Off the Rack: JCP's New Stylus Brand Isn't As Good As Joe Fresh

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April 27, 2015

More changes are quietly happening over at JCPenney, where the Joe Fresh women's brand is making its exit (after a March 2013 launch) and the store's in-house JCP brand has been relaunched under the name Stylus. I'm sad to see Joe Fresh leave (you'll still be able to find men's and boy's apparel), and my first impressions of Stylus tell me it won't be a suitable replacement. The styles seem to be aimed at a more mature demographic, which can be either good or bad depending on what you're looking for. Think J.Crew meets St. John's Bay. Overall the styles are pretty preppy, like button-down shirts, twill shorts and crewneck cardigans. Those with a discerning eye will be able to find select gems in this collection and make them chic (like Kimberly from Penny Pincher Fashion - she has an amazing eye for styling!). Highlights for me include the printed cotton shirts and this eyelet bomber. Take a peek at my in-store photos after the jump and let me know if you're intrigued...or left wanting more.

Comments (18)

Posted in: Budget Fashion, JCPenney, Off the Rack

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Comments

very underwhelming .

there aren't any new or exciting cuts & prints .

#1 nicole o. (Homepage) on 2015-04-27 16:29 (Reply)

I actually think it's an ok balance - you get younger prints like pineapples, lemons, girly florals...but with a more wearable, "mature" if you will, execution. I have yet to purchase anything, but I like those chevron 3/4 slv blouses (though they're nothing original) and the fun printed button-ups.

#2 Elizabeth on 2015-04-27 16:38 (Reply)

I initially thought the new brand was really cute and very J.Crew-like, I just wish they would have more pieces that still have that feel to them, the newer selections (minus the cute statement tees) aren't very special and the dept. itself needs better styling, here's hoping they can freshen up the next collection!

Tracy
www.TracysNotebookofStyle.com

#3 Tracy (Homepage) on 2015-04-27 19:04 (Reply)

Your photos are what got me excited about this line! Maybe it's just my store but I was underwhelmed. I will say this, though, I actually saw a few other shoppers browsing the selection which is more than I could say for the JCP brand or Joe Fresh. I was always the lone shopper in that section!

#3.1 The Budget Babe on 2015-04-27 20:32 (Reply)

I have come to LOVE Stylus! I can even shop Stylus online!! (Where other places I have to try on sizes to make sure they fit correctly- thanks to my curves aka *butt*)
I love their jeans and pants. I'm in my mid-late (sigh) 20's and I've been looking for a brand that's budget friendly AND has well made, age appropriate clothing- Stylus definitely fits the requirements.

#3.1.1 Liz on 2015-08-25 12:45 (Reply)

Hmm...some of the pieces are so so cute and others are kind of ho-hum. To each their own though:)

#4 Laura (Homepage) on 2015-04-27 19:55 (Reply)

Definitely not an adequate replacement for Joe Fresh. Were Joe Fresh sales not working for JCP?

#5 Mandie (Homepage) on 2015-04-27 21:46 (Reply)

Aww you are so sweet! I'm also really disappointed to see the Joe Fresh line leave their stores - it was one of the only reasons why I started shopping there again. I might take a peek at the new Stylus pieces every once in a while & thankfully they still have MNG by Mango too, which is one of my favorites.

#6 Kimberly (Homepage) on 2015-04-28 06:00 (Reply)

I'm over 50 years old and I don't like anything. I would walk on by.

#7 Michele on 2015-04-28 06:35 (Reply)

I have gotten a couple cute tshirts (on major sale + coupon) but nothing else has jumped out at me. I did notice though that Joe Fresh is still online at JCP so I wonder if we can still get it there just not in store?

#8 Amanda on 2015-04-28 09:13 (Reply)

I'm in my mid 20's but at that part where I am looking for cotton shorts that are not shorties but also not bermudas and I LOVE their colors, prints, and the length! I just wish the bottoms came in smaller sizes.

#9 Liz on 2015-04-28 09:51 (Reply)

Nope. Not good. Joe Fresh was so much more classic and versatile.

Wishes & Reality

#10 Heidi (Homepage) on 2015-04-28 10:57 (Reply)

I don't know... some of the pieces are OK, most of them not so nice...

#11 Melissa (Homepage) on 2015-04-29 05:02 (Reply)

I finally took a peek at the line yesterday, and it's okay. i ended up buying a basic cotton tee and a pair of shorts- which runs extremely small, i had to go up two sizes. maybe it's me *shrugs*. some of the pieces are a bit overpriced. i think i'll wait until another sale before i buy anything else from the line, lol

#12 Niki @ Cheapalicious (Homepage) on 2015-04-30 06:59 (Reply)

I'm glad you mentioned sizing, it seems to be all over the place. But I'm glad you found some pieces you like! I might go back for the boyfriend jeans, I liked the longer length and that's hard to find these days haha

#12.1 The Budget Babe on 2015-04-30 07:43 (Reply)

i think i overlooked the boyfriend jeans, but i will go back and look for them. i still have more coupons to use, lol

#12.1.1 Niki @ Cheapalicious (Homepage) on 2015-04-30 07:50 (Reply)

Not impressed at all with the changes from JCP brand T shirts to the new brand name. While the style may look the same, the material is not. JCP crew neck t was my favorite I was buying 2-3 of these a month. I wear XL it was the best tshirt ever made for someone with my build 5'2" 180lb. I do labor work and this shirt has the perfect material, the perfect length, the perfect sleeve cut. I loved them in both short and long sleeved, I regretfully have to say that I have not shopped JCP since the JCP T was taking away. The replacement is not the same, nor have I found anyone else putting a t-shirt out there that holds up to this one.

#13 Amanda Taylor on 2016-04-02 15:44 (Reply)

That's really disappointing, sorry to hear that. I don't know who makes these decisions sometimes, they get rid of what's good and don't replace it. As strange as this may sound, I've found some really good basics at Walmart. My favorite long sleeve t-shirt is from Walmart, going strong after about 8 years! You might have luck there. Or shop the men's department...I feel like my husband's t-shirts always wash and wear so much better than mine.

#13.1 The Budget Babe on 2016-04-04 07:30 (Reply)

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