Something New and Sparkly: Melon Mix and an Apology to JCPenney

Fabulous Felt Melon Barrettes

Top: JCPenney

Tank: Boscov's

Skirt: Marshalls

Shoes: City Streets, JCPenney

Bag: Nine West, Boscov's

There's nothing like summer to deliver you from the dietary doldrums.  Suspect-looking buffets bearing pale and desiccated melon wedges are suddenly outclassed by colorful cocktails of honeydew, cantaloupe, and watermelon.  In addition to being delicious, these sherbet-shaded fruits are just right (or should I say ripe?) for accessorizing lazy day summer outfits.  This Fabulous Felt Melon Barrette is just the thing to tie together the tangy stripes of this crop top and tank. 

Speaking of the crop, it hails from JCPenney.  Yes, the very same one that I've been maligning during recent months for killing its coupon trade.  Nevertheless, I dared to darken the department store's door some weeks ago and ended up buying three tops, including this one.  All were reasonably priced, even without a coupon, bringing the total to an admirably low $30.00.  I was pleased with the purchase but disappointed with my lack of will power.  Then I read a couple of articles about JCP's losses and steadily declining stocks, both of which were attributed to new CEO Ron Johnson's staunch refusal to jump back on the bargain bandwagon.  And I felt sort of sad.  Kind of like JCP was a well-meaning but naive friend who had unwittingly fallen prey to bad company.  But then, such are the pitfalls of any retail romance.