F21 does have some cute graphic Ts - like this one:

http://www.forever21.com/produ.....howBACK=OK

Laura, thank you for that link. I saw several tees i liked including this one:
http://www.forever21.com/produ.....#38;Page=3

In checking the store locator, I found an XXI at the local mall. It's fairly new and looks like a teen store, so I've not been in. I didn't realize it was affiliated with Forever21. Does anyone know how they compare? There's a F21, but much further away.

Forever 21 is good for trendy items like the graphic tees (I got mine there recently because I wanted to try the look without being out a lot of money; it cost $12) and for cheap fashion jewelry. But the quality is shoddy, the clothes won't survive more than a few washings... Definitely not a place to get basics you hope to keep for several seasons, it's really for the "in the moment" kind of stuff. And there is definitely a risk of getting something that looks too "juvenile" for those of us not in our 20s anymore.
Isn't Forever 21 and XXI the same store? I thought it was.

I think 21 and XXI is the same too, but it sure is poor branding. I don't know why they don't have a consistent name.

A lot of my friends love Forever 21 and swear by it. One even claims that people mistake her F21 items for Anthropologie. I have been there a few times and wasn't too inspired though. The quality is horrendous and the fit isn't any better. It makes H&M look like Searle (although I can't rag on H&M--I have had several pieces from there hold up quite well over the years). I think it might be a good place for accessories though. They're insanely cheap and some of them are pretty cute. I also think going there for the odd layering piece is perfectly fine, but I would not get a whole outfit from there.

I have had some success with Forever 21...I can't say much on the quality yet since the longest I've had anything is 6 months (a pair of jeans and a knit top), but so far everything still looks pretty good. I enjoy their interesting selection and colors, and of course the prices! Their stuff fits me well and I've been able to find a few things I couldn't elsewhere, so it works for me. (It's the only place I could find a small enough wool coat without paying a heap.) I have to be in the right mood to shop there though, because it's almost like thrift hunting to find what you want. lol

I did discover that there's an H&M on the OTHER side of town, and I really liked it! I would probably make a point to shop there if it were closer, but right now it's just not worth the drive. The clerk told me they're supposed to be building one on my side of town within the next year or so...yay!

I went into a XXI the other week, and I was totally overwhelmed by the way the store was organized (as in lack of) that I left immediatley. I did not like it at all.

I don't go into Forever 21 much. It is usually crowded, totally disorganized, and a little young for my taste. But I have to say, I did get a tailored-type jean jacket there a few years ago and it's been one of my go to pieces since. It's held up just fine. And a girlfriend of mine was wearing a darling (and look high quality) sweater that was from there.

But I can't say that everything there is like that, though. I got a very cheap "patent" belt there the other day. (You can see it in my recent "what I wore" post.) It wears like a cheap belt. But I got it to fill a void until I could find the perfect belt. I'm still looking. At $6, I think it was well worth it.

I am a loyal forever 21 shopper, mostly because I am a low budget shopper. I am able to find things there that are different, or interesting, that I get alot of compliments on.

I agree with others that the store can be overwhelming, crowded and disorganized, but I really think that is a function of the store layout and the management/employees there. I live near 3 of them, and one in particular is very large, yet not crowded by merchanise, and always see many employees organizing.

I also agree that its a great place to find accessories. My favorite Forever21 has a huge room of just accessories. I especially like to buy cocktail rings and large earings there. They also carry hats, bracelets, wallets, and fabulous clutches.