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?

While running errands in a neighboring town, I stopped by the "fancy" Walmart to check out their spring fashions. I was pleasantly surprised to find a wide assortment of colorful spring/summer must-haves like bright maxi dresses, striped tees and colored denim (and somewhat jealous, too, because my Walmart never gets this stuff!). A lot of these pieces have serious potential - I could just imagine Penny Chic styling some hottie L.A. blogger in the ikat maxi dress, topping it with a denim vest, tossing on a fedora, some flat sandals and stacked bangles and bam, she'd look like a million bucks! Use your imagination as you peruse the photos I snapped - could you see yourself on vacation in one of the short jersey dresses topped with a denim jacket and print scarf? Heading to a BBQ in some coral jeans and a breezy white blouse? With everything priced under $20, it's hard not to.

Land of Nod's "Checkmate" table lamp base is $59 at landofnod.com. I've got nursery decor on my mind, but I think the clean, classic design of this lamp makes it perfect for any room.



Get the look for less with this white stacked resin lamp base instead, just $19.99 at Target.com.



Get inspired to decorate with your white table lamp!

Beautiful inside and out, Rachel Roy often incorporates philanthropy into her fashion-empire-endeavors, and now the NYC designer is launching a FEED India bag in collaboration with Lauren Bush Lauren's FEEDProjects.

On a recent trip to India, Rachel worked with local Indian artisans to create a bag that is true to the local culture, and features authentic Indian detailing. According to the World Food Program, India is home to 25% of the world's hungry people and 43% of children under the age of five are malnourished. Fashionistas can feel good knowing that each FEED India bag that is sold will provide meals to 100 hungry school children in India.

Get yours now at RachelRoy.com for $78. Find out more about the collaboration here and join the conversation on Twitter with hashtag #FEEDINDIA.


Designer Rachel Roy (left) and Lauren Bush Lauren. Photos courtesy of Rachel Roy

Coach lovers and anyone looking to add a bright spring bag to their wardrobe should run to the Coach Factory sale going on now over at RueLaLa.com. Choose from genuine leather handbags in juicy colors like coral, yellow and bright white, as well as small accessories like wallets and keychains that will add a serious dose of smiles to your handbag routine. Shop the sale ASAP for the best selection.

{My top picks: (1) Coach "Kristin" Leather East-West Crossbody, was $298.00 now $105.90; (2) Coach Gold-Plated Bangle, was $68.00 now $29.90; (3) Coach "Park" Leather Crossbody, was $298.00 now $99.90}