In Spades

Style... in abundance

Rise and Shine

Fur2 Fur1 Fur4 Fur5 Fur10 Fur8 Fur3 Fur6 Fur9 There’s something very communal about a morning coffee run.  This neighborhood beach spot attracts cyclists, little kid surfers with their surfer moms and dads, musicians, dogs and even horse people that show up in spurs.  I love that it brings people from seemingly different walks of life all together to bond over that morning kick.

This jacket is perfect for staying warm and toasty on crisp mornings and despite my aversion to wedges, these boots ignited an accidental love affair that I’ll never tire of.  Comfy and classic in the same vein, they never disappoint by managing to go with just about everything.  Happy morning.

Zara jacket // Gap Body tank // Rag & Bone jeans // Alexander Wang boots // 
Banana Republic, Dogeared and Favor Jewelry rings

The Librarian

L1 L2 L3 L4 L5 There’s something equally comfy yet elegant about this look.  I normally wear this oversized librarian sweater (intentionally bought 3 sizes too big) buttoned, but wrapping it like a big fluffy robe and securing it haphazardly with a belt seems even more harmonious.  I’ve searched far and wide for a midi skirt that looks good on me and this pleated number will definitely be one of my fall staples – the eggplant leather is so sumptuous.  Now I just need a good book, a cozy fire and a hot toddy.

J. Crew sweater // Vintage belt // Zara skirt // Manolo Blahnik pumps

Warm + Fuzzy

P3 P7 P8 P5 P1 P6 P4 P9 P2Now that the sun is rising and setting earlier, I’m loving the cool, crisp air that comes along with it.  It’s so fun breaking out all of the warm and fuzzy things I rarely get to wear in California.  A long coat is definitely one of my fall essentials and this pop of pink is a nice twist on your everyday black or camel.  Paired with silk pajama bottoms, this look can’t get more cozy.  Well, except for the heels I guess. 🙂


Banana Republic wool coat // Barneys silk bottoms // Enzo Angiolini heels // 
Banana Republic cowl neck sweater // Pianegonda and BR stacked rings

Fall Essentials

Next week is already November, and while the west coast has still been quite warm, it’s definitely time to think about wardrobe essentials for fall.  Descriptions of my top picks below!  FallEssentialsCoats and Jackets
In the spring and summer dresses are my go-to pieces, but in the fall all you really need to pull a look together is a great jacket.  I love this long, robe coat for chilly days.  It reminds me of what my mom used to wear in the 80’s!  Shearling is also a gorgeous yet functional choice and will hold up for years to come.  Leather jackets are a must in my book and I love the blushy, camel color of the one above. Finally, anything that is literally warm and fuzzy gives me the warm fuzzies.

Dark, Distressed Denim
Distressed denim is one of the main trends for fall and I love how it looks in dark, smoky shades.  A wash with heavy whisking also makes for a great worn-in look.

Booties and Bluchers
How great are these brown Cole Haan booties?  The best part?  They’re real leather and waterproof! The fringed bluchers are a great combo of masculine and feminine and will look just as great at the office as they will with some boyfriend jeans and a chunky sweater on the weekend.

Accessories
Calf hair:  I’m vowing to get my hands on something calf hair this fall and this crossbody is the perfect choice.
Industrial inspired jewelry: I’m partial to industrial baubles because they’re edgy, but these beauties still manage to look elegant too.
Hats: Fedoras, bowlers, beanies, a great hat keeps you warm and stylish.

Sweaters
The more blanket-like the better.  I especially love ponchos and capes, but anything with a chunky knit or big turtleneck will do.

First row:  Robe coat // White t-shirt // Leather top // Shearling jacket, cheaper version here
Second row:  Bolted ring // Starburst necklace // Leather cuff
Third row:  Calf hair crossbody // Distressed jeans // Waterproof booties // Paint splashed jeans
Fourth row:  Fuzzy coat // Fedora // Arrow bobby pins // Leather jacket // Turtleneck
Fifth row:  Poncho // Choker // Blucher shoes // Faded jeans // Lace top // Black booties

All Hallow’s Eve

H1 H4 H7 H2 H6 H8 H5 I hate being scared. But I love looking creepy and scary. Someday I’m going to find a special effects makeup artist to turn me into Edward Scissorhands or a deranged Selena Kyle, but in the meantime, if you’re still looking for Halloween costume ideas, this one is surprisingly easy to do.

You’ll need white grease makeup, Revlon Photoready Translucent Finisher and Maybelline EyeStudio Gel Eyeliner in Blackest Black.

Apart from the white grease makeup, I recommend steering clear of the makeup sold in Halloween stores because it will crack and flake off, making for a very uncomfortable evening.

Step 1
Start with a clean, dry face.  Exfoliate your lips by scrubbing them with a wet toothbrush.

Step 2
Using a makeup sponge, apply the white grease makeup to sections of your face in downward strokes.  Start with the t-zone, and then move on to your cheeks.  Be sure to only use a downward motion otherwise you’ll end up with streaks that are difficult to buff out.  Don’t worry about applying a super thick coat, or if some sections are more opaque than others (the Finishing Powder will take care of that).

Step 3
Put a generous amount of the Translucent Finishing Powder on a fresh makeup sponge.  Using a blotting motion, press the product on top of the white grease makeup.  This will set the base coat and even out any areas of differentiating color.

Step 4
Eyes: Using the gel eyeliner and brush, draw a circle around your eyes that covers the top of your eyebrows.  Fill in.
Nose: Draw an upside down spade by tracing the shape of your nose.  Leave a u-shaped space at the top (the stem of the spade).
Lips: Draw a horizontal line straight through your mouth that curves up at the ends towards your cheek bones.  Draw a vertical line down the center of your cupid’s bow and then fill in shorter vertical lines spaced evenly from your starting point.
Embellish accordingly, paying special attention to your chin, eyebrows and cheekbones.

I love this look because it can be done quickly (took me about 25min) and you can add as much or as little as you want to it.  I prefer the Mistress of Darkness look above, but for a more traditional Day of the Dead vibe, incorporate colored eye liner and pair with a long skirt, ruffled shirt, corset and a flower crown.

Happy haunting!