Oh, the struggle of being a fashion-savvy Terp. As the Yeezy Season 1 collection drops, your empty wallet simultaneously sighs and reminds you that expendable income is foreign to the life of a college student. However, a beacon of regal retail hope shines bright from its Route 1 resting place in between Chipotle and Noodles & Company.
Rugged Wearhouse, a discount retail store, is the key to balling on a tight budget, priding itself on offering “up to 70 percent off on famous name brands!” The store’s website claims that “every visit is a treasure hunt,” with “new merchandise” coming in twice a week. I recently had the pleasure of embarking on a price-reduced odyssey through Rugged Wearhouse, and the following is a look into the five greatest (and funniest) finds at the local location.
1. Nike Air Max 95 JCRD Cool Grey/Bright Mango (Size 9)
rugged shoes
Rugged price: $74.99
Compare at: $143.96
When I first stumbled upon these, I couldn’t believe my eyes. As a bit of a sneakerhead, I know the value of a pair of rare Air Max 95s, and thought I might have made the Rugged discovery of the century upon finding these babies for the reasonable price of $74.99. Upon searching eBay and seeing the Buy It Now price of $143.96, I became even more confident that these were the Holy Grail for frugal footwear customers. Then, a shocking discovery inside the kicks made the value exponentially more realistic.
One shoe was missing its entire sole! Providing me with a broken heart and a perfect play on words, these damaged Nikes did irreparable harm to my own poor soul.
2. “On Fridays, We Flex” long-sleeved shirt
rugged shirt
Rugged price: $12.99
Compare at: $25
So many incredible things are happening with this single shirt. First, wouldn’t it make so much more sense if the shirt was sleeveless? How does this shirt convey that the beholder is an avid flexer other than by the phrase emblazoned on the front? Second, where in the world is this shirt being sold for $25, as the “compare at” price indicates? Third, who doesn’t love paying to constantly advertise an amazing Mean Girls-based joke prominently on their chest? I’m sold!
3. “Fashion Jewelry” necklace
rugged fashion jewelry
Rugged price: $5.99
Compare at: N/A
Notice recently that you have a ton of jewelry but none of it quite qualifies as fashion? Well, Rugged has you covered with “Fashion Jewelry,” with the name written above it in a line of self-explanatory style. Playing the role of both a necklace and fashion, this innovative item works as the perfect early holiday gift for your significant other or female family member. For the affordable price of $5.99, you’ll never have to settle for “regular” jewelry again. Also, please do not reference me if you do indeed choose to gift this to your significant other.
4. Snoop Dogg- and Pharrell-themed backpacks
snoop dog rugged
rugged pharell
Rugged price: $19.99
Compare at: $40
Are you a backpackless lover of cats, dogs, hit-making producers and rappers who changed their identity upon returning from a spiritual trip to Jamaica? Rugged has the perfect item for your book-carrying needs: backpacks based on the likeness of Pharrell and Snoop Dogg. Claiming to be $20 less than the average retail price, this can’t-miss product is an essential holiday present for any student. Thanks to Rugged, you now have the privilege of sending your son, daughter, friend or loved one back to school with the quintessential symbol of their love of domesticated animals and hip-hop pioneers.
5. Camo Crocs (Size 12)
rugged crocs
Rugged Price: $19.99
Compare at: $39.99
A pair of camouflage Crocs for $20 less than the price listed on the Crocs website? Well, I have two words: mic drop.
