Designer Spotlight "Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet"

Stacey Bendet’s brand, Alice + Olivia has evolved into something pretty fabulous! Since its inception in 2002, its reach has multiplied and has picked up many fans. Fans by the likes of super celebs J.Lo , Angelina Jolie and Sarah Jessica Parker. The brand got its original start by making the “gotta have” pair of pants. It became an instant success and after she teamed up with Andrew Rosen, the founder of Theory, the boundaries for Stacey and her brand have become limitless!

Alice + Olivia offers up fashionable items for the spunky trendy type of customer, and incorporates a retro vintage vibe that’s got a natural cool about it. Never boring, even the brand’s t-shirts have an off the shoulder cut or some type of accessory like a brooch or sewn on necklace. The style Stacey offers in this line is ultra femme and mega sex appeal with lace leggings, sequined mini skirts and form fitting cocktail dresses. Her pieces can come right off the runway and hop on to the red carpet or hop right out to a girl’s night with cocktails!

Not only does the brand offer a gorgeous contemporary women’s line but also includes men’s line called Anthony + mo, a children’s line and an accessories line. Stacey’s looking ahead to 2011 for the Alice + Olivia shoe line to hit stores, so something to look out for! You can find the seasons hottest pieces at stores around the world in department stores such as Bloomingdales, Bergdorf Goodman, and Neiman Marcus, in addition to the free standing Alice + Olivia retail stores in New York, Los Angeles, Malibu, Greenwich, and South Hampton.

From top left to right:

Alice + Olivia Charlie Embellished Ombre Dress $346.5

Alice + Olivia Rigby Sequined Tube Minidress $346.5

Alice + Olivia Tessa Silk Knotted One-Shoulder Dress $396

Alice + Olivia Jordana Polka Dot Dress with Belt $227

Alice + Olivia Samantha Silk Sequin-Striped Tee $385

Alice + Olivia Karilyn Double Strap Belted Wrap Dress $330

Alice + Olivia Off the Shoulder Top $140

Sandal Flats

Beautify your feet and show off your toes with a great pair of sandal flats! There are so many styles to go with any outfit. While they may not have a heel, and can look rather casual, they can also still look dressed up. Grecian styles are elegant and girly. Gladiator styles are tough and rugged. Embellished pairs with hardware to jewels to beads are eye catching and interesting. Any of these pairs will give your look an instant touch of tribal or bohemian chic! These sandals look best when worn with shorts, skirts or dresses. Make sure you show them off! They accentuate your ankles and decorate your feet! They work great to accessorize when your jewelry is minimal. They’re a ball of fun and in my opinion everyone should have at least one pair!

1. House of Harlow 1960 Sienna Flat Sandals $178
2. Miss Sixty Lucille Sandals $140
3. Vera Wang Lavender Label Debbie Stud Gladiator Sandals $195
4. Cynthia Vincent Jewel Stone Flat Sandals $230
5. Steve Madden Devinne Sandal $59.95
6. Loeffler Randall Carlie Strappy Sandals $325
7. Corso Como Fressia Sandal $118.95

Denim Trend - The Boyfriend Jean

Radiate classic casualness with this great style of denim! The Boyfriend Jean! Can’t hack it in those skinny jeans for a full 12 hour day? Jump into a pair of these with a distressed wash and guaranteed you’ll scratch off all those things on your todo list!

This look juxtaposes the skinny jeans and loose flowing tops, which means since they have a loose fit; a fitted top goes perfect with them, be it a tank or tee! My favorite shoes to go with a pair are cute flats. Try some girly strappy sandals or trendy oxford style shoes.

There are cropped to full lengths but either way don’t forget to roll them up once or twice to get the look!

1. Joe's Jeans Kicker Cuff Stretch Denim Capris $158

2. AG Adriano Goldschmied The Tomboy Boyfriend Jeans $175

3. Current Elliot The Boyfriend Jean $210

4. Citizens of Humanity Dylan Drop Rise Cropped Jeans $185

5. CJ by Cookie Johnson Boyfriend BFF Vintage Jeans $200

How to Wear a Long Vest

A vest is a perfect way to spice up any outfit and create a stylish look that’s effortless and classic. There’s some great oversized vests that can be paired with a flirty dress, a great pair of skinny jeans or even casual khaki cargo shorts.

Whatever the occasion you’re dressing for a vest is the best opportunity to play mix and match with sporty vs. feminine and business vs. party. Take a look at my tips to make the vest trend work for you.

Get vested in a great look with a menswear inspired piece or a romantic draped style and Im willing to bet they’ll balance your ensemble and make a lasting impression.

Pair one with a Dress: Throw this draped beauty over a textured dress with tuff gladiator sandals and thick western style belt. The accessories offset the feminine vest and dress.
Pair one with skinny jeans: This oversized menswear vest will look great unbuttoned over a casual white tank or tee.
Pair one with shorts: For a rugged girlish look pair a denim vest with a mid-length short over a tank. The fitted seams in this vest will flatter your curves. Distressed boots and bag give it a boyish appeal and look fab.

Designer Spotlight “RACHEL ROY”

If you haven’t heard of Rachel Roy, then where have you been!? She’s one of my favorite designers out right now that’s completely accessible and totally has high fashion style! Rachel pushes the envelope without alienating the mass market of women shoppers. Her designs are eccentric and so much fun that it’s a fashion MUST DO to own at least one piece for your closet! Her patterns and colors are vibrant and strong, and alone make a statement, but paired with some of her beautiful accessories or ethnic and sexy shoes can make anyone look like an A-lister!

She’s a female designer to definitely follow and look out for! You can find her line in stores such as Macys to Bergdorf Goodman, with pieces to fit any budget. For a wider selection visit her website at http://www.rachelroy.com/.

1. Embroidered Moroccan Tunic $995 Bergdorf Goodman
2. Rachel Roy Signature Tailored Vest $325 Bloomingdales
3. Rachel Roy Signature Cotton Tweed Mixed Media Dress $486 Bloomingdales
4. Highwaisted Combo Dress $129 rachelroy.com
5. Looped Pullover top $51.00 rachelroy.com
6. Rachel Roy Signature Belted Soft Volume Dress $595 Bloomingdales
7. Twisted Cargo Romper $71.40 rachelroy.com

Shorts and Your Body

Its spring, time to dust off those shorts and show some leg! Thoughts that come to my mind?
Whatever your body type and age maybe, you’re sure to need some versatile shorts. The right shorts are the ones that accentuate your best assets. In short, ease and comfort is what you’ll need so you can worry less about how you’ll look in your shorts this spring and focus more on having fun in the sun.

If you want to show off your legs : Short Shorts

If you want to hide your thighs: Mid-length Shorts

If you want to elongate your legs: High-waisted Shorts

If you have long legs: Long Shorts

Rompers & Jumpsuits

Finding a look that can be both comfortable and sexy can seem impossible! But believe it or not, the two can go hand in hand, because chances are if you’re comfortable in what you’re wearing, you’ll feel great and exude sexiness!

My favorite piece that does the trick you ask? Chic rompers and jumpsuits! There’s something so playful and youthful about them that makes it easy to hit the beach wearing one over a swimsuit, yet so sassy and alluring you can pair one with some strappy sandals and bangles and you’re ready for the evening.

Theses picks are full of fun and allow you to show off your shoulders and legs, with flirtatious styles and prints!

Evening:

Prints:

Casual/Beach: