blogginstyle | University Mall

University Mall. We’ll keep you in the know with info on the latest fashions, accessories, footwear, electronics and so much more.

[universitymall]

Spring is IN the air...

The days are getting longer, leaves are beginning to appear on the trees and heavy sweaters are shed in favor of fresh new fashions! The shops at University Mall are full of everything Spring... the prettiest pastels, bold floral and geometric patterns, statement accessories and shoes in every shade imaginable! Here’s just a few looks we love for Spring! 

Gymboree makes it easy to dress your little ones in coordinating fashions from head to toe! Stop in and see their new Spring color collections—perfect for those Easter family photos! Sizes range from infants to kids’ 14, and include dresses and separates for girls, dressy and casual separates for boys, hats, shoes and accessories in shades of blue, pink, purple and yellow. A virtual Easter basket of fashion! 

Aeropostale has you covered with the latest trends for girls and guys. You can “shop the look” with all outfit pieces conveniently displayed together, or choose your own favorite pieces to combine for a statement that is your own. Dresses and skirts feature geo and floral print, and are great to pair with a cropped jacket or light sweater. Tanks are a key layering piece for Spring, and available in a rainbow of this season’s popular colors and patterns—and great matched with a lightweight open knit sweater or button up shirt, for those days that are still a little chilly! And don’t forget the accessories and shoes! Be sure to shop often and check out the newest lines from Bethany Mota and Pretty Little Liars, both exclusive to Aeropostale! 

Payless Shoesource had so many styles and colors of fashion footwear for Spring, you’ll have a hard time deciding on just one pair! Whether you’re in the mood for a strappy wedge, a glittery flat sandal, or maybe something cute AND comfortable from the DexFlex comfort collection, don’t worry-they’ve got a shoe for whatever mood you happen to be in! With shoes for men and women, boys and girls, you’ll find fashion-forward affordable footwear for the whole family at Payless!

[universitymall]

Game On!

It’s one of our favorite times of year in Tuscaloosa... football season!  There’s excitement in the air as the Alabama Crimson Tide prepares for the first home game in Bryant-Denny, and University Mall is the perfect place to “get your game on” with all sorts of official Alabama apparel, headgear, accessories, gifts and more! So many choices to help you get ready for gameday, whether you’re going to the stadium or coaching from the couch with friends, and here are just a few ideas to get the home season off to a winning start!  And... Roll Tide Roll!

  Stadium Style

Not just for tees and sweatshirts anymore, Bama Fever stocks a huge selection of everything from kids’ Bama gear to stylish shirts for ladies, and men’s fashions from Columbia, Nike and Ping, to name a few. Or you can grab a good ol’ go-to $8.99 Bama tee; so you can show your spirit however you like! Don’t forget a great-looking hat—they have nearly a whole wall of styles to choose from. And for the perfect tailgate (or preparing that perfect gameday feast), pick up drinkware, serving pieces, table decorations, and even storage containers for the leftovers! 

  Bama Baubles

Looking for a gift for that avid Alabama fan? Or maybe a little sparkly addition to your gameday look? Reed’s Jewelers has got you covered, with their Spirit Collection of Alabama gameday jewelry and watches!

  Fashionista Fans

Houndstooth is a popular fabric print in the fashion world... and it’s a good thing, because it’s often associated with the Crimson Tide’s legendary coach, Paul “Bear” Bryant and his famous hat. Not feeling the “logo” look for gameday? Stop on by T-Town Gallery or right outside their door at Candlelife, for a great selection of fashions and accessories, from scarves to handbags and sunglasses, to add some team spirit and modern style to your fabulous look for gameday. 

[universitymall]

So Long, Summer?

Labor Day has come and gone, and with it, the unofficial end to our friend Summertime… But wait—isn’t it still 85+ degrees outside for the next few weeks? This is always the time of year when we stand in our closets, deliberating over what to wear, since the mornings may have a hint of cool in the air, but by noon we’re sweltering! Fear not… our fashion stores are ready to help with this transition to Fall! Adding a few key accessories can stretch your wardrobe and keep you comfortable, until the crisp days of Fall arrive (and we’re counting the days)!  Here are some ideas we found to look fashionable and be comfortable while we wait on the weather to make up its mind!

Boutique Chic

Poppi-Razzi is celebrating one year in University Mall! This on-trend boutique (located across from Piccadilly, near JCPenney, in case you haven’t dropped by there yet) has some great new arrivals to ease into Fall with style! Juanita, the owner, tells us that transitioning into fall really isn’t as hard as you may think. The key is to grab the newest fall colors, whether it’s in a scarf, chunky jewelry, etc. and combine with light weight fabric. Also, throwing a cute fall cardigan or lightweight shirt over a summer tube top shirt or dress is a great way to get a little more life out of your summer styles. The trend is bold without being flamboyant, and comfortable yet figure-flattering. And, very important—grabbing the right fall shoes can set off any outfit. Fashion is a little time travel, always borrowing from the past but living in the future. Some accessory trends include the choker necklace getting re-worked for fall, incorporating heavier chains to punk spikes, and more in between. Mid-finger rings are popular as well. No longer confined to the usual place, rings have made the transition to mid-digits. The key with accessorizing is to make it a statement, letting your jewelry do all the talking. New fashions and accessories are arriving nearly every week, so be sure to stop and see Juanita at Poppi-Razzi!

  MAXImum Style!

The versatile (and oh-so-comfortable) maxi dress, popular all summer, makes a great transition style to fall. Top it with a cute jean jacket or lightweight blouse, and you’re set to go! Charlotte Russe has a great selection of dresses, from maxis to minis, to high-low hems and more that lend themselves wonderfully to this time of year, in lighter-weight fabrics and fabulous fall colors. Or, choose a bold-patterned maxi skirt to go with a soft knit jersey top. Adding layers of accessories, such as the popular infinity scarf in a virtual rainbow of patterns and colors, can also add texture to an outfit without the weight of those chunky sweaters that we’re dying to break out of the closet!

Stepping into Fall

Payless Shoesource has you covered for footwear—whether you’re a Fall die-hard that can’t wait to jump into the first new pair of boots of the season or a fan of Summer, clinging to the last few weeks of sandal weather... or somewhere in between! New arrivals for September include this season’s popular ballet flat, in more colors and patterns than you can imagine. Heeled oxford shoes and tweed patterned pumps have arrived, as well as a great collection of ankle boots and riding boots (which we’ll anxiously wait to wear on the first cool snap!). Transition time in the South, though, means that you CAN wear your sandals a little longer! Choose from leather or metallic tones, in strappy flats or gladiator styles, that will complement both a flowy skirt and skinny jeans! And, for casual wear, pick up a pair of comfy canvas slip-ons, available in tons of colors and fun patterns from floral to animal print!

[universitymall]

Well, Hello There Fall

Summer is winding down, and it’s time to start thinking about the new school year right around the corner.  With the Alabama State Tax Holiday August 2-4, it’s a great time to shop University Mall for back to school fashions, accessories, shoes, electronics and more!  Our stores are full of this year’s newest looks-and here are some that we love for Back to School 2013!

Snooze in Style

What a great time to have a little one (or BE one!) getting ready for school this year. Stitch Factory has a cart FULL of the most adorable coordinating Stephen Joseph nap mats, backpacks, lunch boxes and totes! All can be monogrammed or personalized with a name for just $5 more! Their plush, cuddly mats come in sports and animal themes, and have a blanket attached. Hooray for naptime! And for the older kids, there’s a selection of mesh and clear backpacks, which can also be personalized. Or, you can bring in your own and they can monogram it for you, usually while you shop!

Fall for a New Look

Back to school shopping is a must. So whether you are looking to stand out, fit in or just hang out, you might as well do it in style! Aeropostale offers amazing new styles at great prices, and they’ve just launched a brand new Fall collection, just in time for back to school! They've always been a place for cool graphics and comfy sweats, but now they are the new face of fashion. Debuting their new look at a nationwide launch party, Aero is quickly making a name for itself on the front line of fashion. New styles in denim for girls (and easier sizing guides, too) and guys, and great use of color and quality fabrics, bring a modern feel to classic style. You can now shop by look, and pick up pieces that go great together, as well as freshen up wardrobe pieces you already have! And if your school requires uniforms? No worries – Aero has “uniform approved” styles for girls and guys! Be sure to check out all their latest on www.aeropostale.com/blog.

Fashion Makes the Grade

We love layers!  Pile them on to make an A+ fashion statement, and take them off when you get too warm! The Children’s Place is a great shop for the latest trends for girls and boys (their sizes start from baby, all the way up to size 14) and they have a great selection, from basics like denim and graphic tees to fashion inspired layering pieces like plaid shirts & sweaters, and cute ruffled skirts for a girly look! Need uniforms for class time? The Children’s Place has got you covered, from head to toe! Check out their coordinating shoes, backpacks & accessories, and you’ve got one-stop shopping for the little ones! Here’s an inside tip – sign up for their email list, and you’ll get extra savings delivered to your inbox!

[universitymall]

Sweet, Sweet Summertime

Summer is heating up…time for fun with family and friends.  Maybe including a trip to the beach or weekends at a local lake or park…or playdates with the kids. One thing is for sure—it’s HOT!

We shopped around and found some “must haves” to pick up and help beat the summer heat, and be trendy while you’re at it! 

Flip-flops and sandals from Charlotte Russe are the perfect footwear choice for fun in the sun! They’re available in tons of fun colors, so maybe pick up a couple pairs (or 3 or 4)! Strappy sandals pair nicely with flirty skirts or long, flowy maxi dresses—so those need to be a summer wardrobe staple too, and you can get them in white, neutral shades or even multi-colored. And, since we all know that here in Alabama, we wear our sandals most of the year—these would be cute to pair with skinny jeans as we get ready to make the transition to Fall! Oh, and don’t forget a great woven hat—it’s a fashion statement and shade for your face, all in one!

So, you love the look of designer sunglasses…but maybe don’t want to quite make the investment because… well (we’ve done it many times!) they get misplaced, scratched or accidentally sat on in the car? Sunglass Boutique has you covered! All of their designer-inspired shades are just 2 for $20! Can’t decide between the cat-eye and aviator styles? Grab ‘em both! Lots of variety for both ladies and men, in styles to fit every face.

And finally, after spending the day soaking up the sun, basking on the beach, or just out and about in high heat and humidity—Bath & Body Works’ NEW Summer Chill line (just launched this week) is a wonderful way to feel clean, refreshed, and smelling great! Coconut Water Chill, White Mango Chill, or Citrus Orchid Chill are three great fragrances to put your summer on ice! They’re available in shower gel, body lotion and fine fragrance mist, and in the store now!

[universitymall]

Summer Lovin’

It’s official. Summer is in full swing. While the actual first day of summer is not until later this month, that great summer feeling that we know and love is all around us. June is a busy month – but it’s a laid back kind of busy. From Father’s Day to summer weddings to vacations, enjoy summer’s slower pace in the company of family and friends. Looking for a few gift ideas for Dad? We have a few ideas up our sleeve. Here are our top gifts for summer. Okay – so Dad loves his music. Make it easy for him to take it along, with on-ear HD headphones or portable speakers from Best Buy Mobile. He can enjoy his tunes all to himself with headphones from brands like Beats Solo, Logitech, Skullcandy and more – that are all compatible with most digital music players and mobile phones. Or, Dad can share his musical likings with a crowd! Portable speakers that work with Bluetooth-enabled devices, or a standard cable, can turn the pool side or Dad’s grilling station into an entertainment venue! If you’re looking for the latest hi-tech device for Dad, stop by Best Buy Mobile for the new Samsung Galaxy S4 –the next big thing from Samsung! Amazing 13MP camera, touch free interaction, and more! The S4 starts at $200 with a contract upgrade. An ugly tie for Dad? NEVER! Not when you can stop by T-Town Menswear and choose fresh new coordinating ties and shirts to spiff up Dad’s wardrobe! They’ve got tons of styles to choose from,  and whether he’s a fan of the traditional necktie, or the renewed popularity of the bow tie, T-Town Menswear has the latest patterns and colors to keep Dad on trend! Plus, right now the whole store is buy 1, get 1 half off! So, you can pick up a shirt AND a tie. Or a new suit or sportswear too.

[universitymall]

Time to Celebrate

Who doesn’t love Spring? The weather is wonderful, the grass & leaves turn green, flowers are in full bloom and it puts a little pep in your step. It just makes you want to celebrate. And it’s a good thing – from high school and college graduations to Mother’s Day, there’s a lot to celebrate in May.

    Not really sure what to get mom or grad? We have a few ideas that are perfect for both. Here are our top three gifts for mom and grad.

    How Charming

The Pandora bracelet collection at Reed’s Jewelers is the perfect gift for both moms and grads. Each bracelet is customizable with hundreds of charms to choose from. Plus, it’s a keepsake gift that can be added onto for years to come. The Mother’s Day special starts at $200 and includes the bracelet, 2 clips and starter charms. There are also several other options available so that you can personalize your gift for whatever occasion you happen to be celebrating.

    The Brew for You

Whether pulling an all-nighter studying for exams or taking care of little ones, a great cup of coffee can get you through the day (or night!). Kitchen Collection has a great selection of single cup brewers & accessories from brands like Keurig and Cuisinart. Keurig’s Mini Plus Personal Brewing system starts at $99.99 and is perfect for a dorm room. There are also more deluxe models available for those who are serious about their coffee – and their caffeine!

    Keeping Tabs

Now come on, if someone gave you a tablet as a gift, wouldn’t you be excited? They’re great for storing photos, surfing the web, social networking, reading and so much more. Radio Shack has the new Kindle Fire HD, as well as the latest iPads with retina display. All perfect for students, those starting their first jobs in the real world and for moms who need a little me time.

[universitymall]

Spring Trends

Spring is IN University Mall. Take a look at the latest trends and shop the great INdoors!