Being a shopaholic myself, I always miss my favorite boutiques back at home. Come on, I know you all have them too, that little store that encompasses your guilty pleasures that you can’t help but adore. While I love having a Nordies (short for Nordstroms if you’re a beginner shopper) close by at Westfarms Mall, I miss the unique and cheaper finds at my little boutiques! I’m the girl that will go to Westfarms every weekend just to get my shopping fix, even if it is just window browsing, but even I know that window browsing in a mall is not the same as window browsing down my favorite avenue in my town. As much as I love shopping, one mall gets a little boring after a while. I know you Trinity shopaholics out there feel my pain. Even though Westfarms has been spicing things up lately by adding a True Religion store at the beginning of the summer (that’s hip and funky with a jean bar!), a new Free People mid-summer, an Anthropologie in September, an Urban Outfitters on its way, and last but not least a Nordstrom Rack is coming this spring nearby (oh how I envy you underclassmen); I still find myself in a shopping rut. Hopefully with these new additions, some of these labels we see in Nordies will go on sale quicker, but my high fashion pulse is still left craving something new and unique.
West Hartford has always been a great getaway for Trinity students not only for great food, but for a little bit shopping as well. I’m sure most of you know National Jean Company has closed. Even though I’m still drying my tears, I can’t deny that it was a bit too pricey for me anyways (even with the sales of 50% off the entire store). Luckily a boutique has opened up down the street near Moe’s Burritos called “Ooh la la!” (on Memorial Blvd) which has the cutest outfits for super reasonable prices! Next door to the old NJC, is an accessory store called Charming Charlie, that boasts great prices for bold pieces that you might not want to spend too much money on. Warning: be ready for a large and in charge store! You’ll need the energy to search through this world of accessories. A new lululemon store has opened up on LaSalle Road as well, and we all know how important it is to look cute in the gym when the sports teams roll up to the weight room! Nearby you’ll also find Kimberly Boutique, which is a little bit pricier, but some window-shopping never hurts the soul!
West Hartford old news too? Well, take a nice weekend afternoon to go on a day trip with your girlfriends to Canton, CT! The Shoppes at Farmington Valley have some great stores and food for a perfect girlfriend’s getaway. This outdoor shopping complex has all that you’d ever need. While there’s a Sephora, J.Crew, and White House|Black Market, there’s also a couple more unique boutiques. My personal favorite is Francesca’s, which not only has very reasonably priced clothing, but a ton of jewelry, bags, accessories and more. But my favorite thing about it is the little trinkets that you’ll find – from unique frames to funny bottle openers. Close by there’s a funky jewelry store called Sparkle with some bargains for some trendy jewelry. And for you Massachusetts natives, there is a 344 here as well, also great for finding things for themed parties! This would also be a great place to bring your family, especially if you have younger siblings. There’s an American Eagle, a Barnes & Noble, Brighton Collectibles, Chico’s, The Children’s Place, Claire’s, Gymboree, J.Jill, Justice, LOFT, Old Navy and more. There’s even a Dick’s Sporting Goods and a Kohl’s for any other random items you might need to pick up. Make a perfect day of it by having a meal! Feng Asian Bistro is perfect for a group of friends if you’re in the mood for hibachi or sushi. Flatbread Company is an all-organic pizzeria that has a cool setting where you can sit at tables or on couches! There’s also a Dish ‘n Dat and Panera Bread, or if you just want a quick pick-me-up my best friends Ben & Jerry are right next door!
Avon, CT also has a few great places to check out, and you could even do this on the way back from Canton! In the Simsbury Commons you could stop in for a quick drink at Starbucks and take a walk on to Victoria’s Secret, Gap, or my favorite – Ulta! Ulta is a fabulous hair and make up UNIVERSE. Their brands range from prices you’d see at CVS to Sephora and more. It has a much larger selection than any other hair and make up store I’ve ever been to (which is saying a lot). Also, if you sign up for a free Ulta card, you can get your eyebrows done for free on your birthday by Benefit. You could also stop for a quick snack at TCBY, or a dinner at Bertucci’s or Chili’s! Right down the road is an amazing Italian restaurant, Max a Mia (yes, the Italian version of the Max’s restaurant chain, AN ABSOLUTE MUST TO TRY), but you’ll most likely find me at the FIVE GUYS down the road in a complex with a Walmart and a Big Y, where I usually pick up some food or room necessities. The 51 East Main Street complex cannot go unknown any longer! Body Talk features brands like 7 for all Mankind, Michael Stars, Lucky Brand Jeans, Vince, Joie, Ella Moss, Sky, Free People, Hudson, Hale Bob, Splendid, Spanx, and Hanky Panky. I know that every now and then they also have sales on Hardtails, so if you’re lucky you could stock up on these comfy favorites. Even better, there’s another Ooh la la! located just upstairs and once you find the perfect outfit you can stop by Aloha Tanning of Avon, for some quick UV rays.
Want to venture out even more? Plan a day trip to the Premium Outlets in Clinton, CT! In October, Premium Outlets is teaming up with Susan G. Komen For the Cure to support breast cancer awareness, research, and treatment programs. During this “Pink Event” you can donate $10 to support the cause and receive 25% off a single item from select stores. Make sure to check out their website for a store listing and ongoing sales and coupons! If you’re here for Trinity Days, there are always good sales going on for Columbus Day Weekend!
So now that I’ve basically covered every shopping center from Trinity to the borders of the state of Connecticut, go forth and find the best “fratting” outfit this college has seen yet!