"Lauren Conrad" By Lauren Conrad

Today I got the memo that selections from Lauren Conrad’s Spring 2008 line is available on Shopbop, our favorite online retailer (check out Lauren Conrad for the full line).  I wasted no time in going to check it out.  So what do we think?  This is my first time ever viewing a “Lauren Conrad” and I like the day-to-night concept (who couldn’t use some versatility?).  I also like some of the designs (my favorites are the Katherine Wrap and the Julie Romper) and I’m not sure I know what “modal” is, but I think I know and I think I like it.   The problem: I just can’t shake the feeling that the Lauren Conrad collection was made especially for … Audrina. 

But Audrina has a unique sense of style, which we like, so I’ll let that one slide.  No, the main problem with this line, as I see it, is that there’s just no punch.  It’s something along the lines of C&C California meets American Apparel.  The point: it’s been done and it’s been done more cheaply.  In fact, we’re willing to bet good money that the Indian clothing store on 8^th and Sixth sells something similar to the Cheryl Tank for significantly less than $75.  In fact, we’re fairly sure that we bought one when we were in the 8^th grade.  So, perhaps we should leave Miss Conrad to experiment; let her stew, so that when we come back to her, she’ll have thoughtful, high-quality designs waiting to greet us.  We’re sure she can do it.  In the meantime, check out Hawaii-based Fighting Eel for some serious day-to-night casual wear.