ShoppingBig Time

Savvy shoppers recognize Benetton (S152) for its international style and colorful collections for women and men. Also known for its socially conscious advertising, this global brand is located in a storefront across from the mall’s Apple. With great nine-to-five wear, plus unique, warmly colored casualwear, embellished knitwear, and chic outerwear for men and women, this store is one that warrants a visit every season.

White House|Black Market (S148), two stores down from Benetton, is another chic spot for sophisticated officewear, plus flirty dresses for weddings, showers, parties, and special nights out. Fittingly, all of the clothing  is rendered in shades of black and white—but the monochromatic theme is anything but boring. The floral patterns, soft textures, and flattering cuts, which make up the private-label clothing and accessories line, leave women of all ages feeling elegant.

Fit fashionistas—or those of us that need a little motivation getting to the gym—should take the stairs up to Paiva (S262). This MOA shop is the best spot for modern women’s fitnesswear by Puma, Adidas, Fila, Brooks, Under Armour, and a private Paiva line. From sports bras and tanks for yoga and dance to footwear and accessories for running and training, Paiva’s got everything a girl needs to feel inspired about working out. On top of all that, the store’s clean layout, helpful staff, and fabulous fitting rooms make for a pleasant shopping experience.

Go from taking care of your body to enhancing your appearance. A few steps out of Paiva is the little beauty-filled corner of MOA, where you’ll find MAC (W294), with its rows and rows of multihued eye shadows, and makeup emporium Sephora (W200) across the walkway. (Aveda and Origins are also close by.) True beauty buffs know that MAC’s cosmetic offerings change regularly and the exclusive collections are only at counters for a limited time. Look over the latest, plus get a mini makeover from one of the MAC consultants. For a more diverse selection of brands, head to DIY makeover central, Sephora. Elongated black S’s adorn the doors of this brightly lit store. With hundreds of beauty products for hair, skin, eyes, lips, and more, this place can be slightly overwhelming. But luckily, customers are encouraged to test products at mirrored stations to see how shadow, blush, lipstick, and foundation work with skin type and tone.

Swedish discount-fashion company H&M (W117) has slowly made its way to the Midwest, and the giant Mall of America store is located just downstairs from MAC and Sephora. Fashion-conscious men, women, and teens who want to stay ahead of the trends, but don’t want to pay top dollar, shop at this 20,000-plus-square-foot store. H&M updates its merchandise regularly to keep up with runway-inspired fashions, so something here today may be gone tomorrow. Slaves to fashion are eagerly awaiting the arrival of Roberto Cavalli’s fall line for H&M. Adding to its list of past design collaborations (most recently Viktor & Rolf, Madonna, and Kylie Minogue), H&M worked with Italian design icon Cavalli to create an exclusive collection of extravagant pieces for men and women, plus coordinating accessories and underwear. Look for it in stores November 2007.