Although we were told never to make assumptions, I firmly believe that all of you spring breakers have had beach styles on your mind through these winter months. If you are lucky, you have received an email saying your itsy-bitsy teeny-weeny bikini has arrived safely at Keefe Campus center. Because of this, I have decided to focus this week’s column on what comes after spring break: shopping in Amherst. Aside from the Verizon store, Best Buy, Bed Bath and Beyond, and the Home Depot, there is actually a world of stores that can meet the needs of any college girls fashion emergencies. So here is the 411 with Amherst shopping. Let’s start in town: The ultra-fashionable Junior Emma Rothkopf recommends Scandihoovians (49 Boltwood Walk), which is located in that circle behind Amherst Chinese where Johnny’s Tavern is. While Emma’s unique and particular sense of style may not generally fit with the spirit of the boutique, she says that the store carries one brand in particular that she loves, which is known for their tunics.
Now back on Pleasant Street, but at the other end, Dean Allan Hart recommends Zanna for that special someone. Indeed our Deans are not just equipped with academic advice, but social and romantic advice too. And talking from experience, Dean Hart says, when buying for a loved when it is always best to go for a scarf or a piece of jewelry. And Dean Hart may be spotted picking out a scarf at Zanna for his wife, although he does admit it is sometimes a bit pricy. But, now with a stern expression he adds, “totally worth it.”
Dean Hart may know Zanna’s from a Male’s perspective, but from a female’s perspective, the store’s assets are a bit different. In fact quiet different. For instance they sell hanky panky underwear, which is clutch. I honestly have not been to the store in a while, but I remember they did have a collection of designer jeans, like jbrand and ag (although not the trendiest styles) and some brands like free people. They also sell frye boots.
A place to avoid: CVS. CVS must be entered with caution and only with a specific goal in mind while in the presence of a good friend, who will keep you from spending unnecessary amount of money. Like today my friend Maggie and I went to CVS and we literally had to hide each others wallets. The place was so tempting—from the nail polish to the hair scrunches. Luckily I have Karatin in my hair, but I can imagine that quality control testing shampoos is incredibly tempting. But of course we cannot leave Pleasant street without a trip to A.J. Hastings.
Next, I recommend T.J Maxx. Whenever I compliment my RC, Annika, on an item of her clothing she usually responds with excitement that she got it at T.J. Maxx. Those types of department stores tend to overwhelm me, but Avery Klemmer recently assisted me on my first trip there and I loved! As per Klemmer’s recommendation, T.J. Maxx has a terrific athletic department. While Lizzie Paul adds that they have a great selection of long sleeve work-out shirts. Which is exactly what I bought. Still one can find some designer brands, like splendid tee shirts, while rummaging the wracks.
I also really like Dick’s Sporting Goods for athletic clothing. I think they have a great selection of Nike gear for woman. Personally I think work-out clothing is all about taking chances—crazy leggings, electric color tank-top, wild head-bands, crazy color sneakers. It is about wearing the clothing you ordinarily would be too shy to get away with. And the Nike department at Dicks has a wide variety of patterns, prints, colors and styles. Plus Nike just looks sick.
But before the Dicks, in between the Target and the Best Buy is the entrance to the Hampshire Mall. My friend Maggie has taught me the power of a candle. And there is a bath and body works in the Hampshire mall. While these candles are not always the best quality, their smell is potent, and, frankly, they can get you through college. Health and Beauty Plus is dangerous to all you girls who, like me, are obsessed with your nails, as it has every single nail polish brand and color ever imaginable, often having deals. For instance, I was in there the other day and there was a buy one get two free deal for one of the brands of nail polish—how do you turn that down?? You don’t.
Okay now we are back on route nine, headed towards Northampton. Oh, pit stop! It’s definitley still cold out…EMS! With their student discounts EMS may be worth running in to. They sell Patagonia and North Face. Alright well now we are back on the road, maybe we stop at the Donut Man, maybe we are watching our weight their week—who knows. But I know that when we reach Sam’s, 227 Russell Street, we’re stopping. They have a great selection of out-doorsy clothes. Mixed in with some cute accessories. It is deff worth a stop by.
Now that we have made it to Northampton the options seem endless, so I am just going to dive right in! Urban Outfitters—self-explanatory. You are going to have to tell me about ODE because I have never been but I hear it is the best. Cathy Cross, fabulous, but expansive. I’ll say no more.
Besides the stress of having to find the perfect dress, formal season can present another type of burden—a financial burden—especially for girls who are invited to lets say two a weekend for like three weekends in a row. Cough Avery Klemmer and Clara Miles. But I have to give these two credit. Instead of searching the pages of the outrageously priced websites that we are all familiar with such as shopbop or revolveclothing, they hit the racks of the forever 21 at the Holyoke mall. Another way to save up on cash is to search your friends’ closets; outfit swapping is such a thing. These ladies for sure proved that looking good isn’t always about spending money! Hopefully this little guide can help to make your Spring shopping ah-mazing!