This past Saturday I stopped at a F21 store, where I must say I rarely go not only because the closest store is far from where I live and if I go "on a trip" I usually don't have time, but also because I try to avoid the temptations of disposable fashion stores. Every once in a while though it is good to go just to see what's out there and how it compares to the offerings of more "upscale" mall brands, namily JCrew.
In the past I had more chance with H&M than F21, in the sense that I usually end up wearing what I buy at H&M, while I had many "what was I thinking" moments with stuff that I bought at F21. Their return policy is also much more restrictive (store credits only in a 21 days window), which means that one impulse purchase is likely to become a definitive one so I have to think twice before buying and don't let the prices blind me. I tried to remember all of this before entering the store.
As I entered the store I was greeted by a see of stripes. I have enough stripes and I am reaching the saturation point, so I walked my way through. Another trend that was very present was the plaid shirts, offered in all the colors and at price points like $16 and less. If you are craving for a plaid shirt, it is worth checking F21 before buying at JCrew especially FP. I saw the almost exact replica of last year suckered gingham shirt, in white/melon checks (very pretty). If the JCrew shirt is undoubitably softer, for $16 you have a pretty decent look-alike. Remember, the point of buying at F21 or H&M is to pay a price that won't make you cry if next year you are not into stuff like plaid shirts anymore. That's all the point of disposable fashion: you pay a lower price for cheaper fabrics/quality knowing that you will wear the item the time of a trend and will dispose of it the next season. Amen.
When I go to F21 I always look for evening tops and prints. I think they do prints very well for the price. And guess who is not doing prints at all? I am eagerly waiting to see some nice prints at JCrew but my ps told me that she didn't see any print in the next rollout. Not to mention that when they come out with a nice print it is generally something overpriced and "occasion" (I am thinking of you ikat dress or ill-fitting (like last year bazaar dress/tunic). I have I hopes for this and I think I would happily pay FP for a blouse or a dress in the same print:
but if they only made a romper or even a long-sleeves shirt I will have to pass.
So, I specifically looked for prints and found two things that were worth taking to the fitting room (I was lucky because there was no line). I ended up buying a dress that reminds me of Tory Burch's Arjeta dress, with the difference that the F21 one is 100% rayon and costs $13.50. The overall effect is very similar, especially when I tried it on with my blue wedges:
Even if it's 100% rayon (or maybe because of it), it is very soft and comfortable to wear (perfect for my summer days at the playground) and I am sure that I am going to wear it a lot. I bought a size S (I am never a XS at F21).
I can't find the dress online, but here is a list of similar prints currently on the website:
Paisley woven skirt (this looks gorgeous)
Ikat print skirt (very Missoni-esque!)
Abstract Painted Tunic
Ikat chiffon dress in the red/brown colorway (this is 100% poly)
Tribal one-shoulder maxi dress (again, 100% poly but so pretty)
Boho Chic dress (this is 100$ silk!)
Do you buy disposable fashion?
hi ema,i try to avoid H&M also because i always feel their stuff is low quality and like a imitation of the clothing i like.once in a while i find something i buy,like a cute striped shirt.
ReplyDeleteexcept maybe for little girls i do buy some things for my 2 year old.
thanks for your review of the venus flytrap neclace,but i actually meant the bracelet.have you seen that IRL?
The dress is very nice! I love rayon in the summer. It's much more flowy than cotton.
ReplyDeleteThe only F21 item in my closet is a skirt I got for $16. I was surprised how good it looked. Their jewelry is quite nice.
That dress looks perfect on you! What a great find.
ReplyDeleteHell yeah I buy disposable fashion. Just recvd a F21 order today. I've been shopping there for 10+ years, so it still appeals to me. Other cheap stores look cheap to me, but I see F21 thru different eyes. I guess the younger spirit still in me that wants an inexpensive plaid top, not a $78 one. Like Rose, I love the jewelry, too. It looks the same as it the JC pieces I have hanging and none have failed me. ITA with you that F21 always has prints. And that's a good thing.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Gigi. I like F21 for accessorie and jewelry. I usually shop online. They have nice hair accessories as well. I have only shopped there two years but some of the things I have bought are better quality than JCrew, Land's End or even LLBean!
ReplyDelete