Shopping, sometimes the ancient department store does well

We're having a real heat wave in Seattle, as opposed to usual June Gloom or Junuary, and summer starts July 5th.
I need more shorts. I was near a big mall on Sunday (Southcenter for the locals). I knew Express was having a big sale on shorts. The largest size was a 12 in store, but they go up to an 18 online. Unfortunately I did not fit into the any of 12's even in different styles.
There was a Torrid, and they were having a big sale, but nothing appealed to me.
Uniqlo, ahhh, I just didn't feel like further trashing my self-esteem.
I had to go back through JC Penney's to get to my car. And they had shorts, lots of shorts, different styles, and all on good sale. Likes doesn't seem to work. The A.n.a. brand is great
Camo cargo shorts, in a 14
https://www.jcpenney.com/p/a-n.....Id=SearchR

I tried on several lengths of black, sorta dressy shorts. Thinking of Angie's recent black-out outfit idea.
Black for this inseam isn't online
https://www.jcpenney.com/p/a-n.....tId=Search
7" inseam
https://www.jcpenney.com/p/a-n.....=SearchRes
9" inseam
https://www.jcpenney.com/p/a-n.....d=SearchRe

I grabbed whatever 12 or 14's in these styles. There's a 5", but I don't remember that in black in my size.
The 3 3/4" inseam in a 12 was a bit snug. There was no 14. But it looked good.
The 7" in a 12 was way too tight, no 14 in store. I liked the length and cut though.
The 9" in a 14 fit, and looked presentable. But I didn't feel good in it. If you're looking for a modest short, then this would be great. I kinda wanted to like it, but it wasn't working.
So I got the short one, my butt looked good. Though I thought it had temporarily sewn shut pockets; it might have been an original design plan, but something happened in the factory. There was fabric pockets inside the rear and front. But they were sewn shut with two different seams that permanently close them off. I didn't realize this until today when I went to wore them.
I also tried on some other random shorts that didn't work, including some Levi's that were made with a super soft stretchy material that reminded me of leggings.
I also got some cute T-shirts in XL. I could only find the plus version online, black and gold splatter
https://www.jcpenney.com/p/a-n.....tId=Search
And one white with black stars all over it.

Hope this helps. I recommend going into the store to try them on though.

5 years ago

kellygirl

Veteran

Looks like you got some fun basics for summer! I like the cargo shorts and 3” inseam shorts a lot. I have two pairs of city shorts from the gap—probably a 3” inseam and those seem to be the most flattering/functional length for me too. Kind of a drag that the pockets are sewn shut— idk what I’d do with my hands

rachylou

I particularly like that first pair! Will have to remember Penney’s!

kkards

YAY for leaving no stone unturned!
glad you found things that work for you....

unfrumped

Styles are so random— the more store options, the better. And especially different inseam lengths for shorts— different cuts have a different “ sweet spot” , I think.

lyn67

Unfortunately the links don't work for my country, but I suggest to try to make off the seams on those pockets (if there was fabric pockets inside and does not apear to have other failures from the outside). If youb need those pockets it will worth a try. Are those seams different color sthan the others?

Anonymous

Unfrumped is right. The more store options, the better. A lot of my "go-to" stores are condensing to a smaller footprint at the mall. That has really limited their offerings. I may swing by JC Penney this weekend because I could use one pair of shorts. I especially like the first find. Adorable.

Best wishes, Anna.

RobinF

Great finds. I like places like Penneys for basics like shorts. Can't beat those prices!

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Leave no retail stone unturned - THAT'S what I like to hear, Anna. Good job. Cute shorts and fun tee. Looks like you. Hope we see the look on.

WOOHOOO, Seattle heatwave! Finally. I'm at the loft in Salt Lake City, and it's 82 to 95 here. My favourite weather.

Diana

Yay, glad you found shorts. Leave no stone unturned indeed. I have to admit that I think of JC Penney as the store to park in front of at the mall because nobody goes there. I don't actually think I've been inside for years!

Also, so dumb that nobody carries over a 12 in the store.

Thistle

So glad you found some that work for you!!

Leave no retails tone unturned, and sometimes, JCP and the like do carry good stuff. It can be tough to sort through as they aren't the best at showcasing their offerings.

Becky

It's amazing what treasures you can unearth if you're willing to sort through lots of "junk."

BrieN

I've purchased two items at JC Penny this season and several other items caught my eye as I was walking through the store. One was a topper that I had complemented a young woman on at the airport and she was so pleased to tell me how I inexpensively she'd found it at JCP.

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Chris987

Great story! I stop in at JCP fairly often. I know the brands and the departments well enough to quickly move beyond the stuff that does not interest me, but I often find things that are worth a look. They are good about returns too.

Most of my finds are from last year. A great chambray top, more shorts, and a denim jacket that is very cropped so works on petite me. ANA is definitely worth a look!

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