Local finds for back-to-school essentials. Plus WIN $100 from Experience Headphones.

Although no one wants this precious Vancouver summer to end, the back-to-school season is here. Something that is getting most students excited for school (when it finally opens), is shopping for the new season. “What am I going to wear?” is the question that pops into most students’ minds as they start a new year in high school, college or university.

As Alexander McQueen once said, “It’s a new era in fashion – there are no rules. It’s all about the individual and personal style, wearing high-end, low-end, classic labels, and up-and-coming designers all together.” All the Vancouver-based companies on this list tend to agree with McQueen, and believe that students should find unique pieces that make them feel good.

Vancouver has some great shops showcasing back-to-school essentials that help reflect everyone’s personal style. Here is a list of shops for students to find some awesome styles to rock during their first week of class.

The first thing students have to look for when going shopping for back-to-school is a good backpack. Who makes better backpacks than Vancouver-based, gone global company Herschel? Its iconic retro-style backpacks make a statement whether students are starting their first day of high school or are entering their last year of grad school. Herschel’s fall 2014 back-to-school selection has great new styles of backpacks with multiple storage pockets and organizers that cater to all your work or school needs, laptop sleeves and messenger bags.

Whether commuting to school or going from class to class, every student needs a wicked pair of headphones that speaks to their personal style. Headphones have become defining fashion accessories, and Vancouver-based Experience Headphones is creating a culture around wearable sound. Experience has over 15 designer headphone brands to choose from, including the LSTN, Frends, and Marshall headphone lines which are amoung the favourite styles for back-to-school this year.

LSTN headphones are the perfect pair for students who love retro style and are passionate about the use of eco-friendly materials. LSTN headphones are made out of reclaimed wood, and a portion of the proceeds from each pair goes to help kids through the Starkey Hearing Foundation. Frends headphones are some of the hottest headphones crafted just for women. They’re especially attractive because of their interchangeable designer caps, which match with different outfits and styles. Marshall has created a lineup of vintage style headphones, made with the same patented leather that is used on their world-famous amps. The Marshall headphones offer a distinct rocker look that complements any outfit. For more styles visit the Experience Headphones back-to-school headphone guide.

VancityBuzz Exclusive: From now until September 16, 2014 Experience Headphones is offering VancityBuzz readers a 20% back-to-school discount!! Simply use promo code: VancityBuzz20 either online (www.experienceheadphones.com) or at their Vancouver showroom (3057 Granville St.).

Coming back to the question that every student asks him or herself, “What am I going to wear today?” – there’s some wonderful shops that have fantastic clothing styles for this fall season. One of them is Lüt Boutique, based out of Main Street. They have some great local and Canadian brands that will help students express themselves, experiment and have fun.

Students can select from socially conscious brands like Kawallatee and TenTrees Apparel, a brand that plants ten trees in areas devastated by deforestation for every garment sold. Lüt Boutique also carries some great accessories for back-to-school like Corvus Fitting’s bamboo eyewear, Ugly Bunny’s laser cut jewelry, as well as Covet + Keep’s hand-made jewelry designs.

True to West Coast culture, Sitka has styles that are perfect for back-to-school, but also for all the fun outdoor activities the season has to offer. One of Sitka’s most notable pieces for guys is the “Out Trip” two-tone mountain jacket, which is water resistant for those cold and rainy fall days. Sitka has some deliciously warm cardigans and sweaters for the girsl, among them is the “Meadow Cardigan” made 100% from Shetland wool.

A great back-to-school outfit is never complete without great shoes. Vancouver online company SHOEme.ca, has a selection of over three hundred brands for all the shoe lovers out there. SHOEme.ca has created specific collections for back-to-school and back to campus, so students of all ages can easily find what they are looking for. SHOEme.ca makes the back-to-school experience painless by allowing you to shop online and avoid the crowds.

Contest

Vancity Buzz and Experience Headphones have teamed up to give away a $100 gift certificate to spend in-store at Experience Headphones. The certificate also includes a personal shopping experience designed to help you find the perfect set.

To enter, do at least one of the following:

1. Leave a comment below letting us know your favourite Experience Headphones brand (required)

2. Retweet the following on Twitter: (1 entry)

• Win a $100 gift card to @ExpHeadphones for #backtoschool via @VancityBuzz http://ow.ly/BhWQF RT to enter!

Contest ends September 16 at 11:59 p.m. A winner will be chosen at random.