In Spades

Style... in abundance

White Hot Summer Dress

Need Supply Stelen dressNeed Supply Stelen dress Need Supply Stelen dress Need Supply Stelen dress Need Supply Stelen dress Need Supply Stelen dress Need Supply Stelen dress Need Supply Stelen dressStelen dress (only $23) // Sol Sana sandals // Free People sunglasses (comes in 6 colors)
Vasic handbag // Pianegonda and Jennifer Fisher rings

This past weekend was a scorcher.  From here on out, I think it’s safe to say jeans are out, save for a few chilly evenings.  Instead, my go-to everyday look will consist of one of two things: denim cutoffs or dresses.

Since I’m still working back towards my pre-pregnancy weight, my normal supply of denim cutoffs is currently low.  Thank goodness for easy, breezy dresses.

I’ve always loved the straightforwardness of a dress.  It’s truly one of the easiest wardrobe items because it’s just one thing.  You don’t need to match a top and bottom or worry about mixing and matching proportions: it’s all right there for you.

As I begin to prepare for NYFW (yes, my prep is done WAY in advance), I’ll let you in on a little secret.  For the F/W shows in September, dresses are the best choice you can make for the above reasons.  If you look back at my archives, you’ll see a pattern – dresses in September and statement coats in February.  Sticking to this simple yet stylish formula never fails me.

So why would summertime be any different?

I picked up this white hot summer dress in the Need Supply sale.  Since I’ve bought it, it’s gone down even more and is currently only $23!  Stocked in all sizes and super flattering to all body types thanks to its A-line silhouette, you definitely want to jump on this deal.

Paired with a classic circle bag, this look screams summer favorite.  For daytime, I’m going to pair it with flat sandals and swap out the belt for a colorful silk scarf.  It will definitely be on heavy rotation this summer.  Not only is it cute and comfortable, but it’s machine washable.  Now that’s what I call a white hot summer dress.

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The Most Comfortable LBD

Current Elliott The Perfect Muscle Tee DressCurrent Elliott The Perfect Muscle Tee DressCurrent Elliott The Perfect Muscle Tee Dress Current Elliott The Perfect Muscle Tee Dress Current Elliott The Perfect Muscle Tee Dress Current Elliott The Perfect Muscle Tee DressCurrent Elliott The Perfect Muscle Tee Dress Current Elliott The Perfect Muscle Tee DressCurrent/Elliott The Perfect Muscle Tee Dress // Banana Republic bag (similar here and here)
Karen Walker sunglasses // Trina Turk x I.N.C. sandals // Topshop hat (similar here)

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s July.  Summer BBQ’s, beach days and leisurely city strolls are the name of the game. And all of the above require something comfortable and chic.  You can never go wrong with a little black dress.

Believe it or not, this is the dress I wore home from the hospital after giving birth.  Its muscle tee silhouette is comfy and super flattering.  I like knotting it at the bottom for a bit of personality.  Bonus points if you have short legs – it won’t drag on the ground!

This dress also comes in grey and would be a great cover-up après swim.  I’d definitely pack it for any summer getaways as it’s breathable, won’t wrinkle and can easily be dressed up or down.  I styled it with three summer staples: a straw boater, a bucket bag and flat sandals, but for nighttime I’d pair it with a wedge or block heel, tons of layered necklaces and bangles and a box clutch.

With Fourth of July this week, I’ll definitely be breaking out this dress for lounging with family.  We’re expecting a heatwave in SoCal.  In the past, Fourth of July has been overcast and cool in San Diego, so I’m definitely looking forward to a little sun.

What are your holiday plans?

 

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Summer Vacation Ready with Ann Taylor

Ann Taylor Summer Vacation Essentials Ann Taylor Summer Vacation Essentials Ann Taylor Summer Vacation Essentials Ann Taylor Summer Vacation EssentialsAnn Taylor Summer Vacation EssentialsAnn Taylor Summer Vacation Essentials Ann Taylor Summer Vacation Essentials Ann Taylor Summer Vacation Essentials Ann Taylor Summer Vacation EssentialsTop // Skirt // Sandals // Sunglasses // Handbag 
c/o Ann Taylor

The past couple of weeks I’ve talked about wardrobe essentials – my warm weather go-tos and overall classics.  With summer officially here, everyone has one thing on the brain: summer vacation.  Whether you’re taking a big trip or a quick weekend getaway, your vacation essentials should be easy, comfortable and chic.

Summer vacation for me is all about the “S’s”: sunnies, sandals, straw accessories, nautical stripes and chambray (close enough).

Ann Taylor has long been a go-to for elegant classics.  I just took my first summer trip and refreshed my wardrobe with some of my favorite “S’s”.  I’ve been loving straw bags lately and when I saw this cute pom-pom adorned tote, I knew it was the perfect bag for sightseeing and beach time.  It’s lined in fun green fabric and super lightweight for all day wear.

Chambray is one of my favorite summer fabrics and since I already own a jumpsuit and blazer, it was time to add a skirt to the mix.  I love the paper bag waist on this one.  Bonus points because it has pockets!

Since entering my 30’s I’ve pretty much abandoned stilettos save for a few special occasions.  I much prefer a block heel and these beauties are not only sexy, but oh-so-comfortable.  With a padded footbed and super soft suede, they go with everything and can be worn all day.  They come in six colors (I may have to get the toffee ones too).

And who could deny a nautical strip for summer?  Crisp and classic, the pattern pops against dark and light colors alike.  This sleeveless sweater is super flattering and has multiple styling opportunities, a great bonus when on vacation. The keyhole neckline is sweet and versatile.  I’m actually wearing it backward!

If you’re in the San Diego area, join me tonight for a Rosé Soirée at Ann Taylor Fashion Valley to celebrate the start of summer!  We’ll shop must-have pieces and there will be seasonal sips and snacks.  Plus, two lucky winners will take home a tote full of summer getaway essentials.  Details below.

Rosé Soirée
Ann Taylor Fashion Valley
Wednesday, June 27th
6:00 – 8:00pm

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The Modern Cowboy Boot

Calvin Klein laire Western Chelsea BootsCalvin Klein laire Western Chelsea Boots Calvin Klein laire Western Chelsea BootsCalvin Klein laire Western Chelsea BootsCalvin Klein laire Western Chelsea BootsCalvin Klein laire Western Chelsea Boots Calvin Klein laire Western Chelsea Boots 
Calvin Klein laire Western Chelsea BootsCalvin Klein boots ($76 version here) // Apiece Apart dress // Banana Republic earrings (similar here)

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If you follow me on Instagram, you know I asked for your help deciding between an updated version of a cowboy boot and some David Bowie inspired slingbacks.  Well, Western trumped Rock n Roll.

To say these Calvin Klein boots have my heart is an understatement.  No matter how hot the weather gets this summer, I want to wear them every day.  A perfect marriage between a Chelsea and cowboy boot, their modern take on the western style is so versatile and timeless.  I love the silver cap toe with the signature CK logo.  Talk about edgy meets elegant.

If you’re looking for a similar pair at a better price, check out these for $76.  They look amazing with denim cutoffs and a simple tee, as well as more dressed up for evening like I’ve done here.

To keep the rest of my outfit cool, I opted for a breathable cotton one-shoulder dress.  This dress was a steal at 60% off and is still available in a few sizes.  The dark floral print matches perfectly with the vibe of my cowboy boots.  I actually think it’s a little Westworld inspired, which I love.  Shhh, I still haven’t started watching Season 2!

Anyone else a Westworld fan?

 

Wardrobe Essentials: The Classics

Understated Leather jacket Understated Leather jacket Understated Leather jacket Understated Leather jacketUnderstated Leather jacket Understated Leather jacket Understated Leather jacket Understated Leather jacket Understated Leather jacketUnderstated Leather jacket // The Great t-shirt via Pink Lagoon
Citizens of Humanity Rocket jeans via Pink Lagoon (c/o) // Quay sunglasses
Celine mules (under $25 pair here)

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Last week I talked about my summer essentials.  This week I wanted to stick to the theme of essentials, but this time, let’s chat about the classics.  These are the pieces you reach for again and again.  Those ‘never let me down’ staples that are good year round.

The Leather Jacket

If you follow me on Instagram you saw my recommendation for three leather jackets under $500.  One of my faves is by a small company out of Austin, TX called Understated Leather.  Today I’m showing off their Easy Rider Moto and I can’t recommend it enough.  Coming in at $418, this is one of the highest quality leather jackets I’ve ever seen.  It’s seriously right up there with Saint Laurent but at a fraction of the cost.  If you’re looking to invest in a classic leather moto, jump on this deal ASAP.  This company treats their leather to form to your body, so over time, the fit just gets better and better.  It’s like a vintage pair of Levi’s.  Fit like that comes around once in a blue moon.

The Skinny Jean

Speaking of denim, my hands down favorite pair of comfortable skinny jeans is the Citizens of Humanity Rocket.  I’ve featured this style on the blog many times before and can’t recommend them enough.  Truly one of the most comfortable jean styles out there, they mold to your body without stretching out and have the most flattering high rise.  I love the cropped length because I have short legs and they offer tons of different washes in both the cropped and regular styles.

The Perfect Tee

Last week I introduced you to Solana Beach boutique Pink Lagoon with my super chic shirtdress.  If you haven’t been into the store, it’s a gem in the Cedros design district.  Not only do they carry an abundant supply of Citizens jeans, but they also carry amazing indie labels like The Great, whose striped tee I’m wearing.  If you’re looking for a high quality comfy tee, this is it.

They also have other hard-to-find fashionista favorites like Ampersand as Apostrophe, SEA and Xirena.  Owner Jenny Livits is just as kind as she is chic, and I was thrilled to find a sartorial soul sister – she knows her fashion.  Her expertly curated wardrobe is reflected in Pink Lagoon’s amazing inventory and I love that she supports local, indie and established designers alike.

Pink Lagoon also offers personal styling services both in store and in-home and has a designer consignment vault.  It’s a great option for people like me who have an overflowing closet that needs pruning!  I consigned two of my barely used handbags: check out which ones here and here.

If you’re a San Diego native looking for hard to find labels or personal styling help, check out Pink Lagoon.