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Home to one of the best design schools in the country and an Ivy League university, the small city of Providence, Rhode Island has a shopping scene heavily influenced by its creative student population.

As a teen growing up here, shopping was generally limited to Providence Place Mall, your typical shopping center filled with As Seen on TV kiosks and loitering teenagers. But in more recent years, the downtown scene has expanded with design-minded stores offering some unexpected and youthful pieces that any shopper, student or not, will appreciate.

Retailers like Clover, an industrial high-end boutique, and Sneaker Junkies, the pro athlete-approved stop for streetwear, have put downtown Providence's apparel and accessories offerings on par with any big city; meanwhile, shops like Nava and The Vault Collective bring fresh takes to the world of vintage with their own unique twists.

Whether you're just passing through or settling in for the weekend, be sure to check out our favorite spots to shop in town.