Where is Your Child's Lunch Box?

I recently came across a n article which shares tips for how to remove that funky smell from your child's lunch box.  Since the school year just ended, I thought it might be a good time to ask "Do you know where your child's lunch box is?"  If not, find it and clean it out and store it away for use again next fall.

If you find it on the floor in the hall closet with what appears to be a half eaten sandwich and a baggie of mush that might have been grapes at some point in the recent past, then you should check out Leah Dossey's Quick Tip of the Day post from her blog Code Red Hat - Survival Skills for the Modern Mom on How to De-Funk a Smelly Lunch Box.

Good Luck!

(photo used with permission from Microsoft)

CookiesKids School Uniform Fundraiser Program

Haven't heard of CookiesKids?  Me either, until recently. The are known as the World's Largest Kids Department Store and have 6 retail locations in New York City.  In 2007, they were noted by Crain's Magazine as the #1 School Uniform Headquarters in the United States. The Cookie's website, which they consider their 7th store, features a special school uniform section. You can check out my overview of School Uniforms at the Cookie's, the Kids Department Store from the Retail Round Up Series.

I spoke with a company representative and learned that they work with over 1200 schools, mostly in New York City and others across the US. They are focused on working directly with schools to offer quality uniform items at the lowest possible price point.

Cookie's offers two different school uniform programs. The "Direct to School" program allows schools to place bulk orders at a discount to distribute or sell to students themselves. In the "School Webstore" program, Cookie's will create a custom website that features your school uniform or items that comply with your school's uniform dress code.  Parents are offered free shipping on orders over $49 and the school received a 5% royalty which is "donated back to the school to help underprivileged students pay for their uniforms".

Cookies also offers a in-house embroidery program and screen printing department to customize your school's uniforms.  If it's plaid you need, CookiesKids offers 38 different plaids in a variety of styles.

To see if you school is registered, check out their school search.  To sign up, complete the online form to have a representative from the School Sales Department work with you to design the uniform program for your school.

Related Posts:

• French Toast Dollars in Uniform Fundraiser Program
• Fundraising with the Lands End School Rewards Program
• Myself Belts School Fundraiser Program

School Uniforms at Marks and Spencer - Retail Round Up

Living in the US, I don't have many opportunities to shop at Marks and Spencer, a British department store. I did get a chance to visit the one in London once and the one in Bermuda once while traveling on vacations.   Imagine my surprise to find Marks and Spencer brand school uniforms while digging through a box of  clothing at the Uniform Locker exchange event at our local elementary school in Northern Virginia.

That day at the uniform exchange, I found and purchased a pair of navy slacks and a white long sleeve button down shirt for my daughter. They were a dollar each. Bargain!

School Uniforms are much more common in Britain than in the US. Marks and Spencer carries full offering of school uniform items for girls and boys.  Their website is well organized and easy to navigate.  The prices are listed in British pounds, so you'll need to be aware of the current conversion rate and any fees that your credit card might charge to get a somewhat accurate idea on prices as you browse their site.And at least for a limited time, they offer free shipping to the US and Canada with no minimum to order. 

They carry a wide selection of items for girls and boys that can only be rivaled by a handful of US uniform retailers. I thought I was getting the hang of shopping at stores that size items in centimeters, but M&S's sizing is different.  It is labeled in sizes from 3 years to 16 year. I'd recommend you check the handy sizing chart to compare how their sizing compares. Especially since the site was light on details of how international returns are handled.   They also offer slim fit, plus fit and longer lengths in some items.

Below is a one minute video where they highlight their 2012 school uniform innovations:

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Normally for the Retail Round Up series posts, I list the items available in the current school uniform collection by gender and clothing type. M&S offers too many items to list.  Instead, I'll link you to the major groupings areas: 

• UK students can shop the Personalised School Uniform site with details for specific schools.
• The Boys Directory includes Polos and Shirts, Trousers, Sportswear, Bags and Shoes, Jumpers (In the UK, they call Boy's sweaters Jumpers.), Shorts, Blazers and underwear.
• The Girls Directory includes Blouses, Polos, Sports, Skirts, Cardigans and Jumpers, Trousers and Shorts, Pinafores (These are what we, in the US, call Jumpers.), Blazers and Coats, Shoes and Bags, socks and underwear.

While navy and khaki are the basic colors in US school uniforms, I noticed that most bottoms at M&S are offered in black and gray in their collections.  If you're looking for school uniform items that will comply with the school dress code that not everyone will be wearing, then you should browse their selection.  I noticed selections that I hadn't seen in other school uniform collections.  Unique Girls Selections included 3/4 sleeve blouses, ruched polos, 9 different styles of pinafores, 25 different styles of skirts including straight skirts, tube skirts, pencil skirts and culottes and Blazers!  Plaid was noticeably absent.

Video Pick: School Uniform Badged or Not?

As a fellow association executive (IE- my day job), I can't help but support a recent project of the Schoolwear Association in the UK.  They recently shared this video asking parents and children which uniform they preferred, those with the school's logo or those without.  

What's your preference?  Please chime in using the comments below.

According to the video description on You Tube,

"The Schoolwear Association, represent all those involved in the supply of school specific uniform including retailers, direct to school suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, suppliers, decorators, agents and schools." 

A Year in Reviews-Kindergartner's School Uniform clothing items

School's out!

It seems like just yesterday we were attending Preschool graduation. Tomorrow is the last day of school for our daughter, and I can't believe how fast this school year has gone. During her first year at elementary school, she has made new friends and learned many new things, probably most importantly reading and writing simple sentences and basic addition and subtraction.  Socially, she made new friends and learned how to hold her own on the playground with the big kids at after school care.

Since she started Kindergarten at a school with an established uniform dress code, she doesn't know any different when it comes to school clothes. I've become a fan of the uniform dress code because it makes getting dressed for school each day very simple.  After I learned which stores carry uniform collections, shopping for her clothes is simple.  I've become a fan of several brands that have held up well for her this past school year.  Some items didn't work so well, and we'll skip over those during next year's shopping.  I've learned when things go on sale and learned to spot a bargain on the quality items.  

As we wrap up the school year, I thought I'd look back at the items from my daughter's Kindergarten wardrobe that I've reviewed this school year. Last fall, I set out to buy a week's worth of school clothes and hoped to pick items that would last the full year.  Each of these represent lessons learned- some good and some bad.

• Izod School Uniform Bermuda Shorts
• Cherokee School Uniform Pants
• Izod Flat Front Skirt
• Cherokee School Uniform Scooter
• Izod Short-Sleeve Woven Shirt
• George brand long-sleeve polos
• H&M's Organic Cotton T-shirts
• Lands End Girls Uniform Pleated Twill Skort
• Cardigan sweaters (Land's End, Cherokee and French Toast)
• Lands' End Knit Ruffle Front Dress
• Children's Place Active Skort and Fold-over Active Pants
• Myself Belt's Navy Canvas belt
• Lands End Kiki 3 Strap Skimmer shoes
• Saucony Radar LT LTT Sneakers
• Stride Rite Carla shoes 
• Cherokee uniform shoes (Falda Ballet)

(photo used with permission from Microsoft)

Fundraising with the Lands' End School Rewards Program

On Lands End's website, they state that that they have made a commitment to give back $1 million to partner schools this year.  Schools can earn up to 6% on school uniform orders.  The tiered schedule starts at 1% on sales up to $4,999 annually. It bumps to 2% on sales between 5000 and 9,999 and 3% for sales over $10,000.  Then as additional incentives, schools can bump it up another 1% if you sign an exclusive contract and another 1% for a multi-year contract. And schools willing to share the parents address or email addresses can earn another additional 1%.

Each participating school is assigned a preferred school number. To find you school's number, you can use their search feature.  Parents are reminded to use it on purchases through the catalog, online, at inlet shops or at Sears. Schools with a tax status of 501 (c)3 or 509 (a) and a dress code are eligible to participate in this rewards program.  Checks are issued annually in February based on the past years' sales.

To learn more details, you can contact Land's End directly.

Have you worked with a school that was enrolled in the School Rewards Program?  Please let us know your thoughts about the program in the comments below.

Related Posts:

• French Toast Dollars in Uniform Fundraiser Program
• Myself Belts School Fundraiser Program
• CookiesKids School Uniform Fundraiser Program

What to Wear Under a Skirt for Modesty on the Playground

I see London. I see France.  I see your little girl's underpants!

Egads!  You don't want to hear any kids singing that song with your daughter's name in it.  And as if that thought isn't motivating enough, here are three other good reasons you'll need to find a solution for what she can wear under skirts and jumpers at school:

• Your little girl will want to play on the playground at recess.
• Your little girl will have to sit crisscross applesauce at circle time. 
• And just in case, your little girl doesn't always act like a little lady.

If skirts and jumpers are in your regular wardrobe rotation, then you need another article of clothing to retain a little modesty.  I've found three options:

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The Bike Short  

They are tight fitting shorts with stretch. You can find them at major retailers.  Over the years, we've had several pairs of these from various vendors.  The Circo brand bike shorts at Target (update - sorry this brand is no longer available) have held up well for us. The Children's Place leggings and bike shorts are my favorite because they seem to have just the right amount of stretch to them.  Gymboree brand are my least favorite because they don't seem to have enough stretch in them and they don't hold their shape as well as the others.  Here are links to you can check out bike shorts from these retailers:

• Children's Place
• Cat and Jack at Target
• French Toast brand at Cookies Kids
• French Toast

Bootie shorts

I'm not crazy about the name either, but that's what the kids call them.



They are the boyshort style shorts usually worn by dancers and gymnasts over practice leotards. We recently bought a pair of Capezio Girls' Boy Cut Low Rise Short at our local dance-wear shop. They are also offered at major retailers such as Amazon or at a local specialty retailer. We found they ran true to size. They are made from 90% nylon and 10% spandex. You can launder them with your other workout wear, but hang them to dry.

 

Knit Shorts

I have only come across a handful of uniform retailers that carry knit shorts made for the purpose of wearing under skirts. The Gap and their sister store, Old Navy, used to carry a 3 pack, but I no longer see them available.

This year, French Toast began to offer what they call "Kick Shorts". We haven't tried them yet, but they are described as  a fitted pull-on shorts designed to be worn under a skirt or jumper. The price is right at $4.98 each. They come in all sizes from 2T through a size 16.

Cartwheel Shorts

Children's Place added a nylon Cartwheel Short with 5% spandex. They are sold in a two pack and retail for $16.95.

Children's Place also has a knit cartwheel short.  They are made from 94% cotton with 6% spandex.   Compared to other Children's Place matchables, we found these to run small.  While they are intended to be short and fit snugly, I'd recommend you go up a size.

JC Penney also carries a  2 pack of Maidenform Playground Pals (R).  While we wish they were offered in 2 packs of solids in uniform basic colors, they do offer a set in navy and white, as well as other colors.

(photo used with permission from borntobewild1946)
I selected this post to be featured on my blog’s page at Blog Nation.

French Toast Dollars in Uniform Fundraiser Program

Wouldn't your school like to Earn 5% Cash Back for your school when you shop at French Toast today! The French Toast program does not require the school to enter a contract. A school administrator can complete a simple sign up form online to get started.

French Toast offers bulk discounts to schools and can provide embroidery set up for the school logo.  The embroidery set up is free if the school logo is digitized.  If not, French Toast can assist for a one time $95 fee.

Participating schools are assigned a school code. If the school provides details on their uniform dress code, French Toast creates a customized online shopping experience for parents filtering the uniform items to just display the ones that comply with your school's dress code.  The school can also order customized catalogs to provide to parents.   I love how that can simplify the "Back to School" shopping for all families.

A friendly school marketing representative told me that over 5,000 schools participate in this program with French Toast.  Schools can receive royalty checks twice a year in August and February.  Checks are issued once a school's total sales reaches $2000, or a royalty of at least $100.  If a school doesn't reach that sales total in a period the amount rolls into the next period until that threshold is reached.  If your school is not contractual obligated to an exclusive contract with a specific vendor, then you have nothing to loose by registering for the French Toast Dollars for Uniforms program.  Participation can simplify shopping experience for the parents and the school may receive a royalty check in return. A Win, Win!

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Below is a 3 minute video highlighting the program:

Related Posts:

• Fundraising with the Lands End School Rewards Program
• Myself Belts School Fundraiser Program
• CookiesKids School Uniform Fundraiser Program

Children's Wear Outlet - Retail Round Up Series

Since 1966, The Children's Wear Outlet is a third generation family owned business, specializing in children's clothing and school uniforms.  On their website, they claim to offer more than 80 different styles of discount school uniforms from K12, Elderwear and Genuine School Uniforms. The store is located in Georgia and the online store ships throughout the US.  Pricing is very reasonable.  Returns of unworn and unwashed items can be made within 30 days, you cover the shipping.

Boys Uniforms

Short and long sleeve pique shirts are offered in white, burgundy, hunter, red, gold, purple, yellow, royal blue, light blue, navy. The Genuine School Uniform boys sweater is offered in navy. Shorts are offered in a flat front or a pleated style in khaki and navy. Boys flat front pants come in regular and husky sizes in khaki and navy.  Young men's uniform pants are offered in khaki and navy.

Girls Uniforms

The US Polo Assn uniform shirt with a collar and front pocket is offered in white and light blue. Short and long sleeve pique shirts are offered in white, burgundy, hunter, red, gold, purple, yellow, royal blue, light blue, navy.  The Genuine School Uniform girls Peter Pan shirt is offered in both short sleeve and long sleeve in white, yellow and light blue and a long sleeve button down is available in white. The girls cardigans are offered in two styles, button up and a zip up in navy.

Video Pick: NSJ crew releases Khaki Pants, the song and the dance

Do you remember last summer's hit "Hot Cheetos and Takis" by the Y.N.RichKids.? No? Check it out on YouTube; it is at 6.5 million views and still climbing. Grantland recently did a great piece explaining the background of this group and the Beats and Rhymes program at what is obviously a very innovative after-school program at the Nellie Stone Johnson Beacons Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

The NSJ Crew, made up of students from Nellie Stone Johnson Community School, just released an ode to the classic school uniform bottoms, Khaki pants. You gotta take a minute (okay - 5 and a half minutes) to watch this video.  Even if you're not a fan of hip hop music, you'll recognize that these kids have talent and the video is well produced and edited.  As a dancer, I love that the video features a khaki dance to accompany the song.

Love it!



Kudos to the NSJ Crew and the folks at Nellie Stone Johnson Beacons Center!  This song has potential to be the runaway YouTube hit of the summer. Khaki wearing kids all over are going to be singing along and by fall school kids everywhere will know the Khaki dance.  I predict that another group of creative young kids at a summer camp somewhere will create a flash mob style video response.  I look forward to watching those.

If you'd like to download the song, here is the link from the Beats and Rhymes website where you can find links to other songs, lyrics and videos.
 

Izod Flat Front Uniform Skirt, a review

One of the first uniform items I bookmarked to purchase for my daughter was the Izod Flat Front Uniform Skirt. The flat front a-line style is a bit different from the standard scooters and pleated skirts.  Maybe I was drawn to it because it is a style I would choose for my wardrobe. It is available to purchase at JCPenney. It comes in navy and khaki in girls sizes 4-16. It is made from a cotton polyester blend.  

I ordered the navy one online. It has held it's color well through many washings, but it does need pressed to return to a crisp smart look.  The skirt has a zip fly with a hook and latch closure at the top that is easy for little fingers. But it also has a tab of fabric that snaps over to the left under, yes, under and between a double belt loop.  It couldn't be in a worse spot and is therefore difficult to button. Since it is a skirt and not a skort, I can assist my young daughter with this snap in the morning, and then she doesn't have to mess with it during restroom visits during the school day.  But that brings me to my second criticism of this item, I have developed a strong preference for my daughter to wear skorts or scooters instead of skirts. The convenience of a built in shorts beats having to wear bike shorts underneath.

Despite my criticisms, I do keep this skirt in her regular wardrobe rotation. Why? Because she looks SO darn cute in it.   In the warmer months, she wears it with bike shorts underneath and basic cuff socks.  As it got cooler, we switched to knee socks, then tights through the winter months.  The classic style of the skirt paired with a polo is just perfect throughout the school year.  At the regular retail price of $10, it is worth a little ironing. 

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Thanks for supporting Uniform Mom!

Related Posts:·

• Izod Flat Front Uniform Skirt, a review
• Review of the Girls Izod Short-Sleeve Woven Shirt 
• Cherokee School Uniform Scooter, a Review

Myself Belts School Fundraiser Program

If your school is looking for a fundraiser idea, you might want to check out Myself Belts. Myself Belts TM, the belt kids can fasten themselves, is a product and company owned by two Moms. Their product is simple enough for kids to use themselves during potty training, but functional and stylish enough to use as they grow older too. Earlier this Spring, I met Talia Bahr Goldfarb on Twitter. She sent us a complementary belt for my daughter to try. Here you can read our review of the Myself Belt for School Uniforms.

The company also offers a fundraising program that offers a generous 20% donation back to the school. They will assist the organizer with flyers and order forms. The order is shipped free in bulk to the organizer or school for local distribution. They even offer to set up the school logo which can be embroidered on the belts.

If you're looking for a more passive fundraiser, you can provide a copy of the school logo to Myself Belts. They will digitize the logo for a small fee. You can then spread the word in your regular PTA newsletters or email blasts. Parents can then order themselves online. When they add the school's logo, the school gets a 20% of the proceeds. Couldn't be simpler.

If you're ready to get started, contact MyselfBelts at sales@myselfbelts.com. Please tell her the Uniform Mom sent you.

(photo used with permission from Myself Belts)

Related Posts:

• French Toast Dollars in Uniform Fundraiser Program
• Fundraising with the Lands End School Rewards Program
• CookiesKids School Uniform Fundraiser Program