Southern Protocol

WWD announced this morning that playfully sophisticated line Alice+Olivia has teamed up with Keds, the American uber-shoe, for a special limited-release collection this spring!

What twist did Alice+Olivia designer Stacey Bendet put on the preppy sneaker? Sequins, of course! The collection will consist of the shoes in four different colors, covered in sequins: black, silver, safari green, and pale pink.

Here at Southern Protocol, we are all about some Keds. Bendet herself said, “I don’t think I removed Keds from my feet as a kid,” we agree, and love that the past few years have seen the brand reaching a new “cool” factor with those of us above age nine.

I think the sequins were a fairly bold choice, definitely playing into the casual-yet-sassy vibe seen in the trend forecasts for this upcoming season. The black is definitely too reminiscent of dance recitals, and the green would take some serious confidence. But for the rest of us, I really think that the pale pink could be a fun new staple in your spring and summer wardrobe! Think about wearing them with some rolled up skinny jeans, an antiquey blouse and boyfriend blazer? Totally urban chic. Or pairing them with a girly sundress to add some personality. The color is JUST neutral enough to nicely complement many of our warm weather wardrobes.

The shoes, $88, will be initially only be available at Neiman Marcus, but will be at other select retailers a little later in the summer, as well as on aliceandolivia.com. If nothing else, Keds is definitely taking a step in the right direction in its goal to reposition itself as a “modern, fashion-forward brand.”