Urban Fashion for the Anti-Mall Rat

Online shopping saves you from teenage packed malls and the aggravation of window shopping. While your local shopping mall boasts everything from confections to Capri pants, you may want the ease of choosing exactly what you want or need without the assistance of a third party frantically seeking to meet sales quotas. Not to mention, if you're in the market for a new wardrobe, you don't feel the competition from amazingly dressed mannequins behind your computer screen.

With the high demand of urban fashions, there are a handful of websites that cater to all of your clothing needs. Whether you're trying to keep up with the trends or define your own individual style, you can fill your closet with hot finds with a few clicks of your mouse... and you never have to leave your seat, fight for an item on the rack or deal with the new salesgirl who can't seem to process your credit card.

Karmaloop.com is a great source for urban fashion and streetwear. If brand names like LRG, Artful Dodger and 555 Soul get your fashion gears spinning, Karmaloop is an online store you may want to check out. You can find everything from jewelry, jeans and hoodies to the hottest kicks. My personal favorites are Keep shoes, which are generally only found in specialty sneaker shops. These canvas sneakers are casual, comfortable and trendy without sacrificing being unique. Karmaloop also carries Adidas, DC, Vans and Puma, among other styles.

Another website for urban fashionistas is TheGiantPeach.com. Like the name suggests, everything you find on this site is a pretty big deal that makes you feel all fuzzy on the inside. The Giant Peach features underground and popular urban brands like Akomplice, 2K by Gingham, Soundgirl and Harajuku Lovers. If you're an urban fashion lover who also craves the freedom and grit of indie hip-hop, you'll also find t-shirts featuring artists from independent labels like Up Above, Definitive Jux and Stones Throw. You can also browse through a large selection of hard-to-find artwork, music, books and videos... novelties you may not find at a store outside of a major metropolitan.

When it comes to urban fashion, individualism reigns supreme. The main goal of being "urban" isn't about looking like the video vixens or rappers on BET and MTV, but showing that you have a unique street style of your own. The mall has the potential to rob you of everything distinctly "you" and dress you like a mindless drone. A must-see site for those who are desperately trying to escape all things commercial is GrooveEffect.com. Groove Effect is the mecca for shopaholics and serves as a style, music and event blog. If you're searching for something new, fresh, fly and flashy, check the blog regularly for links to other online sources or stores in a neighborhood near you.

If you're looking for the mall look while avoiding the actual chaos of the mall, you can always visit DrJays.com. You can purchase the latest in Sean John, House of Dereon, Enyce, Southpole and Akademiks, along with every other brand you see advertised in magazines like Vibe and The Source. Unless you feel like searching through racks of tightly packed sale items, you're much better off visiting Dr Jays' online superstore for clearance prices on your favorite urban names.

Happy shopping!