Fall Fashion Event- Christopher & Banks/CJ Banks

This weekend, I attended a Fall Fashion Event at the Mall of America's Christopher & Banks/CJ Banks store.  Prior to this event, I'd never set foot in a CJ Banks (the plus size arm of Christopher & Banks.).  My impression of the brand was formed by a conversation I once had with an aquaintance about a "really cool denim jacket with teddy bears embroidered across the back" - which she'd purchased at CJ Banks.

Apparently, I'm not the only one whose perception of CJ Banks included vision of appliques and old ladies.

(To be fair...it's not my intention to belittle the fact that older women need a place to shop.  And I also recognize the fact that the fashion needs and wants of a woman who is 45 or 55 or 65+ differ from someone who is in her 30's.  But I don't think anyone of any age needs to wear appliques.)

When I stepped into the combined Christopher & Banks/CJ Banks - which is a new store model for the company - I was struck by two things:

1. The clothes were stylish- not trendy, but stylish.
2. Not an applique to be found.  Anywhere.

I spent quite some time speaking to Monica Dahl, the Sr. Vice President of Christopher & Banks/CJ Banks.  She explained to me the brand's style philosophy - modern, stylish clothing for women over 40 - and we talked about  CJ Banks' place within that philosophy.  I told her I was impressed by the fact that the plus size section had the same footprint as the straight sizes; which is to say that there were as many plus size racks in the store as straight sizes.  This tells me they're invested in their plus size customer.

Monica also talked to me about the buying and development team for CJ Banks - it's not the same team of people who are doing the buying for the straight size customers. I like that because, again, it shows an investment in making sure the cuts and styles they offer are right for a plus size woman. 

I walked out of the event with a newfound appreciation for what Christopher & Banks/CJ Banks is doing.  They're not trying to be trendy or go after a younger customer. They're not trying to be high fashion or dress the Real Housewives of Wherever.  They're creating clothes that fit the average woman over 40 - that will let her express herself through prints and color, and go about her daily life: work, volunteering, parenting, etc. I could see my mom and I shopping here together because it fits her lifestyle and sense of style perfectly.  And there are plenty of pieces that I could incorporate into my own wardrobe, too.

Still skeptical?  Check out this video montage of shots from the fashion show, pictures of clothes that caught my eye on the racks, and a few snaps of me in the dressing room.



Christopher & Banks/ CJ Banks is offering a special promo code for Bombshell Beauty readers - I plan to pick up that tweed skirt and the watercolor printed top in my slideshow.  Here are the details you need to redeem the offer:

Bombshell Beauty Blog Offer
Offer: $10 off your next purchase of $50 excludes clearance
Disclaimer: Offer valid September 20 – 25, 2011 only. VALID FOR IN-STORE AND ONLINE PURCHASES. Not valid on clearance merchandise. Not valid on prior purchases, purchase of gift cards, applicable taxes, shipping charges or at our outlet stores. May not be combined with any other coupon, offer or discount, except for Friendship Rewards Certificates. May be combined with any in-store offer. Other exclusions may apply. Not redeemable for cash. Non transferable, not for sale, void in such event.  One coupon per guest and redeemable one time. Original coupon required. Sales Associate and online checkout please use promo code 14000. Refunds for actual purchase price printed on the receipt.