Monograms...to buy or not to buy

Okay, so this one might make a few of you feel out of your comfort zone, but that is part of what thrifty shopping is all about!  Let's talk monograms and personalization.  I have come across some EXCELLENT deals on monogrammed items at thrift stores.  I have a bag that I love, love, love...but it has someone else's initials on it.  The thing is, very few people actually pay attention to the initials that are on there, they just notice that it is monogrammed.  When people do notice that those aren't my initials, I just tell them the story of where I got it, and how much I paid for it and we always end up having a great conversation!!  Kind of a two for one deal, not only a killer bag at a great price, but also a very creative ice breaker!

My great bag that I got at Goodwill...I paid $2.50.  By the way this bag is about 24" wide and 18" tall,
so a great size for toting things.

Another monogram issue is kids clothes.  I have bought clothes for my girls that have the wrong initials on them, but that is because I know the options available to me....so let me share those with you. 

1. Place an applique square over the monogram.   Anyone with an embroidery machine can do this for you.  It is simply a piece of fabric appliqued over the monogram.  You can even have your child's initials monogrammed on the applique, before they put it on the outfit.
2. You can pick out the monogram (with a seamripper) and either leave it blank, or have your child's initials monogrammed where the other monogram was.

This is a Royal Kidz dress.  It would be approximately $60.00 brand new.  I have started to pick the monogram out, but haven't finished.  Be aware that this can be a slow process, but worth it in the end.

3. You can just let them wear the clothes with the wrong initials.



A dress I bought at Goodwill with the WRONG initials monogrammed on it :)

I wouldn't recommend number 3 in all situations, but if you came across an outfit that maybe had the same letters, but in different order, that might make it acceptable.  That was our situation with 2 Kelly's Kids outfits that I came across for Cutie Pie a few years ago.  Cutie Pie's initials are mLc and the initials on the two outfits were mCl.  Soooo, I bought them for $1.50/piece and she wore them loud and proud!  Loved them and got lots of compliments on them.  The jury is out on whether or not I will put Miss Sassy in them :) 

Kelly's Kids outfit for Maddy.

Let me know your monogram stories and I would love to post some of them on the blog, with pictures!!!