In Spades

Style... in abundance

Yippee Kiyay It’s 2018

The Dress Shirt Marie Claire St. JohnThe Dress Shirt Marie Claire St. JohnThe Dress Shirt Marie Claire St. JohnThe Dress Shirt Marie Claire St. John The Dress Shirt Marie Claire St. John The Dress Shirt Marie Claire St. JohnThe Dress Shirt Marie Claire St. JohnThe Dress Shirt Marie Claire St. John The Dress Shirt Marie Claire St. John The Dress Shirt Marie Claire St. John The Dress Shirt Marie Claire St. John The Dress Shirt by Marie Claire St. John // Silk scarf (velvet version here) // Quay sunglasses 
Vince leather pants ($69 alternative here) // YSL bag ($56 alternative here)
Haider Ackermann boots (suede version 50% off; $65 alternative here)

And just like that 2018 was upon us.  With the coming of each new year, I’m normally very reflective on what transpired and enjoy recapping every moment.  While I had one of my best year’s yet in 2017, I’m feeling much more fresh and “full speed ahead” about this changing of the tide.  Perhaps it’s the upcoming addition to our family or the robust goals and intentions I’ve set for myself in 2018, but I’m taking a note from Die Hard and saying “Yippee Kiyay” (motherf*cker) to the adventures ahead.

I’m excited.  This year is going to be all about off-the-charts passion for me.

About a year ago I discovered Dress Shirt by Marie Claire St. John and fell hard for her silk shirts with cheeky personalized embroidery.  After thinking long and hard about how to customize a shirt, I realized that nothing encompassed my enthusiasm for 2018 better than one of my favorite movie lines.

Hence, Yipppe Kiyay was born.

One of the interesting challenges about getting dressed while pregnant is finding that happy medium between style and comfort.  I ordered these leather pants when they went to additional sale at Bloomingdale’s and have been living in them ever since.  Incredibly chic and suuuper comfortable thanks to the elastic waistband, they seriously might be the best cost-per-wear item in my closet.

I’ve linked a more affordable faux alternative below, including some great dupes of my YSL bag and boots.

I’d love to hear from you!  What are your goals for 2018?  And what would you like to see covered this year on In Spades?

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An Elevated Way to Wear Leopard Print

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Club Monaco turtleneck (on sale for $49) // Harris Wharf London coat
Hellessy pants (similar pair 70% off) // Zara boots (on sale for $49)

While animal prints will always have a place in the fashion world, leopard print has been making a strong comeback the past few seasons.  I love its exotic vibe and wanted to share an elevated way to style perhaps the wildest of the animal prints.

Don’t get me wrong, I love a flamboyant take on the trend, but to close out the end of 2017 I gravitated towards a more sophisticated vibe.  Winter whites and neutrals will always have my heart, so these Hellessy pants that I’ve had forever were a no-brainer.  Choosing a neutral base allows the leopard print to really pop, while maintaining that elevated, chic vibe.

Since we’re now officially in winter, I wanted to add a topcoat (one of my favorite ways to zhoosh up a basic look).  I purchased this Harris Wharf London coat at one of their flagship stores off Portobello Road in London.  Every time I wear it, I makes me feel incredibly posh and takes me back to that quintessentially rainy afternoon my husband and I spent strolling and shopping the cobblestone streets of Notting Hill.

Probably one of my best outerwear investments, it comes in a myriad of colors and is remarkably still available thanks to the capstone model the brand follows for every collection.

What I love about this looks is that it stands out, yet is totally versatile.  It could be worn to work, to happy hour with friends or a nice dinner outing.

This will be my last blog post of 2017.  I’m super excited to bring you tons of exciting content in 2018.  Be sure to check back next week for fresh updates and in the meantime, have a wonderful end to 2017.

Happy New Year!

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2017 Holiday Gift Guide Under $25

Last Minute Holiday Gift Ideas $25 and Under

1. 90’s coloring book – give me a good throwback everyday of the week.  The fact that it exercises my creative side?  Even better.

2. High School Genes keychain – you know I love a cheeky gift and this one immediately made me laugh.

3. Matte Shaker Liquid Lipstick – highly pigmented yet super lightweight, this lippie comes in 25 shades.  Give the gift of bold red for the holidays.

4. Evil eye pouch – I’m obsessed with anything related to this talisman, especially when it comes in a convenient and functional package.

5. Faux fur fingerless gloves – earlier this winter I died over an electric blue pair of fur fingerless gloves before realizing they were real.  This faux alternative is a win-win.

6. Pour over coffee maker – every girl needs a chic way to make her morning coffee.

7. Flower earrings – à la Oscar de la Renta and oh-so-good.

8. Peter Thomas Roth mask set – save winter skin with this brilliant multi-pack.

9. Prosecco Pong – I’ll always be a beer pong girl.  This just classes it up!

10. Phone grip + stand – using her phone will never be easier.

11. Ceramic serving platter – a stunning piece for any hostess, the gold trim adds an elegant touch.

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Holiday Party Style: Faux Fur & Metallics

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Zara faux fur sleeved sweater // Veronica Beard skirt (70% off)
Marco de Vincenzo boots (60% off, also comes in pink and gold)
Pianegonda ring // Quay sunglasses (black sold out; also comes in pink)

I can’t believe Christmas is a week away!  My parents are coming to visit later this week and we have lots of fun holiday activities planned.

When it comes to my personal style for holiday festivities I like to step outside the box (no surprise there) and go with more unexpected color ways and fabrics.  Classic red will always been in style, but why not take a walk on the edgier side?

This faux fur sleeved sweater is a play off of a Sally LaPointe piece, but ethically-friendly and a fraction of the cost.  It looks just as fabulous dressed down – I wore it with leggings and Nike’s to run errands last weekend – and is uber comfortable.

Because of its oversized silhouette I opted to tuck in a corner right where the ruffle began on my skirt for some visual contrast.  You may remember this skirt from over the summer.  It’s one of those tried-and-true pieces that fits all seasons and occasions thanks to its fabric content and flattering shape.  A fabulous investment then, it’s now 70% off!

And oh, don’t even get me started on these boots.  The minute I saw them I died and went to sartorial heaven, patiently stalking them until they went on sale.  I scored them on Black Friday, but they are now even more discounted and come in pink and gold as well.  I seriously might need to get the taller gold version too.

What I love about a spunky boot for holiday parties and events is that it’s more comfortable (i.e. warmer) and plays up an outfit so much more than a classic pump or high heeled sandal.  In an effort to never be predictable, I just love the finished effect this more unusual choice has on an overall look, while still maintaining a holiday theme with the metallic leather.

Shop the Post below for more of my favorite, affordable faux fur and metallic holiday picks!

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2017 Holiday Gift Guide: Star Wars

Ultimate Star Wars Gift Guide

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I got to attend the World Premiere of Star Wars: The Last Jedi last weekend in LA.  It was an absolutely incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience that I will never, ever forget.  From being three feet away from the stars walking the red carpet, to seeing the movie in the theatre where the Oscars were once held, to attending the afterparty with everyone who worked on the movie, I’m still on cloud nine.

In honor of today’s world release of Star Wars: The Last Jedi, I thought it only fitting to bring you the Ultimate Star Wars Gift Guide.  The amount of Star Wars merchandise out there is intergalactic, so I focused solely on high quality items even the most picky fashionista will love.

The Ultimate Star Wars Gift Guide for the Fashionista

1. “I love you; I know” gold + diamond necklace – one of the most recognizable phrases from the franchise is captured in this luxurious necklace that’s surprisingly affordable.

2. Christian Louboutin Captain Phasma shoes – in partnership with the Starlight Children’s Foundation, Christian Louboutin created these one-of-a-kind Captain Phasma heels, up for auction until December 20.  The reigning bid is steep, but these are the ultimate Star Wars fashion collectible.

3. Portable Turntable – for the stylish music lover that wants to take her tunes with her.

4. Bootleg sweatshirt – the cheeky bootleg imagery of this sweatshirt screams street style darling.  I need it.

5. Rey sweater – a sweater I’d wear on a normal basis with a major nod to my girl Rey?  Yes, please.

6. Praetorian Guard watch – bold red to match the armor of the dark guards, Nixon also created timepieces inspired by Kylo Ren and Captain Phasma.

7. Sith Lord coat – this hooded coat reminds me of Yohji Yamamoto, but at a fraction of the cost, with cool Death Star details.

8. Princess Leia boots – the Rag & Bone x Star Wars collab sold out in mere minutes, but these ankle boots, which also come in black and red, are still available.

9. Echo Base jacket – Columbia created three Star Wars all-weather coats, which are sold out online but still available in 13 stores across the US.

10. AT-AT cufflinks – show your style in a subtle way with these iconic cufflinks.

11. Dark Side patched denim jacket – patches and embroidery are huge in the fashion world right now and this vintage denim jacket has my name on it.

12. Princess Leia backpack – pay homage to the woman with the most iconic hairstyle in the galaxy with this sporty backpack.

13. Star Wars printed dress – a nod to the Fall 2014 RTW collections at Rodarte and Preen, this printed dress is super chic and only $76.

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