JCPenney

I don't watch many commercials these days thanks to modern-day TV-watching conveniences, but last night I happened to catch a new JCPenney commercial that made my jaw absolutely drop. In the commercial, titled "It's No Secret," JCP apologizes to customers for the changes they've made in recent months and practically begs shoppers to come back. It made me feel uncomfortable to see such a big brand behave so desperately, but at the same time, I knew exactly what they were trying to accomplish. Poor JCP's sales have plummeted ever since they tried to offer customers everyday low prices while eliminating things like coupons and sales. As it turns out, shoppers are not rational. They don't want everyday low prices - they want deals! And so, JCP is changing course once again by raising prices and bringing back sales and coupons. Sounds crazy cakes, doesn't it? And yet that's how things have played out.

This quote from ScienceNews sums up the entire situation perfectly: "We see a $14 shirt, and conclude based on its price that it must be a low-quality garment made in a sweatshop somewhere by overworked, underpaid workers. On the other hand, seeing a red line through the $50 price tag on a shirt that's marked down to $14 indicates to us that the shirt is of high quality and that for $14, it is a steal."

I love a good deal, too, don't get me wrong, but at some point - maybe it was the early 2000s - I noticed that my $30 t-shirt from the Gap was just as lousy as my $6 t-shirt from Forever 21. So I stopped shopping at the Gap, waiting for sales, etc. and started shopping at Forever 21. I still get a kick out of seeing a red line tag or scouring the clearance racks at Target (I'm only human after all) but the rush isn't as big. My time is more important now-a-days, so I'd rather just be able to shop low prices all the time at JCP and not have to fuss with sales or coupons, be they mobile, printable or online. Apparently, I'm in the minority.

What do you think of JCP's new ad? Have you seen it? Will it woo you back? Were you rooting for the new JCP to succeed?
Continue reading "JCP Begs Customers to Come ... »

Jonathan Adler just launched a new home collection called Happy Chic at JCPenney, so if the fashions at the evolving department store aren't wooing you, maybe this will! And if the fashions are luring you to shop more, now you'll have another compelling reason to visit. Like his signature collection, Happy Chic is pure Jonathan Adler - fun, preppy, classy, colorful and totally chic. I'm obsessed. Here are 5 of my top picks under $50 to give you some inspiration:

1. "Elizabeth" serving tray, $25: You can never have too many trays. I use decorative trays to keep my coffee table and shelves organized as well as all-summer-long for easy outdoor entertaining. This chevron one is calling my name.
   
   
2. "Charlotte" shower curtain, $30: I love how a simple, inexpensive change like a new shower curtain can totally change the feel of your bathroom, and this reversible shower curtain gives you two fab looks in one.
   
   
3. "Katie" set of two arrow bookends, $38: Making people smile is a Jonathan Adler signature, and that's exactly what these trompe l'oeil bookends do. Use them to decorate a bookshelf or prop up magazines and papers on your desk.
   
   
4. "Katie" square pillow, $32: Nothing says Hollywood Regency like a Greek key pattern, a motif that Adler uses liberally in his design work. Pop this bright pillow on a couch or chair for an instant spring update/mood lifter.
   
   
5. Owl lamp, $35: When it doubt, put a bird on it. This whimsical owl lamp in chic white would add a soft glow and personality to any space. I'm seriously considering decorating an entire owl-themed nursery around it.

Canadian-based fashion brand Joe Fresh was scheduled to launch its new line at JCPenney stores last Friday, March 15, so I headed to my nearest store to check it out - and lo and behold, there it was! A brightly lit, Joe Fresh store-within-a-store, fully stocked and ready to go. Quelle surprise!

Visually, everything looks great, a million times better than the rest of the outdated department store (which has been slowly getting revamped as well). And the styles are right on point, think classics pieces with a modern sensibility. Highlights include the colorful skinny jeans, gingham button downs, crochet shorts, tailored shorts in bright prints and casual day dresses.

I didn't feel up to trying things on what with my bump and all, although I'm sure some of the knit tops would have fit me just fine, so I can't speak to fit. But in terms of quality for the price, I think they're right on. Most items are under $39.

I had the whole shop to myself during my trip with the exception of one group of 3 ladies who came through to check it out and I overheard one say to another, "Hey these cardigans look nice! $16, not bad!" (direct quote LOL). So there's some anecdotal evidence that shoppers might be responding well. I've noticed a few items are sold out online, too. Joe Fresh for JCP is a breath of fresh air, no doubt about it, but will it be enough?

After perusing JCP, I ventured back into the mall and into the adjacent Forever 21, which has been newly renovated and now occupies two levels. I was greeted by high ceilings, bright chandeliers, and loud music. Eager shoppers shuffled around, deeply engrossed with rack upon rack of eye-candy. It was a stark contrast to JCP and made me wonder if the flailing chain can survive. Maybe they should start selling groceries and toilet paper? That's what gets me to Target...

Have you scoped out the new Joe Fresh for JCP collection? What did you think?

Continue reading "Off the Rack: Joe Fresh ... »

Gap's gingham shirt is $49.50 and comes in five colors.

Shrunken boyfriend gingham shirt

Get the look for less with this Joe Fresh gingham shirt instead, just $19 in four colors at jcp.com. Green and pink are currently sold out online but you can find this shirt in stores. I saw them this past Friday in person and they look great!

I just discovered that Pearl by Georgina Chapman of Marchesa for JCP has launched a few days early, without much fanfare, over at jcp.com. Hooray?! Dive in and see for yourself over at jcp.com, there's a nice selection of cheap prom dresses, special occasion separates (lace shorts anyone?) and flirty cocktail dresses, all priced under $250.

Here are my favorite pieces so far based on images I've seen online:

1. Strapless embellished dress ($110): Anyone who's ever had to look for affordable bridesmaid dresses knows it's no easy task, which is why I think this beautiful blue evening gown would be perfect for a wedding. It's also available in a nude peachy color that's just as gorgeous but might be more appropriate for prom or another special occasion (maybe even a bride!).
   
2. Rosette applique tulle dress ($110): I love the tea length skirt on this dress and light spring blue. The rosette detailing is bold and embodies a sense of whimsy that's so Marchesa.
   
3. Long organza gown ($250): This is definitely the pièce de résistance of the collection - a full skirted, floor length sartorial confection that's ultra feminine and over the top. This might even work as a bridal gown! Love it.
   
4. High-low sequin dress ($140): There's something sophisticated yet edgy about this dress which draws me to it. Although I'm not crazy about that centered slit, the dramatic plunge on the back of this dress more than makes up for it.
   
5. One shoulder polka-dot dress ($110): This dress could go horribly wrong or magnificently right, I'd have to try it on to know for certain, but I'm loving the Marchesa aesthetic of excess at play here, from the ruffles to the oversized bow. If you can work it, go for it!

Which pieces could you see yourself wearing? Has anyone seen these pop up in stores yet?