In Spades

Style... in abundance

Spring Fashion Finds: How to Score Great Deals

Topshop dressTopshop dressTopshop dress Topshop dress Topshop dress Topshop dress Topshop dress Topshop dress Topshop dressTopshop dress (sold out, similar here) // 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target sunglasses (old, similar here)
NYX Cosmetics lip gloss // Prada mules (similar here)

You know when you take a shot on an online purchase and end up hitting it out of the park?  Thus is the case with this dress.

In my quest for comfy non-maternity, maternity fashion, I came across this Topshop dress via Nordstrom.  It’s 100% cotton, the perfect length and has fun details that set it apart from a simple turtleneck dress.  How fun are the scalloped lettuce trim sleeves?  I immediately added it to cart (it was a mere $24.99!) not thinking it would be anything I’d wear past week 40.

As soon as I tried it on at home, I knew it would be sticking with me through spring and summer.  Worn with block heeled mules here, it’s perfect for outings with friends.  Paired with sneakers, it’s my go-to look for running errands.

Sometimes my best purchases are totally serendipitous.  I encourage you to take a look at your favorite retailers’ websites for their shortlisted items.  I love perusing the Editor’s Picks here, and the 100% Exclusives here.

Sort by price from lowest to highest and see what you come up with.  I guarantee there’ll be a diamond in the rough waiting for you.

Shop the post below for alternate picks on my OOTD at all price points.

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Why You Need a Utility Jacket for Spring

Utility Jacket Utility JacketUtility JacketUtility JacketUtility JacketUtility Jacket Utility JacketUtility Jacket Zara utility jacket (similar here and here) // Vintage tee
Mother denim (non-maternity version here and here)
Zara boots (similar here and here) // Le Specs sunglasses 

With half the country covered in snow, I thought I’d change up my spring dress routine and feature a more transitional OOTD.  Most spring days start off cool, warm up and then cool down again at night.  Chic layers and jackets are essential, and one of my favorite spring go-to’s is the utility jacket.

In between a denim jacket and a trench coat, the utility jacket is edgy and functional.  They lean more masculine, which allows for some amazing styling options.  Pair them with jeans and boots as I’ve done here for a casual, cool look or jump to the other end of the spectrum and pair them with super feminine dresses for amazing juxtaposition.

Two features I love about utility jackets that set them apart from trench coats or denim jackets is that most come with a hood and feature a double closure (i.e. buttons/snaps and a zipper).  This functionality allows for the best layering, changing weather conditions and styling options.

Festival bound?  Definitely invest in a utility jacket.  They look amazing with denim shorts, have tons of pockets to keep you hands-free and will be your savior when it cools down at night.

Live somewhere with seasons?  Keep a utility jacket in your car so you always have a stylish, functional option on hand.

Shop my top utility jacket picks below

As I near the end of my pregnancy, I’m thinking a lot about legacy.  What are the lessons, traditions and memories my parents bestowed upon me?  What can I draw from those experiences to pass on to Baby P?

When my sister came out for my baby shower, she brought a t-shirt my Dad always used to wear.  It features a picture of my first dog, Zachariah, on the back.  A brindle Great Dane, he looked like a tiger.  I used to ride him.  My parents would put me on a blanket in our front yard while they worked in the garden.  Every time someone walked by our lot, Zack used to stand up in front of me until they passed.

He was a great dog.  One in a million.

Lola, our Chocolate Lab, will be that dog for Baby P.  I think I better get a t-shirt made.  What do you think?

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What to Buy in the Bloomingdale’s Friends & Family Sale

The Bloomingdale’s Friends & Family sale starts tomorrow and there are tons of great deals to be had!  Enjoy free shipping and up to 25% off your purchase from April 6 – 15.  Bloomingdale’s Loyalists can also get a $25 gift card for every $100 they spend.

I’ve linked my top sale picks above (simply click on the image in the collage) or click the linked text below.  You can also visit my Shop tab for more amazing sale finds.

Happy shopping!

Criss-cross back maxi dress
Straw circle bag
Striped open-back dress
Red slip dress
Nintendo heart sneakers
Blonde suede moto jacket
Raffia bathing suit
Track pants
Red handbag
Side-striped jeans
Safety pin slingbacks
Studded mules
Lace dress
Pearl embellished denim jacket

Photos via Bloomingdale’s and Faithfull the Brand

Edgy Florals for Spring

Alice & Olivia Floral Print DressAlice & Olivia Floral Print DressAlice & Olivia Floral Print Dress Alice & Olivia Floral Print Dress Alice & Olivia Floral Print DressAlice & Olivia Floral Print Dress Alice & Olivia Floral Print DressAlice & Olivia dress (similar here and here) // Nordstrom sunglasses
Elizabeth Cole x Banana Republic earrings (similar here)
Banana Republic heels (similar here and here)

If you’ve been reading In Spades for a while, you know I’m not much of a dress girl.  I prefer good denim, killer shoes and a statement jacket.  Anything that toes the line of masculinity, excessive volume and structure is number one in my style book.  But as my due date draws nearer and nearer, pants (denim especially) don’t work.

Thus, I’ve become a dress girl.

When I saw this Alice & Olivia dress I immediately fell in love with the print.  The exotic birds and florals set against a black backdrop is the perfect spring touch without being too girlie.  It’s not normally a silhouette I would wear (when have you seen me in bodycon?) but at this stage in my life, it’s so flattering and comfortable.  Major score.

For spring I’ve been all about white accessories, and these $14 sunglasses are a steal.  Can’t you just picture them poolside in Palm Springs?  Definitely adding that excursion to my summer bucket list!

If you’re looking for great quality jewelry at an affordable price, I highly recommend Banana Republic.  They do amazing collaborations with higher end designers like Elizabeth Cole (pictured here) and Giles & Brother, and always have a sale going.  Their collection is extensive so you don’t have to worry about sporting the exact same earrings as 10 other girls when attending an event.

My earrings are just about sold out, but the matching necklace is still available and would look amazing with a simple white tee and jeans.  Currently an investment piece, hold out for a sale – I guarantee Banana will have one soon!

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The Ultimate 3-in-1 Belt Bag for Spring

Missoni dress & Prada handbagMissoni dress & Prada handbag Missoni dress & Prada handbagMissoni dress & Prada handbag Missoni dress & Prada handbag Missoni dress & Prada handbagMissoni dress & Prada handbag Missoni dress & Prada handbag Missoni dress & Prada handbagMissoni dress ($56 version here) // Stuart Weitzman sandals ($80 version here)
Prada bag ($25 version here) // Le Specs sunglasses

Last week I talked about circle bags and this week I’m all about the belt bag.

With spring in full bloom and my due date three weeks away, my wardrobe has transitioned to be exclusively about dresses.  Although I have a couple pairs of maternity jeans, pants are just not something I’m interested in tackling right now – hah!  Thankfully, this is California and it’s not the dead of winter.

I picked up this dress prior to our Miami trip and have worn it several times since.  Shocking I know, as its metallic knit leans a tad dressy, but trust me when I say it’s perfect for daytime outings too.  I’ve styled it with a low, block heeled sandal for weekend brunch (it’d also be great for Easter) and with a stiletto for evenings out to dinner.

The accessory it’s constantly paired with is this amazing crossbody bag.  A “3-in-1”, the gold chain is removable and the bag can be carried as a clutch.  It also comes with a belt attachment to be worn as the most stylish fanny pack ever.  Stay tuned for what this beauty looks like as a belt bag.  Even with a pregnant belly, it works!

I’ve been eyeing a belt bag for quite some time and finding out I was pregnant was actually the perfect excuse (blame it on the baby, hah!) to pull the trigger.  I know after Baby P arrives being handsfree will be key.  Belt bags are the perfect alternative for moms on the go who just need their essentials, while the baby’s gear can go into a diaper bag.

If you follow me on Instagram you know I teased my search for a non-conventional diaper bag.  Stay tuned next week for the reveal – trust me, it’s a good one!

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