This Trend Just In: Back to School in Style

Going back to school always means wanting new on-trend items. But sometimes being trendy can also read costly with limited wear or use after the trend has died out. Luckily, this year's back to school trends are more mainstream than before, meaning that what you buy now, you can re-wear for seasons to come. Below are the biggest five trends, with examples of what you can wear and of course, at prices that won't wear out your wallet.

1. Tribal inspired - Take wardrobe cues from around the globe.

AEO Embroidered Bag, $49.50, American Eagle Outfitters

Candie's Vivien Platform Wedge Sandals, $25.99, kohls

Foil Tear Cocktail Ring, $28, topshop

Zad New Peacock on the Block Feather Earrings, $14, lulus

Tan Leather Fringed Cross Body Bag, $66, topshop

Obey Tribal Denim Backpack, $59, lulus

Pod Pave Black Ring, $85, Melinda Maria

Grey Stripe Rope Sole Women's Classics, $54, toms

2. Boyfriend Look - 'Boyfriend' blazers and jeans, boxy shouldered bomber jackets and even slouchy button-down shirts are on trend for this season.

AE Straw Fedora, $ 15.50, American Eagle

Beracasa Leopard Olive Handbag, $41, lulus

Red Textured Trim Snood, $32, topshop

Patent Leatherette Wingtip Shoes, $24.80, forever 21

3. Bright and Bold - wearing bright colors is definitely on trend this year. Whether its done through color blocking or using one primary color in a neon shade to make your outfit pop.

AEO Wraparound Watch, $29.50, American Eagle

Bongo Large Hobo, $29.99, kmart

Ridge Large Backpack, $98, kipling-usa

Jeffrey Campbell Be-Well Red Suede Peep Toe Woven Wedges, $154, lulus

4. Goth goes Glam - Black is a typical fall fall-back color, but this year add a little punk, a dash of emo or a sprinkling of goth to edge it up.

CARLOS BY CARLOS SANTANA Women's Foxy, $98.99, amazon

Horseshoe Stud Waist Belt, $48, Armani Exchange

Nude, Love As It Should Be Wedge, $99, Pretty Pennies

Candie's Zipper Ruffled Flip-Flops, $11.00, kohls

GemGirls Evil Eye Friendship Bracelets on Silk Cord, $35, Kara Ackerman

5. Think Preppy - another 80's trend to resurface is pure preppy. Embrace your Muffy, Biff and Blair by taking a page from The Preppy Handbook and go for a polished look sure to meet the standards of all popped-collared wearers of the world.

Eden Studded Ruffle Flat from Dream Out Loud by Selena Gomez, $19.99, kmart

Candie's Bow Cat's-Eye Sunglasses, $14.99, kohls

LC Lauren Conrad Solo Ballet Flats, $36.99, kohls

VALENTINE Coral Patent Toe Ballet Pumps, $36, topshop

Jack Purcell Helen Marimekko, $75, amazon

For more back-to-school savings tips, revisit this "Dear Shopping Savage".

All pictures provided by Seventeen

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Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

My boyfriend and I have been going out for a little over a year now and he's starting to surprise me with gifts. I wouldn't have a problem with this if they were things that I like, but they're not my taste at all. I really appreciate the gesture but I'd rather he not spend his money on things I'd rather return. Can you give me some tips on how to break through to him without hurting his feelings?

Signed,

Gifted Girl

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Dear G.G.,

Its rather hard to believe that after a year of being together that he still doesn’t know you well enough to get you a gift you would like; but then again, as most men can attest, if a woman is faking it its not always easy to tell.

So it sounds like he's a little off the mark with these surprise gifts - where's the harm in that? It's not as if its your birthday or anniversary. Maybe these are things he wants you to have, or things that made him think of you and so he's considerate enough to take the time - and funds - to get them for you. It sounds like you've never asked him why he got you the gifts, but feigned warm feelings for something you would never want. So you can't really blame the guy, especially since his actions are earnest and pure. Yours on the other hand are up for debate.

Even if you wanted to put him back on target and drop subtle - or blatant - hints about the gifts its a lose-lose situation. You will have to come clean about not liking any of the gifts he's given you which will make you seem not only deceitful but ungrateful considering these are unsolicited gifts.

Either way you should let him know so he can stop wasting his money. Just be prepared that after you lift the veil you risk him withdrawing gift giving all together. But that’s the price you pay for not being honest upfront and for having your boyfriend of a year lavishing you with things that you didn't appreciate. He has every right to feel foolish or even a bit deceived because, well, both are valid responses.

On a much more optimistic - yet unrealistic - note, the two of you could laugh it off and he’ll take cues from you from now on whenever he wants to surprise you with something, or maybe just reserve his giving spirit to holidays and special occasions. Either way, let this be a lesson to you: honesty is the best policy. Especially when you could have saved him and yourself from this unnecessary situation if you would have nipped this in the bud early on.

Just prepare yourself for the worst and hope for the best. Not the most comforting advice but its the most realistic.

Scary thought though, isn’t it?

Need sartorial advice? Email me: Dwaun@shoppingsavage.com

Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

My boyfriend is starting to sleep over more and I'm thinking I need to invest in some real pajamas. I'm a petite girl in height and weight and usually wear a tank top and boy's boxers to bed. I want to be a little sexier but not wear lingerie to bed every night.

Signed,

Pajama Girl

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Dear P.G.,

Before buying pajamas you want to consider your unconscious comfort level. Think about your sleep pattern: do you get warm in the middle of the night - either by nature or because of your boyfriend's body heat? Toss and turn? Back and forth to the bathroom? Or perhaps you're a light sleeper? In addition to helping you decide what pajamas you'd be most comfortable in, your answers may also be helpful in determining how much sleep you're getting a night and if it's enough.

But lets not count the sheep before they jump the fence to get to the mall. Now that you're armed with your sleep study results you can begin your search for the perfect pj's. Start with department stores since their inventory of sleepwear tends to run the gamut from babydoll cami's with matching panties to flannel onesies. Look for natural materials that breath in addition to being comfortable and pleasing to your (boyfriend's) eye. Cotton, silk and satin are your best material bets.

Even after you have an idea of what looks good and feels good on, still take the time to explore the many variations of sleepwear offered. After all, pajamas have diversified from being just for the bedroom. Under the guise of "lounge wear" many consumers have adopted comfortable, yet fashionable, ensembles that can be worn around the house - with an emphasis on around the house. Look for coordinates that range from shorts and tanks to pants and tops, keeping in mind what's most important: the materials used, the fit and of course its appeal...to sleep in.

But as a word of caution, once you buy a set of pajamas its hard to ignore the multitude of sleep wear accessories and sleep aids. What's a set of pajamas without the matching bathrobe? Or what about slippers? Then of course there are earplugs, sleeping eye masks, sound machines and need it be said: a quality mattress with high thread count sheets and firm pillows.

Your boyfriend sleeping over may cost you more than you bargained for, but in the long run it could be the best thing that ever happened to you and your bed. Investing in the relationship you and he has is important but so is the investment you're making in your relationship with sleep. A boyfriend in the bed sounds great, but a good night's sleep sounds just as sexy.

Want to know what you and your partner's sleep position says about your relationship? Use this guide to help decode your current sleeping arrangement or take this quiz to determine if you're compatible to really sleep together.

Need sartorial advice? Email me: ShoppingSavage@gmail.com

Dear Shopping Savage...

Dear Shopping Savage,

I started dating a guy a few months ago and things are going really well. He wines and dines me and is a great conversationalist...but a horrible dresser. I want to drop a few hints in his direction, maybe even pick up a few things for him, but I don't want to scare him off or come across as controlling or materialistic. What's the best approach to handling this situation?

Signed,

Potential Boyfriend Fixer-Upper

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P.B.F-U,

You want to lead with a casual conversation. After strategically - and might I caution stealthily - looking through his closet, ask him when was the last time he went shopping. Don't make this a long discussion or it'll seem obvious what you're up to. Conclude by saying that the next time he does goes shopping you'd like to go with him. Allow a few days to pass and if he doesn't bring up shopping again, then you have license to be "creative". Tell him that your (brother, father, uncle, best gay male friend, whomever) has a birthday coming up soon and you want to start looking for gift ideas and want him to go with you just to get a "guys opinion".

Once you have him in the store he'll be like putty in your well-manicured hands. Start off by suggesting that he look around and see if he likes anything. If he doesn't bite then ask him to be a "model" for your gift and as he's trying things on, point out how great he looks in the new clothing. Have a sales associate - preferably another woman - restate your assessment. At this point, it should be easy to convince him to keep looking around/"modeling".

Pick out three head-to-toe looks for three separate occasions: work, weekends and weeknight dalliances. Let him have final say in how he mixes the looks per category, but be sure he buys at least two looks from each area. This works two ways: #1 - revamping a look from head-to-toe can get expensive so whether he pays, you pay or you divvy it up, he's going to wear the clothes because money was spent on them. #2 - if he really takes to the clothing (and the compliments that you may have to secretly solicit) then everything else in his closet will start to look out of place, which means you have successfully created a man that cares about his appearance, i.e. there will be more shopping trips for him in your future.

But let me end by saying that no one enjoys having their sense of style - or lack thereof - picked apart...especially when the advice wasn't solicited. You could be taking a gamble and the end result is not always predictable. Be sure that its worth the risk; you don't want the P.B. in your acronym to throw those last two letters back at you.

Need sartorial advice? Email me: ShoppingSavage@gmail.com