WHY I WILL NO LONGER SHOP AT FOREVER 21


What do thoughts of Forever 21 evoke? Besides the name trying to recapture our youth, does it conjure up thoughts of cheap prices for current trends, mass confusion with the giant selection and clothes thrown every which way, rings that turn your fingers green or is it a quick stop for a cute graphic T, boyfriend cardigan or cheap necklace? As you know, I do occasionally find cute things there but now my gut is telling me "nah!"

Let me tell you about a visit to Forever 21 and why I came to the revelation I will no longer shop there.

I stupidly ordered an item online that was of course way too small and fit for more a little girl than a 40 something-year-old woman so I decided I would make a little stroll over to get my $35.98 back. Well, the events that transpired in that store we're quite interesting. First of all, when I told the girl at the front that I had a return, she was quick to inform me that their store does not give money back, they strictly give only credit or exchange. Great, now that had me scrounging around the cluttered store for something close to that price. 


I knew this also meant a trip into the dark dingy dressing room as I really can't hardly buy anything anymore without trying it on. As I was approaching The back of the store and the beautiful Fall florals, I spied two cute little teenage girls who are also admiring them. One of them looked up at one of the cute floral blouses and said "isn't that cute?" and the other one said "yeah but don't you think it makes me look like my grandma?" Lo and behold, both eyes avert over to me and I'm thinking whoa whoa girls, do I seriously look like I'm old enough to be your grandma? After that devastating blow, ha ha, I took my seven items to the girl in the dressing room area, where she quickly informed me that I cannot take all seven in, only SIX! So stinking stupid, one more item girl! I handed her the one that I was least likely to get and proceeded into the dressing rooms. Three of the six items I had were the same because I grabbed a small, medium and a large having no idea what might fit me because it was one of those bodysuits! I used to love them, they would stay in place under my trousers for work and looked oh so sleek! The top part was a darling print and had some cute fall hues in it. I decided to start out with the medium. Oh my, so I got it down over my head but as I proceeded to pull the crotch part down, it would not budge. The stinking thing would not even pull down under my crotch to snap it. Normally I don't post pictures like this but I had to take a picture and show you how dreadful this ordeal was, lol. 


Next, I had to get the thing off so of course you know it got stuck, my arm was all backwards and there is no way I was getting that thing over my head anytime soon. With patience and perseverance, I finally got it off and the end result was this hair.


I decided to forgo the small and the large, LOL! And try on a couple pairs of leggings and a soft turtleneck sweater with fringe at the bottom. All right, the sweater was darling, so I proceeded to check out. Everything seemed fine until I got home, took out the Fringe sweater only to find that they left the ink tag on! Mind you, the store is not close to me, it is a 45 minute drive and I don't often have the time to go over there. However, now this tag means that I have to make a trip back yet again. 

I can assure you that's probably going to be my last for more reasons than just this. So here are my additional reasons why I will probably no longer be shopping at Forever 21. Now, I may decide to show you a couple items I did buy online in a fashion post or two but I promise that's it, LOL!

1. All of a Sudden everything is so short or too small.

2. Most of the costumers have braces.

3. While standing in the checkout line perusing the accessories, a flower falls off the barrette you pick up and what's that smell?....the smell of $1.97 perfume from China.

4. You have no idea what the slogans on the t-shirts mean?

5. Comfort trumps all...cheap heels be gone...

6. You're just not into "Fast" Fashion anymore.

Trendy, inexpensive versions of runway looks are referred to as "Fast" Fashion. This type of clothing will continue as long as cash strapped teens, college students and hoarders of clothing quantity are shopping. So I'll leave the $3 Cami and broken barrette and go to The Loft cause I'm just not that fast anymore, lol.

xoxo

80 comments:

  1. if you do a forever 30 that might sound better

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  2. Ugh girl, I haven't stepped foot in that hell in at least three years. After working with teenagers for years I decided I didn't need to try to style myself with them. And the stores are crap! Honey, no to the rebirth of the leotard shirt!!! On my blog's FB page I posted a picture of one and asked "WHY!?" those were terrible in the 90's we cannot accept them again!!!! Love you sweetie! Have a good Monday! (Ann Taylor for LIFE!)

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  3. I haven't shopped at Forever 21 in years! I quit wasting money on cheap clothes that start showing signs of wear after the first wash. It may be crazy, but I look at clothes as an investment and only buy ones that are good quality that I know will last....even if they are a little expensive. Good luck getting that tag removed haha!
    Sarah at MeetTheShaneyfelts

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  4. Oh I feel you! I simply cannot shop in store at F21 and online purchasing makes me a bit nervous. I'm with you, I'm kissing F21 goodbye!

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  5. Forever 21 is the worst! I can barely stand to go in there with my daughter. And the sizing is crazy. She is an average sized teen, and some of the things barely fit her. On to the Loft it is! Have a wonderful week!

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  6. Oh man!! I try not to shop there either for all the reasons you mentioned and finding anything there is like finding a needle in a haystack and how annoying that you have to go back to get that thing off!! GAH! Hope you do have a great start to your week! xo, Biana -BlovedBoston

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  7. Lol. This was too funny. They were my go to in my twenties but their quality leaves lots to be desired

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  8. I don't shop at F21 but my daughter likes it. Walking into that store is always overwhelming for me and I've never liked their return policy. So annoying about the security tag! Maybe a different retailer closer to you can help you get it off.

    Jill
    Doused In Pink

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  9. Anonymous14.11.16

    I've never been a fan of Forever 21 ~ I have never purchased a thing from that store, this post will make sure I never even consider it :) Hope you have a fabulous week my friend !!!

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  10. I hate the clutter from that store, but have had good luck ordering on line. Which I only do for random trends because their stuff is crap and doesn't last ;)

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  11. I need a Forever 50+. :-) The bodysuit made me giggle because I could totally see that happening to me. Thanks for the giggles this morning.

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  12. Oh my gosh I totally love you!! This is so funny...but also true. I had one bad experience with a return and that was all I needed. I'm totally laughing my ass off at that t-shirt! I hope your Monday is turnt up!

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  13. Oh no!! How dumb that they don't give cash back. Even with a receipt? Ugh! Too funny about the bodysuit... I've had a few getting stuck in clothes in the dressing room experiences and they always elicit a small amount of panic ;-) On to bigger and better!

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  14. Sign me up for Forever 39! I hate Forever 21. I wouldn't even shop in there when I was younger and poor. Their stuff has always been ill fitting on me, the store is set up all kinds of wrong and makes it nearly impossible to shop and I never did like the clientele. I would much rather pay a few more dollars for a better quality piece at Loft like you said. Target has been stuff than them! And nothing infuriates me more than shitty return policies or leaving ink tags on things. Why do they need ink tags? Their stuff is cheap! No one is stealing it.

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  15. Oh my gosh girl, I am so sorry to hear about your experience there! I actually haven't stepped into a Forever 21 in years. I just hate the way that it smells in there and a lot of the stuff just looks cheap. If you want cute inexpensive clothes, there are so many better places to go. Anyway... I hope that the rest of your weekend was good, and have a great day today!! :-)

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  16. I agree with every single thing you said! I haven't shopped there in probably 3 years and it used to be my go-to store! Now that I'm older, I'm ok with paying more for better quality AND who wants to go into that store when it's complete chaos?! I get anxiety the minute I step inside!

    www.rosyoutlookblog.com

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  17. I only shopped at Forever 21 once, quite a few years ago. We were on vacation, and there was a Forever 21 right next to our hotel. I remember being overwhelmed by all the clothes. But I actually found a couple things I really liked and still have one of the sweaters; it held up surprisingly well. But for some reason, I never stepped back into the store.

    I have been trying to buy fewer items and focus more on quality. It has actually made getting dressed easier, but I still have quite a ways to go...

    Have a great week!

    Andrea
    Andrea’s Wellness Notes

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  18. First of all this made me laugh, especially the braces part!! :) I kind of feel about Forever 21 like I do about staying in hotels. When you're young, cheap clothes don't matter, and you can cram a bunch of girls in a hotel room for the weekend to save money. But once you get older and can afford a little more - it's time to invest in better clothes and for goodness sakes - get your own hotel room in a nicer hotel :) Have a great week, beauty! XO

    Shauna

    www.lipglossandlace.net

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  19. I agree! I see cute things from there on bloggers but I just can't stand the store. I wouldn't dare order because everything is so small. There are too many fabulous stores to be wasting your time on that one.

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  20. I LOVE this post!!! I CANNOT handle Forever 21. It is the Black Friday of stores...always packed, way too much to look at, not a lot of organizing, and really overwhelming for me. I have only been there twice and just cannot. Hahahaha. That ink spot is horrible and to have to think about going in there again would not impress me. I am so sorry you had this happen!

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  21. Bummer! I like to order online with them rather than brave the store, but it is so annoying that you can only get a refund if you mail it back. And you're not the only one that doesn't wear your normal size in there either. Fear not!

    Amy Ann
    Straight A Style

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  22. Your list is too funny!! I occasionally find a few things there that I like when I'm there shopping for my daughter. I've actually been pleasantly surprised with their quality compared to their competitors like Rue 21 or Charlotte Russe). I totally agree about the sizing though! I'm usually an XL there...in other stores I'm a medium. :(

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  23. Oh man, I'm so sorry what happened to you. I haven't been to Forever 21 in forever, pun intended!! haha The store is always way too messy and busy for my taste. I hope you get a Primark in your area sooner, it's such a great store! It's like forever 21 but much much better.

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  24. This was the perfect Monday morning read! I've totally been there with getting stuck in my clothes in the dressing room. I haven't purchased clothes from them in the longest time but I have gotten a few headbands and my navy felt hat from there. In general I try to stay far away because I don't have the time, patience, or money to just waste on things that won't last. Beautifully Candid

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  25. Love your list! And I agree, every time I walk in there, I feel old, I think the music is too loud, I'm over whelmed and then walk right back out. I'd rather pay more than to have to go through all those clothes!

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  26. Oh my gosh, Andrea. Such an ordeal! The sizing is always so unpredictable, I haven't shopped at F21 in a while. But, there is nothing that is more aggregating than when they leave the sensor on!! I love your list -- the braces made me laugh at loud!! Side note: we have the same phone case haha! Hope you have a great start to the week!

    xo, Rachel
    A Blonde's Moment

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  27. Never been a fan. My girls liked it somewhat when they were teens, many because you could buy a super cheap dress/blouse, wear it once for a party and never again. Poor quality. And poor customer service.
    As for those sensor tags, if you have a receipt many retail stores will remove them for you if their sensors are the same type. Just an FYI.

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  28. Your pictures made me laugh so hard this monday morning :)
    OH man... our Forever 21 went out of business so there's that :)

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  29. Wow! Loved reading your honest review of F21! I never quite liked them to be honest! Their clothes are cheaply made and the fact that most of their customers wear braces me me laugh SO hard! So true! I went in their once with my son (who was in a stoller years ago!) and some girls made some rude remarks! I will never forget that! Like mom's are not allowed to shop there? Oh my! Anyhow, you are amazing! Love ya!
    xoxo, Vanessa
    www.WhatWouldVWear.com

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  30. I was always so jealous that my friends found all the stuff at the store, yet I never found anything good. You just reaffirmed my reasoning for not going back there in a few years. I, too, would much rather go to Loft and other stores where the pace and customers are more my speed!

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  31. The mess inside every one of those stores is enough to turn me away every time! I don't blame you for boycotting. Totally agree!

    Mary
    www.marymurnane.com

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  32. Oooh dear... I worked at F21 in high school when they first started opening up in select malls and I can't believe they still have all the same old policies like no cash back and only 6 items in the dressing room at a time. I'm so sorry you went through all that, and I agree with every single thing you mentioned! We definitely need a Forever 39 for yoga pants and wine!
    Green Fashionista

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  33. I don't have a F21 near by but I will occasionally stroll in when I am at the mall in the city. Every once and awhile I'll make a good find but more often than not it's an overwhelming experience that leaves me confused about the youth of today.

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  34. I have only stepped foot into our F21 two times. They girls in there are SO snobby and the girls that shop there are even worse! Their "plus size" section consists of a rack or 2 and the clothes itself is so darn small!
    I've gone in there a few other times to buy gift cards for my younger cousins, but other than that...I stay away.
    I'm sorry you had a bad experience...and that you have to go back.
    xo, Lily
    Beauty With Lily

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  35. Lol this post cracked me up! I rarely go to our F21 and I guess I'll be sure to stay away from there now that I know about their return policy. I don't think I ever knew that they didn't just give refunds... what the what?! And girl, your fashion sense is on point... you just keep doing you!

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  36. You had the worst experience ever at that store, and I don't think that I would ever want to step foot in one again either! I always liked the idea of Forever 21, but I always felt so overwhelmed as soon as I walked in and could never find anything, so most of the time I decide to not shop there either.

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  37. I didn't realize what the return policy was at F21 was either and now I've been stuck with a gift card for a few months. The problem is that most of their clothing is either too short or too sheer for me to wear!!

    http://thecourtneydiaries.com

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  38. I haven't been inside a F21 in years, and now I know why! Anyone who won't return my money doesn't get my business!

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  39. I'm in for your forever 39 store, I'm not 39 yet, but that is more my speed ;)I just had a similar experience, bought something online, had to return. Walked around in a daze at how crazy the store was and left with some scandalous undies and some rings sure to turn my hands green. I'm with you, no more shopping there!

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  40. Awww, this is such a bummer! Although, I don't really shop their either. Hope you get back to the mall soon:/

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  41. I stopped shopping in those trendy shops about 5 years ago, and it's for all the exact reasons you mentioned. It's all just so cheaply made and it doesn't last long. Also, how ridiculous that they don't offer returns?

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  42. Sign me up for the Forever 39 club please!? I don't shop much in there anymore, but remember the "mom jeans" tag I found in there about a year ago? If you don't, I mean, the tag seriously said "mom jeans!" I was like what the what!?! And I now know what "turnt up" means because I now have a daughter in college! It means you're drunk. You can thank me later! Oh, girl! The madness in your post! I have been there! I hope your Monday is going much better! Me? I've eaten like 5,428 Hershey Kisses today!

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  43. And why is the music so loud?

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  44. Oh my what an ordeal! I haven't shopped there in a very long time but I do like their prices for a quick, last-minute outfit however the store is way too cluttered and confusing and their sizing is all over the place which makes shopping online more inconvenient with the return process. I don't blame you for making this decision!

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  45. My only comment is Amen, sister!

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  46. yes, their sizing is crazy and so inconsistent. Haven't had to return anything, thank goodness... mostly because the things I've ordered probably just sat in my closet for far too long ;)

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  47. Best post ever. Enough said.

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  48. OMG you poor thing, Andrea!!! I feel the same way whenever I go back to Asia, to be honest. No one has shoulders or a broad back or muscles, and every time I attempt to shop, the cut of clothes make me feel like a giant. Sigh :) xoxo

    On the blog today, I'm tackling something literally "borrowed from the boys", i.e., an item of clothing I took from my husband's wardrobe. Come on over and see how I (and four other women of all ages) styled pieces we, ahem, borrowed from the men in our lives.

    https://sheelagoh.com/2016/11/14/boy-oh-boy/

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  49. I've heard if Forever 21 but I don't think I've ever actually shopped there, I wonder if they're in Europe? Not that it matters after all this, I doubt I'd want to shop there anyway lol! Oh what a complete disaster! I bet you were fuming by the end!!
    Suzy xx
    www.suzyturner.com

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  50. Sounds like quite an ordeal! I don't think I've ever found anything in that store.... However, if you have another store local to you that has the ability to remove the control tag most will as long as you have your receipt with you. My grandmother once bought me a coat while she was vacationing in ALASKA and they forgot to remove the tag. Armed with receipt we headed to a few local stores and once we found one with the same type of inventory control tag they were happy to remove it for her.

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  51. I don't believe I have ever purchased anything from their store.... my Forever 21 body left a LONG time ago. I have however had a store leave one of those crappy tags on before and had to drive all the way back the next day to have them take it off. You'd think cheap clothing stores would not even bother with those crazy things that sometimes leave holes in the clothing when they are removed. A new technology is needed for theft security that won't destroy things.

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  52. Hahaha, omg what a story! You must have been real pissed of. I would be! Here in the Netherlands Stores have to give you your money back. It s not allowed, by Law, to give you a credit.

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  53. My biggest pet peeve with Forever 21 is that the selection for plus size fashion is lacking! If they do have anything it is too flashy or too tight! There are times I have found something that works but that is usually online.

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  54. LMAO! I literally lol'd reading this. Can we get a Forever 35?

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  55. I haven't shopped at Forever21 in awhile. There are good finds there and I do have some items that I love and that look new! That being said you totally have to be prepared to spend quite a bit of time looking through the racks and racks of clothes. I totally get your frustration though. I just have to gear up in order to actually shop there

    http://www.mylittlenest.org

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  56. Haha, great post, Andrea!!! I haven't shopped there in years and you reminded me of all the reasons I stopped! Have a fabulous week :)

    Sarah Bell
    Trendy & Tidy

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  57. Too funny! I don't usually shop at Forever 21 for many of the same reasons. Btw I love the e-card! I would totally shop at Forever 39 :) Found your post at Wonderful Wed Blog Hop

    Nicole | The Professional Mom Project

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  58. Ha ha Andrea you are such a scream!! I concur totally..I get so over stimulated in that store and Yup I get the looks too....yes we need a foever 50 store!!

    xoxo

    Valerie

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  59. I must live in a cave cause I never heard of it

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  60. Hahaha...I would so shop at a Forever 39! My forty something butt needs it =) Visiting via Talk it up Tuesdays =) (Obviously visiting on a Wednesday. haha)

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  61. Oh my! I understand this! I don't shop there but have gone in to find clothes everywhere in disarray! Such a pain in the bum! I did buy some turtlenecks there recently and one was the size to fit my 6 yr old neice! Not worth it. Oh, sorry for all the trouble, and what an ordeal! Love the braces comment!
    Thanks for linking up with Turning Heads Tuesday!
    jess xx
    www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com

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  62. What an ordeal! Actually, now that I think about it, I haven't shopped at Forever 21 in ages. The thought of going into the chaotic store gives me anxiety so I've been skipping it. For inexpensive clothes I would totally rather go to Target or Old Navy.

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  63. Oh my, what a rough experience! I haven't shopped at Forever 21 in ages, but I used to love that store. Especially their dress selection. I quit shopping there in general, though, because of the major chaos of the store and also because all the dresses I liked were way too short. Aaanyway, totally understand!

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  64. Bonbara17.11.16

    Yoga and Wine--Oh my, I needed a laugh OUT LOUD moment this evening--THANK YOU! Hilarious (and spot on) post.

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  65. This was so entertaining, TFS. I actually just wrote on another website that we needed a Forever 21 for older women. That topic was on stores for their older women of which I replied that they are all too expensive. Yes, a lot of older women have money, but not everyone. This article also reminds me of another issue: how retailers/companies cater so much to the younger population. I never understood that as they don't have a lot of money, hence that's why their clothes are so much cheaper.

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  66. I haven't shopped in F21 in years. That stinks they left the sensor on your top.

    http://www.amysfashionblog.com/blog-home/

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  67. it does have the craziest sizing
    Would love to have you come visit my A Labour of Fashion Link up on thursdays
    http://www.alabouroflife.com/2016/11/a-labour-of-fashion-in-collingwood.html

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  68. Ah you have made me laugh! We have several similar shops here in the UK, the ones our teenager daughter will shop in but me - not so much! Fast fashion is not for classy ladies like us.

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  69. Oh dear what a bad day you had, that's a shame to find out the hard way. I bought a bag in the nearest one to me which is about 40 mins away, so I don't go that often. Hope you find a happier shopping venue. Jacqui
    www.mummabstylish.com

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  70. HAHA ... this post cracked me up! Yeah, we're just aren't as "fast" as we used to be ... LOL. Thanks for sharing this with FFF!

    OXOX
    Dawn Lucy
    http://fashionshouldbefun.com

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  71. I stopped shopping there long ago! Now after two kids there is no way most of the stuff is going to fit me. I had an ink tag left on from a store once that was 2 hours away. I just went to a local store, like Target and asked them to remove it. I showed them my receipt and they took it off.
    -Jaclyn

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  72. I can never find anything I like in there. Each time I see something that I kinda like, it is crazy small and tight. Also, the stuff is pretty junky. My teenager buys from there occasionally, but the stuff never lasts more than a few washes.

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  73. Finding humor in your experience! I hate it when I have to do an exchange rather than a refund. Thought that was kind of an outdated practice. Guess I was wrong! Fun post we can all relate to!

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  74. You open that Forever 39 and I will open the sister store, Forever 58, specializing in support hose and Geritol. I am so sorry you had such a frustrating experience. I think the clothing at F21 is affordable and trendy but not for those of us whose fashion no longer needs to "fast". Love you, beautiful!

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  75. Forever 21 is one of those stores I simply can not shop in. I walk in, thinking maybe I can find a cute "XYZ" and then realize that nothing is organized, there are all these pieces where there is one of them, and none others, like items are never grouped together, there is a line at the dressing room, and basically I give up. Once in a while I'll order something online if I can get free shipping and if I know my sister will want it if it ends up being ridiculously tiny. And lets not even get into the ethics of fast fashion.

    Chic on the Cheap

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  76. This post just cracks me up! I've had this thought too! I do know what turnt up means, though ... it means you woke up still drunk ... something that is probably more likely to happen when you are actually 21. Either way, I've felt this way shopping there too. Luckily I have yet to see a Forever 21 over here in Spain ... mostly Zara, Mango and H&M. So I will stick to those myself.

    Nina
    aworldofdresses.com

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  77. I gave them up years ago after I also had a terrible experience in their store. I'm against fast fashion on every level. It is killing our planet. Secondhand clothing is where it is at.

    bisous
    Suzanne
    http://www.suzannecarillo.com

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  78. Cheap and nasty. Went in a few times years ago...never went back.

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  79. No one over 30 should shop there.

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  80. Oh my gosh... laughing... that bodysuit!! Tooo funny... and SO true. I will gladly boycott them with you! #FridayFrivolity

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