<p>For any other boarding school girls who are looking for a trendy and cheap way to stay in dress code, Old Navy has a 30% off sale on until Monday. I got a couple pairs of khakis and black pants that were actually quite stylish (and this is from a teenage girl’s point of view). They have everything from skinnies to boot cut.</p>
<p>And for all the seasoned parents out there, are there any must have items for boarding school that you wouldn’t naturally think of. Anything your kids called for and begged to have FedEx’d as soon as possible?</p>
<p>Don’t forget to check thrift shops. I found a brand new (package sealed) xl-twin 100% cotton mattress cover today for $2.99. I’ve also had good luck finding formal dress clothes items. Many times these items still have the original tags or are in like-new condition. Many popular brands can be found for a song (JCrew, Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, Lands End, REI, etc.) I just stop by whenever I happen to be in the neighborhood. I usually find something useful at each visit. </p>
<p>There are also teen-geared consignment stores. This can work both ways. Cheaper clothes and maybe some extra spending money. Consignment stores, particularly specialized ones, can be great- we have both a teen and designer consignment store nearby. Designer consignment stores can be hit or miss for a student, but the shoes are typically great (UGG, Frye, etc). </p>
There’s a thrift shop out there w brand-new, boys turtleneck shirts-- tags still on them. </p>
<p>Tip:<br>
Don’t go overboard buying new clothes in advance of move in day. Wait till DC sees what other kids on campus are wearing, then supplement during Fall Parents Weekend in October. </p>
<p>DS refused to wear all the turtlenecks I bought for him.</p>
<p>@GMTplus7 I’ve made that same mistake at my D’s current day school. I’ve been told even by her younger 5th grade sister that turtlenecks are the “Kiss of Death”. This is lofty language to throw around in my book but, in any event, they will only wear them skiing (and then only if skiing with anyone they don’t know).</p>
<p>Turtles under a button-down collared shirt were DEFINITELY a look at the preppy-ish high school I attended. FWIW, I still think turtlenecks are good gear…but mostly for functional purposes (skiing, working outdoors in winter, etc.) I don’ think I’ve won one for purely sartorial reasons since college.</p>
<p>@nnedtoboard: LOL just that fashions come full circle and if you wait long enough you will see things that are currently out of style come back “in”!</p>
<p>Yes. Unfortunately I can say it was not before my time. LOL Actually when I was a kid we moved to London and they were hugely popular as were those crazy afghan (as in the dog breed) jackets… </p>
<p>I remember as an adolescent, giving one to my much older brother in law for Christmas. He was the epitome of Ivy conservative… And was really quite horrified… LOL</p>
<p>I love TJ Maxx and Marshalls for RL boy (formal dress) stuff- shirts, socks, pants and zip sweaters. I’m also a big believer in Ralph Lauren sheets. The oxford cloth sheets and pillowcases last forever. You can find them almost anywhere but Macy’s (sale) online or Home Goods/ Marshalls/TJ Maxx usually have the best selection and price. </p>
<p>Boys cannot destroy these sheets and they seem to get better with age. My two cents about sheets :). </p>
<p>So funny about the RL sheets, PhotoMom. CK still has his Polo Bear sheets from way back when and won’t give them up. Although he has the solid sheets at school, he takes the Polo Bear comforter with him. (He’s not the kind of kid anyone is going to tease more than once ;)</p>
<p>I even made a duvet for him: denim on the top, Polo Bear sheet as the backing.</p>