Q: If all the blazers get trashed, ripped, "ruined," and stepped on, and the ties get "gross" with "stains" all over them, and of course they would, doesn't that demonstrate the folly in making young boys play dress-up like lobbyists?

OP here - thanks a million for everyone who posted such great and practical suggestions!

I especially loved the eBay suggestion - I would've never thought of that. I really admire resourceful moms!!!

Thanks again and keep the suggestions coming as I will happily take ANY advice that STA moms are willing to share

Buying used?! EBAY?!? Target?!?!?!

You sure are defying the Cathedral School stereotype. Way to go, gals!!

I've gotten blazers on e-bay too; I highly recommend it. For pants, try Target and Land's End, especially the Overstocks (great for outerwear and other items). For ties, try Target also.

How many ties should I purchase? Should they all be in the STA colors?

oh ebay is a brilliant idea. smart woman!

Anonymous wrote:I am the ebay nut. I buy them all used because, well, they will get ruined quickly. Truthfully, I hunt all year on ebay for the word LOT: For sale, lot of boys dress shirts size 18, etc. That way I am really saving. But do buy dress shorts (I actually buy them new from Lands End because they don't often have them on Ebay) because they wear them 5 months of the school year.

But then make sure your son doesn't see you on your ebay account. One night my son was looking over my shoulder while I had my page up (with recent purchases) and he saw his entire school wardrobe up there, all marked used.

Me too, Lands end for shorts. In a pinch, I buy his khakis (pants & shorts) at the nearest Gap.

I am the ebay nut. I buy them all used because, well, they will get ruined quickly. Truthfully, I hunt all year on ebay for the word LOT: For sale, lot of boys dress shirts size 18, etc. That way I am really saving. But do buy dress shorts (I actually buy them new from Lands End because they don't often have them on Ebay) because they wear them 5 months of the school year.

But then make sure your son doesn't see you on your ebay account. One night my son was looking over my shoulder while I had my page up (with recent purchases) and he saw his entire school wardrobe up there, all marked used.

Thanks for all of the Blazer recommendations!

Moving on to pants! Are khakis basically it? Does it have to be brown/khaki? Store recommendations?

Thank you.

Anonymous wrote:I got one nice blazer (used, from Ebay) for when there was something important (often not related to the school), and then a few blazers (used, from Ebay) of unrecognizable brands, and usually under $10. Not only are the blazers abused, they are in them for a year before they need another. That's one tip I would give to new parents: buy everything used. Everything they wear will become gross almost immediately, and especially ties. So you can blow $40 on a nice tie from Brooks Brothers or get a bunch of very cheap ones or used ones. Within 3 uses, the tie will have stains that won't come out with dry cleaning.

Excellent advice. My son has brought home his blazer with a sleeve messing and other assorted rips and tears. When its not all turn up, there are mustard stains on the front and foot prints on the back. I just won an Ebay auction for a new blazer. $10? Woman, you rock! Also, the lost clothing -- ties, belts, gym clothing. Yes, get everything used with extras.

I got one nice blazer (used, from Ebay) for when there was something important (often not related to the school), and then a few blazers (used, from Ebay) of unrecognizable brands, and usually under $10. Not only are the blazers abused, they are in them for a year before they need another. That's one tip I would give to new parents: buy everything used. Everything they wear will become gross almost immediately, and especially ties. So you can blow $40 on a nice tie from Brooks Brothers or get a bunch of very cheap ones or used ones. Within 3 uses, the tie will have stains that won't come out with dry cleaning.

For reasonably priced blazers, try The Children's Place, where you can usually get a blazer for around $35. But I agree with the other parents: for everyday use, get a used blazer from the school consignment store. It's unbelievable how the boys abuse their jackets; the're usually in a heap on the dirt playing fields! Plus they lose them all the time.

Bump

From St. Albans' website:

The tradition of mens sana in corpore sano -- a sound mind in a sound body -- is central to St. Albans School. Every student is required to take part in the athletics program, which serves to develop strengths of both body and character.

Lower School boys gain self-confidence and refine physical skills by learning to fundamentals in intramural and interscholastic sports. In the Upper School, the emphasis is on competitive athletics. The School participates in interscholastic competitions in baseball, basketball, crew, cross-country, football, golf, ice hockey, lacrosse, paddling, rock-climbing, soccer, swimming and diving, track, tennis, and wrestling. In addition, boys have an opportunity to play intramural sports, to study dance, and to join a vigorous outdoor program (Voyageur) which operates in coordination with the National Cathedral School for Girls. St. Albans is a member of the Interstate Athletic Conference (IAC), whose Founders' Cup for overall athletic excellence has been won by our "Bulldogs" many times over the years.

21:07 again. I wasn't posting I response to OP but to the PP who said her non-athletic son was having a tough time fitting in. Regardless, considering how many current boys I do know, and the numerous alum we are close friends with, I do know a lot about the culture of the school. I was reading the thread for interesting tidbits about the school as our son is interested in looking next year - AND, I might add, however unnecessarily, all of the above are legitimate reasons for reading and posting. No need to get so worked up, PP. You and your co-horts are starting to sound very shrill and weighed down by that huge chip on your shoulder(s). Ugh - and I hate getting snippy but geez you make it hard not to...

As for PP who is scared I talk about my son in front of (actually TO) him like that, well, of course I do. You should do the same for your child. But I also talk to my son directly and matter-of-factly about the things he needs to work harder at and give more focus to and certainly never tell him he is perfect because he is not (none of us are). He IS a great kid who has been blessed with several talents and is a hard worker and he should know it and be praised for it. No sense in raising a sad sack who has no self-confidence or sense of self or who doesnt know that his kindness and gentleness is also admirable. Praising a child for kindness, their work ethic and their (god-given and that is noted) abilities is not bad, it just should be tempered with constructive criticism re:areas where he could stand to do a little more work.