Tag Archives: JC Penney

7/12/2012 Darling Of The Day / Basics For A Bargain: Anne Hathaway’s Cropped ‘Do, LBDs, & Audrey Hepburn Inspiration!

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Anne Hathaway has hit the red carpet with a reinvented classic retro vibe, cad with her pixie cut (for Les Miserables), little black dresses, basic black shoes, & elegance pendant necklaces.  The Oscar-nominee is in full swing promoting her latest film, the major summer blockbuster The Dark Knight Rises. The Style Darling‘s looks are elegant, contemporary, youthful, & worth making her the Darling of the Day.

Since I couldn’t pick just one look that I loved, I decided to share the four most recent images of her Audrey Hepburn-inspired style.  Her short ‘do is perfectly understated while these leg-baring frocks reveal that the actress isn’t slowing down her glamour game just yet.  Included in these images are dresses by Dolce & Gabbana, Stella McCartney, & Givenchy, paired with Tory Burch ankle strap sandals.

Since there are so many fabulous details in the dresses above, I’ve found some affordable LBDs to help recreate Anne’s breathtaking noir turn.  First from Forever 21, we have the shawl collar surplice dress ($27.80) & the mesh yoke bodycon dress ($24.80), which is available in sizes XL – 3X. H&M has this belted dress ($34.95) which moves beautifully & can be dressed up with peep toes or worn casually with flats.  To show off your shape, I recommend the ponte knit sheath dress ($48.93) from Express.  If you’re looking to imitate the feel of Anne’s forth look above, head over to Lulu’s for the Motown black dress ($38.00). Lastly, since we are talking about one of the most sought after actresses in all the land, we need to step up our style game just a little & share the Jessica Howard sequin cap sleeve dress ($70.00) @JCP. 

Lastly, to help complete the look, I’ve searched high & low for some of the best accessories. This includes the Forever 21 oval locket necklace ($5.80) & floral pendant necklace ($1.50).  In addition, my shoe choices include the Brash Gemini flat ($26.99) from Payless (which I’ve previously featured in champagne), Charlotte Russe‘s fabric mouse ballet flat ($30.00), sueded ankle wrap pump ($35.50), & Michael Antonio Loveme patent pump ($40.00) @Zappos.

Which of Anne’s looks do you like the best? Would you ever rock a pixie cut? How do you feel about all the black-on-black? All comments & suggestions are always welcome, so please share! Check out more posts like this in Basics for a Bargain, Luxury Look-Alikes for Less, & Red Carpet Review! Happy Styling!

Basics For A Bargain: Maxi Dresses Inspired By Olivia Wilde, Lauren Conrad, Lily Collins, & More!

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‘Tis the season for maxidresses, which will be staples in your warm weather wardrobe from now even until after Labor Day.  As you can see, there are plenty of celebrities wearing maxidresses in a bunch of different ways.  Belts, beads, heels, flats, & jackets are perfect for accessorizing these flowy floor-length frocks.  First we have Alessandra Ambrosio in a tiered maxidress with a Loewe bag, Beyonce in a printed maxidress with stilettos, Rachel Bilson in a Suno maxidress, & Lily Collins in a Peter Som maxidress.

Also, for some more celebrity-inspiration, there’s Lauren Conrad in a belted Heartloom maxidress, Olivia Wilde in a Yigal Azrouel maxidress, Emma Roberts in an Isabel Lu maxidress, & Nicole Richie in a floral printed maxidress. With all these celebrity images, you can see how a maxidress is perfect for a red carpet event, daytime luncheon, or summer date night.

I’ve searched high & low for the best & most affordable maxi dresses from my favorite stores to share with readers.  In an effort to offer up some variety, I’ve selected trends like colorblocking, animal print, ruffles, & chiffon, as well as patterns like stripes, paisley, & florals. These selections include the cheetah lace maxi dress ($28.99) @Charlotte Russe, the I Heart Ronson striped maxi dress ($32.00) from JC Penney, tube cup feather maxi dress ($29.50) from Wet Seal, paisley maxi dress ($50.00) from Dress Barn, New York & Company‘s floral ruffle maxi dress ($69.95), leopard maxi dress ($27.80) from Forever 21‘s Plus 21 collection, colorblock maxi dress ($25.00) from Target, & flounced racer back dress ($27.80) also from Forever 21.

Which maxidress do you like the best? Where do you shop for maxidresses? How do you like to accessorize your spring / summer looks? Happy Styling!

Basics for a Bargain: Best Black Jackets For Day & Night (Dedicated to Laurie)!

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During a recent breakfast date with my uber-stylish friend Laurie, the subject of blazers came up since she’s in search of a jacket with enough flair to dress up a going out look, but one that can also be worn for a daytime casual look.  Because a black blazer is such an essential item, I thought I’d turn to some of my favorite celebrities for some inspiration on the different styles of blazers for a number of different occasions.

First off, we have Olivia Palermo in a velvet Giambattista Valli mini dress with brogues from Zara & a Mango clutch.  She tops her look with a button-embellished jacket for a more polish at a Macy’s event.  Fergie attended an affair for Black Eyed Peas in a feathered & gold skirt with a satin-trim blazer & Christian Louboutins.  Rachel Weisz paired her velvet jacket with leather leggings at the DVD launch for Deep Blue Sea.  At the premiere of Sandra Bullock‘s latest film, Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close, the Oscar-winner donned an Alexander McQueen suit with a plunging jacket & corset-inspired belt.  Jessica Alba went out for a stroll in West Hollywood, pairing a single-button jacket with a high-neck white dress & black tights.  Lastly, Kristen Bell played down her cropped pink trousers with a Rachel Zoe tuxedo jacket & satin pointy toe pumps.

When looking for a blazer that works for you, there are a lot of factors to take into account like fit around the waist, where the sleeves fall, & details like trim & structure.  Since jackets are investment pieces, these bargains are a little higher in price, but totally worth it if you find one that works best for your shape.  I picked out a variety of jacket suggestions to be worn casually with shorts & tights, with your favorite dark denim jeans & a button-down top, over an LBD, or over a sequin cocktail dress.

The classic two-button blazer ($59.99) from Gap ranges in sizes 0 – 20 & has been marked down from its original $98.00 price tag.  There’s plenty of room here to add a fancy antique brooch if it looks too office-ready for a going out ook.  If you’re looking for something with some built-in personality, try the zebra stripe textured blazer ($32.80) from Forever 21.  A dressy option for a jacket comes from JC Penney, the MNG by Mango tuxedo jacket with satin trim ($60.00) is just enough to wear over a blouse or with a jersey dress & metallic belt.  If details like buttons are your thing, the H&M blazer ($59.95) is not just available in black, but also light pink & bright blue.  A classic single-button stretch jacket ($48.96) like the one from New York & Company adds confidence to a t-shirt & jeans look, especially with knee boots & hoop earrings.  Lastly, I remembered my recent post about Kmart’s Sofia by Sofia Vergara collection & the velvet tuxedo blazer ($31.99) came to mind, especially if worn with a slinky cami & skinny pants.

For more Basics for a Bargain looks, check out scarves inspired by Claire Danes & Rihanna, tees & leather like Miranda Kerr, & look-alike sweater dresses to those worn by Nicole Richie & Eva Mendes! How do you wear your favorite blazers? Where are your favorite places to shop for blazers? Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Clearance Jewelry Picks from JC Penney ($10 & Under)!

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I’m loving the new Bravo show, Project Accessory, & I’ve got jewelry on the brain! With the combination of the show & my latest JC Penney coupons b/c I’m a card holder, I went in search of some fun jewelry finds!

Special pieces of jewelry really make an outfit pop, even if you’re just wearing something as basic as a white tee & jeans.  I’m a big bracelet gal, & I love the metallic accented leather bracelet ($5.40).  It’s part Cleopatra / part diva & makes for a glamorous finishing touch to any work outfit transformed for night.  Bring out your personality with a statement piece like the brown large feather necklace ($6.00) for a blazer & jeans, or an LBD.  For the playful Style Darling, the owl ring ($4.50) would stand out against a paisley peasant blouse & a dark denim pencil skirt with camel knee boots.  If you’re looking for some color in a ring, try out the turquoise tone stone ring ($7.20) which will make quite the style statement.  Take a look at the black multi bib necklace ($7.20) which will frame your face & sparkle over a mock turtleneck.

Are you a bargain shopper looking for the best buys? Check out more posts from The Stylish Five, as well as Basics for a Bargain.  Check out all the accessories on clearance @JCP here & start your holiday shopping! Happy Styling!

Inside A Style Blogger’s Closet: Busy Work Day Look, Mixing Structure, Texture, & Pattern!

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Some might say that I get a little overdressed for my office job, that will remain nameless, but I think of it as a chance everyday to explore my professional attire & get multiple uses out of clothing that can be worn on casual days too!

On a not-so-special Tuesday, I put together this outfit b/c I was finally ready to rip off the price tag from the skirt, which I bought back in July (with the purchase of this skirt).  There are a few tiered layers to the skirt by Worthington from JC Penney & it is lined underneath, making it a not-so-summer-ready skirt.  However, as the seasons have been changing, I broke out some of my heavier pieces & saw that my $4.97 (yes, that’s how much I got the skirt for!) was going to waste since I hadn’t worn it yet.  According to the original tag, the skirt was first marked up to $60.00, which seems like much too much. Not to mention when I first bought the skirt, it was nug & now that I’m down a total of 12lbs for the 2011 calendar year, it sits just where its supposed to!

Since the skirt plays with three-dimensional structure, as you can see by the tiers, I broke out my asymmetrical black tee from New York & Company, which I’m pretty sure that I bought for under $10 (with the help of one of my favorite Style Darlings, Laurie).  The belt ($16.99) was a purchase earlier in the summer & polka-dotted tights were from last year, both from Target.  I know there’s a lot going on in the pattern & shape of the skirt, but I think when you have something as bold as this, it’s okay to put another pattern with it.  The skirt has a pointillism-inspired look, so the polka dots aren’t too far off.  Plus, they’re small enough not to take away from the overall look.  And who doesn’t love a good textured tight?

In addition, as a loyal Target shopper, I picked up the flyaway cardigan ($19.99) after urging my bestie Rosie (see the blog I dedicated to her here) to buy one. I don’t know why I didn’t hop on that right away since I’ve been wearing the cotton cardigan several times throughout the season now.

I don’t remember where I got the necklace, but I’d take a guess at somewhere like Mandee, Wet Seal, or Forever 21 since I don’t usually spend a lot on my fashion jewelry.  Of course, I can’t forget the shoes… I have these in a beige / gold also!  I love the four-inch heel & the silver lining around the cut-outs.  They lasted me throughout my eight-hour work day & are just so comfortable, but these are no longer available @Payless, since they were from (about) two seasons ago.  Unless it’s a shoe style emergency, I never buy anything from Payless without a coupon or when they’re having a BOGO 50% off sale & neither should you!

As always, I’m happy to share my style stories, now that I’m finally getting pictures up here on Style Darling.  I even told a customer who came into the office today how much my skirt cost when she remarked on how well-dressed I was & she snickered at me, “You know, you shouldn’t tell people that,” referring to the cheap bargain in which I so proudly announced.  Of course, there’s nothing wrong with a great deal, but it is nice to feel like you look like you’re wearing luxury pieces, especially when I’ve become invested in all the pieces that express my style to a tee!

Check out my previous Inside A Style Blogger’s Closet posts featuring my closet– literally- & a cute summer dress ($8.74) styled for fall! Happy Styling!

The Stylish Five: Fall Sweaters on Sale @JC Penney ($10.00 & Under)!

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I’m definitely going sweater crazy, what with posts about cardigans & sweater dresses in the same week!  Can you blame me?  Fall is here & I’m loving that sweaters are the answer to the crisp cool air!  Also, I’m a loyal JC Penney shopper & love finding basic sweaters like these soooo cheap! As a JCP credit card holder, you get lots of benefits, like extra discounts at checkout, rewards points, & exclusive coupons just for using your card!

In the spirit of savings, I’m sharing these sweater finds with my readers & can you believe that they’re all under $10!  The red east 5th cowl neck sweater ($6.00) can be worn in so many different ways this fall into winter!  Break out your favorite trumpet skirt & t-strap shoes, or a pair of skinny jeans with wedge riding boots!  Even though a turtleneck covers you up, here’s where you can be creative & wear drop earrings, a cocktail ring, or a brooch with your look!  Originally for $36.00, the St. John’s Bay petite ‘Mossy’ sweater ($7.20) offers the perfect pop of color with brown windowpane trousers, flared jeans, or leather mini skirt & tights.  This is an essential basic for any sweater collection to wear at work, or with distressed leggings for a night out! Yeah, I said it!

My love for cardigans runs deep & the Worthington Essential v-neck cardigan ($8.00) is an affordable plus-size find when you’re looking to channel a menswear-inspired look with a button down shirt & pinstripe pants.  If you want to add some femininity to this boyfriend sweater, try adding a ruffled blouse underneath & a metallic belt over it.  Also, cableknits never go out of style.  It’s right up there with argyle, if you’re style channels all-American girl-next-door. The St. John’s Bay petites cable v-neck sweater ($9.00) offers a flattering neckline that will bring all the attention to your face.  Its rich raspberry color is perfect for pairing with black, gray, navy, & brown pieces.

Lastly, the Worthington short sleeve v-neck cardigan ($9.99) is an item that I actually own (but in blue).  This is ideal for any pullover top & a-line skirt.  What’s so great about this sweater is that it’s available in four other colors & can be made to look different in so many ways.  Try this with a pair of high-waisted slacks & towering platforms or a tuxedo pencil skirt with ankle booties!

Are you gonna buy one of these bargain sweaters?  How much do you usually spend on your fall wardrobe?  Which do you think is the most flattering color?  Check out the previous posts for The Stylish Five, including sale finds @Topshop, accessories from Charlotte Russe, Ulta beauty deals, & much more!

8/3/11 Darling of the Day: Jordana Brewster Goes Casual in Lavender Shorts (Dedicated to Laurie)!

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For my friend Laurie’s birthday today, I decided to post a cool, casual look that reminds me of her!  I especially wanted to post something with shorts since both Laurie & Ms. Jordana Brewster have such great legs!

Here we have the Fast & Furious star taking a stroll in L.A., wearing a cute ensemble of a classic white button-down shirt with lavender belted shorts, shades, & flip-flops. This look is nothing short of polished (no pun intended).

To start, head to Express for the shirt, which is also available in nine different colors.  Watch out for the store’s end of the season blowout sales when basic items like this are marked down to practically nothing!  A crisp button down can be a 365-day investment under a cardigan with dark denim jeans, or paired with a sleeveless sweater vest & pencil skirt. I found @Forever 21 look-alike shorts for only $13.50, which also come in white, black, & khaki, if you’re looking to sport a casual shorts look for the rest of your summer days with babydoll tops, racerback tanks, & graphic tees!

To complete this outfit, I’ve compiled affordable accessories, including a $9.50 belt & stylish bag for under $20 from Charlotte Russe, $5.99 flip flops from Payless that you may be able to find cheaper during the store’s next BOGO 50% off sale, & rectangular sunglasses from Forever 21 for $5.80, which will save you a bundle instead of getting a designer style! I picked out a silver loop ring from JC Penney which costs $19.99, reduced from $40.00.  Also, while you’re there, check out the crystal wrap bracelet by MixIt for only $6.00 (originally $15.00).  A menswear-inspired watch from Kohl’s is the last finishing touch to an ensemble perfect for a picnic, family gathering, or walk about town shopping with girl friends!

For more celebrity-inspired looks, check out previous Darling of the Day posts, including Drew Barrymore, Amy Adams, Eva Longoria & more! Happy Birthday Laurie! Happy Styling!

Quickie Darling Deal & Steal: Super Savings on a Skirt from JC Penney!

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During all the big sales for the 4th of July last week, I took advantage of a coupon from JC Penney which was $10 when you spend $25 or more.  Of course, I’d been shopping in the store a little more often than I usually do, knowing that there was no possible way to fit anything else in my closet, including another skirt, but I went ahead & checked out the store anyway.  I’d been very successful in finding cute a-line, pencil, or sateen.  This skirt by east 5th popped out at me, especially since I’m trying to get away from the darker colors.

It was originally priced at $36.00, but was on sale for $19.99.  I picked up a few super cheap clearance items to make my coupon eligible.  These items included a graphic printed floral skirt with some illusion ruche details & a black scoop neck pullover, both under $7.  When I walked out of the store, the super long receipt read “You saved $69!”  I couldn’t believe it.  Aside from that, at the bottom of it, there was a provided website address where I cold fill out a survey about my shopping experience & get a 15% off coupon for my next purchase.  I’m super stocked b/c I also know that JC Penney often has sales where you get 15 % off just for using your JCP credit card, so that’s already 30% off & all I have to do is show up for the sale!  If you’re a skeptic about all this sale stuff & think JC Penney is just for frumpy old ladies, well, you’re wrong.  With brands like I Heart Ronson, Nicole Miller, Mango, & a.n.a, you definitely can’t go wrong!

Even though I’m a skirt-aholic, you can find just about any & every stylish design of a well-structured skirt at the store.  If you’re looking for a reliable black pencil skirt, or need something floral & whimsical like this one, check out their entire skirt department.  I don’t think I’ve ever walked in there when there wasn’t a sale going on.

I’m looking forward to wearing this skirt not jut for the color, but b/c even though it’s a seriously bold floral print, I could try to pair it with some black opaque tights & suede peep toes.  Also, I have a pair of pointed toe pumps in the same teal color in the skirt.  If I find the right olive-green cardigan, it could make for a well-coordinated look.  Any suggestions on how to wear this skirt?  Have you had any super crazy fashion finds at this store? Leave some comments!  Happy Styling!