Graphic tees are a summer staple, but this year there's one particular style that's been gaining in popularity—slub-knit tees with phrases in graphic typeface. The juxtaposition of elegant text on a slouchy tee makes these tops a versatile item. They can be dressed up with a sparkly necklace or dressed down with distressed jeans. Luckily, there are graphic tees for every price point.
Here are five popular options:
1) Graphic Slub-Knit Tees, $14.94 (on sale for $8), Old Navy
Comfy, basic chic from Old Navy, and even more of a bargain now that it's on sale.
2) Talk Is Cheap Shirt, $21.80, Forever21
A pretty mint shirt with long sleeves—the perfect piece to take this trend into fall.
3) Modern Tee, $39.50, J.Crew
A delicate rose-coloured shirt with metallic lettering—it's such a pretty piece.
4) Wifey Tee, $46, Ily Couture
This shirt is a fashion blogger favourite! If you like to refer to yourself as wifey, this is the shirt for you.
5) Do Epic Chic Tee, $59, Song of Style for eLuxe
From the collaboration between Canadian etailer, eLuxe, and fashion blogger, Aimee Song (Song of Style), this tee is a fashionista favourite.
From $8 to $59, there's a graphic shirt for every budget! Once you've picked out the shirt that's right for you, here are some styling ideas:
For a fun Summer look, pair your tee with a floral pencil skirt, bright heels, and a glam statement necklace—bright lipstick is the perfect finishing touch. For a more dressed down option, wear it with distressed jeans and a camo jacket. Add on some slouchy booties, and you're ready for Fall.
Will you be trying this graphic tee trend? Here's another popular dressed-down trend, and click here if your style is more classic than trendy.
There are two back-to-school lunch modes in my house: smug — when lunchboxes are neatly filled the night before with options from every food group and chaotic — when I’m running around like a madwoman in the morning — serving breakfast whilst frantically trying to whip up something yummy and healthy for my kids’ lunchboxes!
But whether my kids’ lunches have been pre-planned or prepared in a rush, a good lunchbox is vital in making sure their food arrives safely and stays appetizing. Depending on the type of lunch you send, here are five popular lunchbox options:
1) The Dinner Tray Option - Rover Lunchbox, $59.95, PlanetBox
I've been hearing rave reviews about this lunchbox EVERYWHERE — from online friends and in person. PlanetBox is a stainless steel container that allows you to pack a variety of foods, each in their own compartment. Advantages: Easy clean-up (the whole thing can be placed in the dishwasher), reduced packaging waste (no need for ziploc baggies or individual snackpacks) and a simple design with only a few parts (less bits to lose!)
2) The Bento Box Option - Bento Lunchbox 2.0, $23.99, Laptop Lunches
The Bento Lunchbox 2.0 is made up of several rearrangeable plastic containers housed within a larger box. The foodsafe plastic is free of BPA, phthalates and PVC. Advantages: Can vary inner-containers according to what you're sending (there's a combination of water-tight, leak-proof containers for dip/yoghurt/applesauce and unlidded containers for mains/fruits/salads). Reduces packaging waste. Everything goes in the dishwasher.
3. The Divided Option - Lunch bag, $17.95, Balanced Day Bags
Originally designed in response to Ontario's Balanced Day program (where snack time and lunch time are replaced by 2 nutrition breaks — read more here), this lunch box makes it easy for kids to know what to eat during each break time. Advantages: Can also be used to separate hot and cold foods or drinks and snacks.
4. The Hot Lunch Option - Thermos FUNtainer Food Jar, $14.97, Walmart
Although this thermos keeps food hot for 5 hours or cold for 7 hours, I only use mine for hot lunches. Advantages: Makes it easy to send a variety of meals from pasta or rice dishes to thick soups — especially a bonus in colder weather!
5. The Microwaveable Option - Glass Container with Plastic Lid, $4.99, Snapware
This past year both my kids had microwaves in their classroom — and their lunch consumption went up by 75% I guess nothing is more appetizing than piping hot food! This Pyrex box features a sturdy glass container and an easy-snap plastic lid. Even though the glass is tempered, I make sure to send it in a thickly padded lunchbag to prevent any chance of breakage. May not be suitable for younger children. Advantages: Can send chilled or frozen food, knowing it can be safely heated for lunchtime. Glass is easy to clean in the dishwasher and is stain resistant. Lid is airtight and leakproof.
Hope you found this post helpful! If you need inspiration on what to put IN to the lunchboxes...BOY does YMC have you covered! And if you're looking for backpacks — here are the Top 5 Mummy-Approved Backpacks.
You can learn even more ways to get organized and transition from summer to school on our Back-To-School 2014 page.
Back-to-school season has arrived—and it's time to make important decisions, such as: What's the latest I can sleep-in and still get my kids to school on time? Do fruit gummies count as a healthy snack? What backpack can withstand a year of being dragged around by my child? While you'll have to figure out the first two questions yourself, I can help you answer the third. I've been quizzing my mummy friends (including other YMC bloggers) and these are the top 5 backpacks on our lists:
1. Original Book Pack, $29.95, L.L. Bean
I first discovered these bags when my college roommate offered me one of her leftover backpacks from high school. I used it every day, and despite being stuffed full of heavy textbooks, it still looked new. My kids' L.L. Bean backpacks were purchased three years ago—I put them through the washing machine at the end of every term, and they come out stain free, with no loose threads or fraying. (p.s. I've had friends order similar-looking backpacks from Lands End, BUT the material does NOT hold up as well).
2. Mackenzie Large Backpack, $45.50, Pottery Barn Kids
These backpacks come in the cutest prints, featuring everything from poodles to sharks. They are on the pricier side, but the quality and adorable-ness factor make it a worthwhile investment for many moms, including YMC Editor-in-Chief Ali. She says, "I splurge and save in specific places for BTS. One place I always splurge is a backpack, since it gets the most wear and tear each year." Hailey has the same philosophy: "I just splurged and bought a pottery barn kids one. It's adorable and so well made ...then I decided to make up for that by buying a $7 lunch bag from Target."
3. Skip Hop Zoo Pack, $19.95, Target
Speaking of adorable—if you need a backpack for your toddler, you have to check out the Zoo Pack range from Target. Skip Hop are famous for their amazing diaper bags, and you get the same high quality and great designs from these backpacks. They're perfect for teeny shoulders!
4. Dome Daypack, $19, MEC
If you're looking for indestructible, you can't go wrong with picking a bag from a Mountain Equipment store. These bags are VERY popular with YMC parents. Danielle says, "My kids have been using the same MEC backpacks since kindergarten (going into grade 5 and 6). They look like new. Also, I like that they are light—some backpacks are heavy before you put anything in them."
5. Jansport Superbreak Backpack, $34.98, Staples
Ending the list is another classic. Jansports were popular in my high school, and they're still going strong! Candace chooses them because, "They're guaranteed for life and I refuse to replace backpacks every year for trends." Jeni thinks they're the perfect bag for her high-schooler: "Despite heavy textbooks in high school last year, it has held up very well. And it's easy to wash because it is lightweight."
BONUS: They didn't make the top 5, but honourable mention goes to backpacks from Eddie Bauer, Dakine, Roots and Beatrix NY.
What is your favourite back-to-school backpack brand?
Do you need comfy shoes for the school run? This is what I'd wear to drop my kids off at school . . . if I was Victoria Beckham! Just kidding, I'm more Reese than Victoria!
You can learn even more ways to get organized and transition from summer to school on our Back-To-School 2014 page.
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