Forever Forever 21

Looking back into 2025, the saddest fashion moment for me was when F21 closed down. For those who followed me for years on this blog, most of my clothing finds and inspirations came from F21. Going into a massive Forever 21 store with glittery flooring in the mall was the highlight of my college years and early adult life. When COVID hit, I was amazed how fast shipping was with F21 compared to all the other retailers....I mean once I ordered, I received my items in 3-4 days, verses the 10-15 days of other online clothing retailers. I also loved scrolling through the endless pages of items on their app to catch the latest fashion trend and find unique items that were like works of art because they were inspired by celebrities and runway looks. Of course the best part was the affordable prices for such fun items, and junior sizing was perfect for my petite frame! 

However, there were the bad and the ugly with fast fashion like the horrible environmental impact, the waste, the stories of the condition/treatment of the factory workers....maybe it is for the best they closed down. 

Despite all the controversies and ethical debates, F21 still holds a "happy place/happy memory" for a suburban girl in a lower-middle class family who just wants to look her best and enjoy fashion. 

Even though F21 was meant to be fast fashion, I've collected several pieces that have lasted a decade or more including their jewelry. And I plan to preserve the current pieces that I have to last more decades....thanks to the forever chemicals in them I suppose!

Anyway, to fill the empty void since F21 is gone, I haven't found any equivalent retailer that does it quite right. The closest I can do is to browse ASOS, Francesca’s, and my new obsession with Altar’d State. But their prices are super high compared to F21 for similar quality. To get the price tag like F21, one has to be patient and lucky for the clearance sales, so it is a bit of a bummer. 

Currently eyeing these items...

St. Moritz Pullover (sale $19.88, original price of $74 is crazy)

Park City Embroidered Pullover (sale $15.99, original $68 is crazy) 

Lucy Toile Print Sweatshirt (sale $25, original $50 is crazy)

ASOS DESIGN cropped quilted patchwork jacket in black and white floral (sale $62.99...this price point makes me really miss F21 for similar quality) 

Pieces rose embroidered quilted jacket in cream ($29.70 sale, original $99!)

Any F21 fans out there?

 What is a good alternative site to shop at that is similar to F21?

Light Wash Jeans and Ruffle Top

 Current Inspiration: Simple. Feminine. Fresh. 

1, 2, 3

Ruffle Accent Sweater Trend

Influencer Anh from 9to5chic always has the most classy/expensive looking outfits, almost as if she is living the pages of a Banana Republic or Club Monaco catalog. Recently on her Instagram, I was enamored by this ruffle sweater, but of course when items look pretty on influencers, they sell out fast and this sweater ain't cheap either at $69 at Nordstrom. Upon closer inspection, the brand is "Vero Moda" which surprised me, since I have been shopping this fast-fashion brand for many years at ASOS, but usually have way better discount prices. 

I'm one of those people who cannot fathom buying a sweater for over $50 bucks when I know that sweaters usually get dingy and old fast after a couple of machine wash and dry. Who has time to separate clothes in delicate cycles and then have a space to lay them flat to dry?....unfortunately not me. 

So if you are looking for alternatives to Anh's beautiful but sold-out sweater, here's some less expensive ones at ASOS, that gives off similar romantic vibes...

QED London frilled mesh detail sweater in camel - sale $26.60

QED London crochet ruffle detail sweater in stone - sale $26.60

or 

QED London ruffle front detail sweater in ivory - sale $16.15!

Miss Selfridge frill detail sweater in lilac - sale $40.80

Vero Moda Petite pointelle sweater with ruffle collar in beige - sale $38.75

So many pretty sweaters this season, I just can't keep up! 

Unconventional Wedding Dress Challenge Part 6

Tip #5. Buy petite brands: amazingly, all the "petite" maxi dresses at ASOS have been perfect in length for me. I just wish they had more styles that can pass as bridal-wear. 

John Zack Petite Embellished Bodice Maxi Dress With Tulle Skirt

Wearing size US 0 petite, sale $42

Problem: This dress was on clearance and only had size petite 0 left. And once again, it is way too tight; I can barely zip up. As you can see, the top is too small and shrunken for me. This means if I order in the ASOS petite section, I should start picking sizes 2 or 4. But I really love the simple concept of the dress with the gold sequin pizzazz on top. Unfortunately, the dress turned out more beige/nude instead of the cream as in the stock photos. If this dress was more ivory and fits like the stock model, this would have been the "one." 

Lesson learned: stop ordering size petite 0 at ASOS. 

Part 1,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6 , Final Thoughts

In theory: perfect fall outfit

I was just browsing ASOS, and fell upon these items below that would combine into a perfect fall outfit. Unfortunately, I am not going to buy anything today (since these are not on my shopping limit list). Maybe I'll come back to these looks someday when I'm no longer on budget restraints.

Golden/mustard yellow plaid blouse

Under a brown tweed jacket

With oxblood burgundy skinny pants

Perfect fall colors!

Inspired by TBS post here.

Also thinking of this painting right now:

Lorette with Turban, Yellow Jacket by Henri Matisse, 1917

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

ASOS addiction wishlist

If only I had extra funds, I'll be picking these up:

ASOS Premium Cotton And Lace Trim Jacket  (sale $32.72)

 

ASOS Retro Coat With Stand Collar (sale $86.36)

 ASOS MINDY Leather Loafer Shoes with Contrast Sole ($63.63)

I'm falling for whimsical shapes and spring colors!