If you've never heard of F21 Red, you're not alone. No one on the Revelist fashion and beauty staff even knew it existed.
That is, before we read that Forever 21 is expanding the "entry-level price point" offshoots that it first opened in 2014.
Across the entire US, there are currently only nine F21 Red locations, one of which is near my place in Brooklyn.
I felt like the bright red entrance was pulling me into the store. Very tempting.
Forty more locations are on the way this year for F21 Red, which offers tank tops for $1.90 and leggings for $3.90.
When you walk into a F21 Red store, you'd better be ready. The one I went to in Brooklyn was MASSIVE.
Forever 21 is most known for its square-footage and its little sister store doesn't disappoint.
I arrived at 11 am on a weekday. The store was practically empty and strangely dark.
So on the one hand, my shopping experience was way less hectic than it would be at a regular Forever 21 in Manhattan, but on the other, I could barely see what I was trying on.
I saw sections devoted to women's, plus-size, men's, children's, accessories, and lingerie, so everyone has the opportunity to save.
And with massive Forever 21 stores comes massive Forever 21 displays, but this sister store was pretty simple.
There were a few mannequins scattered throughout, but none that screamed "buy-what's-on-me-now" like the main store's mannequins do.
Navigating the store was a challenge. It was somewhat unclear as to where the separate sections were, and the middle seemed to just be a black hole of sale items.
It was also a bit messy in the store, making it difficult to find items in my size without doing some digging.
The really inexpensive items were hidden in the corners of the store.
Their jumper game was strong. This floral number was only $10!
A few of the dresses and jumpers were much cheaper as well, which was fantastic, but constructing a full outfit (i.e., separates such as a top with a skirt or pants and shoes) for less than what you would at a normal Forever 21 could be challenging.
Near the front of the store, more prominent displays featured items that weren't marked down.
What made shopping at this store somewhat of a challenge was 1) it was cluttered, and 2) it was difficult to find cheap trendy items. There were cute casual clothes such as colorful skirts and metallic jackets that would've been great for grabbing coffee or wearing to a party, but the prices didn't really rival those of the regular store. I initially thought that F21 Red was a separate line, but the layout of the store seemed to communicate that this is where the off-season sale items spend their last days.
I was a fan of this skirt, but I don't think I would've gone specifically to a F21 Red location to buy it.
I loved these skirts, but most of them were a size small.
Their skinny jeans were definitely a good deal, but most were a size 28 Euro.
Basics such as T-shirts, leggings, and tank tops had the most savings.
These $5.90 shirts were buttery smooth.
A $12.90 sweatshirt could be great to layer over a patterned top.
However, if you’re looking for the perfect outfit to lounge around and watch Netflix in, you can definitely cash in at F21 Red.
With $3.90 leggings, a $8.90 tank top, and a long duster jacket for $15.99 (plus some $9 sandals), you can get a really comfortable look for less.
Total cost of this look: $37.79
The dressing room WAS SO DARK. It honestly felt like I was in a cave, and it made it difficult to see the clothing.
Total cost of this look: $22.70
The jacket was $12.90, the leggings were $3.90, and the super soft gray shirt was only $5.90.
This store could also be useful when shopping for items that are off-season.
Total cost of this look: $35.79
That $32.90 jacket you were eyeing a few months ago? Get it now for $15.99 and you'll have something cozy to wear when they're blasting the air at work during the summer. For this look, the leggings were $3.90, the black tank top was $6.90, and the sandals were $9.
I loved this tank top. It fit really well and for only $6.90 it definitely was a steal. I decided to buy it that day!
Cost of dress: $12.90 (shoes my own)
Cost of dress: $6.99
This dress fit really well, which honestly I was surprised to find. You could definitely pick up an assortment of these dresses in various colors and you'd be set for summer.
I loved the back detail on this dress (security tag not included)
This dress was definitely a winner. It was another look that went home with me that day.
Main takeaway: Overall, I think the strengths of F21 Red are its basic items.
If you need a simple shirt, leggings, a jacket, and some sandals to mix and match for less than $40, then F21 Red is the place for you. If I could give any advice for future F21 Red locations, then I'd suggest offering cheaper, trend-focused pieces rather than the basics for less. Customers would be thrilled if they could construct a great, inexpensive outfit beyond a plain T-shirt and leggings.
