Alice + Olivia Spring 2013: Quite Possibly The Best Party In Town

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Last night we attended what could be considered one of the best parties of Fashion Week, but it wasn't specifically a party—it was Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet's 2013 Spring collection presentation. As guests drank cocktails and munched Magnum ice cream bars, we got to view models dressed in the designer's beautifully cool party styles—which almost all of us were coveting.

This season's collection takes on a sexy mid-1950s vibe, with full skirts, tiny waists, corsets, cropped pants, and poofy party dresses. As with every Alice + Olivia collection, beading, sequins, brocade and bold patterns all came into play. But unlike previous seasons, purses also made an appearance. The brand will be debuting a handbag collection next spring with three styles for day and two clutches for evening. When we asked her about her goal for the new line, Bendet told us, "I finally decided to do purses and wanted great classic shapes."

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Like at any good New York party, of course there were plenty of celebs there. We spoke to a newly blonde Elisabeth Moss, a.k.a. Peggy from Mad Men, who couldn't tell us if her hair color will play a part in next season's storyline (read into that what you will...!). Elisabeth is a longtime fan of Alice + Olivia, as are former Buyer's Remorse subjects Angela Simmons and Tinsley Mortimer, both of whom were also in attendance. But of course our favorite guest, who is always our favorite guest at Alice + Olivia events, was Stacy's toddler daughter, Eloise. In the past, Eloise "participated" in one of our favorite interviews. Last night, she tried to get her Mom to jump up and down with her to the loud rhythmic music played by the DJ. This was a bit of a challenge, as Stacey was attired in boots with very high spiked heels.

Despite her inability to jump, the designer, dressed in her own creations, looked adorable. We had to ask her what her secret is for looking so good while raising two small children. Stacey's response? "A lot of makeup!"
· All Fashion Week Coverage [Racked]
· Alice + Olivia [Official Site]