I had the rare opportunity of taking three 14 year old girls shopping for back to school clothes and school supplies this year.  It was quite the experience.  One I don't recommend anyone braving without fireprotection around their wallet and a helmet.  The helmet is for the headbanging you will resort to while they make up their minds.

Despite the comraderie among teens about what is in or cool; they will only agree that they personally like about half of the same items.  The other half will be unique.  I was actually surprised at how much each one had a unique style and individual fashion sense.  Certain staple items were the same, but the flair was definitely different. 

 So there is the debate between who gets the liked item; and then a debate about whether or not the unique item is really cool enough for that individual.  Just about the time you think they've narrowed their lot and are ready to check out their haul; oh no, you are so wrong.

Far from being finished.  As they leave the changing room, put away items unwanted, get a different size of an item, or simply walk toward the register; they will spot an entire new lot of items to mix and match, complement or replace the items they have picked out.  By the time they are within a few feet of the cash register their lot has tripled.  Your brain is screaming stop and your wallet is hiding in the bottom of your handbag, afraid for its life.

It's at this point you have to do the dastardly deed and get them to pare down their armful of items to something below the national deficit.  Also surprisingly, many 14 year olds still don't realize that credit cards have limits.  Well, some people's don't; but ours do; so I share this little lesson with them as well. 

In the end, I cringe at the total and pay.  I am still impressed by their personal fashion style and their individual style as well.  Even to the extent of their accessories.  They are far more educated than I ever have been on the subject.