In Spades

Style... in abundance

Belt Bags + Wrap Dresses

James Perse dress & Prada belt bagJames Perse dress & Prada belt bagJames Perse dress & Prada belt bagJames Perse dress & Prada belt bagJames Perse dress & Prada belt bag James Perse dress & Prada belt bag James Perse dress & Prada belt bag James Perse dress & Prada belt bag

James Perse dress ($20 option here) // Prada bag ($20 option here and $30 option here)
Fendi pumps ($40 option here) // Free People sunglasses // Nars lipstick

Belt Bags

Earlier this month I talked about my newest handbag crush: the ultimate 3-in-1 belt bag.  I first styled it as a crossbody, and today I’m styling it as it’s meant to be worn – around the waist.  Even with a pregnant belly, it still works and looks chic as ever.

My love for this bag is pretty unparalleled.  I’ve wanted a belt bag since before becoming pregnant, and as soon as I found out I was, knew it would be the perfect addition.  Being handsfree is essential as a mom, and with this beauty I don’t have to compromise functionality.  It comes with a gold chain to wear as a crossbody and everything can be removed to carry it as a clutch for evenings out.

If you’ve been thinking of jumping on the belt bag trend, I highly recommend you do!  You don’t need to go the fanny pack route – there are so many fabulous structured options out there for a more chic look.

For a great $30 alternative, click here.

Wrap Dresses

James Perse is a line I’ve long loved.  While the t-shirts have always been a part of my wardrobe, I hadn’t tried on their dresses until becoming pregnant.  The double-lined cotton is super comfortable and very forgiving.  No VPL here!  I love how the fabric maintains its shape and doesn’t stretch out.  Plus, the ruching around the waist and wrap effect around the bustline make it a great option for all shapes and sizes.

While the price point is a bit higher for James Perse, the quality makes it 100% worth it.

For great alternatives, check out this $20 option and this $40 option.

Shop the Post

Soft Tones for Spring + A Bumpdate

Matron Saint dressMatron Saint dressMatron Saint dress Matron Saint dressMatron Saint dressMatron Saint dressMatron Saint dressMatron Saint dress Matron Saint dress (non-maternity here) // Barney’s cardigan (similar here and here)
Janessa Leone hat // Dorateymur boots

I’ve long been a fan of Janessa Leone hats.  Each season I incorporate a new piece into my collection.  It’s usually a straw boater for summer and a wool fedora for winter.  With her continually changing line-up of fabrics and colors it’s easy to find new pieces that feel different from what’s already in my arsenal.

Last week she announced the debut of her JL Mini line and I about died.  For the little ones in your life, they are just as cool as their big sister counterpart.  Talk about the chicest girl on the playground.  Be sure to check it out for a major dose of cuteness.

Bumpdate

That brings me to my next point – we have very exciting news!

Two weeks ago my husband and I welcomed a little girl into the world.  Our daughter is perfect in every way and we are over the moon in love with her.  As we determine our comfort level of how much of her we’ll share on the big, bad interweb, I wanted to share this incredible news with all of you that have stuck with me over the years.  Thank you for continuing to support me by reading In Spades, engaging with me on social media, and being interested in what I have to say from a style perspective.  It truly means the world to me.  As you’ve shared your thoughts and ideas with me, sharing this life-changing news with you is very important to me too.

Since our little lovebug came almost two weeks early, I still have tons of pregnancy-related style content to share with you!  In the coming weeks you’ll still see me rocking the bump, but my hope is that my commitment to non-maternity fashion that can be worn while pregnant will continue to inspire your spring wardrobe decisions.

Happy Spring!

Shop the Post

 

Spring Fashion Finds: How to Score Great Deals

Topshop dressTopshop dressTopshop dress Topshop dress Topshop dress Topshop dress Topshop dress Topshop dress Topshop dressTopshop dress (sold out, similar here) // 3.1 Phillip Lim for Target sunglasses (old, similar here)
NYX Cosmetics lip gloss // Prada mules (similar here)

You know when you take a shot on an online purchase and end up hitting it out of the park?  Thus is the case with this dress.

In my quest for comfy non-maternity, maternity fashion, I came across this Topshop dress via Nordstrom.  It’s 100% cotton, the perfect length and has fun details that set it apart from a simple turtleneck dress.  How fun are the scalloped lettuce trim sleeves?  I immediately added it to cart (it was a mere $24.99!) not thinking it would be anything I’d wear past week 40.

As soon as I tried it on at home, I knew it would be sticking with me through spring and summer.  Worn with block heeled mules here, it’s perfect for outings with friends.  Paired with sneakers, it’s my go-to look for running errands.

Sometimes my best purchases are totally serendipitous.  I encourage you to take a look at your favorite retailers’ websites for their shortlisted items.  I love perusing the Editor’s Picks here, and the 100% Exclusives here.

Sort by price from lowest to highest and see what you come up with.  I guarantee there’ll be a diamond in the rough waiting for you.

Shop the post below for alternate picks on my OOTD at all price points.

Shop the Post

Why You Need a Utility Jacket for Spring

Utility Jacket Utility JacketUtility JacketUtility JacketUtility JacketUtility Jacket Utility JacketUtility Jacket Zara utility jacket (similar here and here) // Vintage tee
Mother denim (non-maternity version here and here)
Zara boots (similar here and here) // Le Specs sunglasses 

With half the country covered in snow, I thought I’d change up my spring dress routine and feature a more transitional OOTD.  Most spring days start off cool, warm up and then cool down again at night.  Chic layers and jackets are essential, and one of my favorite spring go-to’s is the utility jacket.

In between a denim jacket and a trench coat, the utility jacket is edgy and functional.  They lean more masculine, which allows for some amazing styling options.  Pair them with jeans and boots as I’ve done here for a casual, cool look or jump to the other end of the spectrum and pair them with super feminine dresses for amazing juxtaposition.

Two features I love about utility jackets that set them apart from trench coats or denim jackets is that most come with a hood and feature a double closure (i.e. buttons/snaps and a zipper).  This functionality allows for the best layering, changing weather conditions and styling options.

Festival bound?  Definitely invest in a utility jacket.  They look amazing with denim shorts, have tons of pockets to keep you hands-free and will be your savior when it cools down at night.

Live somewhere with seasons?  Keep a utility jacket in your car so you always have a stylish, functional option on hand.

Shop my top utility jacket picks below

As I near the end of my pregnancy, I’m thinking a lot about legacy.  What are the lessons, traditions and memories my parents bestowed upon me?  What can I draw from those experiences to pass on to Baby P?

When my sister came out for my baby shower, she brought a t-shirt my Dad always used to wear.  It features a picture of my first dog, Zachariah, on the back.  A brindle Great Dane, he looked like a tiger.  I used to ride him.  My parents would put me on a blanket in our front yard while they worked in the garden.  Every time someone walked by our lot, Zack used to stand up in front of me until they passed.

He was a great dog.  One in a million.

Lola, our Chocolate Lab, will be that dog for Baby P.  I think I better get a t-shirt made.  What do you think?

Shop the Post

What to Buy in the Bloomingdale’s Friends & Family Sale

The Bloomingdale’s Friends & Family sale starts tomorrow and there are tons of great deals to be had!  Enjoy free shipping and up to 25% off your purchase from April 6 – 15.  Bloomingdale’s Loyalists can also get a $25 gift card for every $100 they spend.

I’ve linked my top sale picks above (simply click on the image in the collage) or click the linked text below.  You can also visit my Shop tab for more amazing sale finds.

Happy shopping!

Criss-cross back maxi dress
Straw circle bag
Striped open-back dress
Red slip dress
Nintendo heart sneakers
Blonde suede moto jacket
Raffia bathing suit
Track pants
Red handbag
Side-striped jeans
Safety pin slingbacks
Studded mules
Lace dress
Pearl embellished denim jacket

Photos via Bloomingdale’s and Faithfull the Brand