Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Shock Local

Wandering through the mall you see many of the same stores you've come to expect. Driving down East State you'll find stores and restaraunts you'd see in any town. You already know where you can find linens and t-shirts at low, low prices, but do you really want to look like everybody else?

The folks who shop at Culture Shock surely don't.

When Skyler Davis bought Culture Shock in May 2006, he had a very specific vision of what he wanted the alternative clothing store to become. Seeking out specialty clothing from lines such as Lucky 13 and Felon, this store was going to cater directly to Rockford's young underground crowd.

Stepping into Culture Shock, you hear a variety of alternative and metal from underground bands and usually see about a half dozen local teens looking for just the right outfit to match their piercings or their tatoos. This cool counter-culture shop on Charles St. carries clothing that is practically impossible to find anywhere else in town. T-Shirts bearing the names of underground and popular metal bands, favorite horror movie logos and classic movies like The Goonies. One wall bears belts that make you stand out in the crowd, and plenty of great women's accessories and clothes that were likely selected by Lauren Vanags, Culture Shock's Promotion and Sales director.

On the other wall lives one of my favorite weekend wardrobe staples - button-up style bowling shirts with outrageous designs. There are pinup designs and panel shirts with great prints and interesting textures, all with prices that easily beat similar shops in Chicago and other larger cities hands down. Culture Shock is clearly the place to go if you're looking for something different to add to your wardrobe, maybe for that trip to Chicago for a concert or a Roller Derby bout here in town.

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