Back to School Style
August 17 , 2007
Marie Green is a fashion stylist and writer from San Diego California. She is the Fashion Editor of FINE Homes and Living Magazine and her column, “Fashion Focus” has appeared in FINE Magazine as well as LaJolla Light, The Del Mar Times, Del Mar Ink, The Carmel Valley Leader, Rancho Santa Fe Record, and The Solana Beach Sun. Marie is also the co-founder of SheWants.com.
The more things change, the more they stay the same. When I was a kid, I loved back to school shopping. Every August, I looked through the big Sears catalogue (I am totally dating myself here, but there weren't many choices back then) and marked the pages of the things I wanted. Of course, my mom, who was in the fashion industry, would edit my choices and we would go to the store armed with our list. To me, it was the best thing about the fall. Then, when I entered junior high, I switched from public to private school and away went my back to school ritual. I was required to wear a uniform, so I had to be satisfied with just shopping for school shoes. I lived for the weekends when I could forget about my dreaded plaid jumper and embrace my inner fashionista.
Now, kids have so many choices in their quest to look cool for school. There are endless catalogues and websites to choose from but I prefer to steer kids in the direction of a real live store like Del Mar Kids on Via de la Valle or local surf shops such as Beach Culture at Del Mar Highlands.
Many popular adult clothing lines are now doing kids' collections, as well. For those of us that love the soft knits of Ella Moss, Splendid and C and C California tops and dresses, we can find miniature versions for our little ones. Juicy Couture's children's line has been wildly successful. Kids love it because it's super comfortable and mom's love it because their kids look put together and stylish. My daughter, Vanessa, and her friends are borderline obsessed with Juicy. Love your Rock and Republic or Joe's Jeans? You guessed it-they have lines for kids too.
According to Amy and Staci Wax, the owners of Del Mar Kids, this year back to school trends for girls include lots of dresses and tunics to be worn over leggings, oversized t-shirts in stripes and prints, and both straight and wide leg jeans in regular and colored denim. The color grey is huge in all apparel and Puma sneakers and ballet flats are still key. For boys there's lots of plaid, skulls and rock and roll theme t-shirts in neutral and dark colors.
At this time of year, doesn't every kid need a new backpack? The owners of Beach Culture, Tony and Gina Gutkowski, have been making sure to stock up on backpacks from the trendy surf lines, Billabong, Quiksilver and Roxy for back-to-school since they bought the store in 2004. Also, they say the boys go for Matador and Arto jeans by Quick Silver, as well as Etnie, Globe and Converse shoes. The girls love the new Billy Girls line by Billabong which features baby doll tops to layer with tank tops. Of course, all the juniors gravitate toward Roxy-as do a lot of moms. Even though fall is upon us the weather here is still very warm, so the summer styles remain, but the colors change to a deeper seasonal pallet.
I just found the most awesome insulated lunch boxes for my kids by GoGo Gear at Soul Shine, in Del Mar. They are big enough to fit a generous lunch and beverage and come in super cool patterns appropriate for girls and boys. While at the store, Melanie and Kymberly, the owners, shared their plans for an upcoming trunk show for their jewelry collection.
INSIDE SCOOP: Check out gorgeous new jewelry by fabulous up and coming designers at Soul Shine in Del Mar. Thursday, August 23 from 5-8 there's a trunk show featuring creations by Conchita Ramirez, Melissa Joy Manning, Hillary Drexman, Joanne Mae and Energy Muse. A 10% discount will be offered on Joanne Mae jewelry and Energy Muse will be giving away crystals. In addition to champagne, Melanie and Kymberly, will be serving samples of organic chocolate and acai juice. Let's see, jewelry, chocolate and champagne all in one place, what could be better.
