Recently I had the chance to test out Lendperk.com, a "Netflix for Dresses" company that allows you to rent affordable dresses that you would find in stores like Anthropologie, ASOS, Modcloth, and more. Lendperk's cheapest plan is $20/month for one dress rental every month. For $34 per month, you can rent 2 dresses and $49 per month gets you unlimited dress rentals.

There's a 9 day free trial where you can check out one dress during this period for free to test out the service. It's a month to month subscription service and you can cancel anytime. Shipping and returns are free, and you can also choose to roll over your rental from one month to the next if you don't think you're going to rent anything.

For the purpose of my review, I got to rent the dress of my choice in two sizes. I got special treatment because I'm pregnant and a blogger, but because of my growing bump, the dress I chose didn't work out for me in either size. Putting that aside, the service was great - I got my dresses delivered within 3 days, complete with a thoughtful note and small treat (candy). To return my dresses, all I had to do was pack them up in the prepaid shipping envelope that was included in my order and leave it by my front door for the mail carrier to pick up. Easy, peasy!

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?

J.Crew's striped "Nora" ballet flats feature a cotton/canvas upper and leather sole for $138. The look for less costs $20 elsewhere. See if you can spot the real from the steal by clicking either image below!

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 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?

Photo credit: TheBudgetBabe.com