New Girls Bermuda Shorts from French Toast

The updated Girls Bermuda short by French Toast is is an instant classic on warm-weather days. This knee-length short is crafted with a comfortable and durable cotton blend stretch twill fabric and features functional front & back pockets. The adjustable waist helps her get a secure and comfy fit.

Features:

• Cotton Blend Twill
• Stretch, Comfort That Lasts
• Adjustable Waist, The Best Fit & Room For Them To Grow
• Non-Functional Horn Button With Hook & Bar Closure On Waistband
• Functional Fly with Zipper Closure
• Front Slash Pockets
• Back Welt Pockets
• Knee Length
• Functional Belt Loops

Fabric and Care: 

• 98% COTTON, 2% ELASTANE. 
• Machine Wash Cold With Like Colors. 
• Only Non Chlorine Bleach When Needed. 
• Tumble Dry Low. 
• Warm Iron If Needed.

Sizing:

• Youth 4-20, 
• Plus 10 1/2 plus to 20 1/2 plus
• Women’s 2-22

Regular Price

 $15.98 - $19.98

For a limited time you can use this Uniform Mom affiliate link for 30% off Polos & Shorts.

Free Embroidery on all Styles at French Toast!

This never happens!

French Toast is having a special promotion for free embroidery. Yes, it's early, but hurry and stock up on all the embroidery items that you need for back to school this fall. Order now for delivery by July 15th, 2019. Its a savings of over $5 per item! That adds up quick.

When I read the back to school articles on school uniforms from our friends across the pond, most schools seem to require uniforms to include the school crest. Here in the US, we don’t call them “crested” uniforms, but instead, simply talk about the option to add the school logo to shirts or sweaters. US private schools are more likely to require that logos be added certain uniform items, but most public schools, that have adopted the standard student attire model of khakis and polos, typically offer logos as an option.

Wearing the school logo on the uniform can be a show of support for school pride. This also carries over into the wider community when those students are out around town wearing school colors with the logo. Every year, I see a comment from a British mom talking about how her kids “look smart” in their new uniforms.

When choosing to add a logo to a school uniform item, adding it to all polo tops is a natural choice. If you live in a colder climate, adding a logo to a sweater, sweatshirt or a fleece jacket is also a smart spend since students wear them over the polo tops. If your school uniform includes a blazer, it is the perfect item for the school logo.

Uniform Mom is an affiliate partner with French Toast.
If you use these links and decide to make a purchase, I receive a small commission. 

Here are a few items that would be great to order during this sale:

• BasicPolos (Short Sleeve Pique Polo / Long Sleeve Interlock Polo)
• Long Sleeve Interlock Knit Polo with Picot Collar (Feminine Fit)
• Short Sleeve Peter Pan Polo
• Fleece Hooded Sweatshirt
• Pom-Pom Zip-Up Sweater
• Anti-Pill V-Neck Cardigan Sweater
• Fine-Gauge Knit Cardigan Sweater
• Blazers (School Blazer/Girls Dress Blazer)
• Hooded Windbreaker
• Hidden Hood Jacket

When in elementary school, my daughter had a favorite Zip Front Sweater (like the one shown above).  She kept in her backpack and wore in the classroom nearly every day. It became a ritual to dig it out of her backpack on Friday evenings and wash it every weekend.  Does your child have a favorite sweater?

Be sure to order soon, this sale ends June 23rd.  The discount applies at checkout. No Code Required.

And feel free to share this article to your school's message board so others might also take advantage of this sale.

Elderwear Long Sleeve Polo, a Review

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Elderwear Girls "Ribbed Cuff"
Long Sleeve Knit Polo
$9.99 at CookieKids

Recently Cookies Kids offered me the chance to review a few products.  I jumped on the opportunity to check out an Elderwear brand polo.  They sent me an Elderwear Girls "Ribbed Cuff" Long Sleeve Knit Polo to use as the basis of this review. 

When it comes to kids polos for school, many of the mast market brands are similar in price and quality. But there are a few outliers.  One of those outliers is Elderwear.  It is a brand that I have only come across a handful of times.  I've seen their uniform items only at a local boutique that specializes in school uniforms for the private schools in my area.  The price of their items is noticeably higher than mass market brands.

This Elderwear knit polo features long sleeves, a narrow button placket, slit sides, and ribbed cuffs.  It is 60% cotton and 40% polyester.  This long sleeve polo is a much heavier fabric than lower priced polos from other brands.  This is a nice feature in a long sleeve polo that is more likely to worn alone during the colder months of the year, as opposed to a lightweight polo worn under a jumper or sweater.

In our area, the weather just turned cool this week.  My daughter had a chance to try out the new polo and said it was comfortable to wear.  This weekend, it took a trip through the laundry cycle.  I wash her whites on warm and tumble dry low.  I might iron the polo for picture day or the annual holiday assembly, but for everyday, it looked fine right out of the dryer.

It is regularly priced at $28.99, but Cookie Kids offers this quality polo at the everyday price of only $9.99. I would definitely recommend this polo.  The Elderwear quality at a CookieKids price is a great combination. CookieKids also carries the Elderwear Girls Short Sleeve Pique Polo, but not the boys versions.

Demin for Back to School at Crazy 8

Uniform Mom was compensated for this post. This post also contains affiliate links and Uniform Mom will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking a link in this post.


Crazy 8 is having a great sale right now on denim for Back to School.

For girls, Crazy 8 has 3 basic styles: skinny, jeggings and bootcut. Each style is available in dark and medium washes.

These Skinny Jeans are described as "slimmest through hip, thigh & leg opening" and are made from 78% cotton/21% polyester/1% spandex. Reviewers love these for their slim daughters and granddaughters. But don't dismiss them as just for the skinniest girls because they come in slim, regular and plus size fits.

Reviewers with the skinniest kids love the Denim Jeggings which are 3% spandex and described "super skinny through hip & leg".  And for those that don't groove on the skinny leg style, you cant go wrong with the classic  Bootcut Jeans instead.


For boys, Crazy 8 has 5 styles: straight leg, bootcut, rocker, loose, and pull-on.  Each style is available in dark, medium and some are available in gray and black washes.

The Rocker Jeans is 100% cotton and slim through hip, thigh & leg opening. The Straight Jeans fit straight through hip & leg and have a straight leg opening. The Bootcut Jeans sit just below waist, slim through hip & thigh, bootcut leg opening.  If your son prefers a relaxed leg opening, try the Loose Jeans. All of these styles are available in slim, regular and husky fits.

All of these jeans retail for $19.88 but for a limited time, all denim are on sale for $8.88.  It is great deal, so stock up for Back to School Season.

School Give Back Program with Primary.com

We know that many Uniform Mom readers volunteer with the kids PTA or PTO.  All of us parents get looped into the school fundraisers. So I love to pass along news of passive fundraising program that can help the school raise money by buying things that the kids need and that we're gonna buy anyway.  Primary.com just announced a new School Give Back program.

• Primary.com will provide a unique url link to use for shopping and a unique promo code for families to get a discount on their first order.
• Primary.com will give each school print and social media materials to let families know about this partnership.
• Primary.com will issue quarterly reports and payments.

Primary.com carries all the basics that your kid needs to build a wardrobe.  Depending on how strict the uniform policy is, your kid(s) might be able to wear their polo tops.  They have a soft, jersey knit collar which is more relaxed than a traditional polo top.  But even if your school dress code is too rigid for the primary.com polo, their basics are great for the PE day wardrobe.  The basic tee shirt, shorts, and leggings work great and are affordable.  You will find many great choices for summer camps and weekend wear too, including swim suits.

So, go tell your principal, school director, and your PTO about this awesome earn back program and encourage them to take advantage of it.  If your preschool or school may be interested, please send an email to schoolgiveback@primary.com.

As an affiliate partner with Primary.com, Uniform Mom can offer readers this coupon for  20% Off Plus FREE shipping on your first order of baby and kids clothes at Primary.com with code AFF20PCT!

Boys Double Knee Pants from French Toast

Uniform Mom is an affiliate partner with French Toast. If you use these links and decide to make a purchase,
I receive a small commission. 

Update - This post was updated in May 2019 with new links, pricing and color options.



Are you looking for quality flat front pants for everyday school wear for your son?  Check out the Double Knee Pant with the Workwear Finish.

• First, they are made from Wrinkle No More fabric which is great because really, who loves ironing?  
• Second, they have the Power Knee (TM) fabric to prevent against knee blowouts.  
• And third, they have an adjustable waist so you can modify the fit as your child grows during the school year.

The price is right at $21.98. The French Toast brand items are carried by many different retailers making it easy to find them on sale.   The sizing starts as small as a boys size 4 going through a size 20.  Regular boys sizes also include slim and husky options, and now they have a young mans sizing up to size 38 waist.  They are only offered in 7 different colors including the basics of navy and khaki.

Be sure to follow me on Facebook or @navyplaid on Twitter for coupons.

8 Rookie Mistakes to Avoid with Back to School Shopping

The idea to start this site was hatched as a Mom of a Kindergartner trying to figure out the what, where, & when of school shopping for a kid required to wear uniforms to school.  Since then, I've learned quite a bit about the brands, the retailers, and the trends.  Here is my list of Rookie Mistakes to Avoid for Back to School Shopping so you can avoid these errors and enjoy a stress free school shopping season.

Waiting Until Last Minute

The shopping season for school uniforms at major retailers begins at the beginning of July.  While that seems early, it's not.  If you try to wait until closer to the start of the school year, you will find that the styles and sizes are picked over, or worse, out of stock.  For the best selection, shop in July. More retailers carry school uniform clothing items at this time of year, even if they don't offer them year-round, which gives you more options.  At many retailers, I've seen the best prices of the season during July. The Uniform Mom Best Bets series recommends the target price that you can realistically expect to find quality uniform clothing items. During peak Back to School shopping season, you can find items at bargain basement prices at discount retailers and even the retailers known for the highest quality are known to discount their uniform items 40% or more.

Overlooking the Uniform Exchange Program

I bet your school has a uniform exchange program or uniform locker where you can get school uniform basics secondhand for a fraction of the retail cost, or even for free.  Ask the other Moms in the neighborhood or post a question on the school message board.  As fast as kids grow, you will be surprised to find quality items like new, or even some new with tags.  Be sure to check out Uniform Mom's tips for shopping uniform consignment events.  You can also check out the online consignment stores, such as Swap.com.  You won't find uniform items tagged or sorted easily, but filter down by brands, color and size to find options available.  

Failing to Know the Tax Free Holiday in your State

Many states offer break from sales tax for a weekend or even for a full week on items needed for school such as clothing, shoes and school supplies. According to the 2017 National Retail Federation's Annual Back to School Survey, families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average $687.72 each.  Shopping during this holiday can save you an extra few percent on your Back to School haul.  Each summer, Uniform Mom publishes a list of tax free holidays in each state.

Waiting until Fall to Shop for Long Sleeve Polo Tops

When it is the middle of July, it is easy to overlook the long sleeve polo shirts hanging on the back to school display.  However, long sleeve polos are harder to find the longer you wait in the school year. (you can read about my hunt for the long sleeve polo here). By October, the retailers that don't carry uniforms year round are running out certain colors and sizes. Just save yourself the headache, and pick up at least 2 long sleeve polos during the peak Back to School shopping season.

Buying School Shoes too Early

One year, I picked up a pair of Mary Janes early in the Back to School season.  When my daughter put them on for the first day of school, she had already outgrown them.  I sent her to school wearing her PE shoes instead while I had to scramble that day to return them and find her hew ones that fit. ( I'd recommend you plan to hit the show stores about 2 weeks before school starts. You need to take the kids with you so they can get a proper measurement for sizing.

Buying the Cheap Shoes

Once.  Only once did I get my daughter a pair of school shoes at a discount retailer.  Basically, they lasted a week and I was out shopping again.  Shoes are probably the most expensive item on your back to school shopping list (okay at least while they are young), but spend the extra money to buy a pair of school shoes made with leather uppers.  Most shoe stores recommend you buy kids new shoes in a half size larger than the child's actual shoe size.  If they are over due for a growth spurt, you may be able to go up a full size with thicker socks, as long as the shoes aren't sliding around on their heels.  Once you find a quality shoe, it should last until the end of the school year or until they outgrow them.

Forgetting the Basics and the Accessories

Because of all of the Back To School clothing sales, it is a great time to stock up on basics like new underwear, undershirts, or bras.  But don't forget that your child might also need a new belt, tights, undershorts, or hair accessories.

Failing to Subscribe to the Uniform Mom Report Card

Each week, Uniform Mom lists the latest sales and coupon codes on schools clothing at major uniform retailers in the US.  If you're not already a subscriber, sign up so you always know what's on sale at each retailer and have a coupon code handy.

Photo Credit: For really #Big #Mistakes ...  Nadia Santoya. Licensed under Creative Commons CC-BY-NC-ND 2.0.

(CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Tax Free Holidays for Back to School Shopping

Tax Free holidays are popular times for parents to head out shopping for back to school clothing and supplies with the kids.  Expect stores to be crowded, and pack your patience to take advantage of the extra savings.

Below is a list of dates where states have announced a state sales tax holiday.  Georgia, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts will not have a tax free holiday in 2017.

State	Items Included	Dates
Alabama	clothing, computers, school supplies	Jul 21-23rd, 2017
Mississippi	clothing & footwear	Jul 28-29th, 2017
Tennessee	clothing, school supplies, computers	Jul 28-30th, 2017
Florida	school supplies, clothing, computers	Aug 4-6th, 2017
Ohio	clothing and school supplies	Aug 4-6th, 2017
Virginia	clothing, school supplies	Aug 4-6th, 2017
South Carolina	clothing, school supplies, computers	Aug 4-6th, 2017
Oklahoma	clothing	Aug 4-6th, 2017
New Mexico	clothing, computers, school supplies	Aug 4-6th, 2017
Missouri	clothing, computers, school supplies	Aug 4-6th, 2017
Iowa	clothing	Aug 4-5th, 2017
Louisiana	Personal Property <2500	Aug 4-5th, 2017
Arkansas	clothing, school supplies	Aug 5-6th, 2017
Texas	clothing, backpacks & school supplies	Aug 11-13th, 2017
Maryland	clothing & footwear	Aug 13-19th, 2017
Connecticut	clothing and footwear	Aug 20-26th, 2017

Source:  https://www.freetaxweekend.com/

Photo Credit: Jimmie. School Supplies Homeschool. (Flickr)

Aeropostale

Aeropostale is a specialty retailer with over 500 stores in the US.  They sell apparel and accessories targeting the 16 - 22 year old shopper.  They also carry basic school uniform items for tweens and teens.  Their website makes it easy to find the items as they are grouped under boys and girls in the navigation menu as "uniform".

The girls uniform collection includes short sleeve polo shirts in 10 different colors and the long sleeve polo in 5 colors.   The sizing ranges from an XS through a XXL.  Basic Bermuda shorts and pants are offered in khaki, black and navy. The girls pants are offered in a skinny twill style as well as a traditional straight leg style.  Even better, they offer the pants in regular and a curvy fit. A straight skirt is offered in 2 lengths, 15 and 19 inch.

The boys uniform collection includes short sleeve polo shirts in 8 different colors and the long sleeve polo in 5 colors.   They also have a v neck cardigan sweater in 4 colors. The boys alpha sizing in the tops ranges from X Small to 3X Large. Guys shorts, called long-board shorts, are offered in 7 colors including uniform basics of khaki, black and navy. The boys pants are offered in 2 styles: a slim cut straight leg pant with a flat front or a straight leg chino style.  

What's New at Children's Place for Back to School 2017

As the 2017 Back to School season gets underway, I checked out the school uniform collection at the Children's Place to look for anything new or updated. The most notable change is that they now allow returns of online only items to their retail and outlet stores. Yeah! Several of the school uniform items are offered as "online exclusives". Previously, if you took a risk and ordered an item online and it turns out that it didn't fit, you them had to go through the hassle and expense of mailing the item back. Now, you can simply return the item to your local store.  This change is a win for consumers.

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Skater Skort

Last year they began to offer a popular style of the skater skirt in their uniform collection. The downside for the item was that it was a skirt and not a scooter. This year it was been updated to include the built in shorts underneath. Yeah again, this simple change simplifies shopping because you don't have to find separate shorts to wear underneath. Built in shorts give girls the confidence to run and climb on the playground at recess.

Boys Uniform Long Sleeve Mock Neck Zip Sweater

I also noticed a long sleeve mock neck zip-up sweater in the boys uniform collection. I believe this classic style is new in the Children's Place collection, but has been a best seller at competing retailers.  This zip up style is 60% cotton and 40% acrylic. My daughter loves the zip-up style sweater, and I don't see any reason why Moms should shy away from ordering this sweater for their daughters. I plan to test and review this item this season, so I'll let you know how the color and quality hold up.

What's New with the Cat and Jack School Uniform Collection at Target For Back To School 2017

Last summer Target launched the Cat and Jack brand of children's clothing. It's school uniform collection which replaced the Cherokee brand line in their stores. Although I found the uniform styles and quality of the items comparable to the Cherokee collection, I was disappointed in the color selection of "nightfall blue" for many of the uniform basics. It is not a true navy and I suggested shoppers look elsewhere if navy basics are required at your school.

New color - Navy Voyage

I was delighted to see that many of the uniform basics have been updated this season to a color called "navy voyage". I checked it out in person today and it appears to be a shade darker than the "nightfall blue" in last year's collection. Some of the girls ponte items are still offered in the nightfall blue such as the two button knit scooter, the ponte knit dresses and the safari dress. However the chinos, shorts, the boys polo shirts (not the girls) and the girls polo dress are updated to the navy voyage color. I will keep an eye out to see if they continue to update the remaining girls items from nightfall blue to navy voyage in the upcoming months.

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Girls Pleated Scooter 

I believe the girls pleated scooter is a new item in the collection  this year.  It includes built in shorts underneath. The product description boasts an adjustable waist which differentiates it from the similarity styled item from French Toast which only offers an elastic waist.  It is a rayon/poly blend which is offered in navy and khaki in girls sizing 4 - 16, and plus.  The regular retail price is 12.99.

Pricing and Other Brands

The Cat and Jack school uniform collection is competitively priced, even at regular full price.  Luck for us, they frequently are on sale or included in discount promotions on clothing items. 

Target also continues to carry items from the French Toast, Dickies, and Eddie Bauer school uniform collections. With such a wide offering of brands, you can find sizing for preschoolers, kids, plus and husky, as well as juniors sizing.

French Toast changes to alpha sizing on Polo Shirts

I complained last year when the Children's Place changed the sizing of their yoga pants from numeric to alpha.  My daughter couldn't wear their yoga pants leggings because she was between sizes.  So I am sad to see that French Toast is also changing the sizing of their polo shirts in both boys and girls styles from numeric sizing to alpha sizing.

I found the following message on  product detail pages for the polo tops:

"If your numeric size is out of stock, get the new alpha size! French Toast has simplified shopping with our new alpha sizes XS, S, M, L, XL. See our size conversion chart below to find your best fit."

The numeric sizing scale includes 7 size options in the elementary school size range while the alpha sizing reduces that to 5 sizes.  I understand how this helps a manufacture with inventory management, but it is a bummer for the kids waiting for the next growth spurt while they are between sizes. I expect alpha sizing from the box stores where the uniforms are just one collection in their seasonal offering, but I have come to expect more from retailers like French Toast that specialize in school uniforms.

If you have a child that is between sizes, act quick before they sell out of all the numeric sizes and stock up on a few polos now.

The Ultimate List of Sideline Survival Gear for Soccer Moms

My daughter has been playing soccer for several years now.  This past year, she stepped up her game playing in the local travel league.  This meant a bigger commitment from her with practices 2 -3 times a week, almost year round and games and tournaments many weekends in the Spring and Fall. For me and her Dad, this meant we needed to improve our sideline gear.  From spending many long afternoons at parks and farms across our region this past year, we have a list of things that are always in the car or in our bag ready to go.  Here are some of our recommendations that make up the ultimate list of sideline survival gear for Soccer Moms and Dads:



Coleman Oversized Quad Chair with Cooler
You'll need a comfortable portable chair. These quad chairs are sturdy and easy to carry. You'll need one with a cup holder and this model has some extras for keeping supplies handy. Order one for yourself in team colors.
Pro tip - When using the chair, tie the carry bag to the armrest so it doesn't get lost.

Stadium Waterproof and Windproof Blanket

I hate being cold.  Even worse is being cold and wet.  I have one of these blankets that is soft fleece on one side and the opposite side is backed by a waterproof and windproof material.  So while it's intended purpose might be for a quaint picnic on a sunny day.  These blankets are also great to wrap up with on the sidelines on a cold dreary day. 

Pro tip - Keep the blanket in your car.  Being super portable, it is a great alternative to lugging the chair out when you'll only be waiting around for a few minutes at the end of soccer practice.

Travel Umbrella with Double Canopy
My husband's company gave him an over-sized umbrella many years ago. It wasn't a golf umbrella, but was large enough for both of us to huddle under without it being too big.  After having it for almost 20 years, it is on it's last legs so I'm on the hunt for a replacement.  With 100% 5 star reviews, this looks like a great replacement.  I like that it has a double canopy so it handles the wind better than a traditional umbrella. The size is larger than a regular umbrella and smaller than a golf umbrella.

Sun Visor

For sunny game days, I wear my favorite sunglasses, but a good visor is key.  I prefer a visor to a ball hat just because its cooler. But the visor keeps the sun off your face so you don't end up with raccoon eyes from getting too much sun while wearing glasses. You know the look I'm talking about.
Pro tip - This one comes in so many great color choices, you'll be sure to find one to match the team's colors.

Mac Sports Collapsible Folding Outdoor Utility Wagon

We're condo people and we live in a city, so we recently got this cart to bring groceries in from the car.  I store it in my car so it is always handy, but also because we have no inside storage for these types of items.  But this has totally been worth it.  We use it at all of the weekend games and tournaments to haul our gear to the sidelines. It is available in many popular team colors, so again, team colors make a great choice.

Portable Travel Toiletry Pouch
These colorful pouches are cute, but honestly, the type of bag doesn't matter as much as the supplies you'll want to keep handy.  Grab a spare makeup bag and pack it with 1) travel size sunscreen, 2) bug spray, and 3) one of those small packages of tissues and 4) some of these PURELL Hand Sanitizer Wipes (in case you need to visit the portable potty).
Pro tip - leave the pouch in the car so you don't forget it at home.

Sport-Brella Versa-Brella All Position Umbrella

My husband volunteered to be team scorekeeper.  This meant that he had to bring the iPad to the game each weekend to track the stats on the app recommended by the coaches. During hot and sunny games, his iPad was overheating, becoming unusable.  During rainy games, he had to hide the iPad under my waterproof blanket.  I got him this umbrella this Spring, and it has worked like a charm.  He can clip it to his chair and adjust it to provide shade as the sun moves throughout the day.  

Lands' End Fleece Jacket
I am a big fan of fleece zip ups.  I own several. They are super comfortable, warm, washable, and affordable.  In the fall, I prefer Lands' End 100 fleece, but when temperatures drop and winds whip up, I reach for my 200 fleece.  I got one (yep, you guessed it) in team colors this season.  I also recommend the fleece gloves, scarf, and hat.  Grab the men's fleece for Dad.

Results from the March Reader Survey: Do you prefer online or in store shopping?

Last month, our readers survey asked how you prefer to shop for school uniforms. Two-thirds of you responded that you preferred to shop in stores. The remaining one-third of you preferred to shop online.

Shopping in person is usually best in a few scenarios. You definitely want to shop in person for the first back to school shopping trip for any student new to school uniforms. It will give him or her a chance to try on several types of uniform items and decide which styles suit them best. You should also try different brands too to learn which your student prefers. Some brands carry different fits such as slim, plus, husky, while other brands only carry items in a regular fit.

Once you've learned which brands and styles you prefer, many of you switch to the convenience of online shopping. Once you have learned which top or pair of bottoms are favorites with your kids, you can stock up in the next size on those items during seasonal sales and use coupon codes featured in the Uniform Mom Weekly Report Card newsletter. When shopping online for clothing be aware of the store's return policy just in case. Because I hate to eat the return mail shipping charge, I prefer shopping with retailers that allow online returns to their brick and mortar stores.

Photo Credit: By Cpl. Glen Santy (https://www.dvidshub.net/image/636265) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Girls Chino Skort from Lands End, a review

This Girls Chino Skort from Lands End looks like a classic skirt. It has hidden built in knit shorts underneath making it a perfect choice to allow girls to play freely on the playground with modesty. Like classic skirts, it has a back vent for easy movement.

We bought this skort late this fall on a weeknight shopping outing to our local Sears store when we realized our daughter outgrew all of uniform bottoms during the summer.

The little girls style is pull on while the big girl version has a side zipper. Both styles have the hidden adjustable waist in the back, leaving the front of the skirt a smooth clean look. The length is designed to hit the top of the knee.  We noticed a difference of a about four inches in the length on the girls size 10 to the 12.  The size 10 fit my daughter perfectly. Since she prefers a just below or an at-the-knee length, we bought the 12 and adjusted the waist to fit her better. My daughter has worn it many times already.  I've found that it washes up easy.  It looks fine right out of the dryer.

It is available in navy, black and khaki.  The machine washable fabric is 40% polyester/60% cotton blend. It is available in little girl and big girl sizing in slim, regular and plus.  There is also a juniors and a women's version.

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Results from the January Readers One Question Survey

In an effort to get to know you better, I initiated a monthly survey consisting of one simple question. Each month, you'll find the survey posted on the UniformMom.com website and on our FaceBook page.  We'll also share the link via twitter and Google +.

What Was Asked

To get things started, we asked the age range of your oldest uniform wearing kiddo.  Are they preschoolers, elementary aged kids, middle schoolers, or high schoolers?  This information helps me get a better idea which age group we should focus on in features and product reviews.  If you have multiple children, you tend to learn the ropes with the oldest and have an easier time going through things again with younger children.

What I Learned

We learned that almost 60% of you have children in elementary school, grades 2 - 5.  All of the retailers that we review here on Uniform Mom offer uniform products for this age group.  It was surprising to me that almost 30% of you have children in high school.  I'll need to focus more attention on uniform brands that are offered in adult sizes.  Almost 15% of you have children in middle school.  Again, I learned that I need to focus more attention on brands that offer juniors and young men's sizes. There is a preschool across the street from my house that requires the kids to wear uniforms. Several other preschools nearby that I toured when selecting a daycare for my daughter also have the kids wear uniforms.  I frequently see the kids out in my neighborhood walking all lined up  in their cute little uniforms.  I guess that is why I was surprised that none of you have preschoolers in uniforms.

What's Next

Thank you for taking the minute to click through and share a nugget of information with me.  I am adding a note to my to-do list to focus more on products and brands that offer school uniform options in juniors and adult sizing.

This month, we want to learn how you prefer to shop.  Do you prefer to go to the store or do you prefer to shop online?  You tell us.  The February Uniform Mom One Question Readers Survey is open now.  Once you have submitted your response, please take a minute to share the link with the your fellow Mom's from school. Thanks for supporting Uniform Mom.

Iowa Senate File 31 Allows Schools to Adopt Mandatory Uniform Policy

Senator Brad Zaun (R) introduced a bill, Iowa Senate File 31, that would allow schools to adopt a mandatory uniform policy.   The bill is simply worded as follows:

"This bill authorizes a school district to adopt, for the school district or for an individual school, a mandatory uniform policy, in addition to the dress code policy currently authorized by the Code,if the board determines that a mandatory uniform policy is necessary for the health, safety, or positive educational environment of students and staff in the school environment or for the appropriate discipline and operation of the school."

The bill goes on to state that it is not an infringement on students freedom of speech as long as the uniform policy is viewpoint neutral.  It also eliminates the general assembly's declarations regarding dress code policy. The bill was referred to the Education Subcommittee for consideration.

An article in the Des Moines Register quoted Sen. Thomas Greene (R) who is the chair of the Education subcommittee as saying that he believed matters involving students' dress should be decided locally. They further reported that he planned to visit with Zaun and other legislators before deciding whether to hold additional meetings on the bill.

While it seems that this bill is likely to die in committee, I'll update this post should there be further activity.

Photo Credit: Mrachina, Jason. Our Capitol - Des Moines, IOWA. January 28, 2011.

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