While I’m no longer heading back to school come September, I’m never opposed to doing a little shopping around this time of year to get in the spirit of fall. That’s why I was fully on board when Simon Malls asked me to join in on their campaign at the Great Mall, their Bay Area outpost.

I grew up on weekly mall trips, so I was particularly excited to head back to one of my old stomping grounds to survey the selection and do some damage. I especially wanted to see if I could challenge myself to check out stores I don’t normally shop at to find some hidden gems: PacSun, Express, Calvin Klein, etc. The result? A white denim dress from Cotton On that I never would have found for $10 if I hadn’t pushed myself to go beyond my usual stores. Can’t wait to throw this number over striped long sleeves or ribbed knits in a few months.