Thursday, January 28, 2010

How I Shop: EFF Two One

When I shop at Forever 21 I am looking for two thing: #1 Super trendy pieces and #2 Super cheap basics. I am not looking for regular rotation pieces, but my main goal is to look for pieces that I don't mind wearing for just a season.

So I tend to really stay towards the front of the store, that is where the new pieces are, and therefore the latest trends. All the pieces I purchased the other day (besides the green dress, which was the only one like it in the store) were from the front area. Hot trends like florals, military inspired and striped pieces were heavy in the front area. I was hoping for more strong shoulder pieces (because I think this trend is SO flattering and hip) but there wasn't all that much, but the cardigan I grabbed is amazing!!! I find that F21's jackets, dresses, skirts and cardigans are my favorite. And I try not to buy pieces that have a lot of stuff on them, for instance, sequins. I have had bad luck with pieces falling apart after a wear or too so I don't buy a whole lot of that. I also grab a ton of stuff try on when shopping there. I normally HATE trying on clothes but when I shop at Forever 21 I plan for it. I went to the dressing room three times, each time with pieces I thought were awesome, but the fit was not.

After looking for the trends I want, I look for cheap prices. I picked up a sweet grey and white striped skirt for a mere $6. I am certain I will be definitely be getting more then $6 wear out of that. Forever 21 is also a good place to get dresses and tunics. They have great plain basic ones for great prices and cute ones with great details (like pockets and pleats) for steal. I was SO excited about the green dress I picked up and the sun dress has pockets, pleats and a zipper, both were about $20!!

Oh and I always hit up the Jewelry and accessories area, they have GREAT pieces for a steal.
My haul:
Although Forever 21 is a great store for trendy pieces I do feel a bit guilty shopping there (ethics, environment, etc) so I tend to limit my shopping there but it sure is a wonderful store for great styles for less.

17 comments:

  1. SOO glad you wrote this post... I have a mad aversion to F21, but ALWAYS see the cutest things on all the fashion bloggers I follow.

    No lie, I was just thinking, maybe I should email some bloggers to do a post on how to shop F21 and not wind up with something that falls apart, makes you look like cheap wh0re, or a high school kid... and 1 minute later this post appeared in my reader!

    you read my mind! thanks :)

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  2. ..I love the black cardigan ..I thought its jacket : ) I think it will look amazing on you ..

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  3. Awesome post - I am always overwhelmed in F21 and don't know where/how to start looking!

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  4. Great finds! I love F21 for the same sort of pieces. It was a lifesaver during my pregnancies, great inexpensive, flowy and trendy tops. Can't wait to see that floral dress on you!

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  5. Love this post! I'm trying to shop less @ F21 because I buy SO much stuff there and don't ever wear 1/2 of it.

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  6. Great picks! What size did you get in the green dress? Did you size up at all?

    Justine
    www.fetchingfashions.blogspot.com

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  7. Great post! It's very helpful as I hate to shop F21!! But now I will give it another try following your tips. My kids love to go there b/c one time they found $12 on the floor!!

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  8. I love the jacket and yellow floral dress. I am planning a shopping trip this weekend; F21 is now on my list of places to go!

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  9. Wow LOVE the black sweater, green dress and crop floral tank! I think I might have to hit up F21 tomorrow!

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  10. I agree, F21 makes me feel conflicted too. On one hand, I love their cheap, trendy pieces- on the other, the ethics. Oh, the ethics. *sighs*

    But this is a great post! I tend to avoid the F21 store itself and just buy everything online, because the store is like one out of control clusterfuck of a garage sale and it freaks me out, hahaha. But I've never gone wrong getting stuff online, woohoo!

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  11. E hayes so glad the post helped!

    ellinell the black cardigan is amazing i love it!

    annon-glad you enjoyed the post

    Andi-Oh I bet F21 was a lifesaver for you!

    Lynn- I know that is how I get if I shop there too much.

    Justine-No i didn't size up but you loo taller then me maybe it would be too short on you.I got a small

    LOL so funny Peggy! and yes give it another shot!

    Let me know what you get kelsey!


    Aww that means so much to me that you approve Nicole!

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  12. Chloe I have such a hard time shopping there online the website over whelms me haha

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  13. love everything amber! I hit up F21 yesterday and tried maybe 17 things.. walked out with 4 lol! But that's the way it always is there - found the cutest white lace dress and grey wrap sweater... your post makes me want to place an online order! lol

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  14. oooh.. i love f21 too.. nice blog.

    www.danceinmycloset.com

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  15. Oh wow, great finds! Thanks for the shopping tips!

    ~ Natalie :)

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  16. I love absolutely EVERYTHING you bought! I am dying for that green dress and grey and white striped skirt! I may just have to copy you!! Great finds!

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  17. oo I just got that little Military jacket too! Love it, great choices! I had a little fun there last night too!

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