Funky Child Fashion Blog

Quick Review: Charlotte Russe

2009-08-24T12:18:00.001-07:00

Like the big-time fast-fashion store Forever 21, Charlotte Russe offers women and teen girls stylish choices at the fraction of the price. However, what makes Charlotte Russe different from Forever 21 is the styles of the clothes offered: while Forever 21 sometimes cuts and pastes ideas from the runway to their clothes and carries more wild styles, Charlotte Russe offers classier choices while following trends.

Left: Leopard Lace Tank, $18.99

Price

For tops and dresses, the prices are similar to Forever 21, ranging from $15 to $24. But for jeans, Charlotte Russe's prices range from $30 to $60, compared with Forever 21's jeans which range from $12 to $30.

The sales online aren't as stellar as the in-store sales. Not much is usually on sale aside from super-trendy tops, although if you catch the end-of-season sales that come when Charlotte Russe is changing inventory, you can find some sweet flats.

If you sign up for the email newsletter, Charlotte Russe will send you a coupon code for 10% off your purchase. I have reused this code many times. Also, a great place to get more coupon codes and sales info is at retailmenot.com. Just put in charlotterusse.com in the search bar.

Online: 7/10. I took a couple points off for the jeans, and one point off for the online sales.

While Charlotte Russe can have good sales on their website at www.charlotterusse.com, I think the place where they really get their customers are the sales racks inside their physical stores, with racks of clothes ranging from $3 to $9. The sales range from store to store, but the racks often have a big variety of clothes, especially tops.

In-store: 8/10

Quality

The regular clothes at Charlotte Russe are of decent quality for their price. While the materials they're made of are cheap, like plastic buttons, the clothes turn out to be durable and don't fall apart after a few washes.

However, the underwear at Charlotte Russe falls apart after a few wears and washes.. They're regularly priced at around 3 dollars. Some of the tags say "Charlotte Russe" or "Blu-Chic by Charlotte Russe." At the store, they were being sold 5 for $10, so I bought ten for twenty dollars. Upon further inspection, I noticed loose stitches. After a few washes, half the liner bottom of the underwear broke loose. They look awfully cute, but they don't last.

I gave one of the unworn underwears to my friend and she reported itching after wearing them. I didn't feel itching, but maybe she had some sensitivity to the spandex.

Quality: 8.5/10 - Just avoid the underwear.

Starting Over

2009-06-25T22:33:00.000-07:00

What do you do when you lose everything and can't afford to replace them? Maybe you lost your luggage or your home was destroyed in a natural disaster, or you moved away and someone took away all your stuff. The last one is what happened to me. I miss my clothes, and I miss being able to pick and plan out outfits for the day. I also miss a few specific pieces that I loved, including gifts from friends, like scarves, jackets, and shirts.

At this point I can't afford to follow trends or experiment with different looks. Gotta stick with the basics, like a few shirts, tanks, jeans, undies, and shoes.

On the bright side, now I can begin a new wardrobe with the basics. No more clothes that I don't need but keep just for old times' sake.

My current wardrobe consists of:

1 charcoal cardigan
6-7 shirts, tanks
3-4 pairs of jeans
2 pairs of flats (in brown and gray)
1 pair of sandals (the American Eagle ones that I got for $5 a long time ago)
8-10 pairs of underwear
3 pairs of nude bras

Rant: Ripped Jeans

2009-06-16T21:50:00.000-07:00

Tools needed to achieve these ripped jeans on the left:

bleach

sandpaper

X-acto knife

I don't think those jeans are functional anymore. Unlike the look of the DIY'ed free shirt, I don't really understand the appeal behind the destruction of a valuable closet staple that you actually pay for. I know a few people who grab a razor and add in a few rips in their denim, but the Thing on the left looks like something from a horror movie, AND takes a lot of work and effort to achieve, according to this InStyle article.

And what are these designers trying to emulate? Are they mocking the fashion of an impoverished lifestyle, where a person can't afford to buy new jeans and wears the same jeans even after they rip (gloriously)? Or promoting the rich lifestyle of I'm-so-rich-that-I-don't-care-anymore-because-I-can-afford-these-ugly-jeans? The idea of paying fifty-dollars for new jeans that look like they're older than you sounds pretty dumb to me.

On left: American Eagle, $49.50

These jeans look familiar. They look like (and worse than) a pair of jeans I've had for years, and those tears across the knees look like what would happen to them after I kneel on the ground to lock and un-lock my bike a million times. Their cost? Fifty-freaking dollars.

What I Wore to My Chinese Final

2009-06-06T22:09:00.000-07:00

I snuck into the classroom where my English 10 LC class took place this quarter and took the table.

I was surprised by how easy it was. The Girvetz building was unlocked; the classroom door was unlocked... So I went in and ate a cookie while spying on people walking down the arbor.

Light Blue Tank Top: Ellemenno, from Mervyn's
Mustard Yellow Top: BB Dakota, from Miss Behavin'
Shorts: American Eagle, from Craigslist

East Asian Banquet

2009-06-06T10:07:00.000-07:00

I got an award yesterday that came with a small sum of money at the East Asian End of Year Reception, where I was recognized for being an Outstanding Student in my Heritage Chinese class. :-) Woot! This is me before I went.

I look really washed out in this picture, but I like it.

Gray Striped Cardigan: Abercrombie
Gray Ruffled Dress: American Eagle
Sunglasses: Calvin Klein

How I was Before Dead Week

2009-06-06T09:49:00.000-07:00

Black Sweater: American Eagle, from swap bin: Free
Black Camisole: from swap bin: Free
Denim Shorts: American Eagle, from Craigslist

Typical Asian girl picture where they attempt to look like an eleven year-old.

Brown Patterned Scarf: gift from Kevin
Green Henley Shirt: Hollister, from Swap Bin, Free
Gray Lace Camisole: Wet Seal

Big Sunglasses: A J Morgan, from Miss Behavin'
Brown Patterned Scarf: Gift from Kevin
Brown Sweater Cardigan: Gift from Kevin
Black w/ White Hearts Henley: Ellemenno, from Mervyn's
Red Corduroy Pants: American Rag, gift from Renee

I was so exhausted after my theater final skit and Chinese skit (on the same day!!!) that I decided to nap on campus.

Then, when I woke up, my sunglasses were gone.

Goodbye, big sunglasses. My boyfriend never liked you, but you will always have a special place in my heart.

Towel: from San diego
Black Top: DIY'd from a free XL T-shirt that I turned inside-out, ribbon given to me from Aerie, and a black belt from a black cardigan sweater.
Khaki Shorts: cut from old cargo pants

I look like I'm not wearing anything underneath my black top, but I'm wearing khaki shorts that just happen to blend in with my skin.

Brown Cardigan: Guess, from Isla Vista free bin
Polka Dot Shirt: Forever 21
White Jeans: Z. Cavaricci, from swap bin, free

Black Camisole: Forever 21
Pink Shirt: Vol. 1 Couture, from Isla Vista free bin
Plaid Jacket: Ellemenno, from Mervyn's
Black Jeans: Plastic by Gly, from swap bin, free

My Fifth Grade Picture

2009-05-30T21:21:00.000-07:00

I always wondered why it was that a few of my friends always looked awesome in pictures. I've always been one of the most un-photogenic people of all time.

Check out my hot picture from fifth grade on the left. Aside from the unique white collar of my fashionable school uniform, that was me trying to smile.

Then I realized the trick. I actually got this from the magazines. To look thinner, put one leg behind the other. Lean on your back leg.

Notice how my camera also carefully cropped out the bottom of this picture to give the illusion of me having long legs...

Blue Striped Sweater: New York & Company
Gray Lace Camisole: Wet Seal
Shorts: Bongo

Note: Because of laptop problems I haven't been able to update every day. This isn't what I wore today. It's what I wore during the week.

Review: Love21 from Forever21

2009-05-26T21:01:00.000-07:00

Recently, Forever21 launched a new line--Love21 Contemporary, and this line "offers a more sophisticated, modest fit than FOREVER 21." If you look at the size chart, you'll find that this line is sized in women's sizes. A 36-inch bust would fit into a size small Love21 shirt, as opposed to a size medium in Forever21.

Prices range from $15 to $25 for tops and $18 to $30 for dresses.

Here are some blouses and dresses from the line:

On Left: Gathered Accent Knit Top in Blue, $14.80

I love the little knot detail and the asymmetrical neckline.

95% rayon, 5% spandex. Has to be handwashed cold.

This top is cute, but watch out for the spandex if you have bulges because spandex tends to wrap itself around every little curve you have.

Okay, this blouse reminds me of a stereotypical grandma. I like the colors, just not the pattern because it reminds me of a fusion between a hippie and a grandma.

Blah.

Floral Flutter Sleeve Top, $15.80

I don't think this is worth the price because it looks like something you can find at Goodwill or some thrift store. Besides, the print is so memorable that you'll probably only be able to wear it once a month or so.

This is also another blah top. This is the men's shirt look. Personally, I think this screams "One Night Stand With a Huge Man and I forgot to comb my hair!"

If you do go for the men's shirt look and find that you look pregnant, you can try adding a belt to emphasize the waist.

Striped LS Button Down, $19.80

Really? 20 bucks for a men's shirt that doesn't even fit well? Go buy it at a thrift store or Kmart. And for some reason this thing needs to be handwashed even though it's 100% cotton. NOT worth it.

This halter top can be dressed up (with a skirt) or down (with jeans or shorts and sandals) and is therefore cute for a spring/summer look. However, its stripes are pretty memorable so you will probably have to wear about twice a month.

And it has to be hand-washed. Is it worth it?

Tribal Stripe Ruffle Top, $19.80

100% Polyester.

This dress is cute and can look great on a woman of any age.

Printed Dress with Belt, $22.80

100% Polyester, must be hand washed cold. If you wear this as a party dress you probably won't have to wash it very often.

The clothes are cute and cheap, but unfortunately a lot of them need to be handwashed, which will end up costing time and effort in the long run if you want to keep them looking good. Is it still worth it?

Is It Legal to Take Pictures in a Public Restroom?

2009-05-24T12:51:00.000-07:00

Location: a remote bathroom

Hee.

Uh oh! Goldfish had an accident.

Please ignore the heaps of trash to the left.

Shirt: UCSB
Skirt: Old Navy
Flats: Charlotte Russe
Tote Bag: Liz Claiborne

Greasy Pizza: A Totally Chic Accessory

2009-05-23T20:09:00.000-07:00

Note: This outfit was from yesterday.

You know what's missing in this picture? A nice slice of greasy pizza.

Look, it's even portable!

Is a greasy slice of pizza wrapped in a paper plate the perfect addition to your wardrobe?

Long Gray Cardigan: oneA, from Mervyn's
Hearts Patterned Shirt: Ellemenno, from Mervyn's
Jeans: Bullhead "Huntington Flare", from Pacsun
Red Ballet Flats: Forever 21

The Hippie Rainbow Dress

2009-05-22T02:38:00.000-07:00

People who hung out with me a lot in high school would probably remember my hippie dress. I wanted to sell or give this dress away a while back, because I didn't really feel like wearing rainbow stuff in the winter. But now it's spring.

I bought this a while back, but haven't seen its twin worn by anyone else. With such big stores like Forever 21, it's very possible to wear something and have other people recognize where you got it from. I wonder where its twins are in the world.

This picture is for people who are tired of seeing my door, closet, and messy cabinet in the freaking background.

Some guy somewhere to the right of the camera's view was watching me take pictures of myself. From the back is a pop of color.

That's my camera case sitting on the bench, admiring the beauty all around it.

Rainbow Hippie Dress: Love, from Factory 2 U, $3.99
Black Cardigan Sweater: Wet Seal
Black Ballet Flats: Charlotte Russe
Brown Tote Bag: Liz Claiborne, from Ross, $20
Black Tights: from a U-Cen stand, $5

And now...I'm going to do my Astronomy homework.

Thank You

2009-05-21T02:33:00.000-07:00

I want to thank my readers and supporters! Thank you so much! It brightens up my day when I know that there are people viewing my blog.

The left side of this photograph is dedicated to Christine.
(Christine: >_< Ahhh!!! Ellen!!!)

Black Cardigan Sweater: Wet Seal
Dark Red Shirt with Gold Graphic Art: Michael F., from Factory 2 U
Flared Jeans: Bullhead, from Pacsun
Brown Flats: Charlotte Russe
Glasses: Bebe

My Stuff

2009-05-19T22:35:00.000-07:00

My Desk

My Shoes

My Closet

My Free Sweater

2009-05-19T22:27:00.000-07:00

I have always been very fond of shoulder-less tops. I found this dark red sweater in the swap bin. (You know you like this picture, Uriel.)

Standing beside the phallic symbol protruding from the ground.

Dark Red Sweater: from the swap bin
Skinny Jeans: Anchor Blue
Brown Flats: Charlotte Russe
Brown Tote Bag: Liz Claiborne, from Ross for $20

Recap

2009-05-19T22:11:00.000-07:00

Since I've had stuff going on like papers and reviews to write, I can't update everyday, grr. But I have been continuing to take pictures!

Gray Striped Cardigan Sweater: Abercrombie
Pink Shirt: Candie's, from Kohls
Shorts: Moonstar, from Mervyn's
Sandals: American eagle
Necklace: gift from Alexis

Long Gray Cardigan: OneA, from Mervyn's
White Spaghetti-Strap Tank: DIY'ed, from a free XL shirt
Red Corduroy Pants: American Rag, from Renee

Friend: Jesus
Gray Double-Breasted Coat: Forever 21, gift from Jaz
Red Shirt: bought it for cheapo from Taiwan
Black Jeans: Billy Blue's, part of a bag I got for $2

Funky Vest and the Organic T-Shirt

2009-05-16T12:41:00.000-07:00

Using a tank I was going to sell for a quarter or two on Craigslist, I made a vest. It's not done yet because I still need to learn to tighten up the button holes so that they don't gape. I think it needs an additional button on the top so that my T-shirt-covered boobs don't pop out of the vest. Any other suggestions?

A sewing machine would make my DIY life a lot easier and neater. I'd be able to hem, to sew faster, to sew in straighter lines...

What do you do with all the buttons you get from buying cardigan sweaters, jackets, and even blouses with decorative buttons? Save them for projects like these. And when you do lose a button, cut loose the button from your DIY project and fix that sweater. Then use another random-ass button to replace it.

These are white jeans I snapped up at the swap bin.
I think that by now the 10th floor women's floor girls already know it's me.
There's nothing like getting new jeans for free.
The sight of a swap bin makes me hop in glee.
Is this thing rhyming itself--
or is it just me?

You might be bored of seeing the door and dim light in my room, so I decided to take this outside.

This is my tourist picture.

100 % Organic Cotton Green Shirt: Charlotte Russe, part of a Christmas gift from Kevin

Funky Buttoned Vest: DIM, from a One Step Up tank from Factory 2 U a long time ago ($3) and buttons from random sweaters that came attached to the tag.
White Jeans: Z. Cavaricci, from the swap bin, FREE
Brown Flats (not shown): Charlotte Russe

Glasses: Bebe
Bracelets: DIM
Canvas Tote Bag: Aeropostale, "Love Your Planet", FREE

Note: this was from yesterday.

Meet My Brown Flats

2009-05-14T22:24:00.000-07:00

Wow. This cardigan is really short for my torso. It works great as a cropped cardigan, but I think it's supposed to hit my waist. I ad♥re the stripes...

Meet my brown flats with the buckle belt. There are such things as shoe jewelry, where you can put stuff like buckle belts and bows and other cute little accessories onto a pair of regular old flats to make it look like you have a whole ton of regular old flats with cute details. But these buckle belts came attached to my flats.

I've walked through rain puddles in these flats. The color washed out of them and stained my feet blue (blue?) for a week, so I let them dry and filled in the washed-out areas with a brown marker. A much better alternative to throwing them out.

As for the cut on my left foot, it was caused by a skateboarder who crashed into me from behind and blamed me for "crossing for no apparent reason".

The little belt was tied for most of the day. It's actually kind of a scarf-belt that came along with a pair of jeans I bought several years ago. It has a beaded fringe on the edges.

I bought this necklace for two to three dollars from a stand outside the U-Cen. It's long and beautiful. I think most of the beads are glazed wood beads and the others are made from minerals.

I made these two bracelets back when I used to make tons of bead jewelry. They're made with glass beads.

Navy Lace Camisole: Wet Seal
Gray Striped Cardigan Sweater: Abercrombie
Flared Jeans: Bullhead, from PacSun
Brown Flats: Charlotte Russe
Scarf-Belt: something I've had since forever
Necklace: from stand in front of U-Cen
Bracelets: DIM
Glasses: Bebe

The Gap Shirt

2009-05-13T19:41:00.000-07:00

I was a bit sad today. Should I put on a smile anyway and look happy?

I'm just worried about all sorts of things that don't really matter.

This is me smiling for the best. Because I shouldn't lose sight of the reason why I started something.

I re-altered the shirt to make the gaps on the side bigger for a sort of zigzag pattern. The black camisole underneath keeps it from showing too much skin, but you can play with different shirt and camisole colors.
And yes, Christine, this is how the bottom of my bed looks. >_<*

As for the reception of the alteration of the green top, I did receive some stares, mostly for the knotted sides. I don't know whether it's a good stare or a bad stare that might place me in the pages of Fashion Don'ts. Personally, I love it, but I can see why some people might not. What do you think?

Green "Positive Psychology Week" Top: American Apparel, free and altered

Black Cardigan Sweater: Wet Seal, $11.70

Skinny Jeans: Anchor Blue, $34.50

Black Ballet Flats: Charlotte Russe

Big Sunglasses: A J Morgan from Miss Behavin, $13

Say Hello Kitty to Your Friends!

2009-05-12T22:47:00.000-07:00

This is the smallest cardigan I've ever owned. Abercrombie usually sizes their clothing smaller. Most of the "Medium"-sized cardigans I own are baggy and loose on me, but this one fits me like a small and is really tight.

For my body frame it's usually better to wear longer shirts because they hide the fullness of my hips and elongate my frame. That's what the magazines tell you.

Damn you, printer! Work! (My hand doesn't look violent enough to make this caption believable.)

It is finished...

Green Hello Kitty Shirt: Cloud 9, gift from Kevin

Gray Striped Cardigan Sweater: Abercrombie & Fitch, originally $70, on sale for $18.90

Dark Jeans (I don't know whether they're black or navy): Billy Blues, part of a bulk bag of used clothing I bought for $2

Black Ballet Flats: Charlotte Russe, about $15 on sale

Glass Bead Bracelet: Did It Myself
Big Sunglasses: A J Morgan, from Miss Behavin', about $13 on sale

The Black Sheep of the Claus Family

2009-05-11T16:10:00.000-07:00

Today is a good-for-rolypoly day. Why? Because it's cold.
Cold weather + long sleeves + long pants = Happy Rolypoly

Apparently some girls from high school found this face intimidating.

I was worried at first that the colors in here would make me look like I'm a (distant) member of the Claus family (they're not supposed to show up until after Thanksgiving!). But the pants aren't as bright red (I ♥ the color burgundy), so yay!

Let's get groovin'. As if I could.

Brown Hat: Brixton, from Miss Behavin'

White Tank Top: Active Basics, from The Pink Zone, $2.95
Black Cardigan: Wet Seal, $11.70
Dark Red Corduroy Pants: American Rag, from Renee
Black Ballet Flats: Charlotte Russe

When They Only Have Extra-Large...

2009-05-10T19:02:00.001-07:00

The Before Pic.

After giving blood, I received this XL T-shirt because that was the only size they had.

Bad News: It's HUGE!!! I could fit two of myself in here.

Good News: It's HUGE!!! More cloth to work with!

I made a tank, but somewhere along the line I made the straps too long. So I cut them in half and knotted them.

I have to pee.

Some people have dimples on their cheeks. Apparently, I have dimples on my chin.

A Slightly-Altered iQueer T-Shirt

2009-05-10T15:39:00.000-07:00

This is kind of a simpler alteration using just fabric scissors. If you're thinking of altering something, I recommend using fabric scissors because these slice through the fabric smoothly and easily, with cleaner cuts.

I cut the collar and sleeves shorter to create a V-neck and V-back effect.

Shorter sleeves make the large T-shirt look more feminine.

Shirt: iQueer, American Apparel, free

Shorts: American Eagle, Craigslist, $10
Sandals: American Eagle, $4.95

Conformist Wear for the Day: Hollister T-Shirt

2009-05-09T08:39:00.000-07:00

Today's the day when I don't feel like dressing up or being funky. This is the day I feel too lazy to plot out a decent oufit.

You know what I'm gonna be today? A conformist. A boring, stereotypical, Californian, mindless-consuming, buying-the-beachy-lifestyle-that-originated-in-Ohio conformist, using probably the most random article of clothing in my closet: the orange Hollister t-shirt.

Yes, Christine, this is my side of the room. My pile of junk behind me is smiling at you. So am I.

"Why are you slouching like that?"

"I'm a rebel. I'm going to rebel against straight posture by doing so while pretending to be some beachy chick with white legs."

I can't imagine my wardrobe being filled with these. I'd be so bored.

High School formula for typical outfit:

zipper hoodie jacket + T-shirt + jeans + flats = Ellen's parent-friendly outfit and the unofficial uniform of middle school and high school

Actually, that really bugs me. On one hand, if all my clothes looked the same, I probably wouldn't need to go shopping a lot. On the other hand, even girls who still dress by the formula enjoy shopping for new Cali-uniform T-shirts, whether it says "American Eagle", "Aeropostale", "Hollister", or "Abercrombie" in big letters across the chest in huge letters.

When I walk outside my room...

T-shirt: Hollister

Denim Shorts: Levi's, swap bin, Free

Sandals: American Eagle, $4.95

The other thing in my closet that has huge letters is this:

This is the sweatshirt I wear for the rainiest, windiest weather ever.

In My Dorm on a Lazy Friday Afternoon

2009-05-08T18:54:00.000-07:00

"Should I reach for that extra cookie?"

Hula

Slightly Ruffled Plum Tank Top: LA Made, from Miss Behavin', $19 on sale

White Tiered Skirt: Forever 21, from Renee

Sandals: American Eagle, $4.95 on sale

Bracelet: from Alexis

Another Hot and Sunny Day

2009-05-07T19:47:00.000-07:00

Once again it is another hot, sunny day. I now have four pairs of shorts. :-)

Polka Dot Top: Forever 21

Denim Shorts: Bongo

Bracelets: Forever 21

Store Review: Forever 21

2009-05-06T21:45:00.000-07:00

You walk past the glass walls (ideal for window shopping) and enter a store full of bright-colored tops and (if you go on the weekend) tons of teenaged girls. This store is aimed at teens and women in their early twenties, and is (in)famous for being cheap (in both good and bad ways) and super-trendy. I love Forever 21, or at least the idea of it. Today I'm going to review the store's pros and cons, talk about the store's mini-lines, and show you how to not get ripped off by clothing of crappy quality.

Pros:

cheap accessories - compared to other places like Claire's, you can find some nice, trendy, jewelry and accessories without overdrawing your bank account. There are accessories for everyone, even if you don't fit into the targeted group
recently launched Faith 21, plus-sized clothing line
trendy--makes following trends easy
if you know what you want, there are some great finds throughout the store
cheap basics and jeans
classy looks can be put together for cheap

Cons:

copyright issues--Forever 21 has gotten into some legal trouble with other designers, like Gwen Stefani, for doing what it does best--copy designs and then sell the clothes for cheap
low-quality fabric--this crappy material is responsible for balling up or falling apart after a few washes
too trendy--if being in style is important to you, the trendy tops you buy will be out of style pretty soon
store-wide sales are rare--sales are usually limited to the sales rack
inventory varies with the store--don't expect to find something you saw online at a particular store
bright colors may be blinding for people who are more conservative with color
the super-trendiness of the clothes results in the concept of "throwaway fashion", which is terrible for the environment (always sell or donate!)

Forever 21 appeals to people who like to experiment with style, especially younger people who get bored of the same styles fast--where it's about quantity over quality. Because it's mass-produced and shows up everywhere, however, it's harder to make it your own. I have a yellow dress from Forever 21 that people have asked if it were from Forever 21, either because they owned that same style in a different color, or because they saw it there.

For those of you who want their clothes to last, here are some shopping and care tips:

Buy versatile clothing: It's common to see a really cute top in a very funky design or bright color that you want, but you'll probably end up wearing it only once or twice a month. If you buy clothes that are cute but also versatile (that can go with other clothes in your wardrobe and can be worn without being too memorable), then you'll save more money and closet space in the long run.
Be wary raw edges. Raw edges look very edgy, but be aware that raw edges shortens the lifespan of your clothes, because they fray and split after a few washes. Raw edges are for DIYing and altering inexpensive T-shirts. I'm not telling you to avoid them, but if you're not into the frayed or split look, you might want to think twice, and if you are, then go for it. Sometimes it makes me mad because shirts with raw edges are more expensive than shirts with collars or sewn edges.
Look at the care directions. Avoid buying stuff that says "handwash only" and "dry clean only". I think that this is what causes the balling of the fabric. Cheap fabric is less sturdy and needs special care to keep looking good. If you can't resist buying something that needs to be dry-cleaned or handwashed, it could ball up if you toss it into the washer and dryer with the rest of your clothes.
Know what you want. In a store with this much variety, there is wayyy to much temptation so you'll either buy a whole bunch of things you don' realy need or be so overwhelmed that you don't know where to start. I suggest making a list of things you need, like "camisoles" and "a sweet pair of dark-washed skinny jeans".
Keep the buttons and take good care of the clothes. See my blog post on "How to Make Your Clothes Last Longer".

Forever 21 -- Collections and Lines

Forever 21 - http://www.forever21.com/

This is the main line and the cheapest. Cover overload--styles are offered in lots of colors, including the beloved bright ones. Very trendy. See above for loads of information.

Sizes offered are Extra-Small, Small, Medium, and Large. Unfortunately they don't offer XL in the main collection.

Great for when there is a party to go to and you have to buy something last-minute. Lots of cute going-out gear, like clutches, jewelry, tops, and dresses.

Heritage 1981 - http://www.forever21.com/heritage1981/main.asp

This is the bridge line between Forever 21 and Twelve by Twelve. The prices are in the middle, but this collection is marketed as being of higher quality and made of natural fiber. There is a line for men, too.

While there are bright colors like coral, for the most part, there are more neutrals in this collection such as navy blue, gray, and white.

The designs are less trendy and more simple and classic. In my opinion, Heritage 1981 is marketed as a more distinctly American brand, like Levi's and American Eagle. There are western influences like peasant blouses and prairie-inspired tops.

Sizes offered are Extra-Small, Small, Medium, and Large.

Twelve by Twelve - http://www.twelvebytwelve.com/

This is Forever 21's Los Angeles-based faux couture line, and most of these clothes look like they could've been pulled straight off the runway--hard to work as everyday wear. This collection consists of very distinct, memorable pieces and is extremely stylish, though not very versatile. I'd say it's a more expensive ("Haute Tropical" and "Desert Luxe") version of Forever 21's going-out gear--good for one night or worn once or twice a month.

This line targets an older audience--women in their twenties or thirties, with more classic styles.

More expensive materials are used, like silk, which is DRY CLEAN ONLY--an indication that it is not for everyday wear.

Sizes offered: Extra-Small, Small, Medium, Large

Other Mini-Lines

Cereal - Forever 21's intimate/loungewear line
Faith 21 - I wonder why they didn't just expand the collections of clothes to include plus sizes instead of starting a whole new collection. So far, the collection is limited and there appear to be only two models for this collection's clothes. Sizes offered are XL, 1X, and 2X.
Shibuya Mon Amour - introduced as a mixture of French and Japanese fashion, this line has now been infused into the rest of Forever 21. It's mostly limited to tees and tanks with animals on them. I'm not sure if I'm into that right now, but I do like the funkiness.

Shibuya Mon Amour Tank, $13.80

Hot Day

2009-05-06T18:33:00.000-07:00

It's been VERY hot, and when there is a wind, it's a hot one.

Violet Top: Anchor Blue, swap bin

Shorts: American Eagle, Craigslist, $10

Sandals: American Eagle

Black Totebag: Nine West, Macy's, on sale for $50

Necklace: U-Cen stand, $2

Bracelets: Forever 21

Lost

2009-05-05T21:43:00.000-07:00

I lost my camera. This is bad. And I have allergies.

So while we're waiting for the replacement one, I'll be using my laptop camera, which isn't very good, but is better than just text describing what I wear. For the next few days, there will be more close-up shots and lower-body shots.

Blue Shirt: Forever 21, traded with Renee

Necklaces: DidItMyself, U-Cen stands for $2

Bracelet: DIM!

Oops...I Did It Myself

2009-05-03T20:50:00.000-07:00

How It Looked Before

I got this shirt for free yesterday for the last part of the Positive Psychology week. To my dismay, it was XL (since I came late, that was all that was left), while I usually wear a Small. Despite the sad look on my face in this picture, I decided to look on the bright side: I can have fun with it. :-)

To make the shirt fit better, I followed sandma1half's instructions on how to alter the t-shirt without sewing, except I improvised by doing it inside-out so that the outside looks less messy.

Then, I cut off the sleeves, cut off the neckline, and used pieces that I cut off to tie the remaining strips of sleeves together near my shoulders. Ta-da!

This huge, ugly tank-top came with a bag of clothes that I bought for 2 bucks. After altering the green shirt, I had an idea. After lots of cutting and minimal sewing, I finished with a spaghetti-strap top with a knotty design and skinny belt.

I really like how this top turned out, so I think I'll wear it tomorrow and bring a cardigan, depending on my mood and the weather when I wake up tomorrow.

Lazy Sunday Barbeque

2009-05-03T20:44:00.000-07:00

I was reading in my room when my buddy called me to go down for a barbeque and so I threw on whatever was easy to throw on and went down by the pool where the barbeque was at. There was free food and free leis. I forgot to bring my camera, but this is how I looked when I got back. I also tried to tan my legs, but that didn't work very well.

Sunglasses: A. J. Morgan, Miss Behavin'

Shirt: Take Back the Night (organization on campus), FREE

Bracelets: from yesterday

Shorts: Levi's

Tote Bag: "Love Our Planet", Aeropostale, FREE

Sandals (not shown): American Eagle

My Plaid Jacket

2009-05-03T20:28:00.001-07:00

I fell asleep before I could post yesterday's outfit. But here it is! It's kinda casual for the Pilipino Culture Night performance (which was amazing).

ROAR! This looks more like what I wore mostly throughout high school. A t-shirt, jeans, and that jacket with the hearts and plaid pattern. I bought it when patterns like polka dots, stripes, stars, and hearts was temporarily very popular. Before it was popular, most kids around me found it childish to wear something like that to school. Now, hearts, polka dots and stripes are gone, but they live on in my heart, and on my jacket, and in any funky clothing shop in town.

These are photos of me showing off my wrist jewelry! Yay!

Woodstock Shirt: Peanuts by Schulz, JC Penney, high school graduation gift from Tammy and Annie

Color-Beaded Necklace (the color overload makes it hard to see): from stand in front of U-Cen, $2

Glasses: Bebe

Jeans: Bullhead, Pacsun, originally $39.95, bought it for $14.95

Flipflops (not shown): American Eagle, $4.95 on sale

Plaid Jacket: Ellemenno, Mervyn's

Bracelets: from Forever 21, China, and DIM (Did It Myself)

This Is...

2009-05-02T09:11:00.000-07:00

(Sparta?)

This is the hand and wrist jewelry I wore today. The ring was given to me by a Jewish woman. I don't know if the design is in Hebrew or if it's just a design...

This is Suzy Lim and me standing outside the library at one of the prettiest places on campus.

This is me cleverly positioning myself to display the starfish necklace I wore.

This is how I look when I make a mistake.

This...this is embarrassing.

Ring: silver from Mexico, gift

Bracelet: sterling silver, gift

Bracelet Charm: Hello Kitty ♥, from the U-Cen, $5

Starfish Necklace: from the stand in front of the U-Cen, $1.75

Sunglasses: Calvin Klein, from Macy's

Tank Top with Stripes: Ellemenno, from Mervyn's

Cut-Off Shorts: Levi's, from clothing swap bin on women's floor, FREE :-)

Sandals: I know I look barefoot in the picture, but I'm wearing the American Eagle sandals I got for $4.95 a long time ago.

Brown Cardigan Sweater: Style & Co (Macy's), gift from Kevin

Hairband worn on Wrist: from China, gift

I'm Not an Ugly Free Tee

2009-04-30T20:13:00.000-07:00

Queer Pride week this year is from April 26 to May 2, 2009, and the theme is "iQueer". My friend Abe volunteered with the groups to promote the events going on this week, and so he gave me a T-shirt (I wanted small, but he only had size medium and up, but that's okay). Thanks Abe!

I was very impressed by the really awesome and stylish event tees given out by organizations on campus, and it's probably because these designs come from the minds of young people. For most of my life, event t-shirts consisted of a very bland logo name that I was embarrassed to wear in public. Most girls I know wear their event t-shirts as pj tops, and I have a Steve Pappas shirt that I still wear inside-out as a pj top. Yes, even in my dorm, I wear it inside-out. It was that bad of a design.

However, the iQueer design is genius. I've noticed a lot of iPod-inspired products, like the iCoke, the fry-Pod... but on a t-shirt, this is effing cool, and lots of people agree. I've had at least two people come up to me today and ask where I got it because they've seen other people wearing the shirt. At first, I was a afraid of experiencing homophobia as a visual ally (with thoughts of getting murdered, beat up for wearing this shirt), but I was grateful that the people here at UCSB are tolerant and open-minded. I had some curious looks, but that comes along with wearing a rainbow-colored iQueer design on a shirt. As someone who used to be against gay marriage in her close-minded and ignorant youth, it's a mind-opening experience to have a hint of how it feels to identify myself as part of something controversial (that shouldn't be) that people have voted against.

So here's my outfit for today:

Trying to beam! I altered the sleeves of the shirt by using a safety pin to pin them up. Some girls told me they planned to cut their sleeves to make it "girly".

It got a little cool as the day went on, so I threw on a black cardigan.

I got this bracelet at Disneyland on Grad Nite. This went with the shirt. Somehow I can imagine Mr. Ashley from AP Chem saying that Mickey's head looks like a water molecule. I'd agree.

Sunglasses: A. J. Morgan, from Miss Behavin', $13.

Shirt: "iQueer", printed on American Apparel, from Queer Student Union, free.

Black Cardigan: Wet Seal, after finding a small loose thread and getting an additional 10% off which resulted in a total of 40% off the cardi, $11.70. I've worn this cardigan a lot.

Jeans: Jasmine Skinny Jeans from Anchor Blue, $34.50

Rainbow Mickey-Mouse Bracelet: Disneyland

Brown Flats with Metallic Buckle: Charlotte Russe, on sale for $9.49. I've also worn these flats a lot. Once I walked in rain in these, and the brown color leaked out from them, so I used a brown marker and filled the color right back in.

Screw It, I'm Going to Wear Shorts

2009-04-29T21:01:00.000-07:00

I've been self-conscious about my legs for a long time. Yes, they're chubby, yes, they're fat and spill all over the chair when I sit down, and yes, they jiggle like hell when I walk. But you know what? Who the fuck cares. I've lived most of my life afraid of what people thought of me, and scared of people looking at me. It's about time I took some risks.

Sometimes, things don't go very well, like that rainy, winter day I wore a yellow dress with sandals to class ("Jesus," said a guy as he walked past me). My bad. I shouldn't beat myself up over that. Now I want more shorts. They're so comfortable, and I don't have to worry about jeans dragging on the ground. Muahahaha.

I didn't even realize my sunglasses were dangling off. I'll try to pass it off as art.

This is not my most photogenic smile.

Sunglasses: A. J. Morgan, from Miss Behavin'

Black & Silver Chain Necklace: Mervyn's

Gray Short Dress (my friend told me it was a dress, but she's very short): Heritage 1981, gift from a friend

Red Cardigan: Forever 21, originally $22.80, on sale for $10.80

Shorts: Moonstar, from Mervyn's

Sandals: American Eagle, purchased on sale for $4.95

The Beginning

2009-04-29T20:05:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my new fashion blog! I'm going to treat this as a fashion diary (taking photos of my outfits whenever I feel the urge to share my outfit with the rest of the world) and also as a place to write about trends or topics relating to fashion and shopping in general. I'll start off my new post about yesterday.

Yesterday, Death Cab for Cutie came to UCSB to play a free concert because out of the whole nation, UCSB had the highest number and percentage of registered student voters for a college campus. So we got to see Ben Gibbard do that side-to-side hip swing with the guitar on stage, and DAMN does that guy have energy! I wouldn't be surprised to find out if he'd downed a ton of Monsters and Rockstars before the concert. I think everyone in the band did a good job. My friend and I were six feet away from them. We were standing so long that when we finally moved to the back to look for one of our friends, I stumbled around like I was drunk.

My friend's boyfriend classified the band as "indie" (I don't think it's that underground if so many girls were singing with them and screaming and stuff), so I decided to dress "indie". Actually, I don't know what "indie" is, aside from that it's now more of a genre of music rather than underground music. I took indie fashion as the typical teen counter-culture fashion, which was what most of the kids at my school from 2005-2007 were trying to do. We were all trying to be unique. After seeing quite a few skinny jeans (I jumped in pretty late [like spring 2009] on the skinny jeans trend) and patterned hoodies and band tees, I have to say that we weren't so successful. The counter-culture ended up being the culture-culture. It totally flipped.

Here's my outfit:

"Man, I feel so cool, just like I did when I wore sparkly puffy sleeves in first grade!"

Outfit consists of::

Flapper/Beanie Hat: Brixton Flapper Hat, purchased from Miss Behavin' in IV.

Big Sunglasses: A. J. Morgan sunglasses, purchased from Miss Behavin' in IV last quarter. Regularly about $16, bought it for $13 on discount.

Necklace (beads): $3, purchased from stand in front of U-Cen. The one with piles and piles of jewelry bits.

Necklace (chain): $3, purchased from stand in front of U-Cen. Same one as above.

Coral Blouse: Forever 21, $15.80. Purchased a couple of years ago when long blouses were still in fashion. As far as the cost-per-wear concept goes, this blouse is a winner. It's been a staple in my closet since it arrived. I wore it until it stretched out and showed more of my chest and made my boyfriend worry, and now I'm wearing it with an undershirt. It lives on, and I have many memories attached to days when I wore this coral blouse.

Undershirt: Hillard & Hanson, given to me.

Long Gray Cardigan: oneA, purchased from Mervyn's before it died. Originally $46, bought it for $18.

Jeans: Bullhead, purchased from PacSun clearance rack for $14.99 over spring break. Bull's eye! Usually retails for about $39.95.

Geek-chic Glasses: Bebe, from the Student Health Eye Clinic.