In Spades

Style... in abundance

One-Mile Wear

Photos by Astray Photography

After coming off a week of major fashion moments, I was definitely ready for an easy, no-brainer OOTD.  I recently discovered the Japanese concept of one-mile wear (clothing you wear within a mile of your home) and completely embraced the idea.  The reality is that most people need chic, comfortable clothing to run errands, pick up kids and deal with life’s little moments, without any hassle.  Most of us don’t want to have to think too hard about an outfit that is going to be comfortable, functional and chic.

Madewell was the first to embrace this concept in the form of their own separate line, Mile(s) by Madewell.  When I saw their Cha Cha Cha sweatshirt in store I didn’t even try it on, it was an immediate purchase.  The cotton is oh-so-soft, and the non-hem waistline is super flattering with leggings or when tucked into jeans.  Not only is the line comfortable and chic, but it’s affordable.  95% of their pieces are under $100 and the quality will survive many washings and wear and tear.

Everlane is another brand that creates high-quality, affordable basics perfect for mixing and matching.  While they don’t specifically have a one-mile wear component, their pieces wholly embrace the concept with non-wrinkle, breathable fabrics that can withstand everyday running around.

I remember talking with a friend who moved abroad to Paris for a year.  Being in one of the biggest fashion capitals in the world, the bar was clearly set very high.  She remarked that Parisians couldn’t wrap their heads around how Americans dressed when making a quick visit to the market or to grab a morning coffee.  Or, think of the way people used to dress when traveling.  The idea of pajamas or flip flops aboard a flight was unheard of.  While I’m all for comfort, I do advocate for a more elevated way of casual dressing for everyday.

What do you think of the concept of one-mile wear?  How do you dress for a casual day of errands?

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Modern Suiting for Fall

Express blazer // Club Monaco scuba tank (similar here) // Citizens of Humanity jeans // Gucci loafers
Illesteva sunglasses // Love Tatum Kali Wrap, Chloe choker and Gold Ribbon Chain Wrap

One of the biggest trends for fall 2017 is modern suiting.  As a big fan of menswear as womenswear, I am completely onboard and can’t wait to start incorporating this trend into my wardrobe.  For today’s look I kept things super basic with something we all have in our closets: a black blazer.  What I love about this look is that it’s acceptable and chic for just about every occasion: running errands, drinks with friends, networking and meetings.  To give it a bit of an edge, I layered several gold chains as chokers and lariats.

I picked up this Love Tatum Chloe choker at the Hotel Del pop-up event last month.  Not long after, Tatum introduced a new wrap necklace named after yours truly!  I’m so flattered and of course had to immediately start sporting my namesake piece.  Head over to Love Tatum for more gold and sliver options as well as her signature gemstone pieces.

As you think about modern suiting for fall, go bold.  This is not the season or the trend to be bashful.  Think velvet, florals, brocade, even sequins.  I especially have my eye out for two-piece tweed and houndstooth numbers, strong shoulders and anything I can wrap a corset or wide belt around.  If you’re a fan of red, you’re in luck.  Every shade on the spectrum from oxblood to scarlet is setting the fashion world on fire.

A huge bonus to this trend is that it looks great on women of all shapes, sizes and ages.  There truly is no limit.  Plus, it’s a trend that will age well.  What woman can’t use a fabulous suit?

Shop the pieces below for some fall suiting inspiration.

 

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Killer Boots for Fall

C/MEO dress (similar here) // Berenik jacket (similar here)
 Quay sunglasses // Haider Ackermann boots (under $60 version here)

Lately we’ve been treated to some cooler evenings in Southern California, which has completely ramped up my excitement for fall.  In case you couldn’t already tell, I’m a fall/winter girl through and through.  Yes, I love my California sunshine, but when it comes to getting dressed I would 100% rather wear a jacket and boots than a sundress and sandals.

Thankfully fall merchandise is slowly trickling into stores and my favorite online shops.  The question now becomes, how do I make my outfits weather appropriate during this transitional time?  My answer: killer boots.  I have long loved pairing boots with more summer inspired looks (i.e. shorts and dresses) and love the way they complete this simple summer shirtdress.  Worn with a light jacket layered over the top, the outfit works for warmer days and cooler nights alike.

Since it will be warm in SoCal for at least another month, transitional dressing is key.  Add sock booties (they’ll be a huge fall trend) and light jackets to your list of wardrobe staples.  Sock booties look great with skirts and dresses because the ankle is narrow and fits like a sock, thus no gaping like in a traditional ankle boot.  My Haider Ackermann boots are sold out, but a no heeled version is still available as well as some great affordable alternatives here, here and here.

For jackets look for light suede and leather – you can tell the difference between a spring jacket vs. a fall jacket in the lining (bonus points because they’ll all be on sale!) – trench coats, military jackets and denim as your go-tos.  Check out this versatile fleet jacket, this oversized denim number and this classic trench for great affordable options.

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Photos by Henry Young

NYDJ National Fit Tour

NYDJ Ami Skinny Jeans (c/o) // NYDJ shirt (c/o) // Boyy handbang // Christian Louboutin heels
Thatch earrings & choker // Love Tatum Kali Wrap necklace & Initial chain // Mejuri rings

Earlier this spring I had the opportunity to take part in the NYDJ National Fit Tour.  Their team of experts and stylists set-up pop-up shops in three major cities where women could come in, get pampered and find their perfect fitting pair of jeans.  Since denim is probably the most difficult thing to shop for, the goal was to remove the stress and hassle of the question we’ve all asked ourselves – why is it so hard to find a good fitting pair of jeans?

On top of that, NYDJ was also casting for their National Fall Campaign to be featured in O, The Oprah Magazine!

My girls Tiffany and Kara also attended the event, and we had a blast going through each phase of the experience.  We started in hair and makeup to get camera ready and then each met with their master stylist to find a fit we loved.

Before this experience, I had never tried on a pair of NYDJ.  And I have to be honest – as a self-proclaimed denim snob, I was skeptical I’d like them.  Their main demographic seemed a bit older to me and I knew they were on the stretchy side, which I didn’t think would go with the structured fit I normally gravitate towards.

Then I tried them on.

I can honestly say they are the most comfortable jeans I have ever worn.  Period.  You could seriously climb a mountain, do yoga or go running in them they are so comfy.  But here’s the most important part – they actually feel like (and are!) real denim.  None of this legging jean mumbo jumbo that looks like they’ve been painted on or are so thin you could see through them.  This is substantial quality denim.  Denim with sturdy pockets, buttons and grommets that doesn’t leave creases on your stomach or legs when you take them off.  The type of denim I gravitate towards and actually feels like what Levi Strauss set out to create when he revolutionized how we wear denim over a century ago.

Plus, I looked around at the women who were working and attending the event.  Their team of experts were mostly from New York and super stylish women of all ages and sizes.  I loved seeing how they each put their signature stamp on their NYDJ’s.  Some were wearing shorts, some had their jeans cuffed, others styled them with sneakers, heels or boots and did their own distressing to personalize them.  And the joy on the fellow attendees faces when they came out of the dressing room feeling fabulous and confident was priceless.

Once we had selected our looks, we met with the photographer for our photo shoot.  Tiffany, Kara and I all took turns individually posing and then did a series of group shots.  We had so much fun laughing and modeling together.

Here’s the best part…

Last month we all got notified we’d been cast in the NYDJ Fall Campaign!  Not only can we consider ourselves cover girls, but we’re in Oprah Magazine baby!  So head over to NYDJ’s website to watch the video of the casting process and then get to your local newsstand to pick up a copy of O’s August issue.

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French Girl in the City

Project Social T bodysuit // Rachel Comey jeans // Zara pumps (similar here)
Quay sunglasses /// 3.1 Phillip Lim x Target scarf

It may have been the leftover energy from Comicon, but when I slipped on this striped bodysuit, I felt it needed a little something extra.  My Phillip Lim x Target superhero scarf did just the trick.  I had originally planned on wearing it as a belt, but it looked so much more chic when draped effortlessly through a belt loop.  These little surprises are one of the things I love most about getting dressed.  It’s fun to open a drawer and find something you don’t get to wear very often; bonus points if it comes with a great origin story (superhero pun intended). On top of that, surprising yourself with new ways to style older pieces always breathes fresh life into our sartorial choices, and our confidence to try it again.

As I think about new ways to get dressed or what pieces in my closet deserve to rotate to the front, I’m reminded that today marks T-minus one month until NYFW begins.  Actually, let me be real.  You never need to remind me about NYFW.  It’s always top of mind.  For those of you who’ve been following me for a while, you know that the planning and packing of NYFW outfits begins, well, today.  For the next 30 days our guest bedroom will turn into a makeshift personal styling studio with rolling racks, shoeboxes, accessories trays and some seriously nerdy Excel analysis.  I hate packing.  Yet for this specific occasion, I live for it.  I guess, when it all boils down to brass tax, what I get to decide is who I want to be every day of this crazy, chaotic and creative week. And that is F-U-N.

So, what will the second week of September hold for me?  A French woman strolling through the city?  A cross between Sir Elton John and the purple Prince?  Stay tuned to find out.

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