Lookbook: my foray back into Forever 21

I haven’t shopped at Forever 21 since I was about 23. I think it was after I officially stopped going out to bars every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night, I felt no need for cheap tops and short skirts. Not until I started reading Diabolina’s blog and saw her mixing her Forever 21 pieces with her Chanel bags and Manolos did I realize that maybe I should venture back into the store.

I had heard much buzz of the new XXI Forever (btw, what’s with the name change?) at the mall up north so I left my little safe haven of downtown Seattle and drove up there. Granted, I needed to go to Target too, so it wasn’t only for F21 but you know what? it met expectations. and maybe more. The store is HUGE. I liked how the clothes were separated into semi departments and it even has a accessories and men’s section! It was an impressively large store, although I have to say it does not top the Top Shop in London’s Oxford Street. Now, that place is massive. Anyway, as I started browsing, I realized that this was not the F21 that I had remembered, the skanky tops and short skirts are still there, but they have so much more to offer now! I walked away with quite a few items that you will probably see in future posts, but the first is this color block jersey dress.

What I’m wearing:
Dress: Forever 21
Shoes: Marc by Marc Jacobs
Necklace: Kenneth Jay Lane

Gray, Black and White

The jersey is really comfortable, perfect for the summer. I love all things gray, black and white so when I saw that dress I knew I had to get it. Before I bought this dress I had almost bought this one by Bailey 44. Similar don’t you think?

The Bailey 44 wasn’t expensive ($140), but compared to the $30 or whatever I spent at F21, I was just as happy. I added the necklace to give the outfit a little bit more depth and thought my marc’s with the bows was the perfect little girly touch it needed.

Since most of my money is spent on shoes, handbags and jewelry, I feel like the mix of the cheapy dress works with my accessories. I would never do head to toe cheapy, that’s not my style, but the one cheap piece, even if it is the main piece, definitely works for me.

One last thing. Sale alert! My necklace has matching rings and they are currently on sale at Nordstrom. I love big rings, they are such an easy and fun accessory to spice up your outfit.

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  • Cupcakes and Cashmere
    August 7, 2008 at 7:18 pm

    so glad you’ve rediscovered this place! i feel as though the clothing has changed for the better and they don’t simply carry trashy club wear anymore. i love to combine their stuff with expensive shoes and bags too and nobody ever knows!

  • jessica @ budgetsavvybride
    August 7, 2008 at 8:01 pm

    I love the rings- I want yellow but it’s sold out. 🙁

  • lookrichbitch
    August 7, 2008 at 9:40 pm

    I remember when F21 first opened at Alderwood. Everyone was there! I swear, that night when I went out, everyone was wearing the same thing! HAHAHA.

    They used to use the same fabric and just make several different style tops out of it. So glad they don’t do that any more!

    I’m with you though. I’m really only willing to spend moolah on bags and jewelry. (I used to be a shoe whore, but after an accident a couple years ago left me with a weak knee, I just can’t get back into it! Soon though I can feel it!)

    Ok.. This comment is getting too long!

  • tiffany2stylish
    August 8, 2008 at 2:18 am

    cupcakes – I’m glad too! seriously I had no clue that they actually started making cute stuff.

    jessica – aw, that sucks but I think you could probably find them online elsewhere, those KJL rings were pretty popular.

    lrb – I know! that’s what I’m saying, it wasn’t so good. ugh, that sucks about your knee, sorry to hear that! but I can help ease you back into your shoe whoreishness. just let me know when. 😉

  • Guilty Secret
    August 8, 2008 at 6:45 am

    Very cute dress and I love what you did with the necklace. I have a feeling I’m going to get teased with all these purchases from places we don’t have over here on your blog!

    I completely agree – give me cheap clothes with expensive accessories over the opposite any day. Cheap shoes – bleurgh!

    On a practical note, I never buy things with block colours including white, because the white goes dull after a few washes as you can’t separate it! How do you wash items like this? Thanks!

  • tiffany2stylish
    August 9, 2008 at 2:34 pm

    Guilty – I tend to wash most of my dresses, especially jersey dresses, in a lingerie bag on the delicate cycle with woolite. Stuff like this does not usually need to get washed very roughly so I think that helps in keeping the colors vibrant.

    hope that helps!

  • Diabolina 3.1
    August 10, 2008 at 6:23 am

    yay! another convert. seriously forever owes me 😉

    very cute dress. i almost got it but decided i have enough color block dress. when did i become so sensible? blech!