Shopping with. . . Alice + Olivia's Stacey Bendet

By Lauren Sherman
March 26, 2010

Perhaps you've seen fashion brand Alice + Olivia on Gossip Girl, watched it grace the red carpet (the line is favored by the likes of Miley Cyrus, Ke$ha and Gwyneth Paltrow) or scooped it up at one of over of 700 boutiques where it's sold nationwide. Surely, you've at least scored it at Payless, where an exclusive Alice + Olivia shoe and handbag collection is priced at under $40 an item.

No matter how you know Alice + Olivia, we're sure you do. Designer Stacey Bendet launched her highly crave-able line in 2002, with a focus on pants in bold colors and fun textures that were cut to fit and flatter like low-rise jeans. By 2005, the collection included everything from yoga wear to tops to dresses—in flirty shapes (lots of swing-y skirts), festive prints and brights. By 2008, the Payless line had launched. With a range that includes platform sandals for just $34.99, patent ballet flats for $19.99 and handbags for $29.99, it meant that virtually anyone could afford a slice of Bendet's beautiful world.

These days, Alice + Olivia, which now includes women's, men's, kids and accessories, is sold at five proprietary boutiques in the New York and Los Angeles areas. You can find it in the U.S. at every boutique and department store worth walking into and internationally at retailers like Harrods in London and Lane Crawford in Hong Kong. Most recently, Bendet opened a shop-in-shop at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York City, where her collection has one of the highest sell-through rates of any in the store.

Alice + Olivia Fall 2010 collection (images provided by Alice + Olivia)

Bendet chatted with The Inside Source about her most recent collection, her spring wardrobe essentials and of course, the items she's currently scouring eBay for.

The Inside Source: Alice and Olivia is such a popular brand. From the trousers to the sequined dresses, you've had a lot of hits. How do you keep things fresh?

Stacey Bendet: I focus on what’s missing from my wardrobe—what I want when I get dressed. And I watch people all day long! I watch the way clothing drapes, [the way it] moves and the way people pair things together. It inspires me.

TIS: Do you shop for inspiration?

Stacey Bendet: Of course! Everywhere! Random street markets in Asia, vintage stores and online!

TIS: What are some of your wardrobe essentials this spring?

Stacey Bendet: All the Alice + Olivia tees from our new Base collection! And our cream cropped leather motorcycle jacket! I also bought some fabulous Galliano shoes!

TIS: What's your shopping strategy on eBay?

Stacey Bendet: I am a total buy it now-er. I have no patience when I am in love with something!

TIS: You just debuted your fall collection at New York Fashion Week. What's your favorite piece?

Stacey Bendet: Probably our pink fur shrug. It’s fab!

Six eBay Items Alice + Olivia's Stacey Bendet Would Love To Own

1. Milo Baughman Scoop Chair (current bid, $100) Bendet's been on the hunt for Baughman's curved sofa, but hasn't found the perfect one yet. Baughman's scoop chair, produced by Thayer Coogin, offers a similar aesthetic.

2. Mid-Century Modern Walnut Wood Credenza (current bid, $124) "I love lacquering these in different colors," says Bendet.

3. New Zebra Print Hope Chest (buy it now price, $79.95) Bendet's says a trunk like this is ideal for storing her daughter Eloise's toys.

4. Vintage 1930s Lucite and Beaded Handbag (starting bid, $19) Bendet is currently coveting vintage Lucite beaded handbags like this one.

5. Vintage 1980s Geoffrey Beene Gingham Coat With Gloves (buy it now price, $2,750) "I love anything vintage Geoffrey Beene!" she says.

6. Photo Booth (buy it now price, $1,195) "I'd really like an antique photo booth for my apartment," says Bendet. This retro version could certainly be revived with a designer's touch.

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