If you have a teen, your needs are somewhat different that parenting an elementary kid.

Bigger kids have a bigger say in what they wear, but just like the smaller versions they need shoes first.

We start with athletic shoes followed by dressier shoes. Both can be found for 20%-50% less at the Skechers Outlets. These stores mix in regular retail merchandise in the outlet so stay focused.

SKECHERS USA Outlet, 6426 Van Nuys Blvd., Van Nuys, 91401 818-989-2189
SKECHERS USA Outlet, 6202 Pacific Blvd., Huntington Park, 90255 323-582-3293
SKECHERS USA Outlet, 18143 Ventura Blvd, Tarzana, 91356 818-345-1024
SKECHERS USA Outlet, 5191 Whittier Blvd., Los Angeles, 90022 323-264-4700
SKECHERS USA Outlet, 19000 S Vermont Ave., Gardena, 90248 310-327-4600
SKECHERS USA Outlet, 12017 E Garvey Ave., El Monte, 91733 626-454-3600 SKECHERS USA Outlet, 11033 E Rosecrans Blvd., Norwalk, 90650 562-868-7747 SKECHERS USA Outlet, 2550 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach, 90806 562-490-2504
SKECHERS USA Outlet, 422 S Azusa Ave., Azusa, 91702 626-812-0693
SKECHERS USA Outlet, 1195 N State College Blvd., Anaheim, 92806 714-956-2477

SKECHERS USA Outlet
Camarillo Premium Outlets, 850 East Ventura Blvd., Camarillo,93010 805-388-1029

SKECHERS USA Outlet
Ontario Mills Outlet Mall, 1 Mills Circle, Ontario, CA 91764 909-484-8733

For my newbie teen I like LA Action Outlet. Not only do they carry high-end boutique labels for the youngest of our kids, but they also carry trendy casual girls teen labels Self Esteem, Anchor Blue, LA Kitty, Belle Du Jour and Billy Blues all at 50%-70% off. Retail on these labels runs $20-$48. Here almost everything is $5.99-$14.99. Trendy- very… but perfect for persnickety, fashion obsessed teens and their moms.

LA Action Fashion Outlet Read More
1837 S. La Cienega Blvd., #102 (next to Fallas Paredes)
Los Angeles, CA 90035
310.202.1507

Other locations:
2170 S. Atlantic Blvd., Monterey Park, CA 91754 323.722.3109
And
6709 Pacific Ave., Huntington Park, CA 90255 323.582.0220

Looking hip and cool with a great sense of style is paramount in these tender ego driven teens. If you have a girl, start taking her to showroom sample sales. Samples tend to be in smaller sizing and it’s a good way to get cutting edge designer goods for less. The New Mart, Cooper Bldg and California Market Center have showroom sample sales the last Friday of the month. The California Market Center also hosts a Saturday Sale every month… one being this weekend.

The surf and urban fashion lines like Volcum, Roxy, Paul Frank all have warehouse sales in Orange County and are another good place to take your tween or teen shopping. Notion is a good surf line and they are having a back to school warehouse sale this weekend as well. Do keep an eye on the Hot Sales page

At this age I would also recommend turning them on to thrift and vintage shopping. Though they may not be able to get all their wardrobe at thrifts, they can find style and statement making pieces that add a cool aura of individuality.

Another staple of the girlie teen set is Forever 21. It’s fun fashion on the cheap. You won’t find high quality or sales help with brains here, but for cute cheap fashions it’s a must stop.

The junior departments at TJX, Marshalls and Ross are all worth perusing, especially for jeans and pants

For back to school supplies I would outlets for Staples… Market West and Desks 4 Less Etc are good bets. Both outlet warehouse have savings are serious 30%-75%. Since they are off the beaten path, make sure you load up on basics when you’re there. You’ll still have to visit your local office supply store for a few things, but at these sources you should be able to save a lot on the bulk of necessities.

I personally believe that shopping for teens is an ongoing process. I always take the persnickety kid with me. But, don’t buy anything they don’t love love love. … they won’t wear it. But by taking them to outlets and warehouses you are also teaching valuable money saving skills that will last a lifetime

Suzanne O'Connor