In Spades

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Your Top 5 Favorites – July 2019

July was all about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, so it’s no surprise your Top 5 Favorites were mostly from the sale.  And that’s great news because everything you loved is a fabulous basic and something that can be worn almost year-round.

Let’s dive in, shall we?

Silk Pillowcase


I’ve talked about the benefits of using a silk pillowcase before, and if you haven’t yet made the switch, what are you waiting for?  Proven to help with anti-aging by preventing face creases while you sleep (wrinkles) these are so soft and worth every penny.  The best part?  They are still at the Anniversary Sale price.  You save $51!

If you’re looking for a cheaper version, try these.  They won’t last as long, but are a great second choice.

Bras & Undies


My favorite bra and undies were part of the sale, and you also took advantage in July.  You won’t find anything as comfortable, period.  If you’ve sworn off underwire bras like I have, you MUST check these out.  The undies are great because they won’t show through.  No VPL here!

Linen BlazerThe Best Linen Blazers

This has been such a great piece for me this summer to dress up an outfit and make it more chic.  I love that it will easily transition to fall.  Bonus points that it comes in three colors.  I may have to add the white one to my list, although I already have 5 other white blazers.  Eek.  But can you ever have too many blazers?


Utility JacketJoie Linen Utility Jacket

Another great transition jacket for the win.  I love the balloon sleeves, the tie on the inside to cinch the waist and the more casual vibe of this linen jacket.  You guys did too.

Fully stocked in sizes XXS – XL, it’s currently 70% off!

Cashmere SweaterNordstrom Anniversary Sale 2019

If you’re not familiar with Nordstrom Signature cashmere, get yourself acquainted.  It’s one of the highest quality cashmere I can find at a truly incredible pricepoint.  I saved $100 on this sweater during the Anniversary sale.  Even if you missed the boat, I would still purchase it at full price, it’s that good.  You will literally have this sweater for the rest of your life.  So cozy, a great basic and the funnel neck and side slits make it so easy to style.

August Wardrobe: Straw Boater + Maxi Dress

Baci Fashion Maxi DressBaci Fashion Maxi DressBaci Fashion Maxi DressBaci Fashion Maxi Dress Baci Fashion Maxi Dress   Baci maxi dress // Sandals from Greece // Straw boater hat // Marrow Fine necklace

While the rest of the world refers to this time of year as the dog days of summer, I like to think of it as the calm before the storm.

The storm being NYFW of course.

We are only two weeks away from my favorite time of year, which means I am moving full speed ahead to finalize outfits (oh, the time this takes!) and confirm last-minute details.  I’m following my vacation prep guide to keep me looking and feeling my best for the big week ahead.

Since I have vacation on the brain, this comfy maxi dress is the perfect choice for hot, summer days.  Paired with a straw boater and fun sandals a friend picked up for me in Greece, it makes me feel like I’m traveling the Italian Riviera.

The CFDA shortened the NYFW calendar this season, so I’ll be arriving a little later than I normally do.  I’m looking forward to seeing what trends will be coming for spring and catching up with friends.

How are you spending the last few weeks of summer?

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The Wardrobe Item You Need to Transition from Summer to Fall

Everlane Cropped Denim JacketEverlane Cropped Denim JacketEverlane Cropped Denim JacketEverlane Cropped Denim Jacket Everlane Cropped Denim Jacket Everlane Cropped Denim Jacket Everlane Cropped Denim JacketEverlane cropped denim jacket and skirt (c/o) // Isabel Marant sandals (brown here, similar style here)
The Great t-shirt // Celine sunglasses (cheaper option here) // Kjaer Weiss lip stain

Well, it’s been a minute!

Life has been pretty crazy lately (in the best way) and I’m sorry to say it’s affected the consistency of my posting.  I have tons of great content on the horizon and promise to get you back up to speed in a timely manner.

Stay tuned for your Top 5 Faves from July, an update on a local event I co-hosted, what I’m coveting for fall, and how I’m preparing for New York Fashion Week.

Today I wanted to talk about transition pieces.  In Socal we don’t get much of a fall, but we do get chilly mornings that turn into warm afternoons.

Enter the denim jacket.

No matter where you live, this is one of my favorite wardrobe items to transition from summer to fall.  Why?

  1. It can be dressed up or down.
  2. You can easily layer over or underneath it.
  3. There are tons of silhouettes available no matter what your style preference or body type – cropped, boyfriend, distressed – the list goes on.
  4. It breathes well.  No stifling feeling here.
  5. Denim is one of the most classic, versatile fabrics on the planet. It goes with everything.

I paired mine with a patch pocket skirt, my favorite summer sandals and a basic tee knotted at the waist.  To dress it down, I’d throw on a pair of tennis shoes (these or these) and to dress it up even more, I’d go with a silk slip dress and higher heels.

Shop the post below, including some great alternatives and what to pair with them.

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How to Shop a Sale So You End Up With Pieces You Actually Wear

Ulla Johnson metallic stripe dress Ulla Johnson metallic stripe dressUlla Johnson metallic stripe dress Ulla Johnson metallic stripe dressUlla Johnson metallic stripe dress

Ulla Johnson dress (similar here) // Kendra Scott necklace // Sunglasses (similar here) // M. Gemi boots

Today’s look is one of those perfect summer pieces that for whatever reason I totally forgot to share on the blog.  I got it last summer at Pink Lagoon (one of my fave local boutiques) and it didn’t appear on my feed until this post (and you guys loved it).

It’s super easy to wear thanks to its paper bag silhouette.  The beaded ties let you cinch it as tight or as loose as you want.  I love it styled with ankle boots, but as the heat index rises, I’ll be wearing it with these sandals – a recent sale find I’m obsessed with (check out this similar pair on sale).

My necklace was created at Kendra Scott and I loved being able to personalize the charms.  I chose one for my heritage (the evil eye), and two for my daughter (the pearls).  There are so many options I actually went back and created another one with my astrological sign!

If you follow me on Insta, you know I’ve been talking a lot about how to shop a sale.  Today’s post is a great example of items I found during end of season sales that have stood the test of time.  Often times we buy things just because they’re on sale.  We don’t really think how often we’ll wear them or whether they actually go with other things in our closet.

Remember to stop and ask yourself what an item goes with, how often you think you’ll wear it and whether the fit is truly flattering.  It’s very common to try and make a sale item fit or work for you when it really doesn’t.

Last week I wrote about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and how it can make people go overboard.  I updated my post so you can see the items I’m keeping and the items I returned.  It’s a great example of sticking to the basics (and your budget) and not getting caught up in the frenzy.

Here are the general guidelines I follow when shopping the sales.  If you stick to these, I promise your closet will stay stocked with things you actually wear.

How to Shop a Sale 
  1. Set a budget and stick to it.
  2. Check your wishlist items at your favorite retailers first (more on how to do that here) to see if anything you already favorited went on sale.
  3. Make a list of items you actually need (denim, tops, sweaters, etc.).  Where are there holes in your closet?
  4. Stick to brands you know and love.  This is not the time to experiment.
  5. Don’t try to fit a square peg in a round role.  If the fit isn’t flattering, the color is not one you’ve ever worn, or it doesn’t go with at least 3 items in your closet, PASS.
  6. Think about your lifestyle.  If you’re a mom that never gets dressed up then don’t buy a sequins cocktail dress unless you actually have an upcoming occasion in which to wear it.
  7. Pick one “fun” diamond-in-the-rough sale item and make the rest of your sale purchases things you’ll wear frequently (see above).
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What I’m Keeping from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2019

Public access to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale starts today!  If you’ve been on the fence about shopping this sale, I’m sharing my honest review of what I’m keeping and what’s getting returned.

There is so much noise surrounding this sale and a great tendency to get caught up in the frenzy.  Remember to stay focused on what you need and don’t buy something just because it’s “on sale”!

Here is what I bought, what’s staying in my closet and what’s getting returned.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2019

Cashmere funnel neck sweater: Keep

This Nordstrom Signature cashmere funnel neck sweater is superb.  Superb quality, excellent price, incredibly comfortable.  I ordered an XS but had to settle for a Small because they sold out of the XS before it had a chance to ship.

I’m going to check back to see if I can snag the XS.

Black skinny jeans: Keep

I’m normally a size 25 in Madewell jeans so that’s what I ordered.  But when I put these on, they felt a wee bit tight.  I was able to snag a 26 and as soon as that arrives, I’ll make the decision on whether or not I’ll keep these jeans.

Pros: super comfortable, great price.  I love that there’s no distressing for a crisp look, but that the hem is left raw for a bit of edge.

UPDATE: I’m keeping them.  The 25 looks better than the 26.  Since I think they will stretch a bit over time, the fact that they’re a wee snug is perfect.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2019

3/4 sleeve dress: Return

Pros: it’s cotton and therefore super comfy and easy to clean.  It has pockets, which I love.  I’d pair it with over the knee boots or brown suede ankle booties.

Cons: it looks a little too Little House on the Prairie and the fit isn’t as flattering as I think it could be.  It’s good, but not great, so it’s getting returned.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2019

Striped sweater: Keep

This sweater is good quality and super comfy.  It comes in 7 colors and the price is a steal.  I’ll use it as an everyday and layering piece in fall/winter.

Knee rip jeans: Return

I ordered my normal size but feel these run a bit small.  The wash is kind of “fakey” looking and not the superior quality I’m used to, so although they’re comfy and flattering, I’m going to hold out for something I like better.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2019 Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2019

Black and White camis: Keep

I’m keeping these camis strictly for the excellent price point and the fact that the quality is pretty decent.  They are lined, so while I’ll still wear a bra, you could go without one (especially the black cami).  I often need shirts to wear under cardigans, and in SoCal I like the light layer these offer.  Plus, it’s a nice change from my routine of “jeans and a tee”.

UPDATE: I returned the black cami.  I have too many other black silk tops.  The white cami is still a keeper.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2019

Joggers: Keep

I bought these joggers to wear as pajama pants.  Now that I have them in person, I see the fabric is more “workout wear” and not at all sleepwear.  While my original plan for these was foiled, I am keeping them because they are suuuuper comfy and look posh for loungewear.  At less than $45, I’d call that a win.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2019

Floral tunic: Return

I don’t have many “fancy” tops that can still be dressed down for a casual look.  I’m pretty much either a t-shirt girl or the girl who wears really elevated statement tops like this one.  For that reason, I bought this top to try and achieve some middle ground.  It comes in 3 colors and will be easy to clean, but I’m not sure the yellow is flattering on me.

What do you think?  The verdict is still out.

UPDATE: The more I thought about this, the more I realized it was just “okay”.  I don’t have room in my wallet or closet for just okay.  Return.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2019 Camel sweater: Return

I originally thought I’d keep this sweater because it’s very soft and comfortable and I like the side slit, but after further thought, I’m going to return it.  I have a feeling it will pill very quickly, and I don’t need a so-so quality sweater taking up space in my closet.

I’m a quality over quantity girl.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2019

Grey long-sleeved tee: Keep

This tee is comfy, flattering and I love the subtle waffled cuffs.  It comes in other colors and if it’s restocked, I’m definitely buying the white one too.

I’m wearing an XS and think it runs TTS.

Other Items I’m Keeping

This pillowcase is an absolute must in my book.  My husband requested one because he wants to “age at the same rate as I do” (something this pillowcase helps with – anti-aging).

These makeup sponges are the only things I’ll use to apply my foundation and concealer.

This bra is underwire free (SO comfy) and padded enough not to show anything, yet not be over the top either.

These boy shorts and these undies are seamless, comfy and what I wear when I don’t want a VPL.

These socks are what I wear with my Golden Goose, Converse and chic loafers.

A Note on Product Availability

Here’s the deal, friends.  SO MUCH is already sold out, but Nordstrom will be restocking.  So if something you had your heart set on is out of stock, check back often.  I’m quite certain we’ll see a resurgence of new inventory during public access.  In addition, there is going to be a period of massive returns.  Everyone hoarded their purchases during Early Access and are now in the decision-making process.  Let someone else’s return be your great find.

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