It’s that time of the year, again: Back-to-school shopping season, that time where cut-off shorts and tank tops are replaced with shiny new shoes and the latest fashions. This year, catch up with the latest trends while saving some dough.

Oregon has no sales tax, which makes shopping in Washington County a shopaholic’s dream, and the area has a multitude of boutiques, brand-name fashion clothing stores, and top-of-the-line retailers that will entice even non-shoppers to shop ’til they drop.

Bridgeport Village is one of Oregon’s newest shopping, dining and entertainment lifestyle centers. Located on the border of Tualatin and Tigard, Bridgeport Village is a European-style upscale center with a unique blend of upscale national and local retailers, restaurants, bookstore, supermarkets, spa and a first-run, multiplex movie theater.

The teenager (and pre-teen) will no doubt find duds to start the new school year right at the trendy Urban Outfitters, preppy teens may find comfort at Anthropologie or American Apparel. College-bound students may prefer Banana Republic or White House, Black Market.

After a day of shopping, relax with a cup of Joe at Borders Books & Music, while grabbing some cool school supplies, dictionaries and reference books. Or take in the latest box-office splash at Regal Cinemas.

Located in Hillsboro, The Streets of Tanasbourne is a lifestyle retail center that mixes “main street charm with shopping center conveniences,” with more than 50 specialty shops, locally owned and nationally-recognized retailers.

‘Tweens, pre-teens and teenagers can find the hottest new trends for the 2008-09 school year at stores such as Abercrombie & Fitch, American Eagle, Express, Hollister, Hot Topic, Pac Sun and Zumiez. Not to be left out, grade schoolers can rock a cool look with clothes from Abercrombie, Gap Kids and Limited Too. Shop for the entire family at Macy’s, also located at The Streets of Tanasbourne.

Complete the back-to-school look with a new ‘do from Salon 17, Great Clips and Pigtails & Crewcuts, a salon for children.

For the largest selection of stores under one roof, visit Washington Square Mall, a high-end mall located in Tigard. Washington Square is a Portland-area mainstay and has more than 170 retail shops, which will make the shopping experience more manageable.

Kids of all ages can start the school year on the right foot with the latest shoe styles at Vans, Journeys, and for the kiddies, Stride Rite. Clothing retailers, such as XXI Forever, Ruehl, Hollister Co., American Eagle Outfitters, Lucky Brand Jeans, as well as staples such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Abercrombie, Gap Kids, Zumiez and more. Anchor stores include Nordstrom, Macy’s, JCPenney, Sears and Dick’s Sporting Goods, with items that will excite all of the members of the family.

Whether shopping for back-to-school clothes for the kids, updating a wardrobe, searching for an ideal gift, or just looking to splurge, the art of shopping is always in fashion in Washington County. Let us know if you find any great deals!