Alice + Olivia have been a Go International-diffusion-type brand at Payless for over a year now, but this is the first collection that has registered with the fashion community. There were always just too many ballet flats and not enough oomph. The fire engine red, patent peep toe booties are the key piece, killer - and almost an exact replica (disregard color) to their runway Rivington shoe. The other grey sweater bootie is a close second, I LOVE wedge boots (height still absolutely necessary in winter) - and the handbags have a nonchalant, Coach-esque chic about them.

I actually went into a Payless yesterday to look for them (used to designer collections being in every NYC location) - so the lady tells me they don’t carry them because they start at $40 and that’s usually too $$$ for college kids (University of Texas). This is ridiculous! I lived in a squalor, 4th floor walk-up tenement, shoved against 2 other girls in New York as a student (in reality should cost 10x less than Manhattan market price lets it be) - and could afford to buy $40 shoes. I guess it’s about priorities - C’MON TEXAS!

Shop Alice + Olivia for Payless, above Rivington bootie $48.

Hudson bootie $48

Terry messenger $40

Park clutch $34