How many times has this happened to you? You go into the store at the mall with all the cool counterculture clothing and buy a new T-shirt that's really great. Then you go out that night with your new find, only to see that there are another ten people wearing the same shirt. Well, that's because you didn't go to Culture Shock.

Skyler Davis (who also plays in the band Trivial) has been the owner of Culture Shock (2308 Charles Street) since May. His concept is to handpick all the merchandise that comes into the store to make it unique. He avoids stocking the same stuff that you find in all of the corporate stores. The result is that his collection of underground clothing and accessories will be something that you can use to make your "look" all your own.

Davis says that the main focus of the store is in the area of horror movie, heavy metal and punk clothing and accessories. The biggest sellers tend to be belt buckles and T-shirts, but that's far from all that he carries. From rings, stickers and patches to a supply of vintage records, you'll find all kinds of counterculture treasures at Culture Shock.

In addition Culture Shock carries lots of local band merchandise. This includes show tickets, CD's and shirts. When part of the city flooded a few months back Culture Shock was hit hard, but Davis has brought it back from the dead and is bringing in more new merchandise all the time. Stopping in now you'd never know that disaster had struck this place.

Culture Shock is open Monday through Friday 11 to 8 and Saturday Noon to 6. Stop by and check it out. If you prefer a sneak peek you can go to their myspace site at http://www.myspace.com/cultureshockrockford. If you are looking for that unique underground look, then Culture Shock is your answer. If you haven't been there, what are you waiting for?