Let's start with the good…
I no longer feel bad about shopping at Forever 21.
Obviously I'm not 21. Shocker… I know.
I have seen too many other bloggers that are also well past 21 years of age showing off their excellent scores that I will no longer be shamed into not sharing my treasures of cheaply made on-trend designs from Forever 21.
It does beg to mention that I came perilously close to pulling out all my ombre hair and stabbing myself in the eyes with one of their cheap plastic hangers while shopping there.
Now … The Bad.
Why you ask?
I will tell you why my friends…their effing *music* (I use that term very loosely because it sounded like mating monkeys on coke) . It was blaring out so freaking loud from every corner of the store on a 3 minute repeating loop with the most God awful mashup mix of crap I have ever heard. I thought I was going to have an aneurysm. That or I was getting a migraine. Same thing really.
Now for those of you that don't know, Forever 21 is not a store that you can quickly whip in and whip out. It's big. You need to take your time and look in every single nook and cranny for those little deals and sweet designer knock-offs. But after 30 minutes of tolerating that screaming cacophony it felt like I had been weeks in Guantanamo Bay in the music torture wing. I would gladly have listened to one whole song of Metallica on repeat than the inescapable vibrating distorted "trash-up" retching out of the high end $5 sound system. Not even the change rooms offered relief.
Here is something though you need to know about me. I have stood in lines when kids barf right behind me to get at an 80% reduced sequined skirt. I am no "baby novice" shopper. It'll take more than bleeding eardrums and an exploding cranium to make me leave a store when there are bargains to be had.
So like the real masochist trooper I am I toughed it out. Psychological warfare? Ha! They will need to do more than that to get this old broad to leave their store.
One hour in…thankfully…someone…oh hallelujah!… someone must have heard my silent prayers or seen my bulging twitching eyes and convulsions because they took off the torture mix and put on some normal non repeating music and we were able to leisurely spend yet another 30 minutes in the store at which point I found this amazing shirt.
Boots – vintage, Jeans – TJ Maxx, Clutch & Leather Jacket – Danier, Shirt – Forever 21
So worth it right?
I can only guess that after working in those conditions for any length of time that each of the salesclerks would need to be on some kind of disability leave. Let's hope Forever 21 offers employee health care.
Linking up with: Visible Monday , Sunday Style, Yolo Mondays, Watch What I'm Wearing Life is a Runway Monday Mingle GFC Collective Blog Hop
This post made me laugh so hard! I proudly shop at Forever 21 because you can get some great trendy pieces there. But I must agree, the music is usually horrible and most times I get completely overwhelmed by the massive inventory they have. On another note, I REALLY love your ombre hair color. It’s pretty much perfect!
xo
Ashley
Southern (California) Belle
“Mating monkeys on coke” hahaha!!!! F21 is the best for t-shirts!! One of my fav crazy laser cat tees is from there. Yours is great and I love the boots, too!
Becky
Ha! Such a funny account – and a great top too. And the cowboy boots are awesome – thanks for linking up!
You are so right about their music. It’s horrid! But i do love when I find something fabulous. Happy Shopping!
This is so hysterical!! I laughed out loud the whole time I was reading!
I have been shopping at Forever 21 for about 10 years. The first time that I went into one, I was afraid that they would card me and escort me to the door. But they didn’t. They gladly took my money and told me to come back soon. I took that advice to heart and have been an avid fan ever since.
You found an awesome piece that I would gladly take when you are tired of it. And the vintage boots ROCK!!
By the way, have your ears recovered yet?
Oh my gosh! You are hilarious!! I’ve never been to Forever 21…figured they would card me or something…haha
Yes, your shirt is SO worth it! You are rockin this outfit!! You Go, Suzanne!
LOL! You are made of much tougher stuff than I as I think I would have run screaming from the shop if I had to endure such torture. Great tee! I had a vintage tiger print tee just like this one about ten years ago I picked up from Portobello Markets and wore a lot. Kicking myself for giving it away now!
I love Forever 21! Such cute cloting:)
Hahahaha, that the exact same thing when I spent some time at forever 21 in Washington DC, their music choice was awfully picked and loud and because of the store size you need to spend some time their when you wanna go through each rack.
When I went shopping at forever 21 in Sarasota it was a total different story, super atmosphere and nice music so depending on where you go I guess.
Did you colour your hair new again, it seems darker? Love it 🙂 andn your leather jacket is divine 🙂
http://www.fleurani.blogspot.de
I love this tiger top!
that jacket is so cool!
Lindsey
http://thriftandshout.blogspot.com
Yes, the t-shirt is fab!
Glad it gave you a giggle : )
Thanks for stopping in Patti : )
Yep…what we won’t put ourselves through for that “something fabulous!” ; P
Yep, my ears are better now. Thanks for asking Diane : )
Go Jeannie go! Just remember to take your noise cancelling headphones and a bottle of Tylenol.
I swear you will find something that you totally do not need but feel compelled to buy because it is so cool and so cheap. It’s like nirvana for impulse buyers.
You surprise me Veshoevius. I thought you to be a hard core shopper. I’m sure you have your areas where you exceed my determination. Hmmm a certain vintage cape I think comes to mind… ; P
Thanks for popping by Meg : )
I so need to try a different F21 store then.
Yeah, my hair has gotten a little bit darker. I’m going to a different girl for the colour now.
I could see where this would be right up your alley : )
Thanks Lindsey. It is not a thrift store find, but I have had it for quite some time : )
Thanks : ) Makes me feel better knowing I didn’t go through all the torture for something that was lame.
Too funny! I have learned to combat the Forever 21-ness by doing my browsing online. When I know what I want, I can go in the store and find it with ease. (I’m not sure about your store, but mine is organized in different sections– Love21, pastels/lace, party gear, suit/classics, etc.) I also sometimes just ask a sales associate if they can point me in the direction of item X. They have been able to find item X for me about 80% of the time. Best of luck in the future!
You look completely wonderful. Love the sweet jacket with the sleeves turned up. So great with your hair!
If there were a F21 near me, I’m sure I’d be there. Wearing sunglasses and a hoodie, pretending I’m shopping for the grandchildren. No you shouldn’t forgo your fun … there’s tons of stuff for you there. I was a little embarrassed that I drove 40 miles at O-dark-thirty on Sunday morning just to hit the Pabral Garung start at Target. I swished right past the juniors and got the few pieces I wanted … they were polite enough not to stomp an old lady.
Hint: plan a trip to F21 immediately after a lunch with the girls. During lunch, consume two glasses or red or white wine. You should be better set up to deal with the brouhaha.
Ha ha! I love that idea! : )
That is a good idea, know what they have before you go.
I think that this was an exceptional case though since I’ve been in quite a few other F21s and haven’t wanted to scratch my own eyes out. I honestly thought there was something wrong with their stereo system.
I’m 20 and I hate the music at Forever 21 too. I just don’t get how they find such awful music or why they play it so loud. Sometimes it makes me not want to shop there. But I’m glad you were able to stick it out. You are rocking that top!
-Mary @ Style That Moves
Just found your blog through Visible Monday. I feel the same way about F21 – it’s a great place to pick up inexpensive trendy pieces to add to your wardrobe. I am also overwhelmed with the amount of variety they have – I think 30 minutes is about my max time in F21.
Really love the top you found there!
Alice
http://www.happinessatmidlife.com
OH MY GOSH! I cannot agree more! And it isn’t just Forever 21 either. There are so many places that I can’t even stand to shop in solely due to their music.
-Jamie
ChatterBlossom
Love your post! That shirt looks great on you and is worth the mating monkeys on coke!!
You are so funny and so correct about Forever 21, I always feel like someone is going to tell me I am too old to shop there and ask me to leave.
Pia
pjmscloset.blogspot.ca
lol great post. You are a trooper for sure!
I totally agree with you about F21 and that top is too COOL !
Visiting from pret-a-vivre.com.
Have a great week 🙂
Okay…now I don’t feel so bad for hating that music : )
Thanks for stopping by Mary.