Stephen Finlayson / Staff Photographer

Not having a car can limit the San Diego experience to some degree for freshmen. Luckily, the trolley stops at Mission Valley and Fashion Valley malls for all collegiate essentials.

For girls, it is the fail-safe option for finding something to wear for those socially hectic weekends or just to stay fashionable on campus. Many girls at San Diego State shop at these malls, so getting that formal dress for rush from Forever 21 can mean visiting 21 times that night, or buying that sweater from H&M can possibly result in it being worn by an entire group of friends.

For girls hoping to see their way out of that situation, know there is designer label life outside the malls.

Whatever
Being fashionably frugal in this economy works, especially on a college student’s budget. If there is a dress that has not seen the light of day for months because it has been worn too many times, trade it in for new duds at Whatever in Grossmont Center. This boutique is for the “most fashion-forward girl,” the store’s buyer, Vanessa Garcia, said.

“If you’re tight on cash, over your old dress and need an outfit for the weekend, trade it in,” Garcia said.

Reuse and recycle old clothes to renew personal style. What-Ever offers 50 percent in trade value, and they offer both cash and store credit. For designer resale, this is the place to be for many girls.

“It’s addicting; I come all the time,” frequent shopper Maria Gilbert said.

“We don’t even go into Grossmont without going to Whatever,” Mendi Butera, another frequent shopper, said.

Designer brands such as True Religion, Coach, Marc Jacobs, BCBG and H&M can almost always be found at the trolley-accessible boutique. New clothing and accessories come in every Thursday and range in price from $4.99 to $39.99. None of its shoes exceed $25, so shopping at this boutique could have students ready to step out dressed to impress and still within their budgets.

To trade in old clothes, call 619-698-5148 for buying days.

Twirl
Although not accessible by trolley, Twirl in Hillcrest also offers fashion alternatives for college students who are looking for shopping alternatives. Adorned in purple, this “chic boutique” offers clothes that play off the vintage styles of the “70s, “80s and “90s, sales associate Selena Villegas said.

“We almost get new stuff every day,” she said.

From crystal ball necklaces to Vogue-worthy rompers, this store’s merchandise will not leave students counting how many clones they have at a social event.

“Don’t be afraid to be yourself; do your own thing,” Villegas said.

So as SDSU presses play on a new school year, dare to step out of the Mission and Fashion Valley box. Save the excuses not to try some alternative places that will have you stylish in Storm Hall, chic in Cuicacalli, haute in Hepner Hall or just devastatingly gorgeous in the Gaslamp Quarter downtown.

Twirl is located at 3840 Fifth Ave. For more information, call 619-291-0933.