Looks like I am not alone Go moms! I am well-armed with a list of places to check, thanks to you all. I really appreciate everyone's input! Will let you know if I find something that works.
Sarah -- Thanks for the link! Fit looks good but neck may be a bit low. Will check out other Target offerings!
Meredith -- Hm, I will have find a Loft near me to check out. And another vote for Target!
Suz -- Yes, I agree that dressing "sexy" would be harder to deal with. Ugh. The tween fashions I see these days, ugh again. And shopping for two generations (3 including yourself) must be very interesting! My DD wore a dress once (piano recital). Hasn't expressed an interest in wearing one again...
DonnaF -- Hm, I must have missed the crew neck ones -- the ones I saw were too low. I will have to look again!
Echo -- I hear ya and feel your pain!
Elpgal -- Ooh, I really like the look of those. And Blue Canoe, I totally forgot about that brand, which is funny because I have several pieces of loungewear/yoga wear from them! Will have to check it out.
Sparks -- Haven't looked at the TRF range (is that like a juniors line for Zara?) -- thanks for the pointer! Hope shopping is a bit easier for you now.
jackiec - I think it can be hard for boys and girls, if the kids are adamant about what they wear but can't pick out anything. It's easier when kids don't care, some care but can articulate what they want.
Inge - Is Massimo Dutti available in the U.S. I hear a lot of YLFers raving about it!
crutcher - Hm, no I haven't tried consignment stores. Great idea. And yes, I would like her to tell me what she likes, which would be easier to work with than what she doesn't like...
Glory -- Ahhh... commiserating right there with you. And I will definitely put Costco on my list! Joe Fresh, I wonder if that is Canadian-only?
Elly -- Ah, another store I haven't thought of. Thanks, the tee sounds like it might fit the bill!
Neelie -- What is it with that age? I am in the U.S., so TJ Maxx could work. Haven't been there in awhile -- maybe it's time to go back
carambola -- Good idea! Let's see if that works.
E -- I'll show her Threadless and maybe something will pop up. She did talk about getting a Lil Bub tee, so there's that...
Laurinda -- Heh, I mentioned that most people need to alter their clothes to get the exact fit they like. Even though she's been sewing for a few years, she claims to not be good at sewing clothes -- although she has made a tee, dresses and skirts before! Maybe I can start her with a simple alteration.
Rae -- Oooh, another good suggestion. Will check it out!
Rachylou -- She hates stripes. Not sure about the layering -- that's a thought!
Marin -- Another vote for Target! I will definitely put that shirt on my list to check out when I go to Target.
Angie -- More Target And Athleta, another one I hadn't considered -- thanks! Interesting point about focusing attention away from clothes. Basically, I want her to have enough shirts to last through laundry day -- last time all three of the shirts she wears were dirty, so we had a big struggle getting out of the house because she didn't want to wear anything else! She does like to fiddle with her hair, hmm...