Jcpenney
She Said by JC Penney Targets the Modern Woman
What: JC Penney has just launched a collection of clothes for modern, professional women called She Said. It’s not a diffusion or celebrity line, though, but was designed by the retailer’s in-house team. Prices range from $26 to $85 - so while She Said’s not over-the-top cheap, it’s still affordable for its target audience: working girls who want to go from the office to happy hour without having to change. Most of the pieces can be mixed and matched with each other, so Penney’s didn’t just think of the price tag of the line - but the practicality.
What They Say:
Catering to how the contemporary customer likes to shop, JCPenney will feature all of its contemporary Women’s brands together in store, online and via catalog, allowing customers to find the latest looks, styles and fits to mix and match.
What We Say: We’re digging most of the She Said line, including this $24.99 stripe dress. However, we think it’s really up to the shopper to make She Said work for them - most of the clothing items require accessories to really make them pop. Although every fashion designer and their dog wants to target the contemporary female, there are very few lines out there that do that really well. What do you think of this effort?
The Budget Fashionista’s Weekly Retail Closing Report for Feb 27
It’s a mixed bag this week - overall, retailers are falling farther and farther from grace (even online sales are dropping), but some are getting creative at getting consumers back. Here’s a round up of what’s been going on in the industry this week.
Sears Canada has cut 300 jobs (good news is that’s not even 1% of its workforce); this is coupled with its “budget relief price drop” campaign, aimed at budget-conscious Canadians.
Meanwhile, JC Penney and Macy’s continue to struggle, implying that more stores could be closing. Macy’s has decided to look to 2010 for relief, positioning itself in niche markets via its new “My Macy’s” program, all the while distancing itself from not-so-frugal fads and designer labels. Smart thinking.
As predicted, S&K Menswear is officially closing 30 stores, and that’s just the start of it (it’s gone bankrupt).
Wal-Mart, on the other hand, is doing awesome (relatively) and is even opening up more stores in Mexico.
Some retailers are taking advantage of the growing population of recessionistas, like Nordstrom, which plans to open 10 discount Rack stores.
Seems like retailers are gradually discovering the recession’s silver lining, changing up their strategies and philosophies, but is it too little, too late?
Read up on the past reports:
February 20th Report
February 9th Report
February 4th Report
January 23rd Report
Win This: JC Penney and The Budget Fashionista Celebrate Spring Contest Day Four
To celebrate our new look and JCPenney’s new spring designer looks, we will giveaway one (1) outfit everyday from now until Friday, February 20, 2009.
At midnight on 2/19, one lucky winner will win the outfit shown to the right:
The Prize: Multi-colored top and pants set from the Nicole by Nicole Miller line at JC Penney.
Why you want this: We like how the top has the Nicole Miller signature print, without the Nicole Miller signature price. Plus you can always use an extra pair of black pants.
To Enter this Contest, Tell Us Your Top Summer Beauty Tip in the comment section below
The Rules
- no purchase necessary
- contest ends on the day of the posting at 11:59pm
- must comment below in order to enter this contest
- must be a US citizen.
- recipient is responsible for any federal, state or local taxes associated with the prize package
- must respond within 72 hours (3 days) or prize will be given to another entrant
JCPenney Spring Designer Launch
What: JCPenney is highlighting its affordable spring fashions during commercial breaks at the Academy Awards on February 22nd. Designers Nicole Miller, Michel Bohbot, Kimmora Lee Simmons, and Allen B Schwartz will be spotlighted in the new ad campaign.
What We Say We’re loving the department store/designer collabs,and hope Allen B (of ABS fame) will put together some great evening wear looks for under $50. The maxi dresses were awesome, especially the one shown above by Allen B. and a crimson version by Bisou Bisou. However, based on the styling we saw at the fashion show, some of the pieces were not as fashion forward as we would like them to be and looked a bit too basic, almost like stuff you can get at Old Navy. Kathryn was also confused by the hear gear on the models, which looked more like someone hastily wrapped a scarf around the model’s head and she would have liked to seen more options for those over 22 years of age. However, we applaud JC Penney for trying and we’re excited to see how it turns out.
Kathryn at the JCPenney Spring Designer Launch (that is NOT her Bentley)
End of the Celebrity Fashion Line?
What: Apparently celebrity fashion lines are being caught in the retail closing mix. Of course, we saw this coming… we knew the end was near when Katherine Heigl launched a line of scrubs.
From AdAge: “Following the worst holiday shopping season in four decades, numerous retailers are going bankrupt or being liquidated and taking celebrity brands down along with them. The recent rash of retail-store woes underscores that nascent (some might say marginal) celebrity fashion brands are far from immune from the recession. “
What We Say: Was I the only one who felt that the juniors/teen oriented LL Cool J line at Sears didn’t make a bit of sense? I mean, do teenagers think LL Cool J, is uhh, still cool? The recent econonmic downturn has flipped the switch from passive to active consumerism, meaning that throwing a celebrity name on an inferior product won’t instantly translate into sales. The product has to actually be stylish, good quality, and affordable and there are some examples of celebrities who have done just that, like the surprising good Jessica Simpson accessories line and the much discussed “Bitten” line by Sarah Jessica Parker at the now defunct Steve & Barry’s.
What do you think? Are celebrity fashion lines dead?
The Budget Fashionista’s Weekly Retail Closing Report
Last week, we somberly summed up recent store closings and the list is still growing. Here are the latest fashion retailers that plan to close stores in 2009.
Chico’s - (25 stores)
New York & Company - (50 - over five years)
Famous Footwear - (35 stores)
Eddie Bauer - (2 stores )
Piercing Pagoda (Zales) - (all stores)
JC Penney - (Some- but number not specified)
Uncle Sam is Coming for Online Shoppers…
Online shopping may not be carefree (read: sales tax free) for much longer. State governments are eyeballing bargain hunters, like you and me, who skip out on a sales tax by purchasing shoes, handbags, dresses, jeans, bracelets, and nearly everything else, on the Internet. Shoppers should report taxes on these items to the government – but few do.
According to Forrester Research, “online sales were expected to make up about 8 percent of all retail sales in 2008.” State economies are desperate to tap into these riches. New York and Amazon.com have been scuffling over the issue for several months.
Almost half of all US states, and retailers like JC Penney’s and Wal-Mart, have joined efforts to simplify the system of collecting sales taxes online.
For now, most of us can avoid the sales tax by avoiding brick-and-mortar retailers and shopping for clothes and accessories on Amazon, Overstock, and eBay. Already, the online sales tax is being rolled out in New York and a handful of other states, though, so the honeymoon is over for some.
In the future, will you be forced to report that adorable Banana Republic scarf to the IRS? Will you have to pay a little more for it online?
New York City Fashion Week Spring 2009: Nanette Lepore
What: Nanette Lepore Runway Show, Promenade, New York City Fashion Week Spring 09
The Lowdown: Take note—this collection is how you do neutrals and subdued colors without a hint of boredom. Nanette Lepore has skipped the whole black-for-Spring trend, and gone with khakis, creams, and browns, punctuated by some gorgeous turquoise, pale green, and clear sharp red. It’s the cut and detail that makes this collection special—with lots of sheen, some cascading ruffles, sophisticated floral prints, thin stripes, and interesting shapes. We suspect after a long dreary winter, these are the kind of things we’ll want to slip into at the first sign of Spring . . .
Budget Solution: Something you could find right now? Neutral pieces with that satiny sheen we love—like this City Style Satin Tie Front Blouse on sale now at New York & Company. And there was an accessory or two in this collection that you might want to consider—big chucky necklaces, like this Double Strand Necklace at JCPenney, which echoes the Lepore’s chosen hues . . .
image courtesy of Style.com
Naomi Campbell: Look For Less
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 supply of bleach at the ready), we’ve picked some pieces to help you along:
INC International Concepts Skinny Pants, on sale $33.18, Macy’s
Stretch Round Neck Tee, $4.80, Forever21
East5th “Kenna��? Sandal, on sale $22.99, JC Penney
Multi-Stone Necklace, $6.99, Old Navy
Fashion Trend: The Statement Necklace
“THESE PRODUCTS ARE NO LONGER BEING SOLD”
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 make sure the size of the necklace is in proportion to the rest of you, so as not to get overwhelmed by the hardware around your neck.
Pieces we like:
Triple Strand Leopard Beaded Necklace, $19.99, JC Penney (pictured above)
Subversive for Target Cameo Multi-Row Necklace, $59.99, Target.
JC Penney’s Friends and Family Coupon
“THIS COUPON HAS EXPIRED”
Okay, straight up. I haven’t been the biggest fan of the JC Penney’s women department in the past (but we LOVE the men’s department). However, I must admit, that I’m kinda of lovin the new American Living line. The prices aren’t the cheapest, but the line, the result of a joint partnership with Ralph Lauren, does feature traditional American sportswear with a bit of sass. If you’re curious about the line, then the best time to try it out is during JCP’s friend and family sale. This Sunday, April 20th only, use the codes or print out the coupon linked below to save an additional 20% off your purchases.
Online: head to JCP.com and use code FOLKS
In store: Click here to print out your coupon
Catalog: Use the Code “Folks”
C7P: Chip & Pepper’s New Budget Line with JC Penney Stores
What: Chip & Pepper, the twin LA denim designers, partnered with retailer JC Penney’s for the C7P (the “&” sign and the number “7” are both on the same key on your keyboard) line, an affordable denim and sportswear line for Back to School 2007. The line includes an array of denim items, including jeans, skirts, Bermuda shorts and crop pants, along with T-shirts, tops and fleece all targeted towards the junior and young men’s market. The collection will retail from $14.99 for tops to $34.99 for jeans.
What the fashion heads say: From Tipjar.com: The California surf-inspired jeans, t-shirts and hoodies for guys and gals have a laidback style and the price point makes me happy. Everything in the collection is under $40.
What I say: I’m sooooo not the target demographic for this line, but it looks like the same stuff you can get at Old Navy for around half the price. However, if you’re a fan of their higher priced denim line, this may be a way to get your hands on a pair of jeans for under $40.
Fashion Rumors: Lace Gloves and Stirrup Pants
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 would love to hear your thoughts on this possible new development.
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Nicole Miller at JC Penney: The Debate Continues
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 the two lines right now.
Now you see what I’m staying . . .
I’ve shopped at Nicole Miller boutiques. I’ve spent many hours in JC Penneys. I’m all for JC Penney moving up in the retail world because it gives me another place to shop. However, I’m really tired of designers putting their names on clearly inferior products to lure celeb focused—brand obsessed consumers into spending money on subpar products. Is Nicole even involved in the designing of this line? I doubt it. If so, then she has such a low opinion of JC Penney shoppers (thus a low opinion of me) that I will stop shopping for my clients at her boutique.
As for consumers, buying a designers budget friendly line just because of the name isn’t cool either. Not only do you waste money, but it puts you only slightly higher than the people wear fake Louis Vuitton bags on the shopping food chain.
P.S. On the news of Sephora @ JC Penney’s—history shows that designer brands don’t always fare well at Penneys. In the late 1970s, Halston (the disco designer) tried a budget friendly line at the store and it failed miserably. In fact, it failed so bad that Bergdorf (or was it Barney’s?) stopped carrying the higher priced line.
Fashion Advice: Where to Find Nicole Miller and BCBG Bridge Lines
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.
JC Penneys to Open Sephora Stores
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.
Designer Lines at Mass Market Stores
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).
- Spiegel—80s favorite Norma Kamali is back with a collection of interchangeable pieces in basic black, red, and multi color stripes for the catalog company. All pieces are priced $99 and under.
- Target—Isaac Mizrahi’s line offers classic 5th avenue style to main street America, reflecting some of the hottest fashion trends for less than $50. Target also carries the Swell line of home and personal furnishings by Cynthia Rowley and a line of high end make-up for less by famed make-up artist Sonia Kashuk. Target’s Go International initiative features a line created by a global designer for a 90 day period. Currently, British designer Luella Bartley is the featured designer, with Canadian Tara Jarmon set to premier a line at Target later this spring.
- Sears—Carries quite a few lines from top fashion designers like Alvin Valley (known as Lord of the Pants). Anne Klein has a line at the store called Aline, which has fashions and styles that are very similar to its higher priced red label line and BCBG Max Azria has a line called Parallel at Sears as well. There’s a rumor that French Connection (aka the British Gap), will premier a collection at the store in late 2006.
Fashion Advice: Finding a Professional Bra Fitter
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, Bloomingdales
, 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.
JC Penney’s Creates Temp Store in Manhattan Putting ‘The City That Nevers Sleep’ Asleep
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 the store because “Penney’s has great towels and sheets”, was baffled by the concept of a temp store in NYC.
The quality and selection of clothing at JC Penney’s is dismal at best—you know your store has a problem when Sears has a more stylish collection than you. Yes, they have a line by Nicole Miller, but she doesn’t have the designer appeal or the persona of a Karl Lagerfeld or Isaac Mizrahi. Plus, Miller’s clothing at JC Penney’s looks nothing like her collections at higher end stores and boutiques, which gives shoppers no incentive to shop the store.
Here’s my advice to JC Penney’s—close down the Manhattan store and invest the money better marketing, store design, and stylish clothing.
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