"Dream Out Loud" by Selena Gomez - A Review

These days it seems like a new celebrity launches her (or his) own perfume or clothing line every other week. Getting a line of clothes has become incredibly easy for those with a name and face that will be recognized and sought after. Often I wonder how much input the celebrity even had in the designing of the line, if they even know anything about fashion in the first place (they've all got stylists, although I'm not so sure all of them take the good advice), or whether they even really care about it in the first place. Perhaps it's just another thing to slap their image on.

I am usually rather skeptical when the latest "pop princess" releases her line and, more often than not, adds another wave of immodest, disempowering clothing to the easily-swayed masses of "tween" girls who want somebody to look up to and follow. Nine out of ten times, the looks are highly inappropriate for the age they are targeting (or for anyone, really) and I wouldn't want my eleven-year-old sister within ten feet of them. (Ok, so there were a couple of graphic tees that I liked in the Miley Cyrus Walmart line, but those were the rare exception. :P)

So, now that all that criticism is out there, I will admit that I felt a surge of anticipation when I heard that Selena Gomez was coming out with her own line. Although I can't give really give any celebrity my "stamp of approval" or recommendation (it's too risky!), I do think that Selena is a sweet and classy young lady who has a great sense of fashion (and isn't afraid to dress her age - refreshing!). I also had the opportunity to see her once in person, so I've got an extra soft spot for her. ;) I truly wish her well.

Yesterday, my sister Lydia and I took ourselves (and a camera) off to the nearest Kmart to see just how Selena's clothing line was in-person (the images online can be so deceiving). Originally I was really disappointed that the line was to be released by Kmart.

My first thought: "Oh. Kmart. That's cheap."
My second thought: "Wait! That means it's affordable! Nice." :)

And truly, I think that a fun, trendy collection like this is best being cheap, considering that its targeting towards young girls whose parents are paying for their things anyway and would probably prefer to get them some fun back-to-school pieces at a reasonable price. :)

When we got inside the store, I looked around, expecting to be blown away by some huge poster of Selena (I saw one in a photograph of another store), or at least a clue to where the stuff would be parked. But no, I had to ask an employee. :P

Then I was rather disappointed to be dumped in the junior section, where a couple of 8.5x11 signs informed me that this was where Selena Gomez was hanging out. Not only that, but almost all of the line was mixed in among the other brands, forcing me to search through to find what I was looking for.

To add injury to insult, the accessories were not displayed with the rest of the clothing, but in a completely different part of the store. A bit of a let-down. (I'm hoping this was just my store, because I saw a nicely organized prominent display online. :)

But enough of that - on to the good stuff! :)

Selena's clothing line is named Dream Out Loud. I've always been a big dreamer (ambitious firstborn here!) so the title itself caught my attention, and I like how the theme is carried through some of the pieces (like the tee shirt that says "Why Stop Dreaming When You Wake Up?" - how sweet is that? :).

The DOL logo features a bird in flight, which makes me think of two things: Dove Soap, and Sparrow Records (a Christian record label that my first fave singer Twila Paris was signed with back in the day ;). Which makes it a bit amusing to see little birds plastered all over everything. But I am glad the logo is sweet and inspirational. (What does it first make you think of?)

And while we are on the subject of "sweet and inspirational" I do want to say that I am really happy with most of the pieces in this line. Selena is now eighteen years old, and yet the clothing is not too grown-up. In fact, almost all of the pieces were modest (or could be made so by simple layering or mixing and matching with other items). Really, these were something something I would be fine with my eleven-year-old sister wearing, and that was encouraging... (Ok, so with the exception of one short skirt, but I'm pretty sure that was it!).

Another note, since this came up in the comments: This line is not just for younger girls. I saw lots of pieces that I personally loved and could easily incorporate into my wardrobe (although I do tend to like youthful stuff). So don't necessarily write the line off if you're out of your teens. I think the junior section is always the most fun to shop, anyway... :)

I'd say my one little complaint is that the quality of these pieces isn't fantastic (this is Kmart!). But considering the very reasonable prices and the fact that these are trendy items that a young girl will probably grow out of and discard within a a year, it's understandable. And, now that I've really thought about it, I also think it's great that Selena partnered with a company that made her designs affordable to little girls who may not have lots of money, but dream big. :)

I think my favorite items in the collection were the sweet and ultra-feminine tops, in soft creams and bold shades. (Yay for purple!) Oh yes, and probably the slouchy knit hats - they are so cute!

Be sure to check out the complete collection online at Kmart - and share which items are your favorites! Also, what are your thoughts on the line in general, or even the celebrity clothing designs trend? I want to know what you think!



P.S. Be sure to check back tomorrow to see who was the lucky winner of the Modest Swimsuit Giveaway!

Oh yes, and we just broke 400 Blogger Followers! THANK YOU!!! xo :)