The team over at Kohl's sent me two items from the soon-to-be-released Catherine Malandrino for DesigNation collection to peruse: An oversized white and black dolman sleeve striped cardigan ($88), and a black scoopneck sweater dress ($78). These aren't items I'd personally pick out for myself but the quality is nice for the price. Both items are a size small and seem to run a bit big, which I'm actually loving. The cardigan is designed to be oversized (perhaps worn with leggings and ballet flats, or a mini dress) and it actually fits my 5'8" frame well.

The fabrications are a bit itchy for my sensitive skin, which is to be expected from synthetic blends of rayon/nylon for the dress and polyester/acrylic/nylon/wool/spandex for the sweater. But at least they have a nice weight to them. The tags are fancy, featuring QR codes that shoppers can scan with their mobile phones to get more info on the line. Currently the QR codes link to narcisorodriguez.com, the first DesigNation designer's website (scan the images after the jump right from your computer monitor to see for yourself!)

I'm looking forward to seeing the rest of the collection in stores starting September 27th, where I think I'll have ample time to wait for the pieces to go on sale and shop my favorites at my leisure as these designer collabs don't exactly fly off the shelves in my area.

In case you missed it, browse the entire Catherine Malandrino for Kohl's lookbook.

This look for less request comes to us from a reader named Ellen! These gorgeous Coach 'Leoda' ankle boots in supple leather with buckle-strap detailing are $345 at coach.com. Swoon.





Not in the budget? Try these Wanted 'Amarillo' ankle boots instead, $69 in tan, black or maroon at urbanoutfitters.com.



What do you think, would you go for the splurge or save on this one?

Rag & Bone's classic "Newbury" boots are $495 at neimanmarcus.com.



Get the look for less with the Bucco Capensis "Earla" bootie, $99 at buccoshoes.com.



Or, get the look for even less with the Mossimo "Kodi" ankle boot, $24.49 (down from $34.99) at target.com. See them in action on Instagram phenom targetdoesitagain.



Thanks to Twitter fan @tierraaaa for this "Look for Less" request!

Last night Target and Phillip Lim hosted a private shopping event in celebration of 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target before the collection launches on Sept. 15. Contributor Vanessa Williams Stevenson represented for The Budget Babe and said it was an absolute madhouse! Celebs in attendance such as Jessica Alba and Solange wore pieces from the line, giving us some additional inspiration beyond the lookbook as far as styling and how the clothes might look in real life. The "Boom" sweatshirt is growing on me...

What's on your wishlist?

Above: Jessica Alba, designer Phillip Lim & Solange

The Catherine Malandrino for DesigNation exclusively at Kohl's lookbook is here, showcasing the French designer's budget-fashion collection which hits stores September 27th. Malandrino's love for Paris shines through in this classic and sophisticated collection with pieces ranging from $30 to $130. Like much of the fall fashions I've been seeing in stores this season, the color palette is overwhelmingly dark, dominated by black and a few deep gemstone hues. Playful mottos like "Je t'aime Paris" and Eiffel Towers on sweaters lighten the mood (and at times feel a bit forced when styled with cliche berets). Overall though this is an exciting and strong collab that I can't wait to see in person - especially the Tour Eiffel Tower Embroidered Dress (above, $78) and the Cutout Shirt Dress ($88) seen on Olivia Palermo. You know everything will go on sale, too, making the pricepoints super affordable.

Check out the looks and let me know what you think in the comments!

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