River City Moms Go Back to School

It seems like just yesterday you were freeing yourself from the chains of the car line, speeding away with the windows rolled down, belting out Alice Cooper for all the neighborhood watch to hear. “Schooooooooool’s…OUT…for…sum-MER.”

And now, one glance at your calendar strikes fear in your heart, only to be rivaled by the reminder of a science project due tomorrow. It’s back to school time!

Whether you love trying on new clothes and picking out your brand-new monogrammed backpack, or you avoid the endless aisles of discounted glue sticks like the stomach virus, we’ve got the scoop for you on all things back to school in Decatur.

Backpacks & School Supplies

The Paper Chase
706 Bank Street, Decatur
256-355-8993
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Sure, this is where all the posh brides-to-be and their well-dressed friends go to pick out beautiful party invitations and monogrammed stationary, but this Bank Street paperie is so much more than invitations (although they have the best for every occasion from a black tie soiree to a backyard BBQ, and a staff that is highly trained to provide the perfect wording). From backpacks, totes, and nap mats to coffee cups, pencils, and planners, the Paper Chase has something for everyone from preschool to college age to spruce up their back-to-school supplies. It’s also a great place to find teacher’s gifts! And speaking of college kids, the Paper Chase has an extensive selection of “clear ware” accessories, a necessity for carrying your essentials into NCAA football games.

Gloria’s Good Health
1820 6^th Avenue SE, Decatur
256-355-2439
www.gghealth.com
While you’re in the Gateway Shopping Center, venture over to Gloria’s Good Health to stock up on vitamins for the whole family and healthy snacks for lunches and soccer practices. Shopping without the kids in tow? Moms can enjoy browsing environmentally friendly skin care and even treat themselves to a slimming body wrap or a massage! Check out their in-store calendar for educational seminars on keeping the entire family healthy, and make sure to pick up a Wild Card for special member discounts.

Chel’Den’s Gifts
1111 Corsbie Street SE, Decatur
256-340-1116
Website
Chel’Den’s is your one-stop boutique for teacher’s gifts, fun jewelry, colorful bags, and many other cute back-to-school “supplies” you never knew you needed (but you do, of course, because of the cuteness).

Clothes for the Littles

Sprouts
1113 Corsbie Street SE, Decatur
256-353-0305
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Sprouts carries new and gently used clothing and shoes for all ages from baby to big kids. Brands you know and love from boutiques and department stores at affordable prices that won’t wreck the budget. You can always trust that the owner and her staff have sorted through the consigner’s items with a keen eye for style and quality. And you won’t find any stains or hanging threads here, that’s for sure! Plus, they carry lots of big-ticket baby items, gear, and toys. Make sure to sign up for their text alerts to receive coupons for discounts as steep as 20% off!

Cloud 9
712 Bank Street, Decatur
256-686-2099
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You may think Cloud 9 is just for baby registries, but we assure you all the best-dressed preschoolers shop at this perfectly curated boutique on Bank Street. Alongside a wide selection of baby gear, including dishes, bottles, strollers, and slings, you’ll find a fabulous collection of classic children’s clothing and accessories for all age “littles.” Did we mention they also have toys???!!! Follow them on social media for special sales and giveaways.

Goody Two Shoes
123 2^nd Avenue SE, Decatur
256-341-0190
Website
This stylish store has plenty for big sisters and moms, but head to the back, and you’ll find the most adorable clothes for the littles on 2^nd Avenue! Shop the trendiest styles at prices that won’t break the bank.

Clothes for the Big Kids

Including parents, so Mom and Dad look sharp for PTA!

Carriage House
115 Johnston Street SE, Decatur
256-355-4349
Website
Have an incoming college freshman going through a Sorority Rush? You absolutely need to drop by the Carriage House for the best selection of dresses the River City has to offer. Plus, you’ll receive complimentary advice from professional stylists that will rival any celebrity treatment. Stay connected via social media for special trunk shows and sales.

Indigo’s Boutique
209 2^nd Avenue SE, Decatur
256-345-6348
Website
With the poshest styles and the most sought after shoes and accessories for tweens, teens, and ladies, this 2nd Avenue boutique also offers a VIP club for hot sales and discounts!

Sassy Owl
312 2^nd Avenue SE, Decatur
256-580-5103
www.thesassyowlboutique.com
Create a unique style that is both on point and affordable with a wardrobe from this trendy boutique for girls and women.

Cricket by the Creek
1517 6^th Avenue SE, Decatur
256-350-9963
Website
Personal attention to detail keeps customers coming back to this upscale boutique for clothing, shoes, and accessories for teen girls, college coeds, and their stylish moms.

School Shoes

Blue Ribbon Shoes
1524 6^th Avenue SE, Decatur
256-353-1416
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We kinda don’t want to tell the world about what we think is the best-kept secret in the River City. But if you’re in the market for shoes for any member of your family, you’d be silly not to start at Blue Ribbon. With rows and rows of tables lined with shoes and more shoes from designers and department stores only accessible to us North Alabamians by internet or travel, it’s worth crossing the Tennessee River regularly to check what they’ve stocked in your size this week. We highly recommend starting at Blue Ribbon for all your back to school shoe shopping before heading to the chain retail stores.

Haircuts

WHEN: August 3
WHERE: Daystar Church Cullman
TIME: 9 AM – 2 PM
For updates visit their Facebook Page 

Don’t forget to visit one of the locally owned salons and barber shops in the River City for your back-to-school hairstyles, and while you’re out, enjoy a family meal at a local restaurant too. Happy shopping in Decatur!