My biggest weakness, I would have to say, is online shopping. There’s nothing easier than booting up your computer, clicking on things you like and placing the order. Websites these days know how to pull you in and make you buy.

With today’s technology, websites are able to track whatever you are looking at. Say I am just browsing the Internet and looking at a certain pair of pumps. Every time I get online those same pumps pop up in my email, YouTube ads — everywhere.

It’s impossible to ignore these beautiful shoes that are haunting you, so of course you give in and buy them. Websites also feature things like “wish lists.” These wish lists let you click on the items you want and save them so that you can come back in a few days (when you get your paycheck) and purchase all of your saved items.

The reason I love to online shop is that there is always different merchandise than what the store has to offer, plus all of the sizes are usually available. Websites these days are so organized and easy to navigate that you can find the exact product you are looking for within minutes.

Why search through a crowded store for hours when you can find what you want in the comfort of your own home? I’m sure there are people who still enjoy the busy shopping mall and the long lines, but for me, online shopping is the way to go.

—Lilly

Photo is Handout | MCT

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This week I was feeling a bit uninspired and couldn’t decide what to write about. I needed to recharge my fashion batteries, and finally it hit me. Display windows. What better way to get a quick look at upcoming and current trends than a place that was meant to entice the modern-day consumer on what to wear and how to wear it?

So I got up bright and early before opening hours, so as not to be distracted by the hustle and bustle, and went on a trip to the Chapel Hill Mall to browse from one display to another. Some hit the spot and made me feel re-inspired, while others left me disappointed. One display that really caught my eye was the ever-glamorous Charlotte Russe. Their display was not only pleasing to the eye, but also well organized and a great take on the high-low skirt look.
They styled the first look in the form of a dress. With its pastel blue color and floral pattern, it’s a great look for the upcoming spring and summer months. With the high-low bottom, a girl can be flirty without being dirty. Pairing it with the nude open-toed heel and the cream leather jacket they made the look young, fresh and fun.

The second look was a slightly different interpretation on the high-low look, but no less appreciated. With the cut accentuating the legs diagonally, all I
could think of when I saw this look was sass. Just check out the styling, extra adages weren’t necessary because the soft pastel purple and the pattern of the dress speak for itself.

The third look was a purple pastel skirt that, although it may look plain, is a perfect contended in the high-low category. I liked the fact that it was a skirt as opposed to a dress because it allows you to play with colors, patterns, and shapes through to tops and jackets. The length of the skirt was also appealing. The fronts are
long enough to be modest, yet short enough to add some attitude.

So for the spring and summer, don’t be afraid to show off those legs you’ve no doubt been hitting the Rec for with the high-low look. Add some cool pastel tones to your wardrobe, because guess what, they work for everyone!

—Asia

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The holidays are right around the corner! Do you know what gifts you are getting for your loved ones? Here are some ideas if you don’t have any yet:

Mom

Moms love creative gifts from their children. They also like clothes and accessories. Want to be creative? Check out Joann’s. They have ceramic and wooden picture frames that you can decorate. They also have other wooden trinkets like ornaments and jewelry boxes that you can paint and bedazzle. If you do not feel like being creative, there are great stores in downtown Kent that you can go to and find the perfect gift. I recommend Figleaf and The Fashion School Store.

Dad

Are you Daddy’s little girl? Even though Dads are supposed to be tough, they melt at any heart-felt gift. Any dad would also appreciate a picture frame he can keep on his desk. Most Dads also love to golf, so consider getting him some clubs or a gift card to the nearest golf range. Take a look on Groupon to see if there are any good offerings right now for his favorite restaurant or activity.

Brother or Sister

Be it you get along or disagree on everything with your sibling, a simple gift will remind them that you still love them. Try getting them a CD that they have wanted or a movie that they love. CDs are very cheap on Amazon. Amazon also offers magazine subscriptions at great prices. Your brother may appreciate a sports jersey while your sister could use some new nail polish colors.

Friends

Doing Secret Santa or exchanging gifts with friends? I think the perfect gift to give is a handmade, glitzy friendship bracelet. Check out the blog, Honestly WTF, to learn how to make these stylish bracelets.

Boyfriend

I think boyfriends are the hardest to shop for. Concert or sport tickets are great gifts. You can also consider buying him a watch. I find Fossil to be affordable and a good brand for watches. You can also make a scrapbook or a collage for him.

I hope this helps to make your gift hunting a little bit easier! Good luck!

—Alexa

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