For anyone who is looking to spruce up your wardrobe for spring, here's a tip - check out your local JCPenney. This longtime mall mainstay has been steadily updating and improving their clothing choices. A recent perusal of the website had me impressed by the offerings: with lines from the likes of Marchesa's Georgina Chapman, Nicole Miller, Mango, and most recently Canadian import Joe Fresh and Nigerian-born/London-raised Duro Olowu, there is something for every style, at budget-friendly prices.
 
Here are my top 5 picks (all images from jcpenney.com):

Joe Fresh Lace Pencil Skirt 

This is a beautiful cotton skirt, with a cotton/elastane lining, that perfectly combines romantic bohemian vibes and modern functionality. Also comes in black. At $49, it is a reasonable price for the lovely and on-trend detailing. I'll have to assess it in-person to see whether it merits buying at full price, or waiting for a sale/coupon offer. I imagine this could be worn for spring, summer, and well into fall with tights, booties, and layering a cropped sweater over a buttondown shirt. Substitute with simple top and blazer for work! So many options for this piece.

Pearl Georgina Chapman of Marchesa Floral Appliqué Dress

 

Marchesa is known and loved for its glamorous, ornate, and showstopping designs. This polyester dress embodies this spirit and brings it to us for a cool $70. Consider this for your next party, or perhaps if you're looking for prom dresses, look no further. With an elegant updo, fabulous bracelets and earrings, heels and a little sparkly clutch, this will make getting dressed up a breeze.

 Pearl Georgina Chapman of Marchesa Floral Lace Skinny Pants 

Going out, but in the mood for something a little .. darker? Victorian-inspired, perhaps, and a little bit edgier than pastel pink and ruffles? Try these skinny pants, with a bold watercolor-floral print, and lace overlay, and let them do all the talking. A pale-colored sequined top, light-colored blazer (preferably in the same color family as the top), nude pumps, and gunmetal jewelry says springtime with a more glam and chic twist. 

 Worthington Ponte Circles Skirt 

This fun skirt, in a polyester/rayon/spandex blend, would be great for work all through three seasons - spring, summer, fall.  Plus, it's on sale for $17. Reminds me a little bit of some DVF and Marni designs. The cheery colors and print will pair well with a variety of tops and shoes. Try a white button down top, wide tan-colored belt, and a brightly colored pair of pumps or flats for the office (I'm thinking poppy red or fuschia, or jade green). On the weekends, wear it with a loose fitting gray, white, or black tee on top, and comfy flip flops or gladiators on the bottom. A nice chunky statement necklace or bracelet to play off the circle pattern? Yes please.

 Duro Olowu for jcp Ruffle Front Blouse  

Sorry for the tiny picture! The website itself should have a better photo. Emerald green is officially the Pantone color of the year for 2013. The vibrant hue is fresh and versatile. Use this $30 polyester top as a base for your blazers and cardigans, or wear it alone with jeans, pencil skirts, shorts, etc. The bright color and ladylike ruffles will keep you stylish no matter what.  

 

There are plenty more to be seen where these came from! I enjoyed sharing these with you, and hope you'll find a great new addition (or maybe two, who knows!) to your wardrobe! I'm looking forward to my next mall trip to check out these finds in person. I will share my findings if I do. For those of you who have seen these in person, what do you think of their quality and versatility, and what else would you recommend from JCPenney? Please share in the comments section below. Happy shopping!