My boys (Eric 17 and Thomas 14) and I decided we wanted to conduct a little shopping experiment this week.

The boys both like shopping at American Eagle. Unfortunately, my pocketbook doesn’t like them both shopping at American Eagle. If they shop the clearance rack and can find their sizes, the savings are pretty good. We are also signed up for the All Access Pass, which keeps track of your purchases, and you receive coupons in the mail based on dollars spent.

So, as part of our experiment and with $50 in hand, Eric and I went to American Eagle to see what he could buy. We checked the clearance rack, and this time could not find anything he liked in his size. He really needed a pair of jeans, but he didn’t have enough to cover the tax on a pair of $49.99 jeans. It surprised me, I guess, that he was trying to get as much as he could for the $50 even though he needed the jeans.

After scouting the store for about 45 minutes, he bought: Two T-shirts for $12.50 each (regular price $15.50 each) and a collared shirt for $19.95 (regular price $24.50). His total: $44.95 plus tax. He was happy with his purchases.

I should add that both the boys love to shop. When Eric was a baby, we lived near Woodfield Shopping Mall in Schaumburg, Ill. I used to take him there at least once a week and we would walk the mall. We wouldn’t necessarily do any shopping, but it was a great place to stroll and people watch.

When Thomas was a youngster, we were living in Binghamton, N.Y., and I used to take him to the local mall and walk. Now, that mall wasn’t nearly the size of Woodfield, but it served the purpose. So, I guess my kids had early exposure to shopping malls and shopping the sale racks.

Let’s get back to our shopping experiment. Later in the week, Thomas and I went to the resale shop Plato’s Closet with $50 in hand to see what he could purchase. This store is perfect for Thomas, as he’s still a growing boy, so what fits today, won’t necessarily fit tomorrow. I love that Plato’s Closet is meticulous about the clothes it will put on its racks. They accept only recent styles and the clothes must be in good shape. But its selection of women’s clothing is far greater than men’s. Thomas lives in jeans and T-shirts, and Plato’s Closet has a good selection. And, believe me, his style doesn’t vary.

Thomas had a great time going through the racks and trying on jeans and shirts. After about 30 minutes of looking and trying on clothes, he bought: a pair of American Eagle jeans for $20, an American Eagle collared shirt for $8, and an Adidas T-shirt for $6. His total: $34, plus tax. He still had money to spare, which I kept in my pocket.

Plato’s Closet may not be for everyone. Still, the employees are friendly and helpful, and you can’t beat the prices. You also have to be willing to hunt through the racks, because they do carry all kinds of brands. We will definitely be going there again. We have also brought clothes there to sell as well. For the most part you get fair prices for what they accept.