Milkshake vs Target label girl's clothing ....

:hello:Hi all,

Well, i was able to clothe my DD in ' nice quality ' OP shop clothing until about size 2 then i noticed not as many garments to be found beyond that size (must wear them out after size 2 age) ... also i would only buy Target clothing for her when on sale and Best & Less when she was a bub & the occasional BigW when she was up to size 2 ...

... then i noticed about a year ago the BigW clothing quality getting worse than ever (clothing fading after 1st wash & all glitter coming off clothing) yet prices going up insanely for the poor quality fabric & make ... & Best and Less clothing prices have gotten ridiculous too for the quality ... and the past 6months i have had to return 3 items to Target due to faulty workmanship, one of which the dye kept running after each wash, another the stitching coming undone (and noticed all of the same items on the rack the same) and the third being having one leg about an inch shorter to the other leg :doh:

I remember buying my DD a " Milkshake " label outfit last Summer in Myer on special & noticing the better quality in fabric & make & i loved the more unique looking designs ... so i headed to Myer a month ago and noticed the Milkshake label prices$$ are about the same as the Target brand prices$$ (as Target clothing for the kids truely have risen alot over the past few years and i find the designs are getting boring & some dated looking) ...

So, i decided to buy her clothes for this coming Summer in the Milkshake label (she is now size 4) ... and how pleased was i to see they had a sale on the Milkshake fashion which was buy one get the second item for half price ... then recently i saw that Myer has another sale on this label 25% off ...

I still DO buy from Target on the very rare occasion for DD just not as much as before.

Anyway, thought i'd put that idea out there for my fellow BB members incase no one knew or noticed this *** Milkshake *** label when in Myer being about the same prices of Target clothing yet nicer designs & quality ... and IF you felt the same as i have about the clothing in Target of late ;)

P.S - I know it's NOT just me as the last couple of times i was in Target i overheard not one but three Mum's whinging about the choice of clothing for girl's in Target and that even some sets actually didn't ' match ' & that the quality & designs were poor in comparison to how it use to be to buy from Target !!!

i've been buying DD's clothes off ebay. i hate most of the stuff in big w/target etc. it all looks so trashy and as you say the quality is terrible, especially considering how much they are! will have a look at the Milkshake stuff, can't afford to buy at full price but will keep my eye out for sales. Thanks for the suggestion!

Grrrh - I have been a big fan of Target for my 3.5yo but I agree - I have had 3 garments with 'issues'. Jacket with a zip than broke about 2 weeks in, tshirts that shrank/mishapen after 2nd (cold) wash and shorts that came apart at the seams. Very annoying - I will check out Milkshake too. There has definitely been a change in general quality across the stores you have mentioned, I have also noticed in some of other stores too - Country Road/Witchery/Just jeans.

I have always been a fan off Myer children's clothes and they have great sales if your a myer one card holder,

Sprout is Newborn to 2 years and is just as good quality as milkshake ( I actually like it better) and then milkshake is 3-7yrs? i think...

Happy Shopping:lol:

i love shopping at myers when its on sale , not much boys choice after sz 2 if found .

Im happy with the target quality at the moment for boys stuff , but girls is a bit OTT ... (der .... WHITE tops and dresses in sze 0 & 1 .... BABIES GET GRUBBY ... WAKE UP TARGET!)

i did buy up in the 20% off sale they just had ( tops and boardies for DS $8 ea and girls tops shorts and dress all under $12 ea ... so its justifiable , they would be that price at kmart but crapper )

I NEVER buy from k mart , best and less or big w .... its just a waste of money for poor quality & kmart charges a fortune for naff whinne the pooh stuff !

so i only ever buy pumpkin patch or target or myer on sale . im a clothes snob and prefer quaility rather than cheap for cheaps sake ....

although i am finding a lack of good quality tank tops (boys and girls ) in basic colours atm :(

I buy most of my girls clothes from Target and Myer. The Milkshake brand always washes and wears well and are comparable in price to Target (if not cheaper).

I've just started buying from Pumpkin Patch online. S4U, you've gotta look there in the e-Sale section!! They have the BEST bargains and the cutest clothes. My last order for T-shirts and skirts (8 items in total) was $65!! But I did get $10 off the entire order. This year I got almost all their winter wardrobe there and I'm starting on Summer now.

JK kids is pretty good stuff. Often they have sales, or buy 2 deals.

Pinny_Mum ... yeh, Milkshake i think is only from size 3 onwards (sorry everyone i should have mentioned that before) ;)

Tink ... yeh, i became a member of the Pumpkin Patch online about a month ago ... though i do pop into the factory outlet of PP when in Melb but find not many sizes avail in the shop whereas the online have most sizes from what i have seen (thanks Tink for reminding me & letting others know too) :D

Mak ... thanks a million for making me aware of the ' others ' stores too !!

Charm ... yeh, i will be looking in Myers from now on when there are big sales on the kids clothes as i just can't justify the prices of Target garments anymore !!! (A bigger choice at Melb Myer than in Ballarat Myer i have noticed, clearly cause being a bigger store & also more sizes avail i have also noticed at the Melb Myer)

Storm ... so funny as the word trashy came to mind when i was writing this thread but didn't want to insult any Target lovers, not meaning ALL there garments BUT there certainly are quite a few to be questioned about the design, fabric & workmanship in making.

Astrid ... my MIL gave DD a jacket from there recently, it was the 1st i have heard of the JK shop ... so will look there too (none in Ballarat, will head to Melb).

I forgot to mention i too purchased heaps of items for DD off eBay when a bub. These days i buy from OZtion (cause the Sellers sell a lot of items cheaper cause their overhead there are not as high as eBay) and on the rare occasion i buy off eBay if it's something particular i'm after. Also i purchase from Kmart when they have the buy one get the 2nd item 60% off but i have found the same items i bought DD there last year are now heaps dearer$ just cause it's now the next range of size up for NOT much more fabric :doh:

charmalea - have you been to bright bots? they have warehouses in brisbane and they are awesome!! really good quality, and they often have clearance sales :)

I popped into Myer this arvo plenty stock left which i was surprised ... SALE ON AT MYERS *** 25% off *** Milkshake, Sprout and other kids labels until 25th of October :confetti:

Pumpkin patch online like someone else mentioned. Every year when the new spring stuff comes out I've found huge discounts on stuff, recently bought 12 items for $130, and this included thick warm cardigans that were $15 from $40. Colors and sizes vary to whats left cause its just end stock they are clearing out.
I so know what you mean bout Target, I made the mistake going there start year spent alot money on next to nothing stuff.
Best and less I don't mind, haven't had much of a problem there.
Milkshake stuff I have bought a few things, when there is a sale its quite good and yes the stuff is quite nice.
I actually have some coles myer vouchers that need spending, you've put me in a shopping mood.....

thanks for the tips ladies. I used to do most of dds shopping at target but I am soooo over it. I had to return a coat on which the stitching around every single button hole came undone the first time she wore it and it was difficult to find one on the rack that did not have the same problem. but what I dislike most is shoes. Dd loves thongs and we usually by the decorative type ie. not just the rubber ones and the sole comes away from the thong in the first few months. same thing on shoes.
so if anyone can recommend a good but not too expensive place to buy shoes or brand that would be great.
Off to check out online PP now. ta

Wow Shell that's an absolute bargain$$ ... i think i'm gonna have to have more of a look online at PP too :dance:

Anney ... i would buy DD's shoes from a factory outlet in Altona (Clark's shoes seriously sooo cheap) BUT i'm sad to say cause of all the Pacific Brands Company staff cuts early in the year they closed this shop down ... we were told that the shoes can be purchased from the Holeproof factory outlet in Brunswick BUT were advice it most likely wouldn't be much stock, we are still not sure if they are there as we haven't gone there yet. (DP works for Pacific brands so will let you know if i find out ' if ' there is ever anywhere else !!!)

most the deals are on the e-sale part so make sure you click there.
ETA: Having a look myself there doesn't seem as much as when I looked last was prolly 6 weeks ago or something. Guess it depends on when you look.

Shell ... thanks heaps for the tip (think Tink mentioned that too :D) ... this night owl might go have a looksy now ;)

I love the Milkshake brand! I also just bought a gorgeous dress for my 2 year old dd - it was from Origami at Myer. It's a little more expensive than Milkshake, but for a special occasion they've got gorgeous stuff.

OMG Jaz ... can you believe it i was looking at those pretty party dresses as i call 'em late this arvo then over the Myers PA it was " 5mins to closing customers ", that's Myer Ballarat for you on a Thurs at 5.25pm ;) ... so i'm gonna go back tomorrow and have a look as i'm sure they have a sale on the Origami label too & i need a ' special ' dress for my DD for my friends big 30th birthday party at a nice restaurant in couple of weeks in Melb :D

... i love the girl's dress with the matching dolls dress SET, so so CUTE ... i had one for DD last Summer & it was comments everywhere :dance:

:

---

JK kids is pretty good stuff. Often they have sales, or buy 2 deals.

---

I agree, JK kids is comparable to pumpkin patch but a bit cheaper in price. Quality has always been brilliant - lasts and lasts. And I think there designs are a bit more less run of the mill. One of my favourites for kiddies.

:

---

thanks for the tips ladies. I used to do most of dds shopping at target but I am soooo over it. I had to return a coat on which the stitching around every single button hole came undone the first time she wore it and it was difficult to find one on the rack that did not have the same problem. but what I dislike most is shoes. Dd loves thongs and we usually by the decorative type ie. not just the rubber ones and the sole comes away from the thong in the first few months. same thing on shoes.
so if anyone can recommend a good but not too expensive place to buy shoes or brand that would be great.
Off to check out online PP now. ta

---

I got DD grosby shoes buy 1 pair get another half price from Payless Shoes & they are great

bit off topic (sorta) but the clothes for adults at target/kmart are ridiculously priced also. if i had the money to spend 60-90 on a dress/coat etc then i sure as heck wouldnt go to target to buy it! those are the places where you are supposed to be able to afford to buy the stuff.

Hollo- ikwym, years ago target was great but there prices have risen dramatically. I find k-mart and Big W in my price range but only for your basics. Anything nice I don't know where to look, prolly explains why I don't really have any nice dresses/ skirts!

I also buy a lot of the girls clothes from Pumpkin Patch online store.

Also at the moment Rivers online has kids clothes at 75% off!! I bought 15 items for $90. They have jeans for under $8 reduced from $40 and t-shirts for $3 and $5.

Just a note - I have grabbed a few items from Gumboots recently. They have had sales with spend $100 get $20 off etc. DD1 has some cute linen/cotton shorts and some print t'shirts. They have washed and worn really well. Very impressed - also got some Milkshake sandals for ~ $26. DD is beside herself! x

Hey Mak ,,, is Gumboots a shop and if so whereabouts in Melb ?? ... Also did you get the Milkshake shoes from there too ?? (i didn't know they made footwear, how cute :D)

Sadly our Myer here in Ballarat doesn't have as bigger range in Milkshake clothing as it use to :(

Thanks for the tip Mak :dance:

I have to say I'm not overally impressed with the quality of the milkshake and sprout brands I bought awhile back when they had the sale. I'm finding the quality isn't enough for what they charge, I'd only buy on sale, wouldn't pay full price.
There is a gumboot outlet place nearby me I've never gone into, may have to check them out.

I am fairly sure Gumboots is in Knox City Shopping Centre....

I also refuse to pay full price for Childrens Clothing - they grow out it so quickly..... I have been generally happy with the quality of PP, JK & Sprout. DD is 2.5 years, but can still fit 18-24 mths and some large size ones ( she is little), so I haven't bothered to look at Milkshake, but I'll keep it in mind... Thanks for the tip

I do love PP, addicted to buying that, but I agree never full price, love the PP outlet internet store.

I think that Gumboots was sold to the owner of Smiggle and they seem to have expanded quite rapidly - they have shops in Chadstone, Southland and Doncaster. Also an outlet shop in Bentleigh and a shop in Brighton. I got 2 t's and a pair of thongs for $30, plus they came in a red and white striped bucket. Very cute.
The milkshake sandals are v cute. One is an 80's inspired sandal with bright colours and the other white thong with a back and light colorued butterflies on the front. They were on sale at Myer on the weekend - $36 reduced to $25.

.... that would be just my luck as before moving here to Ballarat i lived next to Bentleigh or a quick drive to Chadie :(

Yeh, i'm the same only buy on big sales, etc ... i just can't justify the full-price of Pumpkin Patch, Milkskake ooh or especially Jack & Milly label as i've recently discovered, kids sure grow out clothes super fast to truely get some ' wear ' into them !!

The best thing about having 2 girls I have discovered is now I don't feel as guilty spending money on clothing. I justify its going thru 2 so I halve the price and say thats all I'm spending per child!

i bought a skirt for DD2 from gumboots just yesterday, in Eastland

......... Has anyone purchased the label " Carter's " (American i think ??) ??

I have only purchased in wonderful second-hand condition off eBay and OMG do those children's clothes wear & wash beautifully, i have washed them over & over again and they still look in fantastic condition :D

Does anyone know where to buy this label in Australia (if possible) :think: as i'd soooo LOVE to know :dance:

oooh, i love carters too. DD is actually wearing it now :) I have seen a few pieces in target a little while ago but i'm not sure if it was under the carters label. I only know it was carters because I bought the same thing. I have bought it directly from the US from JC Penney, the postage can be a bit exy but works out to be ok if you buy a heap of stuff. DP used to live there and buys jeans and shirts from there all the time as he likes specific brands

:

---

bit off topic (sorta) but the clothes for adults at target/kmart are ridiculously priced also. if i had the money to spend 60-90 on a dress/coat etc then i sure as heck wouldnt go to target to buy it! those are the places where you are supposed to be able to afford to buy the stuff.

---

Rivers clearance outlets have some nice stuff sometimes & fairly cheap too. Last time I ws there I got 2 long sleeve Ts for $7 each & Joggers for $20

I've really gone off Target in the last year or so. When DS was a baby in 2006 I found all kinds of lovely stuff for him there but this year I found myself wrinkling my nose at a lot of it. Of the stuff I did buy, I found several items shrank in the wash and had crooked seams. And the girl's stuff was worse! A few items I have just thrown out because they aren't worth keeping for hand me downs, which I think is a terrible waste.

Compared to the Pumpkin Patch stuff my SIL bought for them, after a few washes I could really see the difference between PP and Target and even DH noticed the quality difference.

I also keep an eye out for Myer sales on Milkshake and Sprout.

You can pick up great bargains online - a couple of websites I like are Treasures for Little People and Kidz Brandz (Australian sites) where you can buy American kids clothes. I always shop for the clearance items at the end of season and just in the last week I've picked up some great Baby Gap, Osh Kosh and Old Navy summer dresses for DD and T-shirts for DS for about $15 each. They have Carters items too, for the Carters fans in this thread!

I very rarely pay full price for any kids clothes, but I do like them to be dressed nicely, so I keep my eyes open.

Lots of the kids brands at Myer are nice, especially when they are on sale.
I like Sprout.
Target so seem to be a lot more expensive that they used to be, comparable to PP in price when I think the quality of some items (particularly snpas on onesies) are from from the same.

I think we have a pac brands outlet ( I know its bonds at least) locally I will have a look for shoes..I doubt it though..

:

---

think we have a pac brands outlet ( I know its bonds at least) locally I will have a look for shoes..I doubt it though..

---

... might wanna check as i know a few have closed (my DP works IT for Pac B), we use to get DD's Clarks shoes at their Altona outlet (with DP staff discount too) but that's now gone :(