Forever 21

Black, short-sleeved, velvet blazer, Forever 21. Red silk blouse, Newport News. Black cami, Victoria’s Secret. Pinstriped pants, Forever 21. Black pumps, Michelle D. Multi-strand faux pearl necklace, JC Penney.

Although I love the store, going into Forever 21 invariably makes me feel fat and old. When I first encountered the store, I was confused about the “21.” Was it a price point or an age? Evidently, it is an age, although the average age of the shoppers and staff is probably 17, making me feel like a wrinkly old hag at 31. The clothes are sized for 12-year-olds. I wear an XS or S in women’s stores. At Forever 21, I’m a M or L. Still, it’s a great place to find cheap, trendy items. I just bought this blazer last weekend.