perhaps a limited selection?   
    
    I just know that most boys clothes seem to have either a
    sports or nautical theme, and during a conversation concerning
    that someone brought up Raschel's, but I forget in what light.
    
    						cj *->

    
    I would say that Raschel's has a pretty good selection of boys 
    clothes.
    
    I can also vouch for Stuarts...for infants - 24mos, they have great
    deals, and when they have their sales for up to 30%off, you can't beat
    their prices. 
    
    Anne Marie

    I am a faithful shopper for casual childrens' clothing @ Children's
    Place - Heavy rugby style shirts, sweats, gorgeous t-knit outfits for
    boys and girls, plus classy accessories from sun glasses to sock, hats
    belts..
    
    Decelles - 1690 Mass Ave., Lexington (861-8554) - Not the 'bargain'
    place, but carries some of the nicest dress and casual clothes around.
    Still looking for pretty, flouncy girls dresses with delicate stitches
    and petticoats? Decelles has it along with Laccoste jerseys and such.
    
    Concord Children's Shop, again not a 'bargain' store, but some of the 
    nicest, heirloom quality dress clothes to casual. They still offer the
    best one-on-one service around. Gosh do I have memories of school
    clothes shopping there.
    
    Then I also vote for Ann $ Hope and Rich's for OshGosh and London Fog
    stuff and everything else cute and affordable.
    

    Hi,
    
     Can somebody tell me, up to what size and age can you buy clothes 
     at Raschel's and can somebody post direction on how to get there
     coming from Salem NH.  
    
    Thanks
    

    I was in the Arsenal Mall on Saturday and I believe the store that I
    went in was called The Children's Place.  I looked at some of the stuff
    in there and I thought they were kind of pricey.  Also, they did not
    carry slims (my son wears a 4 slim, regulars fall off).
    
    Lori B.

    The Children's Place hasn't been a success with me, either.  My son is
    tall and slim, and everything (or most everything) is 100% cotton so it
    shrinks.  If I buy clothes too long, they are too big!  Buy them to
    fit, and they shrink.  At the Osh Kosh store, I bought an outfit that
    was a size 6, but it appeared huge.  The tag said it will shrink up to
    correct size, and it was accurate.  One washing, and it was perfect and
    has remained a perfect fit.  It was expensive, however.  
    I stick with Raschell's... 
    Sarah

    
    Looks like there's a dichotomy in people's definitions of  "value" in 
    children's clothing....seems to fall something along the lines of 
    inexpensive vs. long-wearing....
    
    I've been pretty lucky at getting the best of both worlds at stores
    like Raschel's, Calverts, TJMaxx, and Marshalls.    There are certain 
    brands that I tend to buy based on good experience for wear, washability 
    (color fastness, shrinkage, no pilling, etc) and style.   Brands that 
    seldom let me down are Lee, Levis, Gap, OshKosh (100% cotton, don't like 
    their blended knits), B.U.M., Polo, LeTop, Carter's Classics, Splash!,
    Weebok, Absorba - to name a few 8^).   These are for boys though most
    make girls' lines as well.   I almost never spend more than $15/outfit 
    on the baby (typically ~$10) - maybe $25/outfit (~typically ~$15) on 
    my 5-year old.   
    
    I've so far been pleased with the few items that I've bought from
    the children's selection in the Land's End catalog.  I'm thinking
    about ordering a couple of things from "After the Stork" - any 
    experiences with thier products? 
    
    RE: .31 - I find that most "quality" 100% cotton clothing is shrinkage
              controlled.  I like the way that Raschel's marks the racks
       	      of items that shrink or fade alot.
    
    Carol                                                        

    I agree with the brand names in .32 - and would add (for slim kids)
    Izod and French Toast.  Alex has always been slim, and those brands fit
    her consistently.
    
    Miscellany on Raschel's: I think they still don't take credit cards
    (cash or check only).  Buy brand names you trust; most of the stuff is
    good, but I've gotten some self-destructing garments there too. 
    Raschel's is THE PLACE for underwear and sox (Le Roi sox are very high
    quality, IMO).  There's only one day a week for evening hours there (I
    think it's Friday); they close at 5 every other day.  Sundays used to
    be 12 to 5 but maybe with the blue laws' demise they've started opening
    earlier (10?).  I'm almost positive the sizes go up to 14.
    
    And if I had a boy, I'd probably shop at Raschel's 90% of the time--I
    think they have a GREAT selection.  I also love the way the store is
    divided: boys on one side, girls on the other.  (Alex and I have
    frequently infiltrated the boys' side for Ts and sweats and shorts--
    that's how good the selection is!)
    
    I've gotten some great stuff at Calvert's, but the prices weren't THAT
    great (on the great *stuff*).  And several times it seemed that I was
    disturbing the staff on Not Interested in Helping Customers Day... so I 
    shop Calvert's as a last resort.
    
    Leslie
    
    

    re: .33  Raschels takes major credit cards now.

    
    Someone earlier mentioned "McFrugals".   Is this really a store ?
    The only name similar I recognize is "Frugal Fannies", whic has
    clothing for women, at great prices.  Can someone tell me if
    "McFrugals" exists...and where is it ???
    
    ..rke
    

<                         -< - Is there a McFrugals ?" >-

In Colorado Springs.

     Carol

    Raschel's (Westboro) is now open until 9pm Thursday AND Friday nights. 
    I think Sunday is still 12 - 5.  I wish the Foxboro store was open on
    Sundays as they frequently have different merchandise.  Major credit
    cards have been accepted for almost a year now.
    
    Jet Set is also another brand that I find fits better for tall, slim
    kids (like my daughter), I don't know how big they run to though, since
    she's a 4T now.
    
    Another source (pricey, though) for quality clothes is Hanna Andersen.
    I bought several of their turtle necks (I love the neck snaps) and they
    have held up like iron.  Their pants tend to be very baggy (I had to
    return a pair of gorgeous overalls that I could have fit 2 of my
    daughter in), but their shirts and jumpers fit well.  A nice thing
    about Hannas is that you can return any of their clothes after use and
    get a 20% credit (20% of original purchase price) towards anything else
    in their catalog.  They take your returned clothes and donate them to
    homeless kids (everyone wins).  They've also opened up an outlet store
    in NH, has anyone been there yet?
    
    /Susan

    Re: -1. Where in New Hampshire is the Hanna Andersen outlet?

    RE:  Hanna Andersen outlet
    
    I can't remember exactly, but for some reason Portsmouth is sticking in my
    head.
    
    If you have a fairly recent catalog I believe they list it in there. 
    I'll check and see tonight if I still have one.
    
    /Susan

  Hanna Andersson is in Portsmouth.  I took exit 5 from I-95.  You follow
rt-1 bypass south to get there.  You turn in at Mirona Road.
  I was there this past Saturday.  They were having a 30% off sale.  I found
a very limited selection in my kids sizes (110-130) but the few items I 
found were worth the trip to me.  They seem to be very well stocked for
babies and older kids (10 and up?)
  I find Hanna's clothes to be expensive but very durable.  I've been
extremely pleased with my daughter's jacket/snow pants purchased there.
After 2 seasons they look brand new.

Elizabeth

    My daughters are in 6 and 8 in the JET SET.  My daughters are both long
    legged and thin and they are about the only brand of pants that don't
    slide right off.
    
    Roberta

    There is a new children's store in Acton, in the strip mall where
    Honigsbaum's used to be.  I drove by after hours last night, and
    noticed a sign in the window to the effect of "Everything under $10". 
    It looked very colorful inside!  I don't remember the name of the
    store, has anyone shopped there?
    
    Julie

    I also love the Hanna Anderson clothes.  They always look brand new,
    even after 2 children.  I also find that the clothes fit for a very
    long time.  My son has been wearing a size 80cm outfit since he was
    3months old and he is now 16 months and still wears it.  They look
    soooo cute in the striped long johns.  I use them for Pjs.  I won't buy
    them full price however.
    
    Baby Gap/Gap Kids clothes are great too.  They have good sales but are
    still pricey.  
    
    I've gotten some great deals at Calverts.  I like Osh Kosh Overalls and
    pants but don't really care for the shirts.  I have 2 boys so I like to
    buy really good quality clothes because I know they will get a lot of
    wear.
    
    There is a line called Wes and Willy that I used to be able to get
    very inexpensively at Mcquades basement in Tyngsboro.  They've closed.
    Has anyonw else seen these anywhere?  I think it was a line strictly
    for boys.  Similar in quality to the Flapdoodles.
    
    
    				Mary

    A new store just opened up in Acton, corner of 2A/119 and 27.  It used
    to be the Honigbaum location.  It is called PRICELESS...KIDS.  All the
    clothes are $10 and under.  I took a quick look and they have Buster
    Brown, Tiny Tots, Heathtex, etc, from infant to children.  They have
    alot of spring/summer clothes.
    
    ..rke
    

Since Children's Orchard is a chain, I've found the prices to be more expensive 
there than other consignment stores.  But I do check them out for used toys,
and got a child's rocking chair and Little Tykes slide that I'm happy with.

Anyway, not too far from Littleton on 2A a building or two north of Gould's 
Shopping Plaza is Kids'n'Kaboodle, a large consignment store with a selection
of discounted new clothes, too.  They have the largest selection that I've 
found in the area.  

There's a consignment store on Route 20 in Marlboro, where 20 turns a corner 
just east of Main Street, called Wee Ones (or Wee something), that is smallish
but tends to have nice clothes.

-Tanya

    I'll second the note about Land's End.  I bought some polo shirts,
    jeans, etc., for my son before school started, and although the jeans
    are getting short, the polo shirts and the turtlenecks have kept their
    color and shape despite being washed a million times a week!  I also
    like their knit dresses for girls.  My daughter loves "beautiful
    dresses," and theirs take a lot of punishment.  They're a tad
    expensive, yes, but they're worth it.  I just hope Her Majesty will
    condescend to wear her brother's hand-me-downs!!
    
    Haven't really hit it right in the consignment shops of late.  I did
    find a gorgeous Rothchild coat for my daughter at Christmas time, and a
    pair of Brooks Brothers' boys pants that were $2, so I'm keeping them
    for when my son grows into them!  But most of the rest of the time I'm
    finding stuff with stains on it, things that I can buy new for only a
    dollar or two more, etc.  And frankly, I don't have the time to prowl
    the shops like I used to.
    
    But that "Priceless Kids" in the Acton strip mall....I definitely have
    to check that out!

    
    
    I checked out Priceless Kids in Acton today.  I was surprised by 
    the selection they had.  They had some really cute stuff.  
    
    They had the Arizona Jeans (JC Penny's carries them) in lots of
    colors for only $8.99.  Alot of the bathingsuits were 2 for $10.
    
    I'll definatley go back there when I have more money and time.
    
    Kirsten
    

    
    
    Stuart's on DW highway (next to DeMoulas supermarket) is 
    going out of business.  They have Osh Kosh B'Gosh there
    and LOTS of things for infants.  They had some really
    cute things there for little girls.  Everything is 10% in
    the whole store.  They will probably change the 10% to a 
    high percent, the closer they are to their closing date
    (which I was told was the end of April).
    
    FWIW,
    chris

    I have both a boy and a girl.  You can't get a 'good' selection for
    boys because they don't make them!  My experience has been, when Kids R
    Us has a sale (end of season especially), I can pick up 2 bags of
    clothes for $50-$60.  I generally have excellent luck there for both,
    but mostly girls clothes.  Another place that has not been mentioned is
    Sears (end of season sale).  I bought both kids winter coats last year
    for under $35.  Also, with Sears, if the item wears funny or washes
    funny, just return it for a full refund or replacement.  I agree with
    the Walmart and K-Mart and Stuarts.  Again, you will be limited when it
    comes to boys clothing...boooooring!  ;)
    
    Sandra

    Happy Shopping:
    
    There is a new store in Acton at the corner of Route 2A and 27 in the
    little row of stores where CVS is.  There is a new store called
    "Priceless for kids"  all clothes are $10.00 and under some selections
    are 2 for $10.00 I found a wide selection of both infant/boys/girls
    clothes.  Great Quality!  
    
    Bonn
    

    
    I just got back from a shopping trip at "Priceless...KID$" and I love
    the place!!! As stated before everything is $10 or less and there are
    quite a few selections priced at "2 for", "3 for", and even "4 for"
    $10. I think the "4 for" was the clearance rack. I bought 3 outfits
    for my new nephew (a one piece pant outfit, a two piece romper, and
    a 3 piece short set w/sweatshirt), 3 short sets for his older sister
    and a spring jacket for my 1-year old. I spent a total of $65 for
    7 outfits. I think it's great!!! They had (if you're looking for them)
    the printed snap up the front "onsies" at 3 for $10 (and some at 2 for)
    that were really cute. My kids lived in these things their first
    summer. I will definitely be going there again soon. They also had
    the canvas sneakers in pink, green, blue, purple, pink/green/blue, and
    a couple of flower prints. These came in tie and slip-on styles and are
    priced at 2 for $10.
    
    Patty

     I've been shopping the Children's Orchard in Manchester (across from the
    Mall of NH) and have picked up some good deals. Corduroy Osh Goshes
    for $2.50, better quality ones are $8.00. For something that is going
    to fit for one month this is the way to go. I'm looking forward to yard
    sales too. For the first year I can't see buying new stuff. Lisa hasn't
    complained. She has a dozen new outfits that where given as presents,
    you think she knows the difference at 3 months? 8^)

    Gail, the cheap one. 

    Believe it or not but BJ's has a wonderful selection of clothes - brand
    names, too.  My daughter was born in January and was so petite we had
    to go out and buy her a lot of clothes.  All the clothes we had gotten
    for gifts were 3 mos. and she was swimming in them.  I just went to
    BJ's again the other day and got her an outfit for $10.  I forget the
    brand name but it consisted of a shirt that buttoned at the crautch
    (sp?), pants and a headband.  They even carry Osh-Kosh.  I've gotten a
    lot of accessories there as well.  The swing I'm using (electric Graco
    with both the swing and the bassinette) sells for around $100 (at
    least) and they sell it for anywhere between $75 and $90.  
    
    I also second Racshel's, Calverts (although you have to hit it right)
    and The Children's Place.  I also like Gymboree because the clothes
    last forever.

    
    Does anyone know if The Childrens Place has an outlet store in
    Kittery and if so where I would find it?
    
    Kirsten
    

    Kirsten
    
    there is a Childrens Place outlet in Kittery. Its in the long strip
    mall after the Trading post, befor the traffic lights, heading to York.
    I went there over the winter,and got some great deals..
    
    Anne Marie

    Kirsten,
    
    
    Anne Marie's directions are correct, the name of the "mall"
    might be the Tidewater.  I was there today :-)  there were
    quite a few good deals on summer clothes 50% off.
    
    I prefer the outlet in North Conway though, Maine has a sales tax
    on clothing.
    
    	Linda

    The Children's Place also has an outlet in the Worceste Common Fashion
    Outlets.
    

    
    I found the prices to be the same as in Worcester only a much bigger
    selection.  The Childrens Place is my favorite kids store, I've never
    gone in there and not bought anything.  
    
    The store in Kittery is called The Childrens Outlet, I was surprised
    that the name was exactly the same.  I didn't realize there was also an
    outlet in North Conway - I'll have to go there when we go up at the end
    of the month.  Where exactly is that located?
    
    Kirsten
    

    TJ Maxx chain has been my favorite place for several years now.  I do
    still love Raschels, but just seem to be more for my dollar at TJM. 
    Marshall (at the Greendale Mall for me) is the second favorite place. 
    Lots of matched sets there.  
    
    Since he's into the bigboy sizes 8+ it's getting harder to find a
    bargain.  I did get him a backpack last year for school.  He's STILL
    carrying it everday.  It's his summer pack to carry towels, bathing
    suit and lunchbox right up til now.  the best $10 I ever spent.  It's a
    Bugle Boy Brand from Marshalls... and I was convinced that it wouldn't
    last.  Heck it's been through several wash machine cycles and air
    drying with not even a hint of wear!
    
    I like the shoes and sneakers at Walmart, most made of leather,
    reasonable priced, many made in the USA and by far have worn quite
    well.  I can also say the same of Marshall's shoes and sneaks, but they
    are a lot more hit and miss.
    
    Lyn

    Has anyone been to the Hanna Anderson outlet in Portsmouth, NH?  If so,
    what did you think of it?  Can you provide directions?
    
    Peggy

    I was just at the Hanna Anderson outlet a few weeks ago and bought a
    beautiful snowsuit for Katie.  It retails in their catalog for $68 and
    I bought it at the outlet for $21.  I bought her the equivalent of a
    size 2T.  
    
    I have been there in the past and not found too much I was interested
    in.  You really have to hit it right.  They were having a great
    clearance sale on summer items and were starting to bring in the fall
    clothes.  They had all kids sizes and some adult items as well. 
    
    I walked in looking for a snowsuit though, and didn't spend too much
    time browsing for other things.
    
    I am not the greatest with directions, but I got there by taking 495
    North to 95 North.  In Portsmouth, I take the rotary exit.  It might be
    called the Portsmouth circle.  I take the Route 1A south exit off the
    rotary.  This road leads towards Water Country if you've been there. 
    You go a few miles through a strip of shopping centers and auto
    dealerships.   Look for a set of lights where there is a sign on the
    right for Craft outlets.  Take this right and the Hanna Anderson outlet
    is on the left in a strip mall right next to the Lindt chocolate
    outlet.
    
    Happy shopping!
    
    Kristen

    Like most outlets, you get a better deal on seconds.  If something is
    in perfect condition, you pay more for it.
    
    I really like Hannah's hats, and winter wear.  I'm willing to pay the
    higher outlet prices if I want the first-rate goods---especially with
    the small savings, and the savings on shipping.
    
    judy

    A coworker wants to drive up to New Hamshire this wweekend to buy some
    clothes for his 18 mo. old daughter. When asked what kinds of clothes
    she wears, he says the baby's Mother shops a Filenes and Jordans, but
    he indicated that he wants to buy the most amount of 'nice' clothes for
    his money. I know of Priceless Kids in Acton (he's driving from
    Boston) and told him it's a must.a Am telling him about Hanna
    Anderson... any other ideas. Children's Place is great, but he wants
    more than just sports wear - she wears dresses alot, too...
    
    Feed back time...

    The Phesant Lane Mall in Nashua has both a Gymboree and a Sesame Street
    store.  They aren't exactly bargains, though...
    
    I tend to go to Marshalls and TJ Maxx.  One more store in South Nashua
    is Old Navy, which is a scaled-down Gap.  It has lots of cute kids's
    stuff.
    
    judy

    If he is expecting New Hampshire to be a mecca for inexpensive 
    children's clothing I think he may be disappointed.  I'm not
    sure that there is any more or much that is any less expensively
    priced than what is in Massachusetts.  The same chains are in
    the malls pretty much everywhere.  

    That said, he might want to try the factory outlet stores up in 
    Kittery, Maine or Conway (I think), NH.  There is a also a children's 
    store on Rt 101 in Bedford, NH.

    Leslie

    Thanks - he's heading up to Hanna Anderson. His daughter has eczema
    (sp?) and he wants to get her all cotton and soft fabrics. His eyes lit
    up when I told him about the styles of clothes.
    
    I'm almost drooling myself - I want to go shopping for my lil' guy.
    Think my family will do a HA and Red Lobster day.

    RE: .66
    
    Directions to Hanna Anderson, please.
    
    Do they carry bigger kids clothes, too - like size 7-8 boys?

    Found buried in Sunday's Boston Globe:
    
    Hanna Andersson's Biggest Sale Ever Right Here in Massachusetts!!!
    
    Come save 20% to 70% for the whole family.
    
    When:  Friday, Saturday and Sunday  September 22,23,24  10am - 6pm all days
    
    Where:  Royal Plaza Trade Center
            181 Boston Post Rd  (Rte 20)
            Marlboro, MA
    
    
    

    
    
    	I've been shopping all over this fall trying to find nice
    	clothes for Lauren and have been really disappointed with
    	the "bargain places".  I went to the Childrens Place, the
    	Osh Kosh Outlet, and the other two childrens stores in the
    	Worscester Fashion Outlet and was not impressed with
    	the prices.  I wanted to keep Laurens outfits at $15 and
    	under but that would have been impossible if I bought a
    	$10 turtleneck!  Same story with Raschelles.  
    
    	I got a few good things at Walmart, mostly sweatshirts and
    	sweatpants but I find that the quality for most of their
    	inexpensive clothes is pretty poor.  I also shopped at a
    	few other stores but the bargains were few and far between.
    	
    	Finally, with only about 1/2 of Laurens fall clothes purchased,
    	I went to the Vanity Fair Outlet in Dartmouth MA.  They carry
    	and extensive selection of HealthTex and prices much better
    	than Raschelles.  I got three complete outfits and a couple
    	of extra shirts for $49.  I'm going to shop at the VF outlet
    	first from now on!  Plus, by buying all one line of clothes,
    	you get a great chance to mix and match.  They also carry Lee
    	and some Disney clothing.  Not much in the way of dressy dresses
    	however.  I've bought Healthtex before and was quite pleased
    	with the quality of the clothing.  Plus, I believe that they
    	are based in Rhode Island (buy American!).
    
    	I really can't give directions since I only know the backroads
    	there from my in-laws house.  Sorry!
    
    	Karen

    I find the VF outlet in Dartmouth either a hit or a miss.  Sometimes
    they have great Healthtex boys clothes, but not much in girls.  Also I
    have found that they carry a lot for younger babies and toddlers, but
    that the pickings were pretty slim for the 18 and 24 month clothes I
    was looking for.  Maybe I have just hit them wrong the few times I have
    been there looking for clothes for Katie.  On the plus side, you cannot
    beat their bargains on Lee clothing, sweatclothes and Vanity Fair
    undergarments.   To get there take Route 195 East to the Faunce Corner
    exit in Dartmouth.  Take a left off the exit and the VF outlets are
    down the road about a mile on the right.
    
    In the same area, the Carter's outlet in Fall River has great buys on
    Carter's clothes.  I bought most of my Layette things from them.  They
    had great buys on seconds in sheets, face cloths and onesies.  I love
    their pajamas and found that for a little money, I could get a lot of
    clothes.  I went last November and bought Katie 7 beautiful summer
    outfits for a trip to South America in January.  I spent $15.  If I had
    thought about it then, I would have stocked up for this past summer.
    
    I also have been to their outlet in Kittery, but have found better
    deals in Fall River.
    
    Kristen
    

    re.  Vanity Fair = American, NOT!
    
    I've been shopping at VF outlet in Reading, PA for 20+ years and still
    make the trip a few times a year.
    
    But, DON'T be fooled!  VF is a US corporation but most of their stuff
    is being made overseas.  At one time everything was made in the states
    but not so anymore.  If you are concerned with buying American, check
    each label. Also, have noticed sizes differ by which country things are
    manufactured in.
    
    
    

   You could also try Wood Square Design in Hudson, MA.  They are not a
   clothing store, but they are a shop that does high quality silk
   screening and stuff like that.  HOWEVER... they do have an "outlet
   shop" where they sell off overstock for *very* reasonable prices.  I
   recently paid $8 for a sweatshirt that my wife estimated would have
   cost at least $25 in regular shops.  They do have kids' sizes in
   shirt, sweatshirts, hats, etc.  Its an outlet shop, so their selection
   is definately hit-or-miss, (depends what they have overstock on), but
   their prices are really good if you find something you like.
   
   They're located at the traffic circle in the center of Hudson, MA.
   They're up on the 3rd floor of a building that is on the same block as
   the Baybank.  There's parking on the circle itself, or you can follow
   Rt 85 about 1 block (towards Marlboro) and take your first left.
   There's more parking behind the buildings, and you can walk around to
   the front entrance (not sure about a rear entrance).
   
   fwiw,
   
   - Tom

    Carter's has an outlet now in that wonderful ( :-)  ) new outlet
    center in Laconia, NH, also.
    
    						cj *->

    
    re: .71
    
    Made in America...
    
    I meant the HealthTex clothes, not the rest of what they carry.
    
    Karen
    

    re .74   ...ok, nevermind.  (although it wouldn't surprise me if they
    started making them overseas too)
    
    

    I wanted to warn everyone....
    
    I just made the trip down to Marlboro at lunch to attend the "Sale" of
    Hanna Anderson clothes...
    
    When we pulled up, there were about 100 people waiting in line to go
    into the place. On our way up to the line, someone stopped us, and
    advised us NOT to go in.
    
    The waiting line to get into the building was 45min - 1hour. then once
    you got inside, and picked out your merchandise, the line was
    30-45minutes to get through the checkouts. they also told us that the
    stuff was ONLY 20% off! and it was already picked through. 
    
    The most disappointing thing was we were there at 11:45!!!
    
    So, if you are going to go, be prepared to wait...
    
    Anne Marie

    Yup, I went over a little earlier and found the crowd.  I waited about
    40 minutes in line to get in and then about 35 minutes to get out,
    although at one point it was a 90!!!! minute wait to get out.
    
    The merchandise was definitely picked over and most deals disappointing,
    but that didn't stop me from getting a few things for the girls.
    
    Saw lots of snowsuits ($25), things for newborns and older kids, not
    much in the sizes 70/80, 100/110 that I needed.  If you have a catalog
    from last season then you'll get to see what they have.
    
    If you plan on going get there BEFORE they open (10am, when they've probably
    restocked) or go during an off time (I left at 1:15 and there was no
    wait at the door to get in and ~20 minute wait to pay, although there
    is probably no off time on the weekends.).
                                                       

    I didn't get there until Sunday at 11:00am.  The parking lot was
    virtually empty.  Stuff looked picked through but I did get matching
    mother-daughter outfits for next summer as well as a few long sleeve
    cotton shirts and short sleeve t's for next summer.
    All in all, it was a disappointment.
    
    Nancy

	Special Addition is having a clearance sale in Pennichuck 
	Square now, through about July 6 or 7.

	If you've never heard of Special Addition, it's a really nice, 
	small maternity and children's clothing store in Peterboro, NH.  
	They carry children's sizes up to, I think 10 or 12.  The woman 
	who owns it buys a lot of good quality, and great looking clothes.  
	She carries a lot of 100% cotten, which is sometimes hard to find.

	She's loaded up an empty shop in on 101A, about four miles 
	west of rt 3.  For us parents, that's slightly past the Wendy's,
	and just before the McDonald's, as you head toward Milford.

	Her prices are already reasonable, and most of the things she 
	has on sale are marked 50% off the original price.  As an 
	example, I bought each of my kids a couple of 100% cotten 
	turtleneck sweaters.  The size 3's were $6.25, and the size 
	6's were $7.50.  My son also got a cotton shirt for about $8, 
	and my daughter got a shorts set for about $12.

	Peggy

    Peggy,
    
    Are these brand new clothes?  And by chance do you know the hours?
    
    Thank you

    Yes.  They are brand-new clothes. 
    
    As for the hours... I'm not sure what time they open.  But, they close
    at 6pm on most week nights.  They stayed open until 8pm last Thursday 
    night.  Since this is a holiday weekend, I can't be sure, but can check
    to see if the hours change.
    
    Peggy

    I have the Telegraph here..there's an ad for this sale
    which states:
    
    Mon-Sat: 9:30am-6pm
    Thursday: open till 8pm
    Sunday: 12-4pm
    
    New, first quality name brand clothing - maternity, baby, toddler
    and children.  50-70% off tag price. Extra 10% on maternity.
    
    

    Well, we ended up going away for the holiday weekend so I missed the
    sale at Special Addition.  Where the first note stated that the women
    fills an empty building, does anyone know if the place is still there
    or was it just for this sale?
    
    Thank you

    
    The sale at Special Addition in Merrimack ended this past Saturday.
    The sales person in the store on Saturday said that they were now
    moving this sale up to Manchester.  But I don't know where in 
    Manchester it will be.
    
    -Ellen.

    I am looking for clothes for my 10 year old daughter.  She wears
    something in the range of size 12-16, or a woman's small.  She wants
    teen looking clothes, as opposed to little girl clothes.  She is also
    looking for shoes in about a size 3-5.  She doesn't want baby looking
    shoes.
    
    We live in Billerica Ma.  I don't want to pay too much.  Does anyone
    have ideas of where to shop?  Most of the places I go to have tons in
    the 4-6x range and very little in the 7-14 range - and what they have
    in the 7-14 range is just the 4-6x clothes made larger, but still very
    babyish.
    
    
    Help?
    
    Jill