On My Radar: Cirque 21

A tightrope walker at Circus Girl University of Floria, 1952.

Just last night my boyfriend and I were discussing whether or not I should run away and join the circus. (I have to admit, those spangly costumes just call to me.) So I was excited this morning to find that Forever 21 Twist (one of F21's many exclusive capsule lines) has launched its new Cirque 21 collection, therefore saving me the trouble of hopping a train and smelling like hay and elephant poop.

When I first saw the lookbook for this collection a few weeks ago I was seriously underwhelmed, but the majority of the pieces up on the site are pretty killer. There's a definite carnival feel to the clothes -- on-trend ringleader jackets, military detailing, a whimsical color palette, and lots of outsized ruffles and bows -- but they steer clear of feeling too costumey.

Here are a few pieces I'm especially into:

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1.) This little dress is giving me shades of Alexander McQueen for Resort 2010. "Jester" lace bubble dress, $22.80.

2.) So many on-point ringmaster-style jackets to choose from! I like this one's short-sleeved cut. "Trooper" woven jacket, $22.80.

3.) Purple is my favorite shade for fall and this sugary-sweet babydoll dress has serious potential -- imagine it with shredded black leggings and tough accessories. Pintucked bow chiffon dress, $22.80.

4.) With a more severe shape and tone-on-tone details, this jacket could work with skinny black pants for the office. "Ringmaster" jacket, $22.80.

5.) So into the mesh overlay and geometric zig zag border pattern on this perfectly flouncy party skirt. I'd wear it with thrashed heavy metal tees and platform ankle boots. Zig-zag mesh skirt, $19.80.

6.) The buttoned-and-zipped-to-high-heaven notched high waist on this short navy skirt is pretty much perfect. It'd be so good with lots of black. "Circuit" box pleat skirt, $19.80.

7.) Bows, satin, ruffles, and an ultra-girly electric purple hue: it sounds like too much, but it works on this skirt. Imagine dressing it up for work with a sick black heel and a crisp white shirt. Bow front skirt, $19.80.

8.) This easy party dress feels a little Miu Miu Spring 2008, no? And purple, red, and black is such a good color combo, especially in a sharp, simple pattern like this one. "Ringmaster" dress, $24.80.

9.) This little coat-dress zips all the way up the front and even has a little hood, rendering it an amazing layering piece to throw over summer florals once the weather starts cooling down. Ruffled over-dress, $29.80.

10.) I've never been big on vests that aren't denim or leather, but this little bandleader-style piece is forcing me to reevaluate my stance. Such an easy way to amp up a super casual jeans-and-tee look. "Ringlet" buttoned vest, $19.80.

11.) Probably the cutest of the collection's ringmaster jackets -- love the ultra-cropped length and dramatic bell sleeves. I'd love this worn open over feminine dresses. "Ringmaster" cropped jacket, $37.80.

So good, and topping out under forty bucks! How am I ever supposed to break my Forever 21 addiction when they keep topping themselves with great new capsule collections?