H&M shirt
Rossmore necklace
vintage deadstock harem pants
Nine West shoes
I really, REALLY needed a haircut.
——-
After organizing my closet for the 19th time, I realized that I needed shirts. I also realized that I did, in fact, own sandals prior to this year. I bought these black cutout joints during the spending binge of 2008 (more specifically, the shoe binge of September). As I recall, this was when I learned that Amazon sold shoes for great prices (and they still do – always check there if you’re looking at shoes online).
The pants don’t really come with a story and were last seen here.
So yeah, I realized that I needed shirts. Since I can no longer rely on Hoodwill to fulfill my needs, I’m forced to explore other options…that are full of bright lights, too many stores, and even more people…ugh.
I got this shirt at H&M after trudging through Skynet’s Culver City headquarters Forever 21 in the Fox Hills Mall (which I’m pretty sure is no longer called the Fox Hills Mall…damn developers) trying to find that shirt I mentioned. After my fruitless bouts with their website, I thought I might have better luck in a physical store. Apparently, the news of 4 level department store-esque openings completely missed me because I thought I would be able to run in, find what I was looking for, and run out.
Yeah, no.
That didn’t happen. In fact, it took me an hour and a half to canvas the store. And you know what? I didn’t find what I was looking for. Even worse? I didn’t find anything else I liked. ANYTHING. I went in looking for one specific shirt and any others that would be comfortable for summer wear. By the time I’d made it to the dressing room, I’d found one shirt and three skirts. I don’t wear skirts enough to even justify having this many in my hand, but I wanted to believe that I hadn’t completely wasted my time. So much for that.
You want to know what my main problem with F21 is? The reason why I can hardly ever find something I like? They overwork every.damn.thing. I passed up countless items that could have been cute if it weren’t for the fringe / plastic studs / rhinestones / grommets / odd trims / rosettes / sequins / pleating / frayed edges / whiskering / appliqués all over them. I’m convinced that there is no version of Tim Gunn in that company telling the designers to EDIT. I would have bought that breton striped 3/4 sleeved henley, but the distressed front and ruching really weren’t up my alley. Thanks for getting my hopes up. Jerks.
Another problem I have is that the stuff on the website is full of lies. Sure, it photographs REALLY well, but when you touch it, it’s awful. For instance, I came across a skirt I saw on the site and said, “Oh! This was on the site! So cute!” When I went to pick it up and examine the tag, I was scratched half to death by some rigid mesh that’s probably used to coop miniature chickens - pretty sure I don’t want that anywhere near my skin. And stabby mesh isn’t the only offender. Most often, the fabric itself is either too thin, too flimsy, too itchy, too stiff, or too blech. Fabric that you know would either discolor or fall apart if you started to sweat just a little bit or washed it in warm water. Granted, they’re doing a little better with Twelve by Twelve than the main line, but I’m not going for it. They use better fabrics…like silk…which shouldn’t have taken this long given all the “Made in China” tags I saw…but one silk shirt for every 214 poly/rayon ones is not doing it for me. At all.
So, an hour and a half later, I’m in the dressing room with one shirt and three skirts. The shirt I kinda liked. It was sitting in my cart online, so I was excited to be able to try it on in the store. I almost bought it, but the ruching at the bottom killed its prospects. Next came the skirts. One was too short, one made me look like a cupcake (its volume came by way of two layers of the aforementioned stabby mesh), and the fabric on the third one sucked. I was 0 for 4 after an hour and a half. Not a good feeling, my friends. Not. Good.
I’d almost left the mall before I realized that I shouldn’t be handing over my money to Skynet and that this experience was necessary to remind me why. Thanking the Flying Spaghetti Monster for showing me the error of my ways, I headed next door to the lesser-evil H&M where I knew I’d be able to get an inexpensive, simple shirt in a cut I would like made from cotton. And I did. $5 well spent.
This picture visually represents the happiness I felt when I found this shirt.
Even better, they also had a breton striped 3/4 sleeved henley…and it was nice and simple, just how I like them. I bought that, too.
33 Responses to “..outfit post: keep it simple…”
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Alicia, Licier, etc., Nickie Frye. Nickie Frye said: whatever!!
RT @InnyVinny NEW POST: I didn't even mean to go in on F21 the way I did…I swear. http://bit.ly/9gM2v4 [...]
Yes I rarely can find something that isn’t overdone in Forever 21 with a decent fabric. I’m hit or miss on H&M as well.
Alicia Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 11:31 am
Yeah. H&M isn’t full of wonderful stuff either, but their basics trump F21′s…at least they did this time around. I don’t go to either of them enough to really know.
I had the exact same experience with F21 when in visited it in Bangkok (we don’t have it here in Slovenia … and we’re obviously not missing much). everything looked/felt horrendously cheap, like it was meant for the sluttiest of teens, plus all that fugly stuff was totally overpriced. I’m sticking with H&M, at least their not-very-well-made stuff is pretty cheap.
.-= duckalicious´s last blog ..8 =-.
Alicia Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 7:31 pm
Agreed. You aren’t missing much, but they will probably be closer to you soon. They’re taking over. Taaaaaaaaaaaaakiiiiiiiiiing ooooooooooooooooverrrrrrrrrrrr…
OMFG That is my exact problem with them as well!!! It’s like… good good good OH SHIT ONE STEP TOO FAR! The design team needs someone to bring in the reigns!
.-= Kristine´s last blog ..0719- Closeted =-.
Alicia Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 7:31 pm
YES.
…good point bbz. ya F21 has it fuckups and i have actually had more luck at their online shop than instore….accessories are always a safe bet there as well. i also know that some of their locations are better..for example the ones with a separate ‘For Love’ accessories section are often the best, it is usually not too crowded with everything and it is definitely not as overwhelming.
in general i think their quality has gone down a bit over the years, or maybe i am just getting too old? idk. it is what it is at the end of the day ya know.as long as one isn’t looking for a head to toe type of deal in one go…(ppl apparently do that..)
the thing with F21 like many other ‘corner’ shops H & M, zara included when they get too ‘trend obsessed’ they really GO FOR IT!..there will be some hits and mostly misses. that’s when i only rely on them for accessories and just wait for the sales that i know will surely come.’sometimes you get what you want, sometimes you get what you need and sometimes you get what you get’.
.-= chomy´s last blog ..ROMPA =-.
Alicia Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 2:16 pm
*nodding emphatically*
I really only go for basics, but they’re overdoing basics. I guess you have to know what to expect from where. *sigh*
And I like this >> ’sometimes you get what you want, sometimes you get what you need and sometimes you get what you get’.
Ugh I completely agree with you.
Forever21 is a complete and total rip off.
And Goodwill needs to bring back good prices damnit!!
xx
JordanMayTwigs.
<3
http://www.jordanmaytwigs.blogspot.com
.-= JordanMayTwigs´s last blog ..Giveaway Alert- Jujubeads Jewelery 250 Followers Giveaway!!! =-.
Alicia Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 7:31 pm
YES.THEY.DO! The pricing has gotten completely out of control.
i love your outfit here! it’s simple but still looks interesting- i love the shape of the pants especially. and i totally agree about f21- i can never get past all the ‘decorations’ on every.single.thing in that store. ~joelle
.-= joelle van dyne´s last blog ..joelle van dyne- black is the new black =-.
Alicia Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 7:30 pm
Thanks, Joelle!
I’m really glad I’m not the only one who feels this way. TOO MANY DECORATIONS!
nice rant and good buy!
xoxo chauss
.-= chauss´s last blog ..ckparis and american apparel =-.
Alicia Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 7:29 pm
It was totally accidental. LOL.
I wish they had H&M here in Singapore
, I could only get my paws on H&M when I last went to Hong Kong (which was 2 years ago), I did score great stuff at H&M kids’ department, have you seen the kids’ stuff? some are really cute 
), and that $5 you are wearing looks so comfy, great score 
, wishing you a wonderful day, XOXO
.-= jemina´s last blog .. hypeed feature my sunglasses made the cut =-.
Alicia Reply:
July 21st, 2010 at 7:29 pm
You’ll be able to buy it online later this year! =D
And I’ve never checked the kids section before…maybe next time I will when I go.
Oh I know right; how could this be that two bloggers with the same name have not properly come across each other?
This post made me laugh; it’s exactly the same with cheap chain-stores here too. Everything has been designed one step too far.
You have great style. I love this outfit, it’s clean and minimalist. The necklace is a great touch too.
xo
.-= Alicia – Sea Of Ghosts´s last blog ..Roses In Suburbia =-.
ohh i have those shoes!
as much as i love h&m..i hate it at the same time…esp. the one in my area only b/c they seem to only stock one of each item lol
.-= [flahy][blak][chik]´s last blog ..I Know Adults Who Need Sex Education- Not Only Kids in Helena Montana =-.
You are hilarious. I have my own issues with Forever 21. For me I walk in there & am completely overwhelmed. I find myself asking WHY they think it’s necessary to have SO MUCH merchandise? Not only could they edit their designs a bit, but they could & should edit their assortment. I’ve been a buyer & also worked in inventory management & never before have I seen an assortment run amok like theirs do. It must work for them, but it’s a mystery to me.
Re: Goodwill, you have to search for the colored tag that is on sale that week. They switch it up each week. 50% off.
.-= Nickie Frye´s last blog ..Jeffrey Campbell is Trying to Kill Me =-.
[...] Alicia breaks down the challenges of shopping F21. (Inny Vinny) [...]
When I tell you that I’m loving the outfit. I’m loving it. I found you via [flahy][blak][chik] and I’m really glad she did. I’ve added you to my style+profile blogroll, stop in to visit when you get a moment. Thanks FBC!
Amen!Amen! I only go in F21 for quick jewelry and men’s driver caps…other than that…bleh
Plus all my students shop there…can’t have that!
girl you bout to break your ankle jumping off the stoop in heels and whatnot…
oh, i really like your armpit tattoo. a lot. golden indeed. perhaps i should give h&m a chance. though their quality in summer items usually sucks monkey balls.
.-= pennerad´s last blog ..loose bits =-.
You’re stunning! And love the simple chicness of this outfit. Although I can’t help but shiver a little here in wintry Sydney
LOVE this outfit! Those pants are ERRYTHANG! lol
.-= The Style and Beauty Doctor´s last blog ..MAC Fabulous Felines Collection Hits August 26th! =-.
hahahaha! you kill me!
you are absolutely right about them overdoing everything. i just want simple tees and i pick one up and find some frilly mess and another has love in glitter written all over the front. that is a huge pet peeve of mine. i wish that designers knew when to stop. because i believe that we the wearer should be able to add to it with accessories or diy etc.
love.
xxx
t
.-= apparellel´s last blog ..00038 =-.
Alicia Reply:
July 31st, 2010 at 5:36 pm
ME.TOO.
oh and you are looking totally hot! love the haircut! and i love the simplicity yet edgy look to all of your outfits!
xxx
t
.-= apparellel´s last blog ..00038 =-.
Haha, I am totally the opposite. F21 all day every day over H&M. I mean, both chains have some really, really ill-conceived designs, but I guess its just like thrifting: sometimes you get lucky. It’s the waste that I have a problem with. I’m trying not to go too often. Except for their $5 lacy bralette thingies. I have them in every color.
.-= Joanna´s last blog ..lets call the whole thing off =-.
Alicia Reply:
July 31st, 2010 at 5:42 pm
True…I can’t say that I’m a huge fan of either, but I tend to get luckier at H&M.
And I do love the bralettes…
1. You’re so beautiful. I love those pants!!!
2. I just found your blog, and I am already a huge fan. LOVE IT! your story telling is a hoot.
3. Forever 21 is a complicated place to shop. I have picked up some really great things there, but it takes a discerning eye to say the least.
4. I am so happy to find another young. black. la-based. blogger
xoxo,
Eboni Ife’
.-= Eboni Ife´s last blog ..Not So Mellow Yellow =-.
Alicia Reply:
July 31st, 2010 at 5:35 pm
*squeeeeeeeeee!*
I didn’t know you were in L.A.!! =D Aside from that, thank you for reading all this rambling. We should meet up soon!
And yes, F21 is feast or famine…usually LOTS of famine. I finally got that shirt I was looking for and I’m in LOVE, but had to wade through a TON of b.s. to find it. ugh. I mean, YAY!