It was a couple of weeks back that I was doing research on some cute and affordable over the knee boots, when I found some at Rue21 that were actually super adorable and fashionable. When I think of Rue21 today it makes me cringe, I really was only in there in middle school to get neon graphic tees with not so funny sayings (I specifically remember having one during the election that said "Obama is my homeboy" with a cartoon of Obama....yikes).

This got me thinking, where are our awkward middle school brands today? Have they evolved and become better, or just gotten worse and appealing to the newest of awkward tweens? Here's some you might remember, and how they are today.

1. Limited Too

This was the coolest place at the end of elementary school, like everything was pink and sparkly and the dressing rooms felt like a catwalk. As many know, Limited Too became Justice, but it still seems like a 10 year old's dream.

2. Abercrombie & Fitch


3. Aeropostale

Aeropostale was the regular kids alternative to Abercrombie & Fitch. It wasn't quite as cool but it still had t-shirts with the logo splayed all over it and destroyed denim mini's so hey it worked. Now Aeropostale is getting back on track, they have some cute sweaters in for fall and a lot of basics for very cheap.



4. American Eagle

American Eagle was another cool, laid back brand from middle school, and was even popular in high school. Today, they continue the chill, bohemian vibe, but for the higher prices, I don't think their clothes are worth it. However, kudos to their lingerie line, Aerie, for being one of the first brands to be body positive and have healthy sized models.

5. Claire's

Claire's was the one stop shop for getting your ears pierced, (unless you were a bougie 5th grader like me who went to Piercing Pagoda ).  Flavored lip smackers, and sparkly scrunchies...the accessories haven is so underrated! Today they have great deals, and some super cute stuff. It takes a little looking through the thousands of products they have, but totally worth it. It's especially great for buying trendy pieces that you know will be out of style by next year. Plus check out their older brand that also has some great stuff, Icing.

6. Juicy Couture

Poor Juicy Couture. It's hard to come back from the velour tracksuit that raged in the early 2000s, but JC is really trying. Their clothing still isn't very attractive, but their accessories and shoes are kinda cute -- however the giant pricetag just isn't helping in their favor.


7. PacSun

Surprisingly enough PacSun is still doing relatively well. Recently they had their Kendall and Kylie collaboration and have been coming back from a bad slump in 2010-ish. Although the title "Pacsun" doesn't hold the cool, sufer vibe it used to, they're still doing pretty well for the younger generation.

Then

Now





8. Wet Seal

Wet Seal is consistenly changing; seriously it feels like they're always doing some last ditch effort to save their brand, and they're either nice surprises or giant fails. I was surprised this place was even still around just because so many other fast fashion retailers took their place with a more streamlined style. I will say I have one pair of palazzo pants I got here a few years ago that are still so comfy. However, they did do a collab with Ashlee Simpson just 5 years ago...so...yeah.

Then