Has your child already picked out his or her very important first-day-of-school outfit? Just in case you're still looking to bolster your student's back to school wardrobe, this is the perfect week to head out to the stores and go shopping.

Why, you ask?

This week through Aug. 20, clothing and shoes up to $100 are exempt from Maryland's 6 percent state sales tax—a worthwhile discount for cost-conscious parents.

I conducted a very unscientific study at White Marsh Mall over the weekend, speaking to people who were shopping for school clothes. They noted the following stores as popular destinations for tax-free shopping: Khol’s, Carter’s, Old Navy, Target, Walmart, Children’s Place, Aéropostale, American Eagle Outfitters and H&M.

But while tax-free shopping week is sure to help your bottom line, there are other ways to combine discounts and save even more at your favorite stores.  

• Use Coupons. To get the best bang for your buck, plan ahead to find coupons before you hit the stores. Look for websites that offer printable or electronic coupons that are valid for in-store purchases. One site that I frequently use, MommySavesBig.com, is full of online and in-store deals that have saved me a ton of money. The Sunday edition of the Baltimore Sun is also a great source for department stores coupons.
• Don’t forget your smart phone. I use a free iPhone app called Coupon Sherpa to check for electronic coupons. Over the weekend, I used this app while standing in the checkout line and scored 25 percent off my entire purchase at Michael’s.
• Social Media. Like your favorite stores on Facebook and follow them for extra special discounts. Also, follow blogs like The Ave Blog for exclusive discounts for stores in their shopping centers.

And finally, before you head out shopping, you might want to double check your child's school's dress code policy. For the first time in 40 years, Baltimore County Schools recently rolled out a new dress code (outlined on page 9 of the 2011-2012 student handbook). It was recently featured onWBAL TV news.

The new policy prohibits any apparel with a vulgar, offensive or sexually suggestive message, gang affiliations or product promotion of tobacco, alcohol or illegal substances. In addition, any attire causing a disruption, or likely to cause a disruption during school or after school activities is also banned. So make sure you and your students are aware of the policies before they head out to school.