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5 back- to- school buys in Pittsburgh
It won’t be long before the sound of latesummer cicadas is replaced by school bells.
This year, the average household is expected to spend nearly $ 700 on back- toschool shopping, reports the National Retail Federation. If you’d like to put your money into local businesses, take a look at what Pittsburghbased brands and shops have to offer. Here are five suggestions to get you started:
1. Who says stylish activewear is just for grownups? Lark Adventurewear caters to kids with its whimsical clothing line made from chemical- free, breathable, and stain- and sun- resistant fabrics. It’s the creation of Pittsburgh native Pallavi Golla, who was inspired by her son and his damp, sweaty clothes after he was outdoors. She founded the line in 2017 and runs it from her home in Upper St. Clair. Lark Adventurewear’s mix- and- match separates and play dresses are perfect for preschoolers. Patterned pocket tees and shorts go for $ 24 and $ 30, respectively, while a fun- loving frock is typically less than $ 35. larkadventurewear.com.
2. For older kids, try swapping a backpack for a carry- all tote. The waxed canvas Porter bag by Moop is roomy enough for toting around textbooks, electronics, gym clothes or whatever. Carry it over the shoulder or use the removable cross- body strap. It’s equipped with a top snap closure for security, too. Find it in gray, deep magenta, sage or washed yellow at Moop’s showroom, 429 First Ave., Downtown — which is where the bags are made by hand — or online at moopshop. com.
3. Looking for something special yet practical for a college student? The Kerf studio case checks all of the boxes. It’s a modular utility kit perfect for organizing pencils, pens, erasers and other desk essentials. Spread out the three trays or stack them on top of one another with built- in, high- powered magnets. Each case is crafted from Pennsylvania hardwoods. It’s the brainchild of Ben Saks, a 2008 graduate from Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Architecture, and has been featured in Elle magazine, GQ and the Wall Street Journal. Explore the full line of cases — which start at $ 99 — phone covers, wood card wallets and more at kerfcase. com.
4. Remind teens to be good neighbors with a graphic tee from Steel City’s “Mister Rogers’
Neighborhood” collection. Some feature logos and characters from the iconic TV series. Others are stamped with sayings such as “Make a snappy new day” and a reminder to “Be kind.” Steel City, a Pittsburgh- based apparel brand, worked with the Mister Rogers Foundation. Shirts come in sizes extra- small through 3x- large and sell for $ 29.99. Check out the collection online at shopsteelcity. com or stop by the store at 625 Smithfield St., Downtown.
5. The only thing better than a super- cool backpack is one that’s durable and easy to clean, too.
SkipHop backpacks are shaped like cute creatures and include pockets and compartments ( some of them insulated!), padded straps and a write- on name tag. Parents like them, too, because they’re phthalate free. The bags go for $ 22 at Brambler Boutique, 3609 Butler St., Lawrenceville, or online at bramblerboutique.com.