GURU Style Stars featuring Back to School Styles!

This week, I have SEVEN GURU Style Stars for you to meet — our models from the Back to School Rally! 

Our models from the Back to School Rally for college students, held earlier this week, featured looks from 9 Towson Town Center retailers. Check out some hot looks for fall for the college crowd and beyond!

Here are three sporty looks from The North Face (Level 2). These styles are comfortable for class and for weekend lounging!

The North Face

From Garage (Level 1) our models strutted layered looks with trendy denim, plaids, graphic tees, dresses and fun accessories!

Garage

Here are three looks from Wet Seal (Level 1)! Key styles include leggings, denim, camo, plaids, graphic tees, high top sneakers and booties.

Wet Seal

Our models rocked three looks from Francesca’s Collections (Level 4)! Play with your accent colors. Note the red belt on the black and white dress with the teal bag. 

Francesca’s Collections

You’ll find boho chic styles at Free People (Level 4).

Free People

From Gap (Level 3), our models showcased denim, stripes, and pops of color. You’ll find button-downs in bright colors with bold patterns.

Gap

At dELiA*s (Level 1), graphic tees, colored denim, and layering are on trend!

Delias

Bright colors. Bold patterns. That’s way you’ll find at Lilly Pulitzer (Level 2)  for fall.

Lilly Pulitzer

See more fall looks from Lilly Pulitzer here.

Our models featured standout looks from Caché (Level 4), including animal print, faux leather looks and the black and white trend!

Caché

What fall trends are you most excited about? If you aren’t sure how to pull off a style, just ask. That’s why I’m here.

Here are links to all of my GURU Style Star posts.

Denim is IN at dELiA*s!

I hit dELiA*s (Level 1) to see what’s hot for back-to-school.  Many of the looks start with a standout pair of jeans. We’re not just talking the blues.  You’ll find vibrant colors, including jewel tones, patterns and embellishments.

Graphic tees are also big for back-to-school. Wear them on their own or go for a layered look. If you’re trying to figure out how to mix patterns, look to the mannequins for inspiration.

One of many graphic tee designs

Layered Looks

The prepster look is also getting play at dELiA*s for this back-to-school season.

What’s at the top of your Back-to-School shopping list?

Back-to-School Looks at Garage!

I hit Garage (Level 1) to check out styles for the high school & college set! Denim is a key look for fall. Garage now offers three rises — low waist, high waist and retro high waist. Yes, I experienced the retro high waist look the last time around… Plus, you’ll find retro skinny fit, boyfriend and more styles. Garage is showing the jeans paired with boyfriend button-downs in plaid and denim and graphic tops.

Mad for Plaid!

Fun Graphics

More graphic looks

An infinity scarf is a must-have accessory. It pairs well over button-downs ,tees and cardis. Don’t be afraid to mix things up and strut two different patterns at once. Animal prints and stripes make a fun pairing.

Infinity Scarf

Need help knocking off any items from your back-to-school shopping list? Just ask, that’s why I’m here.

 

Back-to-School In Style, Sweetened with Tax-Free Shopping!

It’s a perfect time to stock up on Back-to-School clothes! One — it’s Maryland Tax Free Week through the 17th.  Qualifying clothing and shoe purchases under $100, per item, are tax free.  Plus, you’ll already find some major markdowns on new fall arrivals.

I hit Gymboree and Naartjie Kids (both on Level 3) to check out the Back-to-School trends.

Right now at Gymboree, you can save 30% off all full price clothing and 20% off sale items.

Animal print + denim equals a winning pairing.  I wish the trench came in my size!

Trendy in denim & animal print

There are even animal print ballet flats!

Gymboree makes it incredibly easy to mix and match.  The polka-dotted cardi also goes with the green jeans. Note the touch of bling at the ankles.  The navy sweater, with pops of colored buttons, would be equally cute with the pink jeans. Plus, I’m always a fan of mixing patterns, as seen styled with the dotted sweater over the floral tee.

Easy to mix and match

Gymboree has graphic tees in similar color palates that can be worked into the above looks.

Graphic Tees

You can also pair the tees with these adorable skirts, making getting dressed  a breeze!

While shopping for you, I did a little of my own. I picked up this fun animal print outfit for just under $20 thanks to tax free shopping and the 30% off sale. My daughter also has her eyes set on the animal print trench.

For boys, Gymboree features bold colors, fun graphic tees, plaids and stripes. Just like for the girls, each collections includes many coordinating pieces.

Easy to coordinate separates

The dinosaur on the navy tee below glows in the dark.

Over at Naartjie Kids, “Essentials” are $11 each when you buy two or more.  I usually stock up on the “Essentials” for both my son and daughter. For boys, there are coordinating long sleeve tees in solids and prints along with solid knit pants.

Just $11 each if you buy 2 or more

Layering is big with coordinating sweatshirts and button downs that can be worn over the tees.

For girls, the “Essentials” options include tops and leggings. You can make a number of outfits with a few pieces. Take a look.

Mix and Match “Essentials”

Love the little details on these tops and leggings. Note the little buttons and bows. These looks are also part of the “Essentials” collection.

Little sweet touches

Naartjie also has many tunic and dress options along with coordinating leggings and tights.

Dresses, tunics, leggings & tights

Have you started your back-to-school shopping? If there’s anything you’re looking for and can’t find, just ask. That’s why I’m here.

Back-to-School with a NEW Backpack

Is a backpack on your Back-to-School list?  

I hit Eddie Bauer, Capital Luggage & Leather and Gap Kids to scope out backpacks. The choices are so much more fun than I remember from growing up. I’m going to have to be sure that my kids don’t see this post, as they’ll likely want to trade in the packs they picked out for one of the ones featured here.

Gap Kids (Level 3) features coordinating lunch packs for many of its backpacks.

Gap Kids

Great news, you can get 30% off your Gap purchase  through today (8/12).  Please see store for complete details.

Coordinating backpacks and lunch totes

Here’s a cute lunch sack for your little superhero.

I also spotted some fun reusable cases that can be used for lunch snacks or sandwiches.

Capital Luggage & Leather (Level 4) has an entire wall of backpacks in solids and patterns with lifetime warrantees.  If you mention the GURU at the register, you can save 10% off your backpack until the end of September.

Capitol Luggage & Leather

As your student gets into high school and carries more and more books, consider a wheeled option, like this one by Jansport.

Wheeled packs are great for heavy loads!

Eddie Bauer (Level 4) also boasts a big selection. All backpacks are 25% to 40% off for a limited time. Eddie Bauer backpacks feature a lifetime guarantee. Even if the “Ripstop” material should ever rip, you can trade in the bag for a new one. The backpacks are water repellent as well.

Eddie Bauer

Three of the styles feature a security whistle on the back of the pack. I wouldn’t have noticed it if the manager hadn’t pointed it out to me.

The backpacks are also good for life’s adventures for all ages. The bags can double as adventure bags on weekends.

Coming up on 8/17, Eddie Bauer is hosting a How to Pack a Pack Event for your next adventure from 1 to 3 pm. Participants will receive a 20% off coupon store coupon. So, that’s savings upon savings, since the backpacks are already on sale. Plus, you can enter for a chance to win a free Eddie Bauer pack with a retail value of $89.95.  All you need to provide is your email address during the event. You don’t have to be in store to win.

Good luck!