In Spades

Style... in abundance

Life Lately

While not much time has passed since my last Life Lately post, a lot has happened.

I have spent a lot of time reflecting on what I want to say about the recent tragedies in our country and I’m still having trouble articulating what’s in my head and in my heart.

What I do know is that education is paramount.  Education about how to help our black communities: how to uplift them, how to support them and how to educate ourselves and our children about what they endure.  The way forward needs love, understanding and voices behind it.

Fashion is my love language.  My voice.  The best way I know how to start communicating is through my love language.

To start, I want to share four black fashion designers and the work they’re doing.  While this just barely scratches the surface of the black designers in the fashion community, but I wanted to start with these four because they are all New-York based, and I’ve had the pleasure of seeing their work firsthand.

Please send me your favorite black fashion designers so I can share their designs here.

LaQuan Smith

LaQuan Smith

LaQuan Smith

Perhaps the most well-known designer in today’s post, LaQuan Smith creates clothes you wear when you want to make an entrance.  His clients include some of the world’s biggest celebrities: Beyonce, Rihanna, Cardi B.

He launched his label at only 21 years old and worked so hard to make it what it is today.  I love this quote about his journey (as told to Vogue):

“Before 2010 I was doing things a nontraditional way. I was wearing my own designs, promoting myself, sneaking into Fashion Week parties, and doing these random things just to get some form of acknowledgment. There was a lot of just grinding, networking. I became friends with a lot of different girls, and I was making their outfits just in a casual way. Through that, I formed relationships and gained clients. It was about trying to get as many people interested as I could so I could get to somewhere greater.”

The above photo is from LaQuan Smith’s S/S18 collection which I had the pleasure of attending during NYFW.  Held in the Beacon School’s gymnasium, Brooklyn Tech’s Lady Dragons opened the show with a step routine (you can see them performing in the background).  Models sat on desks and posed with basketballs.  A film buff, Smith said he wanted to create a film-like atmosphere reminiscent of movies about high school to epitomize the feeling of being young and free.

Check out more of LaQuan Smith’s work on his website and Instagram.

LaQuan Smith runway photo via IMAXTREE

Washington Roberts

Washington RobertsWashington Roberts

Washington Roberts learned to sew at the age of five.  Although he would go on to study chemical engineering, fashion was always in his DNA.  After honing his skills at Vera Wang and Tory Burch, he launched his first collection in 2011 and hasn’t looked back since.

Known for pristine tailoring and vibrant prints, his clothes turn heads and make you smile.  He designs menswear, womenswear and accessories.  I adore these geometric jacquard pants from his most recent collection.  Talk about a statement!

The above photo is from Washington Roberts’ S/S15 collection.  It holds a special place in my heart because this is the very first NYFW show I EVER attended.

Check out more of Washington Roberts’ work on his website and Instagram.

Negris Lebrum

Negris Lebrum

Negris Lebrum is a multifaceted designer.  He creates womenswear, handbags and cosmetics.  I’ve attended two of his NYFW shows over the years and his clothes always have a sophisticated and timeless flair.

His brand motto is “aime par beaucoup, admiree par tous, elegance percu,” which translates to “Loved by many, admired by all, elegance perceived.”

Passionate about social responsibility, Negris gives back to various social, cultural and educational projects.

Check out more of Negris Lebrum’s work on his website and Instagram.

Negris Lebrum images via IMAXTREE

Terese Sydonna

Terese Sydonna

Terese SydonnaTerese Sydonna is brand designed for the superhero in all of us.  I couldn’t love that motto more.  I was actually introduced to Terese through a mutual friend and think her vibrant print kimonos are so striking.  They are a perfect balance between artistic expression and comfort, an element she strives for in all her designs.

In the COVID-19 pandemic, Terese has begun designing facemasks.  For every two masks purchased, the designer donates one to a healthcare worker.

Check out more of Terese Sydonna’s work on her website and Instagram.

Images via Terese Sydonna’s website

Little White Dresses Under $150

Need Supply Stelen dress

You guys, it is almost June.

I’ve amassed a collection of little white dresses over the years from glam to casual.  And if there’s one time to wear a LWD, it’s summertime.  There are some gorgeous ones on sale right now so I had to share my favorites under $150.

Most of these are cotton so you can dress them up or down.  I love a light-weight long-sleeved option too.  So chic with a pair of strappy block heeled sandals.  Go bold with your jewelry or throw on a straw hat for some added edge.  I’m loving these lucite bangles or a dramatic hat like this one.

Some of these LWD’s are part of Target’s upcoming designer collaboration.  It launches June 6th and they’re $50!

Voila, your summer uniform.

Little White Dresses Under $150

Memorial Day Sales

Current Elliott The Perfect Muscle Tee DressHappy Memorial Day!

We plan on spending the entire day outside – BBQ in the front yard, a bike ride and lots of nature excursions with the dog and toddler in tow.  Sending you all well wishes for a wonderful holiday and an extra special thank you to all the men and women who have served and continue to serve!

This weekend also kicks off the beginning of sale season, so I’m rounding up my favorites.  Below are items I’m coveting.  Some items I’ve already purchased – stay tuned for photos and reviews!

Need Supply

I’m dying over these tennis shoes. Such a rad Nike collaboration!

The subtle glitter on these sneakers is SO fun.

I own this dress and adore it.  See how I styled it here.

The block heeled sandals scream chic and can be paired with ANYTHING.

Levi’s

Now’s the time to stock up.  This style looks good on EVERYONE and is on sale in 9 washes.

This style is a classic and all 4 washes on sale are divine (the white is amazing for summer).

These are a recent addition for me (see how I styled them here) and I can’t get enough of their chic vibe.

You’ll live in these denim cutoffs this summer.  They also come in white.

Moda Operandi

They have tons of amazing swimwear on sale and I just picked up this bathing suit.  The sparkly fabric is insane!

This leopard print summer dress is too cute to pass up.

I’m dying over the mod 60’s vibe of this mini skirt.

This is the time to pounce on one of my favorite designers.  This dress is so gorgeous it hurts.

SSENSE

I just picked up these jeans and shared them on Stories.  You loved them too and I can attest that they are worth every penny.

They have one of the best sales on Dr. Marten’s.  I have my eye on these sandals.

These jeans have a high waist and edgy 90s vibe that I adore.  I own them and wear them a ton.

There’s a reason these jeans have a cult following.  I featured them here.  Get them while they’re on sale!

Sunglasses Review: Affordable, Designer & 3 Tips for Finding the Best Pair

Sunglasses have become such a big part of my fashion vernacular that I consider them to be as important as the handbag I carry.  From cheap pairs to designer, I’ve learned a ton about different brands and styles over the years.

With summer right around the corner I thought it was the perfect time to break down my favorite pairs.  Read on for the affordable brands I love, which designer brands are worth it, and 3 tips for selecting the best frames for your face shape.

Affordable Brands I Love

NYFW SS20 OOTD 1 The Vampire's WifeWearing Le Specs sunglasses

Without question, my two favorite affordable brands are Le Specs and Quay Australia.

Each brand averages about $50 a pair.  They both offer polarized lenses and polycarbonate frames.  What you get is durable, high-quality sunnies at a great price.

Another bonus is that they are constantly coming out with new styles.  You can find classic and trendy frames in a myriad of colors.

This is my all-time favorite pair of Le Specs.  It’s a perennial style and they offer a multitude of seasonal colors.


Quay Australia runs a little cheaper and a tad trendier.  They have a great selection of classic styles but tend to be more fashion-forward in the shapes and colors they offer.  They also offer blue light glasses, which I love.

Blue Light GlassesWearing Quay Australia blue light glasses

This is my all-time favorite pair of Quay Australia.  They look great on every face shape.

Designer Brands I Love

Tiko Paksa Resort 20Wearing Celine sunglasses

If you’ve been reading In Spades for a while, you know I have a Celine sunnies addiction.

Every Nordstrom Note I earn goes towards Celine sunglasses.  I own these, these, and these.

What I adore about them is the style.  Their designs are incredible: uber chic, ultra flattering and so fashionable.  They are the sunglasses line that every other sunglasses brand copies.

The Best Affordable Cashmere SweatersWearing Celine sunglasses

Here’s what you need to know about Celine sunnies – they bend.  The frames are made from a super pliable material which makes them comfortable and durable, but also prone to losing their shape.

I have to get mine adjusted about every six months. To be honest, having to readjust them is a pain.  BUT, their impeccable designs are worth it, IMO.  I will deal with the extra step because I love them THAT much.

3 Tips for Finding the Best Sunglasses for Your Face Shape
  1. Opt for a gradient lens.  Do you know what makes sunglasses look expensive?  It’s not the frame, but the lens.  A gradient lens softens the look of the frames while also adding a dramatic edge.  This juxtaposition lends well to all face shapes.
  2. When it doubt, opt for square frames with rounded edges. This frame shape will flatter oval, round, square and heart-shaped faces alike.  It’s a common misconception that an aviator frame looks good on everyone – it doesn’t.  The downward slope of the aviator frame elongates oval and heart-shaped faces too much.  A square frame with rounded edges like these, look amazing on everybody.
  3. These nose pads are a lifesaver.  They come in clear and black and prevent sunglasses from slipping down your nose.  They can be cleaned and stuck on and off without damaging your frames.  If you have fit problems with sunglasses, GET THESE.

What I’m Coveting: Flat Summer Sandals

Summer Sandals

This past weekend was glorious.  We spent tons of time outside and had an impromptu sprinkler session in our front yard.  It definitely got me excited for summer.  Since I was in sandals all weekend, I wanted to share some of my favorites of late.

I typically wear 3 kinds of flat sandals during the summer: beach/pool sandals, dressy sandals and platform sandals.  These three categories cover all of my summer activities and outings and are super comfortable because they’re flat.  No heels here!

Beach Sandals

I’m really hard on my sandals so I need a beach pair that can take a beating.  This brand is the gold standard in chic flip flops.  They have a TON of color options in all different styles.  Go for a patent leather pair to wear by the pool.  The rubber sole is super comfortable and they transition well to brunch or walking the town.

Shop my beach and pool picks below.

Dressy Sandals

Heels are pretty much a thing of the past for me.  So how do I wear flats and make them look dressy?  I invest in flat sandals with chic details.  Whether it’s a long strap that can be tied several different ways, a fun print or a pop color, I choose something that makes a statement.

All of these can be pairs with dresses or skirts for a night on the town.

Shop my dressy picks below.

Platform Sandals

It probably comes as no surprise to you that platform sandals are my favorite.  They scream Prada (even when they’re not) and have an edgy yet chic vibe.  Dr. Marten’s and Birkenstock’s are the OG’s of platform sandals and I highly recommend both.  Docs take longer to break in, but are so worth it.  Birks go with everything and only get more comfy with time.

This pair is actually the impetus for today’s blog post.  I saw them and fell in love.  I adore the feminine yet edgy vibe and the lug sole.  They look super comfortable.