For some, New Year’s is the time when everything starts fresh.  To a degree, that’s true for me, too, but when things are really all fresh and new for me is the start of the school year, when it’s time for new clothes and new school supplies. 🙂

Where clothes are concerned, check out the new Denizen jeans.  They’re made by Levi’s (always a favorite of mine for fit), and (newly) available exclusively at Target.  This also means they’re available at Target prices!  We got a pair for Ariel to try and, although I goofed and bought too big a size, we’re pleased with them overall.  She loves the style, and the adjustable waist should make them easier to fit.  (Assuming you purchase the right size in the first place!)  Because these slim boot-cut jeans are such a flattering, core wardrobe-type style, and the price is quite reasonable, this will probably become our new go-to jean.  Denizen also makes jeans for men, women, and boys.  Check out the Denizen Facebook Page.  Through the end of the year, “liking” their page could net you a gift card, a rebate, or free jeans.

If you’re looking to jazz up those jeans, you might take a look at Pocket Change.  This is pairs of clips (many designs are available) to go on your back jeans pockets.  (We laughed when we realized which design they’d chosen for us – “2 Cool 4 School.”  That takes on a whole new meaning for a homeschooler!)  We’re not really fans of stuff that draws attention to our girls’ rear ends, so we won’t be using these on jeans.  However, there’s no reason they couldn’t be clipped elsewhere, like on a backpack.  (Pocket Change can also be found on Twitter and Facebook.)

Where supplies are concerned, check out the new Sharpie gel highlighters.  This is a fabulous invention.  Really.  When I heard “gel highlighters,” I was imagining something like a gel pen – with a thick liquid ink.  I was skeptical of the company’s claims that it doesn’t smudge and won’t bleed through, and concerned it might skip, as well.  It turns out these highlighters are more like translucent crayons.  They’re solid gel sticks.  (They come in regular plastic casings, though, it’s not a bare stick.)  And they deliver.  This thing is very easy to use, doesn’t smear, and doesn’t bleed.  In fact, it’s probably pretty awesome for highlighting on thin Bible pages.  And it’s great to carry in a purse or pocket because it can’t leak!  This is one of my favorite new school/office supplies. 🙂

Do you have any favorite new products for back-to-school?

Disclosure: The products mentioned above were sent to me, free of charge, by representatives of their respective companies to facilitate this review post.  As always, all opinions expressed are 100% mine.