Hot Back-To-School Trends

This year, Florida residents taking advantage of the annual back-to-school sales tax break will get even more for their money because personal computers and accessories selling for up to $750 will be included on the tax-free list. 

Beginning Friday, Aug. 2 at midnight through Sunday Aug. 4 at midnight, residents will be able to stock up on pens, paper, crayons, glue, backpacks, clothes and shoes without paying the usual sales tax.

School supplies that are $15 or less will be tax exempt as well as clothing and shoes up to $75.

But the big news is residents also will be able to save the sales tax on personal computers, e-readers and tablets along with select accessories that cost $750 or less, as long as they’re not used for commercial purposes.

In anticipation, electronics companies have already started lowering the prices on laptops and tablets to fit under the $750 benchmark so check the sales ads.

Florida lawmakers approved the exemption this year after realizing how important technology is to education. Some schools now require students to have their own e-readers.

For complete list of tax exempt items, log onto: www.myflorida.com/dor.

If you're considering taking advantage of tax-free week, you might want to keep in mind that, when it comes to 2013 fall fashion, everything old is new again. 

Top Fashions For Girls

1. Patterned mini skirts -- simple A-line mini skirts in plaids and bold colors like yellow and red are in this season, and can be found at discount stores like Walmart as well as trendy outlets like Urban Outfitters.

2. The mini goes great with another new fashion trend, the Oxford collared shirt, worn tucked in or hanging loose.

3. Also back for 2013 is another '70s style--knee socks. They can be worn with mini skirts and chunky Oxford shoes or open-toe platforms.

4. Also hot for girls is the boyfriend watch. You don't actually have to steal your boyfriend's watch, though. You can purchase your own chunky boy's wristwatch.

5. Another hot trend for girls is the short blazer in bold colors. Wear it with an untucked blouse for a less traditional look.

Styles For Guys

1. For the guys, it's all about the basics -- neutral-colored T-shirts, Oxford shirts and polo shirts.

2. Much to the relief of principals everywhere, baggy is out. If you're walking around with pants that are falling to your knees, you're "so yesterday." Hot for boys this season is slim-fitting jeans. 

3. The blazer is back worn Miami Vice-style over a graphic T-shirt with jeans.

4. Also hot is nautical wear -- striped shirts and deck shoes or Sperry Top-Sider plaid slip-on sneakers (no socks, please).

5. A pair of retro-style high tops are a must for the boy's back-to-school wardrobe with Converse Chuck Taylor "Superman" high tops topping the list.

Back-To-School Accessories

1. The backpack is a proven way for kids to express themselves, and this year there are more choices than ever. This year's hot backpack buys include the Victoria's Secret VS Pink backpack in florals and solids, the High Sierra loop backpack in a range of patterns and the SwissGear backpack that's perfect for carrying laptops. JanSport backpacks are always popular and come in new colors and patterns including the Pink Pansy Wanderlust. 

2. Monster High and Thermos Groovy Chic lunch kits are all the rage as is the LEGO lunchbox that's shaped like a giant LEGO building block.

3. Locker Rockers lamps, mirrors, magnets and headset hangers add some spice to the boring locker.

4. Monster High, Hello Kitty and Angry Birds notebooks and folders get kids in the mood to learn.

5. Stock up on cool USB flash drives to download papers directly from the computer for the teacher. Our favorites are LEGO block, Elmo and the flash drive hidden in a pair of sunglasses.