As sad as I am that summer is coming to an end, there’s something magical about the beginning of the school year. I still consider this time of year as a perfectly acceptable reason to revamp my wardrobe for fall. Now it’s your chance to add some fun to your back-to-school planning with these fun new looks for kids for Fall 2009.

Start with the Essentials: A cool, eco-friendly stainless steel LunchBots lunch box and bright DwellStudio backpack put the fun back in fundamentals.

For Girls: Cute dresses continue to reign supreme, as do preppy stripes like this cute design from Flowers by Zoe. Also look for the return of a fall favorite—chunky knit sweaters in bold colors! I love this one from GapKids.

For Boys: Tea Collection has chosen the styles of Japan as its inspiration for this fall, with fun new designs featuring origami, cool colors and fun prints. If your big guy prefers an earthy style, opt for subtle stripes like this mellow pull over from Target.

Adding a new member to the family involves what I like to call the 3 Ex’s–Excitement, Exhaustion, and Expenses!  While having a baby can be the most exciting time in a couple’s life, it can also be an expensive undertaking, and can leave little time in a woman’s life for the things she enjoyed pre-baby, like shopping.

Luckily, in the past few years, a number of different clothing lines have come out catering to stylish women who don’t want to spend an arm and a leg on something they’re going to wear for only a few months of their life, and that probably won’t be in style for their next pregnancy.  And, because these stores all have an online shopping component, it’s easy to fit your shopping in without leaving the house.  So, if you’re in the hunt for trendy maternity wear that won’t bust your budget, your search ends here:

• GapMaternity:  With the same great style and simplicity you already love from Gap, GapMaternity offers Moms-to-Be simple silhouettes and great prices.  Our favorite piece has to be the Demi Panel Jeans; their wearability through the different stages of pregnancy(and even afterward!) make them a great buy!
• Old Navy Maternity:  With fun, funky colors that change with the seasons, Old Navy is perfect for a woman who wants to have the latest in fashion without spending a bundle.  I’m loving this chic Maxi Dress with removable straps for maximum comfort and style!
• Japanese Weekend Maternity:  With a huge collection ranging from activewear to stylish dress, swimsuits to sleepwear, Japanese Weekend offers something for everyone.  Check out their eco-friendly line; Save the planet and your wardrobe at the same time!
• Belly Dance Maternity:  I’m not even pregnant and I couldn’t stop staring at the adorable dresses, tops and pants on this site!  I love how bright and summery this Nom Bright Cece Tier Dress is–show off your glow!

• Ingrid & Isabel:  This site offers what one mom calls her pregnancy lifesaver–the BellaBand.  Allowing you to wear your pre-pregnancy jeans when they no longer fit and your maternity jeans before you fill them out, this product will save any mom a ton of money while helping her to maintain a trendy wardrobe!

My San Diego Chargers are taking on the Seahawks tonight! I was so excited for the game that I spent all weekend on sites like FansEdge.com searching for even more gear to wear in support of my team. While I racked up my credit cards with jerseys, hats and tees, I also found these adorable outfits for the littlest of football fans:

If you and/or your spouse are football fans, why not include your little ones in all the fun with these cute and cuddly, spirited outfits? They are the perfect way to get your baby into the game when you have friends over for football parties all season long. If you don’t happen to be a Chargers fan, you can still check out sites like Fans Edge, Brand New Dad and NFL Store to find jumpers and jerseys for your team.