In Spades

Style... in abundance

Fair Isle Cardigan

Fair Isle Cardigan Fair Isle Cardigan Fair Isle Cardigan Fair Isle Cardigan Fair Isle Cardigan Fair Isle Cardigan

Fair Isle cardigan // Mamacita au Naturale // High waisted jeans all via Vocabulary Boutique // Zara boots

If you’ve been reading In Spades for a while, you know one of my favorite places to shop in San Diego is Vocabulary boutique.  Owned by my dear friend Cecelia, it’s expertly curated and offers clothing, accessories and home decor at super reasonable price points.  Plus, it’s just about the cutest boutique you ever did see, located in the heart of Little Italy.

Fall is all about layering, and I was feeling extra nostalgic for a crackling fireplace and a cup of hot cocoa – a regular fall ritual in my Midwestern hometown.  So this fair isle cardigan was the perfect cozy choice.  I’ve seen so many fabulous iterations on this print, and will definitely be adding more to my closet.

In addition to fireplaces and hot cocoa, I’m so excited to experience all the quintessential fall outings like pumpkin patches and apple picking now that I’m a mother.  This cute Mamacita au Naturale t-shirt made me grin with its sassy expression.

High waisted jeans aren’t going anywhere and are super flattering.  I opted for a medium wash pair with lace-up pointed toe boots to elevate the look just slightly.  Vocabulary has some great charcoal wash pairs of the blue ones I’m wearing above.  A great choice if you’re looking for something a little edgier.

My boots are old, but if you’re looking for an updated pair that happens to be an exact dupe of the popular Chloe style, check these out.  They’re less than $40!

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Emerald Green Leopard Print

Whistles London emerald green leopard print dress Whistles London emerald green leopard print dress Whistles London emerald green leopard print dress Whistles London emerald green leopard print dress Whistles London emerald green leopard print dress Whistles London emerald green leopard print dress Whistles London emerald green leopard print dress

Whistles London dress via Bloomingdale’s (c/o) (top and skirt) // YSL handbag
Calvin Klein boots (similar here and here) // Quay sunglasses // Zara earrings (similar here)

If you follow me on Instagram, you know my shopping mecca, Fashion Valley, recently hosted a Fall Fashion Show.  More than a dozen stores participated to bring the latest trends to the runway in an evening of fashion, food and entertainment.

After witnessing the spring 2019 collections in New York, it was fun to return to fall styles.  Bring on sweater weather!

I had the opportunity to work with Bloomingdale’s on my look for the night, and boy did I have a hard time narrowing it down.  Leopard print is everywhere, and this emerald green leopard print dress had me at hello.  In a super flattering midi length with pleated skirt, it’s equally elegant and edgy.  I paired it with another huge fall trend, cowboy boots, to keep it versatile for day or night.

The dress is by Whistles London, which is a new addition to the Bloomingdale’s brand line-up.  If you haven’t heard of them before, take note.  Their pieces are on trend while still remaining classic, and have a great accessible price point.  This leopard print jumpsuit will likely be making its way into my closet, especially since Bloomingdale’s is currently running their Buy More, Save More event.

Use code SAVEMORE for 20-30% off your purchase

What fall trends would you like to see more of?  Let me know in the comments what style advice you’re seeking!

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Life Lately: Fall 2018

Leopard print pajama top Leopard print pajama top Leopard print pajama topLeopard print pajama topLeopard print pajama top Leopard print pajama top Club Monaco top (similar here) // Ann Taylor pants // Prada bag (similar here)
Celine mules (similar here and here) and sunglasses

It feels like in the blink of an eye, the year has come and gone.  I swear it will be Christmas tomorrow.  As I reflect back on the past month, I thought I’d share an update of what life has been like lately for team In Spades.

Fashion Month

First, I can’t go another paragraph without talking about the end of Fashion Month.  I stayed glued to my computer screen watching the last of the runway shows walk in Paris.  One of my all time favorites, Celine, shocked me to the core.

I knew something was up when I visited their website about a week before the show and everything had been removed save for one abstract black and white video.  Huh.

To confirm my suspicion, the SS19 show that walked was a complete 180 from the brand I knew and loved.  Under the newly appointed direction of Hedi Slimane, the brand went from amazing minimal pieces that flatter every woman’s body to club-kid rocker chic that was anything but chic.  Not only did the pieces look like something I could find at H&M, but they were also an exact regurgitation of Saint Laurent Fall 2016 (the brand Hedi left to come to Celine).

In one fell swoop, the DNA of a brand that had been expertly cultivated for decades vanished.  All of that work to establish a culture, a message – gone.  It broke my heart.  There was no respect for tradition or identity; I saw only arrogance.

In honor of the old Celine I knew and loved, I’m rocking these witchy mules and flat top sunglasses.  Shop the post below for options at every price point.

San Diego Life

This past week I attended a few events to support my local fashion community.  First up was the Fashion Valley Fall Fashion show.  Twelve stores participated to showcase the best fall trends.  Leopard print, plaid, sequins for evening and Western influences were on full display.  I wore an amazing emerald green leopard print dress from Bloomingdale’s that I’ll be sharing on the blog soon.

I also got a chance to visit the Kopari office.  If you’re not familiar with the brand, they create organic beauty products with one common ingredient – 100% pure coconut oil.  Not only do their products smell amazing, but their non-toxic deodorant and coconut body scrub are among my green beauty favorites.  Their office is nothing short of amazing, and I’ll be sharing some pics from my visit this week.

Finally, my dear friend Conni from Art in the Find partnered with Clare V. for an amazing pop-up shop.  I pre-ordered a fabulous leopard print handbag (noticing a theme?) and picked up a fun short-sleeved sweatshirt that I can’t wait to share with you.

This time of year is only going to get busier so stayed tuned for tons of fresh content!  Let me know in the comments if there’s anything specific you’d like to see.

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Just Belt It

Bill Blass High Heeled Sandals Bill Blass High Heeled Sandals Bill Blass High Heeled Sandals Bill Blass High Heeled Sandals Bill Blass High Heeled Sandals Bill Blass High Heeled Sandals

Theory blazer (similar here) // J. Crew tee // Quay sunglasses // Vasic New York handbag
Madewell jeans // Leatherlock belt from Vocabulary boutique // Bill Blass sandals (c/o)

I’ve always been a jacket girl.  Between my plethora of leather jackets to my growing blazer collection, there is something equally edgy and sophisticated about a well-tailored jacket.

During NYFW, we saw a ton of belted blazers grace the spring 2019 runways.  This is a look I can 100% stand behind.  But why wait until spring?  I’m breaking out the trend now.

Since we’re experiencing overcast mornings that burn off into warm afternoons in SoCal, I kept my accessories transitional.  This white circle bag from indie favorite Vasic adds the perfect finish to a classic blazer.  My belt has an equestrian vibe which adds to the sophisticated aura of the look without going too preppy.

These Bill Blass sandals have a fun paisley print – again, sophisticated flair – and are super comfortable for walking around. I also have the flat version which carried me through summer.

Now that it’s October and fashion month is nearing an end, I’m wrapping up my NYFW reflections post and am really going to be digging into layered looks.  Stay tuned for all my thoughts and tips next week!

What fall fashion are you most excited about?

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Fall Fashion Shopping List

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The Arrivals leather jacket // Band tee // Quay sunglasses // Rebecca Minkoff booties (similar here) // Baukjen pants

Whoohoo fall is here!  I could not be more excited for cooler temps.  If you’re a long time reader of In Spades, you know this is my favorite season for fashion.  Leather jackets, cozy sweaters and statement boots are the name of the game.

When I was pregnant, I quickly learned that Isabella Oliver was the go-to brand for fashion-forward mamas-to-be.  What I didn’t know at the time was that they also have a non-maternity line called Baukjen.  Founded by a husband and wife team and based in London, think great basics with a contemporary vibe.

These windowpane print pants are great for work, but also look fabulous when edged up with a band tee and leather jacket.  Two points for versatility.

I’ve been loving graphic tees in general and picked up some fun ones from Nasa and Unfortunate Portrait that I’ll be sharing on the blog soon.

You’ve seen this leather jacket on the blog before.  The company who makes it is one of my fall time favorites and they just launched a teddy bear coat that I’m dying over.

Even though fall just started, my shopping wish list is growing by the day.  I’m planning on adding some jewel-toned pieces, amazing combat boots and my new favorite hat trend to my closet.

Stay tuned for more fall favorites!  What are you most looking forward to this fall?

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