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Nautica Boys’ Double Breasted Shawl Collar Cardigan in Coal Heather // Boys’ Polo Shirt – Cat & Jack™ in Red // Boys’ Woven Cord Belt in Navy // Herschel Supply Co. Settlement Backpack in Woodland Camo/Navy/Red // Boys’ Pull-On Pant Cat & Jack™ in Blue // Stride Rite Made 2 Play Gannon Boot in Brown
School Clothes Planning
I am a planner. I plan everything. Right down to the most minute detail…it’s actually kind of OCD ridiculous!
In my planning process, I also research and try to create themes, etc. So about a year and a half before my eldest started Kindergarten, I started planning.
I asked myself questions like “Am I going to red-shirt him since his birthday is so close to the cutoff?” and “Are we going to settle for the school by our house or are we going to appeal for a spot in a ‘better’ school?” and “What is he going to wear?” Seriously.
As I researched the local schools, it quickly came to my attention that “uniforms” are common in this area. I am not used to that at all because where I grew up we were able to wear whatever we wanted as long as it wasn’t provocative or otherwise deemed inappropriate. In fact, I have very fond memories of expressing my individuality through the style of clothes I chose to wear.
So imagine my dismay upon learning of the uniform requirements that my own child would face. That was one of the factors that led me to initially attempt an out of district transfer request. That did not pan out, but I will save that story for another day.
Ultimately we resigned ourselves to being relegated to the ranks of those that wear uniforms. And not the cute hoity-toity custom private school uniforms. No, the dress code is polo shirts and solid khaki and/or navy slacks. Uck.
Challenge Accepted!
I decided to make the uniform situation work for us by thinking outside the box. Sure, we could have simply ordered the standard outfits from the catalog the school provides or gone the easy route with French Toast everything. But no, that is not our style.
Oh, and did I mention how I detest pique polo shirts? I think they are the worst, particularly as part of a sloppily put together school uniform. God forbid the pique polo and standard issue slacks are ill fitting…I just cannot bear the thought! But what’s the alternative?
Think J.Crew, Mini Boden, Hanna Andersson, Tea Collection, etc. However, our budget doesn’t support that kind of shopping for the everyday essentials. We’re more the Gymboree, Kohls & Old Navy set. But really we pretty much shop at Target and Amazon for just about everything these days! So that is where this shopping trip will take us today!
The Basics
First of all, say “goodbye” pique and “hello” jersey polo! Last year we went with gray, maroon, green, yellow, and orange jersey polos. We also purchased one black athletic golf polo. Right now Target has 3 colors in their new Cat & Jack jersey polo to get you started!
Their pull-on slacks come in both khaki and navy with reinforced knees, which my wild boy requires. This year I had planned on buying like 5 pairs of the same pants because he busted through the knees of so many. But now they are reinforced plus Cat & Jack pants can be returned for up to a year with the receipt if they don’t hold up to your kiddo’s wear & tear! Yay Target!!!
What about shoes? We have always loved Stride Rite, with Geox as our second favorite! I prefer Stride Rite Made2Play for school because they are what they say…made to play! They are made to stand up to everyday wear by our wild & crazy kiddos and my favorite part is that they are machine washable! In addition, they have “anti-stink technology” {whatever that is > we need it!} and the footbeds have memory foam! You can order these from Amazon as well!
Finishing Touches
Next item on the list is the backpack. I have always been averse to character themed clothing, accessories, and household items. So I avoid character backpacks at all costs…I think they are tacky. And my kiddo doesn’t yet realize that he might have the option, so I still get to pick!!
We did not originally set out to go with Herschel…I thought they were more for older kids. I had started by ordering one of the adorable Pottery Barn Kids backpacks. Now don’t get me wrong, I love everything about Pottery Barn except their customer service! We had quite the fiasco last year that soured my inclination to purchase from them anytime soon. So what to do?
My next thought was immediately Herschel and lo and behold, Amazon carries a stellar selection of Herschel backpacks! I decided to go with this one because the camo gave it a little kiddo flair while the red and navy tied in beautifully with the rest of the wardrobe.
Finally, accessories! I just think this woven navy belt is darling and would be perfect with belted khaki trousers. Also, instead of investing in a ton of long-sleeved pique polos (you will be hard pressed to find anything else in long sleeves), I recommend just keeping a nice cardigan sweater in the backpack for those cooler days. This provides a handsome profile along with the rest of the items!
And don’t forget Ebates! If you act fast you should be able to get in on 2% Cashback at Target and 5.5% back on backpacks at Amazon with Ebates TODAY! (This can change from day to day so check out what they are offering today.)
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