August has always been a month of mixed emotions for my family and I.  What should be a fun last month of vacation is also the month retailers remind our little love bugs that its “BACK TO SCHOOL” time, almost immediately casting a dark cloud over them.

Together, however, the five of us always manage to squeeze out every last bit of summer while actually getting our kids excited for back to school.  For the last 9 years, we’ve headed to North Myrtle Beach to embark on incredible adventures and make lasting memories. There, we soak up the sun boogie boarding and digging for clams, and we always fit in several trips to Tanger Outlets (Myrtle Beach Hwy. 17) for some back-to-school shopping.

Tanger Outlets is a family favourite not only for their brand name retailers and awesome savings (yay for fashionista mamas like moi!)…it’s spacious grounds,  great food places, and  FREE wifi are perfect for those family members who need a shopping break (ahem ahem…the hubby).

We’ve found that getting the kids involved in the process of shopping for back to school gets them excited to wear their new threads. And with Tanger’s savings,  we can afford to get a little extra for our three children’s brand new school year.

This year’s visit to Tanger was a special one for our family. Our youngest is starting school (sniff, sniff). It was so fun to watch her express her sweet (and sassy) personality through style.

Alessia picked two completely different outfits for her first day! It’s going to be a tough decision. We visited toddler favourites such as Gymboree and Carters.

 

Mikhaela is heading into the tween years (Lord help us) so no more bows and sparkles.  Instead, stores like Justice had everything she needed.

 

Giorgio’s style is well….too cool for school (pardon the pun). Thank goodness we found sick swag (his words exactly) at stores like GAP and footwear from Under Armour.

 

As for me, I sent the kids to the Fudgery with daddy and got down to business. I found so many back-to-work looks, complete with Kate Spade handbags at unbeatable prices.

 

Today while on the beach, I actually heard one of my kids say “I can’t wait for school so I can wear my new clothes”.  Ahhhh…..mom life.

 

Don’t forget to download the Tanger App to earn TangerClub Rewards. Visit Tangeroutlets.com for everything you need to know to shop and save, and TangerLife.com for some serious style inspiration.

Happy last days of summer and back to school shopping. xo