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Community Corner

Patch Picks for Back-to-School Shopping Sprees

We urge students to flaunt their sense of style this school year.

Your child's teacher will dictate what items he or she will need for school this year. But most students find a way to make these items their own.

Patch talked to local back-to-school hot spots to see which stylin' supplies are sure to make your child's list of must-haves. If we missed something, tell us what we've missed in the comments section!

Writing tools
At Northbrook's , co-owner Pattie Vanasco said vintage style and animals prints would be hot again, showing up in everything from jewelry to the notebooks in stock. Notebooks from Papaya features designs for students from elementary school to college. And New York's famed Dylan's Candy Bar has licensed a line of paper goods that celebrate the sweet tooth.

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At , pencils and paper from Vera Bradley and Lily Pulitzer are expected big sellers. And at , in Glenview, Lego pens will be hot.

Calendars
"If they think it's fun and cool, they're more likely to use it," Vanasco said.

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Both Quintessence and are carrying planners in bright colors and stripes for children--and refined animal prints for moms and others. F.U.N. owner Rob Oswald notes that "the MomAgendas are outselling the MyAgenda."

These calendars for parents and caregivers have separate spaces for listing adult and children activities on the same page. Letts of London also makes both sophisticated and youthful versions of its popular calendars, which are available at F.U.N. Cards and Gifts.

Locker decor
Pegy Sebert, who owns , has stocked up on locker decor for the middle school set. Wallpaper, chandeliers, rugs, bins and mirrors are all color-coordinated and magnetic for easy decorating. F.U.N. Cards and Gifts also carries magnetic bins to keep a locker organized.

Lunch bags
The lunchroom is a great place to display style to peers. Vanasco said the insulated lunch bags at Quintessence come in an ever-changing variety of colors and designs because they are made of recycled materials--something many shoppers are looking for. Those seeking similar products should ask about reuseable sandwich bags that are dishwasher safe.

At Becky and Me Toys, Sebert has lots of lunch bags and sandwich keepers for youngsters in preschool through middle school.

Book Bags
Choosing a backpack was, by far, the most difficult decision I made in junior high. Sebert said hot styles this year include retro peace signs and flower prints and quilted textures for girls, classic sports and camouflage prints for boys, and bright colors for all.

Messenger bags and backpacks come in as many sizes as there are students, and can be complemented with a small purse.

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