
3. Charlotte Russe
If you know me, you know I’ve been a fashion girlie for as long as I can remember. When I was in my early 20s, I was always wearing itty-bitty skirts, sparkly tops, and platform shoes, so you better believe Charlotte Russe was my favorite ’90s store.
This place was magical for every fashionista, and my girlfriends and I were always looking for last-minute date night outfits. The best part? The pieces were trendy, and they were quite affordable. I don’t know about you, but my mall trips weren’t complete until I’d quickly browse through their fashionable racks of rhinestone-studded everything.
Teens were also crazy about this ’90s store. It was the dream for anyone wishing to look glam without maxing out their cards. But as fashion and shoppers moved online and the mall was no longer special, Charlotte Russe filed for bankruptcy in 2019, closing hundreds of stores.
Even though the brand later tried to revive its presence online and in limited locations, I must admit it’s not the same. Or maybe I grew old and my clothing tastes have changed too much. But hey, I will forever miss those dressing room pictures and 2-for-$10 crop tops. My husband fell in love with me wearing a rhinestone-studded yellow top, so can’t forget that!