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Kids' Fashion Test Drive: American Living for JC Penney

Kids' Fashion Test Drive: American Living for JC Penney

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From , former About.com Guide

Test Driver Jack in his American Living for JC Penny Back to School Outfit

Test Driver Jack in his American Living for JC Penny Back to School Outfit

Image courtesy of Jack's mom
American Living for JC Penny is a line of kids' fashion, women's fashion, men's fashion and home decor sold exclusively by JC Penny. They sent several back to school outfits out to my Test Drivers to see what they thought of the brand and its Back to School 2010 looks.

Meet the Test Drivers

American Living for JC Penny had four Test Drivers:
  • 5-year old Ellie Test Drove: a plaid ruffled tunic and studded jeans
  • 7-year old Reese Test Drove: an asymmetrical striped tee and super skinny jeans
  • 10-year old Madelynn Test Drove: plaid ruffle top and corduroy skirt
  • 10-year old Jack Test Drove: cargo shorts, graphic tee and a plaid button-up shirt
What did my Test Drivers and their Test Drive Moms think about American Living for JC Penny's Back to School 2010 looks?

The Style File

Test Driver Reese in her Back to School Outfit by American Living for JC Penny

Test Driver Reese in her Back to School Outfit by American Living for JC Penny

Image courtesy of Reese's mom
  • Ellie and her mom liked the outfit sent by American Living for JC Penny. The plaid tunic top is on target for B2S 2010, and is a must-have for the season. Ellie's mom liked that this it's short sleeved, so that it can be worn as is for the beginning of the Back to School season, and will look great layered under a cardigan or even a blazer later. The jeans had nice studded detailing on the front pockets to give them a bit of an edge.
  • Reese and her mom both liked the look they received as well. Reese is a big fan of skinny jeans and these had a cool, light grey wash that paired up well with the asymmetrical top. Reese's mom said, "These are both great pieces for school. They will blend nicely with the rest of her wardrobe. She liked the asymmetry on the top, she thought the longer sides were funky. She really loved that the jeans have a thick waste band and were pull on, instead of zippered."
  • Madelynn and her mom were less impressed with her look saying that the colors were dark and boyish and that they did not like they style of the corduroy skirt. They felt the look of the outfit was too preppy and not in a cool way. She did say, however, that the top would look more fashionable and cool for B2S if it was paired up with a great pair of jeans and a belt.
  • Jack's an easy going kid who isn't fussed with fashion. If it's comfy and it fits, he'll wear it. His mom, however, said that she liked the plaid button up shirt most of all, saying, "He doesn't often wear a button-down, and he said he liked the plaid shirt a lot. I did too, and would like to steal it for myself!"

The Comfort Report

  • Ellie said that her outfit was comfortable. The jeans had an internal, adjustable waistband that helped the jeans fit well and feel just-right around the waist. The top is made of 100% cotton and was soft to the touch.
  • Reese said that her outfit was very comfortable, especially the jeans which had a wide, stretchy waist band and had a good amount of stretch in the denim as well.
  • Madelynn's mom said, "The skirt has an already worn look to it and was very soft and flexible making it feel like one of her worn in favorites. The shirt's material has the same worn in feel to it. It is so soft, light weight and breathable. The shirt was very roomy and did not cling in an uncomfortable way. She was not fidgeting or adjusting herself at all. She was able to put the outfit on and be comfortable; always a plus for kid’s apparel. No complaints of itchy tags, tight sleeves or uncomfortable waist bands. Very very comfortable."
  • Jack said that his outfit was comfortable, especially the plaid shirt which he described as being "very soft." His t-shirt was fine too and he said that his shorts were fine except that he perfers a more relaxed fit at the waist.
  • Quality Check

    Test Driver Madelynn in her Back to School Outfit by American Living for JC Penny

    Test Driver Madelynn in her Back to School Outfit by American Living for JC Penny

    Image courtesy of Madelynn's mom
  • Ellie's mom is happy with the quality of the outfit American Living for JC Penny provided. She said, "The shirt is soft and made from %100 cotton and the front pockets have a nice, button-down flap that is functional. The denim in the jeans feels durable and strong, but are soft against Ellie's skin.
  • Reese's mom reported that she too was happy with the quality of the outfit, especially the jeans as they felt sturdy yet had a good amount of stretch in the fabric which is important for skinny jeans.
  • Madelynn's mom said, "The quality is good. The skirt is frayed a little on the back; I like the rugged look about it. The corduroy material is soft and comfortable and the shirt/blouse is light weight and soft so it will be comfortable in warm and cool temperatures (with a long sleeve shirt underneath). Overall, I felt both items were very durable."
  • Jack's mom reported, "The quality of the plaid shirt and shorts is quite nice; soft and durable. The t-shirt less so. It's not very thick or soft, it has a bit of a boxy fit and the cuffs are too big.
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