In Spades

Style... in abundance

NYFW SS19 Day 3

NYFW SS19 OOTD 3NYFW SS19 OOTD 3NYFW SS19 OOTD 3 Alexander McQueen leather jacket (similar here) // Rag & bone jeans
Calvin Klein 205w39NYC boots (similar here) // Pianegonda earrings and ring
Quay sunglasses // YSL handbag (similar here)

On baby: Jean jacket (custom patch 1,  2, 3) // T-shirt // Pants

I love when my readers can help me decide on outfits.  That was the case for my NYFW SS19 Day 3 look.

I found this insane Alexander McQueen jacket at an amazing discount thanks to my friends at Nordstrom.  Word to the wise; always develop relationships with your favorite store associates.  You all voted that I should go for it, and thus it ended up in my closet.

The jacket is signature McQueen – edgy leather, strong shoulders and that famous brand peplum.  Someday my little baby will inherit it.  I hope she loves it as much as I do.

To mimic my edgier vibe for Day 3, I wanted to create a fun jacket for her too.  I found these fun Stranger Things and Comme des Garcons patches on Amazon and a mini varsity jacket was born.

I tend to wear all black a lot in my everyday life, so this look really represents what I wear on a daily basis.  My NYFW looks clearly pull out all the stops, but this look is a great example of something that is equal parts special and everyday.

Taoray Wang

Taoray Wang SS19Taoray Wang SS19Taoray Wang SS19

While I really dislike the question “what’s your style”, Taoray Wang is a brand that could come exceptionally close to manifesting my aesthetic.  East meets west, feminine and masculine, structured yet flowing.  Juxtaposition is the name of her game.

For spring 2019, designer Wang Tao created a beautiful version of the power suit.  In soft pinks and yellows, plus pristine plaid, her separates were powerful yet delicate.  Styled with elongated belts, nipped waistlines and voluminous shoulders, the Taoray woman is fierce.

Spring is a season where you see tons of dresses (rightly so) but what I love about Taoray is that her lineup is heavy on separates.  From jumpsuits to blazers to mixed media skirts, her pieces are perfect for layering to create your own aesthetic.

Son Jung Wan
Son Jung Wan SS19Son Jung Wan SS19Son Jung Wan SS19

Son Jung Wan is a designer we’ve had the pleasure of covering many times before.  Her spring ’19 collection was a special one for me because I got to experience it through my mom’s eyes.  Since this was our first time bringing our daughter with us to fashion week, we of course needed an extra set of hands to look after her while we worked.  Mom to the rescue!  Thankfully she got to take in a show with us too.

Son Jung Wan’s show presented three distinct themes.  She opened with a set of floral silk pieces, transitioned to soft, textured silhouettes with lots of volume, and finished with bold black and white stripes.  I loved how the journey started airy and light and closed with bold and daring.

My mom remarked at how beautiful her gowns were.  One of them even reminded us of my wedding dress!  She also loved the people watching.  As I mentioned earlier this week, I’m working on a post about my NYFW reflections and will definitely be including more of these first-time insights.

Jonathan SimkhaiJonathan Simkhai SS19Jonathan Simkhai SS19Jonathan Simkhai SS19 Jonathan Simkhai SS19

Each season there is always one show I look forward to the most.  For SS19, it was Jonathan Simkhai.

A light rain descended upon the city as we were making our way to his presentation.  As if I wasn’t eager enough to get inside, you can only imagine how this accelerated things!  Leather and rain don’t mix.

Simkhai transformed the show space into a beautiful spring garden.  Foliage was everywhere creating a labyrinth of stunning looks.  Behind every hedge was a model adorned in soft pastels and textures.  Tiers of sheer lace, eyelet hemlines and gingham were the main themes.

Models looked equally sexy and cool.  His wide-leg pants paired with long blazers and knotted belts gave us a look to aspire to for day, while his off-the-shoulder and cutout gowns inspired the look for night.

The crowd was a who’s who of the fashion world, and based on the collective reaction, Simkhai hit it out of the park.  I left completely swooning and couldn’t shut up the entire Uber ride back to our hotel.  I would wear EVERY SINGLE PIECE in the collection.

Dying.

Did you see our Recap of NYFW SS19 Day 2?

Stay tuned tomorrow for my final installment of NYFW SS19!

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Taoray Wang photos by Matthew Passiglia

NYFW SS19 Day 2

NYFW SS19 OOTD 2 NYFW SS19 OOTD 2NYFW SS19 OOTD 2LTH JKT moto ($40 version here) // Prada top (sold out) // Diane Von Furstenberg skirt // Celine sunglasses
Haider Ackermann boots // Vasic New York handbag (use code VASICXKALI for 10% off) 

On baby: Banana Republic silk scarf (similar here) // Happy sweater (similar here)
Polka dot leggings (similar here) // Carebear leather booties (similar here) 

Normally the first two days of NYFW are the busiest.  But this season on Day 2, we only had one show to attend.  What’s a girl to do with all this extra time?!  Shoot mother/daugher OOTD photos, of course.

I’m not going to lie – getting photographed with my daughter was fun.  Her little Carebear booties and silk scarf tied bandana style were too cute for words.

I had been saving this gorgeous Prada Poster Girl top for almost a year.  To say I was bursting at the seams to photograph it was an understatement.  You may remember it from my Instagram Stories in the Prada Soho store last September.  While I wanted to pair it with the matching skirt, I instead opted for another huge fall trend: leopard print.  This bold DVF skirt comes in two colors and is super flattering.

Top flap handbags are also huge for fall, and when one of my fave indie brands contacted me about their new line-up I was smitten.  This Vasic New York City bag comes in three colors and has an adjustable shoulder strap so it can be carried as a crossbody, shoulder bag or a clutch.  I love a bag with versatility!

The line is now available in Bloomingdales and Vasic is offering 10% off your order on their website to my readers!

Use code VASICXKALI at checkout

Over the years we’ve developed NYFW traditions.  No surprise the majority of them involve food!  Rubirosa is one of our favorite restaurants in the city, and we met one of my dearest NY friends there for lunch.  Pizza, pasta and salad was consumed in abundance.  If you’re ever in the city, I highly recommend stopping by for a meal!

Bellies full, it was time to get to work.

Laurence & ChicoLaurence & Chico SS19 Laurence & Chico SS19Laurence & Chico SS19Photos by White Tee Black Dress

Laurence & Chico actually walked on Day 1 of NYFW, but with all of our double bookings, I’m including my recap in today’s diary.  Each season we see the infamous Miss Jay Alexander – who could forget this photo – and to our great surprise, he walked the Laurence & Chico show!

As a lifelong fan of America’s Next Top Model, I will never forget the epic runway lessons he would impart to the contestants.  That man can WERK a catwalk.  So of course he was nothing short of fabulous in a neon ballgown and blonde wig at Laurence & Chico.

Laurence & Chico is the brainchild of two Parsons graduates.  Vivid color, bold patterns and intricate handiwork are in the brand’s DNA.  These detail shots truly capture the countless hours that go into making each garment.

Their designs are over-the-top and perfect for editorial, but you’d be surprised at how wearable their accessories and RTW are, and how affordable.  You’d honestly think pieces like this would range in the thousands, but most of them are available between $200-$600.  It’s so fun for me as an observer to take in everything that’s going on in their pieces – talk about a party for your eyes!

Michael CostelloMichael Costello SS19Michael Costello SS19Michael Costello SS19Photos by Matthew Passiglia

Project Runway has contributed so much to the fashion world.  Each season one of my favorite aspects is seeing which alums present at NYFW.  In the past, we’ve seen numerous Leanne Marshall shows, and I’ve yet to cross Christian Siriano off my bucket list – but I’m confident I will!

Michael Costello is another alum we’ve had the pleasure of seeing before, and for SS19 he pumped up the volume.  Big time.

Paying homage to gypsy culture, he dubbed his spring 2019 collection Gitana.  The show opened with flowing, sexy gowns in vibrant prints and bohemian accessories.  The idea was to follow the journey of a woman forced into an arranged marriage and celebrate when she ultimately chooses rebellion over tradition.

One of the best parts of fashion week is attending shows that have huge fan followings.  Michael Costello brings the crowd.  Miss Jay Alexander made his second appearance of the week by sitting front row alongside the hilarious Tituss Burgess.  As male and female models – there was even a duo of very muscular twins –  descended the catwalk, the cheers and applause were infectious.  The crowd grew more and more excited with each look, and by the finale, it was a full-on party.

Fashion makes me want to cheer too.

Stay tuned tomorrow for my recap of NYFW Day 3!  Don’t forget to check out our epic first day of NYFW.

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NYFW SS19 Day 1

NYFW SS19 OOTD The Vampire's WifeNYFW SS19 OOTD The Vampire's WifeThe Vampire’s Wife dress // Calvin Klein 205w39NYC boots // Quay sunglasses // Thatch bracelet
Banana Republic earrings (similar here) // Boyy bag // Celine necklace

On Eleven: Floral dress (similar here and here) // Heart sunglasses

And just like that, another NYFW came and went.

I’m crafting a post about my NYFW reflections over the years (so much has changed since my first season!) but for now I want to share my SS19 experience, diary style.

September 2018 was a first for us in that we brought our daughter.  This definitely changed how we covered the shows.  For one, I really pared down our schedule and made a point not to attend any nighttime events.  NYFW is overwhelming enough, but adding a baby to the mix takes it to the next level!

Dark florals and Western influences are huge trends for fall.  For my first OOTD, I chose an edgy yet feminine dress by The Vampire’s Wife.  The bell sleeves, strong shoulders and precision cut made it look as though it was custom made for me.  You will likely see a lot more of this brand!  Paired with silver toe-capped cowboy boots I was the fashion week equivalent of Dolores from Westworld.

Alber Elbaz x LeSportsac

Alber Elbaz x LeSportsac Alber Elbaz x LeSportsac

The first day of NYFW is always the busiest and mine started with a major win.  After finishing our OOTD photos, I had 30min until our first show.  Alber Elbaz was doing a meet and greet at LeSportsac Soho to celebrate his collaboration with the brand.  Even though it was 95 degrees outside, I put my cowboy boots to the pavement and hurried toward Alber as fast as my legs would carry me.

To say Alber is one of the great designers of our time is an understatement.  When he began sketching me on one of his signature prints, I nearly fell over.  To watch his eyes go from me to the page, capturing every detail of my look down to how I styled my hair, was a fashion fairytale come true.  I will never forget it.

Collina StradaCollina Strada SS19 RunwayCollina Strada SS19 RunwayCollina Strada SS19 Runway

Riding high on fashion euphoria, I Ubered the 10 blocks to Collina Strada.  A few minutes after I arrived, the Blutstein twins (who walked Collina in February) arrived on the scene to a mob of streetstyle photographers.

I made friends with my linemates and entered the show space feeling (and looking) like a sweaty mess.  Lucky for me the show opened to an adorable group of kids leading us in a sound bath.  Talk about a great way to start fashion week and find my center.

The collection was inspired by the idea of returning to a clean slate.  Pink, purple and blue tie-dye accented a predominately white color palette.  Designer Hillary Taymour gave a nod to glamour with rhinestone fringe belts while staying true to her signature easy pieces by finishing each look with comfortable footwear.

You expect quirkiness at Collina, and the sunburned outlines of accessories on the models’ bodies gave us just that.  I always appreciate that Collina designs for every body: young, mature, slim, voluptuous.  The brand’s inclusive DNA – both literally and figuratively – make it a pleasure to watch on the runway and marked a fabulous start to the week.

Tadashi ShojiTadashi Shoji SS19 BackstageTadashi Shoji SS19 Runway Tadashi Shoji SS19 Runway

From cool kid eclectic to high glamour goddess we went.

Out of all the shows we’ve attended over the years, Tadashi Shoji is the most consistent. It would not be NYFW without him.  I always look forward to his runway: it’s like a fashion week rite of passage.

Tadashi is a dreamer and his concepts are always big.  For SS19, they were infinite.  Galaxies and their vast, mysterious makeup, found their way into his designs.  His deep-v cape dress with celestial print was a standout and evoked a regal air à la Cate Blanchett in Lord of the Rings.  In other words, my kinda dress.

Another highlight was his figure flattering dress with a translucent tulle train.  The chrome sequins shimmered like a glorious night sky.  If there ever was a NYFW fairytale, this look would be it.

Not only was the collection stunning, but I loved the styling at Tadashi.  All of the models wore a layer of gold necklaces with a celestial theme.  It was so relevant and edgy when paired with his feminine gowns.  The dark, glitter nail polish and glam take on the smokey eye were a hit too.

Pamella RolandPamella Roland SS19 Runway Pamella Roland SS19 Runway Pamella Roland SS19 Runway

One of the toughest parts about NYFW is logistics.  Many times two of your favorite shows will be at the same time or so far apart it’s impossible to make it all work.  This tends to always happen with Tadashi and Pamella Roland, so team In Spades decided to split up.  Last year I missed her show by mere seconds, but got to watch the models take the catwalk from backstage.

Glamor was the name of the game for the second half of Day 1.

Roland sent stunner after stunner down the runway.  Her seafoam green cape gown (noticing a theme?) with floral applique and delicate feathers looked like something out of a dream.  What I loved about this collection is that it had something for everyone.  There were ethereal dreamy pieces, sexy sequins numbers and jacquard floral pieces fit for the chicest garden tea party.

The cast of Real Housewives was in attendance and loved the collection too.  They made quite a stir.  I can’t say I blame them – I went crazy for this collection too.

Like Tadashi, Roland delivered another styling win.  The show opened to models wearing 70’s inspired sunglasses with their looks.  It was retro and unorthodox – I adored it.  Each look was so detailed it bordered on couture – even my husband remarked at how intricate and well made each garment was.

After running all day, we finally stopped for dinner.  My dear friends Dawn and Laura joined us and met Baby P.  Dawn came bearing gifts – the cutest little onesie that is oh-so-perfect for the daughter of a fashion blogger.  Debuting on my Insta soon!

Check out Dawn and Laura’s recaps of Day 1 for a different perspective.

Stay tuned tomorrow for my recap of NYFW Day 2!

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Tadashi Shoji photos courtesy of Linda Gaunt Communications
Collina Strada, Pamella Roland and OOTD photos by Matthew Passiglia

NYFW F/W18 Day 5

NYFW FW18 Day 5 OOTD NYFW FW18 Day 5 OOTDNYFW FW18 Day 5 OOTDShop the Post

And thus, we’ve come to the bittersweet ending my friends.

Almost 5 years ago we booked a trip to NY two weeks before fashion week.  We had zero connections, no plan or strategy and probably 200 Instagram followers.

But I knew we had to be there.  That I’d find a community that shared the same profound love for something I take very seriously.

In the time since, we’ve made lifelong friends, met up-and-coming and established designers, had our work appear in Nylon, InStyle, Pop Sugar and reposted by Net-a-Porter plus countless designers, witnessed the final collections of legendary American masters like Betsey Johnson and Donna Karan, and seen NYFW go from an editors only elite club, to the heavily saturated influencer audience it includes today.

I’m eternally grateful for being able to say I’m a very small cog in this wheel of beautiful, chaotic creativity.  Especially since I get to do it with my forever partner in crime.

Not a bad dream come true for two scrappy kids from San Diego.

Each season NYFW gets better and better.  F/W18 ended on the highest note yet.

Bevza

Bevza FW18Bevza FW18 Bevza FW18Bevza FW18Our final day of NYFW had the most varied designer lineup.  I loved the diversity.

First up was Bevza, a Ukrainian line that excels in minimalism.  Razor clean silhouettes, soft color palettes and clothing that is both structured, yet appears to float on air give the brand an almost aristocratic feel.

Continuing with the theme of the week, Bevza showed a F/W collection that could have easily applied to spring as well.  From mint to ivory to deep navy, the collection featured puffer coats in animal prints giving the illusion of exotic skins without the ethical conundrum.

Dresses and separates were created in the highest quality silk.  Slinking down the runway with nipped waistlines and accented with belt bags, they looked incredibly comfortable and regal.

I adored the oversized blazers with strong shoulders and form fitting dresses with corseted bust lines and bodysuit etching.  Understated yet sexy.

Backstage with CND for LibertineCND Libertine FW18 CND Libertine FW18 CND Libertine FW18

From pristine minimalist to the height of maximalism we went.

Prior to the start of the Libertine show, we went backstage with CND to check out the nail art.

Fun fact: two years ago my husband sat next to CND Co-Founder Jan Nordstrom Arnold on a plane.  They struck up a conversation about the work that goes into making fashion and beauty all look effortless.  We’ve followed CND’s next-level fashion week creations ever since.

Libertine head designer Johnson Hartig dives deep into every aspect of the NYFW creative process.  He insists Jan wear the entire collection before it walks the runway to better create her artistic vision for the models’ nails.  Not just an accessory to the clothes, the nails take on part of the message.

For F/W18 it was about tender love and cozy rebellion.  4000 feet of silk fringe flown in from South Africa was hand dyed, comprising 400 hours of craftsmanship.

Fringe dripped out of pockets and dragged on the floor creating texture that was so visually alluring you wanted to reach out and touch it.  Matte textures were created with boomerang nail files and powder that looked like sugar coating.

It was all insanely amazing.

Libertine

Libertine FW18Libertine FW18Libertine FW18 Libertine FW18 Libertine FW18

Libertine’s F/W18 show can be described in one word.  P-A-R-T-Y.

If the closing walk is any indication, this show was FUN.

It’s not too often the husband and I have to split up during NYFW, but this was one instance where it happened and boy was I bummed.  If only I could have been in two places at once!

What I love about Libertine is the way it’s equally whimsical and edgy.  From bold colors and bejeweled watch appliqués to studded skulls over black wool, the collection made you take serious notice but with a smirk.

The fringe detail on jackets and dresses flowed seamlessly with the nail art.  I adored the lace and sequins pieces, especially the Cher jacket that said “Do You Believe” on the front.

When the models danced down the runway for the finale, everyone in the audience was dancing along in their seats.  Libertine F/W18 was an ornate display of fabulosity.

Veronica Beard

Veronica Beard FW18Veronica Beard FW18 Veronica Beard FW18Veronica Beard FW18While the husband danced along with Libertine, I headed over to Veronica Beard.

I first attended her show in September, and it was that collection that inspired my velvet headband from Day 1 of NYFW F/W18.  From the tropical S/S18 vibes of 1970s Aculpoco to 1980s Dallas we went.

Dubbed “Denim & Diamonds” Beard explored a time when style was dominated by socialites and cowboys.  Iridescent fabric was found on leisure suits and cocktail dresses for the socialite crowd, while lace-up flares, crisp denim separates and suede prairie dresses represented the cowboy set.

It was the little details that made the collection for me.  Plaid neckties, diamond encrusted belts, fur sleeves and leather trimmed lapels all added a level of design that was exciting and fun.

That’s a wrap.  Until September 2018 my friends!

ICYMI: here is my coverage of NYFW F/W18 Day 1, Day 2, Day 3 and Day 4.

Bevza and Libertine photos by Matthew Passiglia

NYFW F/W18 Day 4

NYFW FW18 Day 4 OOTD NYFW FW18 Day 4 OOTDNYFW FW18 Day 4 OOTDNYFW FW18 Day 4 OOTD

Day 4 of NYFW was the most chill day we had.  With the downpour still going strong from Day 3, I was thankful for the lighter schedule.

I opted for an OOTD that could withstand the rain – metallic patent leather boots (currently 50% off), leather cropped pants and a vinyl turtleneck.  With the exception of maternity jeans, I’ve been able to avoid spending money on clothing that I’ll only wear while pregnant.  These pieces are not only edgy and fit into my normal personal style, but are super forgiving for a growing baby bump.  Win-win.

Check out some great alternatives of my OOTD under $80 below.

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Claudia Li

Claudia Li FW18Claudia Li FW18 Claudia Li FW18 Claudia Li FW18 Claudia Li FW18

First on the agenda was a presentation by Claudia Li.  Another designer that I typically miss due to scheduling, I was thrilled to make her show.  Immediately upon arrival, I ran into fellow blogger friends Kat and Maria.  They both serve up incredible style and were snapped by Refinery 29 and Nylon for their on point ensembles.

Li’s F/W18 collection was rich in texture, so of course I was immediately hooked.  From glitter tunics to Mongolian shearling handbags to mohair + jacquard separates, it was a visual feast.  Following the trend of the week, she didn’t shy away from color for fall and used persimmon, cactus and fuchsia with great success.

I adored her silk gazaar scarf dress, cactus shawl jacket + slouch pants and permission blanket skirt with whimsical bird print.  It all felt easy but polished, innovative and fresh.

Backstage with Redken for Tanya Taylor

Redken backstage Tanya Taylor FW18Redken backstage Tanya Taylor FW18Redken backstage Tanya Taylor FW18 Redken backstage Tanya Taylor FW18Redken backstage Tanya Taylor FW18

After Claudia Li, I headed backstage with Redken while they prepped the models’ hair for Tanya Taylor.  I love going backstage during fashion week.  It definitely takes on the “man behind the curtain” feeling.  You get to witness the magical transformation and incredible amount of talent it takes to present a finished look.

Fashion shows aren’t just photo ops with pretty clothes.  They’re an entire visceral experience – they sell a feeling, an attitude, a mantra.  It’s fabulous to be a fly on the wall during this process.

The look for the day was low ponytails with natural texture enhanced by Guts, Redken’s volume spray foam, and finished with Wind Blown, for that effortless, undone feeling.

Known for her expert use of color and print mixing, the clothes were next-level.  Check out the full collection here and be prepared to swoon over the candy colored fur stoles, plaids + florals and asymmetrical sequins separates.  The effect was anything but sugary-sweet.  Instead, Taylor gave us strong, unfussy femininity.

Tanya Taylor is one of few high-end designers to offer sizing from 0-22.  Definitely keep an eye on her career – the inclusion and innovation she brings to design is trailblazing.

Even with unrelenting rain, we decided to venture out in search of cupcakes.  After having my fill of cream cheese frosting, we shopped the streets of Soho.  No NYFW trip would be complete without a visit to one of my favorite designer consignment stores, and the holy grail of flagships – Prada.

Later that evening we saw Negris Lebrum’s runway show, followed by dinner with one of my oldest friends.  Check out my Insta Story Highlight of NYFW for all the details.

ICYMI: here’s everything we did on Day 3 of NYFW!