Food, Home and Style
Recession Obsession: Forever 21
$2,480? $248? No, that's $24.80.
I wouldn’t mind being 21 again, to see what it’s like through wiser eyes and maybe correct some of my youthful screwups. But I don’t think I could take it for more than a few days. On the other hand, I could spend a week in Forever 21.
During the boom, when some fashionable friends started pushing the teen store as a source of cheap, trendy duds, I popped my head into New York’s Union Square location. It was loud and so packed with adolescents I didn’t even check out the merchandise. “I like to shop with grownups,” I said.
But when the recession rolled my clothing budget back to where it was when I was 16, I took another look at Forever 21—and discovered its discount charms. The shop is a great source of sexy summer dresses, shorts and accessories.
I’m not the only convert. On a weekday afternoon in June, I was hunting for a dress to wear to a wedding. Unlike Henri Bendel (where I was greeted by no fewer than nine underworked salespeople), Saks and even Banana Republic, Forever 21 was crowded. There were a dozen people on line for the fitting room—and most of them were waaaay over 21. One savvy pregnant woman, who had realized that the high-waisted baby-doll styles would fit her tummy, had an armload of clothes.
Pros:
Prices. I bought (though didn’t wear—see Cons) a blue floor-length strapless dress for the wedding in California for $24.80.
Fabrics. Not just cheap synthetics; F21 stocks cotton sundresses and silk shirts.
Patterns. I’ve been drawn to the bright, even sophisticated, florals and colorful embroidery.
Padding. Built right into the clothes—at least some of them. No more flapping halter tops!
Soundtrack. The music may be loud, but it’s not garbagey pop. I finally know what the cool kids are listening to.
Cons:
Quality. You’re not getting couture crafting for $24. It’s essential to try everything on and check it from various angles for a good fit. In the end, I decided the back of the blue dress was a little too big and wore something else.
Return policy. No refunds—store credit only.
Lines. Forever 21 appears to be recession-proof, which can mean a wait at the register.
Tags: Discussion
6 comments for “Recession Obsession: Forever 21”
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You’re lucky you can fit into the clothes! I can never find anything there that will fit my non anorexic body. I don’t think I was even that small when I WAS 21!
I’m with Mimi; add to the CONS list Forever 21′s skimpy sizing. And the quality (already on the CONS list) is really lacking. In other words, you get what you pay for. Sure, you can pick up a really cute & trendy tweed blazer for fall… but just don’t expect to wear it past one season.
Charlotte Russe seems to be another store that is recession proof. I can walk out of there with a large bag full of clothes for only 20 bucks if I shop the clearance racks (I swear, 60% of the store is clearance). I can get shirts for around 1.75-3.00 and the quality is better than Forever 21 and the fit is better, too.
to the sizing issue, these clothes are sized for juniors. my normal size small/6 is actually a large or XL in F21. once i figured that out, i found more things that fit.
to the quality, you get what you pay for; a lot like H&M.
in the PROS column, the store is great for accessories.
This all raises a really good point. So the question is, what’s the source for cute, inexpensive clothes in larger sizes? Obviously lots of people would like to know!!!
Forever 21 is junk it just is, your
better off going to an outlet somewhere and get far better stuff. My husband likes bebe so we always end up there….dont waste your money in forever 21 . its bebe for me plus if i dont want it i can return it in 14 days no drama .