{Photos by Tessa Tham}
A newfound mentality of "taking a high fashion approach to lower priced clothing" (thanks Alber Elbaz) has allowed me to gain a greater appreciation of what is already in my closet. Last week I tried on a handful of pieces at Forever 21 that I felt "pretty good" about and under normal circumstances would probably have purchased. This dress, however, was the only piece that really stuck out to me and was thus the sole item I brought home. In the past I typically saw Forever 21 pieces as "wear once or twice and forget", but I'm happy to say that since its arrival in my closet, it has already been worn twice and I'm still excited to try new ways of styling it.
Wearing: Love 21 dress, Wilfred belt, unbranded bag & cuff, necklace from The Bay, Burberry sandals
- 31 comments • Category: outfits
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31 comments
Oh I love that dress, simple and chic and that color suits you so well~ I really love it :D
by Anaivilo on July 6, 2011 at 1:27 AM. #
You look so pretty! The dress color suits your skin tone very well. :)
by Abbie♥ on July 6, 2011 at 1:32 AM. #
cute!!!
xoxo from rome
K.
http://kcomekarolina.blogspot.com/
by kcomekarolina on July 6, 2011 at 1:47 AM. #
I love this dress. Colorful and classic!
by Danielle Celeste Couture on July 6, 2011 at 2:07 AM. #
You look beautiful! The color of your dress is so bold... something I definitely can't pull off.
by ko0ty on July 6, 2011 at 2:33 AM. #
That dress is so pretty, I love the color! And it looks gorgeous paired with the gold jewelry! Beautiful as always, m'dear! Hope you had a happy long weekend!
by Kate on July 6, 2011 at 4:24 AM. #
LOVE this! The bright blue looks like a beautiful tropical ocean....and I love that it is a shirt dress, but sleevless....it is so chic:)
And don't even get me started on the fabulous necklace!
Have a great week girlie.
C
by Carly on July 6, 2011 at 5:32 AM. #
its a wonderful dress I and I can totally see how you will get more than 2 wears out of it :)
by A Fine Balance on July 6, 2011 at 6:02 AM. #
You always look so gorgeous in colour!
by Eva Teresa L on July 6, 2011 at 6:16 AM. #
It's easy to get sucked into not shopping at discounted stores, but sometimes you can find good pieces. I think the key is to not go overboard on things you'll only dispose of later.
www.blackandblondeone.com
by L on July 6, 2011 at 7:27 AM. #
Oh I love that dress, Jen! The color is gorgeous. I am going to check it out now :)
by PetiteLittleGirl on July 6, 2011 at 7:45 AM. #
I def. agree with you! F21 quality is not great at all and most of their clothes are disposable trends. You really have to take your time and find some great items. The Love 21 actually has some great pieces, love that dress it looks amazing on your skin tone :)
www.christinebalram.blogspot.com
by Christine on July 6, 2011 at 8:25 AM. #
Ahh that dress looks stunning on you! The colour is perfect for this amazing summer we're having here in Vancouver :) I can't wait to see you remix it <3
by Jess ♡ on July 6, 2011 at 9:33 AM. #
I've been trying to do the same lately...instead of doing mass-purchases for items that I might only wear once or twice, I try to seek out the special pieces even at spots like H&M or Zara. I end up wearing them obsessively and then, for the small price that I paid for them, I really get my money's worth.
This is such a gorgeous look and so perfect for the sunshiney weather we've been having lately! Love love love the necklace and how beautifully it stands out against the turquoise. Hope you're having a good week love :)
Alex xoxo
by Alexandra on July 6, 2011 at 9:38 AM. #
Don't you just love when you find that low-cost item that becomes a staple?! The color is gorgeous on you, I can see why it's a favorite!
by Jessica on July 6, 2011 at 2:22 PM. #
This minty colour looks beautiful on you. I love that statement necklace. xxoo
by Fashion Tales.... on July 6, 2011 at 3:23 PM. #
That dress is fantastic! Love the color on you and how you styled it! :)
-Sarah
http://pencilskirtsandlattes.blogspot.com/
by Sarah on July 6, 2011 at 5:42 PM. #
Love the colour of that dress!
by L.T. on July 6, 2011 at 6:09 PM. #
I know I've said it before, but I really love the high end approach to low-end fashion that you've begun to take. If the pieces you've added to your collection so far are any indication, this is a philosophy I definitely need to adopt- because I'm definitely guilty of buying one or two-time wear cheap things that, per wear, probably net out to the same cost as the more expensive pieces I wear more often! Your dress is just gorgeous, and the colour is absolute perfection :)
xox,
Cee
by Cee on July 6, 2011 at 6:19 PM. #
i love the color of your dress! the green goes so well with your gold jewelry. and that necklace??? i want it! xx
by cryskay on July 6, 2011 at 10:23 PM. #
i love the colour of that dress and it's perfect with the statement necklace! You make this cheap dress look classy =)
-laura
www.daydreamingupintheclouds.blogspot.com
by laura on July 7, 2011 at 12:00 AM. #
great style...great smile! following you now:) cheryl
by Smolder Me on July 7, 2011 at 6:53 AM. #
As with Zara and H&M, Forever 21 definitely has trendy pieces but also pieces that can have staying power in your closet if paired with the right accessories and complementary clothing.
You've done it right here. CHIC AS F*CK.
Of course F21 has many "throwaway" pieces, but their quality has gotten better and is, often times, on pair with H&M but much cheaper.
For a personal/ethical perspective, I won't shop there if I can help it, but it really helps the budget. But, hey, I buy clothes at Target too.
xx{ish.},
Mae Lu @ thereafterish.!
by thereafterish on July 7, 2011 at 10:06 AM. #
yeah that dress is so classic! and the color is gorgeous for cute summer dates too hehe
by Carolyn on July 7, 2011 at 10:31 AM. #
I feel the same way about Forever 21. Wear it once or twice the off it goes to the bottom of my closet. I like their Love 21 line, though! I recently got a chiffon blouse from Love 21 and so far, I've worn it 4 times (a major success!) :P
Love the green against your skin tone, Jen. The cube necklace also brings out the green and makes the entire outfit look super expensive :)
By the way, I'll be in Vancouver July 28 to Aug 2. I've told Nicole (lemodedujour) and Jess (lackofcreativity) about the dates, so we shall have a blogger meetup! :D
www.monochromachic.com
by Kristy on July 7, 2011 at 12:17 PM. #
adoring the bold colours, but love the paring with the brown skinny belt even more!
by Jennifer on July 7, 2011 at 6:23 PM. #
Jen, that little dress, the gold accents and sun reflecting off your arm is just magnificent! the way you style your pieces is always a triumph, from cheaps & cheerfuls to high end. you never miss a beat. cheers to you and the new perspective but honestly you could be in a paper bag (as they say) and still pull it off beautifully! ♥
by Lynn {hearted girl} on July 8, 2011 at 2:58 PM. #
I love the outfit! It's fabulous!
http://inelegancewetrust.blogspot.com/
by Irusja on July 9, 2011 at 6:18 AM. #
Love this dress. It looks super chic on you, Jen! The color is really nice against your skin tone.
by Vicky on July 10, 2011 at 7:16 AM. #
I love this dress and the way you styled it! Gorgeous.
by Ashley, Lions Lace Lattes on July 10, 2011 at 8:32 PM. #
Love this dress, great color! And the necklace is so fun!
http://www.badjoan.blogspot.com
by Bad Joan on July 10, 2011 at 11:18 PM. #