Believe it or not, malls are garnering newfound respect within the fashion industry. Chain stores that sit alongside Auntie Annie's pretzel stands are upping the ante, taking nods from fast fashion and churning out on-trend looks for a reasonable price. In a shopping list dedicated to mall-friendly fashions one can land for under-$100, Refinery29 notes, "many cross-country retailers are starting to step up their game -- Nine West, Gap, and American Eagle, included." And their cart proves the point: a chambray shirt, a Band of Outsiders bandage-esque skirt, and cozy cardigans included, all for $100 or less.

The story echoes a contributor to College Candy's sentiments from a post published just over a week ago: "suddenly stores that used to make me feel nauseous (boasting window displays stuffed with mom jeans and fugly tablecloth patterns), actually have some adorable stuff that us college girls would actually consider wearing." Among them: the Gap, Express, Ann Taylor, and Old Navy. Simply put, these stores have caught on ... and with the recession encouraging the concept that frugal is cool, chain retailers getting a clue and shoppers being less label-conscious than ever has proved a killer combo. Should the idea of strolling a mall on a Saturday still fill you with claustrophobia and fear, the good news is that each and every one of the boutiques featured in either round-up boasts online stores. Ergo, shopping these inexpensive looks from beneath the sheets is totally within the realm of possibility.