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: Betty Tia, 17

$$$: 89.95

STUDENT: Senior, John Marshall High School, Los Angeles.

SHOPPING TIME: Three hours.

STORES: Rampage, Charlotte Russe, Wet Seal at the Glendale Galleria.

IN THE BAG: Stretch tank tops with spaghetti straps in wine and royal blue, $27.06; zip-front black knit top with three-quarter-length sleeves and kangaroo pocket, $25.98; black stretch pants with flared leg by Blue Asphalt, $36.81.

PERSONAL STYLE: “I look for sophisticated pieces that you can wear to school and also outside of school. I’m not into shorts or skirts because I don’t like my legs. I like pants.

“My parents are really cool with the way I dress as long as it’s not too revealing and it fits the weather. They might say, ‘Put a sweater over that!’ or ‘Take your sweater off. It’s too hot!’ But that’s about it.�

SHOPPING SAVVY: “I read all the fashion magazines: Seventeen, Cosmopolitan and Vogue. I also go to the mall a lot. There was one point when my friends and I were going to Glendale Galleria almost every weekend. We were total mall rats! Now I usually go twice a month. Rampage is usually too expensive, and Express too old and too sexy. Contempo and Wet Seal are my favorite stores. I try to be a bargain shopper, but if I really like something, I will get it anyway.�

CLOTHES ENCOUNTERS: “The dress code has been the main topic of discussion lately at my [year-round] school. We are not allowed to wear certain colors because they could be gang-related. No hats unless they are Marshall caps and no bandannas. We aren’t allowed to wear gloves unless it’s under 45 degrees outside. Girls have been wearing spaghetti strap tops even though it’s against the rules, and the administrators are really mad because they say it shows too much of your chest and your back. A few weeks ago, more than 50 parents and students showed up at a meeting at school to protest the dress code. They expect girls to wear sweaters in the summer! I guess they are just worried about sexual harassment, and the boys at school are definitely capable of that.�

FAMILY’S REACTION: “I don’t know what you’re going to get for $100!� said Betty’s sister Paula, 28, as we departed to shop.

Returning with four pieces, Betty modeled the clothes for her mother.

“I like the pants. The tank top is OK as long as she wears a sweater over it. If she doesn’t have something covering it, it isn’t too good. I’m just concerned for safety reasons.�