Stylishly Stretch Your Budget for Back to School Shopping

Three more weeks and our kids will be headed back to school.  Every store around is advertising their Back to School “specials” and kid "must haves" - including my own (don't want you to forget about JC's Closet). Early September is forecast to be above 80 degrees, and the hottest fall trends are just that – hot, but for fall*.

Kids grow quickly and summer ice cream can be tough on their wardrobe (especially boys), so the same clothes that were bright and well fitting at the beginning of summer are probably now dull and snug.  So, here is my suggestion for easing your way into Back to School shopping during the change of season transition.

Trend#1 Graphic Tee’s – It’s the perfect time to purchase short-sleeved graphic tee’s at deep end-of-season discounts and layer them as the season changes.

Trend#2 Skinny jeans – There are so many options for this look! Dark wash skinny jeans from last season can have extended life, if they still fit in the waist and booty.  Now slightly shorter in length?  No problem- you can roll them up to show off ankles, cool socks, and the new men’s wear-inspired shoe trends or tuck them into another hot trend – boots and booties!

Trend#2.1 Colored skinny jeans – Again, a great option for end of season discounts.  While there will be new colors added to the colored denim palette, as well as floral, reptile skin, animal and stripe patterns (check back for more on this).  The key colors that will continue until spring 2013 are bright pink, orange and teal so if you can find skinny jeans in those colors at a discount buy, buy, buy

Trend#3 Shorts - shorts worn with tights and leggings are a fun fashion look for fall. Pair your favorite summer shorts or buy the new leather or patterned shorts hitting stores now.

Check back often for more trends and shopping tips.