The line between something being totally sick and something you wouldn’t be caught dead in is never so clearly drawn as in your teenage years. A pair of $100 jeans can be your favorites one week and banished to the back of your closet the next.
But you don’t have to go the gift-card route when shopping for teens. We were pleased to find a couple of fresh options around town. Fans of surf and board wear labels like Quiksilver, Roxy, Hurley and Volcom will find printed hoodies, Dickies jeans and O’Neill jackets at Tilly’s, a California-based retailer that recently opened its first Colorado store at Southlands, E-470 and Smoky Hill Road. in Aurora (303-693-2713).
When Macy’s took over the former Foley’s stores, they transformed the juniors and contemporary departments into hot spots for finding denim labels like Seven for all Mankind and Citizens for Humanity, urban wear labels like Baby Phat, Roca-Wear and G-Unit, exclusive offerings from American Rag, and at the Cherry Creek store, a display of Betsey Johnson knit hats and scarves. For guys, Le Tigre sweaters and Paper Denim and Cloth jeans are some of the new brands worth browsing.
The reason Urban Outfitters (locations in Denver, Littleton and Boulder) is such a hit with teenagers is that the assortment is constantly changing and it’s merchandised to perfection. Kimono-sleeve tops and babydoll dresses for girls and military-inspired jackets and layered tees are hot for guys.
For something soft, no girl can resist comfy pjs and loungewear, which is why American Eagle recently launched Aerie, a “dormwear” lounge division that is full of fun items. And at Victoria’s Secret and victoriasecret.com, peruse the expanded Pink line, which includes bedding, pillows and accessories as well as lingerie and sleepwear.
For premium jeans and sportswear and one-of-a-kind vintage clothes and accessories, you can’t beat the ever-changing assortment at Buffalo Exchange (stores in Denver, Boulder and Fort Collins).
Finally, we can’t resist throwing in a recommendation for holiday clothes by Behnaz Sarafpour at Target. The velvet shorts, brocade skirts and lacy sweaters are cute and inexpensive. They’re also a limited edition, so everyone else at the party isn’t going to be wearing them.
– Suzanne S. Brown
