First Forever 21 order
admin January 14th, 2010
I haven’t written here in so so long! I almost forgot I had a blog! What an epic fail! ><
I’ve been really into shopping lately (uh oh!)… and since I am “resting” (read: bludging) these holidays before I start uni again, I’m constantly on clothing/accessories websites (=poor uni student!)… *sigh* I’m hoping that this habit will go away when uni starts… it’d be a miracle though!
That said, I recently made my first order on the Forever 21 website, and received my order in the post this morning. I am very hesitant when it comes to ordering clothes online (as one would)! I mean, the store had awesome pieces; the clothes/accessories looked really good, and all was at a reasonable price.
For the lucky ducks in the US, that is!
One word: shipping!
For them, it’s $USD5.95 to $USD15.95 for standard shipping, which is nowhere near as much as us internationals: $USD34.95 to $USD44.95 depending on the amount you order. Plus there’s a $1000 or 20 item limit (some custom thing), but I’m hoping I’m not THAT much of a shopaholic yet!
So anyway. I found someone in Melbourne (C) who wanted to order, and she recruited another to order so we could do a group order to save on shipping costs. So each of us would order 6 or 7 items, and pay $USD11.67 each. Not too bad… But I live in Sydney and needed C to ship it from Melbourne to Sydney… which is like $AUD11.30 for a 3 kg satchel by express post. So although it was in a group, it was still quite some bit! 
But decided to go ahead with it anyway, as I found more than 10 things I wanted and even had to cut down!
Next problem with online shopping: sizing!
There’s nothing more disappointing than being excited for a totally awesome dress, anticipating its arrival to find that it didn’t fit… at all (sometimes). So I started reading up on forums and websites to determine what size I would need to get. I did measure myself and tried to compare, but it’s ever so confusing! Reading up reassured myself a little. A lot of the time though, I’d get confused, and give up altogether… And then start back at square one… How I wish for standardised sizing!!
So my conclusion from the websites was that an AU Size 10 (I’m a size 8-10 but leaning more on size 10) would get a medium, depending on what was ordered… I chose my items and generally ordered in medium, and then took the plunge; I sent C my items of interest while she made the purchase.
About a week after that, the items came (today). It was very exciting.
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Firstly, I got Water Painted Eiffel Tower Tee in a Small.
From the site:
A soft v-neck tee featuring a water-painted Eiffel Tower with metallic glitter accents. Solid colored back. Finished hem and sleeves.
- 27″ approx length from high point shoulder to hem, 14″ shoulder width, 34″ chest, 5.5″ sleeve length from shoulder ridge
- Measured from Small
- 100% cotton; Hand wash cold, lay flat to dry
Measurements from the chart (small):
- 3/4 - 5/6
- Bust: 33-34″
My thoughts:
The chart only showed the measurements for the bust, and my measurement is slightly bigger… so that didn’t help much. The description helped a little more, and it sounded close to my measurements so I got it in a small. It fitted really well actually, I was really pleased with the fitting! The material is soft and supple; feels great! =]
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Next was the Dressy Tux Blazer in a Medium.
From site:
Sateen style blazer with a smooth, slightly glossy finish. Features decorative self-covered buttons at the front and cuffs and waist welt pockets. This item has no lining.
- 20.5″ approx length from high shoulder to hem point (front), 18″ approx length from shoulder to hem (back), 35″ chest, 31.5″ waist, 23.5″ sleeve
- Measured from Small
- 97% cotton/ 3% spandex; Dry clean only
Measurement from the chart (medium):
- 7/8 - 9/10
- Bust: 35-36″
My thoughts:
Since I saw that people who were size 10 ordered in medium, I too ordered it. Bust size is correct for me, so I went for it. It turned out to be a little tight actually, but still good - as in, I can do the buttons and it looks as it should, but I can’t wear too much under. Overall, I like the feel and look. =]
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Then it was the Strapless Double Knit Dress in Medium.
From the site:
Strapless knit dress made of thick, double-knit jersey with a smooth, soft, dry surface. Features pleats at the waist and pockets, and elastic at the upper back.
- 25″ approx length from high bust to hem, 26.5″ chest, 25.5″ waist
- Measured from Small
- 76% polyester/ 22% rayon/ 2% spandex; Hand wash cold
Measurements from the chart (medium):
- 7/8 - 9/10
- Bust: 35-36″
My thoughts:
Actually, this was sort of confusing. From the small measurements, bust was 26.5″ (and then the measurement chart said 36″?) and the waist was 25.5″…?! Hoping it was a typo, I ignored the bust measurement. Since I was a bit bigger on the waist to the small, I got a medium. Turned out to be almost perfect! The bust was a bit big, which is a concern since it’s a strapless, but overall I am happy with the size. The fabric wasn’t as I expected. I must confess, however, that prior to ordering, I was too concerned about the sizing to notice the material. Overall, I’m happy with it. =]
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I couldn’t resist the super cute I Only Date Nerds Tee (got in a Medium).
From the site:
An adorable cartoon-like tee featuring a couple and an “I Only Date Nerds” phrase at the bottom. Solid-colored back. Finished hem and sleeves.
- 26″ approx length from high point shoulder to hem, 13.5″ shoulder width, 34″ chest, 6.0″ sleeve length from shoulder ridge
- Measured from Small
- 50% cotton, 50% polyester; Machine wash cold, tumble dry low
Measurements (medium):
- 7/8 - 9/10
- Bust: 35-36″
My thoughts:
Couldn’t really tell from the bust measurement only, but decided to get it since the measurement was right, and the small seemed a bit small for me. However, when I tried it on, it was a bit too big. But not to worry, it’s still a cute top and I can wear tight jeans under! =]
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Following was the Accordion Pleat Skirt in a Small.
From the site:
Love 21 - A short woven skirt featuring playful accordion pleats layered over chiffon ruffle tiers. Other features include an invisible side zipper, fully lined and accent shimmer dust.
- 29″ waist, 14.5″ length
- Measured from Small
- Shell/ contrast: 100% polyester; Hand wash cold, tumble dry
Measurements from the Love21 chart (small):
- Bust: 36″
- Waist: 28″
- Hip: 39″
My thoughts:
They had a different measurement chart for Love 21. This chart offered a more measurements, so that was good. Looking at the description, the waist was a little bigger, but the chart said 28″… that sounded like me. However, the hips measurement was a bit big… so again, I wasn’t sure whether to get XS or S. I went with S though… and when I tried it on, it was quite alright! It sat between my waist and hip, near the belly button, which gave it a good length. The material was unexpected again… but that I didn’t check out. I like the way it looks on. =]
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Last clothing item but not least was Fab Braid Strap Knit Dress in Medium.
From the site:
Pair your favorite flip flops or sandals with our fabulous knit dress for a casual chic look. The braided shoulder straps line the v-neckline while the elastic waist trim hugs your curves. Other features include subtle ruching below the bust, a ruffle trimmed bottom, and a cut-off hem.
- 32” approx length from shoulder to hem (Small)
- 100% rayon; Dry clean only
Measurements from chart (medium):
- 7/8 - 9/10
- Bust: 35-36″
My thoughts:
The description and measurements wasn’t all too informative, I must say. I didn’t have much to go off but I read somewhere size 10 should be a medium in dresses, so I got a medium. When it came, it looked like my size. Wearing it, the V neck was a little deep, and the straps were a bit loose. I don’t know why, but all the sun dresses I own I have strap problems with. Is it just me? Do I not comply with standard upper body length? Not sure, but apart from that, the dress fitted nicely… Though there’s a few things I wonder: What can I do to reduce the straps a little? And whether I could’ve gone into a size Small instead… The dress is cute, and overall sort of happy with this one. =)
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Also got an Eiffel tower necklace, which looks better online than real life. But I love necklaces! They’re bound to fit!
So there’s my first online purchase for Forever 21! Overall, it was good - I must say I’m sort of hooked! Haha Especially love the Twist range - ah so cute!! But still, every time I see a dress I want, I’d think and think and think over and over about the sizing and all… *sigh* But at least now I have more of an idea than before 
I do know one thing though - I don’t think I will ever be game enough to buy jeans online (and I think I need some soon!)…
Anyway, off to shop some more! 
Bye!
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Images courtesy of forever21.com