When was the last time you were in a JcPenney store?

JCPenney....the company being over 100 years old, I think we all know or have been to one.
I grew up in a tiny town and we had a JCpenney (it's now called JCP) and I remember it very well..before the days of Internet we would get the "catalog" that was the size of a small child and used by my grandma in her car to prop herself up to see over the steering wheel. When my mom got mad at us, and was prone to tossing things in our direction....the worst was the jcp catalog, you didn't want to be in that cross fire!!
Ok, so it was HUGE, it made the September issue of Vogue look like a pamphlet! But, that is what we had and we would shop from it, fold over the corner of the pages, circle the items we wanted for back to school and mom would call JCP and order.  Then, when it all came in (the most exciting part) you go to the JCP store and pick it all up:)

Now fast forward 20 years...JCP is a lot different in ways, but in others it still reminds me of the store I grew up with.
Just recently as I was on the job search for a new job...Target and JCP stood out to me, I really wanted to work at either place.  While interviewing for a couple other stores, and having to have a degree to be in the Fashion dept at Target...JCP started to look to me as the place I just HAD to work.  So, what did I do? Oh, just what any other gal that knows what she wants would do...I went after it, called the manager and inquired about my application. He was a tad taken  aback by my boldness and said he has never had someone call to "ASK for a career" before!!
I went in for a couple interviews with him and the assistant manager....stating that I just wanted to be a part of this "up and coming thing" I told them that I KNEW Jcp was the next big thing and I just had to be in on it.
With no jobs open at the time that they thought I would be happy with, they sent me on my way and told me that they would contact me if anything opened up.
Well, being not patient...after about a week..I called them again. This time, the manager told me to come asap. When I got there, he has just printed off a brand spanking new JCP position that was going to be available for applicants to apply for in a couple weeks time.
The position was for the Jcp "fashion expert" and after he read the job description to me, I simply said "That job was written for me!!"  He agreed!
With the position not even available to start yet, and I still had a few more interviews to go on. And they too, had to put it out there and interview other applicants....to see if a better fit for the job applied!

I left it up to "If it's meant to be, it will be"  Well, to make the ending short and sweet..it WAS meant to be!!  I'm loving it....the training is a month long, and by October I will start the actual job and I can not wait!!!  It will involve working with clients and helping them find the perfect clothes, shoes, and accessories for them....I'm giddy just thinking about working one on one with people and watching them walk away feeling and looking like a million bucks!

The JCP "face lift" is amazing....come by your local store or stop in ours at the Apache Mall in Rochester, MN..we would LOVE to see you!!

Here is a picture of our brand new Liz Claiborne "shop"...I could live in this one..I adore it, and so do our customers! It's SO chic..and the clothes are classic, and the best part...affordable!

A couple other of my favorites are:
~The Levi's Denim Bar..in our men's section!  Guys..you can come in and sit down and use one of the ipads that are set up to help you find your perfect pair of jeans!
~the JCP shops...both men's and women's. colorful, on-trend, classic pieces for your everyday and work wardrobe!
~Betseyville....I adore Betsey Johnson as a designer..I love her quirky style and now you can get a piece of Betsey at our JCP Betseyville shop!  Shoes, accessories, and yummy sleepwear!
~Cosmopolitan...think sexy, flirty and confident like their magazine!  shoes, bags, sleepwear, bras and panties!
More of our "Shops" include
~ibuffalo by David Britton
~Izod
~Arizona jeans co.
~Dreampop by Cynthia Rowley (for tween girls)
~DC shoe co.
~little maven by Tori Spelling (for the little fashionistas)

We also carry collections by these designers..worth a look at!!

~I "heart" Ronson by Charlotte Ronson
~Olsenboye by Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen
~Mac+Jac
~Bisou Bisou
~a.n.a
~mng by Mango
~allen b. by Allen Schwartz
~nicole by Nicole Miller
~decree
~ and MUCH more......

As I continue my journey with JCP, I will keep you all up to date as to what is new and happening with the store itself as well as my fashion expert career!!  Can't wait to see you all there!

XO~E

Fashion Friday

It's that time of the year again.....FALL FASHION!!!!  What are you most looking forward to trying or wearing?
I am especially loving this Hunter Green trend at the moment!!  Whether on your nails or a piece of fashion..it's a great color on everyone!  Try a leopard print as an accent with your green....it's looks amazing!!

Some other must haves for your Fall 2012 wardrobe? Below is a list of what I am on the hunt for, or going to rescue from the back of my closet!  Remember for trend pieces, hit sales....thrift stores...swap with friends...or, raid your grandma or mom's closet!!  Invest wisely....  pieces that you will love for years to come, classic pieces, are worth the money and are always "in" and never go out of style!

Some Fall 2012 trends to try!

*Hunter green
*something gold (think Dynasty...but not really) a flashy gold shirt with a pair of jeans and a simple flat!
*A lady like bag...a structured top-handle bag.
*Military...it always makes a come back for Fall.  You can't go wrong with a chic Military inspired jacket that fits like a glove!
*Retro mix of floral and lace
*fur accents
*Black and leather or Black and gold
*over sized coats
*velvet
*white (esp pumps or heels)
*animal print cross-body bag
*Brocade
*peasant tops
*moccasins and fringed bags
*smoking slippers
*cap-toe flats
*menswear pumps
*full skirt

I hope you can find some items on this list that you will try in the coming season!!  Mix these up with the items that you already have in your closet and put your own personal twist on it!

Stay positive and true to yourself..much love

XO~E

It's steal verses splurge day!!! Today, it's all about RED LIPS!!

 Every girl knows how very important a sale is, and getting a great deal, but my favorite is hearing about getting a great product at a great price! You feel like you have won the lottery!!!
 You know how it goes, you are sipping your coffee and hear the gorgeous gal sitting behind you chatting about her beauty "must haves" and mentions something along the lines of "BEST eyecream for under $20..or $1.99 and it's my favorite lip gloss ever!"  At that moment, your boyfriend could be proposing to you, but all you are thinking is MUST HAVE BEAUTY PRODUCT THAT THIS BEAUTIFUL WOMAN USES FOR ONLY $1.99....where the Hell is a pen and paper!!!

Am I right or am I right gals?

I have a list of my must haves... best cheapies and splurges that I adore and appreciate!! Every week I will pick one product and list them! 

Now, let's get one thing straight..you are allowed to splurge on things, that's not what this list is about..to convert you from Chanel to Wet & Wild. It's simply a list of items that I have used, found, or got the "down low" on over the years!!  I believe in all products, there is the right one for you.  The items you should stay loyal to...is a personal choice!!  If you have found the perfect one for you..stay!!!  I splurge on skin care, fragrance, and foundation.  You decide which items you prefer to "splurge vrs steal"  on!!  

But, come on....finding a great red lipstick for $2.00, could save your life!!

Since we are on the subject of red lipstick!!  I for one...LOVE this look and tend to wear bright lips to save on time in the A.M. It take 2 seconds to put lipstick on, and 30 minutes for me to do my eye makeup..I'll take the red lips and 25 extra minutes of sleep please!  And let's just say for the record...I'm not loyal to any one product except my skin care and foundation..I even cheat on my standing, signature fragrance from time to time!  I love to search, find and try new products..what gal doesn't?
So, yes..I'm a bit of a product whore...I'll try them all and move onto the next!!  But, I see nothing wrong with it!! Life is too short to be stuck in a rut.

my very early a.m. look.....large, black sunglasses and red lips.  You can't go wrong!! 

RED LIPS....these are my favorite cheapies and splurges!!

BEST cheapies...

mark. "make it rich" lip color crayon  in "hot sauce"  a pencil that is super easy to sharpen, you get an intense, full-coverage color that lasts for hours!!  $11 available at http://www.mymarkstore.com/ewolf

Wet & Wild "mega last"  lip color  in "Stop Light red 911D" A regular tube lipstick, it gives you that full color red and more of a matte shade which I like! $1.99 available at drug stores

BEST splurges....

Smashbox "Be Legandary" lipsick in "Legendary" ... It's a regular tube lipstick...I have the older version which is a shiny silver case, I do believe they just re-vamped the packaging.  This color is my "I want red lips...but not AS RED go-to shade"  It goes on glossy and stays a tad shiny and more sheer than the other red lip colors that I wear.   $25 available in Rochester at "About Face" or at "Sephora" online if you are not from our neck of the woods:)

NARS "Velvet Matte" lip pencil in "dragon girl"  Ok girls...this is THE ultimate red lipstick!!  you put it on, and it's not going anywhere!  Perfect for working gals that are too busy to have "touch up" breaks every 5 minutes...or for a night on the town.  LOVE the matte finish and very vibrant, intense red!!  And let's just say it...we all love the name too!!  $27 available in Rochester at "About Face"  or online at "Sephora."

Have fun, stay positive and true to yourself....

XO~E

The story behind the cake (for those that missed it posted on facebook)

I have decided that it's time for a career change! My time with mark. has been one of the greatest of my life...I have learned so much, traveled, and met some long time friends.
I feel that I have outgrown my role, and am ready to spread my wings and try something new.

Next week I start a brand new job!! SO excited for it! I will be the "Fashion Expert" at our JCP (JcPenney) in Rochester! It's a new role for JCP, ...and I look forward to the challenge and having my hand and head in the creating of great new things...fashion and otherwise:)

With all of that said, I believe that change is what helps you grow as a person!!  In my "younger" years, I hated change and often stayed put because I was either too scared, lazy, comfortable where I was, or just plain didn't have the confidence in myself to put on my big girl panties and make a move.  

Like Oprah says "what I know for sure"..this is what I know for sure!  With every change I have made over the last decade has made me who I am today! It's taken me a while to get here...but I can now look in the mirror and say "I love myself and very proud of the things I have tried, and decisions I have made no matter how hard...I made them to better my life!"

If you are thinking about something more often than not...go for it!  Most changes are so uncomfortable to even think about, let alone take the first step that we often stop at the thought!

When I think back on the changes I have personally made even over the last 2 years...wow...so glad I did, even if I had to fake it until I made it!

I promise it will be uncomfortable, you may get some flack from friends or haters, you may second guess yourself often, and try and fool yourself that you are "happy as you are"

I challenge you to try something new today!!  Have you ever wanted to try a bright red lip stick? Go to a beauty boutique and ask for some tips, and have them find the perfect shade for you!  How about run a marathon? start out by taking a walk and picture yourself running that marathon..go home and sign up for a "5 weeks to marathon" or "from couch to 5k" program!  

My bucket lists consists of so many different things.  A big one that I "checked" off 4 years ago was the Danskin Triathlon!  I trained for months for it, and wanted to quit about 15 minutes into the swim.  It was in a lake, I trained in a pool!  I had no line to see at the bottom to keep me on course and kept veering off. It was a super windy day, which means...WAVES!  Every time I came up for a breath...I got a wave in the face!  I was kicked and punched as other swimmers made their way to the finish line.  I stopped, cried, said "What in the HELL did I get myself into!" I then composed myself and forced myself to get to the other side of the lake. When I finished that race..1/2 mile swim, 13 mile bike, 3 mile walk/run...I cried tears of joy..because I almost gave up, but pushed through the uncomfortable and I made it!! 

Something "small" on my list...."wear what I want and what makes me happy!!"  Fashion is what stores and designers offer...what you choose to wear is your personal style, and there is nothing more important than being YOU!!  This year I told myself that If I like it, I'm going to wear it!  Even if my hubby "doesn't get it" or I may get "looks" from people.  I'm still going to rock it out and be myself.  So many years I have not stayed true to my own personal style because of a comment, look, or not being confident enough to walk out the house in it!  
Life is WAY to short...and I feel most myself when I am wearing what fits my personality and mood.  If everyone dressed the same..how boring the world would be!?
BE YOU!!!

Start a "bucket List" write down EVERYTHING that you want to try or accomplish in your life!  

No matter how big OR small your dreams are...you deserve to make them happen!!  

XO~E