Back to School! 5 Outfits from Forever 21

Hi everyone!

Here's a continuation of the Back to School outfits ideas, this time featuring Forever 21! I do apologise for the late posting due to some problems with the F21 pictures. Honestly, I was about to give up on using pictures on F21 since all the clothing items has people or parts of people in them. The pictures also show the way F21 styles the clothes which can be distracting. I tried editing those pictures but it didn't work, so I'm stuck with pictures of people in my outfit board. Anyway, let's get on with the post!

#1// For the Girl who wants the Laid back Edgy Vibe

Clockwise from Left to Right: Marled Knit Slit Top; Acid Wash Denim Jeggings; Art Deco Statement Necklace; Metal-Trim Sandals; Chain Link Bangle Set; Sophisticate Faux Leather Tote (Individual images of items are taken from Forever21.com)

 First outfit up is this grey ensemble that would have been too gloomy if not for the metallic elements brightening up the colour scheme. I like this outfit for the edgy vibe it channels, but still comfortable and has this laid back look. Love the grey top but it's probably more suitable for those apple-shaped girls and not those with a big butt like me. That's because the bottom part of the outfit will flare and make your bottom half look bigger if you've got a perky/ big butt. Channel some flair with a interesting design necklace, like the art deco necklace. I picked a pair of metal embellished sandals to go with the whole metallic element in the look, but feel free to sub that with a pair of combat boots.

#2// For those days when you need a dash of cuteness

Clockwise from Left to Right: Metal-Trim Sandals; Two Tone Faux Leather Tote; Layered Feather Pendant Necklace; Elephant Midi Ring Set; Pocket Skater Skirt; Knotted Elephant Print Tee (Individual images of items are taken from Forever21.com)

This one's dedicated for those days when you just need something to brighten up your day. You'd never go wrong with the red/white/blue combination when creating a fun look. A skater skirt is a girl's closet essential, and it's the best when it has pockets like this skirt! Up the playfulness of a red skater skirt with a quirky front tie elephant motif shirt! Elephants remind me of the time when my family called my ears elephant ears cos they jut out, thus elephants hold a special place in my heart. Match the elephant prints with a elephant ring to add on the fun. Plus, it'll make a great conversation starter :) Optional: Accessorise outfit with a layered feather necklace. Grab your book bag and wear a pair of simple cute shoes and you're ready to go! The brown sandals with the gold metal plate help to tie together the outfit making it casual, cute and chic!

#3// For the Minimalist Girl trying out Patterns

Clockwise from Left to Right: Tribal Print Pullover; Two-Toned Penny Loafers; Two Tone Faux Leather Tote; Slim Distressed Boyfriend Jeans (Individual images of items are taken from Forever21.com)

Here's an outfit that is both minimalist and cool. The toned down colour scheme of outfit creates a cool vibe which is further enhanced by the tribal print of the pullover. The outfit is quick to put together for those late days. Look as chill as this outfit for those days when you still want to turn up for class looking like you woke up extra early to prepare when you actually overslept and only managed to comb your hair and brush your teeth. Style your hair into a simple pony tail or braid it loosely to complement the look. 

#4// For the girl who wants to show some attitude

Clockwise from Left to Right: Killin It Crop Top; Woven Plaid Skirt; Faux Stone Ring Set Meow Canvas Tote; Buckled Lace Up Booties; Off-Duty Denim Jacket (Individual images of items are taken from Forever21.com)

This outfit is for girls who just want to be tough sometimes. Everyone needs a boost of encouragement and what better way to encourage yourself than wearing a shirt with a motivational message? "Killin' it all the time" just makes me feel like I'm ready to take on whatever the day may throw at me, so maybe it'll get you hyped up for the day too. Match with a plaid skirt and denim sweatshirt to give yourself a harder edge. The pair of boots with the metal buckle plus the black and gold rings add on to the girlish toughness that I want to emulate in this outfit board. To make your day better, carry a cute bag or tote like this "I Meow You" tote which will definitely brighten up your day should things still turn out less than ideal. We all have got those days where even if we try out best, things don't turn out as hoped for. That's when looking at cute things will help with cheering you and me up.

 #5// For the Glammed up Active Look

Clockwise from Left to Right: Sophisticate Faux Leather Tote;Box Chain Bib Necklace; Perforated Knit Tee; Embroidered Bead Hair Tie; Fresh High Tops; Posh Origami Skirt (Individual images of items are taken from Forever21.com)

Last look is a fun look inspired by the athletic style that has been trending for a while. Go bold by colourblocking bright colours such as lime and blue as seen here! The perforated texture of the shirt and clean sleek cut of the skirt makes the outfit seem a little tennis inspired but still really fashion forward. For accessories, tone down the colours with black coloured jewelry like the black box bib necklace. There's also this pretty beaded hair tie which you can double up as a bracelet in Forever 21 which I find useful. Lastly, finish off the look with a pair of clean white high tops to give the sports vibe!

That's all for the 5 outfits featuring items from Forever 21! I hope this has been useful and stimulating for your brain :) Is F21 your shop of choice for getting your clothes? Which outfit is your favourite? Tell me in the comments section below or tweet me @Chapalanggirls! I would love to hear from you!

Till next time!

Love,

El

"Oh no! I'm late!" : A What-to-Do guide for Late Days

Hello everybody! Here's a post those suffering from Monday blues and have overslept: a guide to getting ready for late days! Firstly, let me just say that the things I'm about to suggest are things that I do when I am late. These work for me, if it doesn't work for you, try a routine that suits your style. I'm always oversleeping, so I have to get ready quickly to go out, especially for those early morning classes. However, I cannot ditch bathing or any other hygiene routine( like brushing teeth) because that would be too disgusting... although there was a point in time when I used to skip the brushing and use mouthwash when I was hopelessly late. I know that sounds gross but at least I got rid of the bad breath :P Anyway, this is a guide for those people who are running late but wants to look and feel presentable. It's a list of some of the things I do to cut down my preparation time so that I can quickly rush out. Hopefully, this will be useful for you too for days when you are late for school or work.

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#1: Dry Shampoo is your best friend.

I find that washing my hair takes the most time in my shower routine, since usually I shampoo and condition and then have to blow dry my hair. I must blow dry my hair since it'll take hours for it to dry by itself and I hate having the feeling of my scalp being smothered by the moisture in my hair. Sadly, blow drying would usually take out a good 5-10 minutes of my time.  So, the easiest and fastest way to solve this problem is using dry shampoo. I find Batiste's dry shampoo works the best for its price, and it keeps the oil on my scalp at bay for a good 5 hours at least. There's also a mini travel size bottle, which you can put in your bag and spray when you feel your hair getting oily. For me, this cuts down my shower time to 3 minutes instead of the usual 20 minutes. Long haired girls can just braid their hair on the train etc after using the dry shampoo if you're still worried about the smell. Braiding also makes you look like you spent time getting ready and not hurrying around like some madwoman.

Batiste Dry Shampoo's here to save the day! Currently retails at Watsons for arounf $11+ I think.

#2: Always have a go-to outfit ready.

Just cos you're late doesn't mean you have to dress like crap. I'm sure everyone has done that at least once (I know I did. I felt terrible the whole day when I felt like I was dressed to go to the market when I was supposed to go to school.) What I do is to always have a couple of outfits that I know I can count on wearing without looking like a hot mess. Like have a 'uniform for late days', so wear that outfit whenever you're late. Try to have a few if you're frequently running late like me, so you can switch it up and also have a clean set of outfit ready. I tend to pick a dress as it is easy to wear and match. I just slip it on and pair it with a scarf or jacket and I'm ready!

#3: Skip the Makeup Routine

This is for those who put on makeup for school. Don't waste time doing your makeup at home. At most, do the essential step: eyeliner/ mascara (also because I find it embarrassing to put on eyeliner with everyone on the train staring at me). Have a small pouch to store your makeup essentials like mirror, sunblock, BB cream/foundation and lip product etc and bring it out with you to do the rest on the bus/ train or in a toilet at the meeting place before you meet your friends. If you want to travel light, stick to the bare minimum: a compact powder with SPF and a tinted lip balm.

These are usually inside my makeup pouch: 
Etude House Lovely Cookie Blusher in 03 Orange, Bourjois Liner Stylo in Brown, Silky Girl Hi-Definition Brow Liner in 02 Dark Brown, Physicians Formula Conceal Rx in Natural Light, Skinfood Peach Sake Pore BB Cream SPF 20 PA+ in shade 2 and Bourjois Color Boost Lip Crayon SPF 15 in shade 04 Peach on the Beach. Of course you can have different things in yours. :)

#4: Wear comfortable shoes that you can run in.

This is pretty obvious right? Don't wear heels or wedges or anything hard to run in if you're running late(flip flops are not good for running. You'll trip over eventually)--unless you're going to take a taxi or drive. Wear comfy flats or sneakers or sandals( those that strap your feet to the shoe), since you probably will be brisk walking/running to catch the bus or just rushing to the place. Usually I'd wear my flats or converse sneakers because they're easy to run in and matches almost every outfit.

My favourite shoes. Left: Dark red sneakers: Converse, around $30+(sale price); Right: Floral Flats: Rubi, $5(sale price)

#5: Have bread buns or muesli bars at home.

This is only applicable if you're like me, who doesn't have someone to prepare breakfast for me and your first lesson of the day is a long 3 hour class during which you'll starve if you don't get any sort of food. I think buns and muesli bars are quick and easy solutions to breakfast, as I can just grab them from the box and dump it in my bag quickly before leaving my house. It's not good to skip breakfast, since you will eventually be focused on the agony in your stomach and not your lessons etc. This is my experience anyway. (On the bright side, I don't doze off when I'm starving thanks to my thoughts on food.:) )