One of the first things any fashion-minded MSU freshman learns about East Lansing is how far away it is from a mall. If you want to get to Meridian Mall, you are in for a long, awkward ride on the 1 bus… Lucky for us, there are other ways to get your fill of cute clothes and fun shoes, and they are within walking distance from campus. Here’s a bunch of stores that have great products with reasonable prices, and they are all either on or directly off Grand River!
Jeanologie
303 M.A.C (just past CVS if you’re walking down M.A.C. from Grand River
Website & Facebook (where they actually upload product photos)
Jeanologie brings a “big city” vibe to our great city, East Lansing. The clothes are inspired by New York City styles, and they sell both apparel for men and women. Jeanologie is known for having a big selection of premium denim, so it’s a great place to start your search for your next pair of perfect jeans. They also have an assortment of prom-style dresses if you have an event you need to go to like spring formal or a date party. And you can’t go wrong with some of their handmade jewelry, made from local artists!
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Pitaya
213 E. Grand River (by The Pita Pit on Grand River)
Pitaya is all about being unique. You won’t find clothes there anywhere else. They feature bright colors, cut-out designs and flowy fabrics. For the adventurous, daring and fun loving fashion seeker, you can’t beat Pitaya. The prices are probably the most affordable of any store in the city, and you can dress their clothes up or down to make it work for a night out or for class. Try their colorful dresses with some neutral tights to keep yourself nice and warm this winter!
American Apparel
115 E. Grand River (next to Snap Fitness)
The clothes inside of American Apparel are no mystery, chances are you’ve been there or at least seen an advertisement in a magazine. Their clothes highlight fashion-forward twists on classic pieces for your wardrobe. Most of American Apparel’s clothing comes in neutral colors which is why it appeals to many. What brings most people into American Apparel is the sheer selection of clothing they have there’s so much to choose from. They have dresses, pants, blouses and skirts, but they also have leggings, jewelry, eyewear, dance-wear, shoes, outerwear, hosiery and beauty products. With that kind of selection there’s no way you won’t find something you like.
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Urban Outfitters
119 E. Grand River (next to American Apparel, it’s a two for one stop!)
Urban Outfitters doesn’t need much of an explanation- it’s a classic here on MSU’s campus. Their merchandise has been described as hip, kitschy, ironic, bohemian and retro. Urban Outfitters has a large selection of maxi-dresses and interestingly cut pants. You’ll find lots of floral and geometric patterns adorning the merchandise here, which makes the clothes you buy stand out from other pieces in your wardrobe. They specifically target the 18 to 30 year old age bracket, so you know they are designing with you in mind. Be careful, though – some stuff here can get kind of pricey!
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Mad Eagle
301 M.A.C Avenue (directly across the street from the Marriott on M.A.C)
Although Mad Eagle classifies its first and foremost merchandise as jewelry, they have a huge assortment of clothes as well. The clothing they carry can only be called free-spirited: every item has a quirky, fun flair to it. Mad Eagle items vary from simple t-shirts meant for layering to beaded, flowy dresses that stand alone. Some brands they carry include: Alternative Apparel, Free People, Pure & Simple and BB Dakota. And of course, they have the jewelry too! Something really cool is Mad Eagle’s Clever Clover line. It’s original designs that can be personalized for things like bridal parties and sorority houses. Every item even comes with a card that signifies what the piece means, such as love, luck or karma!