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Schools

Find Back-to-School Fashions for Less

Cut a stylish back-to-school wardrobe without wounding your pocketbook.

Putting together a back-to-school wardrobe is a blast for kids, but for many parents it can be a time—and dollar—consuming nightmare. Is it possible to dress for success without a putting a dent in your pocket? Absolutely! Patch is here with proven tips to help you cut time in the mall, and leave a bit more green in your wallet.


Look for sales. Shop end of summer sales and buy only lightweight clothing--skirts, shorts and tees--now. Why buy heavy sweatshirts and denim during 85-plus degree weather? Save warmer clothing purchases for when the temperature starts to drop, and when current back-to-school fashions go on sale.

Avoid the Name Game. Think embroidered initials or animal logo warrants primo bucks for a cotton t-shirt? Dissuade expensive designer clothing (well, at least until your children are young enough to comply) and buy no-name, yet quality, shirts and bottoms. Good bets include those found at Wal-Mart and Target.

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Scour the discount racks. If your kids are still clamoring for designer duds, then at least have peace of mind of scoring them at a discount. Discount stores such as TJ Maxx, Marshalls and Nordstrom Rack are shopper’s mecca for brand names such as Nike, Ed Hardy, Quicksilver, Diesel Kids and more.

Shop without the kids. Just like at the grocery store, shopping trips are less complicated—and less expensive—when done solo. Buy what’s only what’s necessary without surrendering to the begging of your kids.

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Shop online. Great deals are best found on the Internet. Many stores such as Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle and Aeropostle, headquarters for collegiate style fashions, offer online discounts or at the very least, free shipping.

Do dollar stores. Five Below, a (five) dollar store catering to tweens and teens currently has colorful graphic tees, embellished flip flops, make-up and other accessories for a fiver.

Swap it! Hold swap sessions with your neighbors and friends. Outfits that have lost favor or sizing with one child, will seem brand new to another.

I’ll second that! Second-hand stores are a treasure trove for bargain shoppers. During one recent visit to a Plato’s Closet, we found brand names such as True Religion, Hollister, Jessica Simpson and Addidas—some with original store tags still affixed. Here’s how the system works: you bring in gently used items for cash. Prices are fixed depending on trend, brand, style and season. Pocket the cash, or use it to shop the store’s selection of teen casual clothing—from tops and bottoms to shoes and accessories.

According to Christine Tursi, manager of the Orland Park location, “We carry teen sizes XS to XL tops and 0 to 16 for girls, S to XL and 28 to 38 for guys. Our sister store, Once Upon A Child, caters to children’s sizes. August is by far our busiest month, especially since everyone is stocking up for school.”

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