The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Ask BB: The Skinny on Twelve by Twelve


Cute, cheap dresses from Twelve by Twelve are perfectly sweet for Valentine's Day. (From left: Belted Dress, $39; Feather Trim Dress, $46; Tiered Sweater Dress, $32)

[A]lthough you are always mentioning Forever 21, I'm wondering what you have heard about Twelve by Twelve. Their stuff is super cute and affordable, I'm hoping you could perhaps give me a more in depth review. Thanks! —Claudia

Twelve by Twelve is the "luxe" line from Forever 21, and I think it is an excellent value. This contemporary collection features an ever-changing array of tops, dresses, sweaters, bottoms and more, that follow the latest fashion trends. If feathers, lace and leggings are hot on the runways, Twelve by Twelve will have budget-friendly versions of those trends in a flash.

Generally your bigger Forever 21 stores will carry the best selection of Twelve by Twelve, usually towards the front entrance, in it's own special little boutique-style area with fancy fixtures and more breathing space. I'm always impressed by the Twelve by Twelve displays at the Old Orchard shopping center outside Chicago; their items never fail to stop me in my tracks, followed by shrieks of "Ohmygodthisis sooo cute! I want!" Maybe some of my readers have had similar reactions.

Twelve by Twelve price points are slightly higher than the rest of Forever 21, but I think it's well worth it considering how much you'd paid for something similar at a designer boutique or a department store. The quality of the fabric and embellishments is generally better with the Twelve by Twelve line, and they use fancy little clothing labels and pricetags to give the goods an extra special touch.

The other positive thing I have to say about Twelve by Twelve is that I have not seen them produce any blatant, seam-for-seam, stitch-for-stitch knockoffs (I'm not saying they haven't, but I haven't seen them). I think they manage to interpret trends and create designs that are actually inspired by designers, not copies—and this is very good. I'd much rather wear an inspired piece than a knock-off any day.

For a taste of Twelve by Twelve's offerings, peruse their sleek website. I think they've done a great job projecting a fun, fashionable online presence. It's easy to navigate, well-organized, and features funky lookbook images (some of it's campy but at least its different) and styling tips from their fashion consultant Aimee.

Would you give Twelve by Twelve a glowing review, too?
Comments
that little dress with the belt is so cute. i'd pair it with some deconstructed boots.
#1 Cupcakes and Cashmere (Homepage) on 2009-01-25 11:29 (Reply)
I love that dress with the feathers! Super fun!
#2 Peaches on 2009-01-25 12:32 (Reply)
There is nothing about this that I do not LOVE.
#3 Crista (Homepage) on 2009-01-25 14:55 (Reply)
Thank you so much for answering my question, your blog rocks! :-)
#4 Claudia on 2009-01-25 18:37 (Reply)
Yup, Twelve by Twelve has some really cute stuff. I don't think anything runs in my size though.
#5 danz (Homepage) on 2009-01-25 19:02 (Reply)
I've bought lots of stuff from Twelve by Twelve, and I always love it--better quality than F21 itself and really interesting pieces sometimes!
#6 taylor (Homepage) on 2009-01-25 21:05 (Reply)
Love the center dress :-) 12 by 12 is definitely better quality than the regular line & still very affordable.
#7 Down Comforter (Homepage) on 2009-01-25 22:29 (Reply)
YES! Thanks for posting this. Who knew. From looking at the website it seems like it is targeted at a more mature audience (late 20's and older). The fashions or more refined. I really like. Before now I'd peruse F21 with a very discerning eye because I wanted to make sure I didn't leave there with goods that made me look like I was trying to be 21 again. This is just what the doctor ordered. Thanks!
#8 Nika on 2009-01-26 19:35 (Reply)
Love the look of 12x12...sadly they don't offer it on the Canadian Forever 21 site so if I was to ever order it I would have to ship it to my PO Box in Washington State. Not the end of the world but still not very convenient!
#9 Wanderlusting (Homepage) on 2009-01-26 19:39 (Reply)
Can anyone help me? I haven't been able to access the website of Forever21 AT ALL for the past few months. I miss it. I don't know what's wrong... can anyone give me their mail address so I can mail them about this?
#10 Naomi on 2009-01-26 23:49 (Reply)
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