F21's Big Sister

Forever 21's new line of clothing, Twelve by Twelve, is now available for your viewing pleasure on their website. Think of it as the big sister to Forever 21, with a more refined and sophisticated feel. Price points are ever-so-slightly higher than those at F21, and I personally hope that the quality of the garments is reflected in that. At the moment, they don't have an abundance of items on the website, but there seems to be a predominance of tunics, sweaters, and short skirts in dark hues. With collection names such as Dandy Dolls, Modern Art, Mystical Forest, and Vintage Couture, it's difficult for the pieces to live up to their names. I'll give them credit, however, for their efforts at creativity and marketing. As an avid online browser, I'd like to see them get better mannequins or at least shell out the extra dough to do some simple photoshoots with live models. Something about those mannequins make the clothes look cheap. Anyhow, I think it makes all the difference in the world.

If you live in southern California, where F21 is based, then you're in luck. Two stores in the area will be carrying the new line. They are located at the Del Amo Fashion Center in Torrance and the two-story F21 location (that I occasionally visit) at 35 N. DeLacey in Pasadena. According to the website, they'll be stocking the wares at the Beverly Center and also at the 3rd Street Promenade in Santa Monica.

On my last visit to the Pasadena location, I inadvertently bought two pieces from the Twelve by Twelve collection; some vintage-inspired cameo pins grabbed my attention while I was digging through the acccessories department. By digging, I mean sifting through bowls of small items with one hand while balancing a hefty load of clothing in another. This two-story F21 location in Pasadena is the second largest F21 store I've ever shopped, aside form the mind-boggling three-story location on Powell St. in San Francisco. The Pasadena location is merchandised much better, with the clothing arranged into themes and sections with different decor. The customer service here is also much better than at other lcoations. With the knowledge that I'll find items that aren't stocked at other F21 locations, I always stock up.

My two favorite pieces are the leopard coat the the Bijoux jeweled miniskirt. From the photos, they look more expensive than they are, but I would definitely want to inspect them in person. In order for this line to be successful and differentiate itself against competitors (and the F21 line), it needs to offer customers higher quality and a more polished edge, perhaps with some originality thrown in.

Photo credit: twelvebytwelve.com

Fall Into It

People in southern California have been known to say that we don't have any such things as seasons. Yes, it's true that we have some of the best weather in the world. I've lived on the East Coast, so I've experienced blizzards, ice storms, and the loudest thunder I'll ever hear (hopefully). As I have lived in California for so long, it was refreshing to see the leaves turn color on my vacation to Seattle and Vancouver last fall. That's one of the few things that I don't get to enjoy as a southern Californian. After experiencing the torrential downpours that Seattle is so famous for, however, I am grateful that I live in such a mild climate. Nevertheless, the days are getting shorter, the wind is picking up, and the nights are becoming cooler. This leads me to share some tips on how to transition your wardrobe from summer to fall.

1. Layers - One of my favorite things to do is to take a fitted long-sleeved shirt from J. Crew and layer it under my T-shirts, camisoles, and other summer tops. This will allow you to get a lot of mileage out of some of your summer staples. I particularly like J. Crew because of the super soft cotton and the snug fit which does not add bulk. Be creative and unconventional. I think that a crisp white button-down works well layered underneath dressy tube tops, strapless fitted dresses, and structured bustiers.

2. Accessories - Make liberal use of warm weather accessories. I know it's a cliche, but accessories make all the difference! They give you more options and a chance to be creative. This is the time of year when I bring all of my scarves, hats, tights, boots, gloves, and legwarmers out of storage. Below I added a printed scarf, some gray tights, and some suede boots to this shirtdress to take it from summer to fall. When the weather gets even colder, I could throw a belted wool peacoat on top.

3. Outerwear - This one is obvious. Peacoats and trench coats are two great classic styles to have in your wardrobe, as they are versatile and never go out of style. Here in southern California, I won't be needing anything as hefty as a down jacket, but lightweight jackets and sweaters come in handy. They also work for cool spring days. Below I paired a vintage Members Only Jacket over my H&M dress for a cool, casual look. In colder weather, I could add black tights, skinny jeans, or a faux fur scarf.

Flea Market Shopping Tips

Having done my fair share of shopping at the Rose Bowl Flea Market over the years, I've learned a few things along the way. While browsing the flea market, I've come acros a wide array of items, with everything from dishes and furniture to brooches and vintage work boots. I thought I'd share a few tips for those readers who are interested in knowing how to make the most of shopping at flea markets.

1. The early bird catches the worm - Get there early to enjoy the best selection of merchandise. I've read that some of the Rose Bowl shoppers arrive at the crack of dawn and pay higher admission prices in order to beat the rush and have a go at the merchandise before the masses arrive.

2. Bring your poker face - If you really like something, don't show your excitement to the vendor. I once made this mistake at the Old Spitalfields Market in London and the vendor was unwilling to bargain. If you act like you could take it or leave it, the vendor may be more likely to negotiate a price with you. Act too anxious, and you look like an easy sell. As a rule, don't go down more than 10% on the price of most items. I usually ask vendors politely if what they're asking is the best price they can do. Furthermore, if you buy more than one item, they are sometimes more willing to give you a deal. It's also wise to have an idea in your head of how much the item is worth or how much you're willing to pay for it. (FYI - the Rose Bowl isn't always the best place for bargains, as the merchandise can be quite pricey at times. I've even seen a few rock stars and actors shopping there.)

3. Paper over plastic - Many of the vendors do not accept credit or debit cards, so make sure you pick plenty of green off of the money tree before you go shopping. Some flea markets may have those portable ATM machines, but you may end up paying an extra fee to use it.

4. Be prepared - As many flea markets are held outdoors, know what the weather will be like so you can dress accordingly and shop comfortably. My Nike Shox, oversized sunglasses, and hat always come in handy on hot summer days.

5. Bag it - It's a good idea to bring shopping bags or a roomy handbag to hold your purchases. I like to stuff small items in a large handbag which I carry on my shoulder, as it frees up my hands. Many people at the Rose Bowl push those wire carts, which are convenient for larger/heavier purchases. Also make sure you have room in your vehicle if you're buying larger pieces of furniture. Last weekend I saw a man getting frustrated as he tried to cram a chair into the backseat of his Buick.

6. Keep an eye out - I like to make a mental list of items that I'm looking for before I go to a flea market. Otherwise, it can be overwhelming because of the sheer volume of merchandise that's available. I admit it's hard to find particular items sometimes, but I don't want to get distracted and lose focus. There have been occasions where I've found great things that weren't on my list, and that's always exciting, but I prefer to have an idea of what I want when I'm shopping at the Rose Bowl. Some people thrive on the thrill of the hunt and the fun of flea market shopping lies in finding that special something that catches your eye. I wish I had the patience!

7. Buyer be-wear - Be sure to carefully inspect the goods before you buy. Look for stains, holes, and other possible damage. Once you buy something and take it home, you probably cannot return it. Last weekend I saw a great pair of high-waisted jeans from the 1970s that had a stain on the pocket. Not sure whether the stain would come out, I decided not to buy.

And that wraps up my flea market shopping tips. Did I miss anything? Do you have any tips to share?

Tempted by Temperley

If you're like me and you rushed to your nearest Target store to inspect the Alice Temperley line, you probably noticed an abundance of ruffles, bows, feminine printed dresses, and lots of crepe (polyester) fabric. From the images on Target's website, the merchandise looked a tad bland and so-so. Overall, however, I am pleased with the collection after having seen it in person. So far it's my favorite of all the GO designers. It's much better in person, as the details don't photograph so well. I was impressed when I noticed that the in-store promotional signage was much more prominent than with the previous GO designers. The print ads feature a British castle and a Victorian-looking interior that contributes greatly to the appeal of the charming and dainty pieces in the GO collection.

Notable pieces in the collection include some knee-length "jodhpurs" which I would hesitate to call jodhpurs. True jodhpurs are slimmer in the lower thigh and knee area and have more volume in the hip area. They're cute though, and have pleats down the front of the leg. They come in dark blue or black. I adore the ruffled Victorian bouses and the transparent blouses with the bows that tie at the neck. My favorite piece is the melton wool ruffled capelet that comes in blue or in ivory. (It's the one featured in the ads with a pink and white striped shirt layered underneath.) I bought it in blue, as it's my favorite color. I know I'll be wearing this a lot this season.


I also bought the denim overalls, which run small. I like the halter styling and the adjustable belt-like feature in the lower back - it creates a sexy cutout area just above the pant waistline and allows for a snug, tailored fit.

I also bought the gray high neck Victorian blouse with puffy sleeves and a peplum waist. It has cuffed sleeves, a banded neck, and looks much more expensive than its $29.99 price tag. I'll pair it with a cropped vest, cameo brooches, or even the Temperley denim overalls pictured above.

Although many of the pieces in the collection were in neutral shades of ivory, black, gray, or navy, there were some touches of color in the form of a bright pink T-shirt, a lemon yellow, gray, and white striped long-sleeved T-shirt, a coral pointelle sweater vest, and a cheery graphic print dress. Being a fan of color, I found the collection easy to shop because almost every item can be mixed and matched together for infinite possibilities.

Front and back views of the denim overalls, $39.99.

The blue melton wool capelet/jacket, $44.99. It's so soft! As a plus, it has a playful blue and black polka-dot satin lining, and I'm tempted to go buy one in ivory.


The gray Victorian blouse, $29.99. This picture doesn't do it justice. I paired it with a faux shearling and suede vest and a cameo necklace.

Photo credit: target.com/go

So Fash'on-able

One of my favorite blogs to read regularly is So Fash'on. When Diana, the multi-talented author, posted photos of herself in this exquisite top that she had constructed, I gasped in awe. I love the dainty floral print, the drapey fabric, and the sexy silhouette of this top. I promptly emailed her asking if she could make me one and I am thrilled that she has taken the time to construct the top and go out of her way to ship it to me all the way from Romania, where it's not exactly easy to ship to the U.S.

I'm confident that the shirt will be well worth the wait. I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my one-of-a-kind Diana Bobar creation and I can't wait to wear the top out and take pictures! Thank you D!!!!


Photo credit: dianabobar.wordpress.com

Under My Umbrella

Today at the Rose Bowl Flea Market, the stylish gals were traveling in pairs. Trend alert - I observed many women with a parasol or umbrella in hand. Of all the times that I've frequented the flea market, I have never seen so many people with an umbrella. Perhaps they're like me and will do anything to shade themselves from the harsh effects of the sun's rays. In any case, umbrellas make a pretty fashion accessory!

The bright yellow umbrella on the left adds contrast to the black dress, while the interesting sunglasses on both ladies lend a stylish flair to their outfits. These smart ladies definitely know how to use great accessories to shade themselves from the blazing sun.

It's hard to see, but the girl on the left is wearing the sequin beret I coveted from Urban Outfitters. Tres chic! I adore the black moccasins and breezy shorts/shirt combo on the girl on the right.

Style on State St. - Sequins and Lace

Santa Barbara is best characterized by an elegant and understated fashion sense. The beachy southern California lifestyle lends itself towards a casual, luxurious style. I photographed this stylish standout a while back, and her outfit is still up to date. I adore this delicate sequin top (from Anthropologie) and the pretty lace camisole layered underneath. I think this outfit would transition well for night with a dark pencil skirt or some wide-leg trousers and shiny pumps.

Window Shopping - In Person vs. Online

I've never been much of an online shopper due to my strong preference for the tactile experiences that in-store shopping affords. Sometimes quality, construction details, and fit cannot be assessed accurately through an online photo. I prefer to do my "window shopping" online and then visit the store in person to inspect the goods and make purchases. My exception to this habit is when brick and mortar stores do not carry the merchandise that they have on their web stores, or when I am not in close proximity to the store's physical location. Take delia*s, for example. They do not have any stores on the West Coast, otherwise I'd probably be shopping there at least twice per month. I've ordered from them before, and I am satisfied with their customer service and their user-friendly website. Unfortunately, the adorable cameo pillow that I recently ordered is on backorder. I guess everyone else finds it to be as charming as I do. Ahh, the pitfalls of shopping online.

On to another place that I enjoy shopping - Urban Outfitters. Their store selection can vary greatly depending upon the location which you visit. I have noticed that the Santa Barbara store carries different merchandise from the nearby Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley locations. They have a high merchandise turnover so I know that if I like something, I should not hesitate to buy because I may not find it somewhere else. (For example, the sequin beret they recently had at the Santa Barbara store sold out and none of the nearby stores stocked it.) Often, their web store carries items that their physical locations don't. Pictured below are a couple of things that would look good in my guest bedroom.

Photo credit: delias.com and urbn.com

Be My Guest Part 2

If you've been reading FTG lately, you probably know that I've been shopping for new furniture and accessories to redecorate the guest bedroom. This week seems to be a good week for me when it comes to furniture shopping. It's true that Labor Day brings lots of sales and it's a great weekend to shop! I'm excited that my local furniture store was offering half off on the Stanley Young America collection. I picked out two headboards (pictured below, except in white) from the Ma Marie collection. After the sale, both of them came out to $390. I think that's a great price for two twin headboards! Without the sale, they would have been more than $800. Yea, it always feels good to save money.

I also got this bookcase from the Simply Shabby Chic collection at Target. It too was on sale, for $30 off the regular price of $200. I'll be able to fit a ton of books, magazines, and some cute accessories on the four shelves. The drawer at the bottom will be useful for storing other things out of sight. Since the bookcase is tall and narrow, it won't take up a lot of valuable wall space in the bedroom, which is pretty small. Although the room will be used for occasional guests, its main function is for storage. I'm ashamed to admit that my room is overflowing with apparel, shoes, and girly knick-knacks. The guest room will allow me to better organize and store some of the things that I don't use everyday. My goal is to make it look tasteful, comfortable, and organized. Stay tuned in the coming weeks for before and after pictures.

Photo credit: youngamerica.com and target.com

Be My Guest

I was instantly drawn to this Victorian Birdcage bedding set when I first spied it in the Delia*s catalog. Unfortunately, when I saw it, I had already decorated my room with a bedding set from Target's Simply Shabby Chic collection. I had purchased a lamp, some area rugs, shams, and other accessories from the British Rose set, which consisted of a charming blue, white, and green floral print. So there was no way that this black, white, and turquoise print would match anything in my room. Now that I am decorating the guest bedroom, I did not hesitate to check out delia*s website and place an order. The website is easy to navigate and customer friendly. I like the modern-vintage print and the black and white colors won't make the room too feminine. With this color scheme, it will be easy to find neutral accessories to give the room more character and charm. I currently have my eye on two antique white headboards that are on sale at a local furniture store. In addition, the Simply Shabby Chic collection is on sale this week at Target. As if the merchandise wasn't already reasonably priced! What good timing! I think I'll buy the bookcase, as I have tons of books, fashion magazines, and notebooks from my college days. I'm so excited to get this project underway!

Photo credit: delias.com