Back to School Cheat Sheet: Upgrade Yourself For Fall

Mother and Daughter Divas

Knowles Women: Back in Style

This mother and daughter team brings everything the ladies need for a gorgeous school year. Beyonce has relaunched House of Dereon in Canada with fresh looks now available everywhere, along with the more youthful Dereon line, for younger girls. Beyonce's mother Tina has officially launched her own line: Miss Tina with the Home Shopping Network. Miss Tina is perfect for the mom who needs the ease of television shopping as she cares for her family. Read more about Miss Tina on Fashion Victim, our Urban Fashion blog.

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Intelligent Swagger

For the Fellas: Urban Prep

Urban prep fashions are still in for young men of all ages who like to mix the Polo sensibility with the power of a rap mogul. For back to school, the men on your list may want to try the urban preppy look from Sean Jean pictured here, or looks from Phat Farm.

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The Black Harry Potter

For Your Book List

Troy CLE is a unique author. He wrote a totally distinct series--about a little black wizard-in-training--and promoted his book independently to much success before being picked up by a major publisher. 'The Marvelous Effect' is a great back-to-school book with black heroes for children in the pre-teen and early teen years. Read more on the Black Voices Books Blog.

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The Coolest Kicks

Top Sneaker Picks for Girls and Boys

Hot sneakers for girls - The Basquiat (Top): For fall try this old-school styled Reebok with Basquiat inspired designs that depart from the traditional monochromatic look from the 80s. We also love the Converse All-Star high-top in plaid – the preppy look is making a comeback for Fall 2008 – don't hate it, embrace it. To view these sneaks, click here for more girls' styles.
For boys - Nike Zoom Soldier: Remember Air Jordans? Not quite the same but pretty close, the Nike Zoom Soldier will let you reminisce about your favorite sneakers of old and let your kids enjoy the same. We also love the new green, streamlined Brut Nike. Check these out, and more hot sneakers for boys.

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Computer Love

A Machine That Takes Notes For You!

A great new gadget for fall is the pen text scanner or digi-pen. The perfect back to school gizmo for first time note takers or even collegians with years of experience. Simply roll the "pen" over the text you're reading like a highlighter. The pen saves the material and you then download to it your computer. Only glitch: you still have to study! Available for around $100. Read reviews.

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Black Hair: Youth Trends

Young Black Hollywood Plays With Hair

Asymmetrical bob like Rihanna? Or braids like Raven Simone? Nothing says "I've changed and grown" more than a polished do for the new semester. Our hair blogger has created a gallery of styles worn by young stars that may inspire you and your loved ones to change it up for the school year.

PLUS: A product to keep your hair moist and conditioned during the dry winter months.

Personal, Paintable Lunch Carrier

Self-Expression Starts Here

If you're a parent, you're aware of how much cooler kids are these days. They're tech savvy, pop-culture consuming fashion mavens. But they still need to take their lunch to school -- Why not tap into a bit of nostalgia with this do-it-yourself paintable lunchbox? The tin shape reminds you of your kinder-days but the paints are fun and allow your 10-year-old free expression. Available at Target.

Home Away From Home

A Color-coordinated Dorm Room

The Internet makes it easy to shop for back to school, especial for the college-bound. You can order items now and have pieces mailed directly to school. For a sharp semester's stay, try creating a color-coordinated room. To set off any dorm space with a unified flair, pick large and accent items at the MSN Shopping Network.

Drip Drip Drop

Coffee for One on the Run

When darting off to class you really only have time for one cup of coffee before you're seated in a lecture, taking notes. A single cup coffee maker is ideal for the freshman on the go or the continuing education caffeine fiend. Prices range from $13 to several hundred. Shop online to find the best single cup coffee maker for your back to school needs.