My Random Talent

So I have this random talent: an unwavering capability to always find something to buy where fashion goods are sold.   This holds true even if the goods are mostly weird, ugly, overpriced, old, etc.  The treasures are hidden! 

Case in point: one day this week I learned last-minute about a “sample sale” on the 19th floor of my building.  Now the term “sample sale” was being used loosely – I would have called it a Cheap Hideous Bag Clearance Event.  Nonetheless, I needed a mid-afternoon break so I decided to check it out. 

The room was filled with cheaply-made handbags, most of them ghastly.  I saw a fake patent satchel that turned from yellow to orange to red (intentionally, as part of the design).  I saw a fake cream colored leather bag with lace on the outside, leopard print on the inside, and a huge bow on top (seriously?!).  After quickly scanning the room, I was doubtful, but everything was going for only $10 so I poked around for another minute or two. 

Score!  I found this super-cute oversized canvas clutch with two pockets and cute brown croc-embossed faux-leather detail.  It is surprisingly sturdy, with lining and a zip close.  Because it was a clutch and not a regular handbag, I walked out with it for only $5.  I’m so excited to use this throughout the spring, summer and fall.  Because of its neutral color scheme, it’ll match everything, and because of its size, it’ll hold everything as well!

 

Deals are out there… even when you least expect them!

Store Guide: Forever 21

I have very few friends that don’t enjoy a trip to Forever 21.  The store offers an appealing proposition to fashionistas all over the country: on-trend clothes at unbeatably low prices.  If that seems too good to be true, well, it is – sometimes.  I’ve written this entry to help you navigate which items to go for and which ones to stay away from.

FOREVER 21: BUY

• Plastic bangles and rings: Unlike plastic “gold” and “silver” necklaces, these fun pieces can be worn season after season!
• Floral tops: They come in all styles and shapes and are perfect for both work and play.
• Cute clutches: I have a brown leather-like “woven” clutch that I’ve worn for years and still get compliments on! 
• Trendy trends: This is the place to experiment with any crazy fads of the moment.
• White tops: Impossible to keep clean for long (let’s be honest here), stock up on a variety of white blouses that you won’t feel bad about getting rid of after a year.

FOREVER 21: DON’T BUY

• Faux-leather handbags:  They’ll break when you need them most!
• Anything sequined: you’ll have lost a good portion of them after one use – or before.
• Makeup:  Be gentler to your face! Stick with a real cosmetics company. The same goes for lotions, nail polishes and the other items they purposely leave near the check-out.
• Shoes:I know, I know – some of them are really cute! More often than not, though, they break within a use or two.
• Items over $30: Take your hard-earned cash somewhere else.
• Winter Coats: Unless you live in Miami or LA, these'll do you no good.

Don’t feel like dealing with the crowds?  Forever 21.com offers free U.S. shipping on all orders $50 or more.  When browsing, read the materials section for each item.  I advise against anything that 100% polyester – you’ll be able to see and feel the poor quality.  Also check out the Size Chart to make sure you’re selecting the right size!  As Forever21’s following skews younger, their sizes definitely run small.

Happy Shopping!