Why is it SO hard to buy nice good value clothes for a pre-teen girl?

[castille]

She is 10.5, tall and skinny, and has grown out of almost her entire summer wardrobe.

She doesn't want to look like a her little sister, nor a fashion victim teenager. She likes simple clothes. But our shopping trip on Saturday was almost fruitless and with no more ideas.

We live in France, but have UK shopping opportunities. Where on earth should we be looking for good quality (no school uniform so must be hardwearing), not too expensive, clothes?

Supermarkets may be worth a look - Asda, Sainsbury and Tesco - lots of jeans, plain trousers, t shirts and simple tops etc.

would recommend h&m

Zara has the odd nice thing and I second H&M. I have exactly this problem with DD1. Have a look at Next as well, there are some good plain basics mixed with the naff stuff.

We've got some nice things from H&M in the past but ours doesn't have a children's/teen section so must wait for next UK visit. Ditto supermarkets - had forgotten them but will look on next visit.

I like Zara too but our Zara's children's dept has been "temporarily" closed for building work since the autumn! Gave up on Next a while ago because she's too skinny for their stuff on the whole and I got fed up with wading through tat.

Any other suggestions?

Castille - have you looked in Monoprix recently? They have some great clothes for pre-teen girls.

Ah yes Monoprix! Had forgotten - I last went there a few months ago (is not on my usual beat) but will defintely take her there. I got her a couple of things in Esprit Junior on Sat but nothing like enough to keep her clothed all summer. Thanks Anna.

Buy Milk magazine (on any newstand) - lots of brands/ideas.

head down to carrefour - there should be the basics