Back to School on a Budget

ROCHESTER — As families prepare for the new school year, two Rochester resale businesses are helping shoppers stretch their budgets without sacrificing quality or style. Clothes Mentor and The Funky Frog, Children’s Resale Boutique cater to different age groups but share a commitment to value, sustainability and customer service.

After more than 25 years in corporate America, Southfield native Carolyn Webb opened Clothes Mentor with three goals: build a business legacy for her family, reduce environmental impact and empower women.  “We partner with our customers to decrease waste in landfills one bag at a time,” Webb said. “Sustainable fashion is part of the environmental endeavor here.” 

The store offers previously owned brand-name apparel, shoes and accessories with brands ranging from Old Navy and Loft to Ann Taylor, Lilly Pulitzer and Gucci. Sizes range from zero to 26, and prices are roughly a third of original retail. A T-shirt might be $5 instead of $40, a blazer $29 instead of $150. Sellers can receive cash on the spot or store credit for accepted items. Items not chosen will be donated through the store’s partnership with Purple Heart.

“When a woman comes in, she might need something for a special occasion or want to overhaul her wardrobe,” Webb said. “We don’t focus on body sizes—we focus on fit and style so she walks out feeling good.”

A few minutes away on Main Street in downtown Rochester, The Funky Frog, Children’s Resale Boutique has been serving families for 16 years. Owner Renee Perkins said the store is especially busy during the weeks leading up to school, when parents are looking to outfit their children for a new year without overspending.

“With prices being what they are, kids’ resale is a way to keep up with growing children without having to chase a sale or a coupon,” Perkins said. “We add hundreds of items every day, so there’s always something fresh and unique.”

The store carries clothing, shoes, toys, books and baby gear, from everyday playwear by Carter’s and Cat & Jack to mid-range brands such as Gap and DKNY, and boutique labels like Matilda Jane and Lilly Pulitzer. Specialty athletic wear like Ivivva, once considered the children’s version of Lululemon, is also in stock.

“We go through a lot of effort to review items carefully and curate everything from play clothes to special-occasion outfits,” Perkins said. “Why pay retail when kids will outgrow things so quickly?”

Both stores maintain constantly refreshed inventories. “We’re here to help people save money, find quality pieces and feel good about what they’re buying,” Perkins said.  

Clothes Mentor is located at 1180 S. Rochester Rd. For more information, call (248) 341-9446 or visit https://rochesterhillsmi.clothesmentor.com. The Funky Frog, Children’s Resale Boutique is located at 433 S. Main Street. For more information, call (248) 656-1937 or visit thefunkyfrogonline.com.