How many of you think that a designer label is better than a cheaper one?

Question

My son is 14 and driving me crazy about his clothes and shoes that he wears. We are on such a limited budget, so we can't always get the trendy clothes he wants. He likes to wear South Pole clothes and certain logo Tshirts, and I got really lucky getting 6 pairs for $25 on clearance, but I don't think I will get lucky this time. And all he wears is skater shoes, but $40-$45 is my budget limit(we spent 3+ hrs. and two malls to find one pair of shoes that he liked in the budget). Why must he be so difficult and not understand our financial situation? I don't want him to get made fun of, but I think clothing is a form of self expression and it seems that today's fashion is anything goes. Does anyone know of outlets or thrift shops(NJ area) or mail order that could help me when the new school season(first year of high school) starts? He is in men's sizes now, so I know it will cost a bit more, but every penny saved counts.

I used to buy him the cheap stuff and he never seemed to mind, but it will sit on the floor in the closet now. I don't want to waste money on stuff he won't wear. I know how he feels, I was in the same situation in his age. This is a tough age and it doesn't help when he feels he doesn't fit in. I have told him that clothes do not make who you are, but try reasoning with a kid. He fully knows that if I don't have it, he doesn't get it and if he wants a pricer pair of shoes or clothes, he has to pay the difference. Once he gets a job, I think things will be better.

TESS: I shop in the S.A.'s and he doesn't mind that, but where in PA is yours? I am about a half hour or so from Milford area. I will travel tri-state to make sure he gets something nice. Thanks! :)

Update: My son just informed me that he doesn't want South Pole stuff anymore. He will not tell me exactly what he wants, so I asked a coworker to have her kid go to school and see what the boys wear and I can go from there. You can't see it, but my hair is getting greyer by the minute trying to get this kid some clothes!!! Grrrrrr!

Answer 1

I don't live in the Jersey area, but I know here in PA, we go to the Salvation Army looking for high end quality things(I have a 17 yr old girl), that sometimes even has the tags still on them. As long as he doesn't blab about where he got them, he won't be teased. You could also try yard sales or even friends that buy the stuff he's looking for and their kids outgrow them. Good luck in your search.

Answer 2

ITS ALL ABOUT THE GIRLS ITS ALL ABOUT THE GIRLS ;) he will get over it once eh is 18 he will understand the responsiblity he is just 14 so yeah if u cant afford it or u dont like it tell him YOU CANT AFFORD IT or make up something like its end of the month i need money till your dad gets salary we cant afford something like that he will understand just make it sound like u dont have money right now and u cant afford something like that my mom always did that trick on me when i was kid seemed to work Ha

Answer 3

If you have a Burlington Coat Factory store around you, that's where you can find name brand clothing for cheap.

Answer 4

i don't care. if it looks like the name brand i wear. nobody really knows the difference except you. i wear fake D&G, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, etc. and there is no shame to my game. tell you son when he starts paying for name brand clothes that's when he can get it.

Answer 5

just get him cheap clothes...its not going to ruin his life if u dont get him expensive clothes and shoes

Answer 6

you can go to marshalls or tj maxx online and they have name brand clothes at discount.

Answer 7

not me cheap is still good