Spree Spirits
It’s that time of year again--the annual tug of war between kids and parents over what clothes to buy for back to school. Mom thinks this, Junior wants that. Since those Mary Janes are awfully cute but expensive, maybe Dad is the one to approach about buying the shoes.
What would students buy if they could shop with no parental guidance?
The Times Fashion writers decided to find out. We gave three Southland students $100 each to buy back-to-school clothes at the stores of their choice. Surprisingly, their purchases were quite practical. The students--in elementary school, junior high and high school--were savvy, price-conscious shoppers who weren’t looking for the latest fly-by-night fads but for key pieces to extend their wardrobes. Go figure.
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First in Their Class
Marathon shopper: Griselda “Gri” Marboe Reyes, five hours.
*Bonus bucks: Curtis Stoermer snagged a gift certificate at Old Navy (A sympathetic reporter provided the 69 cents.)
Mall sophisticate: Betty Tia knew the landscape.
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SHOPPER: Curtis Stoermer, 11
$$$: 1106.9*
STUDENT: Sixth grader, Golden Hills Elementary School, Fullerton.
SHOPPING TIME: Just under two hours.
STORES: Mervyn’s, Old Navy at Anaheim Plaza.
IN THE BAG: Navy-blue suede Vans sneakers, $33.75; dark denim knee-length shorts, $9.99; a blue T-shirt with a “Hang Loose” logo, $6.99; a green T-shirt with a “Hang Loose” logo, $6.99; plain blue jeans, $10.50; a blue polo shirt, $12.50; a green polo shirt, $12.50; a blue-and-green striped T-shirt, $9.50; plus $7.97 in sales tax for all purchases.
PERSONAL STYLE: This was the first time that Curtis went shopping without his mother, Laurie, who had been defining his style. To everyone’s surprise, especially mom, he preferred clean and classic looks. She suddenly understood her two recent fashion flubs: a basketball shirt and bright neon orange swim trunks. He had refused to wear either.
SHOPPING SAVVY: The family reads the department store inserts in the Sunday paper. “It’s our big Sunday thing,” Laurie says.
Despite the fact that his mother does his shopping or maybe because of it, Curtis knows what he likes. His clothing choices are simple. He eschews cargo pants, drawstring shorts and tie-dyed shirts. Even seersucker shirts at Old Navy are too fussy for him. And he has the early makings of a power shopper--he makes quick and confident decisions. If he liked a shirt, he bought one in blue and another in green. When shopping for shoes, he looked at only one brand and in one color--blue.
CLOTHES ENCOUNTERS: Curtis’ school has rules. “We’re not allowed to wear baggy pants or jewelry.” Neither rule is a problem for him.
Mom and younger siblings, Lindsey, 10, Cora, 9, and Bryce, 7, are more fashion adventurous than Curtis and his father. While Curtis shopped for simple sneakers, sister Cora tried on a pair of oversize platform Mary Janes that “would be perfect for church,” she said.
MOM’S REACTION: “That’s very, very cute,” said Laurie as Curtis pulled his purchases from a bag. “You really like blue,” she said, a little surprised. (“Blue and green,” responded Curtis.) Her biggest surprise, however, was the purchase of two polo shirts, which were dressier than anything she would have bought him. “I’m very pleased with what you bought,” Laurie told her son. “You’re very capable.”
