The joys of going back to school shopping don’t have to leave you penniless or in debt. By using your resources, putting your own spin on school apparel and catching the end of summer sales, you can save money and show your love for your school.
The Fajita Fest, Tailgate Tuesdays and football games are perfect places to receive free school memorabilia. Every bookstore in and around campus also sells T-shirts, hoodies and other school apparel. Something as simple as cutting off the neck of a sweatshirt layering a tank top underneath adding bangles and wearing some leggings can become a very stylish and comfortable look. Pairing these with the latest gym shoes, handbags or accessories is a great way to utilize things you may already own and create a brand new outfit or look.
With the summer coming to an end many stores and shops are having great back to school deals and sidewalk sales. Mix and LezleyAnne, both located on Michigan Avenue in Ypsilanti, offer great and unique collections that are sure to add that extra pop to any girl’s wardrobe. Mix makes shopping on a budget easy and fun with the end of summer sale racks filled with tons of dresses, shirts and skirts. Right next-door LezleyAnne is filled with fun one of a kind flowered shirt to frog filled dresses. Leslie Austin, the creator behind LezleyAnne, says that she’s getting ready for Detroit Fashion Week and once finished she’ll be able to map out the details so that she can become a part of the Eagle Discount Program.
Everyday attire for on and off campus can be as simple as combining cargo shorts, denim jeans or leggings with solid colored shirts and adding accessories. By allowing one piece of clothing to become the main focus you’re able to make more out of the outfit. Basic cargo shorts and a white v-neck shirt can be the foundation for a simple yet classic look. Different accessories such as hats, gym shoes, eyeglasses and chains are the key ingredients that allow people to take any common look and turn it into their own. Adding a sweater or trading in gym shoes for a more casual loafer takes a look for the classroom and turns it into something that could possibly be worn to an interview or business meeting.
“By me being scheduled to work on the same days I have class, I have to find a common ground that always me to look cute and fun but work appreciate too. When I’m getting dressed I try to find a pick out clothes that are both business casual and comfortable, if I do have to change anything its usually just my shoes” said Stacey Ruff, an EMU senior.
Clean and classic pieces can be used for multiple purposes just be altering the accessories.
Ypsilanti’s own Puffer Reds has a massive gym shoe collection that features numerous exclusive in-store only shoes. Tyrone McCray, buyer and shoe expert says that customers shouldn’t be afraid to step outside the box and try things they haven’t done before. Another hot item that can be mixed and matched is nice pair of denim jeans. The more basic they are the better, because you are able to pair them up with more than just one specific thing.
“With the economy changing like it has, people aren’t able to buy the one pair or two hundred dollar jeans with loads of design because they can’t be worn with more than one shirt,” McCray said.
A customized Eastern Michigan University fitted hat should be available in stores within the next two weeks.
The main focus is comfort as well as style. Although high heels and fitted dresses will forever be in style, they aren’t the easiest things to walk from one side of campus to the other in. Style is all about what makes you feel good and relaxed. Whether you’re wearing sweatpants, jeans or a hoodie it’s all about the attitude that turns the hallway into the runway.
