Forever 21: 100% for Japan

In light of the earthquake/tsunami that hit Japan last week - Forever 21 is doing something absolutely amazing. For purchases made online today - March 18th, 100% of the proceeds will go towards disaster relief in Japan. That's right....100%. Just be sure to check out before midnight!

Kudos to F21!

Forever 21 x Rory Beca, Forever 21 x Petro Zillia

Designer collaborations seem to know no end and Forever 21 is throwing their chips onto the table.  After a brief T-shirt collection with Brian Lichtenburg, Forever 21 is launching not one but two designers!

Looks from the Petro Zillia x Forever 21 Collection

Last week Forever 21 unveiled a collection by Petro Zillia -  a line known for the identifiable colorful LA style.  Then shortly afterwards for a more casual but sophisticated look, Rory Beca will hit stores on March 4, 2011.  I am super excited that they are joining in the arena as well bringing their giant sourcing ability to lesser known designers.  I am personally looking forward to scooping up some of Rory Beca’s pieces.  Esp the silky shirt dress, silky blouse and silky pants!  Also please sign me up for the jumpsuit which is ADORABLE.

Looks from the Rory Beca x Forever 21 Collection

Both collections for Forever 21 will not break the bank and be gently priced from just $5.80 to $32.80, in contrast to their signature collections that ordinarily retails from $120-150+.  Seriously if you really wanted to, you could scoop the whole collection at these prices!

Look for Less: Forever 21 to Alexander Wang

As you've probably gathered I've been a fan of Alexander Wang for quite some time. Whenever possible I've picked up his pieces whether it be from a sample sale, or collaboration form (via Uniqlo or Gap). If you like this Oxford-Shirt Dress by Alexander Wang it's currently on sale on Tobi.com for for $232 (was $465). I've loved the easy comfortable sophistication of this shirt-dress combo. Unfortunately, it's still a bit out of my budget.

Anyways, I found myself inside the new Forever 21 Flagship store in Times Square during my lunch break and spotted something that would fit the bill at a price I could definitely afford. Although I have quite a distaste for knock off fashion, this one runs more "in the style of" rather than being a direct copy especially since it's just a similar feeling skirt from a dress instead of every detail copied directly in cheaper fabrication. The drape of the skirt & elastic is similar but you'll notice that the drape does not continue into the waistband and the skirt has been made into a high-low tulip on the Forever 21 version. In addition, pockets have been rounded out into drapes to reflect the hem curve. It's been made up in a nice Rayon jersey that feels soft against the skin and could almost be mistaken for silk. The Forever 21 version will run you just $19.80 and is available in the champagne color I picked up and a peach version that isn't quite as nice. Unfortunately this version is not available on the web but a similar version is available for $17.80.

I actually love the flexibility of this piece and anticipate pairing it with countless plain tee's and perhaps even a button up top to create a similar look :) If you are in NYC head to the Times Square store soon if you like the look as I'm sure it'll fly off the shelves.

Forever 21 Times Square Flagship Opens

I wasn't sure what to expect when I heard that a new Forever 21 was coming to town. Not just any old Forever 21 but a four-level flagship that takes up 91,257 square feet of real estate in the heart of Times Square.

Truthfully Times Square fascinated me as a tourist but now that I live here, I don't usually venture into it unless I have an out of town guest or am headed to a show. Also, most Forever 21's in NYC (ie. Herald Square) can be a little bit of a disaster and didn't make for the most pleasant shopping experience. I'd usually hit up the Soho location to pick up a few great accessories but never had much luck with clothing as with all things great in the city was picked over by the time I could look.

Fortunately the Times Square location does it right. Located at 1540 Broadway (nr 46th St) the store is equipped with 151 fitting rooms, 32 cash registers and 500 employees. The hours are also unbeatable, 8am-2am, 7 days a week! The multi-level location with the boutiques withing store of each of the Forever 21 labels housed make it feel like a shopping empire that reminds me a bit of London's Topshop Flagship store on Oxford Street.

The displays are also great and try to incorporate a playful urban NYC feel. Expect these to change often as fashion and merchandise is expected to move faster at this location.

From the directory you can see that the Ground floor being the smallest level is devoted to the Latest Trends and doesn't look too different from other Forever 21's.

The lower levels however are an entirely different story! Accesories, Lingerie, Cosmetics and the contemporary labels find a home. Also important to note, menswear is available at this location. It doesn't usually go to every store and it often sells out quickly.

I found that despite the crowds I had a pleasant experience as there was still plenty of room to look around and browse. The store was bright and cheerful, the displays/fixtures showed off the huge assortment of merchandise well so it was easy to see. This is a store that invites and encourages shopping.

Despite being in Times Square, I think it's definitely worth the trip through tourists to shop the store. I'm actually excited at the prospect of late night shopping. I always thought it was awesome that in Asia you could shop around the clock at night markets and I'm glad that North America is getting a taste! I know I'll definitely be stopping by again in the near future when I have more time to browse...half an hour is definitely not enough for this store!

Dupli-CAUGHT: Surface to Air vs. Jeffrey Campbell & Forever

Remember these Surface to Air multi-buckle wedges that I posted awhile back? Apparently I'm not the only one in love with these $358 shoes.


Jeffrey Campbell does too! The "Warrior" wedges, which retail for $144.99, are strikingly similar to the original pair from Surface to Air. They both have four buckles and angled cutouts around each buckle on each side. The most notable and perhaps only difference in design is the lower wedge on the Jeffrey Campbell pair.

Earlier tonight while seeking shelter from the freezing cold, I stepped into the Forever 21 at Union Square and spotted these.
Surface to Air wedges for $29.99? No, just another Forever 21 pleather and plastic knockoff.