The Sun News: Back-to-School 'Basics' now comprise iPods, computerized pens

August 20 , 2006 -- Dark denim. Leggings and layers. Camouflage and khaki. Wedges, boots and skimmers.

These are the latest fashion trends as young people head back to the classroom.

The hot new clothing styles aren't the only items landing in shopping carts across the Grand Strand. Students also are snatching up less than traditional school supplies, such as iPods, MP3 players and computerized pens and packing them inside backpacks designed to hold such items.

"I've seen a lot of stressed mothers," said Willie Vereen, sales associate at Target, who works in the juniors department. "Kids want one thing and moms want another. Mom knows what they need and kids want something else."

Young girls are crazy about the latest fashion trend: leggings, she said.

"They're wearing them under long shirts," Vereen said. "Or under denim skirts."

Mini skirts are still hot and even shorter, Vereen said.

"The mini minis are back," she said. "The moms aren't crazy about them."

Camouflage also remains steadfast for fall, popping up on skirts and tank tops in colors other than the traditional khaki and army green tones. Pink and blue camouflage give the print an updated, flirty feel.

Skorts, leggings and embroidered jeans are the must-have clothing items for the younger girls. And for boys, the layered look - graphic T-shirts under plaid shirts - is in.

Screened tees, featuring stylish graphics or classic musicians such as Jimi Hendrix and The Beatles, are popular among both sexes, .

Old Navy rolled out fresh new pieces to mix with back-to-school basics, such as dark denim with eyelet woven tops ($16.50), slouchy boots ($24.50) and feminine knit tops $12.50-16.50) for the girls, and for the boys a wide variety of denim washes ($14.50-19.50), rugby shirts ($16.50) and updated graphic tees, ($8.50-9.50).

Youngsters can polish their looks and express their individual style with footwear featuring a variety of trends, such as peep-toe wedges, flirty ballet flats and chic sneakers. At Target, skateboard shoes remain popular among young boys. Clogs, skimmer sneakers (flat sneakers) and boots the top choices among the girls.

Payless ShoeSource's back-to-school collection features the latest silhouettes, colors and materials at affordable prices, averaging less than $20 an item.

"Our collection reflects a strong youthful spirit," according to Matt Rubel, chief executive officer at Payless ShoeSource. "Kids will get the fashion they want to express their individual style and flair, and parents will be thrilled with the price."

Popular fashion accessories include wide belts for slouching over tunic tops, charm necklaces, dangling earrings and mini purses.

Parents also might find their children's supply list a bit more technologically specific with requests such as MP3 players, iPods and computerized pens.

"We're seeing a great deal of interest in some less traditional school supplies during the back-to-school retail season," according to Brian Hand, chief executive officer of ShopLocal.com, a national Web-to-store comparison shopping site. "Among some of the biggest searches are for MP3 players - iPods specifically - and cell phones."

Even backpacks are being designed to hold such items with special compartments for iPods and cell phones.