A Couple Forever 21+ Outfits

I just got my first order from Forever 21 online in the mail this morning. My always thoughtful Aunt got me a gift card for my birthday, so I could "check out the competition". Thanks Magi! Now that I'm a fashion free agent (i.e. no more employee discount), I'm excited to try different online outlets.

Contrast Cap Sleeve Dress

Let's talk online shopping shop. First off, I placed my order with the free shipping option on Thursday evening and it arrived Tuesday morning (it shipped from LA).  So that was impressive. However, the former customer service rep in me would like to remind shoppers to always look at the promised shipping timeframe. If you need an order by a certain date, pay for the shipping that will get it there before your event. Don't expect it to always arrive as quickly as past orders.

I digress. More importantly than the speed, I liked the contents of my order.  A quick note on sizing, which is hard for you to determine from the photos since my dress form is much smaller than I. I ordered the 3X in both the skirt and dress, which means that their 3X is about an 18/20 (obviously not the same as Old Navy's). This also means that if you're a standard XL, their 1X might work for you. The prices were just as cheap as Forever 21's standard line which isn't always the case for plus size (probably since their plus doesn't go as large, the fabric cost doesn't catch up to them). Here are a couple of outfits I put together using my new pieces.

Arrested Fashion: Fur

Much like robes, animal skin-based clothing is a staple in the Bluth family wardrobe. They maintain the illusion of their lifestyle by wearing lots of fur and leather. I've already taken a brief look at the Bluths and leather here. Today we'll be looking at the Bluths furry fashion highlights, plus a look at my vintage fur and my fur philosophy.

Our very first meeting of Lucille Bluth: "You're going to be splattered with red paint, so that's going to distract the eye"- Michael

Musings: Prom!

It's that time of year again! I'm pretty sure I don't have very many readers in the high school age bracket, but who knows. I'm going to take a moment to share my Prom looks, philosophy (thrift store dresses and then splurge on accessories!), and suggestions for great dresses (traditional and non). While these selections are chosen with a High School Prom in mind, but many of them would also be cute for a guest at a summer wedding or other grown up event.

Hair by Sharon Jackson--head on over to her Salon's site if you're looking for a great hair stylist in Davis.

My thrift store dress featured a velvet bodice embellished with paillettes and a satin skirt.

I found this dress with a lovely bustle in the back at a consignment store in Palm Beach, Florida.

Well that's enough of my dresses. After the jump, there are lots more unique dresses and jewelry perfect for any evening occasion.

The Tie-Dye Continues...

Old Navy Denim Vest

Among the benefits of living at home with one's parents after college, in addition to the financial solvency, is the ability to continue sharing clothes with your Mom. The dress and all of the necklaces I pair with it are from my Mom's collection.

I especially love this jade pendant!

After the jump, more variations on this outfit and a look at my jewelry collection and organization system!

My Antique Straw Hat

I was inspired the Royal Wedding today to share another one of my antique hats. This is the oldest one, and while I am no expert but I seem to recall the salesperson throwing around a 1910s-1920s date. The straw is very fine and delicate and it came with a hat pin, so either way it's the grand dame of the collection.

Old Navy Eyelet Dress

Click through for a couple of lovely close-ups!

Tie Dye for Summer!

Alloy Taryn Tie Dye Dress (available in XS-XXXL!)

Vintage Purse

After the jump, a couple more jewelry alternatives and another tie dye-inspired dress!

Who Wore it Best?

Apparently I'm not the only one whose gone floral crazy this season.  In the April 11 US Weekly no less than 4 celebrities were spotted in our  $34.50 ruffle bib dress:

I'm not totally sure who the two in the middle are.

I think they all look good , though I do agree with those surveyed  that that leather jacket is a good addition to the outfit. I obviously had to give this dress a try myself if I was going to blog about it! I would say that the drop waist is not the most flattering for my shape, but I still thought it worked in a romper/playsuit kind of way and was worth it on clearance. 

Soludos Denim Espadrilles

Another floral dress!

 Secondhand dress & bag

 Old Navy gold braided belt

Necklaces: ModCloth (whale), Urban Outfitters ('amour' pendant/arrow)

A few lovely dresses!

Batik dress from Target ($20), necklace gifted by New Zealand relatives.

More hats...

Dress by Lithe from Anthropologie

Style Icon: Lucille Ball

 

My I Love Lucy Period corresponded (lead to?) my hat collecting period. This was in 1st and 2nd grade. I successfully petitioned for my first bedtime extension specifically so I could watch the first couple shows on Nick at Nite. Head on over to this post of more glamorous photos of Ms. Ball. Then, click through for an outfit I created inspired by her Vitameatavegamin ensemble.

A fabulous print!

Mother's necklace

Thrift store necklace,

Tucker for Target Dress ($39.99)

 I'm super excited to have gotten a taste of some of the expensive patterned Tucker dresses I sell at work. I love the color and the pattern, and was so excited that the XL fit right in store!