Line review: Christopher Straub for maurices

Christopher Straub's line for maurices hit stores and maurices.com over the weekend. Let's take a look at the results, shall we? (And while you're at it, check out my updated review of his namesake collection that he debuted on the runway a couple of weeks ago with photos of each look.)

Apex Faux Fur Cropped Jacket, $89

Metallic Floral Print Tank, $26

One Shoulder Floral Print Top, $29

Shadow Stripe Top with Petal Detail, $32

Petal Print Party Dress, $59

Floral One Shoulder Dress, $59

Floral Textured Party Dress, $79

Floral Back Pocket Jeggings, $39

Viper Textured Signature Satchel, $34; Viper Textured Key Coin Purse, $12

Viper Pieces Wristlet, $15

Sequin Waterfall Hardshell Clutch in Red & Black, $24

3D Floral Scarf in Black & Red, $14

Smoky Gem Pendant Cluster Necklace, $16; Multi Chain Beaded Drape Necklace, $20

Smoky Gem Beaded Stretch Bracelet with Tassel, $14; Multi Stone Filigree Cuff, $18; Multi Chain Stretch Bracelet, $20

Wire Bead Hoop Earrings, $14, Multi Stone Filigree Chandelier Earrings, $16; Smoky Teardrop Gem and Rhinestone Earrings, $16

Smoky Teardrop Gem Stretch Ring, $12; Smoky Acrylic Flower Stretch Ring, $12

Holiday Plush Puppy, $6

From the looks of it, maurices and Straub seem like a perfect match. The designer has, unsurpringly, taken his more commercial, mass-friendly silhouettes into the collection and capitalized on his girly-rocker aesthetic - snakeskin prints, baroque chain jewelry, ruffles and his trademark petals. The fabrics on the red, one-shoulder dress and top are a bit cheap-looking (typical for cheap-chic collaboration lines), but the petal print dress and black ruffle dress are pretty cute. As for the accessories, the petal scarves are pretty unique and fun, and though much of the jewelry is fairly generic-looking, the beaded bracelet with the tassel is pretty great. And his bags have been one of his biggest sellers for his namesake line, and these are pretty good interpretations of those. And the waterfall sequin case clutches are pretty cute. But does the world really need another pair of jeggings?

It must be said that this collaboration is a pretty big deal for any designer, let alone a Project Runway alum. The opportunity to get your name, face and designs in 800 stores of a major retail chain is a rarity for an emerging designer. (Only 80 locations are carrying the full line, while the other 720 stores will carry his accessories and fragrance, with prices ranging from $12 to $89.) Come to think of it, the only past Project Runway designer to achieve this level of partnership is season four winner Christian Siriano, who has had collaborations with Payless, Victoria's Secret, and Bluefly. If Straub wasn't already a household name, he's about to be.