Fashion Life + Arts

Shop ’til you drop; enjoy the experience

Galleria chambers

The Galleria is a popular tourist destination that features three levels of shopping and an ice rink for all visitors. | Steven Chambers/The Daily Cougar

Target and Kroger

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When the Cougar Express Mini is closed for the day and you’re in need of food or soap, there are stores close to campus for all your necessities. Stores such as Target and Kroger are only a drive down the road. Moreover, you can visit the stores’ websites and print out coupons. If you run out of toothpaste or milk for your cereal, you can save.

“Kroger is beneficial for me because it provides me with a way to shop for quality food and also gain points towards purchasing gas at a lower cost,” chemical engineer sophomore Edwin Mascorro said. “It’s a win-win situation.”

Unlike grocery stores such as HEB, Kroger is open 24 hours a day. Thus if you’re pulling an all-nighter, you can stop by to buy a Red Bull. In addition, you can visit the Kroger website and create an Alternate ID or sign up for a Kroger card to help you save more at check out.

The Galleria:

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The Galleria is another Houston must-see. It is one of the nation’s largest malls, with stores such as Wet Seal, Forever 21 and Zara. However, there’s more to this place than shopping. There are fashion events and year-round ice-skating. The Galleria also has wi-fi, so if you want to get away and do your homework elsewhere, you can head over there.

You can visit the mall’s website to check out current deals. For more information, visit www.simon.com/mall/the-galleria 

Thrift Stores:

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In the Montrose area, there are three well-known thrift stores for fashionistas on a budget: Buffalo Exchange, Taxi Taxi and Blackbird Trading Company. At Taxi Taxi and Blackbird, the majority of items are from retailers. Nevertheless, you will definitely find vintage pieces such as fingerless gloves or starter jackets. At Buffalo Exchange, you can find a Tracy Reese dress or Marc Jacob sandals for a reasonable price. Moreover, there is a wider selection. If you’re in need of cash, all three stores can buy from you. However, while Blackbird and Taxi buy from time to time, Buffalo Exchange will always buy. While they are a bit choosy on what they’ll take, it’ll benefit you either by giving you cash (which isn’t much) or receiving store credit (which is more).

Human resources junior Michelle Castro said she would definitely shop at Buffalo Exchange.

“It allows me to maximize my closet,” Castro said. “I live on such a budgeted lifestyle that being able to find clothing at a reasonable price that’s name brand is a good relief.”

Regardless of where you shop, you’re saving and finding one-of-a-kind pieces.

Rice Village:

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Rice Village reminds me of a mall in California; lots of walking and all the stores are outside. While there are the usual stores, such as Victoria’s Secret, Express and Sephora, what’s unique and different is that on another street, there is a block of independent shops. There’s June May Lingerie, which specializes in bra fitting; there’s also Bike Barn, where you can either rent or buy a bike (and use it to get around to all the shops).

“It’s expensive, but vibrant,” Mascorro said. “So many cool things.”

For more information, visit www.ricevillageonline.com.

At every turn, there’s a shop that you have to enter and check out.

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