Black Friday Hopes to Bring Out Shoppers

By Rachael Wabel

Despite the struggling economy, many shoppers ventured out on Black Friday morning – or even earlier -- to find the best deal on wanted Christmas items.

“I really want a new TV,” shopper Allison Humphry said. “I’ll be at Walmart at nine Thanksgiving night to get it.”

Like many other stores, Walmart held two sales. One consisting of clothing and toys started at 10 p.m. while electronic items were discounted at midnight. Among the big items on sale were televisions, Blue-ray players and video games.

“I need a new DVD player and Walmart has one on sale for like $50 bucks,” Shane Wallace said. “For a Blue-ray, you can’t beat that.”

Best Buy opened its doors at midnight while the Toys R Us sale started at 10 pm. Employees were asked to arrive at work at least an hour before the sales started to prepare for the crowds, which didn’t thrill everyone.

“It’s Thanksgiving and I want to spend time with my family,” Walmart employee Tyler Jones said. “But it was kind of a must-do thing. I need a job.”

Not everyone hitting the stores is going for the deals. Anne Spencer and her two daughters consider the late-night shopping a bonding experience.

“We’ve been doing this since the youngest turned 13,” Spencer said. “It’s not really about the items on sale; it’s about spending time with my girls.”

(O’Sullivan)

Snow Shorts

By Rachael Wabel

Christmas music streams from every radio station, carrot-nosed snowmen stand in various front yards around the block and children squeal in delight during a snowball war. The crisp air lingers, announcing of the presence of winter. A man walks out of his house with ski coat buttoned up passed his chin and a woolen beanie tucked down over his ears. He appears warm, expect for his legs. Draped around his lower half is a pair of thin silver basketball shorts.

Even during the winter months, some people choose to wear the summer attire. Men seem to sport the trend more than women, claiming shorts are simply more comfortable.

“I just hate pants,” said Jacob Jukes, a shorts fanatic. “They’re too restrictive.”

In addition to the freedom shorts provide, some men wear the summer clothing for comfort.

“Long pants pull at my leg hair,” Utah State University sophomore Logan Johnson said. “Have you ever had that happen? It hurts.”

Many stores including Walmart and Target discount summer attire by the end of August and pull shorts along with other warm weather favorites completely from the sales floor around the beginning of October. 

“I buy a bunch of new shorts when they’re cheap,” Jukes said. “I wear them all year, no matter what.”

Not everyone see’s the logic of wearing shorts in the snow.

“When guys wear shorts in the middle of the winter, it makes me wonder just how smart they are,” USU sophomore Kellice Bradley said. “I mean, do they really want to get sick?”

Not all guys follow the summer-in-the-winter trend, citing the cold as a deterrent.

“I like to be able to feel my legs when I get to class,” USU senior Loren Smith said. 

(K. Blesch)

Flip-Flops A Winter Favorite For Some

By Rachael Wabel

The bright sun reflected blindingly against the foot of snow blanketing the ground. People everywhere were wrapped up in heavy coats, scarves and hats in hopes of keeping the winter chill out. The clip-clap of flip-flops against the pavement echoed through the brisk December air, shattering the chilled silence.

Despite the cool weather, many people continue to wear flip-flops year round. Some cite comfort and convenience as reasons for sporting the sandals in the winter, while others have become accustom to the freedom the footwear provides.

“I wear mine everywhere,” said Carrie Maas, a mother of two and flip-flop fan. “They are convenient and match my outfit.”

The fact that the shoes do not have to be tied makes flip-flops an easy option for some.

“I get up with barely enough time to get to work. Rather than bother with socks and tying my shoes, I throw on my flippy floppies as I am walking out the door,” Logan resident Brady Hull said.

Cindy Howell, a Santa Cruz, Calif., native said growing up in a beach town made her accustomed to wearing sandals and flip-flops.

“I was always used to not wearing shoes,” Howell said. “My feet get too hot and I hate that.”

However, not everyone agrees with wearing flip-flops in the snow.

“You couldn’t pay me to wear anything but boots during the winter, especially in Logan,” Utah State University junior Katie Ferris said. 

(K. Blesch)

To Ugg or Not to Ugg?

By Rachael Wabel

Boots seem to be a staple winter clothing item, especially for those living in chilly northern Utah. But not all boots are the same. Uggs, and their competitor knock-offs, have become a necessary item in most women’s closets.

According to the Ugg company website, the boots were designed for Australian surfers as a way to keep their feet warm and dry between surf sessions. The boots, made of sheep skin and fleece, came to the United States in 1978 and found a place in fashion. The boots began as unisex footwear, but upon American introduction, they became associated with women’s winter wear.

“I love mine,” Jordan Allen, a Utah State University freshman, said. “They were totally worth the money.”

Boots from the Ugg Austrilia brand run anywhere between $150 and $200 depending on the style.

Other shoe designers such as Airwalk and Bear Paw have created similar boots, but at a fraction of the price. At Payless Shoe Source the Airwalk sheep skin boots cost shoppers between $40 and $45.

“I bought mine at Payless,” Megan Vaughn, a USU sophomore, said. “They look just like Uggs, but I didn’t pay that much.”

The Ugg trend doesn’t seem to be ending. Logan Payless employee Stephanie Crandall said the boots are the best-selling item especially since the warm shoes come in children and women sizes.

“They’re our biggest hit,” Crandall said. “They aren’t dying off anytime soon.”

Not everyone is a fan of the warm footwear.

“I personally think they’re ugly,” USU sophomore Jessica Meyer said. “I wouldn’t wear them. Ever.”

 (L. Rios)

H&M Comes to Utah

By Rachael Wabel

Fashionista’s across Northern Utah are rejoicing. H&M is coming to Utah. The fashion retailer is opening a new location in the Fashion Place Mall in Murray on Friday, Nov. 11. The opening marks the first Utah location for the worldwide company.

The retailer, which is located next to the Apple store, will open at noon. The mall will open at 4 a.m. to allow shoppers to line up outside H&M. Brooke Whitehead, a spokesperson for the mall, said that the store will have many opening day events including giveaways.

H&M, a Swedish based company, specializes in designer quality clothing for men, women and children with prices starting at $10 according to the store’s website. The retailer has worked with designers such as Roberto Cavalli, Stella McCartney and Jimmy Choo to create lines specifically for H&M.

Versace is the latest designer to collaborate with the company. The Versace collection will be supplied in 35 locations of the franchise, including the Fashion Place Mall.

“Being able to find cute clothes and not have to worry about spending too much is really nice,” said Ashley Bray, a frequent shopper. “I definitely plan on visiting.”

The styles aren’t the only thing exciting shoppers. Before the Fashion Place location, the closet H&M to Utah was located in Las Vegas.

“I’m super excited,” said Megan Murphey, a college student and self-proclaimed fashionista. “I love the one in Vegas, but this is so much closer.”

Not everyone is eager to shop at the new store.           

“I’ll probably go check it out, but I’ll probably still end up shopping at Walmart,” Krista Starker said.

(S. O'Sullivan)