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JCPenney stepping up its style game
For plenty of high-end shoppers, JCPenney is nothing more than a big space they walk through to get to the rest of the mall.
But the Wall Street Journal reports that the department store is hoping to cash in on people's lighter wallets this spring by highlighting its trendiest brands that are a steal compared to high-end retailers like Neiman Marcus. For the first time, J.C. Penney's advertising campaign will promote only the company's hippest, exclusive clothing lines.
Expect to see a focus on Kimora Lee Simmons' Fabulosity line, Nicole Miller's nicole line, Bisou Bisou by Michele Bohbot and two new lines, ALLEN B. by Allen Schwartz and I "Heart" Ronson by designer Charlotte Ronson.
Who knows if loyal brand name shoppers will be swayed by this strategy. I'm guessing a lot of people will stick to what they like, but just buy less of it or wait until their favorite stuff hits the ever-growing sales racks. But it might be worthwhile to linger a bit more inside JCPenney. Consider this: The Journal says Schwartz's dresses will sell for $70 to $80 there, while dresses from his ABS line at Neiman's require coughing up a coma-inducing $200 to $400.
~ Deal Diva Colleen
(Photo: This Fabulosity cropped belted trench coat originally sold for $58, but is now marked down to the much more fabulous price of $39.99.)
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Looking for shopping deals in Tampa Bay? The Deal Divas are on the prowl, sniffing out hot fashion finds that won't leave your wallet in ruins. Now you never have to miss a shopping deal! Sign up for weekly Deal Diva Alerts by e-mail. by e-mail. And check in often for the lowdown on local bargains, as well as fashion advice, fun photos and style news. Because shopping should be all about the Washingtons!
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THE AUTHORS
Stephanie Hayes came out of the womb wearing high heels. While other kids were reciting multiplication tables, she was learning to calculate an extra third off the half-price discount during buy-one-get-one week. She loves animal prints, black mascara and anything that sparkles. She objects to visible panty lines, Crocs and anything that costs more than a car payment. And she doesn't drive a nice car. She can be reached at (727) 893-8857 or shayes@tampabay.com.
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Kameel Stanley has never encountered a thrift store she didn’t like. Her
mother taught her that the true value of clothes isn’t how much they cost,
but how many outfits one can create from them. Having grown up in Michigan,
she was delighted to learn upon moving to Florida that she almost never
needed to wear socks or boots again. There’s a lot of turnover in her
closet, and she’s obsessed with dresses, necklaces and wedge heels. She can
be reached at (727) 893-8643 or kstanley@tampabay.com.
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A disciple of the little black dress classics school, Letitia Stein stretches her budget by looking for styles with staying power. She lives for 80 percent off shoes at DSW, floral sundresses and bohemian chic tops. She confesses to being a bit of a snob when it comes to handbags and jewelry. She can be reached at (813) 226-3400 or lstein@tampabay.com.
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Coming from a long line of fashionable women, Kim Wilmath considers herself lucky to fit into their hand-me-downs. Her wardrobe staples include her grandma's vintage blouses and her mom's funky jewelry. When she's in the market for "new" items, Kim hits her favorite thrift stores -- a habit she also picked up from mom. But when circumstances require a visit to the shiny stores in the mall, you'll find Kim at the sale rack like a good little diva. She can be reached at (813) 661-2442 or kwilmath@tampabay.com.
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