Forever Young at New Forever 21

After a few false starts, Beijing’s first Forever 21 has finally opened in Wangfujing’s APM Mall to crowds of women and a few haggard-looking boyfriends. The store clearly expected the deluge of people as there seemed to be one salesperson to every five customers. Too bad the fitting room ratio wasn’t so low. Some impatient girls were spotted quickly undressing in the corner behind a strategically placed rack of dresses.

With the sheer amount of clothes up for sale, it's no wonder some people can't wait to try them on. The four levels are each overflowing with the brand’s signature style of tops, bottoms, shoes and accessories – which is to say a mishmash of recent American fashion trends for both the summer and fall season. Sheer floral tanks (RMB 139) share the floor with varsity-styled cardigans (RMB 159) and vibrant tribal bikinis (top RMB 71.90, bottom RMB 63.90) hang side-by-side with equally eye-catching school backpacks (RMB 189).

While you can certainly stock up on your basics, the store is best known for its affordable copycatting of the latest crazes. Not sure if you can rock magenta close-toed wedges? For RMB 149, you can find the money to give them a whirl. And what about the '70s look that’s sweeping streets like a patchouli-scented wind? A retro jean jacket with triangle print can be yours for RMB 159. While you’re at it, hop on the nautical bandwagon with a white-and-navy cardigan with a cute anchor stitched on the front for only RMB 79.

And if you want to give the lines a miss, Forever 21’s website is just as well-stocked and even offers deals not yet seen in the store. A colorful knit cropped top priced at RMB 169 has been slashed 50 percent online and a ribbon necklace can be had for RMB 15.33, 30 percent off of the full store price of RMB 21.90. And tag-a-long boytoys can rest their weary feet at home and check out the online selection as well, since the new store does not yet have a men's section. However, keep in mind that the website is almost like an entirely separate store in itself, with many pieces not available online that are sold in the store, and vice versa.

Though it’s true that the prices stateside are just a bit cheaper (but really, who’s going to miss a few kuai here or there), the Beijing branch of Forever 21 means that Beijingers will finally be able to find an exhaustive selection of trendy options all in one place. And judging from the mix of teenagers, thrifty moms, and grey-haired grandmothers waiting in the checkout line, this is good news for the inner 21-year-old inside us all.

Daily 10am-10pm. 1/F, APM Mall, 138 Wangfujing Dajie, Dongcheng District 东城区王府井大街138号新东安广场1层

Photos: Lillian Li