The Recessionista Reviews Catherine Malandrino for Kohl’s

Display of Catherine Malandrino for Kohl’s in-store (M. Hall)

A lot of readers have been asking, how is the quality of the Catherine Malandrino for Kohl’s collection?  That means it’s time for a review.  Over the weekend, I had time to visit two Kohl’s stores and try on a selection of the collection.  Overall, the quality for price of this collection is quite good and the designs are authentic Catherine Malandrino.  When you consider that a Catherine Malandrino Pointelle Crochet Dress retails for $395.00 a comparable version delivered via the  Catherine Malandrino for DesigNation Pointelle Sweaterdress for $58.00 retail is a good value.  

This is a playful and chic collection that will particularly appeal to Francophiles and lovers of all things Paris branded.  The unique and inexpensive items in the collection include Paris and Eiffel Tower branded sweaters and T-shirts.  These are really cute pieces to add to your casual Fall wardrobe to dress it up.

However, if you’re shopping for this collection’s” must haves”, you’ll want to try on several of the Catherine Malandrino dresses.  To me, a Catherine Malandrino dress  (especially, if you choose a little black dress) is a must-own.   Ms. Malandrino really cuts a dress that nips and tucks a woman’s figure in all the right places.   With the Kohl’s collection, the retailer has recreated Ms.Malandrino trademark pointelle crochet dresses with nude sleeps underneath and her rouched dresses. There’s also a great recreation of the designers laser-cut peek-a-boo dresses and her applique tops.

Olivia Palermo, Maria Menounos and
Louise Roe in Catherine Malandrino for DesigNation dresses from Kohl’s

I didn’t get to see the little black dress with an Eiffel Tower embroidered on the sheer mesh back in-store, but the reviews on Kohl’s website for this piece are enthusiastic.  Based on this pictures,this is a great looking dress.

As with every designer collection, there are hidden gems you might overlook, and some misses.   Here’s what I think hits the mark, followed by what I would pass on.

Catherine Malandrino for Kohl’s Top Picks

Catherine Malandrino for DesigNation Pleated Knit Dress–this dress really has a classic look and it’s generously cut, you may actually have to size down in this dress.  The dress is great looking on and the pleats hang just right, which is important since it is a ribbed knit.  The knit has stretch in it, so it hugs the body nicely and is not too form fitting.  This is one of the free collection pieces that comes in a color other than black (Noir), so you can buy it in black or in a deep blue color.   For $58.00 ( and you can bring the price down further with coupons), this is a stylish dress you can own for years, because it won’t go out of style anytime soon.  I dressed it up with a great set of crystal beads ala Chanel.

Catherine Malandrino for DesigNation Pointelle Sweaterdress –this dress a must for the Malandrino lover.   I sized up in this dress because its quite body conscious and really hugs you.  However, even though it hugs the body , the cut is flattering.  This dress is perfect for a curvy or hourglass shape.  With the high waist and the v-neck, the style of the dress draws the eye up, so it will emphasize the bust rather than the hips.  For $58.00 (less with coupons and Kohl’s rewards sign-up) this a much less expensive that the $395.00 retail version of the dress from the designer’s boutique line.  You have to be comfortable with the nude slip underneath (another Malandrino trademark) but it provides good all over coverage so that the sweater dress isn’t too clingy.   This dress comes in green as well as burgundy, perfect fall colors.

Brunch Blouse with Eiffel Tower print-  I was prepared to not like this, but it’s much more chic on than it looks on the rack.  the Eiffel Tower print is adorable and chic looking.  It has snaps on it for easy on and off underneath a placket.  The snaps seem to guarantee a smooth line and no pucker around the bust area.

Ponte-Knit Skinny Pants with faux leather-– these pants are fabuless.  Great fit and the ponte-knit always is slimming.   For $40.00, less with coupons, I bought these.  The length is perfect and they look good with the brunch blouse or the oversized Paris Je T’aime Tee or Eiffel Tower sweater.  These pants are very comfortable because they move with you and are not confining.

 Scroll Applique Top and Peplum Lace Top—  Both of these tops have a great fit and are very sophisticated looking.   The Pepulm is looser, the Applique Top is more figure hugging, blousy at the top and more fitted at the bottom.   The Applique top is lined with a contrasting ivory polyester underlay garment.   I like the look for classic black and hints of ivory here.   The Peplum top has a nude polyester underlay and a scoop neck.  The Peplum acts to slim the wearer and discreetly camouflage the stomach area.  The Peplum top is affordable at $40.00 (less with a Kohl’s coupon.)   The Scroll Top is more pricey at $70.00, but would be a nice holiday top to own for parties.  Just get a Kohl’s coupon or sign-up for rewards before you splurge so you can save more on it.

Casual Wear: Malandrino of Kohl’s Jumpsuit and Leather Jacket

Catherine Malandrino for Kohl’s  Misses

Velour tops and dresses-– some people will love these, but I just don’t care for Velour, so for me , these are not must haves.  In my opinion, these may be further reduced, since many people may not care for them.  Based on in-store reactions I saw from other shoppers, these won’t be the top sellers.

Hooded oversized jacket-– to me , this was like a little tent and didn’t have enough definition.  However, several of the women shopping at Kohl’s seemed to like it simply because it was oversized.  For the price of $58.00, I would invest in one of the more classic little black dresses before buying this undefined jacket.

 Gored Ponte Dress and Gored Skirts–  I didn’t care for the gored dresses or skirts as much as I thought I would.  I find they add more weight to the hip area and the leg.  However, if you are tall with lean legs, this might suit your.  Personally, I liked the other dresses in the collection better and found them more figure flattering.

Due to limited selection at my local Kohl’s store, I wasn’t able to review some of the collection items like the jumpsuit or the faux leather cut-out dress.  However, overall,  I was impressed.  I do wish there was more blue and color in this collection, since black and white are the over riding themes.  But, this is a great budget-priced collection with many more hits than misses.  If you’re a Malandrino fan, or if you haven’t had the chance to buy her clothes, this is an attractive collection from a great designer at a great price.  I like it much better than the previous DesignNation collection by Derek Lam.  If you go try it on, or order some online, leave a comment and let me know your thoughts.