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.
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.
























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141 Comments
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!
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.
I absolutely love the blue maxi dress and the black/printed tank top.
The blue boatneck dress from Derek Lam collection is definitely on my list. I also like the printed maxi dress.
The printed maxi dress from the Derek Lam collection would be cute!
I love the polyester top you mentioned. I need some cute new spring-ish tops.
the sweetheart dress is on my list
black boots are on my list!
Cognac colored boots and a drapy cardigan. Thanks for the chance to win.
I need some new Croft and barrow button-up shirts for work.
the printed maxi dress is on my list
The Sweetheart dress is on my list
I LOVE the Derek Lam for DesigNation bra jumpsuit!!
I like the Atlantic/Nightshade shirtdress, the drawstring skirts and the bomber jackets in the Derek Lam collection.
shoes are on my list
The Sweetheart dress.
I wouldn’t mind her getting the Derek Lam for DesigNation one-piece cutout swimsuit
Definitely the sweetheart one
prettiful…
I could use meandals for spring
The sweetheart dress is adorable and perfect for my daughter. I’d also like a nice blouse & jacket.
I would like a new pair of shoes.
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
I love the prints and vibrant blue color!
cabrera.ms@gmail.com
The maxi dress is on my list.
The shirt dress is too boxy. I prefer the colorblock dresses.
Papa needs some new shoes
I like the v-neck maxi dress. would be great with a sweater.
baby easter outfits!
I adore the sweetheart dress
Easter clothing for my family is on my list! Love Kohl’s!
I’d love to have a new pair of wedge sandals.
I like the derek lam designation bib button down shirt.
I like the Woodgrain Papaya dress
Derek Lam for DesigNationTM
v-neck gathered dress inblack
The Sweetheart dress
The Multi-print dress
new jeans and bras since I’ve lost weight!
the Derek Lam for DesigNation one-piece cutout swimsuit
The printed maxi dress from the Derek Lam collection
kport207 at gmail dot com
printed maxi dress from Derek Lam collection – LOVE it!!
i think my fav is the maxi dress.
thanks for the giveaway
I like the Designation button down shirt dress- very cute!
Shoes and a purse are on my list.
I’d love an LC dress .
I love the polyester top and I could use a new pair of shoes.
he blue boatneck dress
which holiday?? but I’d love some new jeans
Opps, I left the holiday word in there from a previous giveaway! Thanks for letting me know. I just edited it.
Casual boots for me – thank you.
New shorts!
I like the printed maxi dress. I also like Lauren Conrad’a lin.
The DesigNation fitted boatneck dress and new sneakers
I like the pencil skirt outfit shown in the lookbook
Anything adidas!! Oh and I also need updated jewelry
I’d love a pair of candies shoes!!
Those Derek lam dresses are lovely! Would love to get one for my birthday in 2 weeks!
DesigNation shirred shoulder tunic.
Derek Lam for DesigNation bra jumpsuit
I love the printed maxi dress. A must for summer.
I like the shirred shoulder tunic.
sweetheart dress
Thanks! Janna JOhnson jannajanna@hotmail.com janna@feedyourpig on gfc
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!
I am a sucker for prints so the Derek Lam collab is right up my alley! I am particularly loving … well all the dresses
I really like the sweetheart dress – but id have to try it on
I love the blue maxi. Definitely agree that the blue looks are the best looks.
I like the Woodgrain Papaya dress
I love the color block dress
The maxi dress looks sweet!
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.
I like the Lauren Conrad line
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.
I pick up there food network stuff.
I love the Derek Lam Blue Boatneck Dress.
I like Derek Maxi Dress .
I like the sweetheart dress.
The button down shirtdress you show is definitely on my wishlist!
Actually, I need some new towels.
I love the Derek Lam for DesigNation fitted boatneck dress !
I really love the Rock N Republic line at Kohl’s, but I’m excited about the Derek Lam line!
I LOVE the Derek Lam collection.
Thanks for the chance.
mogrill12@gmail.com
I always wanted something from Derek Lam… But not sure If would fit anything besides the tops… I’m petite
The maxi dress is on my list.
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
I like many of Kohl’s designer collaborations. So I just like to shop and buy what I am attracted to! lebl9077@bellsouth.net
I need new sheets for our bed.
I can’t wait to get my hands on the maxi dress!!
I like the maxi, but most would look cuter on my daughter than on me!
I really like the sweetheart dress. It is so cute.
Thanks for the chance.
Diana C
I like the blue boatneck dress.
I like the sweetheart dress
I would love anything from the Derek Lam collection from Kohl’s. The Boatneck dress is my fave!
Those fab aqua jeans would be so versatile in my wardrobe!
I like the color blocking and choice of colors.
Hope to win so I can buy!
My list is kinda all over the place. I like some Derek Lam pieces as well as Lauren Conrad and some the Candies piesce
I like the printed maxi dress.
My list starts with Lauren Conrad and goes to Jennifer Lopez and then Chaps and many more!
Croft and barrow shirt
I like the Derek Lam fitted boatneck dress on your pinterest board
I have the sweetheart dress on my list.
oh, I love me that maxi dress. Puttin’ it on my list right now!
I like the Derek Lam for DesigNation shirred shoulder tunic
I love the sweetheart dress! It’d be perfect for date night.
blogroll: http://bmontag.blogspot.com/
I have a new grandchild on the way and Kohl’s has the cutest Layette sets from Carters and All First Moments.
anything from the lauren conrad LC collection.
the blue maxi dress
Love, love, love the blue slacks and black printed tank!
I love the LC collection and also get a ton of jewelry from Kohls
Derek Lam
Derek Lam
Yes! My favorite is the Maxi Dress
Gorgeous love the colors!
I love the tunic most of all!
I really like the Derek Lam v-neck maxi dress
I love the Derek Lam for DesigNation v-neck maxi dress
just need some pants and shirts for spring
I would love to get the sweetheart dress
I like his collection but I really like candies brand at khols
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.
I would get the Printed Maxi Dress.
I do like that printed maxi dress
I like the sweetheart dress too
vmkids3 at msn dot com
I love the Derek Lam for DesigNation shirred shoulder tunic
I really like the Dana Buchman line of spring clothes!
The maxi dress speaks to me!! Love the whole collection.
I would get some Fiesta dinnerware
I love the maxi dress,but I also need a new cute purse!
I love their Sonoma line!
i like anything and everything lauren conrad
IM NOT MUCH OF A LABEL CHASER BUT HIS JEANS ARE SOMETHING I WOULD BUY FOR MY DAUGHTER
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.
I would get some jeans.
the sweetheart dress
I need new shoes for the spring!
jofo120 at yahoo dot com
I love the Derek Lam printed maxi dress!
I like the Derek Lam for DesigNation v-neck maxi dress
I don’t know, because we never shop Kohl’s.
I like the Rio de Janeiro, Brazil inspired collection of Derek Lam
I’m looking for fun home decor.
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!
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.