alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet @ 2014 Spring & Cruise Collection

alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet 2014 Spring Collection is at the crossroads of prep-meets-pretty. It’s the ‘American girl’ carefree collegiate with a romantic twist. White is the new black, with the collection built around sophisticated neutrals accented by pops of pastel.

Pink, aqua, yellow and silver complement nude, bone, black and white.  Key pieces play on proportion and include the mini skirt, slip dress, crop top, little white suit, and an updated blazer.  From beaded jackets slung over collared shirts to modern collarless blazers paired with sexy lace short-shorts, ball gown skirts for daytime and crop tops for all the time, spring is about mixing prep with pretty in a fresh way.

Silhouettes include delicate, strappy tapered-toes and chunky platforms with espadrille accents.  a+o handbags introduce two new styles – the Jackie and Alli bags rendered in snake- embossed skins and sporty perforated leathers.  Accessories provide contrast to the understated color palette via striking bursts of light aqua green and sunny yellow.

The Cruise Collection envisioned a girl who departs from boarding school to spend the summer in the English countryside. The implications of this pivotal summer are evident in the sophistication of the collection – maxi dresses, crop tops, and new, high-waisted pant shapes rendered in garden florals, sweet polka dots, stripes and tailored tweed.

 A blue and white heirloom china pattern appears throughout, as does romantic lace evocative of antique curtains. Jackets are a focal point – the shape of the season features a new, rounded lantern sleeve, and a leather jacket color-blocks black and white. 

Daytime suiting continues the theme of playful sophistication – one iteration pairs a matching polka dot puff-sleeve tee and shorts; another embodies effortless chic through a silk color-blocked top and wide-leg pant. This structure is juxtaposed with such easy pieces as a flowing and delicately embroidered bohemian blouse, and a sheer paneled lace maxi skirt.