In Spades

Style... in abundance

Vintage Holiday Style

A Part of the Rest vintage dress A Part of the Rest vintage dress A Part of the Rest vintage dress A Part of the Rest vintage dress A Part of the Rest vintage dress A Part of the Rest vintage dress A Part of the Rest vintage dressA Part of the Rest vintage dress // Fendi handbag // Quay sunglasses (25% off)
Manolo Blahnik boots (similar here 40% off)

If you’re like me, from now until the end of the year your schedule is packed with holiday parties, events and celebrations.  While it’s easy to fall back on a great LBD, I’m much more excited about velvet, sequins and vintage pieces.

I’ve shown you my take on velvet, and next week I’ll be sharing multiple ways you can wear sequins.  Today I wanted to focus on vintage.  What I love about vintage fashion is that you can pretty much guarantee you will be wearing something no one else has.  Plus, with fashion being so cyclical, clothing from eras past is actually totally on trend.

This 80’s mini dress with electric rose print is reminiscent of early Marc Jacobs.  The shoulder pads and cutout back give it so much attitude.  My philosophy when styling this look was “go big or go home”, so of course my Monster handbag and diva boots had to come out to play.

These boots were actually the star of one of my very first blog posts.  You can read the story about how they came into my life here.  While they’re old, I’ve linked two similar pairs below; one for under $80 and one for under $200.

But back to vintage!

I’ve talked before about my favorite places to shop vintage (surprise, they’re all in New York).  In the last year, I came across online shop A Part of the Rest and was blown away by their accessible price points, and the amazing eye of owner Kam.  There are so many fun pieces on the site right now that would be perfect for the holidays.

I’m dying over this sequins Missoni dress, this 90s Calvin Klein robe coat, and this 80s drape back tunic dress.  The best part, all of these pieces are under $250.

Definitely check out A Part of the Rest for rad vintage items and give them a follow on Instagram where they do secret sales via Stories.  I guarantee you’ll find a treasure trove of fashion.

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Photos by White Tee Black Dress

2018 Holiday Gift Guide for Men

1. Whisky tasting kit – he’ll have everything he needs with two tumblers, a set of cooling stones, coasters and a notebook to record his faves.

2. Watch box – if he owns more than 1 watch, this classy storage box is a must.  It will certainly free up my jewelry case (where my husband currently keeps his watches).

3. Roller skates – as a beach kid, I see tons of people skating along the boardwalk, and recently tried this throwback activity myself and LOVED it.

4. Dress shirt – he’ll never wear another dress shirt after he tries this bad boy on.  It’s the closest thing to owning made-to-order clothes, comes in two fits (if he’s slim or husky) and can be machine washed.

5. Bean bag game set – for the entertainer, this lawn game comes with a bean bag ski ball toss and a tic-tac-toe board.

6. Thermoball slippers – these can be worn with the heel collapsed (for easy slip on) or as shoes, are fleece lined, have a non-skid bottom and are water resistant.  Total utility in one package.

7. Nintendo – for the nostalgic guy, he’ll have a blast playing Super Mario Brothers among 30 other top NES classics.

8. Apron – a professional grade apron that can be used for the cook or the handyman in your life, nothing comes close to the quality of this piece.  Bonus: it’s under $30!

9. Joggers – these joggers have a unanimous 5-star rating for comfort, come in a myriad of different fits and colors and have subtle back pockets to elevate their style so he doesn’t look like he just rolled out of bed.

10. Torch lantern – for the outdoorsy guy, this is made of stainless steel for durability, can be used as a flashlight or a lantern and has a built-in bottle opener.  All for $27.

11. Converse x J.W. Anderson sneakers –  I’m a sucker for designer collaborations, and this chic grid pattern by J.W. Anderson is the perfect complement to the most classic sneaker on the planet.

12. Throw blanket – I love this gift idea because it’s something he’ll never buy for himself yet will keep him super cozy on the couch while binge-watching his favorite show.

13. Film scanner – for the creative guy, this converts old school film into digital files with the push of a button.

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The Muppet Show x Sandro & Sale Season Shopping Hacks

The Muppet Show x Sandro Kermit sweaterThe Muppet Show x Sandro Kermit sweater The Muppet Show x Sandro Kermit sweater The Muppet Show x Sandro Kermit sweater The Muppet Show x Sandro Kermit sweater The Muppet Show x Sandro Kermit sweater The Muppet Show x Sandro Kermit sweater

The Muppet Show x Sandro sweater // DVF skirt // Dorateymur boots

I love a good designer collaboration.  When Sandro announced a limited edition run of The Muppet Show merchandise for women and kids, I about died.  As a kid, I lived for the Muppets.  Who am I kidding?  I still live for the Muppets.  If you read my About Page you know that if I were a Muppet, I’d be Gonzo.  I’ve always loved his kooky, outgoing spirit.

This sweater has been in my closet since early October but I didn’t get a chance to shoot it for the blog until now (#momlife).  While it’s been worn with my favorite skinny jeans and loafers, I LOVE it punched up with this leopard print skirt (which comes in 2 colors and is 60% off btw!).

Today’s look is a great example of how my NYFW outfits transcend into reality.  I’m often asked if what I wear during fashion week is what I actually wear in real life, and the answer is Yes and No.  During NYFW I definitely punch up the wow factor, but each piece I showcase does get worn year round.  I simply take it down a notch.  Statement coats get paired with jeans and tees, dressy pieces get worn with a more practical shoe and not as many accessories.

Speaking of NYFW and statement pieces, this is the time of year when I buy 80% of my clothes.  Sale season is in full swing.  If you follow my Instagram Stories you know I talked about how this year the sales are some of the best yet.  Unlike last year when Black Friday started the Monday before Thanksgiving and never went to better deals, this year the discounts are getting steeper and steeper.

If you’ve had your eye on a designer piece or any splurge item, now is definitely the time to buy.  In a few weeks, all of the retailers will reduce prices even more, but merchandise will be final sale.  Unless you know the exact fit and colorway, this is a risky endeavor.

Pro tip: snag those wish list items NOW while you still have the ability to return for a full refund.
Check out my Top 5 Shopping Hacks for Sale Season for more expert advice!

If you’re curious what I’ve scored in the end of season sales, follow along on Instagram.  I’m anxiously awaiting a deeper discount for these beauties – they literally had me at hello.

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2018 Holiday Gift Guide Under $60: Black Friday Deals for the Hostess

Hostess Gifts Under $60

Macy’s knocked it out of the park with their Black Friday Doorbusters this year.  Here are 13 insane deals under $60 for the hostess in your life.  Hurry, the sale ends November 24!

1. Salt & Pepper shakers – no one does whimsy better than Kate Spade.  This zebra and giraffe salt & pepper duo will dress up any tablescape.

2. Candy Cane wash – Philosophy’s triple wash – it’s a shampoo, shower gel, bubble bath – smells like invigorating peppermint.  Bonus: all of their 16 oz bottles are on sale.  This one is another favorite.

3. Cashmere wrap – 100% cashmere at 65% off?  Yes, please!

4. Eyeshadow palette – this Naked palette is a perennial best seller for a reason.  It contains every shade you need for the perfect smokey eye.

5. Initial marquee ornaments – anytime you can personalize a gift, do it.  A family initial ornament is thoughtful and glam.

6. Silk eye mask – I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again.  Anything that touches your face while you sleep should be 100% silk.

7. Sherpa throw – not only does this look like the coziest throw ever, but its cute holiday ski lodge vibe has me smitten.

8. Face mask set – every hostess with the mostess need a way to recharge at the end of the night.  This mask set does it in spades.

9. Initial necklace – I have this necklace and wear it all the time.  Now that it’s on sale I may have to get one for my daughter’s initial too!

10. Diffuser set – with a warm cinnamon scent, this diffuser will have your whole house smelling like Christmas.

11. Beauty Blender set – these makeup sponges are an absolute must in my book.  One normally retails for $20, so getting 3 of them plus 2 cleansers is a steal.

12. Water bottle – these NEVER go on sale.  I love this London chimney one too.  An add-to-cart must.

13. Cast iron Dutch oven – with 7 colors to choose from, you’ll save $130 on this kitchen essential.

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Taking Care of Business

Lafayette 148 Emerging Wool Slade JacketLafayette 148 Emerging Wool Slade JacketLafayette 148 Emerging Wool Slade JacketLafayette 148 Emerging Wool Slade Jacket Lafayette 148 Emerging Wool Slade JacketLafayette 148 Emerging Wool Slade Jacket Lafayette 148 Emerging Wool Slade Jacket Lafayette 148 Emerging Wool Slade Jacket Lafayette 148 jacket, pants & mules (c/o) // Banana Republic earrings (similar here)
Marrow Fine necklace // Prada handbag

2019 will mark my sixth year of blogging.  Six years, you guys!  So much has changed since I started to share my own little slice of fashion inspiration on the internet.

When I first started In Spades, my goal was to be rather elusive.  I’ve never really been comfortable sharing my life on the internet (the only reason I signed up for Facebook is because of my blog).  If you look back at some of my first posts, the writing is minimal – it was really only about the photos.

But as I learned and grew, I realized that sharing a part of myself with all of you was important.  People wanted the personality behind the clothes and I get it!  Inspiring people with cool photos is great (and my goal is to continue to do so), but adding value about personal style is what’s truly important.

As I move in 2019, my goal is to share more of these value-added tidbits with you – how to style things, what’s the best bang for your buck, where to find unique pieces.  To start, two of my favorite retailers are having HUGE sales right now.  Check out my go-to for tried and true brands, and my secret for finding emerging designers for big savings.

Insider Tip: Buy now – the big sales are still offering full refunds.  Better to snag something now with the ability to return, than risk it selling out – because it will!

We only have 6 weeks left in 2018 folks!  It’s time to continue reflecting and set our sights high for 2019.  I have a feeling it’s going to be the best year yet.

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Photos by White Tee Black Dress