COLUMN: City Creek brings high-end fashions to Utah
Saturday, I was one of a flood of people crowding the newly opened City Creek Mall in Salt Lake City. As a New Yorker-at-heart, I was quite thrilled with the metropolitan downtown feel so close to home.
When I entered the mall I saw the actual City Creek running between walkways, a lady dressed up as a sunflower and a Gateway-esque water feature.
One of the aspects of NYC life I love most is that you can find anything and everything if you walk around a few blocks. Where’s a Starbucks? Around the corner. Indian restaurant? One block south.
I was surprised and giddy when I saw Michael Kors, Bebe and Tiffany’s. Of course, I will never be able to afford these brands unless I become a gold-digger or sell my eggs, but a girl can dream. For those with budgets similar to mine, Forever 21 and H&M are perfect spots for affordable and fashionable options.
The beauty of City Creek is you can pop into the high fashion places, check out the trends and then stop by H&M to find the styles you like at a more affordable price.
Shoe lovers of the world start making room in your closets for Aldo, Vans, Foot Locker and my personal favorite, Steve Madden. I somehow had the opportunity to interview him on a club rooftop where he intermittently used an array of colorful expletives. Though he might be a little eccentric, he has some great shoes and often makes designs similar to high-end designers such as Louiboutin, without costing more than a semester of tuition.
I nearly jumped up and down when I saw Sephora, a beauty retailer. Raised with three brothers, I grew up playing with Batman action figures, inspecting bugs and rolling around in the mud, but I have always loved to do my makeup. For a few moments I forget about germs and use as many “try-me” samples as I can. I don’t even think about leaving until I give myself a free manicure with Casting Call pink in the polish section and a splash of Calvin Klein’s Euphoria perfume.
I’m a newbie to writing fashion columns, so you might be curious what gives me any qualifications – and if you’ve seen me in person, you probably wouldn’t put me into the fashion-savvy category. Most days I stay in my Utah State sweatpants and zip up a hoodie. I’ve even been known to let my jeans poop a boot on occasion (don’t tell D. Whitney Smith.) But alas, I do actually know a thing or two about fashion. I started modeling when I was 15 and, at the elderly age of 20, I retired. After my resignation from the biz, I did an internship at a Conde Nast magazine, “Footwear News.” I’ve also lived in New York on and off for the past six years and being the fashion capitol of the country, I’ve seen many trends come and go over the years – always hitting NYC before trickling back west.
During my runway strutting days, I wore outlandish outfits that apparently someone found attractive. Through the years, I developed a pretty solid preference for my own fashion style (aside from the roll out bed look.) I tend to go for well-fitted clothing that shows of my good qualities – waist and JLO booty – if you were curious. I like to wear many different colors- generally solids and I dig a sexy wedge shoe. During the cold weather season, I tend to wear long sweaters because I don’t want to make girls jealous of my juicy tush.
If I hadn’t just received a parking ticket, I might have picked up a spring dress from H&M or Forever 21 and a bright-colored pump from Steve Madden whilst checking out the mall. But this trip was just for gawking.
I am excited for what City Creek is going to do for Utah. I’ve often felt I could never live in Utah long term. I love the mountains, I love outdoor activities, but I can’t stand the bubble we seem to be consumed within. I think this great new addition to Utah business and fashion is going to put Salt Lake City on the map as a credible location for shopping and tourism. I was ready to check out apartment prices in the area and got excited
I challenge any fashion-interested individual to make the two hour trip south to City Creek. You won’t regret it.
– Natasha Bodily is a senior majoring in public relations. She worked as a fashion model in New York City for five years and interned at Footwear News in the summer of 2011. Emails can be sent to natashabodily@gmail.com