Your Guide to Back-to-School Buying

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.

Back to school shopping could happen at a much more graceful pace, but the opportunity to save some serious cash is way too tantalizing to pass up. 

Use and re-use

With Americans spending upwards of $68 billion a year on back to school items, salvaging clothing and school supplies from last year is a must.

If you find yourself the proud owner of vintage apparel that still fits, look for 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 boots 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 opting for animal friendly accessories 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.

Backpack boot camp

A backpack is the ultimate back to school accessory. 

As I recall, toting around all of those heavy books can be absolute torture. Never weighing more than 15 percent of your student’s body weight, a properly fitting backpack should align with the curve of the back and sit no more than 4 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.

We love layers

With cold weather upon our doorstep, and the sometimes incomprehensible temperatures of buses and school buildings,  layering basics are essential. They grant longevity to the lighter garments of fall and ensure that your student will always be comfortable. 

Although outerwear might not be at the forefront of your mind, it is important to have a fall jacket. Buying a jacket specifically for fall encourages your student to wear it rather than going coatless until there is snow on the ground.

A durable, warm, lightweight jacket is ideal. It can be worn under a heavier jacket or coat on cold days, can be layered with a scarf or vest, or worn with a sleeveless shirt or T-shirt on the warmer days.

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.

Save 6.35 percent

Now that our back to school mission is clear I am pleased to inform you that Connecticut celebrates my favorite holiday - tax free week - through Aug. 28. 

This week, you save the taxes on clothing and footwear items under $300. There are no limits on how many items you can buy and still save the taxes, as long as each individual item is priced at less than $300.

If you buy one pair of shoes at $100 or four pairs of shoes at $100, all are tax-free. If you buy a pair of $300 shoes, you'll pay the tax.

Retailers anticipate a heavy traffic flow and will be pulling out all the stops to entice our appetite for fashion.

The mall beckons

The Crystal Mall has organized an event dedicated solely to back to school which will take place this Saturday. 

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, but you can also partake in food sampling and family entertainment including face painting, and a magician, and live music.

If you despise a busy fitting room, be proactive and get your shopping done a day early.  Most retailers will do you the courtesy of holding garments for 24 hours, allowing more time to enjoy the festivities on Saturday. 

While you are browsing you might notice the massive mall makeover project 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 clothes-shopping marathon comes to an end, a very sad time indeed, pile all of those receipts and bring them down to guest services. For every $50 dollars you spend, you will receive a free entry to win one of three prizes, including $100 dollar 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?

Special Deals and Promotions

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

 Rue 21

• Spend $40 and earn a coupon for $20 off any purchase of $40 or more from Sept. 14 - Sept. 26.

Pacific Sunwear

• Spend $50 earn 30 percent off a purchase in the month of September

 Lords & Ladys

• 20 percent off all retail products
• Feather extensions for $12

Subway

• Any size fountain drink, $1

Master Cuts

• Buy any two products, get the third free

Piercing Pagoda

• Bead trunk show taking place Aug. 26-28
• Buy one, get one 50 percent on regular priced beads
• 50 percent off clearance beads
• Extra 10 percent off sale prices

Participating Retailers

• 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