First of all, let me just say this post was way to long for me to read tonight....I get distracted very easy.....
Having said that...I will now weigh in on the uniform "debate".
My kids go to a Catholic school -- informs are required. I do not spend anymore on clothes then I would if my kids went to public school. Sure, they need the "trendy" clothes for the weekend, but for what I spend for school uniforms...doesn't even come close to having them needing those items 5 days a week. My 13 year old gets by with 2 pair of pants (one day he has gym) and my 6 year has 2 jumpers, but 1 has been out of commission since a button came off a month ago (I'm not much of a seamstress, but I do stand by staples and duct tape).
Having said all of this, the one thing I have experienced after 8 years of uniforms, the kids will still find their own way of being unique. The biggest issue we face every morning is socks. Believe it or not, it can make or break your day!
Not sure I made a point, sorry for the ramble, I guess that's why I prefer to lurk
