Back To School
Lands’ End Gets Green
What: Just in time for back to school, the apparel giant Lands’ End is launching a brand new line of eco-friendly backpacks, messenger bags, and lunch boxes. Designed with recycled fabric made from discarded plastic bottles, the six-product collection ranges in price from $24.50—for the eco-friendly tote—to $129.50—for the all-in-one with wheels.
What They Say:
“At Lands’ End, we always look for ways to develop new and innovative products that our customers will value and appreciate,” says Shannon Lelouch, director of product development at Lands’ End. “The new Eco-friendly collection offers a perfect combination of green innovation, performance and functionality. It’s a great green choice for any age.”
What We Say: We’re not surprised that Lands’ End has created an eco-friendly backpack line—we’re just surprised they didn’t do it sooner. These bags may not be the most fashion-forward looks we’ve ever seen, but when it comes to Lands’ End we know they’re built to last, which is probably the most important thing anyways when it comes to hauling around laptops and books.
Kmart Gets Preppy
What: Just in time for back to school, Kmart is taking its latest step in fashion forward retailing by debuting THRE3, a line of polo-inspired clothes for men, women, boys and girls designed by the United States Polo Association. The line, which features polo and rugby shirts, along with jeans, sweaters, and long-sleeve fleeces, is available in stores nationwide and online with prices ranging from $9.99 for graphic tees to $26.99 for bootleg jeans.
What They Say:
“The THRE3 brand was designed to depict the authentic lifestyle concept of the sport of polo in the United States. It’s comfortable, casual, and accessible to everyone in the family. We believe the relationship with Kmart is a well-chosen step toward the long-range success of the THRE3 brand,” said Cliff Lelonek, President and CEO of U.S. Polo Assn.
What We Say: Kmart may be a little late to the game when it comes to discount stores launching branded fashion lines, but they’re right in time for back to school shoppers. And with the recession in full effect—and families looking to cut costs wherever they can this year—THRE3’s rugby and polo shirts just might be the budget conscious alternative to Abercrombie and Fitch that we’ve been looking for.
The Budget Fashionista College Guide: Furnishing Your First Apartment
There’s nothing like signing the lease to your first apartment. Now instead of sharing a bathroom with 10 people you do not know, you get to share a bathroom with 10 of your closest friends. Hopefully, you got more space than your dinky dorm room, but how do you tastefully furnish (bed, desk, dresser, chair, possibly a couch?) a space on less than $100?
Here are some places I used to furnish my first apartment:
~ Grandparents/parents—Grandparents always have way too much stuff in their houses. Help them liquidate some of that stuff—to you.
~ Salvation Army—I purchased a beautiful folding rattan chair as well as an assortment of vases for less than 10 bucks.
~ Goodwill—Not as cheap as the Salvation Army, but you can still find some good thrift items.
~ Junior League Thrift Shops —Rich people’s junk is your treasure.
~ IKEA—Great place for stylish items, especially sheets.
~ Home Depot and Lowes—If you got the talent and time, make your own bed for less than $30.
~ Rich areas on big trash pick up day —Best bet if you are really broke. Call the sanitation department in your area to find the day that they pick up big trash, like furniture, etc., in the rich area. Got a great couch that way.
~ Your School/University —For your kitchen, how about a nice set of fine dining hall china? On the more legal end, most schools have a store/warehouse where they sell used dorm room furniture. Call the on-campus housing department at your school. Hey maybe you can get your bed from freshmen year!
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