Showing posts with label Shopping. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shopping. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

10 Tips for Shopping at School Uniform Consignment Events

At the beginning of the school year, many schools have some type of exchange program or uniform locker where you can purchase second hand items.  These can be a great opportunity to save a bundle and cut some expenses from your Back to School Budget.  You can look for items in your child's favorite brands and styles in the next size up to have on hand for the next growth spurt.  If you have a younger child that is still mastering the potty, you can pick up some inexpensive items to leave at school or in your child's backpack for emergencies.

Beyond, gender and size, here's a list of things to keep in mind when shopping at a uniform exchange program or consignment.

  1. Check the tag and look for brands known for quality items.  Better made items have reinforced seams, while seams tend to loosen and may fray on inexpensive items.  
  2. Check for excessive wear which is likely to show first on the hem or cuffs.
  3. Check for stains.  If you find a stain, leave it behind.  Even on a white polo or t-shirt, some stains are so set in they don't come out even with the handy bleach pen.
  4. But don't just look at the outside of the item.  Look for signs of yellowing under the arms. Ick factor!  
  5. Check the color(s) for excessive fading.
  6. Check the zipper and the buttons.  Make sure the zipper is functional.  Check that all buttons are in tact.  Loose buttons can be tightened if you're proficient with a needle and thread. 
  7. Check for signs of wear or dry rot on elastics.  Remember to check the elastics in the waistband on items with an adjustable waist.
  8. Check for signs of alterations.  With pants, check for indications that may have been hemmed.  I found a smart tip from Fruggalissa who recommends that you measure the inseam on your kids current pants beforehand and take a tape measure with you so you can check the length. This tip can also works for girls skirts and scooters.  If your daughter has to pass the fingertip test, measure the length from her waists to her fingertips and note her number for reference as you shop. 
  9. Many retailers sell certain items as unisex.  Basic polos and t-shirts are a great examples. So don't be afraid to check out items from both racks when items are separated by gender.
  10. Even if the sales rep or volunteer tells you that items have been laundered, it's common sense to launder all items when you get them home in your preferred detergent.

Monday, September 9, 2013

Meijer: Retail Round Up Series

Miejer is a hypermarket chain with both groceries and department store merchandise headquartered in Walker, Michigan.  They have over 200 locations mostly in Michigan and Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky. They carry French Toast brand items, Classroom Uniforms brand items, a handful of Dickies brand items and boys shoes by Deer Stag. For purposes of this review, I'll highlight mostly the Classroom Uniforms brand, as French Toast items will be covered in their own post.

To browse the uniform items on their website, navigate under Clothing & Jewlery, then Kids Clothing & Shoes, where you'll then find a category for School Uniforms.

The Classroom Uniform items for girls includes four different styles of skorts, four different styles of pants, two styles of shorts, and two styles of jumpers.   They carry girls polos in both short and long sleeve in a wide variety of colors.  The boys items include two styles of pants and shorts.  The brand then includes unisex tops including short and long sleeve polos, cardigan sweaters, a sweater vest, fleece zip up jacket.

The Dickies brand items include several styles of boys shorts and pants, as well as polos in a wide variety of colors.  The girls items are limited to a faux wrap skort, shorts and flare pants in girls and junior sizes.

There is a nice selection of Deer Stag brand shoes for boys that would be appropriate with a school uniform.

Meijer offers two free shipping options..  It is free to ship to a store and pick up your items.  Also many items (as noted on the site) will ship to your free standard delivery.  Items purchased in the store can be returned to a store within 30 days.  Items purchased online can be returned free within 30 days from within the lower 48 states by using their special return label.

Thursday, August 29, 2013

Back to School Shopping Finds from Our Closet

Following my own advice in the A Strategic Plan for your Back to School Shopping post, I got out all of my daughter's school clothes mid summer as the Back to School shopping season started and sorted through them. To start off a new donation pile, I pulled out a few T-shirts that are now too small and dug out the scooter that shrunk earlier last year.  And then I made her try on everything that was left over from last school year.  It took a good 30 minutes of on and off, but it sure was time well spent.  We found a few more items that were too small, but most still fit fine.  Here's a list of items we found that still fit and are in decent enough condition to begin the school year:

2 pair of Pants
2 pair of Shorts
2 Skirts
4 T-Shirts for PE days
4 Short Sleeve Polos
2 Long Sleeve Polos
2 Sweaters
2 Bike Shorts
3 Blouses
A long sleeve and a short sleeve Polo Dress.
A bunch of Scooters we acquired last year that are still too big.

Feeling pretty fortunate that we already have a decent school wardrobe, I then made a list of additional items to pick up:

  • A new sweater realizing that she lost a navy one at some point last year. 
  • New pants in the same size as the ones she already has simply because the existing ones are showing  wear and won't last the year.  
  • New shoes; she'll need both new sneakers and Mary Janes. 

I packed up a small bag of items for the uniform exchange program and one bag for the local clothing donation bin.

Monday, August 26, 2013

Basic White Sneakers for Back to School

The Back to School ads from the shoe stores feature brightly colored sneakers in a wide variety of trendy colors at prices that don't break the bank.  The uniform dress code at my daughter's school requires black or plain white sneakers.  Last year, I got her a pair of Saucony Radar Lt LTTs at my local Stride Rite outlet (read my review).

When I browsed the selection at the same outlet this year, I couldn't find any basic white sneakers at all.  I asked the sales staff and she brought me another pair of the Saucony Radar Lt LTTs from the back.  I bought them again for my daughter.  Please, if you know my daughter, don't tell her she's wearing a unisex shoe.  The box is labeled Boys and if she found out, we'll ..

This led me to 1) quickly dispose of  the shoe box when I got home and 2) begin to shop around to see if I could find other options or to confirm if the choices are in fact as limited as they seem to me.

I was pleasantly surprised at some options I found online.  I was also surprised to learn that most of these basic PE sneakers are also unisex shoes as you can see below from the "Children's" label.   I already know which ones I'll be ordering next time my daughter is ready for another pair.  I hope these links will help you out with your back to school shoe shopping.

If you found some other options that I don't have listed, please list them with the name of the retail store where you found them below in the comments.

Update - This post originally contained images,descriptions and links to basic white sneakers that I had found online.  The retailer links were no longer working, so I updated them with a simple list provided below. You are likely to find these shoes at national online retailers.

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Thanks for Supporting Uniform Mom

  • Saucony Kids Radar LT LTT (Children's) - White Leather
  • Reebok - Club (Children's) - White Sheer Grey
  • File - Disruptor II (Children's) - Triple White
  • K-Swiss - Class (Girls') - White/White
  • Skechers - Fireflies Glintzy Girl (Girls') White/Silver
  • Reebok - Classic Jogger (Children's) - White/White
  • New Balance - KX624 (Boys') - White


Related Posts:

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Best Bets on Boys Sweaters for School

Updated: This post was reviewed and updated in Fall 2017 to update links and ensure pricing is accurate.

Regular retail prices for a boy's sweaters range from $14 to $30. While watching the Back to School ads, your target price for a boy's sweater is under $20. If you find this item at or below that price, make the purchase with confidence you found a good deal.

Disclosure – Affiliate Links in Use
Thanks for Supporting Uniform Mom 


icon
George Boys'
 Zip Up Sweater
Walmart George Boys' Zip Up Sweater  $14.97
100% acrylic. Machine Wash Cold. Imported.

French Toast Anti-Pill V-Neck Cardigan Sweater $21.98
Acrylic. Imported. Machine wash.
      Children's Place Boys Uniform Long Sleeve Mock Neck Zip Sweater $24.47
      Made of 60% cotton/40% acrylic in a sweater knit.
      Rib-knit mock neck, sleeve cuffs and banded hem.

      Old Navy carries all three styles of boys sweaters in 100% cotton.
      Machine wash. Imported.
      • Boys V-Neck Sweaters $22.94
      • Boys Button-Front V-Neck Cardigans $24.94
      • Boys Zip-Front Sweaters $24.94

      Related Posts:




      Monday, August 19, 2013

      Best Bets for Girls Sweaters for School

      The image below shows the regular retail price at each of the major retailers. Regular retail prices for a girls sweaters range from $12 to $30. While watching the Back to School ads, the target price for a girls sweater is under $15. If you find this item at or below that price, make the purchase with confidence you found a good deal.
       Regular Retail Price

      Legend of Retailers

      C8
      Crazy 8’s
      FT
      French Toast
      LE
      Lands’ End
      CP
      Children’s Place
      Gap
      Gap
      ON
      Old Navy
      CWO
      Children’s Wear Outlet
      Gym
      Gymboree
      T
      Target
      CK
      Cookies Kids
      JCP
      JCPenney
      WM
      Walmart

      This data is shared for informational purposes only. Please verify details directly with the retailers.
      Read more information on how the information was collected and analyzed.

      Disclosure – Affiliate Links in Use 
      Thanks for supporting Uniform Mom


      Updated: This post was reviewed and updated in Fall 2016 to update links and ensure pricing is accurate.


      Best Bets on a Budget 

      All of the choices at the low end of the price range are 100% acrylic. The 100% cotton sweaters are at the higher end of the price range. I found one mid-range Cotton/Poly blend option which is featured below.
      icon
      George Girls'
      Cardigan Sweater

      Walmart George Girls' Cardigan Sweatericon $11.88
      100% acrylic. Machine Wash Cold. Imported.
      JCPenney Izod Long Sleeve Cardigan $12
      100% Acrylic. Washable. Imported.

      French Toast Fine Gauge Knit Cardigan Sweater $18.98
      100% Acrylic. Machine Wash. Imported.

      Related Posts:

      Wednesday, August 14, 2013

      Best Bets on Girls Knit Polo Dresses

      The image below shows the regular retail price at each of the major retailers. Regular retail prices for a girls polo dress range from $10 to $30. While watching the Back to School ads, the target price for a girls polo dress is under $13. If you find this item at or below that price, make the purchase with confidence you found a good deal.




      Regular Retail Price
      Legend of Retailers

      C8
      Crazy 8’s
      FT
      French Toast
      LE
      Lands’ End
      CP
      Children’s Place
      Gap
      Gap
      ON
      Old Navy
      CWO
      Children’s Wear Outlet
      Gym
      Gymboree
      T
      Target
      CK
      Cookies Kids
      JCP
      JCPenney
      WM
      Walmar

      This data is shared for informational purposes only. Please verify details directly with the retailers.
      Read more information on how the information was collected and analyzed.

      Disclosure – Affiliate Links in Use
      Thanks for supporting Uniform Mom
      Updated: This post was reviewed and updated in June 2014 to update links and ensure pricing is still accurate for the 2014 Back to School Season.


      icon
      George - Girls' Knit Polo Dress

      Best on a Budget

      Walmart George - Girls' Knit Polo Dress $9.94
      Navy only.
      60% cotton/40% polyester. Machine wash cold. Imported.
      French Toast Ruffle Pique Polo Dress $13.98
      Navy only.
      Cotton/polyester. Imported. Machine wash.
      
      JCPenney Izod Polo Dress $12
      Navy or Red.
      Cotton/Polyester. Washable. imported.

      CookiesKids Eddie Bauer Bubble Skirt Jumper $12.99
      Navy only. 60% Cotton, 40% Polyester. Machine Wash Cold. Made in Bangladesh.


      Best for Plus Size Girls

      Lands' End School Uniform Girls' Long Sleeve Mesh Polo Dress - Plus $35

      Best Bets for those looking for a Pop of Color

      Lands' End offers 3 different styles of knit polo dresses and each are offered in a variety of colors:
      Girls' Short Sleeve Knit Ruffle Bottom Dress $30
      Girls' Short Sleeve Knit Ruffle Front Dress $30
      Girls' Long Sleeve Mesh Polo Dress $30

      Monday, August 12, 2013

      Best Bets for Boys Oxford Shirts

      The image below shows the regular retail price at each of the major retailers. Regular retail prices for the basic boys oxford short sleeve shirts range from $11 to $20.  While watching the Back to School ads, the target price for a button up short sleeve oxford is for under $12.  If you find this item at or below that price, make the purchase with confidence you found a good deal.


      Quality Features in
      Boys School Uniform
      Oxford Shirts:
      • Stain Resistant
      • Wrinkle Resistant
      • Expandable Collar

      Regular Retail Price
      Legend of Retailers

      C8
      Crazy 8’s
      FT
      French Toast
      LE
      Lands’ End
      CP
      Children’s Place
      Gap
      Gap
      ON
      Old Navy
      CWO
      Children’s Wear Outlet
      Gym
      Gymboree
      T
      Target
      CK
      Cookies Kids
      JCP
      JCPenney
      WM
      Walmart
      This data is shared for informational purposes only. Please verify details directly with the retailers. Read more information on how the information was collected and analysed.


      Disclosure – Affiliate Links in Use
      Thanks for supporting Uniform Mom

      Updated: This post was reviewed and updated in June 2016 to update links and ensure pricing is still accurate for the 2016 Back to School Season.

      Best on a Budget

      French Toast
      Short Sleeve Boys Oxford Shirt
      French Toast Short Sleeve Boys Oxford Shirt $11.98
      Colors: Blue, White, Yellow.
      Wrinkle Resistant. Expandable collar.

      Imported. Machine wash. Cotton Polyester Blend.

      Colors: Blue & White.
      55% Cotton /45% Polyester. Machine Wash Cold. Imported.

      Best for Husky Fit

      Long Sleeve Oxford Shirts

      Most of the retailers listed above also carry a long sleeve version of the button up oxford shirt. The long sleeve shirt is also great for holidays and dress up occasions and can be paired with a tie and a blazer. Regular retail prices for the basic boys oxford long sleeve shirts range from $9 to $35.  While watching the Back to School ads, the target price for a button up long sleeve oxford is for under $14.

      Related Posts:

      Wednesday, August 7, 2013

      Best Bet for Girls Jumpers - Solids and Plaids


      For girls, jumpers are a year round wardrobe staple.  They can be worn in the warmer months with bare legs and ankle socks, with knee socks when the weather turns cooler, and with tights or leggings during the winter months. The key features to look for when shopping for a jumper are stain resistant and wrinkle resistant.


      The image below shows the regular retail price at each of the major retailers. Regular retail prices for the basic girls school uniform jumper range from $11 to $30. Based on my review, the target price is to find girls school uniform jumper for under $17. When you are watching the Back to School ads or out shopping, when you find a pair that at or below that target price range, make the purchase with confidence that you've found a good sale price. 


      Regular Retail Price
      Legend of Retailers

      C8
      Crazy 8’s
      FT
      French Toast
      LE
      Lands’ End
      CP
      Children’s Place
      Gap
      Gap
      ON
      Old Navy
      CWO
      Children’s Wear Outlet
      Gym
      Gymboree
      T
      Target
      CK
      Cookies Kids
      JCP
      JCPenney
      WM
      Walmart

      This data is shared for informational purposes only. Please verify details directly with the retailers.
      Read more information on how the information was collected and analyzed.

      Disclosure – Affiliate Links in Use 

      Thanks for supporting Uniform Mom


      Updated: This post was reviewed and updated in June 2014 to update links and ensure pricing is still accurate for the 2014 Back to School Season.

      Best Bets on a Budget

      icon
      Walmart Girls Jumper
      Walmart George Girls' Pleated Jumper $9.94 or 2/$18
      Colors: Navy and Khaki
      Girls sizing 4 - 16 100% polyester


      French Toast Pleated Hem Jumper $12.98
      Colors: Black, Navy, Khaki.
      Cotton/polyester. Imported. Machine wash.

      French Toast V-Neck Pleated Jumper $13.98
      Solid Colors: Black, Burgundy, Navy, Green, Heather Gray, Khaki.
      Imported. Machine wash. 100% Polyester.


      Old Navy Girls Uniform Jumper $16.94
      Colors: Navy and Khaki
      98% cotton, 2% spandex. Machine Wash. Imported.

      Target Cherokee Girls' School Uniform Pleated Jumper $16.99
      Colors: Navy and Khaki60 %: Cotton, 40 %: Polyester. Machine Wash Cold. Imported.


      Best Bets for Plus Size Girls


      Best Bets for Plaids


      French Toast V-Neck Pleated Plaid Jumpers $23.98
      Imported. Machine wash. Polyester/Rayon.
      Fit: Regular and Plus
      CookiesKids also carries this items, and other plaid jumpers, with a regular retails price on their site for $17-19.99, so check around to see who is offering the lowest sale price.

      Lands' End Girls' Uniform Plaid Jumper $40
      Fit: Regular and Plus
      Polyester/Rayon Blend. Wrinkle Resistant.
      Machine wash. Imported.

      Tuesday, August 6, 2013

      Best Bets in Boys School Blazers

      If you son's school requires a blazer, it will most likely be the most expensive item you purchase for his school wardrobe.  If it's not required for school, you may find yourself looking for a boys blazer for holidays and other special dress up occasions.

      The image below shows the regular retail price at each of the major retailers. Regular retail prices for the basic boys school uniform blazer range from $32 to $85. Based on my review, the target price is to find boys uniform blazer for under $45. When you are watching the Back to School ads or out shopping and you find one at or below that target price, make the purchase with confidence that you've found a good sale price.


      Regular Retail Price
      Legend of Retailers

      CP
      Children’s Place
      FT
      French Toast
      CK
      Cookies Kids
      LE
      Lands’ End

      This data is shared for informational purposes only. Please verify details directly with the retailers.
      Read more information on how the information was collected and analyzed.

      Disclosure – Affiliate Links in Use 
      Thanks for supporting Uniform Mom 

      Updated: This post was reviewed and updated in Fall 2016 to update links and ensure pricing is accurate.

      School BlazerBest on a Budget


      French Toast School Blazer (featured on right)
      Navy 2 Button.
      Polyester. Imported. Machine wash.

      $34.98

          Children's Place Uniform Long Sleeve Blazer
          Navy. Made of 70% polyester/30% rayon twill.
          Anti-static 100% polyester twill lining. Imported.

          $39.95

            CookiesKids
            Rifle Single-Breasted Unisex School Blazer
            Navy and Burgundy.100% Polyester.
            Machine Wash Warm. Made in Bangladesh
            $54.99 

              Best in a Husky Fit

                French Toast
                School Blazer Boys Husky  $41.98

                  CookiesKids
                  Rifle Single-Breasted Unisex School Blazer
                  $54.99
                  Burgundy and Navy.

                    Lands' End
                    Boys' Hopsack Blazer $85
                    Navy and Evergreen. 55% polyester/45% wool. Dry clean. Imported.