The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Style Spotting: Forever 21 Leaf Print Tunic


During a recent trip to the city, I spotted a stylish woman sporting a leaf print tunic from Forever 21. How did I know it was from Forever 21, you ask? Let's just say I know waaay too much about that store's inventory, plus, I had featured that very same tunic on ze blog only a few months earlier. It was etched in my mind, and I recognized it the instant I saw it. Naturally, I followed the unknowing fashionista and discreetly snapped the photo you see above (I'm not a stalker, I swear!) to share with all of you.

Some style notes I gleaned: First, this photo is evidence that women of all ages shop at F21, a budget retailer which is primarily targeted at the junior market. Second, mixing high with low is the way to go (note the Louis Vuitton purse in her left hand). Finally, dark-wash boot leg jeans are the perfect mate for long tunic tops - you certainly don't have to go the legging route. I also think this New Yorker's look would be great for fall or an air conditioned office if she paired it with a snug cardigan or fitted jacket. My only complaint is the visible bra strap, but we'll let it slide since her top is a steal at just $10.99.

Get the look: Leaf Print Tunic at Forever21.com (Also available in red/cream), Was $22.80 Now $10.99

Comments
Do give her credit for wearing a brown bra so the staps gave it a leaves and twigs look :-)
#1 Emma on 2008-09-16 05:12 (Reply)
I like comment #1... haha... but honestly if I saw the top, and knew it was from Forever 21 then I would automatically assume her bag not a real LV. Altho I am all for mixing highs and lows, LV is just one of those items which has too many copies...
#2 Kay on 2008-09-16 08:54 (Reply)
You know, Kay, I wondered the same thing about the bag-let's see, where did you snap the photo- in chinatown? Was she just coming out of a back room (you can tell I'm familiar)? But seriously, it could be real. I know plenty of successful women who own real bags and still shop at Target.
I liked this photo!!!
#3 Real Style Real people (Homepage) on 2008-09-16 11:12 (Reply)
lol too funny (comments
#4 fashion_guru (Homepage) on 2008-09-16 11:41 (Reply)
The prints really amaze me! I love its neat printed design of green leaves.
#4.1 Rina (Homepage) on 2008-09-22 06:39 (Reply)
what a fabulous tunic. it's so unexpected, but the print is absolutely wonderful!
#5 Cupcakes and Cashmere (Homepage) on 2008-09-16 12:04 (Reply)
How validating! You are always ahead of the curve, beautiful. It's always fun to recognize items on other folks - especially when they're being styled unexpectedly. I love that this chic older lady is toting a status bag and wearing a tunic marketed to teens ... and TOTALLY pulling it off.
#6 Sal (Homepage) on 2008-09-16 12:48 (Reply)
I am just thankful she paired this with jeans and not leggings - woo hoo. Leave the leggings for those under 18.

Ok, Im done legging bashing.

Emma - sooo funny!
#7 TexNYQueen on 2008-09-17 09:24 (Reply)
I'm glad to know, and I'm not the only older woman shopping in forever21, though at her age I probably would have worn a nice cropped jacket or sweater OVER the tunic. The bra strap and bare fleshy arms is a NO, NO for her. I have a problem with my arm being a little heavy too, but it don't look nothing like hers. I'm very self conscious about my arm and wish they were more tone. I definitely need to do something about that after viewing this pic. LOL
#8 budget chic (Homepage) on 2008-09-17 09:35 (Reply)
Maybe she has a sweater/shrug tucked into her bag, for when she gets back to the office. Anyway - thanks for sharing - this is great! Love the mixing of high and low. Also the wearing of jeans with the tunic; this is a look i want to get into for this fall; it looks flattering and easy and comfortable.
#9 Beth B. on 2008-09-17 10:04 (Reply)
i have to disagree with all of you about this look. as a woman of a 'certain age' i have to say that this top is totally wrong for this lady because of her arms and it's too long for the pants. rain forest gone awry. the pants bulk it up too much. although you can find some cheap deals at 4ever21, basically it's a kids' shop and most of the stuff is good for 2-3 washes and then you have to chuck it. i know this has nothing to do with whether this look works or not, just my opinion from checking out the fabrics and workmanship. granted, if you're going to pay 10.99 for something you throw away after a month, it's better than paying 100.99 for something similar at nordstrom or bloomie's, right?
i personally am getting tired of cheap junk made in sweat shops.
:-(
#10 maggie z on 2008-09-20 10:15 (Reply)
I understand where you are coming from maggie. Unfortunately its about all I can afford nowadays. So I make sure I look good at the items I buy in forever21 and also you have to know how to wash cheap chic items. You have to wash in cold water alone or with a similar type of fabric with Woolite and air dry. That makes all the differences in the world. Dryers are horrible for your clothes and sometimes so is dry cleaning. Its all in the handling after you purchase the garment. You have to be sensitive to the fact that this is not J Crew.
#11 budgetchic (Homepage) on 2008-10-27 13:11 (Reply)
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