Love Culture

My shopping trip to The Oaks Mall uncovered a new fast fashion destination that's probably got some local teen shoppers talking. Think Forever 21, but with much more polyester, compelling visual merchandising, and price points generally under $30. It's called Love Culture, and I admit I've never heard of it. The website indicates that it's under construction, and my google searches reveal limited information about the company- only some mixed shopping reviews, as well as job listings.

With the recent expansion and renovation of The Oaks mall, I was secretly pining for a new H&M store, as there seems to be space for one. For now though, I'll quietly browse Love Culture's racks of boho tunics, stretchy sublimation tees, flirty dresses, heavily distressed denim, and knit bandage dresses that so closely resemble what Bebe was selling two seasons ago. (For once, I actually felt too old for most of the offerings.) I would've left the store empty-handed, save for one piece that caught my eye - a black Mexican-inspired peasant dress. It may have been the only cotton dress in a store bursting with synthetic apparel, and its colorful embroidery appealed to my casual summer-y sensibility. Its breezy silhouette begged to be reigned in with a belt and worn over leggings.

Wearing: knit beret, handbag, and striped belt - Target, dress - Love Culture ($27), leggings - Zara, woven wedges - Charlotte Russe

Here are Love Culture's store windows