Our Goodwill and Salvation Army stores have specials each day, depending on the color of an item's tag. These items are either 50% off (at Salvation Army) or 99 cents (at Goodwill). Goodwill also hands out a calender the first few days of the month ('til they're gone) detailing each day's deal for the month as well as offering coupons for percentages off your total purchase.
I save a TON at these stores, and everybody thinks I spend a fortune on my kids' clothes because they're all name brands. I've purchased almost everything for less than a dollar an item, including Gap jeans, khakis, sweaters, and shirts, Lauren jeans for myself, Abercrombie shirts for hubbie, even cashmere sweaters! We all look great, and I spent about $500 on clothes last year for all four of us. When I tell people my secret, they act disgusted! Oh, well, more for me! Plus, I get the added benefit of helping the people that these organizations support. It's a good deal all around.
I have to give props to Sears, too. Land's End makes some VERY durable clothes, and I shop in the off season for kids' coats and such that can be a bit pricey. I snagged an $80 parka for my son for $20 last spring, a size or two bigger than his current size (that way it lasts for at least two years!). Their Canyon River Blues brand is EXCELLENT for pants . . . they wear like iron, and they're pretty inexpensive when on sale. Plus, you can exchange them if your child ever wears a hole in them, which has never happened to us!
I'm amazed at what people with far less discretionary income than me are willing to throw away on clothes just to keep up with the Joneses. I'm not entirely above keeping up with them, but I would NEVER pay retail!
And I'm glad to see so many here that understand!