Back to School Fashion for the Boys-Tiffany

We are switching gears and taking a look at the boy’s back-to-school wardrobe. 

While grades are always the core area of attention, it’s still a point of personal contention to sustain a level of sartorial cool throughout the year.  And, because cool has many connotations, it really is up to each person’s individual preferences on what style they want to embrace.

For the kids that need a little help finding a relatable style, we have put together a look that can work for any age with minimal tweaking. Pulling inspiration from Dolce & Gabbana’s collection, we are outfitting a look that yields prices that are more affordable for your sprouting littles.

Photo Cred: Dolce & Gabbana

First things first: comfort is key and "athleisure" is what we call an elevated activewear style.  This is also mixed with the theme of Street Etiquette, which is a nod to the urban streetwear scene.  Pairing these looks together provides a comfortable yet edgy aesthetic that is full of attitude (which is quite like my growing oldest one).

I have always looked at clothing as a form of communication.  Without realizing it, your choices in attire can really tell a story about who you are.  Interestingly, this trend projects the message of empowerment to me.  I get the sense that the child wearing this outfit is strong and confident.  And what parent wouldn’t want their child potraying this?

Shop the look below...

1: Sweater
2. Jogger Pant
3. Cap
4. Knit Scarf
5. Backpack
6. High Tops

Here’s to an A+ year in grades and style alike!                  1

Back to School Fashion for the Girls-Heather

Back to School is synonymous with 'Back to School Shopping.'  I know many parents can feel the pinch of all the new school expenses from extracurricular activities to school supplies.  Your child's wardrobe doesn't have to be one of those black or white issues meaning; you break the bank, or you don't get new gear for your little one.  Why can't we have great fashion forward looks for a fraction of the price?  Well, guess what, you can! 

I know this, not from a widespread newsletter or a fashion magazine article.  I know this because I am THRIFTY, with a capital 'T.'  I'm almost positive I was born this way because as long as I can remember I have found it a personal challenge to get that steal of a deal.  I'm sure my mom had a hand in this, though I think it goes one step deeper into my actual DNA.  I take inspiration from all fashion sources, but choose to carry out the purchases through affordable means.  I mean, our kids grow like weeds, so it makes sense to choose wisely.  Of course, every now and then I find that piece that speaks to me and has to come home, but it does not come with an entire outfit (gasp; this has NEVER happened).  High/ low dressing, or mixing high end pieces with budget friendly pieces, is definitely my chosen method. 

So when you're out shopping for that stylish look, take a little inspiration from the designers, but if you're like me and don't like to spend a pretty penny to look chic, translate the look into something more attainable for the average consumer.

Here's a look from Dolce & Gabbana's Fall 2016 kids look book.  It's a great mix of patterns and textures, made up of classic pieces that are paired together to make the outcome a little more fun.  

I put together a similar look with pieces ranging from $60 dollars and below.  All the pieces are basics that could be transformed into tons of other outfits (which factors in my mind when purchasing something.) 

Click on the links below to shop these items:

Blouse

Headband

Bookbag

Coat Dress

Skirt

Tights

Boots

Have fun with all the preparations as you and your child both take on the new school year, a little more stylish than before! 

The First Day from a Mom's POV-Heather

Whether it's the first day to school, for the very first time, or the first day back after a fleeting summer the result can be the same; nerve-racking. 

Sweaty palms, racing heart, a timid stance.  Some are familiar with these rights of passage into a new grade, a new school, or a new environment for our little ones on their first day.  

The 'Jitters' aren't just for our little ones.  The thoughts are already present in my mind, though my son is only 3;

Will he be scared?  

Will he have an unkind interaction?

Will he make friends?

Will he miss his mommy and want to come home? (I 'm kind of hoping the answer to the first part of this question is yes:)

I recall my childhood days, that first week before school started and that little ting of anticipation and nervousness mixed together.  I remember distinctly crying to my mother in elementary school because I didn't want to ride the bus, where supervision inevitably was somewhat less than the classroom, and all the grades meshed into one.  I still don't recall a single incident on the bus that was particularly scaring, however it was the anticipation that someone would be 'mean' to me and that feeling of being vulnerable that I think led me to plead with my mother.  She did however, have me ride the bus.  Not every single day, but I rode nonetheless.  It was one of those fears that needed to be worked through, for me to see that I would be 'ok.'  

I'm both excited and scared for my son at the same time.  As a parent your instinct is to protect, even from the smallest pains.  But another crucial role is also to let your child experience the world and make it through the feelings described above, on their own terms, with their own resources.  Never alone though, as we can offer our ears, our hearts, and our encouraging words to our children as they go through these milestones.  They will without a doubt at some point feel uncomfortable, embarrassed, and defeated.  This is life.  You can't protect them from those truths no matter how hard you try.  I tell myself however that I CAN be there to guide him through these times, and to be the presence that is in the background of his subconscious whispering 'it's ok,' 'you can do this,' and 'you are loved and valuable.' 

"First Day Jitters"-Mikhaila

Going back to school means work, endless work. 

Teens feel the punch of going back to school the hardest. In a survey, 83% of students say that school was one of the main sources of stress they had. As a junior in high school it can be a bit overwhelming at times. And around mid-terms, finals, post-tests I tend to be more stressed than normal. I've cried before, bit my nails to the bare, had mini panic attacks, been sleep deprived, and have over worked myself. 

STRESS can be so hard to bare at times, but you can get around it. 

Here are some tips that I used to help me get away from stress:

1. Make time for yourself- be sure to leave time in your schedule to pamper yourself or even just relax a little. 

2. Be sure to get sleep- being sleep deprived only adds on to the amount of stress you are under.

3. Eat healthy- your body doesn't want the junk food you are craving, it needs fuel!

4. Plan out your day- planning out your day helps you stay focused on one thing at a time.

5. Think positively- negative thinking has been linked to higher stress levels and more times than not are the reason you are stressed.

6. Get exercise- exercise has been shown to lower stress levels, so go for a run instead of turning to sedentary activities.

So use these tips to help you fight the blues of stress and turn your school year into a stress-less year!

Xo,

Mikhaila

Mikhaila is a guest blogger for our "First Day Jitters" posts.  You can view her personal blog here.  She is wearing one of our tees from our anti-bullying line which supports initiatives to help spread awareness.  Shop this look.