JC Penney brings Mango to the masses

There's not often truly new developments in the world of fast, cheap fashion -- a new cutting-edge chain here, another celebrity collaboration there.

But today, there is real news: a just-inked retail deal that will expand the clothing brand Mango nationwide -- via JC Penney stores.

Mango, the Barcelona-based line currently available at just a handful of branded boutiques in the United States, sells modern, feminine pieces with a bombshell edge (think Scarlett Johansson and Penelope Cruz, the two actresses who have served as spokespersons for the line) for less than $100.

The line has become a fast favorite stateside, but it's not nearly big enough to launch a countrywide rollout. Enter JC Penney, which already has a ubiquitous U.S. presence -- but a reputation of struggling style sense. It's easy to see why MNG + JCP = a match made in retail heaven.