The Tripp items that Hot Topic carry are "lower-grade" items, generally made in overseas. The US-made Tripp stuff is high quality for the most part, but about 3x the price. Hot Topic does not carry the high-end Tripp products for the most part, and I believe that the overseas-made Tripp products are produced exclusively for Hot Topic. I believe their Lip Service products are also lower-end and made overseas, although I have plenty of US-made Lip Service products that are top-notch. LS also makes a "fashion kilt" as well, and while it's well-made, it still looks more like a "man-skirt" than a kilt. You'd be better off with a casual from USAK or one of the other vendors here, and it would only cost about $20 more.