In Spades

Style... in abundance

Fashion Friday

Luxury Fashion

Welp, this post was supposed to go up on Friday, but life got in the way.  I did manage to post my Fashion Friday video to Instagram.  You can check it out here.

Today I want to chat about exclusivity in the world of fashion.

Exclusivity has long been fashion’s pièce de résistance.

Fashion makes us feel special.  Important.  Elevated.  So when something is scare – a rarity – on top of making us feel special, its stock goes up exponentially.  A fashion world double whammie.  This is the very definition of luxury fashion.

I recently read a fascinating article that broke down the conundrum of luxury fashion.  Conundrum, you ask?  Why, yes.  Think about it.  How can luxury fashion truly be exclusive if they are moving MILLIONS of units?

Have you ever seen a blogger with double “G” Gucci belt?  How about a Louis Vuitton tote?  Of course you have.  While those are pieces of luxury fashion, they are anything but exclusive.  They’re downright ubiquitous.

There’s a reason luxury brands have branched out into beauty and accessories.  The pricepoints are lower but the association to that world of exclusivity is still there (a Chanel lipstick versus a Chanel bag).

The article brings up an interesting point about the perceived scarcity of supply in luxury fashion.  We are made to think that there is a very limited number of these special pieces.  And that is partly true.  But you have to look at the whole picture.

Rolex, for example, has a very tight control over how many entry-level models it will sell – their cheapest offering.  They don’t want too many getting out into the market. But they have zero cap on the amount of high-end, $500,000 models they’ll sell.

This goes back to the Gucci belt example.  While it is still a very expensive belt, it’s one of Gucci’s cheaper offerings.  Anyone who tried to buy one during the height of their popularity knows how impossible it was to get your hands on one.  They were sold out everywhere because the supply was tightly capped.  This created a frenzy and a perception that the belts were “exclusive”.

Luxury fashion satiates a deep psychological need.  I may not be an it-girl, a socialite or a jetsetter, but if I own a Chanel bag, maybe, just maybe, I’ll feel like one enough to transcend my own reality.

So I ask you, dear readers…

When it comes to fashion, is it “I have, therefore I am?”

You know I believe in the transformative power of fashion.  I do think fashion can transcend reality and transport us to a different place.  Even if that place is a state of mind.

But if we unpack this notion a bit more, the “I have, therefore I am” mentality speaks to a need to fit in, rather than stand out.  The opposite of exclusivity.

The response I got to my Fashion Friday Instagram video was fascinating.  A lot of people spoke about knowing others who buy luxury just so other people will think they’re “rich”.  A real-life keeping up with the Joneses.

To take this a bit further, I think a lot of people have trouble finding their signature style.  So they go after what they “think” they should wear so others perceive them as important.

As always, I encourage you to invest in pieces that pull at your heartstrings.  Style is intrinsic; it’s what comes out of you naturally.  It is a not a logo or a status symbol.

I’d love to hear what you think of luxury fashion.  What are your experiences?  And is it really, “I have, therefore I am?”

Moda Operandi Sale Picks Under $200

NYFW SS20 OOTD 1 The Vampire's WifeA designer dress I scored in the Moda Operandi sale last year (originally $1800, I got it for $300)

If you’re unfamiliar with Moda Operandi, it’s one of my favorite fashion retailers.  Why?  They are the only multi-brand site to offer trunkshows of upcoming collections.  You can pre-order items immediately after they walk the runway.  You pay a deposit and when you receive the item, you can still return it for a full refund.

Beyond their first-access feature, they expertly curate indie and up-and-coming brands.  If you want to be in-the-fashion-know, Moda Operandi is your ticket.

Their end of season sale went to 65% off today, so it’s an excellent time to score some deals.

Here are my Moda Operandi Sale Picks Under $200
Dresses

Jeans

Tops & Bottoms

Shoes

Swim

Accessories

Peloton Review: Is it Worth it?

Peloton ReviewNope.  No fancy pic of me and my Peloton. This is a fashion blog. The best you’ll get is my street style fitness shoot with Photography Yours and Mine

Okay, I know what you’re thinking.  This is a fashion blog.  Why in the world am I talking about fitness?

At the beginning of the year I shared my 2020 goals with you.  One of them was to wake up early to exercise.

I started the BBG program twice in 2020 and after 3 months of actually staying consistent, it became too repetitive and too difficult for me.  It was also competing with our newest purchase, a Peloton.  The Peloton clearly won and while there are tons of reviews out there, I want to share my thoughts with you.

First, my backstory

I loathe working out.  I’m not good at it, I run out of steam VERY quickly and I’m simply just not that motivated.  My dream is to have a dancer’s body (so strong!) but I will never, ever, ever have one.  I eat carbs.  And chocolate.  And drink wine.  And not just as “special occasion treats.”

So I want you to understand that this review is coming from a woman who is not very fit, not very motivated and extremely mediocre when it comes to athletic ability.

When I started using the Peloton it was HARD.  And it’s still hard.

But I’ve used it every single day since it was delivered.  And I’m HOOKED.

Pros 

Convenience
No more commuting in traffic, parking, signing-in, waiting for class to start. I was never huge on in-person classes anyway.  The best part of doing an in-person workout, for me, was getting to have coffee with my friends afterwards.

Variety
There are TONS of classes in the Peloton app.  It’s not just cycling. They have yoga, meditation, dance, etc. Plus, you can select workouts as short as 5min all the way up to 90min.  There are tons of musical genres too.  When I work out, it’s ALL about the music so this is key for me.

Camaraderie and Motivation
Peloton is truly one of the most supportive communities I’ve experienced. You can “high five” people and see the leaderboard of where you stand in the pack. I find this to be incredibly motivating.

During an in-person class when I would see people killing it on the bike next to me while I huffed and puffed like I was dying, it made me feel like crap.  Now when I see names on the leaderboard in my same rank, I high five them and really strive to keep up with them.  It’s enjoyable, not de-motivating.

Your calories, miles ridden and consistency are tracked and you earn badges for accomplishments. This isn’t something I’ve found in any other workout class.  It really pushes me to the next level to see my progress.

Cons

The cost.
A $2500 bike plus $40/month for the app is a significant investment. But we’ve already broken even based on how much we’ve used it. (Comparing the cost of a cycling class in San Diego to the number of rides we’ve done on the Peloton)  

Favorite Instructors

Robyn Arzon and Cody Rigsby.

Robyn spontaneously laughs throughout rides and it’s lovely and genuine and just endears you to her.  Plus she has a knack for motivating you in a really friendly, “I believe in you!” way.  Absolutely no pushy, tough-love here.  Robyn is all love.

I wish Cody were my real life BFF.  I just did an 80s ride with him and he gave the entire ride a plot – shopping at the mall with your girlfriends.  There were so many spot-on references I was not only cracking up laughing but I was SO sad when it was over.  I truly felt transported to another time.

What about the people who have a Peloton and dislike it?

Besides knowing we were not going to step foot in a gym again in 2020 (coronavirus), we pulled the trigger on the Peloton because of the many friends who gave us rave reviews.

I do, however, have one friend who dislikes it.

She said the number one reason for her not liking it is because she thrives on the energy and camaraderie from an in-person class.  She wants to feel the energy from the person cycling next to her.  That was not replicated for her in the Peloton and she told me she is going to return hers.

Final Thoughts if You’re Still on the Fence

I’ll be honest.  Had we purchased the Peloton when life was normal I don’t know if I’d be this dedicated.  Because of the coronavirus, it has become my savior.  The Peloton has truly changed my life.

Since the gym is closed (and I’m not personally comfortable going back until our world has stabilized), I need to have an exercise outlet at home.  This is not just about physical health, but mental health as well.

When I started, I did 20-minute rides for the first 2.5 weeks.  But starting in week 3, I felt my endurance go up a notch and now do 30min rides.  I know I could easily do a 45-minute ride now, but 30 minutes is my preferred workout.

The quality of the bike is superb.  It’s very substantial and the video screen is high definition giving you a “I feel like I’m there” vibe.

If you have any questions about the Peloton, please comment or email me!  This is honestly the best purchased we’ve made all year and probably EVER!

Fashion Friday

Anine Bing Silk Skirt

It’s been a looong week.  Happy Fashion Friday!

A lot has happened in the fashion world.

First…

Givenchy Appoints New Creative Director

With the abrupt departure of Clare Waight Keller, the fashion world was waiting with baited breath for Givenchy to announce her successor.  The verdict?  Matthew Williams.

If you don’t know who he is, well, I don’t blame you.  He’s young (34 years old) and owns the label 1017 ALYX 9SM.  His brand is carried at Nordstrom and several other major retailers, but the vibe is luxury streetwear.  So that makes me scratch my head.  Balenciaga is already crushing the luxury streetwear niche.  Why in the world would Givenchy enter this space?

Givenchy is known for tailoring.  Structure.  Silhouette.  Audrey freaking Hepburn.

I wish Williams nothing but the best and am excited to see what he has in store for the line.  But I can’t hide the fact that I’m… perplexed by this decision.

Which leads me to…

A Trend in Luxury Houses

There was once a time when a designer stayed with a brand.  Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel.  Alber Elbaz at Lanvin.  Riccardo Tisci at Givenchy.

Now?  It’s a revolving door of talent.  Designers come in, stay for a few years, don’t meet shareholder expectations, and are out.

Clare at Givenchy.  Raf at Calvin.  Raf at Dior.

I miss the days of tenure.  I miss the days of personal signature being infused on a house legacy for decades.

Sies Marjan Closes Shop

Sies Marjan S/S20While you may not know them, Sies Marjan is a young, fabulous brand.  After 5 years in business, they are closing shop.

They achieved fast success by having a prominent place in major department stores.  Check out their collection at Nordstrom, which is now up to 70% off.  I have my eye on this insane canary yellow leather jacket.

While this news is sad, I’m sorry to say it’s not surprising.  The fashion industry has contracted by 30% in the wake of COVID-19.  Luxury fashion has contracted by almost 40%.  They won’t be the last brand we see close up shop in 2020.

What does Fashion Mean to You Right now?

I had the great honor to go on Unzipped, a live segment hosted by Segun Oduolowu and presented by designer Negris Lebrum.  In the interview, we talked about one important question.

Does fashion even matter now that we don’t have anywhere to go?

For me, as a fashion diehard, it will always matter.  Fashion is my love language.  I’m a collector and have been getting dressed everyday since the pandemic started for my own mental and emotional well-being.

But the interview brought up an excellent question.  We don’t have anywhere to go.  Fancy events have been cancelled.  Large gatherings are off-limits.

As someone fascinated by the business of fashion, I’m curious how companies like Rent the Runway and Nuuly will pivot during this time.

What are you doing, dear reader?  Are you breaking out your finest fashions?  Are you strictly wearing yoga clothes?  I’d love to hear from you!

DIY Home Manicure That Pops

Ciate London nail art cheat sheets When I discovered these nail art cheat sheets, I squealed out loud.  Not only are they super cute, but they seemed to be foolproof even for someone as novice as me.

Let me be frank.  I’m terrible at doing my own nails.

I don’t have any fancy nail tools.  I don’t push back my cuticles.  I don’t use a tiny makeup brush to clean up the edges.  I just paint my nails.  Plain and simple.

When I want a fun pop, I go for a bold color.  And now, I have these cheat sheets!

Ciate London nail art cheat sheets

Here’s a breakdown of what you get:

  1. 425 stickers for $18.  I love the protection eyes most, but the leopard spots, kiss faces and geometric shapes are awesome too.
  2. Most shapes come in black and white so you can use them with dark or light nail polish colors.
  3. They are SUPER substantial.  i.e. they look like real nail polish.  There’s dimension to them – they’re embossed.

There is an art to applying these for which I learned the hard way.  The first time I tried putting them on, my nails were only 80% dry.  I HATE waiting for my nails to dry and always rely on my topcoat to do the drying for me.  Since you can’t apply a topcoat until after you’ve applied these stickers, I was kind of stuck between a rock and a hard place.

I wish I would have waited for my nails to fully dry.  I wasted 4 stickers because I couldn’t press them on firmly enough with semi-wet nails.

PRO TIP: wait for your nails to FULLY dry before applying.  You need to press each sticker firmly onto your nail and then finish with a topcoat for them to stay put.

I love this 9-free, vegan nail polish brand.  It’s women-owned and their colors are fabulous.  Wearing the color Buff here.

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