In Spades

Style... in abundance

Spring Essentials

With a little over a month into spring, there are a few key pieces I keep gravitating towards in my wardrobe. Check out my spring essentials below! Spring-Essentials

Jackets
I’m a die-hard blazer and leather jacket gal and will wear them even at inopportune times (the beach, on bike rides). While I can get away with this during fall and winter, in the spring I really need something more casual and lightweight.

Instead of a blazer, try a trench coat in a light color.  This traditional trench coat from Club Monaco is absolutely stunning in person. The fabric is top notch and it slips on your body like a second skin.

For a less formal option, I also love this dark camel one from Anthropologie.  Ridiculously cute, I would even wear it belted tight as a dress.

Utility jackets are a great choice for baseball games, picnics and nighttime festivals. Sporty but still chic, their durability make them the perfect jacket for inclement weather.

Culottes
I know what you’re thinking, but go with me on this. Comfortable and breezy, culottes are a great alternative to jeans and skirts and really elevate an outfit. Most people steer clear of them because they think they’re too trendy or not very flattering, but trust me. Try on a pair. You’ll never look back.

Panama Hat
While I may be guilty of it once per season, it kinda bugs me when I see people wearing floppy wool hats during springtime. Reach for something lightweight and airy instead. Like the ever stylish Michael Douglas in Jewel of the Nile, you just can’t go wrong with a Panama hat.

Fringe 
Fringe was huge on the runways and you’ll find no complaints from me. I like it done in subtle ways versus in abundance to strike a chic, understated look rather than a la festival girl (sigh). Try these sandals and this top.

White Lace
A classic for decades, white lace can be done in small touches or head-to-toe and still look amazing.  I love it because it screams sunny days and relaxed elegance.  Try Place Nationale for one-of-a-kind garments made from antique French and English lace.

Fashcap Volume 4

Fashcap4aIt’s been a while since my last Fashcap, but I have some fun things to share!
1) I’m so excited and humbled to be named Vocabulary Boutique’s It Girl for Spring 2015! In the interview I share highlights from New York Fashion Week, my style secrets, and the story behind In Spades. Read the entire interview here, and check out our black & white themed photo shoot here.
2) If you’re an avid reader of In Spades, you know I’m denim obsessed. AMO denim is the newest line to capture my heart. Vintage inspired without the stiffness of actual vintage, their debut collection consists of 5 styles with modern, feminine cuts and one-of-a-kind washes.
3) I first learned of Lyn Slater, the blogger behind Accidental Icon, back in February and was immediately blown away by her unbelievable style and intelligence. Recently featured on the cover of Grey Magazine, Accidental Icon is a blog you don’t want to miss. (I secretly wish Lyn were my best friend. Shh.)

Photos Courtesy of Krisnoff Photography, AMO Denim and Grey Magazine/Ari Seth Cohen

What’s In My Bag – NYFW

Today kicks off Day 1 of New York Fashion Week! One of the things I quickly learned last season is how important it is to carry the right handbag. A verifiable survival kit, it has to be the right shape and size and go with everything. No small feat.

Thankfully, I found the perfect match.

The Vertigo
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The perfect bag for the woman on the go, the Vertigo is created by NYC handbag designer Niki English and inspired by the architectural diversity of the city. What I love about this bag is that it truly is the perfect size. It fits my laptop and has several outer compartments for the little things, but isn’t unwieldy. It comes with a removable shoulder strap, which is key. When you’re running around in heels you have to be able to sling your bag over your shoulder. Satchel handles can be killers. The black and white leather goes with anything and the reptilian texture gives it that extra pop.  Here are my handbag essentials.

1)  Hand sanitizer – enough said.
2)  Kind bars – stopping for a meal doesn’t always happen so I keep these in my bag to help me stay energized.
3)  Makeup palette – I love this compact from Dior.  Eyes, lips, cheeks, it’s got me covered.
4)  Sunglasses – they protect you from UV rays and hide tired eyes.
5)  Perfume – for when you can’t get back to the hotel to freshen up.
6)  Business cards – lots of networking requires lots of cards.
7)  Cell phone
8)  Band-Aid Friction Block – one of my favorite inventions ever, rub this on your toes and heels and you’ll never deal with another blister.
9)  Mophie battery – because you need a back-up.
10)  Lipstick and Chapstick: My two go-to’s – Nu Evolution lipstick in Femme Fatale and my trusty Burt’s Bee’s.
11)  Moleskine notebook and pens – to jot down inspirations and notes.
12)  Laptop
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Niki English Vertigo handbag // Stella McCartney jumpsuit // Zara shirt // 
Valentino Rockstuds // Stephen Webster and Banana Republic rings

Holiday Gift Guide Under $50

Today’s the last day to finish your holiday shopping, so for all your last minute needs, here is my final gift guide for items under $50.  Go check that final name off your list!
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If you haven’t switched to a glass water bottle yet, now’s the time.  The only hard part is picking a color.
A bath soak that smells of a thousand roses?  Yes, please!
I’m a sucker for dainty jewelry and everything Amarilo makes is stunning.  This elegant crescent lariat is no exception.
For the kid at heart, this desktop table tennis set can be assembled just about anywhere.
I have a bit of a Voluspa obsession and this pretty trio will have the whole house smelling of sweet loveliness.
Channel your inner Don or Betty Draper with this mod copper shaker.
Layer up with these cute sticks and stones stacking rings.
Any piece of clothing that comes with a poem is a plus in my book.
House plants are not only good for you, but they are so pretty!  This faceted terrarium is a gorgeous place to start your collection.
Everyone needs a card holder, and I love the subtle design and choice of colors of this one from Need Supply Co.
California girls of the world unite!  You can never have too many pairs of Vans.  I love the go-with-anything black and white pattern of these beauties.
You can’t go wrong with an infinity scarf and this one from J. Crew is so soft, I also bought one for myself!

Holiday Gift Guide Under $25

Between white elephant gift exchanges and last minute holiday parties, it’s important to have a go-to list of affordable gifts to draw from.  Here are my favorite gift ideas under $25.

Holiday-Gift-Guide-Under-251) California Dish Towel
How adorable are these U.S. of A. dish towels? I love their whimsical silk screen illustrations and hand embroidered embellishments.

2) Meyer Lemon Olive Oil
The first time I had Meyer lemon olive oil was on a trip to Palm Springs and I seriously wanted to eat the entire bottle. Fresh and zesty, it has an amazing flavor that will be the highlight of any dish.

3) Cat Eye Mask
This Japanese designer makes beautiful unmentionables you’d find in a French boudoir, and her accessories are the perfect bedtime accent.

4) Agate Trivets
These colorful trivets can be used as coasters, underneath pottery or as stand-alone tabletop accents.

5) iPhone Case
I’m an old school girl and this rotary dial phone cover takes me back. Waaay back. Back into time.

6) Dual Nail Polish
This pretty nail polish pen gives you a pop of color AND gold sparklies. Sold.

7) Zebra Dish
The cutest way to display your tiniest things.

8) Wallet
Illustrator Judy Kaufmann created this colorful wallet of famous people. Anything with a sketch of David Bowe is a wallet I want to own.

9) Floating Earrings
The optical illusion of these earrings is stunning yet understated. Every time I wear them I get compliments.

10) Slushy Maker
Pop the inner core in the freezer for 8 hours and then add your own liquid and stir. Voila! Instant slushies, milkshakes or smoothies.

11) Flavored Marshmallows
Made from sweet, magic air these pillowy confections take a cup of hot cocoa to the next level.

12) Humbug Tote Bag
Bah Humbug? Never! But a bah humbug handbag? Too cute to pass up.