Fashion
The Recessionista Reviews Derek Lam for Kohl’s
An assortment of looks from the Derek Lam for Kohl’s collection
In case you haven’t heard, designer Derek Lam is on his way to Kohl’s with a special 58 piece collection inspired by Rio De Janeiro. Kohl’s sent me a few items from the collection for a review and a test drive. I received two printed shirt dresses and a top to look at. This collection is rich in button down shirt dresses, tropical prints, maxi dresses and sleeveless tank tops. Having seen the collection look book, I have very mixed emotions about this collection. Some of the prints are way too busy for my tastes. Some of the pieces are not to my personal taste. However, there are a few winners in the collection worth checking out.
Derek Lam for Kohl’s button-down shirt dress in Atlantic/Nightshade photo shared by The Budget Babe.
Of the three items I received from preview, my favorite is the shirt dress pictured above with the blue placket front and the multi-print. I like the print and the blue at the cuffs and the bodice. Just beware, if you are busty like me, having the cutout pockets on the front of the dress over the solid blue in multi-print is not flattering. The dress is best belted, and it does run large. Kohl’s lists the retail price of the dress as $70.00, but I am sure it will go on sale for a price lower than than, just as the Narcisco Rodriguez dress did.
Derek Lam for DesigNation
button-down shirt dress
The second item I received for review was a pale brown print shirt dress that I really didn’t care for. The print is a bit too busy for me and the colors are not deep enough to be striking. The Kohl’s look book lists the color as “woodgrain papaya, woodgrain parrot.” Those are some new colors! When was the last time you saw woodgrain on the color wheel? To me, these colors are rather drab. If this were a solid tangerine color or a deep blue I would find it much more appealing. This dress is also priced at $70.00, and for that price I would pass on it. It is polyester with no give in the fabric. You need to be tall and slim hipped to make this look work.
The final piece I received is a pretty polyester top in Khahi that has a nice silky feel, a bit of stretch in it and an insert at the bodice so that you won’t show any cleavage when you wear it. The top has sleeves with a placket and button closure to make them appear to puff up and look full. This is a good look, providing there is enough room for your arms so you don’t feel confined. This top retails for $48.00
My favorites from the Kohls Derek Lam collection. From left the blue boatneck dress, the sweetheart dress and the printed maxi dress.
Overall, all this is a rather odd collection. I’ve seen the entire look book. There are some really great looking dresses in it that but there are also some shapeless garments with busy prints that I don’t find appealing. My top picks from the collection are pictured above. I like the blue boatneck dress, the sweetheart dress and the blue printed maxi dress. Check out my Pinterest board to see more looks from the Derek Lam for Kolh’s collection. You can also see more of the collection’s looks in the preview video for the Derek Lam for Kohl’s collection.
Now it’s time for you to tell me what you think of the Derek Lam collection. Leave a comment here giving me your feedback and get an entry to win a Kohl’s gift card for $100.00 to go shop at Kohls. Get additional entries by following my social communities.
This giveaway will run until 11:59 EST /8:59 PST on Sunday, March 17th , so enter quick! This giveaway is being conducted using the Rafflecopter widget. Hit the Read More Link to enter via the widget. If you don’t see the widget here, just leave a blog post comment with your email address so you can be entered. Just hit the comment button (look for the Post a Comment link under this post.) This giveaway is open to only US residents so please take that into account when you submit your entry. Stay tuned, more giveaways to come.
Since 2008, Mary Hall has been the author of 
Cori
February 28, 2013 at 2:55 pm
I also really loved the sweetheart dress, except the one in black and green. I really don’t have the extra money to spend on a semi-formal dress, but I found myself trying to think of ways to make it more daytime casual and therefore justifiable, haha!
Chele
February 28, 2013 at 9:04 pm
Some of the Derek Lam dresses have caught my eye: blue printed maxi, sweetheart dress and black v-neck sleeveless. I’ll be checking all of them out when the collection is released at Kohl’s.
Shana
February 28, 2013 at 10:36 pm
I absolutely love the blue maxi dress and the black/printed tank top.
Jessie C.
February 28, 2013 at 10:50 pm
The blue boatneck dress from Derek Lam collection is definitely on my list. I also like the printed maxi dress.
Mary Happymommy
February 28, 2013 at 11:00 pm
The printed maxi dress from the Derek Lam collection would be cute!
Kari
February 28, 2013 at 11:01 pm
I love the polyester top you mentioned. I need some cute new spring-ish tops.
Elena
February 28, 2013 at 11:16 pm
the sweetheart dress is on my list
Jennifer Marie
February 28, 2013 at 11:26 pm
black boots are on my list!
Deirdre
March 1, 2013 at 12:54 am
Cognac colored boots and a drapy cardigan. Thanks for the chance to win.
Tim
March 1, 2013 at 1:48 am
I need some new Croft and barrow button-up shirts for work.
Amy Orvin
March 1, 2013 at 2:08 am
the printed maxi dress is on my list
Amanda Sakovitz
March 1, 2013 at 3:34 am
The Sweetheart dress is on my list
Ellie W
March 1, 2013 at 3:40 am
I LOVE the Derek Lam for DesigNation bra jumpsuit!!
M.
March 1, 2013 at 4:34 am
I like the Atlantic/Nightshade shirtdress, the drawstring skirts and the bomber jackets in the Derek Lam collection.
Thomas Murphy
March 1, 2013 at 4:48 am
shoes are on my list
Kiara
March 1, 2013 at 5:44 am
The Sweetheart dress.
rich morris
March 1, 2013 at 5:53 am
I wouldn’t mind her getting the Derek Lam for DesigNation one-piece cutout swimsuit
Becky Richied
March 1, 2013 at 7:55 am
Definitely the sweetheart one 🙂 prettiful…
Adrienne gordon
March 1, 2013 at 11:27 am
I could use meandals for spring
Margaret Smith
March 1, 2013 at 11:40 am
The sweetheart dress is adorable and perfect for my daughter. I’d also like a nice blouse & jacket.
debbie
March 1, 2013 at 1:04 pm
I would like a new pair of shoes.
Wild Orchid
March 1, 2013 at 2:04 pm
I really want a nice maxi dress for the summer!
Entered the rafflecopter form as “Wild Orchid”
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 @ gmail dot com
Michelle Cabrera
March 1, 2013 at 2:22 pm
I love the prints and vibrant blue color!
cabrera.ms@gmail.com
Emily
March 1, 2013 at 2:43 pm
The maxi dress is on my list.
Maria
March 1, 2013 at 3:26 pm
The shirt dress is too boxy. I prefer the colorblock dresses.
Kurt Hoffmann
March 1, 2013 at 3:39 pm
Papa needs some new shoes
Tamar
March 1, 2013 at 4:15 pm
I like the v-neck maxi dress. would be great with a sweater.
courtney b
March 1, 2013 at 4:49 pm
baby easter outfits!
KIM H
March 1, 2013 at 4:50 pm
I adore the sweetheart dress
kim lazor
March 1, 2013 at 4:58 pm
Easter clothing for my family is on my list! Love Kohl’s!
Cynthia C
March 1, 2013 at 6:14 pm
I’d love to have a new pair of wedge sandals.
Nicole L.
March 1, 2013 at 8:04 pm
I like the derek lam designation bib button down shirt.
Tabathia B
March 1, 2013 at 9:13 pm
I like the Woodgrain Papaya dress
Katherine
March 1, 2013 at 9:30 pm
Derek Lam for DesigNationTM
v-neck gathered dress inblack
Dorothy Deakyne
March 2, 2013 at 12:39 am
The Sweetheart dress
Nataly Carbonell
March 2, 2013 at 12:50 am
The Multi-print dress
Suzanne K
March 2, 2013 at 2:47 am
new jeans and bras since I’ve lost weight!
Christine
March 2, 2013 at 3:10 am
the Derek Lam for DesigNation one-piece cutout swimsuit
Kathleen
March 2, 2013 at 3:50 am
The printed maxi dress from the Derek Lam collection
kport207 at gmail dot com
Stephanie V.
March 2, 2013 at 5:31 am
printed maxi dress from Derek Lam collection – LOVE it!!
Petunia
March 2, 2013 at 5:35 am
i think my fav is the maxi dress.
thanks for the giveaway
ellen beck
March 2, 2013 at 6:19 am
I like the Designation button down shirt dress- very cute!
Rebecca Graham
March 2, 2013 at 6:58 am
Shoes and a purse are on my list.
Mara Zamora
March 2, 2013 at 4:34 pm
I’d love an LC dress .
Sue Ellison
March 2, 2013 at 4:58 pm
I love the polyester top and I could use a new pair of shoes.
Throuthehaze
March 2, 2013 at 7:15 pm
he blue boatneck dress
Sarah Hirsch
March 2, 2013 at 10:50 pm
which holiday?? but I’d love some new jeans
Mary Hall
March 3, 2013 at 1:59 am
Opps, I left the holiday word in there from a previous giveaway! Thanks for letting me know. I just edited it.
Barbara Montag
March 2, 2013 at 11:15 pm
Casual boots for me – thank you.
Dana Rodriguez
March 3, 2013 at 1:55 am
New shorts!
Jeana O'donnell-Murp
March 3, 2013 at 2:11 am
I like the printed maxi dress. I also like Lauren Conrad’a lin.
kfloveinme
March 3, 2013 at 2:30 am
The DesigNation fitted boatneck dress and new sneakers
Viv
March 3, 2013 at 2:41 am
I like the pencil skirt outfit shown in the lookbook
cali julz
March 3, 2013 at 2:52 am
Anything adidas!! Oh and I also need updated jewelry 🙂
Stefanie Gladden (An
March 3, 2013 at 3:39 am
I’d love a pair of candies shoes!!
Amber
March 3, 2013 at 3:39 am
Those Derek lam dresses are lovely! Would love to get one for my birthday in 2 weeks!
Cindy
March 3, 2013 at 7:28 am
DesigNation shirred shoulder tunic.
Stephanie Larison
March 3, 2013 at 7:42 am
Derek Lam for DesigNation bra jumpsuit
Tammy S
March 3, 2013 at 1:30 pm
I love the printed maxi dress. A must for summer.
Kathryn C
March 3, 2013 at 1:44 pm
I like the shirred shoulder tunic.
Janna Johnson
March 3, 2013 at 5:53 pm
sweetheart dress
Thanks! Janna JOhnson jannajanna@hotmail.com janna@feedyourpig on gfc
Kirsten C.
March 3, 2013 at 7:21 pm
I really like a lot of the looks, but I, too, am concerned with whether these pieces are made for the long & lean body type. I am normally not much of a print person either, but the colors and scale of the prints seem doable for me. From your Pinterest page, I love the black bra jumpsuit, the button-down bib woven shirt, and the cutout swimsuit. I’ll be curious to see what the pieces actually look like in person though!
Uri
March 3, 2013 at 7:32 pm
I am a sucker for prints so the Derek Lam collab is right up my alley! I am particularly loving … well all the dresses 🙂
meredith
March 3, 2013 at 7:54 pm
I really like the sweetheart dress – but id have to try it on
Trina
March 3, 2013 at 8:19 pm
I love the blue maxi. Definitely agree that the blue looks are the best looks.
Michelle Hudak
March 3, 2013 at 10:46 pm
I like the Woodgrain Papaya dress
Mary Casper
March 3, 2013 at 11:11 pm
I love the color block dress
Katherine
March 3, 2013 at 11:37 pm
The maxi dress looks sweet!
Tracy Robertson
March 3, 2013 at 11:54 pm
I could use some new jeans and some casual shoes! I honestly never pay attention to the designers, but I love shopping at Kohl’s. I look at it all, regardless of the labels and always find something I love.
Stacey B
March 4, 2013 at 2:17 am
I like the Lauren Conrad line
Anne the SpyGirl
March 4, 2013 at 4:40 am
The fitted boatneck dress in green/black looks kind of OK… if it’s gross polyester than forget it.
I agree with you — this is an odd and mostly unattractive collection. If it looks weird and/or frumpy ON A MODEL, than it’ll be really bad on us mortals.
If I won, I’d probably spend my money on something else.
Jason Vaughn
March 4, 2013 at 6:19 am
I pick up there food network stuff.
Jil lH
March 4, 2013 at 12:05 pm
I love the Derek Lam Blue Boatneck Dress.
Claudia
March 4, 2013 at 1:13 pm
I like Derek Maxi Dress .
Amanda L.
March 4, 2013 at 5:18 pm
I like the sweetheart dress.
Denise L
March 4, 2013 at 5:48 pm
The button down shirtdress you show is definitely on my wishlist!
Mary Calabrese
March 4, 2013 at 7:16 pm
Actually, I need some new towels.
Tina Renee Barker
March 4, 2013 at 8:38 pm
I love the Derek Lam for DesigNation fitted boatneck dress !
Andrea Darst
March 4, 2013 at 10:12 pm
I really love the Rock N Republic line at Kohl’s, but I’m excited about the Derek Lam line!
Monique Rizzo
March 4, 2013 at 10:24 pm
I LOVE the Derek Lam collection.
Thanks for the chance.
mogrill12@gmail.com
Lynn
March 5, 2013 at 12:40 am
I always wanted something from Derek Lam… But not sure If would fit anything besides the tops… I’m petite
MaryR
March 5, 2013 at 1:39 am
The maxi dress is on my list.
Jill
March 5, 2013 at 6:12 am
I agree with you on the Derek Lam Collection. There are a few designs that look like fabric tents.
However, the blue printed maxi dress caught my eye as well 🙂
Patti
March 5, 2013 at 2:18 pm
I like many of Kohl’s designer collaborations. So I just like to shop and buy what I am attracted to! lebl9077@bellsouth.net
McKim
March 5, 2013 at 9:34 pm
I need new sheets for our bed.
Cindy Julien
March 6, 2013 at 1:26 am
I can’t wait to get my hands on the maxi dress!!
mickeyfan
March 6, 2013 at 1:27 am
I like the maxi, but most would look cuter on my daughter than on me!
Diana C
March 6, 2013 at 1:32 am
I really like the sweetheart dress. It is so cute.
Thanks for the chance.
Diana C
Courtnie
March 6, 2013 at 4:29 pm
I like the blue boatneck dress.
Aubrey
March 6, 2013 at 11:02 pm
I like the sweetheart dress
Susan Chester
March 7, 2013 at 2:36 am
I would love anything from the Derek Lam collection from Kohl’s. The Boatneck dress is my fave!
Starr Bruner
March 7, 2013 at 6:45 am
Those fab aqua jeans would be so versatile in my wardrobe!
Iris Stone
March 7, 2013 at 5:16 pm
I like the color blocking and choice of colors.
Hope to win so I can buy!
Theresa J
March 7, 2013 at 10:56 pm
My list is kinda all over the place. I like some Derek Lam pieces as well as Lauren Conrad and some the Candies piesce
Kristi C
March 8, 2013 at 6:44 am
I like the printed maxi dress.
Debra Hamilton
March 8, 2013 at 7:23 pm
My list starts with Lauren Conrad and goes to Jennifer Lopez and then Chaps and many more!
Kyl Neusch
March 8, 2013 at 7:49 pm
Croft and barrow shirt
Katie Roch
March 8, 2013 at 11:51 pm
I like the Derek Lam fitted boatneck dress on your pinterest board
Jamie
March 9, 2013 at 1:48 am
I have the sweetheart dress on my list.
amy rouse
March 9, 2013 at 9:54 pm
oh, I love me that maxi dress. Puttin’ it on my list right now!
Kelly D
March 10, 2013 at 5:09 pm
I like the Derek Lam for DesigNation shirred shoulder tunic
Bo
March 10, 2013 at 7:58 pm
I love the sweetheart dress! It’d be perfect for date night.
Barbara Montag
March 11, 2013 at 3:40 pm
blogroll: http://bmontag.blogspot.com/
patricia skinner
March 11, 2013 at 6:28 pm
I have a new grandchild on the way and Kohl’s has the cutest Layette sets from Carters and All First Moments.
dani marie
March 13, 2013 at 8:21 am
anything from the lauren conrad LC collection.
jen gersch
March 13, 2013 at 4:02 pm
the blue maxi dress
Candy Douglas
March 13, 2013 at 5:32 pm
Love, love, love the blue slacks and black printed tank!
Katie
March 13, 2013 at 6:02 pm
I love the LC collection and also get a ton of jewelry from Kohls
John Hutchens
March 13, 2013 at 9:58 pm
Derek Lam
James Beck
March 14, 2013 at 2:24 am
Derek Lam
Christine W
March 14, 2013 at 7:05 am
Yes! My favorite is the Maxi Dress
Raylene Kruger
March 14, 2013 at 3:55 pm
Gorgeous love the colors!
Claire
March 15, 2013 at 11:16 am
I love the tunic most of all!
Theresa D
March 15, 2013 at 7:33 pm
I really like the Derek Lam v-neck maxi dress
Kimberly W
March 15, 2013 at 7:40 pm
I love the Derek Lam for DesigNation v-neck maxi dress
Daniel M
March 15, 2013 at 10:34 pm
just need some pants and shirts for spring
Robin
March 15, 2013 at 11:26 pm
I would love to get the sweetheart dress
Rebecca Peters
March 16, 2013 at 1:18 am
I like his collection but I really like candies brand at khols
Jennifer Reed
March 16, 2013 at 5:56 am
I like a few of the pieces from the Derek Lam collection at Kohl’s like the top you mentioned but in the blue strip pattern.
Deb C
March 16, 2013 at 7:19 am
I would get the Printed Maxi Dress.
Breanne
March 16, 2013 at 9:31 am
I do like that printed maxi dress
Valerie Mabrey
March 16, 2013 at 1:51 pm
I like the sweetheart dress too
vmkids3 at msn dot com
Michelle W
March 16, 2013 at 3:43 pm
I love the Derek Lam for DesigNation shirred shoulder tunic
Pauline M
March 16, 2013 at 5:09 pm
I really like the Dana Buchman line of spring clothes!
Zipper McGee
March 16, 2013 at 5:25 pm
The maxi dress speaks to me!! Love the whole collection.
Gloria S
March 16, 2013 at 5:32 pm
I would get some Fiesta dinnerware
Valeen N
March 16, 2013 at 6:33 pm
I love the maxi dress,but I also need a new cute purse!
Sonya
March 16, 2013 at 6:38 pm
I love their Sonoma line!
susan smoaks
March 16, 2013 at 7:13 pm
i like anything and everything lauren conrad
Amity J
March 16, 2013 at 7:34 pm
IM NOT MUCH OF A LABEL CHASER BUT HIS JEANS ARE SOMETHING I WOULD BUY FOR MY DAUGHTER
Kimberly Hilbert
March 16, 2013 at 8:55 pm
I love shopping at Kohl’s. I’m not crazy about this collection, though. Some of it looks like what my grandmother would wear.
I like very classic styles. Vera Wang is one designer that I like that I’ve gotten at Kohls.
shawna
March 16, 2013 at 8:58 pm
I would get some jeans.
Brittney House
March 16, 2013 at 9:44 pm
the sweetheart dress
JoAnn F.
March 16, 2013 at 9:46 pm
I need new shoes for the spring!
jofo120 at yahoo dot com
Terry Cross
March 16, 2013 at 10:12 pm
I love the Derek Lam printed maxi dress!
Susan Smith
March 16, 2013 at 11:14 pm
I like the Derek Lam for DesigNation v-neck maxi dress
Lorena Keech
March 16, 2013 at 11:32 pm
I don’t know, because we never shop Kohl’s.
Diane W
March 17, 2013 at 12:37 am
I like the Rio de Janeiro, Brazil inspired collection of Derek Lam
Erica C.
March 17, 2013 at 1:49 am
I’m looking for fun home decor.
Sarah L
March 17, 2013 at 7:58 pm
I like the Derek Lam for DesigNation v-neck maxi dress $88.
You write that this ends tonight, but the Rafflecopter says it’s over.
Happy St. Patty’s day!
Sarah L
March 17, 2013 at 8:02 pm
Optimist that I am, I’ll still enter:
Pinterest follow you: slehan
Twitter follow you: slehan
Google +: Sarah L
FB like you: Slehan
Thanks for the contest.