B.A. Style "Steal" of the Day: Exposed Zipper Sweater Dress

My dreams of having a Hervé Leger dress (average cost 900 dollars) are still just a dream. There have been many companies that have made their version of the famous “bodycon” dress Topshop, Bebe, Gap, and now Forever 21 with the best rendition yet. Forever 21’s Exposed Zipper Sweater Dress is simply fantastic it has the curve hugging style, the banding and unique straps that are signatures to the iconic original. I’m even thinking of getting two and getting one cut shorter (knee length) so that I can have two great dresses. While the dress lacks the sheen ( it’s a duller sweater like material) of an Hervé Leger it’s still looks like it’s worth much much more than it’s 34 buck price tag. Happy Shopping!

photo cred: Forever 21

Fashion Soapbox: Trovata vs. Forever 21

(shirts in top row are Forever21 bottom row is Trovata)

The fashion sites are all abuzz about Trovata’s lawsuit against Forever 21 for copyright infringement. Now let me say this copying off someone’s paper in class, stealing from the store is wrong, but the essence of most fashion is “the trend” we tend to see many top name designers with similar looks for a season in different fabrications i.e. The Harem Pant, Big Shoulder Pads, Leggings, Ripped Jeans etc. In the case of Trovata and Forever 21 well the picture is worth a thousand words, and as much as I want to slap Forever 21 for straight up knocking a look off on the hand I just can’t. While there may be a moral issue here and Forever 21 is clearly in the wrong in that reagard legally I think they are home free. The copyright laws are clear they protect orginal prints and graphics ( so you t-shirt designers please have rights!).It’s also clear there is nothing orginal about various striped fabrics or mismatched buttons ( it's been done!). What's really making me angry and is just as bad as Forever 21 "stealing" a look is how designer companies like Trovata steal from the consumer. IT'S THE SAME MATERIAL people! I'm unwilling to accept the arguement that some people use to defend design houses "they don't use sweat shops" or "they pay a fair living wage" ( the fact is a lot of more exspensive brands do use sweatshops) because companies like American Apparel don’t use sweatshops and have living wages and do so without marking up the price of a product 500%.

photo cred:Courtesy Photo

B.A. Style "Steal" of the Day: Scoop Neck Pocket Tee

I love my American Apparel, and Urban Outfitters brand basic tees, but in this economy why pay $16.00, $19.00, $24.00 for a tee when you can get one for $6.80. Yes the Scoop Neck Pocket Tee from Forever 21 is basically 7 bucks (the v neck version w/o a pocket is $4.80). Don’t let the small price tag fool you these tees survive multiple washings, and the cotton is a perfect weight not see through paper thin or wintery thermal thick. The color selection online is limited, so head to your local mall if you want to pick up a few. Happy Shopping!

photo cred: Forever 21

Accessory Find of the Week: Asymmetrical Straw Cloche

For some reason I have switched my accessory fetish from statement necklaces to hats, I just purchased a chic yet cheap one from For Love 21 (the Forever 21 accessories store). I just happened to be perusing the Urban Outfitters website as I do daily when I came across another wonderful topper. This Asymmetrical Straw Cloche is fabulous, and you don’t even need a bad hair day as an excuse to wear it. It’s chic, with a little dash of masculine/feminine play, and will actually dress up an outfit. It’s also made of papers straw which means it will breathe a bit for this up coming warm months, and protect your “do” from the spring rain. HAPPY SHOPPING!

photo cred: Urban Outfitters

Shoe find of the Week: Ruffle Leather Platform

Real suede, ruffles, a 4 inch heel, and a 27.80 price tag. Although I have liked Forever 21 shoes before they have never earned my respect until these. If I hadn't of told you, you would never know that the ruffle leather platforms are from Forever 21. Again real suede, a covered heel, and on trend with the ruffle accents equals perfect winter pump. These shoes would look wonderful with an open toe tight. This shoe also comes in a fun chocolate color with orange and yellow ruffles which I think is hot, but I would side with black to get all my 27 bucks worth. Happy shopping recessionistas!

photo cred: Forever 21

Dare to Wear: light burst zip ankle leggings

I admit it some of the things that I think are cute are a little out there, just ask my mom ( she reads my blog so she is going to love her shout out!). Of course these light burst zip ankle leggings are no exception, even though I put them in a “dare to wear” post they are only 14.80 and if there was any price point to take a risk at 14.80 is that price point. These leggings have all the elements that make them fashionable, fun, edgy and obviously daring.

photo cred: Forever 21

Style File Find of the Week: Sequined Hooded Jacket

I love this jacket so much I can taste it! Say what you will about Forever 21 sometimes they get it so right (although it’s styled to death) it’s not even funny and this is true about their Sequined Hooded Jacket. I like many women am always in search for that perfect light weight jacket to cover my arms for a night out, and this is just that jacket. It has enough flair to dress up your jeans and tee or it could complement the perfect little cocktail dress. And best yet since it’s Forever 21 you know you aren’t going to give up eating for a week to afford it, yeap its only 27.80 and in this economy that’s a refreshing price tag.

photo cred: Forever 21

Shoe find of the Week: "El Cheapo" Finds

I know I know...... I KNOW it’s one of those pesky little fashion rules that you should “spend” when it comes to shoes. I just can’t shake the feeling that more money doesn’t always equal a better shoe, the shoes pictured are an example of that. I understand if you have “issues” ( like Stylista's Anne Slowey) with your feet, but for those of us who have a foot without bunions or other “issues” then I see nothing wrong with wearing some really pretty yet really cheap shoes. Recessionistas Unite!




El Cheapo Shoes by bastylefilegirl


Estelle Oxford $27.80
Alicia Ankle Boot $28.80
Grosgrain Trim Pump $23.80
Glamorous Satin Pump $28.80

All shoes are from Forever 21

Bag It: Forever 21 Canvas Handbags

I absolutely love these wonderful little tribal inspired retro canvas handbags from Forever 21. I was walking though the store a few weeks back and these were the first things that caught my eye. The handbags were shown in the store without the straps showing and that’s probably how I would wear mine (I would just cut the straps totally and clutch it out). In person the bags look a lot richer and more expensively made than they probably really are, even the cotton lining is well done. The stained wood accents are real not plastic and the outside canvas is thick and seems to be durable and would add a little fashion to any plain outfit. Each bag is 23.80 each a real steal.

photo cred: Forever 21

The Style-list: Vanessa Hudgens @ Teen Choice Awards 2008

Becky O. submitted this picture of Vanessa Hudgens for me to perform my Style-list magic on. Although I did not perfectly nab the colors in the dress I tried to represent a splash of white in the shoes (aren’t they fab?).

Tiered Tube Dress- $29.80 @ Forever 21
Vita Silver Hardware Choco in Black (Bracelet) - $77.00 @ Revolve Clothing
Lizard Embossed Minaudiere - $19.99 @ Nine West
Oh Deer! Dots Pump – 164.95 @ Bay Area Style File Store


If you want an outfit similar to one you've seen on a "celeb" email me a picture and I'll do my best to find it and will feature it in a future post. bayareastylefile@gmail.com

Update: If you want a more dressed up version of this look I found a cute dress at BCBG.

photo cred: K Mazur/TCAs 2008/Wireimage

B.A. Style "Steal" of the Day: CZ-3 Patent Peeptoe

Let me start off by saying, I don’t normally support people "stealing" from artist/designers nor am I saying hit up Canal Street, or your local knock off hot spot to buy a fake Gucci bag, that’s just tacky, what I am saying is there is a real issue with companies overpricing merchandise because of the name that is associated with it. Now that that is done, I’d personally like to say a big thank you to Forever 21 for making a “copy” ( knock off whatever you want to call it) of one of my favorite shoes of 2008 by Chloé. Even on sale I can’t afford the $387 price tag of the designer version. Say what you will about Forever 21 lacking originality, they gave me and others like me who love designers fashions, but can’t always afford to spend hundreds of dollars on a shoe that although beautiful is so quirky, and unique that it’s probably not going to get that much wear, nor be on trend next year. I don’t do this much, but I advise you to get this one while you can! Forever 21 also has this shoe available in white (now they look cheap!).

photo cred: Forever 21

Look of the Week: Polka Dot Chic

Top: Forever 21
Jeans: Cheap Monday
Purse: Urban Outfitters
Shoes: Aldo

Shoptalk: For Love 21

photo cred: Forever 21

Say what you will about Forever 21 I for one am not above shopping there (there Twelve by Twelve line rocks). There is no harm in buying some “cheap” items and mixing and matching. I do however prefer to shop online and bypass all the preteen/teen angst. What some of you may not know is for a while now in addition to the more upscale Twelve by Twelve line Forever21 has had a little sister store totally dedicated to accessories called For Love 21 and let me tell you this little store is great. You can find jewelry, sunglasses, and handbags yes some are “inspired” looks , but many more are For Love 21 originals and with so much to choose from you won’t even run into anyone with the same exact necklace. Best yet there are two Bay Area locations ( Daly City and Concord) to get your accessories fix, but for those ladies who are like me and don’t want to deal with lines, starting June 6th For Love 21 will be online.