Discover New Designers: Alice+Olivia = Happy+Sad

I have to admit, the Fall 2005 collection from the design house that considers itself Theory’s quirky little sister is wonderful, but also a little bittersweet. It’s easy to see the wonderful part—Alice+Olivia offers fabulously funky clothes for women. I am a particular fan of their velvet jackets, which straddle the line between equestrian and military with style. Blouses are also spectacular; their easy lines create casual elegance, whether paired with jeans or a dressy skirt. And I think you just have to love any line that names its pants “Punk Princess” and Artsy Heiress Jeans They encourage you to wear their denim with heels, in fact it’s “Always heels,” according to founder Stacey Bendet. But, alas, I am still sad, because the best thing about Alice+Olivia’s designs is their retro style and how they hearken back to the days of great finds at tiny vintage stores, back when you could still discover tiny vintage finds without half the country beating you to it. So while I will happily pay retail for these gorgeous garments, I will sadly recall the days when I could find ones very like them for a whole lot less.

Find Alice+Olivia at saks.com and Neiman Marcus.com.