Shopping

Floral Zip Up Dress, Forever 21, $22.80

While I may be a few years older than 21, my seniority doesn’t keep me from cherishing the cheap yet chic finds at Forever 21. Friends are often surprised that I find so many great pieces there, but I’m not. Crammed full of racks dedicated to each and every trend of the moment, plus an array of inexpensive accessories, a trip to Forever 21 can be hit or miss, but it’s definitely worth the occasional visit.

Case and Point: A recent shopping spree generated three cute dresses, a fantastic fall coat and new handbag for $138.80, with none of the five pieces more than $32.80.  Before the new Forever 21 opens on Newbury Street, my store of choice is the one inside the Arsenal Mall in Watertown.  With two floors and a fab accessories room, there’s a lot of merchandise to choose from.  Savvy tip: If you hate crowds, go early on the weekends, or a weeknight evening.

Coral Military-Inspired Pea Coat, Forever 21, $32.80

My first pick was this outrageously adorable coral fall coat with big, gold military-inspired buttons.  At $32.80, it was easy to snap up this statement piece, which is perfect for my long weekend walks around town.  Unfortunately, I was unable to track down this coat on Forever 21’s website, but the style number is 77123563032.  The coat runs true to size.

After, I scooped up three stylish dresses, each with a floral design and front zippers.  The first, pictured at the beginning of this blog entry, was a big hit during my recent trip to California, where the temperatures were in the 80s.  However, I’m convinced that with sheer navy tights and a long cardigan sweater, I can bring this summery dress into the fall season.  At $22.80, this dress was the only one that I could find on the Forever 21.com website (click here).

The other two dresses I bought translate with ease into the fall season.  The first (pictured right), is eye-catching with vibrant hues of blue, green and yellow.  Flatteringly cinched with an empire waist, I also have dreams of dressing this frock up or down, depending on the occasion.  The dress was $24.80 and the style number is 76806363012, as it is also no longer listed on the Forever 21.com site.

The third and final dress I purchased is the most sophisticated. With a unique pattern of mauves, blues and lavenders reminiscent of an artist’s paint brush strokes, the dress’s ladylike elegance is modernized with a slightly exaggerated hip/pocket area.  I envision this dress with

Floral Cap Sleeve Dress, Forever 21, $27.80

sheer navy tights, booties and a fitted blazer to bring more of an urban feel to this girlie frock.  I was unable to find a link to this dress on Forever 21.com, but the style number is 78331777012.

Last, but certainly not least from my Forever 21 shopping spree was a classic large taupe handbag with bronze chain detailing along the handle and body of the bag.  Incredibly versatile, this bag can be paired with a variety of outfits, yet is large enough to carry around the massive amount of “stuff” that tends to travel with me as I walk through the city.  At $28.80, it was more expensive than all of the dresses I purchased, but it’s still a steal when you consider how much designer handbag companies command for a single purse or tote.  Unfortunately, my luck with Forever 21.com continued with this handbag, as it is only available online in brown, not taupe (click here).

Twist of Fate Taupe Handbag, Forever 21, $28.80

Not too bad for just an hour or so of shopping!  Forever 21 is located inside the Arsenal Mall at 485 Arsenal St # 37 in Watertown, MA.  Phone number is (617) 923-470 and Forever 21 is open Mon-Sat 10:00 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sun 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.  Happy Shopping!