In Spades

Style... in abundance

2020 Sale Season Shopping Tips

I can’t believe it is already the week of Thanksgiving.  2020 has been a year like no other.  I’m SO excited for holiday movies, hot cocoa and sharing family traditions with my daughter.

This time of year also brings my favorite shopping season.  If you’re a long-time reader, you know I’m a diamond in the rough shopper.  After building wish lists with my favorite retailers all year, now is the time I pounce.

There are going to be so many amazing deals from here on out, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.  My advice?

  1. Stick to your go-to retailers and brands (this is NOT the time to impulse buy just because something is on sale).
  2. Look at your Wish Lists FIRST.  You should always build a wish list with your fave retailers.  Before you even look at the sales, check to see if items on your wish list got marked down.  THEN, you can peruse what else got marked down.
  3. Buy now, decide later.  The further into sale season we go, the more picked over the inventory is AND return policies tighten or disappear.  Protect your ability to return and price adjust.
  4. Bundle your shopping.  I like to shop at no more than 3 retailers during sale season.  Most stores have points or other benefits for shopping with them.  Keep your eggs in one (or 3) baskets so you can maximize those incentives.
  5. Think about the “now.”  I firmly believe we are at least 6 months out from the world returning to some semblance of normalcy.  I recommend investing in comfortable, high-quality staples that will transition to post-pandemic life.  Let’s face it – you’re not going to wear your finery for a while.  If you are going to buy a cocktail dress, statement handbag, killer shoes, or some other piece that won’t get a lot of wear, make sure it is something that will stand the test of time.  Now is not the time to fall into trends.

Net-a-Porter is one of my favorite retailers.  They launched their 50% off sale and for the week of Thanksgiving, they’re taking an additional 15% off the markdowns.  Here are some of my faves.

Net-a-Porter End of Season Sale Picks 

1947 Levi’s 501s

Levi's 1950 501sLevi's 1950 501s1947 Levi’s // Top (similar) // Heels

When it comes to denim, I’ve worn it all.

I was drawn to these 1947 Levi’s 501s because well, the history.  My purchase included a letter explaining the origin of this style.  Here are the goods:

  • 12oz Cone Mills Red Selvedge Denim
  • Two back pockets with concealed rivets
  • Big “E” single-sided Red Tab
  • “Two Horse” leather patch
  • Twin needle Arcuate
  • Watch pocket rivets returned after WWII

What makes these jeans so significant to history is they were considered a “dawn of the new era.”  After WWII, jeans became an everyday staple, and NOT just for those who worked in the trades.  The result was a slimmer silhouette and the removal of extra details like cinch and suspender buttons.

And voila, you have the 1947 Levi’s 501s.  Mine are men’s, size 29.

You can break these babies in a few ways.

One way is just to wear the heck out of them.  Another is to wear them in the bathtub – a trick I’ve done before for other jeans!  (They shrink to the perfect snug fit.)  You can also wash them, which I did here.  (They’ll shrink two sizes.)

I love experimenting with different denim styles and Men’s denim will definitely be a category I continue to dip my toe into in the future.

What are your favorite denim styles?  Have you tried Men’s jeans?

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Draped Midi Skirt + Knee High Boots

Draped Midi Skirt Draped Midi Skirt

Skirt // Sweater (similar) // Sunglasses // Boots

Sometimes you just need to put on a skirt and pair of killer boots.  After posting my fair share of denim as of late, I needed to change it up.  This look is exactly what I needed.

I’ve been thinking a lot about my closet.  One of the side effects of the pandemic is a reflection on how much we can do without.  One day while cleaning out my office and then the baby’s room, I got this overwhelming urge to throw everything out and start at zero.

As you know, I’m really emotional when it comes to clothes.  They hold deep meaning for me.  But I’ve also realized that the demise of every good wardrobe are those pieces that are just OKAY.  The jeans that you got on sale that are a little tight, but you kept them anyway.  The jacket you bought for a weekend away that wasn’t quite right, but you were leaving so it came with you.  The shoes that are super cute and super uncomfortable.

Finding THE perfect piece is tough.  In some fashion categories, I’d go so far as to say it’s a lifelong search.

So when I saw this skirt I really thought about how it would work with my existing wardrobe.  Midi skirts seem to only come two ways nowadays – pleated or silk.  Love them, but am a bit tired of both.  The drape effect on this skirt is so dramatic,  fun and different.  Plus it highlights my knee high boots in a subtle chic way.

It’s made of recycled polyester (win!) and also comes in black.

How are you feeling about your wardrobe lately?  Are you pandemic (read: bored) shopping or have you been purging?

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Closed Denim Review

Closed Denim Skinny PusherDemy Lee Chelsea sweaterClosed Denim Skinny Pusher jeans // Demy Lee sweater via Pink Lagoon // Golden Goose sneakers

Earlier this year I discovered Italian denim line, Closed.

They immediately reminded me of THE denim of my childhood – Marithé + François Girbaud.  The tiny label on the fly took me back to the colorful jeans I used to wear (teal and purple were my faves).

Of course I had to order a pair… or four.  Here is my review of this amazing premium denim line.

The first thing you should know is that Closed has four fit categories – Skinny, Slim, Heritage and Relaxed.  I tried pairs from every category except relaxed, and found the skinny and heritage styles worked best for my body type – long torso, shorter legs, pear shaped.

For everyday jeans, I love the Skinny Pusher and the Baker High.  Both are high waist (10 inch rise), cropped, with a drainpipe leg.  The difference is a skinny fit (Pusher) versus a slim fit (Baker).

For something more unique, I adore these paper bag waist jeans.

I love that the majority of their styles have a zipper fly.  I had an epiphany this year about button fly jeans.  Jeans nowadays are all high waisted and a zipper fly is just so much more practical and comfortable.  I do love a button fly for vintage 100% cotton jeans though.

Sizing

Their styles are made in both stretch denim and 100% cotton.

If you are going with 100% cotton, size up.  I ordered a sale pair in a 27 (last size; I’m normally a 25 or 26) and was surprised that they fit.

If you are going with a stretch denim pair, take your normal size.  I’m wearing a size 26 here, but could have sized down to a 25.

Where to Buy

While they have great sales on their website, having your order go through customs is kind of a pain if you need to return something.

These stateside retailers also carry the line and some offer 2-day free shipping.

Shopbop

Farfetch

Anthropologie

If you’re looking for a pair of high-quality, unique jeans, definitely check out Closed.  There aren’t any other jeans like them on the market and they are super comfy and chic.

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Palazzo Pants Two Ways

Last week I visited one of my favorite local boutiques Pink Lagoon.  They have an expertly curated lineup of advanced contemporary designers that I ADORE.  I discover new, amazing brands every time I’m there!

Some of my past faves from Pink Lagoon are this casual look and this summer-to-fall look.

As soon as I tried on these palazzo pants, I was sold.  Made from the most luxurious silk and cotton, they feel like you’re wearing a cloud.  The fabric is perfect for SoCal – light enough for warmer days, yet substantial enough to be taken up a notch.

As soon as I brought them home, I put them on immediately and have pretty much lived in them ever since.

I wanted to show you two ways to style these palazzo pants – casual daytime versus edgy nighttime.  They’re honestly the perfect pandemic pants.  Super comfortable yet chic and once we can travel again, they will be the PERFECT weekend getaway pant.  So many styling options!

Brazeau Tricot Palazzo Pants

Paired with a waffled sweater (also Pink Lagoon) and slides, I wear this to preschool drop-off or to run errands.

Brazeau Tricot Palazzo Pants

Pile on the jewelry, add an evening bag and some killer shoes (in this case, literally) and you’ve got a perfect nighttime look.

While I rarely wear stilettos anymore, you could absolutely pair these palazzo pants with these for a chic date night look.

San Diego friends, check out Pink Lagoon and my other favorite local boutiques here.  If you’re not in San Diego, they ship!