Tall Gladiator Heels ($39.80)

Rating: Buy it never

Fit: Forever 21 says these shoes feature “multiple elastic straps that zip all the way up and fit super snug.” The first part is true. They do feature elastic straps, which look like stirrups lining your calves. Not so hot. At first, it was so hard to zip up the sandals that I thought my skin was going to get caught in the hardware. Then it was the exact opposite. Granted, I have thinner claves. But if you have thicker calves, matters are only worse. The elastic will make your legs look liked stuffed sausages. It’s a lose-lose situation.

Versatility: Even Rihanna was only able to wear her Balenciaga knee-high gladiators a few times. Translation? They’re not versatile.

Trend Factor: Last year, these shoes were supertrendy with everyone from Mary-Kate Olsen to Jennifer Connelly making men cringe (the male race doesn’t exactly think knee-high gladiators are sexy).  Now I personally think they’re old news but even if you still want a pair, Forever 21’s are not a wise choice.

Demographic: Nobody

Leather Fringe Vest ($39.80)

Rating: Wear it forever

Fit: If you’re in the market for a fringe vest then you’re in luck. I’m personally not a suede vest girl but if I was I’d buy this one in a heartbeat. It’s a little pricey for Forever 21 but it looks like it could easily have come from an expensive vintage shop or the Elizabeth and James section at Neimans. Even the lining was good quality!

Versatility: You can wear it closed like the model does with jeans and a fitted sweater underneath. Or, wear it open over a long sleeve shirt, mini skirt and tights or with a flowing top like the models at Vivienne Tam.

Trend Factor: Fringe is not going away anytime soon. Bohemian comes and goes. Maybe you’ll retire the vest for a season but if it fits your personal style, I’d put money on you finding it in the back of your closet one day and falling in love all over again.

Demographic: Everyone

Pleated Satin Mini Skirt ($15.80)

Rating: Buy it never

Fit: The satin is even crinkled in the picture shown on the website. That’s never a good sign. It means the garment is going to look cheap… which this one most certainly does.

Versatility: Don’t even bother. Get the Satin Jacquard Skirt instead for the same price without the creases.

Trend Factor: Zero.

Demographic: Nobody

Satin Jacquard Skirt ($15.80)

Rating: Wear it forever

Fit: Now whenever I see jacquard I think of Michelle Obama, but that’s certainly not a bad thing. I think the first lady would approve of this skirt which is slimming, thank to vertical pleating, which give just enough volume to hide your flaws, yet still lies flat across the body. And when you don’t know what to do with your hands during an awkward conversation with your boyfriend’s boss, you can just slip them in the hidden slant pockets.

Versatility: It’s a great skirt for the holidays because it can easily take you from work to a party. Wear it with a blazer and tights at the office, then take off your jacket at night and show off a silky cami and your fave statement necklace.

Trend Factor: Purple is one of the hottest colors for fall, but it’s often on trend for fall so really, this skirt is a classic.

Demographic: 20s, Sophisticated

Origami Couture Skirt ($26.00)

Rating: Trendy for now… and spring… and maybe next fall but certainly not a classic

Fit: If you’re worried about adding more volume to your bottom half then don’t even bother with this one. But if you have some wiggle room, then this is definitely a more interesting option than the usual full skirts we see at Forever. The thick waistband helps with proportion and the folds are so fun that you’ll just want to twirl like I did in the dressing room.

Versatility: You need something fitted on top. But this can range from a simple tee to a cashmere turtleneck. I haven’t seen the blue version in person but I’d still recommend gray or black. You have enough going on with the architectural folds that you don’t need a bold color.

Trend Factor: Draping is popular for fall, and this is actually a pretty unique take on the trend.

Demographic: Everyone

Belted Halter Dress ($44)

Rating: Buy it never

Fit: I appreciate Twelve by Twelve’s effort. I really do. From afar, and I’m talking all the way across the store, this dress looks uber chic. Then you get closer and the disappointment kicks in. But still, you want to try it on because a belted, bustier dress like this at Saks would set you back a week’s worth of salary. But all hope is lost in the fitting room. The halter strap is too thick, the padded bust too reminiscent of Madonna’s Blonde Ambition tour and the skirt makes you look like you regained the Freshman 15 you never wanted to see again. Fail.

Versatility: The jewels on the belt are pretty? Ya, not much else here.

Trend Factor: With the 80s back in fashion, peplum is huge again—but you need the bottom skirt to be more fitted to avoid looking huge. And Jean Paul Gaultier resurrected his infamous cone bras for spring. But that doesn’t mean you need to wear them.

Demographic: Nobody.

Blotchy Floral Woven Dress ($22.80)

Rating: Wear it Forever

Fit: Padded busts. A Forever 21 feature Jen and I absolutely despise. But there’s an exception to every rule and this is one of them. The subtle padding combined with the crossover sweetheart neckline actually enhances the bust, rather than making it look like you just got a bad boob job. Then there’s the waist, which actually hits at the waist. Hallelujah! The full pleated skirt is extremely flattering and unless you’re one of those lucky model-types, you shouldn’t have a problem with the hem. The only part I didn’t like about the dress was the straps, but those are removable.

Versatility: I adore florals for the winter. Make the dress cold weather appropriate with plum tights and gray pumps or ribbed charcoal tights, sparkly flats and a cardi. When it starts to heat up, this dress obviously works for spring and if you get bored with the bow, you can easily remove it and throw on belt to show off your waist.

Trend Factor: Florals are in, but really when are they ever not?

Demographic: Teens, 20s and maybe 30somethings might be able to get away with. I’d just recommend replacing the bow with a thin, sophisticated belt ASAP.

Boyfriend Straight Jean ($29.80)

Fit: Usually we don’t review jeans–there are just too many and they really fit everyone so differently. However, I hold this particular pair of jean largely responsible for all the frump that was going on when I tried on Love 21 Contemporary’s tops. I should have ran out and grabbed another pair of jeans for the fitting room but I hate leaving the a dressing room on a busy day when there’s a line. It’s like I’m rubbing it everyone’s faces, “I have a room and another round of six items to try on plus whatever else I’m grabbing now and you’re just going to have to stand there and watch!” So I kept this pair of jeans on for all my tops and they really did add instant frump to everything. Also, the length was weird. Unrolled they only went down to my ankles. And on top of all that the lighter wash is not going to help in the slimming department.

Versatility: As you can tell, I really kinda hate these jeans which makes coming up with different ways to wear them rather difficult.

Trend Factor: The whole look is very Katie Holmes 2008.

Demographic: Nobody

Draped Cardigan ($24.80)

Rating: Buy It Maybe

Fit: This cardigan (this is not a cardigan, btw) has absolutely no fit so really I shouldn’t spend too much time going on about it. But I’m just going to say I’m not the biggest fan, that’s just a taste thing though because really it’s just a piece of fabric with two holes cut in it for arms, there’s not much to hate. Also in the store it had a safety pin to hold it together and I was not into it but then Sydne was like “It’s actually a trend for fall” and I was still like ew. Anyway, now that I see the model just wearing it all open and free, I kinda feel stupid for wearing the safety pin.

Versatility: I understand that the comfort factor this sweater thing offers is seriously high. So buy it to sip hot chocolate by the fireplace while reading The New York Times Style Section. That’s totally okay with me. Also, grocery store shopping/general errand running is a suitable place to don such a shapeless piece of fabric. Oh, and morning coffee runs but those might fall under general errand running. America’s Next Top Model viewing parties with a few good friends? Yeah, this could work for that. One more! Baby bump concealer.

Trend: I’ve already mentioned the safety pin aspect of it, if that was actually intended. Also, fall is a time when the weather starts to cool so sweaters are huge during this particular season. (Duh. I know you know that.)

Demographic: 20s, lounge-y sophisticate

Open Front Tweed Jacket ($24.80)

Rating: Wear It Forever

Fit: Sydne and I finally made it to a store with the Love 21 Contemporary line and while I was excited to try on some clothes that were not made for 15-year-olds or club skanks (or 15-year-old club skanks? I’m pretty sure those exist in some places), I am a little sad to say a lot of pieces in this more conservative line kinda overdid it on the frump. But we’ll get to those later–this post is about something that I liked and did not frumpy at all. No, this little tweed jacket was cute and sophisticated with its clean lines and 3/4 sleeves. Sure anything with a 3/4 quarter sleeve automatically wins my approval but this jacket totally earned it..

Versatility: This is definitely something you can wear with a nice pair of jeans and flats (my favorite look) or throw on over a LBD for dinner.

Trend Factor: Tweed is one of the reasons I love fall so much.

Demographic: Everyone