Perfecting Back-to-School Shopping

I’ve still got sand in my shoes but the words "back to school" are a sure sign that a new season is upon us. As always, fashion is notoriously ahead of it’s time and even though I love to collect garments and create a meticulously planned wardrobe for the upcoming season, I still find it maddening that I have to hunt for a bikini during the hottest month of the year.  It would be nice if back to school shopping could happen at a much more leisurely pace, however, the opportunity to save is way to tantalizing to pass up. 

With Americans spending upwards of $68 billion a year on back to school items, salvaging both clothing and school supplies from last year is a must. If you find yourself the proud owner of vintage apparel, find ways to reinvent it.  Patches, trim, and dye do wonders for old garments and make hand-me-downs feel new again.  Opt to buy less expensive faux leather accessories and distress them using sand paper and rubbing alcohol.  This will give them a more authentic feel without breaking the bank.  Repurposing old threads and choosing animal friendly materials is not only the green thing to do, it is an opportunity for some creative family time and to stock up on the things your student needs the most.

A backpack is the ultimate back to school accessory. Never weighing more than fifteen percent of your student’s body weight, a proper fitting backpack should align with the curve of the back and sit no more than four inches above the waistline.  The straps should be wide and anchor one to two inches below where the shoulder meets the neck.  It is important to find a well-made bag to ensure that it will properly support the back as well as stand the test of time.  Safety is a priority and if your new backpack doesn’t come equipped with reflectors simply buy heat transfer reflective stickers and create your own original design.

With cold weather upon our doorstep know that layering basics are essential. Although outerwear may not be at the forefront of your mind, it is important to have a fall jacket. A durable, warm, and lightweight jacket is ideal.

Finally, no back to school shopping trip would be complete without a new pair of jeans.  Denim is the ultimate versatile garment and a staple in any student’s wardrobe.

After all basic needs are met it is important to search for garments that are trendier and will allow your students personality to shine through.  Eco-friendly back-to-school items such as backpacks made from recycled materials and organic cotton t-shirts are high in demand.  Knit ponchos, bold native prints and skinny corduroys assist in defining this crunchy granola trend.  Looking to accessorize this ensemble? Purchase a water bottle with a built in filtration system to ensure that your student stays properly hydrated while you save money and the planet.

Curiously enough, the most prominent trend for the season encompasses all things back to school.  Collegiate style jackets and sporty graphic t-shirts paired with jeans and hoodies are all you need for those chilly fall evenings.  As we jump into the season for football, pep rallies and homework it is important your student feels comfortable and self-confident.  This look will surely make them feel like a valuable part of the team.  Accessorize with a snap back hat and sneakers to complete the look.

Events

Now that our back-to-school mission is clear I am pleased to inform you that from August 21 through the 28 Connecticut celebrates my new favorite holiday; tax free week.  Retailers anticipate a heavy traffic flow and will be pulling out all the stops to entice our appetite for fashion.  The Crystal Mall has organized an event dedicated solely to back to school which will take place this Saturday, August 27.  Participating retailers will take part in a sidewalk sale that highlights this seasons best deals and currents trends.  Not only can you feed your appetite for fashion you can also partake in food sampling and family entertainment including face painting, a magician, and live music.

If you despise a busy fitting room, much like myself, be proactive and get your shopping done a day early.  Most retailers will do you the courtesy of holding garments for twenty four hours, allowing more time to enjoy the festivities on Saturday. 

While you are browsing you may notice the taking place.  Take a look into the future and stop by a renovation station where you can rest your tired toes and examine renderings of what’s to come.  When your shopping marathon has come to an end, a very sad time indeed, stock pile all of those receipts and bring them down to guest services.  For every $50 you spend you will receive a free entry to win one of three prizes.  First prize being a $100 Simon gift card and a four pack of tickets to see Legends in Concert.  Who couldn’t use a free night out after all this spending?

The feeling of cozy knitwear against my skin and the smell of freshly sharpened pencils always brings me back to a time when a new beginning is on the horizon and incredible opportunities are awaiting.  It is imperative to start the school year off right and take advantage of the amazing deals while making back to school shopping fun and exciting.  Allowing your children to express themselves through their clothing is a fundamental way to empower individualism, confidence, and teach them their first lesson of the school year; being you is always in style.

Special Deals and Promotions At The Crystal Mall

H&M

Denim for kids and ladies starting at $9.95

Denim for men starting at $19.95

Basics for kids starting at $4.95

Basics for adults starting $5.95

Zumiez

Two shirts, two pairs of shorts and a pair of jeans for $80

Buy one get one 50% off Zine solid color zip ups and pullovers

for boys and girls

Two for $25 branded guys t-shirts

Buy one get one 50% jeans for girls

Rue 21

Spend $40 earn a coupon for $20 off any purchase of $40 or more from September 14th through the 26th

Pacific Sunwear

Spend $50 earn 30% off a future purchase in the month of September

Lords & Ladys

20% off all retail product

Feather Extensions for only $12

Subway

Any size fountain drink for only $1

Master Cuts

Buy any two products get the third free

Piercing Pagoda

Bead Trunk Show taking place August 26th through the 28th

Buy one get one 50% on regular priced beads

50% off clearance beads

Extra 10% off sale prices

Participating Retailers In Mall Promotions

H&M

Olympia Sports

Piercing Pagoda

Auntie Anne’s

Sunrise Café

Meyer’s Deli

Sprint

GameStop

Cohen’s Fashion Optical

Airbrush Works

Leather Outerwear

K&M All Star Sports

Old Navy

Education Works

Payless 

Hannoush Jewelers

Kay Jewelers

Encore Shoe Dept.

Kay’s Hallmark

Men’s Wearhouse

Special Occasions

Vogue

Hot Topic

Godiva

rue21

Ice Imports

The Game Lounge

FYE

New York City

Justice

Build A Bear

The Shack

Children’s Place

AT&T Wireless

Brookstone

Belden Jewelers

Zales

Bath & Body Works

LOFT

Borders