Reese Witherspoon Launched a Southern-Inspired Clothing Line

Think Tory Burch meets Kate Spade.

Reese

Image via Draper James.

I’m probably as skeptical as they make ’em when it comes to celebrity fashion lines and lifestyle brands. (I’m still disappointed by and slightly terrified of Blake Lively’s Preserve.) So when word got out that Reese Witherspoon was debuting a lifestyle brand, Draper James, I approached the prospect with the trepidation usually reserved for a wolverine. Or a snapping turtle.

But lo and behold, I’m back from the trenches and can report that a lot of the collection is actually quite cute.

Sure, if you’re donning all black on the reg, it might not be your cup of tea. But if brands like Tory Burch, C. Wonder (RIP), and Kate Spade are in heavy rotation in your closet, you’re going to dig Draper James. The collection is heavy on navy, white and pops of coral and yellow ,and it’s heavily inspired by the south (I mean, they stock a boat hat). Standout pieces include the two-piece look pictured above (with a back cut-out to boot) and this lemon-hued dress that makes us want to sip a mint julep.

But though the clothes skew ultra-feminine and charming, the handbag section falls mostly flat. Aside from this wicker bag, the collection consists of floppy purses and corny totes (like this cringe-inducing ‘totes y’all’ bag).

The brand also stocks stationery, home goods, jewelry and accessories. Paper and home goods range from $14 to $128; clothing prices are in the $125 to $300 range. It’s not cheap, but it’s in line with comparable brands.

While the brand might be overly saccharine for some, I think Draper James will have enough support from the Burch and Spade devotees to remain successful. In the meantime, I’m going to go find a mint julep.