In Spades

Style... in abundance

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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Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Early Access Picks

Today is the day many people calendar their summer around.  Early access for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is here!

If you’re a Nordstrom cardholder, you can shop the sale starting today, July 13 through July 20.  This is a fantastic opportunity to take advantage of their crazy deals before they go live to the public on July 21.  I guarantee you, things will sell out long before public access begins, so now’s your chance to get in on the fun.

If you don’t have a Nordstrom debit or credit card, you can sign up for one on their website or apply in-store.  If you’re like me and don’t like having multiple credit cards, I highly recommend the debit card – it’s linked directly to your bank account so there are no fees or interest rates to worry about.

Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale is different from your normal end-of-season sale.  Rather than discounted prices on items that have been sitting in store for the past three months, everything in the sale is brand new and part of the upcoming fall season.

Thus, this is the sale in which you want to stock up on basics.  Leave the one-of-a-kind specialty pieces out and go for boots, outwear, denim, sweaters, workout gear and undies.  I’ve listed all of my Top Picks by category below.  I’m swooning over these shoes (so Saint Laurent but under $100!), these tulip hem jeans, and this olive faux leather jacket under $65 that also comes in black.  You’ll definitely want to jump on them because as I said, all of the good stuff will sell out by the time public access begins on July 21.

Shoes
Denim, Tees & Sweaters
Athletic Wear
Jackets
Accessories & Undies

Images via Nordstrom

Star Studded

Sunset & Spring jacket // Zara tank (similar here and here) // AMO denim //
Christian Louboutin heels (similar under $100 here, here and here)

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again.  If I had to pick one go-to outfit, it’d be sturdy denim, great heels and a leather jacket.  My current leather jacket situation is a bit out of control (is that really such a thing though?) so in an effort to keep costs low and variety high, I scooped up this faux number for under $150.  The silver stars give it some edge and veer into Saint Laurent territory at a fraction of the cost.  To really feel like a badass, I paired it with my spikiest heels and distressed charcoal denim for a cool monochromatic look.

The topic of having a uniform has been on my mind a lot lately.  I think the most successful bloggers and style icons are the ones that stick to a pattern that people can easily identify.  That said, one of my least favorite questions is when people ask me to describe my style.  My default response is “indiscernible”.  While I get why people ask, I hate classifying myself into one tiny box when the way I dress is so greatly influenced by my mood. One day I might feel incredibly girly, the next like a kooky, glam version of The Joker.  Volatile doesn’t begin to cover it.

So I’d like to ask you, dear readers.  Do you prefer following someone whose style you can easily predict, or do you like being surprised by variety?

3 High Quality, Affordable Brands You Need to Know

Most of what I feature on In Spades involves statement pieces and rare finds. They are what I gravitate towards most, and I’ll be the first to admit this strategy of getting dressed is a tad backwards. While most people start with good basics and build a wardrobe from there, I start with the craziest pieces I can find and fill in where necessary – it’s a top-down approach rather than a bottom-up philosophy. Consider me Rule Breaker Numero Uno of Michael Kors’ wardrobe philosophy.

“70 percent of the clothes you own should be meat and potatoes.
30 percent should be icing and fluff—that’s color, pattern, shine, and accessories.
Too many women get the proportions the other way round, then can’t figure out why they can’t get dressed.”

That said, I wanted to get down to brass tax: what the heck do I reach for when running errands, working from home or packing for a quick weekend away? You know, the basics.

While Target and Zara are great, I’ve reached a point in my life where quality trumps quantity every time. I’m not interested in replacing sweaters every three months. I’d much rather spend $100 on something that will last me 5 years than $20 on something that will last me 6 months.

Here are 3 High Quality, Affordable Brands You Need to Know

Everlane
If you consider yourself a fashionista, chances are you’ve heard of Everlane. Built around the philosophy of using ethical factories and transparent pricing, they are my go-to for t-shirts, sweaters and loafers.

The average piece of clothing is marked up 8x before reaching the consumer, but not at Everlane. They tell you exactly what it cost them to make your sweater and how much they’re going to charge you for it.

They also have a “Pay What You Want” program, which is as lovely and amazing as it sounds. You pick your price.

Brand Highlights
Vibe: smart, savvy, fashion in-crowd
Hero pieces: t-shirts, cashmere sweaters and loafers
Price point: $16 – $365 with the majority of items under $100

 

Amour Vert
I teased Amour Vert during NYFW and if you haven’t yet checked out their line, now is the time. Committed to creating socially responsible fashion, they only manufacture in the US, have a zero-waste philosophy, use sustainable fabrics and non-toxic dyes.

What it means for you: eco-friendly clothing that will last.

Brand Highlights
Vibe: girly and eco-friendly
Hero pieces: silk tops, cozy day dresses
Price point: $38 – $288 with most items averaging $120

Cuyana
Where Everlane leans practical and Amour Vert leans girly, Cuyana is like your sophisticated big sister.  They make incredible silks and leather goods in soft, feminine color palettes.  Think ladylike pieces that will carry you from the office to an evening out.

Their motto is “Fewer, Better” which embodies the spirit of having fewer clothes with better quality.  Also committed to sustainable fashion, their “lean shipping” option includes a reusable bag with pre-paid shipping label that you can fill up with your old clothes.  Once received, Cuyana donates them to women in need. You also get a $10 credit for your contribution to helping others.

Brand Highlights
Vibe: clean and sophisticated
Hero pieces: silk separates and handbags
Price point: $35 – $495 with most items averaging $120

Top 5 Spring 2017 Trends

On Monday I shared a fun photoshoot with my girls that featured the Top 5 Trends for spring.  Today, I’m breaking down what I saw on the runways in September into my top picks of what’s currently available for purchase.

Shopbop’s Buy More, Save More sale is going on, so it’s the perfect time to stock up on spring wardrobe staples, whether it’s something pink, slogan pieces, dynamic shirts, statement pants or the new version of romantic dressing.

Use code GOBIG17 for:
15% off orders $200+
20% off orders $500+
25% off orders $800+

Click the looks to shop!

Dynamic Shirting

New Romantic

Statement Pants

Pink

Slogans