Southern Protocol

That’s right! Glitzy sequins in the DAYTIME!

It’s one of this spring and summer’s hottest trends – and yes, you can pull it off. The key steps to success:

1. Choose a high quality top. If you buy an all-sequined top at Wet Seal on the buy one get one for a penny rack, it’s going to look like you bought it on the penny rack. The King Street boutiques are teeming with well-fitting, nice lining tanks.

2. Pair it with understated daytime accessories. A tailored jacket or cotton cardigan with jeans really tone down the “nighttime” vibes your top exudes.

3. Wear flats for the ultimate big city feel. If you do go the heels route, think sleek and simple – not over the top 5 inch stilettos.

If full on sparkle pre-5:00 pm just isn’t your style, you can still be a part of this burgeoning trend! Check into blouses with small sequin details for a touch of fun during the day.

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.”