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The results are in and the 2010 Back to School sales figures come as a relief to struggling retailers across the nation. Many economists predicted a sluggish season due to the recession, but consumers surprised the experts by taking advantage of deep discounts as well as state tax breaks. While the busy month of August has come to a close, there are still plenty of great deals around as stores try to liquidate their inventory to prepare for the holiday season. Along with Halloween decorations, you’re likely to find huge mark downs on tons of education essentials.

Backpacks are one of the hottest selling items this time of year, although this is really their only time to shine. Backpacks should be sturdy enough to last at least year, so retailers try to get rid of them before it’s too late. Little kids’ backpacks are particularly apt to see price cuts because their designs go out of style quickly. This year’s big Disney movie will be all but forgotten last year; the same goes for popular TV shows and musicians. Department stores may not have the same wide selection as they did in the beginning of August, but you can bet there are plenty of Buzz Lightyear bags filling the aisles right now. Backpacks for older kids are a little harder to come by since this demographic isn’t as fickle. Sticking with trendier style like Slings, Messengers, Skatepacks, and Laptop bags are probably your best bet. Traditional backpacks can be had, you’ll just have to a little more digging to find one that isn’t boring black.

Dorm furniture is another hot ticket because retailers rarely get a chance to promote….furniture. Of course, this includes all dorm wear items, such as bedding, dishes, and toiletries. In fact, this is probably your last chance to stock up on bed linens and blankets for the winter. These types of items will go back on sale for the holidays, but by then the temperature will have already dropped. Some stores, like Target, are trying to get rid of their dorm overstock by marketing it from a different angle. It doesn’t really matter how they choose to frame the sale. The bottom line is you’re going to need flannel sheets in about a month from now. You may as well pick them up now and avoid the rush, unless you like that sort of thing.

Shoes are another safe bet. Retailers tend to promote shoes heavily during back to school time, especially for kids. Most parents don’t buy their kids more than a few pairs of shoes because they grow out of them quickly. Little kid’s shoes often feature the same faddish characters as their back packs, which is why you will be able to snag some for an awesome price. Rain boots are another reliable choice. Depending on where you live, fall may be a very rainy time of year. Nevertheless, rain boots aren’t a big source of revenue, so stores like to move them out whenever they get the chance. Boots in general are a really hot junior’s fashion item this year, and they’ll be flying off the shelves on Black Friday. Better to buy yours early and on markdown. It may sound silly, but this is also the perfect time to buy summer footwear i.e. flip flops/sandals. You’ll find these in the clearance section, which means they’ll be super cheap.

Have you scored any serious deals lately? Tell us about your favorite finds!

College campuses are always filled with bikes for lots of reasons. First and foremost, bikes are an affordable means of transportation. Paying for gas can be a real strain on a college student’s limited budget, and riding a bike costs nothing after making the initial purchase. A reliable bike will probably get the job done more consistently than a lemon used car, without the costly repairs. Students are usually allowed to ride bikes across campus, which beats walking when you’re in a hurry to get to class. Most students either live on campus or nearby, so driving to school is totally impractical. Plus, bikes produce zero carbon emissions, which means they’re about the greenest choice around. Riding a bike is also an easy and fun way to stay in shape after a late night pizza binge, too. For these reasons, parents should put a bicycle at the top of their back to college supplies list.

Buying a bike for college can be a bit tricky, though. Most college kids are more concerned about appearances than practicality. This means they tend to pick bikes that look cool, but don’t work very well. For example, visit the campus for a day tour and you’ll probably notice that the bike racks are filled with large beach cruisers. These ultra stylish bikes usually come in awesome colors and patterns, which is why they’re consistently popular with the college crowd. Still, getting a cruiser isn’t a good idea if your child plans on riding it for more than a block because they’re extremely heavy. This is especially problematic for young women. It’s never a good idea to buy a bike that you can’t lift, and cruiser bikes weigh a ton compared to other models. They are also not equipped for riding uphill or on rough surfaces. In short, cruiser bikes are made for coasting down a beach boardwalk, not daily travel.

BMX bikes have their own set of drawbacks. Young men in particular are drawn to these because they’re built for speed and impressive tricks. That’s fine on a half pipe, but not for much else. BMX bikes are small in size, which makes them difficult to ride for longer distances. They don’t typically have different gears, and that means you can forget about riding them up steep hills. Mountain bikes aren’t much better, although for different reasons. They tend to be pricier than the previously mentioned styles. But their tires are made for gripping off road terrain, not plain old pavement. Some mountain bikes are extremely light; however, these are among the most expensive bikes on the market. Lower priced mountain bikes are often fairly heavy since they’re loaded down with features like super absorbent shocks. A mountain bike might be the right choice for a school in a woodsy environment, such as the University of California, Santa Cruz. In an urban setting, you will end up with way too many unnecessary all terrain elements.

The best choice for the majority of college students would be a hybrid or street/urban commuter bike. Take this model for example: http://www.schwinnbike.com/usa/eng/Products/Hybrid/Rigid-Fork/Details/1407-S10SPO-Sporterra It’s a Schwinn hybrid model that costs around $370. There are similar versions available at department stores, including Target and Wal-Mart that cost even less. That might sound like something beyond your price range; keep in mind that buying a quality machine is the only way to ensure that you’re getting something that will last throughout the duration of your child’s college career. No matter what brand you choose, be sure to get street tires. These are the only kind of tires that are truly safe when navigating in a metropolitan area. Protective gear is a smart investment, although college kids aren’t known for exercising the best judgment. Overall, you should be able to find the perfect bike for less than $400. Be sure to have your son or daughter test ride the bike to make sure it’s the correct size and desired level of comfort.

Whether the kids are ready to admit it or not, the fall semester is just around the corner for most students. One of the pricier items on your shopping list is probably a new computer, provided you have a high school or college aged child. Younger children can certainly benefit from having a computer, but a family PC will suffice until they really need a machine of their own. For teens and young adults, there are tons of options, although some are decidedly beyond your budget.

Buying a computer for high school or college doesn’t have to put you in the poor house, though. There are some key ways to save on the right model, but even choosing a decent computer in your price range can seem challenging. To help guide your search, it’s important to remember that high school and college students do not have the same set of needs. For instance, college students typically carry a laptop around with them everywhere on campus, so buying a desk top isn’t always the wisest choice. High school students may not need to bring a notebook to class, which means an inexpensive desk top PC would do the trick. Also, college kids often rely on their computers for entertainment in drab dorm environments. Consequently, you’ll want to make sure that you get a laptop that is capable of serving as an all in one media device.

Netbooks are ultra portable and are ideal for note taking, but they don’t have enough power to replace a gaming PC. Besides, netbooks do not have enough memory to fulfill the needs of a full time college student. Research papers may total 20 pages or more, and your son or daughter will have to work on multiple assignments simultaneously. A netbook alone simply doesn’t cut it. Netbooks may be tempting because they are relatively inexpensive, but we wouldn’t recommend depending on one through at least 4 years of school. Additionally, it’s wise to keep your child’s major in mind when selecting a suitable computer. A student majoring in drama, for example, doesn’t really need a super powerhouse at his or her fingertips whereas a computer science or engineering major will require a real workhorse.

For high school students, your best bet is to hit up back to school sales in your area and online. Buying a refurbished PC is another idea; these are far cheaper than brand new models and they usually run just as well. College students can take advantage of student discounts on computers and certain software programs. PCs usually do not come with Microsoft Office and Student as part of their total cost, so be sure to save an extra $150 to cover that expenditure. After all, a PC without a word processing program isn’t very useful for a college student. Most university bookstores offer deep discounts and rebates as an incentive to compete with off campus retailers. Apple and Dell in particular have developed relationships with schools across the country; visit their company websites for more information.

Macs tend to get fairly high consumer satisfaction scores from college students, but they are significantly more expensive than other brands. HP and Dell are popular as well as affordable alternatives to Macs, and school tech support teams are always familiar with windows based systems. This isn’t always true when it comes to Macs or Linux for that matter. Parents should also be aware that buying a laptop isn’t as cost effective as a desk top in terms of speed, memory, and reliability. Nevertheless, you should be able to find a quality machine for around $700, provided you’re not dead set on owning a Mac. Happy shopping!

While we’re still enjoying the summer heat, it’s time to face the facts. With August already here, it’s time to start thinking about the transition from summer to fall fashions. This year’s fall/winter looks are kind of like an extension of what’s been hot throughout 2010, so there aren’t a lot of dramatic changes going on. Today we’re only going to focus on women’s clothing because most guys don’t really bother with adjusting their looks according to the seasons. In fact, most guys’ idea of fall/winter style is throwing a hoodie on over their usual t-shirt and jeans combo. Most women are interested in staying on top of the latest clothing trends, and here they are, in no particular order:

Jumpsuits- Ok, we know what you’re thinking. Aren’t those for like, plumbers? Well, yes, and no. The jumpsuit is quickly turning into a romper for fall because it’s a one piece that you can wear anywhere. Although, jumpsuits definitely have more formalwear potential because they have long pant legs. These can be dressed up to look suitable for work, a date, or a formal dinner, as long as you incorporate the right accessories. Belted styles are figure flattering for most body types, and jumpsuits are certainly more forgiving than their skimpy romper counterparts. Baggy varieties are challenging, but fitted cuts should work on just about anybody. Try pairing a tailored black romper along with a draped cardigan and a pair of sandals or boots.

Boots- Speaking of shoes, boots are still going strong, much like they were at this time last year. And by boots, we really don’t mean Uggs. Wearing winter boots is fine, don’t get us wrong. As long as your footwear has some shape to it, it’s all good. But enough with the Uggs already. For that price, you could get two pairs of chic ankle boots, or a pair of Doc Martians. Anyway, it doesn’t matter what length, from ankle to calf to knee highs, boots are the still the rule.

Military Chic- This trend seems to have a lingering effect. It’s been slowly picking up steam since ’08 and appears ready to finally turn huge. Military looks are all about subtle colors, including olive green, black, gray, and beige/khaki. Clothing in these hues that is accented with details like front buttons, zippers, and cargo pockets fits into this category. This is a big contrast when compared to the neon shades that were all the rage last year, hence why it’s been on the back-burner for a while. There are a few staples when it comes to mastering military chic, such as tailored blazers, boots, and belts.

Minimalism/Menswear- It might sound a little funny to see minimalism on the same page as military chic, but the two really aren’t that far apart. Minimalism is all about basic colors, just like the fatigue look. As the name implies, minimalism entails focusing less on elaborate details and accessories and more on making a simple yet sleek style statement.  Ideal for the office, minimalism works well with menswear pieces, such as boyfriend blazers, slacks, and vests. Remember, menswear doesn’t have to look, well, manly.

Long Skirts- Miniskirts are totally out this fall, and we can’t say we’re upset about that. Minis are perfect for the beach, but look way out of place during colder months. This fall, long skirts are making a huge comeback, probably because of the return of the maxi dress. Long skirts can be of the ultra-fitted pencil variety, draped mid-calf, or flowy, ankle lengths. These are versatile in that they can be dressed up or down and compliment most body types. They look great with sandals and boots as well as heels or platforms. They’re delightfully feminine and offer a delicate alternative to the tougher trends. Ankle length skirts in particular are part of the growing “urban hippie” phenomenon that turns 60s styles into neo-bohemian coolness.

Lingerie- Thanks to a few key celebs like Lady Gaga and Paris Hilton, lingerie inspired pieces are going to be everywhere. This doesn’t necessarily mean you should walk out of your house in a bra and panties. The operative word here is inspired. Lingerie usually has lots of lace, ribbons, busty tops, and cinched corsets. Common materials are sheer fabrics, satin, and silk. As a general rule, shiny fabrics are the way to go. For throwback inspiration, check out some of Madonna’s Material Girl era outfits. Today’s lingerie looks aren’t quite as, um, pointy, but you get the idea.

Hats- If that word alone seems pretty broad to you, then you’re catching on. Right now girls have tons of choices when it comes to head ware. Hats are perfect for windy weather and give a ho hum outfit a personal feel. When it comes to hats, basically anything goes. Some popular options include fedoras, newsboy caps, beanies, berets, and cadet hats. Anything knitted has fall written all over it. For the most part, it’s a good idea to stick to hats in neutral colors, although don’t be afraid to spice it up with a super cute plaid fedora.

Well, that’s all we know about fall so far. Talking about colder weather can be a real bummer, so try to focus on the good parts about fall/winter… like updating your wardrobe. Happy shopping!

For most people, summertime is travel season. Between flights, hotels stays, amusement parks, rental cars, etc. taking a vacation can really put a strain on the family budget, especially in the midst of a recession. Even buying basic travel gear can end up costing as much if not more than the trip itself. Naturally, you’d rather spend your cash on souvenirs and attractions than on the boring stuff. Take luggage, for example. Top of the line luggage sets will run you at least a $1,000, and that’s only for a five piece set. Most people can’t afford to drop that much money on leather bags, but they don’t want to have to settle for something that they’ll end up having to replace as soon as the plane lands. Budget conscious shoppers may be able to find the name brands they trust at affordable prices by visiting outlet stores like Ross, Marshals, Nordstrom’s Rack, or TJ Maxx. These stores all carry attractive styles from well known companies, including Jansport, Levi’s, and Kipling. Chances are, you’ll be able to find an awesome deal on luggage right now because the travel season is winding down. Shopping on-line for luggage is another way to snag a terrific buy, as long as you don’t mind paying for shipping. This basic black 4 piece set will only set you back a little over a hundred dollars on-line as opposed to several hundred in retail establishments.

Don’t forget your carryon bag, though. Some sets include them, although the bag they refer to as a carryon might not fit your definition of the word. A quality carryon bag needs to be large enough to hold all your most important gear, such as your cell phone, laptop/netbook, MP3 player, wallet, snacks, etc. But since this is a bag that’s going to actually be with you for more than a few minutes or stashed away in a hotel room, you’ll want to look for both style and durability. Ladies should consider something like this because it’s large enough to be functional, and has a cute pattern. Plus, the price is right! Men will probably like something along these lines; a no frills bag with tons of pockets for easy organizing. You can always visit the previously mentioned stores to find an inexpensive carryon bag, but you’ll find a much larger selection on-line.

A lot of times, we get so caught up in the excitement of getting away from it all that we forget to gather simple things like toiletries before we take off. Then we end up stuck somewhere without any mouthwash and end up paying through the nose for some Scope in the hotel lobby. By planning ahead, you can avoid price gougers and other tourist traps. Stop by a pharmacy, such as Rite Aid, CVS, or Walgreens and pick up mini bottles of toothpaste, mouth wash, a tiny toothbrush and anything else you’re going to need to stay clean. The 99 cents store has these types of item, too, so don’t be afraid to check out their selection to find a real bargain. As long as you take the time to scout out great deals, you should be able to make the necessary preparations for your dream getaway without using up all your souvenir savings.  

Almost everyone associates summer with prime relaxation, enjoying the company of friends, family, and neighbors. When the weather heats up, it’s time to fire up the grill and get ready to do some serious entertaining in the backyard. Barbecuing is a summer mainstay, but before you start making out your guest list, take a look at your backyard set up. It probably took a pretty bad beating over the winter and needs a makeover like nobody’s business. That doesn’t mean you have to take out a second mortgage, though. There are plenty of ways to prepare for company without spending the kids’ college funds. First things first, let’s go over what you’ll need, and then we can talk about ways to save on great stuff.

You can’t have a B.B.Q. party without a grill, natch. We recommend getting a natural gas model, but those can be pretty pricy. There’s no reason to buy one of these bad boys unless you plan on cooking outside throughout the year or you happen to live in a warm climate. For folks who will only use a grill for a few months out of the year, this simple charcoal version should do the trick. Don’t let its inexpensive price fool you; this is definitely a quality product that will last for a long time. It’s a Webber for goodness sake! Sure, it doesn’t have any fancy frills (if you like that sort of thing…). But there’s no need to try and impress your guests with a high tech machine; tasty food speaks for itself.

Once you’ve got the grill situation worked out, you’ll want to focus on seating. Depending on how many people you’d like to invite, your seating options vary considerably. A couple of simple folding tables should suffice if you’re only planning on serving a close knit group. For larger parties, you’ll need something bigger that can accommodate several adults. One or two of these fine outdoor dining sets are exactly what you need. For an informal setting, comfortable yet durable recliners will allow your guests to soak up the chill vibe without making them feel like they’re stuck at some stuffy country club.

So far, everything’s been focused on adults; don’t forget about the kids!  A cute picnic table will surely put smiles on their faces, and it won’t be difficult to clean. This way the kids can have their fun and make a mess without disturbing your older visitors. Another kid friendly addition to the yard is a hammock. You don’t even have to worry about what you’re going to tie it to because there are ready made stands that provide the necessary durability. A hammock is real kid pleaser and brings out the child in just about anybody. Now some people are lucky enough to have a pool, which is a life saver in terms of keeping the kids occupied while the adults do their thing. For everyone else, there are backyard water parks! Trust us, your kids and their friends will NEVER get tired of playing on a water slide. Another option that can be used almost any time of year is a swing set, which is almost like having a park in your home. Add a sandbox to the mix and you’ll never have to worry about having bored kids! A basketball hoop is another idea, provided you have the space for one. The best thing about these is that they’ll never outgrow shooting hoops.

As awesome as these toys are, they may be out of some parent’s price range. Squirt guns are not nearly as elaborate, but they still bring hours of inexpensive entertainment.  The same goes for water balloons, especially if you spring for a slingshot. Slip and slides are an affordable classic and all you need to use them is an ordinary garden hose. Make sure you have someone to stand watch as these require adult or older teen supervision.  

Last week we talked about saving on swimwear during mid-season sales. This time around, let’s broaden our scope to include cool summer clothes in general. You might think that it’s too late to get the good stuff, but there are plenty of trendy summer styles left to go around, especially since shoppers aren’t buying like they used to. Stores and e-tailers are finding themselves stuck with massive overstock, which means huge savings for you! Look around and you’re sure to find these hot summer must have items for prices you can actually afford!

Girls: This summer’s fashion trends are an eclectic mix of the 60s, 80s, and contemporary innovation. This may sound confusing, but with careful planning, you can achieve a balanced look that reflects all of these cute combos!

Denim shorts (especially frayed)- That’s right girls, denim shorts aren’t really the comfiest thing you can wear in hot weather, but they are definitely the hottest trend right now. We all know that you have to suffer for fashion, but you can opt for lighter washes or grab some crisp, clean white denim to lessen the heat factor. This year it’s all about rips, so be sure to find a pair or two with frayed edges and a few properly placed holes.

Rompers- Speaking of comfy, thank goodness for rompers! Throw these on for the ultimate relaxed vibe and feel. While this style isn’t flattering for certain body types, there are some designs that are more forgiving than others, if you catch our drift.  Fuller figured beauties should probably avoid the tube varieties, and stick to ones with a little more coverage. Skinny minis can take their pick, as usual. These adorable pieces come in lots of colors, shapes, and patterns, so there’s always something for everyone.

Floral/Tribal Prints- Patterns are still going strong, especially floral and tribal prints.  Floral prints add a classic feminine flair and bold tribal designs make an edgy statement. The best part about this trend is its versatility; you can mix and match printed tees, tanks, sweaters, and sun dresses to spice things up. The possibilities are endless when it comes to these vibrant styles, so don’t be shy— there’s nothing wrong with standing out in the crowd!

Tie Dye- It doesn’t get more colorful than tie dye! Let your freak flag fly and embrace your inner hippie this summer by sporting tie dye tees, tanks, light hoodies, bags, and shoes. For extra originality, take a tip from the counter culture warriors themselves and make your own gear. You can buy home tie dye kits to create exactly what you want. Plus, you can be sure that no one else will be able to copy you because you’ve got your own world to live through, dig?

Jeggings- Part jean, part legging, these ultra sleek, form fitting bottoms have become a fashion craze! They go with everything you’d pair with a normal pair of jeans, but they have added sex appeal, which is always appreciated.

Flats/Sandals- Flats have been in for a while now because you can dress them up or down, depending on the occasion and sandals are no brainer summer staple. Flats are a dressier option for hot summer nights, but sandals will always rule the summer. Flip fops are the epitome of casual although leather ones don’t give off as strong of a beach vibe as the rubber kind.

Guys: Ok, so guys don’t care about fashion, at least they say they don’t. But that doesn’t mean they don’t want to look cool; otherwise they’d let their moms dress them! To make things easier on guys and the girls who have to shop for them (ahem), here’s a list of some of stuff every dude needs to beat the heat!

Wayfayer Sunglasses-Get ready for a blast from the past, the 1980s, that is. Wayfayer sunglasses are making a huge comeback this year, which means they should be at the top of your accessories list. Don’t have accessories list? There, there. We won’t hold it against you as long as promise to actually take our advice! Ditch the bulky aviators and go for a preppy pair of wayfayers. Your girlfriend will thank you.

Board Shorts-These are way more than just swimwear. Surfer dudes are known to sport them all year long, but unless you’re a serious beach bum, you should probably save these for summer. These come in lots of loud colors and designs that are sure to turn heads wherever you go.

Tanks- Tanks are not just for girls anymore. These shirts are way more comfortable than regular sleeved ones when the thermometer’s on the rise. Sure, not every guy can pull these off, but as long as you’ve got a toned torso, you’ve got nothing to hide.

Plaid Shorts-These golf inspired shorts have been in for a few years now and they’re still going strong. They go with just about everything and they’re not as clingy as jean shorts. As long as you stick to stuff that doesn’t make people think you’re searching for your lost caddy, you’re good to go!

Hats (Beanies, Fedoras)-This year, put your old baseball caps away because you won’t be needing them. This season’s hats are more grown up, but still sporty. Try a fedora or a beanie instead of the same hat you’ve been wearing since little league.  

Skinny Jeans- Yeah, in spite of the temperatures, skinny jeans are literally everywhere. Surprisingly enough, guys are fixated on super dark washes, too. Whatever.

With July already in full swing, you may think that the time to grab cool swimwear has passed— nothing could be further from the truth! Buying anything mid-season is a great way to save money because stores are trying to get rid of their stock in order to make room for the next round of apparel. In this case, retailers are probably trying to clear out their bathing suits before the fall lineup hits their shelves. This is especially true because fall is back to school time, and no one wants to go to school in a bikini. Well, maybe they do, but their parents won’t let them!

You can find killer deals right now at your local mall, sporting goods stores, and on-line. Here are some of my favorite places to grab beachwear:

Pacsun- This is basically THE spot for surf styles. While their prices can be a little high, you can always find awesome deals in their sale section. They have plenty of items to choose from, for both guys and girls. Plus, they have tons of accessories like flip flops, cover-ups, tees, etc.

Zumiez- This store is a lot like PacSun, only they specialize in skating instead of surfing. But don’t let that emphasis fool you because Zumiez has enough swimwear to go around for guys and girls alike. They do have more stuff for guys than girls, though, so keep that in mind. Still, they have year round sales to take advantage of along with on-line only deals. If you go to their site, you can filter search results by price to help you stay within your budget.

Ross- Sure, it doesn’t sound very glamorous, but so what? No one has to know where you bought that super cute bikini anyway and chances are, only your girlfriends will even ask. Ross doesn’t showcase their inventory on their site itself because it’s literally constantly changing. You actually have to physically visit a store to check out their selection, and you should definitely come prepared to search. Much like TJ Maxx and Marshalls, you have to spend a lot of time scouring the store to find the good stuff, but it’s totally worth it when you find the perfect item for half the regular price. Besides, you know you love spending the day shopping. You’re going to be gone for hours at the mall anyway, so why not save some serious cash in the process?

Most of us remember how down the economy was a year ago.  With layoffs rampant, many families lacked the funds to dine out.  In order to keep from filing Chapter 11, many restaurant chains began offering a variety of incentives.  These included discounts, special offers, and promotions.  One tactic used by popular chain restaurants was offering free meals to kids.  As long as parents order two entrees, their children could eat for free. 

Now that the economy is on the rise again, most restaurants have stopped offering free meals for children, but there are still a few places where families can save.  Here is a list of places where your child can still eat for free:

Chevys

Visit your local Chevys on a Tuesday, and order one adult entrée to get a free entrée for your child.  This offer is only valid when you dine at the restaurant, no ordering to-go.

Denny’s

You can dine any night at Denny’s between 4pm and 10pm to take advantage of this offer.  Children must be under the age of 10, and the offer is good for up to two children.  The great thing about Denny’s is that only one adult needs to make a purchase of $2.50 or more.  This offer is great for single parents with two children.  If you are a single parent, or your spouse has to work late, you can take both your kids out and have them eat for free.  Plus, you don’t even have to order an entrée, spend $2.50 and get two free children’s meals, now that’s a great offer!

Marie Callender’s

On Tuesdays and Saturdays, buy one adult entrée and get one free kid’s meal.

Dressing trendy can be budget friendly, you just have to know where the deals are.  That’s where CheapStuff comes in.  Here are budget friendly ways to look chic this summer:

1) White Denim Jacket

White Denim is all the rage this summer.  White is a traditional summer color.  A white denim jacket can be used to create a variety of different looks, plus it goes with everything.  You can wear it with a tank and jeans, put it over a cute spaghetti strip and skirt combo, or wear it over a summer dress.  American Eagle is selling a cute cropped white denim jacket for $49.50.

2) Tunics

Tunics are great in the heat.  You can wear a great printed tunic many ways.  Put it over a pair of pants for a formal look, or wear it over a bathing suit by the pool.  Echo sells a beautiful printed tunic for $58.  You can also find affordable tunics at Forever 21.

3) Scarves

These summer scarves are a light way to accessorize.  When the sun starts to go down, and the cool night breeze kicks in, wrap these light printed scarves around your neck for just the right amount of warmth.  Bodega sells beautiful scarves for only $10.

4) Bright Pants

Summer is the time to be brilliant.  Wearing bright colors is the best way to shine.  Esprit sells skinny pants in bright colors at only $50 a pair.