Sunday, June 20, 2010

Foray Into Forever 21

I'm not a frequent shopper at Forever 21, mostly because although there are gems to be found, the search process is usually too chaotic and overwhelming.  I did, however, stop by this weekend to look for a few items I've seen on other blogs (lace skirt, knot-back dress).  Well I didn't find any of those, but did come across an interesting item.  I'm not exactly sure what it's supposed to be, but it was lightweight knit in size S:


The color's not showing up real well, but it was a deep eggplant in person.  I suppose it could be a short dress or a tunic if worn with tights.  The sleeves are those bat-wing types that drape:


I was attempting to show the interesting part, but it didn't really show up either.  There was a self belt that actually went through the body of the garment (not around the outside).  I haven't seen anything like that and thought it was pretty neat.  It was relatively inexpensive ($12) and I like that the belt gave me shape, but I wasn't sure what I'd wear this to so decided not to purchase.

I also tried on this skirt in size S that looked like it might fit:


The partly-elasticized waist sat on my true waist which is rather rare.  The pockets were a plus and the silk blend material was nice.  But in the end, I wasn't in love with the print and it was a little shorter than I'd like so I passed on this one.

I also saw this linen skirt that was previously seen on ExtraPetite, here also in size S:


I liked the color, but the waist was a little too loose on me. And when I cinched the ties, the ruching became slightly floppy and the skirt just draped kind of funny.

I think Forever 21's credit-only return policy does somewhat limit my trigger buying, and I tend to go home and think about their items first rather than my usual buy-first-think-later habit.  All I ended up getting was a couple of camis for $2.50... can't go wrong with basics!

15 comments:

  1. I have been coveting some of the sweaters on the Forever 21 website (actually, they are on the Twelve by Twelve section), but I was afraid to shop there because of size and quality. I may just go ahead and order one soon (waiting to hear about some job interviews..once I get a job and some income, there will be a shopping spree of sorts).

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  2. I went to F21 yesterday too and found some interesting items. I like the green print skirt on you but I know what you mean about those print. Don't you love those $2.50 camis. I live in them. They are so comforable and the price is definitely right.

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  3. I have been to F21 only twice. Every time I was there, I was way too overwhelmed to actually feel like shopping. :) I did buy a short sleeve cardigan that I really love. In terms of your two skirts, I like both of them. I really like the print on your first one. I think it looks really lovely on you. The second one is less flashy, very pretty color. Too bad it doesn't fit that well. Your post makes me want to give F21 another chance. :)

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  4. Most F21 high waist skirts also sit on my true waist. While that might give more length (which is a plus because nowadays F21 skirts and dresses run too short to my liking), but my behind always looks weird, as if the fabric is not placed on the right parts. The skirts even look short on you, and I think I'm 3 inches taller than you're. That lace skirt in your post was the only item I purchased from them since I graduated from college. Maybe you can try out their Love21 line next time? My lace skirt is Love21.

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  5. My favorite is the first one...all the details you described sound right up my alley, plus the price is so low. I can see it dressed up for a nice dinner or for the club. I totally understand your decision to not buy any of them though, because every single item I've ever bought from F21 (except for some of the $2.50 tanks and 1 bustier tank) has been followed by regret. Their stuff is instant gratification for me and I never want to wear it after buying it...def. save your $ unless something is perfectly to your tastes.

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  6. i loveeee forever21 xD about the only thing i can afford. you might want to check out more of the love21 items. they have xs sizing and more mature selections.

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  7. I actuallly like the way all 3 fit on you, although I'm sure in person vs pics the 3rd skirt isn't that great as you say. These items do seem to fit better than many of the items you've shown in the past. Dresses, especially nonfitted ones, are def the easiest for petites b/c they just drape on the body and don't need to fit well in the usual places like shoulder, bust, etc.

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  8. omg i have the same feeling as forever21 and i hate going in there. i decided to be patient this weekend as well and found a whole bunch of stuff. the first outfit is really cute on you. i love top/dresses with the bat wing arms. the length is just right on you too.

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  9. PetiteGorgeous & Angie - So is Love21 a separate store or does F21 carry those items in their regular stores? What about Twelve by Twelve? I feel so uninformed about F21 brands!

    Kerry - I hope you get your job! And definitely would love to see what you end up ordering.

    sophia - I know, their stuff has more potential to fit me than a lot of other stores, but too bad the shopping experience is so painful. Even shopping online at their site is overwhelming!

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  10. Frankly, I like all the three items, my absolute favourite being the skirt #1, and they all look great on you. It's funny but just today I ordered a bunch of stuff from Forever 21, that's my very first shopping experience there and I'm pretty excited to see what those things are going to look like in person. Your pictures convince me that I shouldn't worry at all:)

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  11. Thanks for this great review. I can't shop at F21 ever. Every single time I walk into the store, I get exasperated and leave within a few minutes. It's such a shame too b/c one of my good friends in law school looked AMAZING every day and everything she had was from F21.

    In any event, I like the batwing dress on you, but not the other things. I didn't know about the store's return policy, so thanks for the heads-up.

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  12. It really depends on the store's location. Love21, F21, 12 by 12, Heritage, and Faith 21 are own by the same people. There are three F21s in the city where I live, but only two of them carry all those brands, and the other store only carries F21 items. If the store has the floor space, then they would most likely carry items from other brands than just F21 items.

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  13. i think each forever21 should have love21 items included. you can just stop by and ask them or order off their site :)

    www.forever21.com/love21/

    oops totally forgot to link your super helpful post to my bra discussion. will do!

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  14. just wanted to let you know that I saw the knot dress that Jen was wearing in her post! Go check on the forever21.com site under heritage!

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  15. D - I see it! Thanks for the tip! :)

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