In Spades

Style... in abundance

Closed Denim Review

Closed Denim Skinny PusherDemy Lee Chelsea sweaterClosed Denim Skinny Pusher jeans // Demy Lee sweater via Pink Lagoon // Golden Goose sneakers

Earlier this year I discovered Italian denim line, Closed.

They immediately reminded me of THE denim of my childhood – Marithé + François Girbaud.  The tiny label on the fly took me back to the colorful jeans I used to wear (teal and purple were my faves).

Of course I had to order a pair… or four.  Here is my review of this amazing premium denim line.

The first thing you should know is that Closed has four fit categories – Skinny, Slim, Heritage and Relaxed.  I tried pairs from every category except relaxed, and found the skinny and heritage styles worked best for my body type – long torso, shorter legs, pear shaped.

For everyday jeans, I love the Skinny Pusher and the Baker High.  Both are high waist (10 inch rise), cropped, with a drainpipe leg.  The difference is a skinny fit (Pusher) versus a slim fit (Baker).

For something more unique, I adore these paper bag waist jeans.

I love that the majority of their styles have a zipper fly.  I had an epiphany this year about button fly jeans.  Jeans nowadays are all high waisted and a zipper fly is just so much more practical and comfortable.  I do love a button fly for vintage 100% cotton jeans though.

Sizing

Their styles are made in both stretch denim and 100% cotton.

If you are going with 100% cotton, size up.  I ordered a sale pair in a 27 (last size; I’m normally a 25 or 26) and was surprised that they fit.

If you are going with a stretch denim pair, take your normal size.  I’m wearing a size 26 here, but could have sized down to a 25.

Where to Buy

While they have great sales on their website, having your order go through customs is kind of a pain if you need to return something.

These stateside retailers also carry the line and some offer 2-day free shipping.

Shopbop

Farfetch

Anthropologie

If you’re looking for a pair of high-quality, unique jeans, definitely check out Closed.  There aren’t any other jeans like them on the market and they are super comfy and chic.

Shop the Post

Palazzo Pants Two Ways

Last week I visited one of my favorite local boutiques Pink Lagoon.  They have an expertly curated lineup of advanced contemporary designers that I ADORE.  I discover new, amazing brands every time I’m there!

Some of my past faves from Pink Lagoon are this casual look and this summer-to-fall look.

As soon as I tried on these palazzo pants, I was sold.  Made from the most luxurious silk and cotton, they feel like you’re wearing a cloud.  The fabric is perfect for SoCal – light enough for warmer days, yet substantial enough to be taken up a notch.

As soon as I brought them home, I put them on immediately and have pretty much lived in them ever since.

I wanted to show you two ways to style these palazzo pants – casual daytime versus edgy nighttime.  They’re honestly the perfect pandemic pants.  Super comfortable yet chic and once we can travel again, they will be the PERFECT weekend getaway pant.  So many styling options!

Brazeau Tricot Palazzo Pants

Paired with a waffled sweater (also Pink Lagoon) and slides, I wear this to preschool drop-off or to run errands.

Brazeau Tricot Palazzo Pants

Pile on the jewelry, add an evening bag and some killer shoes (in this case, literally) and you’ve got a perfect nighttime look.

While I rarely wear stilettos anymore, you could absolutely pair these palazzo pants with these for a chic date night look.

San Diego friends, check out Pink Lagoon and my other favorite local boutiques here.  If you’re not in San Diego, they ship!

My Favorite Fashion Books of All Time

Best Fashion BooksWhile fashion month has come to a close, I thought I would try something different for today’s Fashion Friday and share a book review.

I recently finished The Chiffon Trenches and couldn’t have loved it more.  André Leon Talley’s encyclopedic memory for fashion history is paralleled in this personal account of his life and career.  The details of the book are so real, I felt like I had entered a time machine, and to quote Hamilton, was “in the room where it happened.”  The clothes he describes jump off the page – you can feel them – the textures, the prints, the colors.

The most prolific designers of our generation were and are his close personal friends.  He witnessed Karl Lagerfeld’s first runway for Chanel, orchestrated John Galliano’s first ever show, and was one of only three people to maintain strong friendships with both Karl Lagerfeld and Yves Saint Laurent – an almost impossible task given their rivalry.

He recollects his relationship with Anna Wintour – a partnership that encumbered equal parts joy and pain – with grace and dignity.

This book is a beautiful account of Talley’s life.  What it gives the reader is an inside glimpse into an industry that is explosive in its creativity, drama and talent.

I’ve read my fair share of fashion books.  Here are 10 of my favorites.

10 of the Best Fashion Books
  1. The Beautiful Fall – the history of Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld as told through anecdotes and personal stories of those that were close to the designers.  Probably my favorite fashion book of all time.
  2. I’ll Drink to That – the story of Bergdorf Goodman’s longest running personal stylist.
  3. Fashionopolis – the true story of where your clothes come from, and where they go.
  4. Gods & Kings – the rise and fall of John Galliano and Alexander McQueen.
  5. In My Shoes – the memoir of Tamara Mellon, Co-Founder of Jimmy Choo.
  6. Tales from the Back Row – as an avid reader of The Cut during Amy Odell’s day, this gives the inside scoop on fashion from a young journalist’s POV.
  7. Seeking Love, Finding Overalls – yep, I know this is a blogger book, but Leandra Medine’s memoir is actually fabulous.
  8. The Woman I Wanted to Be – Diane Von Furstenberg’s memoir is fascinating due to her background, but also how she got her famous wrap dress off the ground.
  9. Grace: A Memoir – Grace Coddington is the most prolific editor in Vogue’s history.  Her story is fascinating.
  10. The Chiffon Trenches – enough said.

What I’m Coveting

Long cardiganCardigan (similar) // Tee // Pants (similar) // Heels

2020 is the year of the cardigan.  They’re the perfect stay-at-home piece.  Robe-like yet chic, you can easily throw one on or take it off.

One of fashion’s biggest secrets to looking chic is layering.  A cardigan is made to layer.  Whether it’s over your favorite tee or underneath your go-to jacket, it’s fall fashion’s pièce de résistance.

I’ve triple layered my cardigans.  Worn then with simple jeans and loafers.  And amped them up with killer heels and double denim.

What I’m coveting for fall 2020 is a batch of comfy cardigans.

There are four styles that I think make for a well-rounded wardrobe.

  1. The cropped cardigan – perfect with high waist jeans.  Wear it buttoned for a streamlined look or unbuttoned with your favorite tee.
  2. The grandpa cardigan – these are great for layering (tee or turtleneck underneath and a jacket over).  I’d pair one with slim leg pants or a midi skirt.
  3. The colorful cardigan – there are some beautiful fall colors and having one accent color is key for making your outfit pop (I’m loving this deep lilac shade!).
  4. The duster – these lay so nicely and most closely resemble a robe.  Hello, comfort!
Cardigans I’m Coveting

Top 5 Favorites – September 2020

Wow, last month flew by.

While it’s pumpkin season, the temps in SoCal are anything but crisp.  I’m so ready for the heat to end.  Bring on sweater weather!

Your Top 5 Favorites for September included a new discovery that I love and some tried and true classics.

Tinted Moisturizer

This is a new beauty discovery that I adore.  Why?

1. It could easily replace my foundation (the coverage is THAT good).

2. It looks and feels like you’re not wearing anything at all.  I LOVE that.  Super breathable and comfortable to wear.

3. It’s green beauty.

4. It can be found at Target!  And it’s under $30!

High Waist Jeans

There are TONS of reviews about these jeans.  They absolutely have a cult following.  Are they worth it?  100%

Despite confusing reviews, they absolutely look good on every body.   I wrote a full breakdown here with sizing info, fit tips and styling how-to’s.

High Waist Bikini

This high waist bikini is the hero bathing suit of the summer.  And for good reason.  No matter your body type, this silhouette is super flattering.  Short ladies get their legs elongated, curvy ladies show off their assets while still getting ample support, and long and lean bodies benefit from definition.

I have it in red and wear a Small in both the top and bottom.  I’d say it runs TTS, but if you’re in between sizes, size up.

Hair Ties

I’ve mentioned these hair ties in blog posts and on Instagram.  They will change your life.  They never lose their shape/hold and are super comfortable to wear.  No ripped or tangled hair with these.

Comfiest Bra Ever

I think this bra should just have a standing position on this list because it comes back as your favorite month after month.  I stocked up during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.  This is the ONLY bra I wear.