IN Today: Simply Vera at Kohl's

That's right, today. Not September 9, like the ad in Oprah and every article on the launch has said.

My mom got the scoop yesterday, when she was buying a present for my Nana's birthday. She reported, "They have Vera Wang, and you won't believe the prices." She bought a wool-blend sweater for herself with gemstone buttons (for $48). It is really, really cute.

So I went. First of all, before analyzing, let me give this premise: I love Vera Wang. Love her. Her runway shows are inspired and poetic. This collection at Kohl's has serious potential. The silhouettes are beautiful. Some of the details (pleats!) fabulous.

To the right is my favorite dress because it's beautifully draped, has impressive pleats, is 100% silk, and at $138 is the most expensive thing I saw. At top left is a cotton/acrylic blend baby doll cardigan that might be the item I buy for myself ($58). It's simple enough and comes in neutrals, including black and ivory.

Next up, at left, is a flowy tunic with embellishment that seems a little small in proportion to the drape.

Also, look closer: There's one missing a stone. With all that bling for $48, there was bound to be a casualty.

The super-cute short-sleeve coats ($128) are not lined. In Minnesota, you can only compensate for so much. It looked like the fabric would be easily snagged. I'm not so sure about the piece of elastic that's supposed to be a belt.

Other highlights: The cold-weather accessories. Neutral chunky knit hats and scarves, if you can live with (and not itch from) artificial fibers. There were also real leather gloves. The shoes (sorry, the battery on my camera died) were fabulous—platforms and boots that will look great with the clothes. Some of them are even leather uppers. Same goes for the handbags—fabulous! Check out the shape of this brown non-leather bag (bottom left, $79), and the hardware adds a lot. Some of the bags are leather. My only issue is with the SV logo–print bags (like Guess, Coach, Gucci) . . .eh, not so much. That Jacquard bubble skirt (at right) seems really well-made and has a perfect dramatic bubble shape.

It was an exciting launch, if thirteen days early and weirdly below the radar given the publicity and hype. Nice scoop, mom! By the way, there were no mustard yellows, as I've seen in magazines.

To commemorate the occasion, I bought a pair of Simply Vera tights for $12. They have a sleek, narrow rib. For the record, Hue tights are two for $17 . . . but I was caught up in the spirit of the event.

More good news? Kohl's, at least the one at Knollwood in St. Louis Park, is open from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m. That's a lot of hours in a day to browse.

Comments

[katie derdoski]

I saw some of the styles in fall fashion issues and thought it all looked incredibly darling but I wondered about the quality. I'll have to go check this out, because a couple things went on my wish list from the ads.

[deborah]

Sara, Great scoop!

[Jessica]

I checked this out today. Most of it was pretty well made with decent fabrics. There were NO small sizes left in anything I liked. If anyone sees size 2's-please post where!

Thanks

[Ellen Arnold]

I live in Colorado and the collection is already out on the floor locally. I picked up several pieces at the Louisville Kohls -- although I passed on the brocade bubble skirt, only to find that I'm still lusting after it and will have to go back for it ;-)

I thought that the quality -- jacket lining, finished seams, etc. -- was quite nice for the price point. Lovely, touchable fabrics and I loved the color palette. It's great to be able to buy stuff at such a low price that has some flair and enough fashion-forwardness to be fun.

[allie]

wow! i love vera wang too. i've been looking for some good tights that will last. will give these a try.

[ev]

those are pretty sweet. im goin to have to check them out myself.
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