I was with Marco and Anne at Forever 21 Megamall on Black Saturday, spending the gift card my friend Rica gave me for my birthday. Halfway through my shopping trip, I discovered something: Forever 21 is a fantastic place to people-watch. It was a little surprising to realize this because in all the foreign F21 stores I’ve been to, the only interesting things worth looking at are the merchandise. But for some reason, Forever 21 Philippines seems to attract some pretty fascinating characters. Just how interesting are the shoppers in there? The next time you visit the nearest fast-fashion wasteland near you, try looking out for these four types of people.
The dejected boyfriend
The dejected boyfriend was a discovery made by own boyfriend, who actually enjoys shopping with me. When passing by the Megamall F21 shortly after it opened, he noticed a group of giddy girls emerging with the ubiquitous yellow plastic bags in hand. Following them closely was a group of boys, presumably their boyfriends because a) they looked pretty straight but some of them were carrying female handbags, and b) they all had really dejected looks on their faces, like they just spent the last two hours of their lives waiting for their girlfriends to hurry the fuck up and buy something, then paying for their girlfriends’ shopping because that’s the kind of boyfriend they are. Ever since Marco described this hilarious picture to me, we’ve been on the lookout for more dejected boyfriends at Forever 21. Well, him more than me because I pay more attention to the clothes than the people. Collectively, we spotted 12 pissed-off and irritated guys that day. You’ll probably see more of them during a regular weekend.
Where to find the dejected boyfriends: Many of them sit on the large circular mannequin display at the center of the store, but you might see some of them waiting impatiently outside the dressing room. Also keep a lookout at the cash register and the exit.
The teenager
Obviously Forever 21 will be filled with teenage types. I mean, that’s what the store is mostly aiming for. Hell, I wish there was a Forever 21 when I was a teenager. My parents are probably glad it came here now that I earn my own money; the teenage me would probably make up an elaborate story about how I need P1,000 for a school retreat, then head to the nearest F21 and spend it all on tops that rip too easily. Then when my mom asks me where I got those clothes, I’ll lie and say I thrifted them. I was an evil child so trust me, I’m not making fun of anyone and I don’t think I’m better than the store’s teen clientele today. Anyway, they’re not even all that interesting to watch; it’s what they say that’s really funny. Anne accidentally overheard a girl say she would die for Forever 21. Unfortunately, the girl didn’t elaborate on the how’s and why’s of her passionate martyrdom for the retail giant.
Where you can find the teenager: They’re everywhere, but you’re more likely to overhear their conversation if you’re standing in line at the dressing room/cash register with them, or if they happen to be checking out clothes near you.
The fashionista
Many of Forever 21′s teen and 20-something shoppers look like they dressed up to go shopping, which is really interesting because there are no fashionable people in the stores at Singapore and the US. I suppose it depends on the location of the store. The one at Staten Island is filled with functionally-dressed suburban types (e.g. tank tops and shorts), while the customers at the SoHo store were few but better-dressed. In Singapore, nobody was dressed up at Forever 21 at all, because the stylish shoppers were all at Zara, Uniqlo, and the designer boutiques. In the Philippines, Forever 21 is still a novelty and I’m guessing some people go there to be seen, so they dress up. Or maybe they were just making a quick stop at the store before going to a party or something. Or maybe they just felt like looking nice that day. Whatever the reason may be, I genuinely enjoy watching the fashionista. Even though many of them look like Chictopia clones, they’re still well-dressed and it’s nice to see Filipinos being more adventurous with what they wear.
Where to find the fashionista Like the teenagers, they’re everywhere, but it’s easier to spot them and appreciate their outfits as they come in and leave.
The frazzled shopper
The frazzled shopper is a rare breed, because every person in the store (save the dejected boyfriend) looks like they really want to be there and are having a great time. Every now and then, however, you will spot someone who looks a little lost and confused as they navigate the racks of clothes, trying to find something they genuinely like.
The frazzled shopper is the only one who isn’t smiling; in fact, she has a perpetual frown in her face and eyes the rack more carefully than everyone else, as though trying to find reasons not to buy this dress. The frazzled shopper behaves this way because she feels overwhelmed by the unlimited selections available in store and doesn’t know where to start looking.
I realized last Saturday that I belong to this category and that I kind of dislike shopping at Forever 21. This might make me sound totally ungrateful to the friend who gave me the gift card; I’m really not, because I scored an adorable dress out of it. However, it took me an hour and a half to find that dress, because there were just so many clothes that were nice but not me. It’s a good thing I spotted the dress when I did, because I was already getting pissy from the effort I was spending to find something I like, only to find nothing. I don’t know, I guess large stores with a never-ending selection of clothes just isn’t for me. Or maybe I wasn’t in the mood that day. Or maybe I’m getting too old for Forever 21.
Where to find the frazzled shopper: The frazzled shopper can be found walking in circles or wandering the aisles with a confused, irritated, or slightly deranged look on her face. She does not know where she’s going and will most likely bump in to you because her eyes are perpetually scanning the clothes, hoping (and constantly failing) to find something she likes.
Very well said girl! ^^ I think I’m a frazzled shopper too, =)
I love this article Lauren! And I agree with the “DEJECTED BFs” And the “Chictopia clones” hehe!!! my bf is a dejected one! haha!
I’m not quite sure in which category I should belong. But I do sort of get overwhelmed by the pretty clothes at Forever 21 (and the accessories too!). But I enjoy all the browsing and hunting, even if I wear my shoes out. I’ve scored some of my most favorite accessories here.
Ooh. The accessories are easier to shop, but the clothes – ugh. You really have to spend over an hour there to find something worth buying, unless you already have a specific item in mind.
” they all had really dejected looks on their faces, like they just spent the last two hours of their lives waiting for their girlfriends to hurry the fuck up and buy something, then paying for their girlfriends’ shopping because that’s the kind of boyfriend they are.” – LOL
I like to take my sweet time shopping that’s why I never bring anyone with me unless they’ve agreed to deal with my OC-ness in shopping. So far, I haven’t had any takers :p
hi! i am the dejected girlfriend. yeah my bf likes clothes shopping more than i do (he’s vain that way, really, and there really were times i’d be the one following him around), and would “choose” clothes “for me”, totally forgetting that i actually have hips. :P
Awww I think that’s really sweet! :) But he should learn to shop for your body type haha.
P.S. I like your blog’s new look :)
Thanks! :) Ako I don’t like to take too long shopping and looking around. I enjoy window shopping and looking at what’s new, but when I actually want to buy something, I’m like a guy – I already know what I want and I just look for it in different stores.
I was relating to your definition of the Frazzled Shopper, right before reading that you felt like one too! I’d be alone, shopping, looking for something that’s actually WORTH buying :)
I’m not really the type who’d go all crazy for all the apparel displayed in the store.
Great post!
Same here! Even though whatever I would get was technically for free, I want something that I’ll really use. Otherwise it’ll just take up space in my closet. Sayang naman. It takes a loooot of effort to find those worthwhile things in Forever 21. Maybe next time I’ll just look for what I want online, take down the item number, and ask for it at the store so I don’t waste time.
So you know those chictopia clones…I thought I was the only one who noticed! I mean what’s this, it’s like copy+paste fashion! I mean it’s cute, and fashionable, but..yeah. I’m beginning to develop a dislike for those chictopian clones.
I’m also amused at the dejected boyfriends, cos they don’t even hide their irritation! If it were my bf, he’d probably excuse himself and wait for me outside or at an appliance/hardware/computer store.
It’s why I stopped using Chictopia. I had fun at first, but I no longer get inspired by the outfits there because everyone’s just wearing different variations of the same thing.
And yeah, dejected boyfriends are so funny! I don’t understand why they don’t leave na lang. But then again, maybe their girlfriends are the type to start a fight if the guy doesn’t wait at the store. I’d never take my boyfriend shopping with me if I knew he hated it though.
hahaha i love this post, Lauren! like your boy, my boyfriend actually likes shopping, so he doesn’t get bored & stressed inside Forever21 as much. such a relief since i won’t need to drag him!
i’m the frazzled shopper too. i almost always end up empty-handed when i enter F21, while my boyfriend ends up with a bagful. huh.
Gela
boat ride through the sky
OMG haha that’s so awesome! Shopping boyfriends rock. :D Except mine is super kuripot and rarely buys anything for himself. I think it’s easier for guys to find stuff they like at F21 since 21 Men is so small.
I am definitely a frazzled shopper! Forever21 just opened up in one of the malls here in San Antonio and it took up two floors. I was just looking around thinking that I might see something I like and just grab, buy and go. But it wasn’t that easy. I was so overwhelmed that I just left the store. Hehe.
Oh wow, I’m so amazed at how so many people can relate to being a frazzled shopper! When I wrote this I thought I was weird for not really enjoying myself, especially since people are always raving about how awesome F21 is. You’re right, it seems really easy to just take a look around and find something nice ten minutes later – I mean, there are so many clothes, how can you possibly not find something you want? But it’s the sheer variety and size of the store that makes shopping there feel like such a chore. I’m the kind of person who only buys what I truly want or need, and to do that I have to examine the items carefully. I don’t think I could stand looking through two floors of F21.
the dejected bfs are my fave. hahahahahhaa. look how cute they are.
i belong to number 4, too! haha!
Love this post! I think I was more of a frazzled shopper initially. Spent the first two hours just watching my younger sister shop, then when I was about to throw in the towel I found 2 lovely dresses. How about that, no effort at all. And then once I found those 2 dresses, I became the frantic shopper lol. Or I think I just wanted to make the most out of my stay in F21, since I wasn’t planning on going back for, oh, a couple of months?? :P
I agree with everything you said about F21 and the annoying teen shoppers :)
I usually go to F21 for outfit-specific events. It’s really like SM where everything is cheap (Ok, not that cheap, but affordable). Can’t say I’m a frazzled shopper thought, but I can relate most to that one :D
I go to SM for bags! They have the most amazing and affordable styles :)
i am a frazzled shopper @F21! ! !
I’d be a frazzled shopper if not for that wonderful skirt i see on the mannequin in your picture. Mmm in all honesty some of the accessories I could find in Divisoria. Well that was the last thought i had browsing the first time i went into the store.
And well a good number of styles don’t appeal to me minus that poofy skirt. Do they actually sell that @A@?
In SM Makati’s F21 there’s a special additional breed: the passerby. I always use SM Makati to get to the MRT station, and I learned (very quickly) that the doors of F21 are much easier to use than the actual SM doors. No lines and guards are lax :) I pretend to look at stuff but I’m actually hurrying out the door.
I do like F21, though. I stop when I see cute stuff. Maybe one of these days I’ll take time to fit clothes and buy something.
This is a funny entry. :)
I’ve only been in F21 twice (it’s so faaar) and both times I was the frazzled shopper. While I did see things I liked, I felt they weren’t worth the price tag.
I usually just walk away from the store with basic v neck tees. They have it cheaper than most shops even cheaper than Bench. I also checkout their accessory racks mostly for the rings. For me it’s really just about those basic tees
I love their v-neck tees too! The material is soooo soft, and they’re cheap. :D
i am sooo relating to your description of the frazzled shopper. i rarely venture beyond the boundaries of makati, so when the makati branch opened, i was beyond stoked. i lost an entire afternoon (literally–i went it around one in the afternoon, and was surprised when the hubby called that he was outside sm waiting in the car at six thirty. hahaha)trying to find something.
what i actually bought? a ring and dangly earrings, and three necklaces. all i’ve worn so far is the ring. =P
I think I’m also a frazzled shopper at Forever 21 (raises hands)! You nailed the description for that type of Forever 21 shopper. Really. The last time I checked out Forever 21, I left empty-handed. I actually saw this lovely cocktail ring but found it too pricey. I thought I could get one (a similar one) from a less-popular store at half the price. Haha. :)
The frazzled shopper behaves this way because she feels overwhelmed by the unlimited selections available in store and doesn’t know where to start looking.
I am a frazzled shopper. LOL. That’s why I rarely go to F21. I always end up confused and this frustrates me because I’m always a quick shopper. With F21, it takes me at least two hours to find something…
Hahaha Right on the money there!
I’m the frazzled shopper. The very first time I went to Forever 21, I made a quick left, quick right, then back outside to breathe. The whole adventure (without any purchase) took only five minutes to finish… maybe even sixty seconds.
I only come back to accompany my friends when they’re shopping.
haha. I think I fit the description of the frazzled shopper and the not really dejected boyfriend… I’d usually just wait for my friend in Figaro while she goes through all the racks. I’m also a cheapskate when it comes to clothes so I find it kind of ridiculous when I have to fork over 500 bucks for a shirt.
I belong to the frazzeled shopper ha!ha!ha!
I should say frazzled not frazzeled.
Okay, I’m a frazzled shopper and in tow is the sort-of dejected boyfriend (he actually follows me around and tells me every 3 mins to get/choose something already). :D
hahah this means you are often in F21 to notice all of these. I recently went to Manila and visited and my, that place is huge! Like it has its own zipcode Lauren! So lucky Manila has them. :-)
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Frazzled shopper here through & through! HAHA. I shop like a guy sometimes.
I’m the frazzled shopper. :)) But because I used to work in F21 too so I know exactly how to check their merchandise – if its worth the investment and if I could get it somewhere cheaper. :)) And most of the time, I just end up buying it somewhere cheaper. I usually just window shop in our store anyway so when I visited Manila, I couldn’t understand what the hype was about. :))
nice post, oh btw that girl in the pic is jaz, wat she was doing? lol XD
Nice. :))
I’m definitely one of the frazzled shoppers. :))
LOL every single mortal in this country should read this post I am inlove with the last words!
“The frazzled shopper can be found walking in circles or wandering the aisles with a confused, irritated, or slightly deranged look on her face. She does not know where she’s going and will most likely bump in to you because her eyes are perpetually scanning the clothes, hoping (and constantly failing) to find something she likes.”
Found your post while looking for Christmas gifts for my friends. I definitely am a frazzled shopper! I really don’t understand why a lot of my friends feel giddy just by thinking about that store. Maybe it’s because I’m plus sized and I’m stuck in that certain area. And within that confinement, I still get frazzled! Lol. Usually it’s because I feel that the clothes aren’t worth the price, or the designs are just so… not me. I check every single item meticulously (I even try on a lot) and it’s sooo frustrating to not like anything. The plus size section also lacks basics: tees, tank tops, etc. Those are what I really want and need. I do love their jeans though. They have the cheapest plus sized jeans!
haha. you’re good. I’d like to share this in a social site if it’s fine.:)