Next Up for Kohl’s DesigNation: Catherine Malandrino

When I was younger, I was actually more conservative with my fashion choices. I liked things that were blatantly elegant, feminine, and timeless. I still ike things that are timeless, but instead of black, pointed-toe pumps, my idea of timeless is silver, sequined wedge sneakers. People change.

But way back when, Catherine Malandrino was one of my top designers. I watched everything she did, every runway show, every release – have you ever seen this woman? She is right up there with Diane Von Furstenberg, Donna Karan and Rachel Roy when it comes to fashionable, strong, smart-as-hell women. Also, she’s got a completely enviable personal style.

I could wax about Catherine Malandrino for days, but I’d rather show you some sneak peeks from her upcoming collaboration with Kohl’s DesigNation.

Actually, I fell in love with this collection by accident, unknowingly while perusing my blog reader one day. I came across this photo of Olivia Palermo (of whom I am not typically a fan) and absolutely loved what she was wearing.

I pinned it but assumed that whatever it was had to be at least three times my rent payment, and I shouldn’t even bother.

Then, today I discover that it’s a piece from the Catherine Malandrino x DesigNation collection and… it’s only $88. (Available in October.)

Gorgeous! I love the laser-cut look of this dress, and also the glorious price tag.

Malandrino is the quintessential French woman, and knows how to work that into interesting, unique, and extremely sophisticated clothing. The entire collection was inspired and focused on Paris, France – but you didn’t need me to tell you that, all you needed was the back of this dress ($78):

Kinda freaky how chic it is, right? There’s an architectural wonder emblazoned on your back, yet you still look completely lovely. And bra-less.

Most of the collection seems to be black & white, with a few subtle tones incorporated: burgundy, a smoky teal and navy blue. All jewel tones, all clearly fall-centric. There is a very autumn-y number of sweaters in there, too. The collection, overall, is primarily black.

There are lots of Eiffel Towers in there, but not so many that it makes the collection into a joke. You also have the contrast of really bold, graphic patterns like the getup on the left, above.

There are also tons of things that have words on them, like “Paris, J’Taime” and “Paris” and “Paris.” That kind of stuff is a little too contrived for my likingBeing a Francophile is a really easy hobby to have these days because really obvious Paris-y and French-y things are everywhere and kind of becoming boring when there’s so little thought put into expressing it.

Anyway, that’s my rant on the word “Paris” in regards to fashion, so there you go. The rest of Maladnrino’s collection does “Parisian” in a less obvious, less kitschy way, and I much prefer that. In fact, I’m enamored with about 75% of what she’s got coming down the pipeline. (October!)

What do you think? Would you wear anything you’ve seen in this collection?

I really mean it when I saw I love that cutout dress… Plus, that dress with the pockets, and the “extra large hood” coat to the left of it are probably going to wind up in my closet. It’s destiny.