Back to School, Back to Style

I remember back to school shopping with my mom. For me it was exciting, getting new clothes and getting to choose them too. For my mom I don't think it was as pleasurable. I didn't always choose the most affordable clothes, and many of them were probably not a style that she wanted for me. I whined and complained in the dressing rooms when she made me try on things I didn't like, and even more so when she wouldn't let me try on the things I did. Often, school shopping was more than a day-long adventure. It would be a while before we agreed on a suitable wardrobe.

Fast forward a decade or so and now I am school shopping for my own child. He's only five years old, so he's a little more accommodating when it comes to choosing his look, but he definitely has his opinions. Thankfully, we usually agree on most items. I know what he likes, he knows what he likes, no big arguments there. Although I have been met with resistance on a few occasions. Slacks and a dress shirt? No thanks, mom.

I think his style certainly represents his personality. He likes colors, fun designs, and especially loves shirts that are funny. Often when we're out and about he'll get compliments on his shirts. And of course he is proud that he picked them out himself! He is such a funny outgoing child, I'm totally not surprised to see it reflected in his choice of clothing.

Of course he has his favorite stores. What stylish kid doesn't? Coincidentally some of his favorites are some of my favorites, too! Target, "Old Lady" (Old Navy), JC Penney, and H&M are a few of our go-to stores. Not only can Mason express his individuality in these stores, but so can the rest of the family. Even my husband can find something he loves, and he's the pickiest with clothes. I definitely think it's nice to be able to get every one covered without having to trek to 10 different stores.

We have already started our Back to School wardrobe shopping, but haven't completely finished. I can't wait to see him bounding off to his Kindergarten class in his brightly colored plaid shorts and goofy shirt, backpack bouncing up and down, a big smile across his face. And well, I'd let him wear pretty much whatever he wanted just to see that smile.

Disclaimer: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and jcpenney blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here.