Lilly D.

I have been using Clinque products for several years and I have always loved their make-up. I use a Superpowder Double Face Make-up (powder foundation) by their brand daily, and their eyeshadow duos are my go-to's. The foundation has great coverage and the eyeshadow has a beautiful pigment (with many natural/neutral/subtle looking options that I love). I have also used their Super Primer face primer. It is really effective, helping my make-up last through the day. I often use it for parties, because it does not wear off through pictures, dinner, the sweaty dance, and after party.

Their products aren't overly expensive, but they are a little pricy for a soon-to-be college student; however, they are worth the extra-money for better quality. This make-up also lasts a very long time (I still have eye shadows from 2+ years ago-- maybe not super hygienic, but I digress), which also makes it worth the investment. They have really nice people on their staff too.

I have never been an avid shopper at sephora (the brands they carry are typically too pricey for my tastes); however I must praise them for their quality goods and ESPECIALLY for their wonderful staff. They always do a great job to make sure you're taken care of and their make-overs are wonderful. I had my eye make-up done (to test for prom) and it looked wonderful. They woman explained the process very well and she did an excellent job of taking my soft, natural style and making it a little more dramatic for a special occasion. When in doubt, try it out!

I have a few tried a true favorites at Panera Bread e.g. the Chicken Noodle Soup, Turkey Chili Soup (yes, there is a soup theme) and Various Flatbreads. They food is good quality for being a chain and the prices are decent for a student. Their bread is very tasty. My family loves buying a baguette and taking it home for dinner.

Aerie has many qualities that I love. They have cute underwear and clothes that aren't too sexy, but have just enough to make anyone feel confident and beautiful. They have prices that aren't too expensive, but indicative of the quality you will receive. They market women as they are with no retouching and advocate embracing your "flaws." I wear their underwear almost everyday. Their styles are very comfortable, especially the vintage lace underwear that seems like it would only look nice, but is actually more comfortable than some of my other pairs (which is hard to do). I also own a bralette by their brand that I absolutely adore. Comfortable, cute, and gorgeous lace (in case you can't tell, I love lace). I love the breezy, laid back vibe of their store, which is much more appealing to me than the raw, proactively sexy vibe of the other very famous lingerie store (think wings). I really do love this brand and I hope to continue shopping there.

I have been a fan of american eagle since my early teen years. They carry my favorite jeans and I always look forward to wearing their winter collection (I like it better than their summer collections, but I've always liked their shorts, because they aren't too short or too long). They have good clothes and great service. Love it!

Forever 21 has never been my favorite store; however I do respect their affordable prices. I don't like their return policy (only store credit), but that is understandable considering the prices. You get what you pay for, some quality is good, some not so much. I currently love a velvet skirt that I bought there a year ago. Their store is often really messy, but they are less so since they've changed locations at my mall. I don't think I'll ever buy more than one or two items a year from them, but I respect that fact they help many women (21 or not) find clothes that they like for an affordable price (even if the item may last for only a few months).

I have rented from Rent the Runway twice this past year. It was recommended to me by some older friends and I decided to check it out. Each time I received amazing customer service and beautiful dresses.

My first time I rented a dress in January for prom, which was in April. Unfortunately, two weeks before the event I was notified by customer service that my gown was either too damaged or would not arrive in town in time for the delivery date. I was a bit surprised, but not shocked, because the dress I requested was of an older style, so it did not seem unreasonable that the dress be too worn for rental. They were extremely generous, telling me that any dress (REGARDLESS OF THE PRICE) was available for me to select as a replacement. They even allowed me to pick a second style regardless of the cost, ending in an order for dresses (two styles each with two sizes) whose combined value was $750, but for the price of my original dress whose value was $80 dollars. Both dresses arrived on time, in pristine condition, and with a gift of lotion and fashion tape. My prom dress was the most beautiful dress I have EVER worn. The other dress was not to my taste, but it was still good quality. I wrote two reviews: one for 5 stars, another for 3.

This October I rented a dress the month before the event; however the same situation arose in that my BACK-UP size (the main size would still come) became unavailable. Again, this was an older style so this is not unusual. They said I could select a replacement dress (just one that did not exceed $450). They allowed me to rent 2 styles of dresses each with 2 sizes, so I received five dresses in total (including the original dress minus the back-up size). They also arrived on time, and the dress I ending up wearing was STUNNING.

EDIT: I rented three dresses (two styles) for a ball this holiday season and RTR hasn't failed to disappoint. The dresses I ordered came on time and in good condition, even in the midst of the busy holiday season.

Customer service has always been swift and helpful (responding in a matter of minutes), and Rent the Runway has been very generous to me when dresses have not been available. Although I have experienced dress unavailability twice, I have the upmost trust for the company, and I want to caution other users that just because you order months in advance does not mean that a dress will still be useable by the time your event comes, especially if you order a dress that has been on the site for a long time.