As crazy as it may seem, I still get excited about back-to-school fashion.  Believe me, I am way past back-to-school age.  Even my kids are full-fledged adults now.  Yet I still look forward to the weeks right before school starts because retail clothing stores are merchandised at their absolute best.  Inventory levels are high and hard-to-find sizes plentiful.  You will find lots of great sales.  In fact, discount coupons appear daily in the mailbox and online encouraging you to shop at national chains that actually have some appeal to grown-ups like Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, and Limited Express.

This is also the time of year when new designers introduce their collections.  The hottest thing going for Fall 2010 is Madonna’s ”Material Girl” line of clothing launching exclusively at Macy’s nationwide on August 3.  Although “Material Girl” targets primarily the tween and teen markets, there could be something for everyone since the collection includes shoes, handbags, and accessories.  The prices can’t be beat with most items ranging from $12 to $40 at retail. 

If you run your own business (like me) and have a fetish for office supplies (like me), now is the time to stock up.  As office supply stores try to snag back-to-school revenue, they are loaded with all sorts of fun notebooks, spirals, folders, and desk supplies at amazing discounts.  You can update your desktop and your wardrobe at the same time.