Macy's Back-to-School Fashion 2014

Macy's is gearing up for the 2014 back-to-school season with the latest trends and incredible promotions, all in time to have school-goers prepped, packed and looking smart as school begins this fall. 

"As the shopping destination for moms, kids and college students, Macy's offers the latest fashions at affordable prices for all kids going back-to-school this season," said Martine Reardon, Macy's chief marketing officer. "As children get ready for the classroom, it is often a busy time for parents too. At Macy's, we have great fashion and finds -- across apparel, shoes, home and accessories, all under one roof to make shopping stress-free."

Back-to-School Sales
Shop Macy's this season and receive an "A" in style and savings on the best brands at affordable prices. From wardrobe staples like denim, sneakers and backpacks from Levi's, American Rag, Nike and more, to items that help maximize space in your dorm room, Macy's has something to fit everyone's back-to-school checklist this fall. From July 23 through Sept. 7, visit a local Macy's store and macys.com for fun-filled events and savings including:

Junior Girls:

• $14.99 (Reg. $24) Screen tees from Pretty Rebellious, Awake and more
• $34.99 (Reg. $46) Levi's jeans
• $24.99 (Reg. $44) Basic colored jeans from Celebrity Pink
• $29.99 (Reg. $49) High-waist jeans from Tinseltown and Celebrity Pink
• $24.99 (Reg. $39) Soft pants from Stoosh, Rewash and more
• $19.99 (Reg. $29) Cropped tops from Planet Gold, Self Esteem and more

Handbags:

• 25 percent off backpacks from Kipling, Madden Girl, Nine West and more. (Reg. $54 - $119)

Shoes:

• $29.99-59.99 (Reg. $39-69) Boots from Rampage, American Rag and Madden Girl
• $29.99-39.99 (Reg. $39-49) Fashion sneakers from G by Guess and XOXO
• $49.99-$59.99 (Reg. $59-$69) Wedge shoes from Chinese Laundry and Material Girl

Young Men's:

• $39.99 (Reg. $58) Levi's jeans (through 9/1/14)
• $14.99 (Reg. $24) Graphic tees
• $19.99-$24.99 (Reg. $29.50) American Rag shorts
• $19.99 - $27.99 (Reg. $40) Denim from Ring of Fire & Royal Premium
• $9.99 - $14.99 (Reg. $14.50 - $19.50) Young Men's tank tops

Girls:

• $7.99 (Reg. $12-$14) Mix 2 Match from Epic Threads; choose from tops, scooters and leggings; Girls 2-6x
• $19.99-$24.99 (Reg. $40) Levi's jeans; Girls 2-16
• $8.99-9.99 (Reg. $13) Screen-printed tees from Beautees, Belle du Jour and more; Girls 2-16
• $14.99-$19.99 (Reg. $20-$28) Tops from Epic Threads, Speechless, Beautees, Belle du Jour and more; Girls 7-16
• $11.99 (Reg. $18) Leggings from Epic Threads; Girls 7-16

Boys:

• $24.99-$27.99 (Reg. $40 - $44) Levi's jeans; Boys 2-20
• $14.99 (Reg. $18) Nike tees; Boys 8-20
• $7.99-$9.99 (Reg. $12 - $15) Screen-printed tees from Epic Threads; Boys 2-20
• Always $6.98 and $10.98 tees and shorts from Champion; Boys 8-20

Back-to-School Fashion and Dorm Trends

This fall, boys and girls will dream under the midnight sky as blue hues take center stage. From late summer's pale blues with a likeness to faded denim to winter's dark navy and peacock blue worn in rich velvets and jacquards for holiday parties, this palette carries throughout the entire season. Each blue can be paired with fall's pale gray acting as a neutral or with pops of black and white.

For girls, 90s grunge returns with strong punk influences. Call it a fashion nirvana, as individuality and freedom of choice are prominent. Leather, moto jackets and pants with plenty of varnish and hardware are a must-have. Re-colored tartan plaids go from classic to youthful and take on a rock n' roll vibe in everything from blazers and boyfriend cardigans to baby doll dresses and flouncy skirts. Slip-on sneakers, lace-up booties, and totes also get an update. Soft pants and crop tops are another go-to look for the early fall and back-to-school time period. The bomber, cardigan or "coatigan," a cardigan that's slightly longer, all are new and evolve her style. Top off her look with gold jewelry and a crossover mini bag or backpack. For little girls, those ideas still shine through, with bold, saturated colors that make the school uniform pop back to khakis, black and navy. With these trends, one thing is certain, she has all she needs to express herself this season.

With the 80s and 90s serving as the inspiration, guys look toward a mainstream interpretation of the punk grunge era. The motorcycle jacket is an iconic silhouette and continues to evolve into fabrications beyond leather. The denim jacket takes a slightly tougher stance with more aggressive washes and contrast sleeves. Studs are back and show up on jackets, wovens, knits and caps. Graphic tees take center stage here with skulls, animal prints and punk rock band graphics. For little boys, the influence of the hipster-grunge era continues with a little bit of rock 'n roll and a dash of punk. Key elements like plaid, cardigans, rocker graphic tees play back to skinny denim. Stars, stripes and skulls are the graphics to go after along with the play on words with attitude. Key rocker and some hand-illustrated, do-it-yourself elements come into play.

When it comes to dorm living, there are ways that college students can make their rooms feel more like "home sweet home," while getting clever and creative with storage for a small space. Adding a distinct focal point to the room is a great start, such as a vibrant comforter or duvet with a few chic throw pillows to introduce new energy. To further warm up the room, floor lamps are great additions, as well as a plush area rug in rich colors, muted natural shades or bold patterns to tie everything together. Hanging shelves for closets and over-the-door shoe organizers are also must-haves - leaving students with plenty of room to study and relax!

Teen Vogue Back-to-School Saturdays

On Saturday, Aug. 9, Macy's will again celebrate Teen Vogue Back-to-School Saturdays in select locations nationwide. During the one-day shopping extravaganza for the best deals on everything for back to school, customers can enjoy a showcase of the hottest fashions for fall, sweet treats and lively music while scouting their favorite brands.

Visit macys.com/bts for more information about in-store promotions, the latest fashions for back-to-school and special events.

Learn more about back-to-school fashion shopping opportunities from the Apparel Search guide.

Fashion Star Season 2

Macy's  is back for the second season of NBC's "Fashion Star," allowing the retailer to once again bring exclusive merchandise directly from the television to its eagerly awaiting fans at home. New this season, shoppers can go online at macys.com/fashionstar to purchase winning items from their favorite designer as soon as it happens during each episode. Visitors to the site can also enter to win a shopping spree with Macy's buyer Caprice Willard. "Fashion Star" Season Two features returning celebrity mentors Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie and John Varvatos, alongside new host Louise Roe, and returns to NBC tonight night at 8 p.m./7c.

"The first season of 'Fashion Star' offered a unique opportunity for Macy's to reinforce our credentials in identifying, nurturing and delivering great talent as part of a groundbreaking television concept for a national audience," said Martine Reardon, Macy's chief marketing officer. "Our customers responded and we're thrilled to join again for Season Two, offering Caprice's pick for winning designs in real-time during each episode."

NBC's "Fashion Star," the hit reality show that follows aspiring designers as they compete to sell their creations to America's top buyers, including Macy's own Caprice Willard, returns for season two on Friday, March 8 (check local listings). During each episode, designs bought by Willard will be available on macys.com/fashionstar in real-time as they are revealed during the broadcast, building momentum and excitement around the show and providing instant gratification for viewers.

Shop Like A Star

This season, "Fashion Star" fans can "Shop Like a Star," by entering for a chance to win a trip to Los Angeles and a $1,000 Macy's shopping spree with Caprice Willard by entering online at macys.com/fashionstar, via QR Code or texting "fashionstar" to 62297. (For details, see official rules posted at macys.com/fashionstar.)

GET IT. DESIGN IT. PARADE IT. Macy's Great American Elf Adventure Begins

Macy's magical elves are appearing by the thousands in cities across the country in celebration of the upcoming 85^th anniversary of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade^(R). However, due to a whimsical twist of fate, in their jubilation and rush to spread the word on this wondrous milestone of America's Parade, the elves left Santa's workshop without a speck of color. Once they realized their error, the elves took refuge at various locations across the country and now wait for some holiday help to arrive from parade fans in all 50 states, as well as Guam and Puerto Rico. To rectify this magical mishap, Macy'sGreat American Elf Adventure kicks off on Tuesday, Aug. 9. Find one of Macy's parade's missing elves, give it a makeover and you could see your winning elf design transformed into a Macy's parade balloon, as it soars high on Thanksgiving Day in front of over 3.5 million live spectators and more than 50 million television viewers nationwide.

"Macy's Great American Elf Adventure is a fantastic way to kick-off our 85^th anniversary celebrations," said Amy Kule, executive producer of Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. "Since 1947, the iconic Macy's elf balloons have been fan favorites and for generations have served as an emblem of the Macy's parade. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to help create a key element of America's favorite parade is one that aspiring artists should not miss. We can't wait to see all the inspired creations and look forward to the winning design joining the rest of the Macy's elf family in the parade this year."

To become a Macy's parade balloonatic (a.k.a. Macy's parade balloon designers) and help the stranded little ones make it to the parade, first you must find an elf and let your imagination take over as you paint and transform it from a colorless gnome into a multicolor creation of wonder.

GET IT

Over 10,000 of Macy's parade's ever-rambunctious elves have magically taken residence at Macy's stores nationwide and at other locations in select cities. To find one, look for clues on Macy's Facebook page (Facebook.com/Macys) and via Twitter @macysevents or #macyself. Each day from Aug. 9 - Aug. 24, Macy's will post a clue and password that will help reveal the location of elves at 669 Macy's stores across the country or at other special locales. For the clever adventurer, these clues will point to various in-store departments where elves have found shelter. Once elf hunters have deduced the location, they must tell a department sales associate the daily password to receive their coveted sprite. The daily clue and password can also be received by texting* ELF to MACYS (62297). A helpful hint for elf hunters is to check Macy's Facebook page often to see if there are any elves left to be rescued at their nearest Macy's store.

In addition to the mass elf invasion at stores nationwide, 10 cities will get in on the elfin' fun when they host Macy's Elf-Apolooza, a fun-filled event for the whole family. A few of the more high-spirited gnomes decided that a road trip across the country to visit fans would be a good way to celebrate the upcoming Thanksgiving Day milestone. Starting on Aug. 9 in New York City and Jackson, MS, the elves and some helpers will hit the road and visit Los Angeles (Aug. 11); Omaha, NE (Aug. 12); Detroit, MI (Aug. 13); Little Rock, AR (Aug. 14); Greenville, SC (Aug. 17); Des Moines, IA (Aug. 18); El Paso, TX (Aug. 19), and Anchorage, AK (Aug. 20). At Macy's Elf-Apolooza, elves will be distributed to fans from a custom-designed mobile unit, along with Macy's parade items and other giveaways.

DESIGN IT

After the hunt is over, and a budding Macy's parade artist has one of the coveted elves, it's time for the magic to begin. With splashes of color, fans are asked to let their imagination take flight and design what could be the newest member of the parade elf family that will join C.J., Kit and Charlie Elf in the holiday spectacular. Once the masterpiece is complete, the artist should submit a detailed front and back photo of their creation. To enter the design, participants will need to "Like" Macy's on Facebook and then proceed to download the "Elf" application. Entries must include the identification serial number found on the packaging containing the elf (all real Macy's elves will have one) and upload their photo/complete application by Wednesday, Aug. 24 at 11:59:59 PM ET.

PARADE IT

From the received entries, a judging panel from Macy's Parade & Entertainment Group will narrow down the entries to the Top 85. These entries will be posted on Macy's Facebook page on Tuesday, Aug. 30 for fans/friends to begin casting votes on their favorite. The elf design with the most votes as of Wednesday, Sept. 6 at 11:59:59 PM ET, will be announced in mid-September. From here, the design will be transformed into a helium wonder by the magicians of Macy's Parade Studio. Besides designing the next elf balloon, the winning artist and three guests will receive a trip to New York City to see the parade live and enjoy their elf's maiden flight in the holiday spectacular.

The 85^th anniversary Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade airs on Thursday, Nov. 24, 2011 from 9 a.m. - Noon, in all time zones on NBC-TV.

For the complete entry rules/regulations for Macy's Great American Elf Adventure, are available in-store or by visiting Facebook.com/Macys.

*Standard messaging and data rates may apply.

About the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade

With more than 50 million viewers across the country and more than 3.5 million spectators that line up along the streets of New York City each year, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade is a national icon that has grown into a world-famous holiday event. For more than 80 years, the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade has marked the official start of the holiday season. Growing in size and scale, the parade proudly marches down a more than two-mile route in New York City with more than 8,000 participants in tow including Macy's employees, their families, celebrities, athletes, clowns and dance groups spreading holiday cheer. The parade also features America's best marching bands, fabulous floats and Macy's signature giant helium character balloons. For more information on the Macy's parade please visit www.macys.com/parade or call the parade hotline at (212) 494-4495

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