In Spades

Style... in abundance

Wrapped Up

Project Social T wrapped crop top // Zara pants (similar here) // Thatch and Parpala Jewelry necklaces
Katharine Page sandals

I can’t believe we’re in the home stretch of summer.  The past few weeks have been full of events and connecting with blogger friends.  When I’m not styling a look for a party or outing, I’m reaching for comfortable basics that still make me look and feel chic.

Last week I talked about a t-shirt and loungewear line I discovered out of LA.  Their pieces are designed and cut in a way that elevates their basic function making them appropriate to wear at both casual and more formal affairs.  This cropped wrap top is so off duty ballerina (love) and comfortable enough to sleep in let alone wear all day in the summer heat.  For a more elevated look I’m going to style it with high waisted skirts or skinny denim, killer shoes and a blazer.

I picked up these pants for a great price at Zara last month.  The detachable belt is great for versatility and the cropped length is just about all I’m wearing anymore.  Gotta show off those shoes!

What are your summer go-to’s?

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Summer Basics

Project Social T sweatshirt // AMO jeans // Vans slip-ons // Forever 21 sunglasses (similar here)
Love Tatum earrings // Mansur Gavriel bag ($55 version here)

For the past few weeks I’ve featured ruffled, satin and sequins skirts.  While I love these elevated OOTD’s, I wanted to switch gears and talk about basics.  During summer it’s especially important to have a few easy pieces you can grab that are comfortable but still chic.  Whether it’s a soft tee to pair with denim cutoffs, a cozy sweatshirt to wear during your morning coffee run or a bodysuit that’s comfortable enough to wear all day, knowing where to find these staples is key.

Last summer I did a post about my go-to classics, so I thought it would be a good idea to freshen up the list for 2017.  I recently discovered the LA label Project Social T and instantly feel in love with their knit basics.  One of the toughest things about finding good tees is getting an affordable, quality cotton that won’t fall apart after a dozen washes.  Straight out of the gate this pink lace-up sweatshirt felt perfectly broken in, like I had been wearing it for years.  I’ve washed it numerous times since, and it continues to hold up and get better with each wear – kind of like a great pair of Levi’s.  I’ve also got my eye on this oversized tee to pair with skinny jeans and cutoffs and I’m loving this bodysuit for a transitional piece I can wear with high waisted pants and blazers come fall.

No casual, chic look would be complete without a great pair of tennis shoes.  Vans and Converse are my definite go-to’s when I want to be comfortable but don’t want to go full on athletic gear.  The metallic foil finish of these classic slip-on’s give just enough of a chic edge to be appropriate day or night.  They also come in rose gold, and when worn with twist hem jeans and my trusty bucket bag, the overall effect is cozy yet put together.

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Sultry Ruffles

Solace London ruffled skirt // Equipment button-down (similar here) // BCBG shoes (similar here) Pianegonda and Pandora rings

A couple of years ago I discovered a British line via Moda Operandi that immediately caught my attention.  Solace London was founded in 2013 and features expertly cut pieces in bold silhouettes.  Think high waisted pants, bell sleeved tops and figure flattering sheath dresses all with a sophisticated air.  Their manifesto focuses on “blurring the lines of statement making and wearability”.  In other words, exactly my cup of tea.

I saw this ruffled skirt in their SS17 campaign and promptly fell in love with it’s unapologetic moxie.  Wearable for day or night, the wrap effect is super flattering on my curvier lower half and really comfortable thanks to the stretch denim material.  When it went on sale, I scooped it up without hesitation.  If you’re in the market for this look, but want to stick to something even more affordable check out this option under $100 (more alternatives linked below).  And if you want to drool, check out Solace London’s lineup of sale items all at 60% off!

Whenever I get dressed, looking “sexy” is the last thing on my mind.  But with this skirt, I wanted to add an unexpected pop.  By leaving my menswear button-down open and adding a pair of Marilyn Monroe inspired heels the look took on a powerful yet sultry effect.  When I’m not channeling a modern day Marilyn, I’ll add a ribbed cotton tank (think old school Hanes), block heeled mules and a basket bag.

What do you think of this look?  Next week I’m going to transition from featuring summer skirts to the knitwear basics that I wear just about everyday.  Let me know in the comments what other OOTD posts you’d like to see!

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The Power of Juxtaposition

Vince skirt // Ellery top // Mansur Gavriel bucket bag
Pianegonda earrings (similar here) // Givenchy loafers

My love affair with skirts continues.  In the past couple of weeks I’ve shared an ultra flattering style you can wear at the office, and how to infuse edginess into your standard party skirt.  Today’s look is my favorite of the three simply because it taps into my strongest sartorial preferences.  Part Olsen twins, part nod to the boys, I re-purposed this dreamy blush skirt for summer.

Juxtaposition is perhaps my biggest styling secret.  When putting together an outfit, think of what seems like the most natural fit and then do the opposite.  Take this skirt, for example.  It’s romantic vibe would lead most to believe a stiletto sandal and sexy camisole would be the best pairing.  Instead, the more interesting option (I think) is to cover my top half with as much draped fabric as possible and throw on a pair of menswear inspired shoes.  Not only does it still feel cohesive, but it allows the individual elements to shine.  The best of both worlds.

One of the greatest masters of juxtaposition was Yves Saint Laurent.  When he debuted Le Smoking in 1966 it hit the world by storm.  Initially received with a flurry of negativity, the ‘women’s tuxedo’ went on to become one of the most iconic silhouettes of fashion history.  It was his ability to play with ideas that most couldn’t even fathom at the time that turned “how dare he?!” into “true genius”.

As you look into your closet each morning, I encourage you: try something different.  I bet you’ll surprise yourself.

If you’d like to recreate my look, I’ve linked everything below including some more affordable alternatives.  Check out this bucket bag for under $55, this bell sleeved top and these pink oxfords for some amazing deals.

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Ultra Flattering Ruffled Skirt

Veronica Beard skirt // COS shirt (similar here) // Valentino heels // Pandora ring // Nu Evolution lip gloss

My summer uniform normally involves several pairs of cutoff Levi’s, but this year I’m really into skirts.  They’ve added a bit more pop to my everyday look and I’ve been doing a lot of experimenting with dressing them up or down.  This striped, ruffled number can go super feminine, but I wanted to pull in some masculine vibes with a banker blue button-down and power heels.  Think of it as your modern day version of Melanie Griffith’s Working Girl.

To make the skirt more casual, I’d throw on a simple cotton tank top and flat slides in a pop color.  It’d be the perfect look for a 4th of July BBQ or lunch al fresco.

The gathered ruffles flatter curvy and athletic girls alike, so I’ve linked some other options below.

Have a great 4th of July!

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