Bethesda Shopping: Bethesda Discount Shoe Shopping at DSW

Looking for a pair of heels for Prom? Casual, cheap flip-flops? Embellished sandals? Boots for Winter? And let me guess, want a huge selection to choose from? Well then go ahead and visit DSW (The Designer Shoe Warehouse) off of Old Georgetown in Bethesda for all your footwear needs. The massive, 2-floor store in Rockville, has tons of DISCOUNT brand AND designer shoes to choose from: On the first floor, you can find a variety of shoe styles for men as well as athletic shoes for women, and even purses, bags and jewelry. and on the second floor, you can find an infinite number of women’s shoes… heels, boots, sandals, shoes for sale, even bags and purses… ANYTHING. But beware, sometimes TOO much variety and selection could be a bad thing, at least for me because i end up walking down the many aisles of the store carrying several shoe boxes and second-guessing myself about what i want…. it makes the whole process a lot longer. Anyways, this is probably where i get most of my shoes… i don’t have many… i’m not much of a shoe person… but the ones i do have are most likely from here. So check it out!

PS. Just went there looking for women’s hiking boots… They didn’t have any…. Apparently only men hike? :/

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Age: Any age Style: Anything & Everything SHOES

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Bethesda Shopping: Affordable and Trendy Bethesda Shopping at Forever 21 Montgomery Mall

If you are ever in Montgomery Mall Bethesda and you must get your shopping fix, i would suggest visiting Forever XXII… not only do they have a HUGE selection of clothing, accessories, intimates, jewelry and shoes, but it is also verrrrry affordable, trendy and stylish. For instance, you can buy all these items listed below for roughly 90 bucks:

Let’s break it down:
14$ (shirt)   +   ≈17$ (Shorts)  +  ≈33$ (Vest)   +   ≈8$ (Bracelet)   +   ≈6$ (Necklace)   +   ≈12$ (Sandals) = ≈90 BUCKS

I don’t know if it’s just me, but getting a whole outfit including accessories AND shoes for under 100$ could possibly be the best feeling in the world. Great Bethesda Shopping!!
In conclusion, there is not much to say. It’s young, and hip, and a great place to get cheap, trendy clothing.

Age: teens-20′s   Style: Up-to-date fashion, very trendy, young, hip

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D.C Shopping: Banana Republic Friendship Heights— Perfect for Work

I know anybody around my age that walks by Banana Republic on the street of Friendship Heights or in Montgomery Mall  probably briefly looks at the display in the front, and nonchalantly, continues walking to the next store ahead. BUT little do most girls my age know, Banana Republic is a good place to shop especially for work clothes and classy outfits. You no longer have to look drab and boring in your professional setting, but chic and stylish with their line of feminine and sophisticated clothing items and accessories.

Women's fashion, bethesda work style, bethesda work clothing, women's accessories, bethesda womens fashion, bethesda womens clothing, womens clothing, bethesda womens accessories, bethesda shoppingWomen's fashion, bethesda work style, bethesda work clothing, women's accessories, bethesda womens fashion, bethesda womens clothing, womens clothing, bethesda womens accessories, bethesda shoppingWomen's fashion, bethesda work style, bethesda work clothing, women's accessories, bethesda womens fashion, bethesda womens clothing, womens clothing, bethesda womens accessories, bethesda shoppingRecently, as one of my graduation requirements, i had to intern a doctor at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda; this required me to buy some slacks and dress shirts that would be suitable in the workplace. First stop on my list? Yeah you guessed it… Banana Republic. They basically have all you need… gray slacks, black slacks, cropped pants, frilly light-weight blouses, fitted button-up shirts, ruffle cardigans, trendy women’s blazers… But don’t let these brief descriptions fool you into thinking that these clothes are for older women, they definitely work for any young woman getting her first job, and starting college interviews, and what not. And the same clothes that you buy for work can also be dressed down for a casual brunch in Bethesda or dressed up for a night on the town in the Inner Harbor, Baltimore… you will really be killing two birds with one stone.

Age: 16+   Style: Sophisticated, classy, cosmopolitan

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Bethesda Shopping: Trendy Bethesda Fashion at Zara Montgomery Mall

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Men's Zara

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Women's Zara

When i walked into my first Zara, i was in Italy on a trip with my family. Immediately, i was in love. Their clothes and accessories were not only very fashion-forward and chic, but they were extremely affordable- i only WISHED a Zara existed back in the Metropolitan Bethesda area. A couple years later, Zara came into Montgomery Mall bearing women, men and even kid’s fashion. At first i was skeptical, the clothes were nothing like the ones i saw in Italy…. which makes sense, we all know Europe has always been a year or so ahead of us in the fashion world. But looking at this Zara in the context of where trends are currently at on the East Coast, i  can say with confidence that Zara still remains very trendy, and up-to-date on its fashion. To keep up with the latest street trends, Zara even updates its clothing designs sold in its store every two weeks… that can’t really be said with most stores.

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Children's Zara

So if you are ever looking for floral dresses, cute shirts and blazers for work, heels that will be sure to make a statement, gladiator sandals, scarves, leather bags, pretty fragrances, and euro-chic belts, hit up Zara. And if you’re a guy, don’t feel left out, they have a whole other room attached that is just for you.

Age: Any age  Style: Cosmopolitan, trendy, European-inspired

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Silver Spring Shopping: What Makes American Apparel in Silver Spring A Must!

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Who said neon wasn't in?

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Cute, huh?

If you are ever in Downtown Silver Spring or Montgomery Mall in Bethesda getting a bite to eat or just hanging out with friends, make sure to stop by American Apparel. Started by a man named Dov Charney in 1989, American Apparel is one of the fastest-growing companies worldwide— and there’s a good reason. As leggings and spandex have become increasingly popular once again, the chain has begun to manufacture colorful/basic leggings, leotards, dresses, pants, denim and accessories in addition to their line of basic cotton knitwear such as plain t-shirts and underwear. Did i mention that this store is not just for girls? They also carry a bunch of items for guys, babies, kids and even your furry canine friend too! And the cool thing about it is that the store is also eco-friendly. Practicing the concept of “Creative Reuse”, American Apparel uses the leftover scraps from garments to make all new pieces of clothing and accessories. And NOT only that, but they are also said to be a vegan-friendly clothing line for its increased use of organic cotton in their new label “Sustainable”, 100% USDA organic cotton. Think that’s it? Well, think again! American Apparel is not only known for being green, but it is also an avid advocate for human rights such as the rights for gays and immigrants, and have made these beliefs central selling points in their brand sporting sayings such as “Legalize LA” and “Legalize Gay” on many of their shirts and advertisements.

So if their philanthropic duties and environmental policies are not enough of an incentive to stop by the store, well let the clothes drag you in. Although I don’t really own anything from American Apparel, i have a lot of friends who like to dress up in neon leotards and spandex shirts and go to a club in Washington DC or wherever. It’s a little overpriced, but its a good place to get a few basics.

Age: Any age   Style: colorful, hip, 80′s inspired

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Bethesda Shopping: A Biased View on Bethesda Shopping at Abercrombie and Fitch Montgomery Mall

There is a lot to say about Abercrombie and Fitch in Montgomery Mall located in Bethesda. I know every teen around my age has gone through the “preppy” stage at some time or another when they would dress up in a polo and a mini and chill in Bethesda or Rockville, i also know a few who are still stuck in it… ANYWAYS, where to start? Well I’m sure we are all fully aware of the store’s existence, I mean how could you not? Their perfume and cologne (which happen to actually be good scents in small amounts) fill the store to its capacity; in other words, if you are ever unsure where the store is located, follow the overly strong scent and the really LOUD pop music, and i’m sure you will end up right in front of Abercrombie and Fitch, or perhaps, Hollister. Other than the obnoxious excess of perfume and the loud music in their store, I also am not too fond of their clothes. But to be real, I guess I’m biased… as you can see I’m into Free People, Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters…I can admit, however, that you can find some extremely nice quality basic pieces such as plain tank tops, t-shirts, cool leather belts, denim and sweaters for both GIRLS and GUYS. Of course, for such high quality, it will cost you a pretty penny. Head over next door to Hollister CO. if you want to buy the same piece of clothing for half the price.

And if you are a junior and can’t fit into Abercrombie and Fitch, don’t worry, there is the junior version Abercrombie that is located on the first floor right below. I wouldn’t recommend many of the items there… I’m sure a lot of people and parents would agree that some of their clothing that they market to preteens can be a little revealing to say the least, and the way they advertise these items have said to be controversial, questionable, and overly sexual.

ANYWAYS, if you are into the preppy, vintage look, and are willing to pay for some overpriced clothing, check it out.

Age: 15-19    Style: Preppy, Vintage, Trend-driven

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Bethesda Shopping: Lucky Brand in Bethesda… Only Good for Its Jeans

If you have ever been to the Montgomery Mall in Bethesda, you have most likely walked past Lucky Brand more than you can count. But have you ever checked it out? When they first arrived to the mall, i would say it was quite popular among teen girls, however, ever since they changed their store layout and moved all the women clothing to the back and the guy clothing to the front, i have seen a decrease in business. Makes sense to me… i don’t know a lot of guys that would be caught dead in there. But anyway, i digress, Lucky Brand is only good for its jeans. Don’t plan on finding anything else in the actual store; all it is is a few items of overpriced, average bohemian-inspired shirts and band tees, and a satisfactory selection of washed jeans for both girls and guys.

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Lucky Brand Jeans in Montgomery Mall

Lucky Brand has a variety of different styles of denim for both sexes: all are great fitting, priced around the 100$ mark (which is pretty good for a pair of nice jeans), and even handmade (except for the washing) in America…. good deal. For girls, they offer Classic Rider, Riley Boyfriend, Lola Skinny, Lola Boot, Sweet N Low, Zoe Skinny, Zoe Boot, Zoe Flare, Easy Rider, and Riley Slouchy Skinny. As for guys, they have few styles- Vintage Straight, Relaxed Bootleg, Slim Straight, Straight, Slim Bootleg, Super Slim, and Relaxed Fit. And don’t worry, i know no one likes jean shopping, it can be downright frustrating, but they always have a couple of available employees who are nice and willing to help. So all in all, if you are looking for a nice pair of jeans and don’t want to throw down a couple hundred on a pair of True Religion’s or Citizens of Humanity, then Lucky Brand is a good place to start your jean adventure.

Age: Any age   Style: Bohemian, Rock n Roll

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Bethesda Shopping: Say NO to Sephora in Bethesda

So, here’s a little scenario to think about: So it’s a Friday afternoon, you’re just getting off work and you have a whole night ahead of you that consists of a nice dinner outside in Friendship Heights… maybe with a hot date… and you take a shower, you’re about to put your makeup on, and you realize that there is not enough concealer to cover your gigantic blemish (and you think, is there even enough concealer in the world to cover it??) But anyways, what do you do? Do you head over to the Sephora in Montgomery Mall, Bethesda or do you stop at your local CVS in Cabin John? Take my word of advice: Do not go to Sephora. Unless you want to sweat under some bright lights, get stalked by every employee, inhale about every scent of perfume known to man all at once, and throw down 50 bucks on a squirt of concealer and 5 bucks on a bottle of sticky nail polish, then I would highly suggest you reroute your vehicle immediately.

I have learned over my teenage years that brand does not equal quality. I guarantee that the 10 dollar foundation and eye concealer at CVS is just as good or even better than the overpriced Dior under eye concealer that will cost you your soul and some spare change.

That is all.