SANDALS

Cheap: Forever 21

Moderate: Steve Madden

Steep: Nordstrom’s

Forever 21 seems to always have the trends students and others are looking for when it comes to fashion. In terms of sandals, they have the gladiator, thong and strappy styles for ridiculously low prices. Can’t decide which color to get? Well you can afford to get both! Forever 21, like Target, tends to copy the styles of the designers and is able to price them lower since they are a large corporation rather than some fancy label. However, I have noticed that with these deals come a lower standard of quality. The sandals purchased from the designers are just constructed better overall, and are made with better materials.

Now the ones from Diane von Furstenberg, like the “Kourion” gladiator sandal available at Nordstrom’s, are similar to ones at Target or H&M but are four times the price. The difference between them? Furstenberg’s sandals are made of 100 percent leather while the others are made out of cheaper synthetic materials. Styles from all stores are stylish and look the same – just their prices seem to differ. Having owned both Forever 21 and Steve Madden sandals, I would go with Madden. They are a little pricier than the cheapest alternative, but will last longer. I don’t know about other students on campus, but I definitely do not have the money for Furstenberg’s pricey sandals.

CARGO SHORTS FOR MEN

Cheap: Target, H&M

Moderate: Macy’s – Polo Ralph Lauren

Steep: Nordstrom’s – True Religion

Let’s face it – men are happy in just shorts in a tee in the summer. Simple, but this look is classic and cool for those hot days. Available in almost every color imaginable, from beige to camo-print to blue, just about every store carries cargo shorts for men. Target and H&M have some nice cheaper options, ranging from $20 to $40.

Cargos tend to go for affordable prices. The Armani Exchange and Macy’s had nice options under $100. Nordstrom’s of course had the pricier designer available for double the price. The True Religion Brand Jeans “Isaac – Big T” cargo shorts doubled the price of Macy’s shorts, tripled that of Target and look almost exact in appearance. Aside from the patented True Religion back pockets, they are the same. All options are made out of cotton and have the same two side pockets and two back pockets. So unless a guy wants people to check out his butt for a name-brand, I would suggest the cheaper alternatives that look the same.

FLORAL TOPS

Cheap: Wet Seal

Moderate: Urban Outfitters

Steep: Nordstrom’s – Free People

Florals and lace seem to be trends this summer, appearing on racer-back tanks and even bikini tops. Target, Forever 21 and Wet Seal all have floral tanks for reasonable prices. The floral print makes them trendy and fashionable. Dress them up with a jean or leather jacket when going out in the evening or wear alone for a day look.  Urban Outfitters has the more moderately priced tank from Kimchi Blue. The nice peach color mixed with the floral is perfect for jean shorts and sandals. The pricier option from Free People at Nordstrom’s is also a great print for summer. All options are pretty economical and great prints. Really the only difference is the brand or personal taste; I would get the one you’re more comfortable with since all are affordable.