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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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

Video Pick: School Uniforms Good or Bad?

I recently came across this video on YouTube. It asks the question are school uniforms good or bad while looking from various angles including interviews with students, teachers and administrators.  It is written and directed by Ophelia Murphy.

School Shoes at Shoebuy.com - Retail Roundup Series

Shoebuy's tagline is the "world's largest site for shoes" and they offer a 100% price guarantee.  They offer free shipping and returns on US orders and also offer international shipping to many countries. They are owned by IAC, an American internet company with over 50 brands across 40 countries headquartered in New York City.  

Enrolling in the Shoebuy.com Rewards program allows you to earn points to use on future purchases. You have to earn 200 points to begin redeeming them. You can earn points by enrolling, making purchases, referring a friend, linking to Facebook or Twitter accounts, or by submitting a review.

Girls School Shoes

Primigi Andes - $53.45
Colors: Black, Brown Patent Leather, Pink, White, and Hot Pink Leather
Infant/Toddler Sizes: Euro 20-27

Primigi Azalea - $61.45
Colors: Black Leather, White, Silver, Gold, Fuschia Patent Synthetic and Pink Metallic Leather
Girls Sizes:

Kenneth Cole Reaction Book N Loop 2 - $35.95

Black Leather
Infant/Toddler and Girls Sizes

Stride Rite Carla - $44.95
Black Leather, Navy Leather, Dark Brown Leather

Girls Sizes

Boys School Shoes

Kenneth Cole Reaction T-Flex - 44.95
Black Leather
Boys Sizes

Hush Puppies Dylan - $34.95
Black Smooth and Dark Brown Nubuck
Infant/Toddler  and Boys Sizes

Stride Rite Jefferson - 42.95

Black Leather

Boys Sizes

Land's End School Uniform Girls' Kiki 3-strap Skimmer Shoes

(C) Rene Shonerd. All Rights Reserved.

I wasn't shopping for school shoes, but happened upon the Winter sale on Land's End items at Sears this past winter.  I spied the Girls' Kiki 3-strap Skimmer Shoes - Classic Navy, 13 which are cute navy slips-ons.  They were the last box on the shelf and happened to be in my daughter's size at something like 60% off!  At that great price, I thought they would be a great shoe to wear to Sunday school with her dresses on the weekend.  I tried to purchase clothes for Sunday school in pretty bright colors since it is really one of the only times she isn't in uniform.  But I did intentionally choose outfits that would coordinate with, or at least not clash with, her basic school shoes.

Because these shoes are solid navy, she can also wear them to school on occasion with a skirt or dress.  As a slip on style, they aren't as good running around at recess.  My daughter is also in the after school program which allows for additional playground time each day, weather permitting.  Once she got them quite dusty and dirty with mud from the playground.  After a simple dust off with a shoe brush, they still look fine. For an older girl that doesn't spend as much time on the playground, I think these shoes would be a great option for an occasional school shoe.

These flats have a suede upper and come in navy and black.  They have 3 elastic straps across the front of the foot with silver buckles. It regularly retails for $44.

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School Shoes at Lands' End

Lands' End has a great selection of children's school uniform clothing.  Their selection is one of the largest available.  So it was surprising when I reviewed their offering of school uniform shoes to find few items that I would consider a daily school shoe.




For girls, the best choice is the Girls' Party & Play Mary Jane Shoes - Classic Navy which are a classic Mary Jane with a Velco strap and a rubber sole. They come in a suede material in black, navy or brown, as well as a black patent. They were recently redesigned to look dresser and some comments indicate the shoe is now too narrow. It is offered in Regular and wide in toddler sizes starting at 5 through girls size 7.It retails for $39.

For boys, the best choice is the School Uniform Boys' Ryland Classic Buck Shoes which a made with a rubber sole.  The litter chestnut brown shoe is made from a canvas material and spice brown version is made from suede.  They are offered in boys sizes 9 through 7 in regular width and retail for $49.

If you have direct experience with either of these shoes, please let us know your opinion in the comments below.

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Related Posts:

Land's End School Uniform Girls' Kiki 3-strap Skimmer Shoes, a review

Lands' End School Uniforms in the Retail Round Up Series

Stride Rite Carla, a quality shoe for school

Regular readers of Uniform Mom already know how I feel about shoes made from "Man Made Materials". In case you've missed my rants, I'm not a fan. So when it come to basic, everyday shoes, I definitely prefer quality and comfort for my daughter.

After some initial missteps with uniform shoe shopping, I end up going back to Stride Rite to order quality school shoes for my daughter. I ordered the Carla, the classic Mary Jane, in navy.  I was lucky  to happen on a BOGO sale in early fall. My daughter has worn these shoes at least 3 days a week since September.  They have survived the normal wear and tear, as well as the daily abuse on the playground.  She hasn't yet outgrown them.


The Carla shoe is available in black, brown and navy in sizes from a Toddler 8.5 though a Girls 5 in regular, wide and extra wide. They are made with a leather upper.  The sole is flexible lightweight, rubber. The heel has padded collar for comfort. The Mary Jane style has an adjustable Velcro closure that is easy for little kids to do themselves.


What do I love about this shoe for my daughter?

• It has held up to daily use and abuse.  The sole is still in good shape, the strap does not have any signs of tearing or unusual wear. The leather is holding up with no spots that have worn through or discolored.  
• They don't stink.  Lets just say my daughter's socks come off her feet stinky and sweaty at the end of the day, but the shoes themselves aren't stinking up the place.
• My daughter thinks they are comfortable and doesn't complain when I ask her to put on her school shoes.  
• With the Velcro closure, my daughter can put these on herself and quickly get out the door for school. 

What don't I love about these shoes for my daughter?

The wear's impact on the color of the shoe.  I ordered the navy to match her navy pants and skirts.  When new, the navy color of the leather was never a deep navy blue, it was closer in color to a a mid blue.  And at this point, the wear is taking a toll on the color. Even though they are structurally in decent shape, they now appear dull and lifeless.

So I bought another pair of these in the next size up and put them away so we have them when we need them.  But now that I pulled them out of the closet to compare them with the ones she's been wearing all year, I realized that the extra pair I have is the Molly, not the Carla.  The Molly is another classic Mary Jane offered by Stride Rite.  When I compare them side by side, there is a subtle difference is the stitching pattern on the side of the shoe.  The leather appears different.  The Molly has a subtle shine to it.  The Carla that we bought in the fall of 2012 look almost suede.  I kind of wonder if  the Molly is the Outlet version of the Carla. I  dug through my receipts and found that I only paid $12.85 for them on sale at the Outlet store. Wow, If they hold up half as well as the Carla, I'll  brag about the great deal I got on these.

So would I buy the Carla again, yes.  The pros definitely outweigh the cons.   However, I am happy that we have a subtly different version for my daughter to try next.  I'll report back if these hold up any better or worse.  

So you tell me.  I know this is a very popular girls uniform shoe.  Please let me know how either shoe, the Carla or the Molly, has held up for your daughter.

The Carla is available directly from Stride Rite (online or in their stores and outlets), as well as other retailers including Amazon. They retail for $46.  Yea, I agree its kind of pricey, but it is worth it.  If you're on a tight budget, sign up for the Stride Rite Rewards program and look for the 30% off coupons or a BOGO sale.

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Below is a video from the Tootsies Stride Rite which highlights the features of the shoe.

Related Posts:

•          School Shoes with Man Made Materials
•          Stride Rite for School Uniform Shoes - Retail Round Up Series
•          School Shoes at Shoebuy.com - Retail Roundup Series