Five Tips for Finding Online Fashion Bargains for Your Family

The new economy has led most moms to change their shopping habits and embrace a new frugality. Navigating the Internet for the best deals takes a little knowledge. To start the year off on a frugal and fabulous way, here are five tips to dressing your family for less.

Shop Private Sale Sites
Even if you haven't suffered a financial set back, you likely feel that paying full-price retail just doesn't seem right. It's easier than ever to find insider deals and sample sale prices thanks to the new crop of private sales websites. Shopping sites like Tosty.com and Rue La La offer moms the chance to buy the highest quality merchandise (dwell baby bedding or Teutonia strollers) at steep discounts. How do they do it? The online retailers make short-term arrangements with manufacturers to buy overstocked merchandise. The sales often last 24 -48 hours and many of the sites are invite only, so you'll need to snag an invite code from a friend or put your name on a waiting list to join. Most memberships are free. Be wary of sites that require a credit card number to join.
Pro: You'll save 40-70% off retail.
Con: Sales last 24-36 hours and you can't predict what will go on sale.

Auction Sites
Rather than holding a garage sale in the dead of winter, savvy moms clear their closets of gently used and like new baby gear through auction sites. That adorable Bon Point sweater that your son only wore once could earn you $50 from another mom and the mom buying it will save $100 versus buying it new. Everyone is a winner. Once you've found a reputable seller, make friends and think about contacting her directly for more items. Start out with Ebay, Craigslist or the mom-centric Handmedowns.com.
Pro: Designer brands and gear that is deeply discounted.
Con: You can't count on quality-could get items with stains.

Online Sales
Many of your favorite brands have their own websites. For instance, Polo Ralph Lauren has an extensive children's collection on their web site. Join their email list and you'll get special offers on occasion like friends and family discount codes and free shipping offers. Other brands entice you to become a fan on facebook or twitter, and then send out exclusive sales and discount codes on these social networking sites (for instance, this holiday season Ann Taylor tweeted special coupon codes just for their fans).
Pro: Exclusive savings on your favorite brands.
Con: Many emails clogging your in box.

Check for Discount Codes
Don't want to sign up for a million emails? I can't blame you. There is a way to benefit from the offers that are circulating on the Internet. Before you order anything online always do a quick hunt for coupon codes or free shipping offers. Two of my go-to resources include freeshipping.org and retailmenot.com. These sites scour the web for deals and then list them free of charge. Note: none of the codes are guaranteed and I've often stumbled upon offers that have expired.
Pro: You may get a bigger discount.
Con: One more step in the purchasing process.

Giveaway Sites
Freecycle.org is the place to give and take items for FREE. The idea is to cut down on massive waste in the US. You enter your area and are matched with a group. It's a great place to organize a clothing swap. You might also hunt for Yahoo group in your area and organize a clothing swap with other parents. Craiglist also has a listing of free stuff.
Pro: Who doesn't love free stuff?
Con: No guarantee on sizes, styles, or condition.