Shopping with me! (Forever 21 and Gap)

I haven’t been shopping in awhile (well, actual in store shopping, I do a lot of online shopping!) especially at Forever 21 so I thought I’d take you guys along for one of these “dressing room” posts so you could see what I tried on.  I get a lot messages that you like these shopping posts especially with sizing and fit so I tried to explain the fit and the fabric, etc… that I found especially if you want to order online.  I couldn’t find some of the things online but Forever 21 is pretty bad with that, I feel like when I go in store I always find a ton of stuff that I like that’s not online.
First off is this Chanel-esque cardigan that looked cute on the hanger but it was a bit bulky on me and gave me a few extra inches that I definitely do not want! 🙂  Otherwise the fit was great (wearing a small) and the knit was nice and thick (which was what contributed to my chunkiness but in terms of quality it seemed to be a better knit than most of their sweaters).  Update: Looks like the cardigan already sold out.  Here’s one that similar and looks slimmer!  I may try this one out.
The pants are way more green in person.  These also had
the potential to be great but the fit was bad in my size and they didn’t
have a size down for me to try on.  It had a lot of fabric in the
waist/crotch area and I’m kinda holding the pants up by my waist to show
how it would look at my waist but really it kinda drooped even lower. 
With that said, if these fit you, they would make great work pants!  The
material they used was nice and thick and I liked the silhouette of the
wide leg (I would need to get them hemmed) but I feel like the quality
of these were much nicer than other pants that I’ve tried on at F21.

This is a really long post so click through to see the rest…

The heart sweatshirt just reminded me so much of when I was a kid and I loved my neon tops back then.  I’m wearing a size M here because I think the looser fit is much cuter with these kind of tops.  The top was a bit itchy on the inside (you know the cheap sweatshirt material feel) so I’d recommend wearing a tank top underneath.

The orange polka dot shirt
was a random pick because I don’t tend to wear orange ever.  But I
liked the shape and the polka dots.  I ended up really liking this top
and it came home with me.  (Obviously have a thing for polka dots as you
can see with my phone. hehe).  This is a size XS as it’s from their
“Love21” line which fits slightly bigger.  I have it slightly tucked in
but the top isn’t too much longer than that which works for tucking in
so doesn’t create bunching.  The fabric is like a lightweight and sheer
but fully lined except the sleeves.

I totally fell in love with this dress when I saw it.  It looks a lot more expensive than it is.  I love the navy with the bright dots and the fit is actually perfect which I rarely find in Forever 21 dresses.  It’s one of those faux wrap dresses so it’s got a side zipper.  Wearing a size small.

I own so many button up shirts as they are the easiest thing to toss in my suitcase when I’m traveling for work.  Add a pair of trousers and simple jewelry for a super easy client meeting outfit (that’s also easily packable).  I’ve never tried one on at Forever 21 and I will admit was very surprised by the quality of this one.  I really like that it was thick and stiff which meant the collar stayed down when I wanted it to and the sleeves stayed rolled up.  I always have issues with button downs with the gaping in the chest area which was the problem here so I passed but for $13, a steal if it fits you!

Pink Button Up (similar) | Heritage Heart Print Button Up (Not available online)
The
blouse on the right is a heart print which was really cute but for a
size small the shoulders were huge.  You can’t see the seams but they
were at least a inch down my shoulder instead of on it like the pink
top.  Super cute but I had to pass because of the fit.  It did remind me a lot of the Dot Blouse that I tried on at J Crew in my last shopping post!
Neither of these are online either but I had to show you how large this dress is!  That’s why ordering online is so hard when sizing is so all over the place.  I know it’s supposed to be flowy but this is just silly.  🙂  This is a Rory Becca for Forever 21 dress.  I really wanted to like it, especially because I love long sleeve dresses but this was just a tent on me and the big sleeves didn’t help.  Wearing a size small.  I did buy this ruffle top from the line when it first came out and it fits TTS.
Rory Becca dress | Polka Dot Maxi (similar and similar)
The top half of the skirt outfit is what I came in wearing.  Blazer is LC by Lauren Conrad and Blouse is by Edun.  Booties are by Miu Miu.  Phone case is Kate Spade.

The polka dot maxi skirt is super cute and runs small.  I was wearing a size
small and I had to hike it up my waist to fit into it.  I didn’t feel
like it was flattering on me so I passed, but I still think it’s a cute skirt. 
Oh and there’s a high slit on one side which makes it easier to walk and
a bit sexier of a look so not appropriate for work.  (when I took the
picture, I almost did the Angelina Jolie Leg Pose for the photo.  I was very tempted.  haha!)

After I left Forever 21, I ventured over to the GAP because it’s really close to the Forever 21 store but mainly because I really wanted to try these yellow jeans on that I had spied online and wanted to see how they fit.  I haven’t shopped at the Gap in quite a bit so was pleasantly surprised to see some other cute stuff in there.
First, this maxi dress that doesn’t need hemming!  From the model online you can see it falls to her ankles which works just fine for us shorties. 🙂  I love maxi dresses and it’s almost impossible to find ones that I don’t have to hem.  I’m standing on my tip toes here but I’d wear it with heels or wedges anyway so it’s perfect length.  I’m wearing an XS. I went home and looked it up and they also have it in solid colors so I ordered the pink and it’s on it’s way to me!

OK so onto the yellow jeans
which for the price are fantastic!  However, the color just didn’t work
for me.  I think I love them on other people but not on me.  They had
other colors too but I didn’t try them on but if you are still looking
for colored jeans, they are worth a try!  They were a nice weight with a
good amount of stretch.  I’m wearing the 00 (regular sizing – they do
have petite sizing online) so I’d say they run big as I’m usually a 0/25
in jeans.
Isn’t this top so cute?  I spotted the red pants first and then this top and thought it would be a good outfit.  I like it but I think I’m going to wait to see if it’ll go on sale.  I love the ruffles at the collar.  I’m wearing the XS and fit is slightly big in the sides and a little long but nothing that a little tucking in can’t fix.
(also wearing our latest design, the crystal Love necklace that will be on the shop soon, but check out our Charming Collection that launched today!  Everything is under $30.)

Oh how I wish the red pants
worked but I’m wearing the smallest size they had in store (0) which was too big.  I LOVE them though!  They are such a great color and I
think a great work pant if you want to mix things up.  They are cotton
and it’s not too heavy so a great fabric for the hotter months.  I did
order them online but they only had a Petite 00 left which might be too
small on me so crossing my fingers that they’ll fit.

That’s it!  Over the weekend I did some more shopping so may do another one of these posts soon.  Thanks for coming shopping with me! 🙂

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  • Natasha Fatah
    April 2, 2012 at 2:25 pm

    Wow, I love just about everything you tried on! Everything looks great!

    xoxo
    http://www.natashafatah.blogspot.com

  • Really Petite
    April 2, 2012 at 2:26 pm

    That striped maxi GAP dress looks so good on you!

  • TheBeautyFile
    April 2, 2012 at 2:43 pm

    Oh my gosh, you're so cute. I love shopping with you!! Especially when there's dots and stripes and adorable "love" necklaces! Hope to snag one of those!! So perfect for everyday!

  • Chanda T
    April 2, 2012 at 2:44 pm

    LOVE the striped dress! So pretty!

  • Diane
    April 2, 2012 at 2:59 pm

    i really love that last outfit so so so so much! i haven't been to GAP in some time…i think i need to make a trip…

  • Ida
    April 2, 2012 at 3:26 pm

    I love the striped maxi!! Too bad it's sold out online. :/

  • Katie
    April 2, 2012 at 3:43 pm

    You found so many cute things! I love that polka dot dress at F21.

  • Cindy
    April 2, 2012 at 4:58 pm

    Hi!! I just have a quick question. I signed up for an account on your site a few weeks ago and I got the $10 credit. It actually expired two days ago, but I wanted to wait for the bow necklace to release and then buy a few things on your site, is there anyway I can be reissued another $10 credit, because everything on your site looks so cute! Thanks in advance!

    • tiffanystylish
      April 2, 2012 at 5:00 pm

      Hi Cindy! I'd love to help. Do you mind sending me an email to tiffany (at) tplusjdesigns.com and we'll figure out another way to get you the credit! 🙂

  • Beautygirl24
    April 2, 2012 at 5:19 pm

    Great reviews! I really love so much of what you tried on. The maxi dress is especially one I want to look into. I really want a black one!

  • JanM ♥
    April 2, 2012 at 5:26 pm

    You tried on such great things!

    xo,
    janmloves.blogspot.com

  • LC
    April 2, 2012 at 6:19 pm

    love those f21 pants, i wish they had that color online. i must go hunt these down!!

  • moderngirl
    April 2, 2012 at 6:49 pm

    i want those red pants!!!

  • Kay
    April 2, 2012 at 6:53 pm

    I love the looks you pulled together. That orange polka dot top is SO cute and chic – LOVE IT!

  • DiamondsandTulle
    April 2, 2012 at 7:25 pm

    Fun shopping trip Tiff! I love that heart sweatshirt and that heart print Heritage top! I've seen it on other bloggers and the yellow version (couldn't find the white one for myself) and I think it's actually a drop-shoulder style – hence the baggy fit. Too bad you didn't like the yellow jeans. I think they look super cute on you (and the maxi as well!)

    xx Vivian @ http://diamondsandtulle.blogspot.com

  • 7eventh Letter
    April 2, 2012 at 8:02 pm

    Wow girlie, you picked some great items. You MUST be so tiny because I can't believe that those sizes are too big for you. Poor thing, you must LIVE at that tailor.

    7eventh Letter
    whatsmoreimportantthanfashion.com

  • katattack2000
    April 2, 2012 at 8:19 pm

    Love the shopping fit outs 🙂 Polka dot ones are so cute! and that polka dot dress 🙂

    katattack2000.wordpress.com

  • Lily
    April 2, 2012 at 9:16 pm

    Love the striped maxi too !!

    xxLily
    goldandgray.com

  • bevy
    April 2, 2012 at 10:05 pm

    Thanks for taking us shopping with you. You have a great eye for style. I really like that Chanel-ish cardi. Wonder how it would look on me. Sure wish there was an F21 and Gap near me. The closest is three hours away!!!

  • Jyoti
    April 2, 2012 at 11:17 pm

    I love all the polka dots! Especially that red top; looks really cute!

  • Kat
    April 3, 2012 at 7:02 am

    I like the yellow skinny jeans on you. Of course, we are our own worst critics. I probably would have skipped on them too. But red, I am all over that!
    http://aneyeforfashion.blogspot.com/

  • @girlsguidecity
    April 4, 2012 at 11:07 pm

    i love this post! its true – F21 sizing is all over the place which makes it super hard! love the yellow pants from Gap though!

    http://www.girlsguidetoseattle.com