Dorm Room Shopping

ne of the first things people said to me after I had been accepted to college was, "Have you picked out your sheets yet?" Apparently there is some ceremonial picking-of-the-first-year-of-college-sheets rite of passage that I was not privy to. This silly preoccupation with linens started to make sense when I discovered a hidden truth: Everyone wants her home away from home to reflect her unique personality. However, sheets alone do not a personalized dorm room make, so I've done some research and settled on two stores that I think offer the most stylish products around:

Target -- This major retailer has set itself apart from the myriad of Middle America mega-stores by never compromising on style in the name of a bargain. Target has given itself a bit of a makeover for the new millennium after attracting unique designers to create home products for the masses. After all, necessity need not be boring. For your room, consider a streamlined side table by Phillipe Stark that also serves as a light. Or try a funky portable phone by Michael Graves straight out of the 1950s. Most delish of all, Todd Oldham, a former MTV House of Style contributor, has just released a colorful summer collection, jumping with eclectic designs that specifically cater to the dorm room crowd.

Garnet Hill -- This store is top of the line when it comes to bedroom basics. After investing in your extra long twin-fitted sheet in basic white, go crazy with your flat sheets and pillow cases. Try a funky floral if you're a traditionalist, or, if you can still remember the days when you made tents and forts out of your bed, indulge in the dragons and wizards pattern for kids. Garnet Hill also has a wide selection of rugs to cover up that nasty carpet and pillows to ease the strain of studying. If there's not a store near you, check the catalogue. Happy decorating!