In Spades

Style... in abundance

Levi’s x Stranger Things

Levis x Stranger Things Levis x Stranger Things Levis x Stranger Things Levis x Stranger Things Levis x Stranger Things Levis x Stranger Things Levis x Stranger Things Levi’s x Stranger Things t-shirt and trucker jacket // GRLFRND jeans (similar wash here)
Banana Republic heels (similar here) // Sunglasses

Here’s the thing.  I bought this Levi’s x Stranger Things jacket and t-shirt months ago.  I’ve been wearing them for months.  They’ve been getting compliments for months (who doesn’t love this show?).  But for whatever reason, they aren’t appearing on the blog until now.

Blame fashion week, blame motherhood.  Whatever the reason, this is a look I wear often, and I’m sorry it took me so long to share it with you.

Here’s the thing about Stranger Things.  If you don’t watch the show, I’m flabbergasted.  You need to watch immediately.  Seriously, stop reading.  Get on Netflix NOW.

It’s a show that taps into the deep, nostalgic heart of the greatest decade this side of the twentieth century.  The 1980’s.

It captures the spirit of the genre so well, it makes anyone who watches it want to jump in a Delorean and turn back the clock.  The days of just being a kid.  The stay out until the sun went down days.  Riding your bike around the neighborhood with your friends wreaking havoc until you just knew it was time to go home.  Or else.

Last week Netflix announced it would be bringing the show back for a fourth season.  Eleven’s baaaack.

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know I have a deep love for Levi’s (and Stranger Things).  So when this collaboration was announced, you better believe I was waiting at my computer for the second it went live.

I will never tire of the Canadian tuxedo.  Double denim should be a fashion rite of passage.  You can’t transcend into the next realm until you’ve rocked it at least once.

I bought this Levi’s trucker jacket one size larger than I would normally wear.  I love an oversized fit.  Paired with wide-leg boyfriend jeans, the whole look has a lot of volume.  If you’re over 5’9, then you can totally rock this look with flats.  But for the rest of us, it’s important to note proportions.  I think it’s essential to pair a heel with this much volume or you’ll be swallowed.  I opted for a simple, nude sandal to keep the attention on the denim.

Hopefully Levi’s will be back with a second round of a Stranger Things collab now that the show got renewed for season 4.

You know I’ll be waiting.

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How to Find the Perfect Pair of Vintage Dr. Martens

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Joie dress // Le Specs sunglasses // Marrow Fine necklace
Glitz and Glam by Tiff Co barrette // Dr. Martens combat boots

Combat boots were everywhere last fall and are back in full force this year.  I’m super excited because not only are they stylish, but they’re soooo comfortable.  For me, and the fashion world in general, the days of the stiletto are over.  Spikey heels feel so mid-2000’s to me.  I’d so much rather wear a block heel or platforms.  Although I do have my eye on this pair of stiletto boots.  Be still my heart.

Since combat boots are going to be everywhere in about 2 weeks (why is it still so hot?!), I wanted to share some tips for shopping the holy grail of combat boots – Dr. Martens.

Last winter I ordered a pair of Doc’s and was really disappointed in the quality.  The leather felt thin and had a weird coating on it that gave it a plastic effect.  What happened to the brand I thought I knew and loved?  While searching for the perfect pair, I fell down the rabbit hole of Dr. Martens brand evolution and wanted to share some tips.

Circa 2000, Dr. Martens moved their manufacturing from England to China.  Since the brand’s inception in the 1940’s, they’ve always been made in England.  It even says that on the label for Pete’s sake.  For whatever reason – cost savings, I’m sure – they went with this move and the quality has suffered ever since.

If you’ve ever worn a pair of Docs you know how heavy they are.  Not only do they have a lug sole, but the leather was thick.  It seriously took years to break them in.  I have several pairs from my high school days and they are still just as good as new.  The leather is truly indestructible.  With the outsource to China, the leather became thinner.  It honestly feels like polyurethane to me.  Totally fake.  Maybe they wanted to make them lighter weight?  Maybe they got too many complaints that they are hard to break in?  Whatever the case, they got thinner, lighter and just more… fake.

Thankfully, there is a robust vintage market for Dr. Martens and you better believe I dove in headfirst.

I discovered this Etsy shop and wanted a classic black pair with at least 10 eyes.  (The eyes are the shoelace holes and denote how tall the boot will be).  You guys helped me pick this pair – I debated between the 10 eye and the 14 eye, and am so glad I went with the 14 eye.  The length is perfect, looks so rad with skirts, dresses and jeans and as a bonus point, these babies have a steel toe, making me feel like a member of a German punk band.

So!  If you’re on the hunt for a pair of Docs, I highly recommend you go vintage (prior to 2000) if you want to maintain that original quality.  If you’re looking for something lighter weight that you can easily break in, go for a modern pair.

For my vintage lovers, besides this shop, check out this seller and this seller for some rad options.

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Nuuly Clothing Rental Review

Nuuly Clothing Review Nuuly Clothing Review Nuuly Clothing Review Nuuly Clothing ReviewNuuly dress (similar) // Quay sunglasses // Isabel Marant sandals // Levi’s

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I posted a mini review of Nuuly to IGTV.

If you’re not familiar with the company, they are a clothing rental subscription service a la Rent the Runway.  What I like about them is their pricepoint and how they structure their rentals.  See below for a comparison breakdown to other clothing rental services.

Nuuly
  • $88 per month
  • 6 items
Bloomingdale’s
  • $149 per month
  • 4 items (unlimited swap-outs)
Rent the Runway
  • $159 per month
  • 4 items (unlimited swap-outs)

As you can see, Nuuly offers the best price point by a long shot.  The key difference is the ability to swap out items.  With Nuuly you get 6 items per month, but once you’ve made your selections, that’s it.  If something arrives and doesn’t fit or you just aren’t as into it in person, you’re stuck with it for the month.  There’s no going back.

On the flipside, with Rent the Runway and Bloomingdale’s, you only get 4 items but can swap them out as much as you want.

Shipping and dry cleaning are included.  They send you a mini emergency cleaning kit in case you need to remove deodorant stains, etc. and your clothes are shipped in eco-friendly packaging.  A major plus!

For my first month with Nuuly, I chose the following items.

  1. Levi’s Ombre Fringe Trucker Jacket
  2. Citizens of Humanity High Rise Flares
  3. Vintage Levi’s
  4. Plaid Dress
  5. Sheer Blossom Dress
  6. White Eyelet Dress
The Winner

This dress was the clear winner for me.  I wore it a TON.  It’s super comfortable and flattering.  The fabric easily transitions from day to night.

With Nuuly, you have the option to purchase your items.  While I didn’t buy this dress, I seriously think I need to – the cost-per-wear was fabulous.

The Loser

This dress was remarkably uncomfortable.  The fabric was super itchy.  Because it’s such a statement, it only got worn once.  While I was expecting that, I made a point to change up my strategy for my second month with the service.

And that brings me to my tips for how to best use the service…

How to Get the Best Bang for Your Buck

1) Remember the weather

  • I almost purchased this jacket before being signed up with Nuuly, so when I saw it as an option I snagged it.  Unfortunately wearing heavy denim during a broiling hot September was out of the question.  I wish I would have remembered what season it was before I made this selection.

2) Search from highest price to lowest

  • For me, it doesn’t make sense to select a $60 sweater as one of my monthly choices when I could select a $300 cashmere sweater instead.  Remember that you’re paying $88 regardless.  Stick to higher priced items that you love and save the affordable stuff for permanent closet real estate.

3) Choose denim

  • There is nothing worse than breaking in a new pair of jeans.  With Nuuly, that awkward breaking in phase is done for you.  I also find denim to be very cyclical.  One minute flare legs are in, the next, cropped jeans are all the rage. Good denim is around $200 a pop, so this is an excellent choice for one or two of your 6 items.

4) Pick a wildcard

  • Step out of your comfort zone and select something you normally wouldn’t spend your money on.  That’s the fun of a rental service – no commitment!  This challenges you to rock something different and hey, you may find a trend or silhouette that you never knew worked for you.

For my first month, the retail price of my choices totaled $1,678.  All of those clothes for only $88!

Selecting 6 items per month with Nuuly gave me the idea to do the same with my own closet.  Each month I’m picking 6 hero pieces that I will reach for.  Think of it as a mini-capsule wardrobe.  This allows me to pull out items I haven’t worn in a while and get them back into rotation.  I’m keeping my look fresh by shopping my own closet and getting to re-evaluate whether something should stay or go.  A win-win!

Your Top 5 Favorites – September 2019

September was all about beauty!

I talked a lot about my favorite green beauty products and you guys loved my Sunday Series on sun protection.  Read on for your favorites from September 2019 and why I love them too.

Your Top 5 Favorites

Cropped denim jacket – I styled it in this post and what’s not to love?  A denim jacket is a wardrobe staple and this one is priced right at $78 and super high quality.

Faux leather skirt – this caught my eye during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale because it has shorts underneath.  Since I’m all about trading my jeans in for skirts this fall, I think it’s an interesting choice for style plus coverage.

Mineral sunscreen – I happened to meet the creator of this mineral sunscreen and immediately fell in love with its balmy texture and the light coverage it provides.

Primer – I’ve tried a zillion primers and have never found one I liked until this one.  Also a balmy texture, it soaks into skin quickly and gives it a velvety feel ready for applying makeup.  A makeup bag MUST.

Silk pillowcase – I thought you’d be sick of hearing me tout the benefits of a silk pillowcase by now (wrinkle prevention, extends your hairstyle) but you are still loving this pillowcase 3 months in a row.  For good reason!  Don’t fall asleep without it.

Why I’m Trading My Jeans for Skirts

Joie Utility JacketJoieUtilityJacketJoie Utility JacketJoieUtilityJacket The Butterfly Social beaded bracelets Joie Utility JacketThe Butterfly Social beaded bracelets

 Joie utility jacket // Nordstrom long-sleeved tee // Madewell skirt // Banana Republic belt (similar here)
Le Specs sunglasses // The Butterfly Social beaded bracelets // Dr. Marten’s combat boots

Now that I’m through all of my NYFW content, it’s back to normal programming.  If you missed my coverage, you can check it out here: Day 1, Day 2, Day 3 and Day 4.

I wanted to share 3 items I’ve been living in lately.  This jacket (sold out but similar version here), these bracelets and these combat boots have been my go-to transition pieces from summer to fall.

Let’s talk boots, shall we?  Combat boots have been going strong for two fall seasons in a row.  (Next week I’ll be dropping a post on How to Find the Best Vintage Dr. Marten’s, so stay tuned for that!)

I couldn’t be more excited about this because not only are combat boots stylish, but they are suuuper comfortable.  That brings me to the topic for today’s post.

I’ve come to realize that with all of the amazing boots I want to wear this fall, jeans are no longer cutting it.  I’m just not feeling the way boots look tucked into jeans.  It feels very early aughts to me.  Like something The Real Housewives of New Jersey used to wear (love you, ladies!).

With ankle boots, mid-calf boots and over-the-knee boots I truly feel the only way to go is with skirts.  They highlight the shoes more, and are frankly quite a bit more comfortable than jeans.

The only problem that I’m running into is that being a mom of an active 1.5 year old, skirts can be a bit challenging when my daughter is on the go.  No matter!  I’m committed to trading in all of my jeans for skirts this fall.

Here are some options I’m loving that lend well to mom life.

Skirts I’m Coveting

Here are all the details of today’s look, including other options at every price-point.

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