Back To School 101: Our expert got a lesson...from her daughter!

Shopping for school clothes this year with my 15 year old daughter this year taught me a tremendously humbling lesson:  I have a fantastic eye for fashion and posses an outstanding talent for styling the perfect outfit for anyone…EXCEPT my daughter.  With her very own voice and statements to make to the world, she was off on her own choosing fabulous piece after fabulous piece without even a whisper of advice from her fashionista Mommy.  What was overwhelming to me in the end, was that after the smoke had cleared she had brought home a pile of great new pieces and a handful that are truly absolute MUST HAVE’s for the back to school crowd this fall. 

The greatest elements to be found in the next generation’s wardrobe this fall are packed full of nods to the ‘90s with pops of neon color, skinny leg denim, short faux leather jackets, drapey tops and tees, and rocked out mixes of pattern.  Easy and adorable, the comfort is cleverly concealed in the style.

Crinkled Moto Jacket by Xhilaration, found at Target 

This jacket is a steal at $34.99.  The crinkle finish to the faux leather has a semi-distressed look which ups its cool factor about 100 degrees.  The jacket hits at the waist, and worn zipped or unzipped, it adds the perfect finish to sleeveless and short sleeve looks for the fall. 

Grade:  A+

Cinched Zip-Frint Jacket, found at Old Navy 

The best military style jacket you are going to find anywhere in this price range!  At $39.50, this jacket is a must have for back to school.  The deep dark green is perfectly neutral, making it an easy choice to toughen up any outfit while baring its slightly feminine edge found in the cinched waist.  Gold tone hardware and a stand up collar add a rock star finish. 

Grade: A+

Funky Tunes Licensed Tee in Black, found at Target

Covered in shimmering sequins, this racerback top is a STEAL at $12.99.  The graphic image is subtly shaded in neutral tones of gray and brown set on a backdrop of creamy ivory.  The cut is loose, and the hem line hangs long.  This top was MADE to be paired with a skinny jean or legging, and accented with a fantastic jacket.  Buy every color!!

Grade: A+

Corrie by Vans, found at JCPenney 

High top tennies have jumped back onto the scene, in more colors than a bag of Skittles. This pair by Vans, adds a feminine flair to its punch of neon pink by setting the scene in a black and white houndstooth base.  They are really flexible, and have all the quality and durability we expect from traditional Vans. Very comfortable, very cute, love these for back to school!

Grade:  A+

I am quite proud that I have raised my daughter to have developed such a unique voice, and to have the confidence to use it. 

Happy Back to School 2010!

K & J