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This post is sponsored by Derek Lam and eBay, but written by your usual blogger Kat Griffin.
How fun: Derek Lam and eBay have just announced the first ever crowdsourced collection — and it's available for purchase now. In February, Lam debuted an exclusive 16-dress collection and then invited shoppers everywhere to view the collection and vote for their favorites. More than 120,000 votes rolled in, and five designs were actually produced. Prices range from $125-$295 in sizes 0-16 (which is a pleasant change from his normal prices, with blouses around $850 and dresses usually well over $1000), and pieces are (mais oui!) available in limited quantities.
Personally, my favorite is the Shift Dress, which retails for $175 (pictured). I think it's a great dress for the office — your classic V-neck, a ladylike length, and even a nice curve to the armholes, if that makes sense. I love that it's made of a black cotton poplin with a hint of stretch (poplin AND stretch? sign me up), and apparently there's a peplum back, as well. It strikes me as a classic, to be worn with a blazer and pumps for day and perhaps with bolder jewelry and sandals for a night out.
Pictured below: I'm also a huge fan of the denim sundress for the weekend, as well (albeit perhaps with a tank top underneath? I'm never quite that daring with cleavage!) — it looks like a fun dress to pair with wedges and a sunhat and see the sights.
Readers, which of Derek Lam's 5 looks is your favorite?
Ms. Basil E. Frankweiler
I was all set to shell out for the black sheath with peplum, until I scrolled down. They have a video of the model turning so you can see the extent of the peplum. Shudder. Also, I am hating the “flatforms” they have on the models. Who would wear those?
Anon
OMG. That peplum is awful
Anonymous Poser
Agreed. It completely ruins the dress. Completely, for me, but certainly at least for work.
Jay
HOLY PEPLUM! And those shoes!! Eek!
The sun dress is cute. But the print and cut on the other two make Laura Ingalls look fashion forward.
Janie
Agree completely!
Eponine
Hahahaha, it’s a mullet dress!
P
Hahaha, the flapping makes it look so ridiculous! It would look interesting on a runway, but nowhere else.
*Formerly* Preggo Angie
Seriously… what the?
Eleanor
That bustle…for that is what it is…is HORRIBLE!!! It’s a nice dress until she turns around :)
EllenFan
I love the *idea* of a denim summer dress, but that one is abhorrent! The shoulders, the length, and the insane cleavage – it’s all a Don’t in my book. I do love the shift, though, and the evening dress version is quite nice too.
EllenFan
Aah, just noticed the bustle. I retract my comment!! WTH? I bet Kat did not see that before recommending!
Anonymous
I feel like Kat’s been really phoning it in lately. I read this site for the comments.
Anonymous
Whoa! It’s a sponsored post. She had to pick one. It’s her job. We all have jobs, if we’re lucky, and we do them. For fun, on other posts, with the world to choose from, she comes through.
Another Anon
I think “phoning it in” is a bit harsh, but I agree that things seem to have changed a bit (and not in a good way) since Corporette “outed” herself. I loved this site for practical advice for professional dressing and other workplace ettiquette questions, not just another fashion blog. I prefer to read recommendations by someone who has actually worn a product, or at least seen it in person, before making a recommendation. Otherwise it’s just another web-surfing exercise without a lot of added value to me.
another anon
Yeah I mostly read the comments too. You guys find better deals on things I’d actually wear
E
Jesus, what a peplum disaster. There is no way anyone could wear that to work and I seriously doubt the sanity of anyone who wears it anywhere else. Kat, please at least investigate these products for basic suitability before taking money to pimp them out!
Anonymous
Ixnay on the (lighthearted, I know) JC-as-curse. Sensitivity, por favor. Really, that can be very hurtful. We get sassy and opinionated about clothes here, but not about more important things.
Agree w the “disaster” word choice.
EllenFan
Agreed w/ Anonymous. Thanks!
Anonymous
Disagree w/ Anonymous. Thanks!
E
Apologies to any upset Jesus-worshipers. It was not my intention to offend anyone besides the designer of that hideous peplum.
Princess of Peace
How about a little tolerance up in here on both sides?
Anonymous
Embarrassed for you. Sad. I’m not a “Jesus-worshiper” or anything worshiper myself, but I can respect that not everyone is like me and that their differences are not fodder for satire or derision. No one attacked you. Maybe your defensiveness is a sign of hope. Good luck.
Anon
i mean really? youre right, not appropriate for work, and Ill admit the styling is not great (I dont like the shoes at all) but the dresses themselves are beautiful. The black w/ peplum would look amazing with high, high, black heals and minimal jewlery for a night out.
kz
It worries me that those were the dresses that won the vote. I wonder what the others looked like that didn’t win.
Atlantia
This.
Bunkster
The dresses that didn’t make the cut were probably far nicer.
Lucy
Apparently there is a peplum, indeed. Wowza.
Litigette
Ummm….oops!?
EllenFan
An oversight, I’m sure. Don’t hate, appreciate!
C
a pass on all of these for me…
Adara
I’m not usually one to concern troll other people’s bodies, but HOLY DAMN the girl in the denim dress looks like she needs some nutrition–especially in the video. Whoa!
houda
I was staring at her left leg…My arm is probably (much) larger
Anon
I think they are both beautiful. I wouldnt wear them to work, but I’d wear them elsewhere, peplum and all. absolutely stunning. to each her own.
Anonymous
I like the peplum, for a fun party dress with bright accessories. I’m thinking high heels and a fun graduation party. Maybe it’s jsut me. I like a little out there things since my 9-5 wardrobe is “zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz”.
francie nolan
I love the front of the first dress but the peplum reminds me of the suits that Jackee haris wore on 227.
BB
The model practically trips over those “flatforms” when she does the 360 – you would think they’d have re-shot it… Really, really unattractive stuff and irresponsible choice of models due to the blatant anorexia. Sad. It’s a great concept in “crowdsourcing.”
anonymous
The model looks dangerously anorexic. I cannot get by that image to even consider the clothing.
curious
I couldn’t ever wear a low V-neck like this to work. Let’s say I am sitting a my desk and some guy comes in and is looking down at me from a standing position. No way!!
Ros
Hmmm, the Maxi and the Indigo are the best but only for after work.