The Budget Fashionista

In a blindingly unoriginal move, JC Penney’s has created a temporary store in Times Square (at 42nd Street). Why the old school store wasted their money doing this, I shall never know. It’s like building an Alexander McQueen boutique in Salina, Kansas—wrong location, wrong customer. I’ve never, EVER, heard anyone in New York say “Gee, I really wish we had a JC Penney’s in the city.” Even my very Midwestern mom, who insisted when I got married that I register at …

Dear Budget Fashionista, I’m in desperate need of new bras. Do you have any tips on finding a professional bra fitter in my city? Help! Spill Out

Dearest Spill Out,


Most major department stores have professional fitters on staff (Saks, Bloomingdale’s, JC Penney’s, Sears, etc). Some stores like Victoria’s Secret also have fitters, but in my experience, these fitters tend to try and sell you bras—regardless of the fit. You can also go to local boutique shops that specialize in bras and undergarments.


When you get to the store seek out the most experienced bra fitter there and have them measure you. If they tell you that you are a “definite” size, run like the wind. You will never be one size in every brand of bra and if a fitter tells you this then this is a sign of an inexperienced fitter. You will need to try on several bras, in many different sizes, until you find the right one that gives you support AND is comfortable. Your breast should fit completely into the cup, no spillage, no wire digging into your sides, and the band should fit snug, but not too tight on the first set of hooks. You should be able to sweep your hands from you collar bone across the bra without feeling any flesh bumps. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and walk out if they aren’t knowledgeable enough to give you answers or blame you (it happens) for their own inability to find you a proper fitting bra.

First, Isaac. Then Vera (Wang), Norma (Kamali), and Nicole (Miller). Fifth Avenue designers are all flocking to a stripmall nearest you in an effort to build their brand and pocketbooks. With so many designer premiering mass market lines, it’s difficult to know which ones are worth the Saturday trek to your Target. Here’s my picks: Designer Lines at Budget Stores JC Penney—JC Penney’s carries a collection called Nicole by designer Nicole Miller (known mostly for her high priced, beautiful dresses). …

JC Penneys will open Sephora stores within their own store starting this fall.  Sephora will be the exclusive seller of beauty products at JC Penney. I think this is a good move by JC Penney, maybe they read my entry JC Penney’s Creates Temp Store in Manhattan Putting ‘the City That Nevers Sleeps’ Asleep”. However, I’m not sure if this is such a good move for Sephora.

Dear Budget Fashionista, Is it true that both Nicole Miller and BCBG have lines at JC Penney’s? If so, what are their names, as I so heart Nicole Miller and BCBG Max Azria but could never afford their ready to wear lines.

A: Nicole Miller is at JC Penney’s and the line is called Nicole. To be perfectly honest, it isn’t very good. BCBG Max Azria’s line is at SEARS and it’s called Parallel and it is pretty good—especially for spring items.

Man, you guys have raked me over the coals about my distaste for the Nicole Miller line at JC Penneys. I stick to my original statement—that the Nicole Miller line at JC Penney is subpar. For all of you who don’t agree with me, head to your nearest JC Penney or visit the collection online at JCPenney.com. Then head to a local Nicole Miller Boutique or view her Spring/Summer collection online at NicoleMiller.com. In fact, take a moment to view …

I recently heard two very disturbing fashion rumors: that stirrup pants will make a comeback next fall and that the Madonna half lace glove is coming back into style. I haven’t seen these trends on anyone yet and both bring me back to my insecure midwestern roots—I had an alarmingly large collection of stirrup pants when I worked at Lerners New York and a black lace glove I wore every day in middle school purchased for $.49 at JC Penney’s.  I …

Recently we reported on the charm necklace -- you know, sweet, pretty, delicate—and this week, the necklace trend? The bold, flashy, splashy statement necklace. Which could either be a major contradiction or just an indication that, style wise, this season you have plenty of freedom of expression. We’re going with the latter . . . Just remember, it’s all in the name. The necklace makes the statement, so the rest of the ensemble should provide a simple, chic backdrop. And …

We’d never recommend using a cellphone as a weapon nor can we recommend wearing all white while digging in the garden (we’re pretty sure Naomi doesn’t do her own laundry). That being said, we love the simple fresh look Naomi Campbell sports for this photo op, which reminds us of how easy it is to look great without all the bells and whistles. And the power of a simple bright white tee. If you’re feeling it (and have a good …