There are some stores that you always walk past and for whatever reason, you never go in. Forever New was just one of those stores. Perhaps it was the window display with its decidedly young and pretty mannequins that never really appealed to my slightly older fashion sense, or just the bright lights.

A friend from work recommended me go have a look.  She always looks great and I am always walking past, so decided to go on in.  A nice and refreshing surprise awaited me.  There appeared to be a treasure-trove of fashion for sale.  Lots of lace and shear tops plus some nice winter coats and cropped jumpers ‘jumped’ out at me.  I didn’t realize that body suits were back in-vogue!  Piled high with an array of goodies that included a couple of dresses, cardigans and a skirt I entered the changing rooms.

Oh my goodness – it was so dark inside, it felt like I was in a cave (where was the torch)!.  It really was hard to see what the clothes looked like on, and when I did venture out and mention the darkness to the ever friendly shop assistant, she recommended I look in one of the mirrors on the shop floor.  I wasn’t keen to go that far.  Surely there should be a decent mirror within close walking distance to the changing room?

I was a little put off by this time and couldn’t really decide on anything so did leave empty handed.  Saying that, the store did remind me of the Forever 21 stores in America (huge, big, bright stores), which look to cater for a similar end of the market, and offer good quality clothes at a reasonable price.   I have a number of items still in my wardrobe from my last visit to the States a couple of years ago and look forward to going back sometime soon.

It is really good to see some more competition in the NZ fashion market for the likes of Glassons, Portmans and Country Road.  We are definitely spoilt for choice when it comes to more retail options being available for all of us, who enjoy the odd retail therapy.

If you are tempted – have a look at a few of my favourites offerings …

Yellow Tulip