Fashion corner

Maria Bobila

The King of Prussia Mall is the biggest shopping center on the East Coast. With over 400 stores, KOP is a shopaholic’s second home. But with the University only providing students with a weekend shuttle to KOP, a quick trip to the mall isn’t as easy as it would be back at home. However, Lancaster Avenue is home to a plethora of cute shops that are easily accessible by foot from your residence hall or apartment.One of the Main Line’s newest additions is Knit Wit. Upon entering the store, shoppers are greeted by a knowledgeable staff and an awesome space that could easily blend in with the chic boutiques of SoHo. A flat-screen television plays the latest runway shows of designers like Diane Von Furstenburg, whose line is sold at Knit Wit. In addition, the store also carries Missoni, Theory, Robert Rodriguez, Calypso and, yes, ladies, Marc by Marc Jacobs. The back of the store is a separate space for denim lines like 7 for All Mankind, Citizens of Humanity, J. Brand and AG, as well as knits by James Perse, Velvet, Michael Stars and Spendid. Fine and vintage jewelry, bags and scarves are also scattered throughout Knit Wit. Some favorite finds are Lulu Frost “Plaza Hotel” necklaces ($325), a black crinkled chiffon dress with satin rosettes by Vera Wang ($520) and an Edun black-and-gray graphic (and organic) hoodie ($195). If you are looking for the perfect formal dress or the latest trends of the season, Knit Wit is the perfect place. Visit Knit Wit at 905 W. Lancaster Ave. and you’ll even get a discount with your student ID. A veteran on Lancaster Avenue, Skirt has been around for six years. The store has appeared in magazines like Lucky, InStyle and Philadelphia Magazine. In 2002 and 2003, Skirt was voted “Best of Philly” and, with a new location and beautiful renovation, the boutique is better than ever for its loyal customers. Covered in decorative wallpaper and accessorized with lavish couches of pink and brown, Skirt is home to Chaiken, BCBG, Nanette Lepore, Rebecca Taylor and Tibi. A lot of the lines consist of blazers, blouses, pantsuits and skirts that add some style to the bland corporate wear for job and internship interviews. Skirt also has a great supply of heels and flats by Bettye Muller, Tory Burch and Loeffler Randall. Stop by Skirt to check out its new look and even pick up a babydoll cardigan by Autumn Cashmere ($255) for the fall or add some accents to your next outfit with some CC Skye jewelry. You can find Skirt at 907 W. Lancaster Ave.Farther along Lancaster Avenue, one cannot help but notice State of Grace with its bright “Tiffany green” canopy. If you seemed intimidated by the prices found at Knit Wit and Skirt, State of Grace owner, Amanda Barton, has made it a point to offer affordable but still designer-worthy clothes for the average college student. With Audrey Hepburn as its muse, State of Grace is comfy and cozy with a black-and-white color scheme. The sitting room in the back of the store lets shoppers try on their selections in unique fitting rooms filled with thrift store finds and vintage furnishings. Some unique lines carried by Grace are Max & Cleo, Aude, Bobi, Priorities, Kensie and Miss Me. Although these lines are not as well-known as BCBG or Marc Jacobs, they are just as fashionable and a lot more gentle on your wallet, like Kensie’s tweed cropped jacket with black-and-white houndstooth print ($154) and Max & Cleo’s champagne empire waisted strapless dress ($168). To check out State of Grace, go to 1029 W. Lancaster Ave. So take advantage of this beautiful autumn weather, spend some quality time with your best girlfriends and indulge in a session of retail therapy just a mile from campus. Enjoy!