In Spades

Style... in abundance

How to Style Sequins for the Holidays

How to Style Sequins for the HolidaysHow to Style Sequins for the Holidays How to Style Sequins for the Holidays How to Style Sequins for the Holidays How to Style Sequins for the Holidays How to Style Sequins for the HolidaysHow to Style Sequins for the HolidaysGround Zero Leo sweater // W Concept sequins skirt (similar here)
J. Crew earrings (similar here) // Manolo Blahnik boots (similar here)

Only two more weeks until Christmas, you guys!

Last week I talked about how to style vintage for the holidays.  This week I want to dive into another holiday favorite: sequins.  Most of you probably have something sequins in your closet.  If I had to guess, it’s likely a dress or a skirt.  So today I’m sharing my take for how to style sequins for the holidays.  In two words: edgy glam.

With sequins I think there’s a tendency to go gah-gah-glam – and I love that!  Today I want to show you something a bit edgier.  This jacquard Leonardo DiCaprio sweater gives my look a street style vibe that I love.  The fact that it captures him at the height of my obsession (hello Romeo + Juliet) is even better.  Paired with OTK boots, statement earrings and a shimmery, smokey eye I’m feeling glamorous and pretty badass.

To re-create the look, opt for a graphic tee like this one.  If sweet Leo isn’t your vibe, try a vintage band tee, or this cheeky option.  Notice how it’s styled with a sequin skirt in the promo photo?  Edgy glam for the win!

With a sequins party on the bottom and a street style vibe on the top, I definitely recommend boots over heels to ground the look.  Too many people pair OTK boots with jeans IMHO.  My favorite way to style OTK boots is under midi skirts or dresses.  It elongates the leg and gives off a sophisticated flair without being stuffy.  My pair is old, but I’ve linked some great options below.

For more holiday sequins, I’ve partnered with some of my best blogger babes to give you additional style inspo.

Check out how Kara Loves Coco styled her sequins skirt – so glam!  And I love the bold take Jenna from Lucky Little Mustard Seed took.  Paulina from Lil Bits of Chic is pure sophistication and Conni from Art in the Find shares amazing style hacks for this holiday staple.

Be sure to follow me on Instagram for more inspiration including styling tips from these babes!

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Vintage Holiday Style

A Part of the Rest vintage dress A Part of the Rest vintage dress A Part of the Rest vintage dress A Part of the Rest vintage dress A Part of the Rest vintage dress A Part of the Rest vintage dress A Part of the Rest vintage dressA Part of the Rest vintage dress // Fendi handbag // Quay sunglasses (25% off)
Manolo Blahnik boots (similar here 40% off)

If you’re like me, from now until the end of the year your schedule is packed with holiday parties, events and celebrations.  While it’s easy to fall back on a great LBD, I’m much more excited about velvet, sequins and vintage pieces.

I’ve shown you my take on velvet, and next week I’ll be sharing multiple ways you can wear sequins.  Today I wanted to focus on vintage.  What I love about vintage fashion is that you can pretty much guarantee you will be wearing something no one else has.  Plus, with fashion being so cyclical, clothing from eras past is actually totally on trend.

This 80’s mini dress with electric rose print is reminiscent of early Marc Jacobs.  The shoulder pads and cutout back give it so much attitude.  My philosophy when styling this look was “go big or go home”, so of course my Monster handbag and diva boots had to come out to play.

These boots were actually the star of one of my very first blog posts.  You can read the story about how they came into my life here.  While they’re old, I’ve linked two similar pairs below; one for under $80 and one for under $200.

But back to vintage!

I’ve talked before about my favorite places to shop vintage (surprise, they’re all in New York).  In the last year, I came across online shop A Part of the Rest and was blown away by their accessible price points, and the amazing eye of owner Kam.  There are so many fun pieces on the site right now that would be perfect for the holidays.

I’m dying over this sequins Missoni dress, this 90s Calvin Klein robe coat, and this 80s drape back tunic dress.  The best part, all of these pieces are under $250.

Definitely check out A Part of the Rest for rad vintage items and give them a follow on Instagram where they do secret sales via Stories.  I guarantee you’ll find a treasure trove of fashion.

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Photos by White Tee Black Dress

The Muppet Show x Sandro & Sale Season Shopping Hacks

The Muppet Show x Sandro Kermit sweaterThe Muppet Show x Sandro Kermit sweater The Muppet Show x Sandro Kermit sweater The Muppet Show x Sandro Kermit sweater The Muppet Show x Sandro Kermit sweater The Muppet Show x Sandro Kermit sweater The Muppet Show x Sandro Kermit sweater

The Muppet Show x Sandro sweater // DVF skirt // Dorateymur boots

I love a good designer collaboration.  When Sandro announced a limited edition run of The Muppet Show merchandise for women and kids, I about died.  As a kid, I lived for the Muppets.  Who am I kidding?  I still live for the Muppets.  If you read my About Page you know that if I were a Muppet, I’d be Gonzo.  I’ve always loved his kooky, outgoing spirit.

This sweater has been in my closet since early October but I didn’t get a chance to shoot it for the blog until now (#momlife).  While it’s been worn with my favorite skinny jeans and loafers, I LOVE it punched up with this leopard print skirt (which comes in 2 colors and is 60% off btw!).

Today’s look is a great example of how my NYFW outfits transcend into reality.  I’m often asked if what I wear during fashion week is what I actually wear in real life, and the answer is Yes and No.  During NYFW I definitely punch up the wow factor, but each piece I showcase does get worn year round.  I simply take it down a notch.  Statement coats get paired with jeans and tees, dressy pieces get worn with a more practical shoe and not as many accessories.

Speaking of NYFW and statement pieces, this is the time of year when I buy 80% of my clothes.  Sale season is in full swing.  If you follow my Instagram Stories you know I talked about how this year the sales are some of the best yet.  Unlike last year when Black Friday started the Monday before Thanksgiving and never went to better deals, this year the discounts are getting steeper and steeper.

If you’ve had your eye on a designer piece or any splurge item, now is definitely the time to buy.  In a few weeks, all of the retailers will reduce prices even more, but merchandise will be final sale.  Unless you know the exact fit and colorway, this is a risky endeavor.

Pro tip: snag those wish list items NOW while you still have the ability to return for a full refund.
Check out my Top 5 Shopping Hacks for Sale Season for more expert advice!

If you’re curious what I’ve scored in the end of season sales, follow along on Instagram.  I’m anxiously awaiting a deeper discount for these beauties – they literally had me at hello.

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Taking Care of Business

Lafayette 148 Emerging Wool Slade JacketLafayette 148 Emerging Wool Slade JacketLafayette 148 Emerging Wool Slade JacketLafayette 148 Emerging Wool Slade Jacket Lafayette 148 Emerging Wool Slade JacketLafayette 148 Emerging Wool Slade Jacket Lafayette 148 Emerging Wool Slade Jacket Lafayette 148 Emerging Wool Slade Jacket Lafayette 148 jacket, pants & mules (c/o) // Banana Republic earrings (similar here)
Marrow Fine necklace // Prada handbag

2019 will mark my sixth year of blogging.  Six years, you guys!  So much has changed since I started to share my own little slice of fashion inspiration on the internet.

When I first started In Spades, my goal was to be rather elusive.  I’ve never really been comfortable sharing my life on the internet (the only reason I signed up for Facebook is because of my blog).  If you look back at some of my first posts, the writing is minimal – it was really only about the photos.

But as I learned and grew, I realized that sharing a part of myself with all of you was important.  People wanted the personality behind the clothes and I get it!  Inspiring people with cool photos is great (and my goal is to continue to do so), but adding value about personal style is what’s truly important.

As I move in 2019, my goal is to share more of these value-added tidbits with you – how to style things, what’s the best bang for your buck, where to find unique pieces.  To start, two of my favorite retailers are having HUGE sales right now.  Check out my go-to for tried and true brands, and my secret for finding emerging designers for big savings.

Insider Tip: Buy now – the big sales are still offering full refunds.  Better to snag something now with the ability to return, than risk it selling out – because it will!

We only have 6 weeks left in 2018 folks!  It’s time to continue reflecting and set our sights high for 2019.  I have a feeling it’s going to be the best year yet.

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Photos by White Tee Black Dress

Classic Meets Edgy

Baukjen Cecile dressBaukjen Cecile dress Baukjen Cecile dress Baukjen Cecile dress Baukjen Cecile dressBaukjen Cecile dressBaukjen Cecile dress  Baukjen dress (c/o) // Vasic New York handbag (c/o) // Marco de Vincenzo boots (similar here)

SoCal weather has been unseasonably warm.  (I know, you’re sick of hearing that).  Over the weekend I tried to break out my sweaters and jackets and every time I ended up sweating through my wool (or leather) and regretting the decision.  So as much as I want to show you my best cold weather get-ups, it’s just too darn hot!

Thankfully I have a collection of transitional dresses to get me through these weird temps.  This polka dot shirt dress couldn’t be any more classic, or flattering.  It reminds me of something Audrey Hepburn would wear.  The a-line silhouette and built-in belt make it the perfect choice for any body type – athletic, curvy, petite.

You may remember these metallic silver booties from last season.  Remarkably they are still available and on sale!  They also come in gold and pink (I may just have to snag another pair).  I’ve also linked some similar options below under $100.

As we get further into winter – and closer to the holidays, yay! – I’d love to hear what kind of content you’d like to see from me.  Each year I share Holiday Gift Guides and outfit inspiration for what to wear to holiday parties, but I’d love to hear who you’re shopping for and what events you’re attending so I can help make your holidays a breeze.

Let me know in the comments what kind of holiday content you’d like to see!  And as always, if you ever have any styling questions, you know how to find me (wink).

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Photos by White Tee Black Dress