Dresses to Max-Out Your Credit Card: Alice+Olivia

Pocket Tube Dress, $297; Paillette Baby Doll Dress, $440; Poof Paillettes Dress, $297

I’ve always been a total sucker for sequins. I heart them. I also heart Alice+Olivia. For those of you unfamiliar with this completely amazing designer, Stacey Bendet launched the line in 2002 on a personal quest to create the perfect pair of flattering and form-fitting pants. Her signature style was met with instant success, and “Stacey Pants” (what a name!) quickly became a must-have denim alternative for the sophisticated ladies who lunch but also have yen for smooth retro styling.

In 2003, the brand launched…gasp…a cashmere collection and a full collection in 2005. These dresses are typical of the brand, modern yet with vintage undertones. What is more classic than a sequined cocktail dress? I have dirty fashion dreams about this brand…

Imagine yourself on a beach…in giant sunglasses (possibly from Urban Outfitters when they run under $20 a pop, because you spent all your money on the dress), the silver sequined dress…only in gold, those chunky leather sandals that were all over the runway, lounging in a beach chair, sipping a martini with two olives, next to a hunky European male in a tight little trunks. Can you imagine? I sure can.

I’m still trying to justify this purchase….I mean, it is only money right? I think in this case, it can definitely buy happiness, even if it is of the fashion variety.