With fashion trends constantly changing it can be hard to keep up as a busy college student. Whether you are in need of something to wear out to local bars such as the Draft House or Jack’s on Brighton Avenue, an upscale outfit for a night out at the Avenue in Pier Village, or a basic ensemble to throw on for class, there are several boutiques and shopping centers in the surrounding area that accommodate for all.
Located about 20 minutes from the University, The Grove at Shrewsbury is similar in design to Pier Village but offers a variety of chain retail stores such as J. Crew, Banana Republic, Victoria’s Secret, Free People, and much more – even a Starbucks for your daily coffee fix. According to the Grove’s website, many of these stores even offer discounts up to 15 percent off to students and teachers with the proper ID.
The Grove also hosts seasonal events boasting live entertainment and dinner specials. Their website provides an up-to-date calendar of such events, including live music every Friday night at D’Jeet restaurant. Coming up is the “Fall Festival,” which will be held Saturday, October 22, and will feature a Halloween parade, DJ, and more. The Fall Festival will also sponsor a clothing and shoe drive to support the American Red Cross, according to the website.
“I love going to The Grove with friends,” said Amy Rodriguez, senior. “The outdoor atmosphere and affordable prices make it a great place to spend the day. Also, the student discounts some stores offer are a great plus.”
The Grove West, an extension of The Grove, is located just across the way on Route 35 and offers additional stores, events, and promotions, all of which can be found online at thegrovewest.com.
Rumson also offers great shopping with many one-of-a-kind stores not found in the local mall. Posch, a boutique located in Rumson, recently participated in a fashion show displaying their latest collections at the Jersey Shore Fashion show at Bar Anticipation in Belmar, according to jerseyshorepremiere.com. According to the boutique’s website, the store carries brands such as 7 For All Mankind, Hudson, Joe’s Jeans, and Rock & Republic. “We also carry various price points in our premium denim as well,” says the Posch website. “For an example, our best selling Blank jeans have the perfect fit and retail for only $62!”
Katie Mosera, a sales associate at Posch said, “At Posch we specialize in giving you that one-on-one personal shopping experience you wouldn’t find at local malls. We also carry a wide range of price points, making it easy to look fabulous with any budget.”
Don’t forget about the streets of Red Bank where both chain retail stores and unique shops line the roads. Onlyoneredbank.com lists stores such as Urban Outfitters, Syndicated Clothing, and Nirvana that provide the best up-to-date fashion trends. Redbank.com provides information on Red Bank’s “Dine & Shop Red Bank,” which is hosted on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings in the fall. According to the site, various restaurants offer price-fixed menus ranging from $15 to $30, and select shops stay open for late night shopping. More information about the events, participating stores, restaurants, and menus can be found online at onlyoneredbank.com, or on Facebook under “Red Bank River Center.”
Brave New World in Little Silver is a surf shop selling men’s and women’s apparel, accessories, watches, and bags. Bravesurf.com indicates the store’s popular collection of brands as Billabong, Element, RVCA, and Hurley. The store not only sells surf and snow gear, but also offers repair services as well. Information on any news within the store and repair shop services can be found on Facebook under “Brave Surf” or bravesurf.com.
Sporting stylish looks at affordable prices, Jenna & Molly of Pier Village offers “trendy, contemporary clothing- reasonably priced, without sacrificing style and quality and up to the minute looks for the fashion conscious girl and young minded women,” according to the store’s Facebook page. Jenna & Molly is a personal favorite of many University students for last minute buys. Laura Ledman, senior, said, “I love Jenna & Molly for their affordable clothes and its proximity to campus. I can drive over to Pier during a break between classes and get a great top to wear out later that night!”
So don’t be discouraged by the hefty price tags some department stores are placing on their racks this season. Whether its in Shrewsbury, Rumson, Little Silver, or Long Branch, the surrounding University area has plenty of alternatives to finding those fall fashions you have been dying for ‑ without killing your wallet.
PHOTO COURTESY of piervillage.comie.blogspot.com
