The Budget Babe | Affordable Fashion & Style Blog

Off the Rack: LC Lauren Conrad for Kohls June Finds

Earlier today I popped into Kohl's to try on some summer pieces from the LC Lauren Conrad collection. Here's how it went:

First up: The LC Lauren Conrad embellished romper. Originally $50, it's now on sale at kohls.com for $21.99. Here's how it looks on the website…


And here's how it looked on me…




I really wanted to like this romper and I think it's a good buy, just not for me. I tried a size M because that's all that was left, but think a S would have fit a bit better. I liked the color but the color didn't like me. The fabric was nice, seems like it wouldn't wrinkle. The gold detailing on the front was just OK, didn't look cheap but didn't look expensive either.


Next up, the LC Lauren Conrad geometric halter dress. Originally $60, on sale at kohls.com for $35.99. Comes in dark blue or coral-red. Here's how it looks on the website…


And here's how it looked on me…




I tried on a size 4 and it fit well but kinda made me look like a giant shapeless column. I liked the cotton fabric, cool tribal print and the construction of the bust area is decent—there's padding, boning to hold it up and the fabric is gathered with elastic so you can slip it on and it'll stretch with you. I get that not all maxi dresses are supposed to give you an hourglass shape but this shapeless skirt really doesn't work on my rectangular figure, although a belt would probably help.


Moving on, I tried on this embellished jersey dress. I can't find it online, but I believe it was originally $55. Here's a tiny image I found of this dress on the Kohl's website…





And here's how it looked on me…




Simple, sexy, but nothing special. Also, I like racerbacks but they are not bra-friendly.




Here's a detail shot of the bohemian beading on the neckline. It was pretty but I wasn't really feeling the whole boho vibe of the summer collection.


Next up, I tried on these denim boyfriend shorts. Originally $40, they're currently $21.99 at kohls.com. Here's how they look online…



And here's how they looked on me…




Sorry this isn't the greatest angle, but you get the idea. The shorts fit well, again I'm pretty sure I tried on a size 4, but I didn't like the wash and the little rips and tears. I've very particular about my denim! On top, I'm wearing a tank top from the LC collection with a crochet detail racerback. Cute but I didn't love it enough to buy it!


Another top I tried on was this chevron stripe tank, originally $34 it's on sale for $21.99 at kohls.com. Here's how it looks on the website…



And here it is on moi…




I really liked this top on the hanger as it was one of the few pieces that didn't feel generic. I think it would look great with skinny jeans and heels. But I think I need to work on my tan first, the colors really washed me out! Nice silky feel and double tank construction a plus.


Finally, I tried on this floral babydoll top, originally $34 marked down to $21.99 at kohls.com. Comes in blue floral or pink/red floral. Here it is on the website…



And here's how it looked on me…




Gah! Not good. The fit was super awkward on me but who knows, might be very flattering on someone else depending on your shape. I love the idea of this top and the fun print. So close yet so far!

As you can see, I wasn't very inspired by the summer stuff from LC's collection but then again, I'm having trouble feeling inspired by most summer clothing. I LOVE warm weather and carefree pieces but my pale skin and boyish figure works so much better in jeans, jackets and scarves than shorts and tanks.


Have you seen the latest offerings from the LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's collection? What did you like/buy?


Comments
You HAVE to try those "as seen on tv" clips for bras - I am not a fan of those types of products, but a few weeks ago, my younger sister called me out on my bra-strap-sticking-out-from-the-racerback-tank look and gave me one of hers to try. It works! It's a little awkward to put on, but now I don't shy away from buying racer back tanks!!!
#1 ykhang (Homepage) on 2010-06-24 15:09 (Reply)
Thanks for the advice, I'll have to give them a try! I have some bras that actually have a little hook and eye so you can convert from a regular bra to racerback version, but sometimes the straps still show! As long as you make a good faith effort to hide them, I think it's OK :-)
#1.1 The Budget Babe on 2010-06-24 15:13 (Reply)
i tried those and yeah it will do wonders for you in the front but from the back, not so much. it totally gave me back fat rolls!! :/
#1.2 michele on 2010-06-24 15:13 (Reply)
If anybody finds those boyfriend shorts any where online, please let me know! i bought a pair and they are so comfortable that i want a second pair but can not find them any where. i need a size 12. please emails me if you see them anywhere! pls! [email protected]
#1.3 Daisy on 2010-08-15 17:47 (Reply)
I really like those shorts, but I think diy would be just as good.
I agree with you on the dresses, cute in theory but just not all that flattering. Maybe if they were shorter and had some kind of gather at the waist.
At least you were smart and didn't buy something you didn't love!
#2 Liz (Homepage) on 2010-06-24 15:18 (Reply)
Hey Budget Babe

Thanks for the comments and reviews of the tops/bottoms. I looked at LC collection (summer) at Kohls too and I didn't want to try anything on because I knew it didn't/won't look good on me.

Thanks for taking the time with your reviews!
#3 christine on 2010-06-24 15:39 (Reply)
Thanks for the reviews! Like Christine, I always see the LC stuff and don't try it on because it just doesn't look like it'd work for me. It's all so cute though, but I guess they are not "universal" pieces for body types.
#4 Elizabeth on 2010-06-24 16:40 (Reply)
Thanks for the review; you saved me a trip to Kohl's for their sale this weekend ;-)
In all seriousness: I am a fan of LC's line, but it CAN fit weird. And, I was more fond of her last Fall/Winter line for Kohl's than I am of this Spring/Summer one.
#5 Target-Addict (Homepage) on 2010-06-24 18:50 (Reply)
The romper looks better on you than on the mannequin.
I had to wonder whether the lower hip elastic would end up creeping up and give you a wedgy.
#6 GingerR on 2010-06-24 19:58 (Reply)
Thanks for the review. I am going to kohls this saturday, I want try the chevron top on. It could be cute dress down and up.
#7 Nadia on 2010-06-24 22:45 (Reply)
Thank you so much for posting how it really looks.

Some items look completely different from the ads!
#8 donna (Homepage) on 2010-06-25 01:05 (Reply)
The 1st comment about the bar-strap holders made me giggle because I was going to suggest the SAME THING.

I picked them up to wear with a racer back shirt that I couldn't wear a strapless with. Got them at Target and seriously wear them like 2-3x/week. LOVE LOVE LOVE.

I'm fairly narrow on top too, and so my bra straps are always falling off my shoulders by the end of the day - so I'll use them just every day to keep my straps up and out of places.
#9 Lex on 2010-06-25 08:21 (Reply)
omg - thank you for this post! I love LC & I love Kohls. I've bought a few things online w/o trying them on b/c the nearest Kohl's is pretty far. LC's stuff is either hit or miss - totally looks great or totally fits super funky & is awful. I wish there was a kohl's closer! I love the pics-great to see what it looks like on a real person!

I also like their Apt.9 brand. Check out some of their stuff & do pic postings as well.
#10 laurelk (Homepage) on 2010-07-19 22:37 (Reply)
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