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Paliskates
"How to be cool in the eyes of your teenager" 1. no hip
lingo I don't know if I can "hang" with 1-9, but at least there's Paliskates, one of my son's favorite stores. Four years ago Paliskates opened it doors primarily as a skate shop. Since then they have expanded their line to include a full line of women's, men's, and children's clothes, shoes, and accessories. Erika Simpson didn't grow up in fashion or retail, but she was a skater girl. (This was the first thing my teenager asked me when he found out I was interviewing Paliskates owner Erika. "Does she skate, or just like skateboards?") She chose the Palisades location because she liked the area, and wanted to be somewhere where there were a lot of kids. Cruising around the store I see an eclectic and funky mix of really great stuff. From jeans and T-shirts to jammies and mini skirts there's Frankie B, Miss 60, Fornarina, Da-nang, and Riley, just to mention a few. One of the girls points out the Triple Five Soul, which I get really excited about! She caters to the moms as well, with a variety of softer skirts and sweaters. I can bring my son and we can both shop happily in the same room. He likes some of the studded belts and cuffs, and the newer lines like Howe and 7th Letter. Erika shows me some of the old favorites like DVS, Hurley, Obey, Ben Sherman, and Matix. Also on stage right is the full line of skateboards: Girl, Chocolate, Tum Yeto, Shorties, Hollywood, Helmet, Black Label, and Sector 9, along with lots of helmets and pads for protection. And don't forget about the custom surfboards from an Orange county shaper Chad Stansberg. Together with artist Chance they can do whatever you want, it's surfable art. So what's good for the gift giving you ask? Into the stockings with care, jewelry, beenies, and Paul Frank underwear. Under the tree, Heelys, Converse, and the scooters. Ones that can fold down and fit in a locker or in the trunk of your car. Girls get Rocket Dog, Uggs, and Emu boots in all colors. (Sold out all over the US currently, but Paliskates has them!!) Over all I get a comfortable fun feeling from the store that eminates from Erika and her staff. In parting she tells me. "That's another good thing about the store, we give a lot of young people their first job opportunity, and we're not easy to work for! So they learn a lot, they get some discipline and sense of responsibility. Also when we buy we take a lot of creative input from them." Paliskates is open 10-8 Monday through Saturday and 10-6 on Sunday. -DDM
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copyright
© 2003 Dania Morris. All rights reserved.
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