In Spades

The Vampire’s Wife dress // Calvin Klein 205w39NYC boots // Quay sunglasses // Thatch bracelet
Banana Republic earrings (similar here) // Boyy bag // Celine necklace

On Eleven: Floral dress (similar here and here) // Heart sunglasses

And just like that, another NYFW came and went.

I’m crafting a post about my NYFW reflections over the years (so much has changed since my first season!) but for now I want to share my SS19 experience, diary style.

September 2018 was a first for us in that we brought our daughter.  This definitely changed how we covered the shows.  For one, I really pared down our schedule and made a point not to attend any nighttime events.  NYFW is overwhelming enough, but adding a baby to the mix takes it to the next level!

Dark florals and Western influences are huge trends for fall.  For my first OOTD, I chose an edgy yet feminine dress by The Vampire’s Wife.  The bell sleeves, strong shoulders and precision cut made it look as though it was custom made for me.  You will likely see a lot more of this brand!  Paired with silver toe-capped cowboy boots I was the fashion week equivalent of Dolores from Westworld.

Alber Elbaz x LeSportsac

The first day of NYFW is always the busiest and mine started with a major win.  After finishing our OOTD photos, I had 30min until our first show.  Alber Elbaz was doing a meet and greet at LeSportsac Soho to celebrate his collaboration with the brand.  Even though it was 95 degrees outside, I put my cowboy boots to the pavement and hurried toward Alber as fast as my legs would carry me.

To say Alber is one of the great designers of our time is an understatement.  When he began sketching me on one of his signature prints, I nearly fell over.  To watch his eyes go from me to the page, capturing every detail of my look down to how I styled my hair, was a fashion fairytale come true.  I will never forget it.

Collina Strada

Riding high on fashion euphoria, I Ubered the 10 blocks to Collina Strada.  A few minutes after I arrived, the Blutstein twins (who walked Collina in February) arrived on the scene to a mob of streetstyle photographers.

I made friends with my linemates and entered the show space feeling (and looking) like a sweaty mess.  Lucky for me the show opened to an adorable group of kids leading us in a sound bath.  Talk about a great way to start fashion week and find my center.

The collection was inspired by the idea of returning to a clean slate.  Pink, purple and blue tie-dye accented a predominately white color palette.  Designer Hillary Taymour gave a nod to glamour with rhinestone fringe belts while staying true to her signature easy pieces by finishing each look with comfortable footwear.

You expect quirkiness at Collina, and the sunburned outlines of accessories on the models’ bodies gave us just that.  I always appreciate that Collina designs for every body: young, mature, slim, voluptuous.  The brand’s inclusive DNA – both literally and figuratively – make it a pleasure to watch on the runway and marked a fabulous start to the week.

Tadashi Shoji

From cool kid eclectic to high glamour goddess we went.

Out of all the shows we’ve attended over the years, Tadashi Shoji is the most consistent. It would not be NYFW without him.  I always look forward to his runway: it’s like a fashion week rite of passage.

Tadashi is a dreamer and his concepts are always big.  For SS19, they were infinite.  Galaxies and their vast, mysterious makeup, found their way into his designs.  His deep-v cape dress with celestial print was a standout and evoked a regal air à la Cate Blanchett in Lord of the Rings.  In other words, my kinda dress.

Another highlight was his figure flattering dress with a translucent tulle train.  The chrome sequins shimmered like a glorious night sky.  If there ever was a NYFW fairytale, this look would be it.

Not only was the collection stunning, but I loved the styling at Tadashi.  All of the models wore a layer of gold necklaces with a celestial theme.  It was so relevant and edgy when paired with his feminine gowns.  The dark, glitter nail polish and glam take on the smokey eye were a hit too.

Pamella Roland

One of the toughest parts about NYFW is logistics.  Many times two of your favorite shows will be at the same time or so far apart it’s impossible to make it all work.  This tends to always happen with Tadashi and Pamella Roland, so team In Spades decided to split up.  Last year I missed her show by mere seconds, but got to watch the models take the catwalk from backstage.

Glamor was the name of the game for the second half of Day 1.

Roland sent stunner after stunner down the runway.  Her seafoam green cape gown (noticing a theme?) with floral applique and delicate feathers looked like something out of a dream.  What I loved about this collection is that it had something for everyone.  There were ethereal dreamy pieces, sexy sequins numbers and jacquard floral pieces fit for the chicest garden tea party.

The cast of Real Housewives was in attendance and loved the collection too.  They made quite a stir.  I can’t say I blame them – I went crazy for this collection too.

Like Tadashi, Roland delivered another styling win.  The show opened to models wearing 70’s inspired sunglasses with their looks.  It was retro and unorthodox – I adored it.  Each look was so detailed it bordered on couture – even my husband remarked at how intricate and well made each garment was.

After running all day, we finally stopped for dinner.  My dear friends Dawn and Laura joined us and met Baby P.  Dawn came bearing gifts – the cutest little onesie that is oh-so-perfect for the daughter of a fashion blogger.  Debuting on my Insta soon!

Check out Dawn and Laura’s recaps of Day 1 for a different perspective.

Stay tuned tomorrow for my recap of NYFW Day 2!

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Tadashi Shoji photos courtesy of Linda Gaunt Communications
Collina Strada, Pamella Roland and OOTD photos by Matthew Passiglia