Summer Knits | Fashion Pulse Daily

Summer Knits

November 10, 2011

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent: Ephemeral Ease for Spring 2012

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After previewing the SS12 lineup of Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, all I can think of is traveling. It’s that simple; the line allured me to a bohemian, distant land where maxi dresses, tunic blouses, and basic slips gracefully coexist and transition from an early stroll to an evening beach gathering around a fire pit.

The collection portrayed an ephemeral ease that can only be produced in such one-of-a-kind prints such as Ikat, Bow and Arrow, Peacock Floral, Powder Floral, Kaleidoscope, and Patchwork. Glorious color remains prominent for spring in shoes (ballet flats, cork platforms, and espadrilles), bags, and apparel alike. The palette of melon, chartreuse, hibiscus, teal, blush, black, and violet provides endless options to introduce new shades into your wardrobe.

I ‘m impressed with the convertible skirt (pictured above), which works as both a maxi dress and a maxi skirt. I also adore the mini dresses (summer knits and soft slips), great for a beach cover up or a night on the town. The collection left an impression in its effortless transitional capabilities, and with one piece, you have plenty of easy-to-wear chic options.

-Alana Quagliariello

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October 27, 2011

alice + olivia’s “Very Secret Garden” for Spring 2012

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Launched in 2002, alice + olivia by Stacey Bendet is clothing that packs a powerful personality punch, and lots of it. This year’s spring 2012 assortment was inspired by the idea of the “Very Secret Garden,” a classic concept of knowledge, mystery, and wonder.  It is a ready-to-wear collection of party dresses, crop-tops, bustiers, here-to-stay maxi dresses, high-rise wide leg pants and other separates that do not fall short of a feminine magnetism.

Entering the showroom was like entering the closet of my dreams…and that’s before I even noticed the shoes! Bold purple, poppy, orange, green, strawberry pink and icy blue all popped against the white walls of the room. Pretty suede, silk, and tweed fabrics captured the essence of the private garden theme. One-shoulder shift dresses and the incorporation of numerous bustier tops offered a sensual feel, while both exaggerated and miniature floral patterns maintained the season’s girlish charm. I can totally envision the summery knits paired with the brand’s premier line of colored denim; a fun rack filled with bubble gum pink, lemon yellow, and robin’s egg blue jeans.

The spring assortment of a+ 0 shoes, Bendet’s first full line, presented gorgeous bright wedges, some plain and some adorned with painted snakeskin. Yet, neutrals also remained essential to the sky high pumps, wedges, and flat sparkling sandals. Overall, the looks can certainly please a number of girls, moods and styles. Bendet also continues to expand her aesthetic collaborating with the legendary Gene Meyer on a scarf collection.

The alice + olivia girl is the life of the party, in a sweet, refined way. You can’t take your eyes off of her — there is glitz and glam via sequins, feather, and leather, but there is also a delicate undertone beneath the entire line. Perhaps this ethereal duality is what makes the clothing and accessories so appealing and enduring.

-Alana Quagliariello

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