The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Marchesa for JCPenney

Marchesa for JCPenney

I mentioned this story on Saturday in my weekly web round-up, but news this big deserves it's own post: Marchesa is teaming up with JCP to create Pearl by Georgina Chapman, a collection of affordable special-occasion dresses. The line will launch with prom dresses, plus other options ranging from "garden party" to "holiday party," according to WWD. Expect to see monthly 15-piece installments thereafter, ranging in price from $70 to $100. On the low end, WWD says you might see a $50 lace shell, while a long organza gown will cost $250. Pearl will be housed in its own store within a store at JCP come March 1, 2013.

As excited as I am for this, I realized I might be in the minority when I exclaimed to my party guests while watching the Oscars last night, "OMG did you hear?! Marchesa is doing a line for JCPenney! JCPENNEY!" I was met with blank stares. So while I personally will be checking this out, I can't help but wonder how much money JCPenney is spending on such a big name collab and whether or not this sort of investment will actually benefit them in the grand scheme of things. I mean, at least the prices are right, so even if JCP shoppers don't come flocking for the name, hopefully they'll be impressed by the clothes. So long as JCP's doors remain open, I can not WAIT to see more!

UPDATE 2/26/13: Pearl by Georgina Chapman has launched early at jcp.com. Shop the collection now!

TJ Maxx and Marshall's Are Launching Online Shopping




TJ Maxx and Marshall's are making plans to launch e-commerce, according to StyleBistro which cites this WWD article. This is BIG news for us budget shoppers because until now, our favorite off-price retailers haven't had a presence in the online world. We've had to rely on bloggers to show us what's new (like myself!) in the brick-and-mortar stores.

On the one hand, online shopping will be a godsend for shoppers who don't live near a TJ Maxx or Marshalls - or who claim, as many of you do, that your local store isn't all that great! On the other hand, will the deals be as good? And what about the "thrill of the hunt"? I happen to enjoy the in-store experience because I don't mind getting hands-on and doing a little digging, and I feel like I'm competing with fewer fashionistas for those rare gems (and clearance items) that pop up unexpectedly at my store.

Are you excited at the prospect of being able to shop TJ Maxx and Marshalls online?

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