With all the excitement over designer collaborations -- we're holding our breath until Target releases its next capsule collection -- its no surprise that JCPenney is teaming with the trendy and affordable Aldo Shoes.

Last week the department store held a party to celebrate the new in-house shop that sells Aldo's Call It Spring line. (With the most expensive piece topping out at $59.99, it could also be referred to as the Call It Budget Friendly line!)

In addition to the shoe collaboration, Aldo has created a line of handbags as well. All in all, the 350-to-500-square-foot in-store shops will sell more than 300 styles of women's and men's merchandise at JCPenney.

The program concept launched last fall in Penney's Manhattan store in Herald Square and has rolled out to 100 Penney's stores and jcp.com for the spring season. There are plans to expand to 500 more stores in the fall.

The mass retailer hopes Call It Spring will fit well with its other exclusive shops, including Sephora, I [Heart] Ronson, Allen B. and Olsenboye. MNG by Mango fast-fashion shops and Liz Claiborne launched last fall.

The hope is to attract the 12-to-25 demographic that is fashion-obsessed and budget savvy, and we must say initial efforts are working. This fashion intern (pictured above) was pleased as punch to get up close and personal with a pair of suede lace-up booties and a pair of beaded flats that will be perfect for balmy summer nights.



In related JCPenney news, check out the new commercial starring Because I'm Addicted blogger Geri Hirsch (who is apart of the StyleList Network), which aired during the Oscars.