In Spades

Style... in abundance

An Unconventional Pregnancy Announcement

Unconventional pregnancy announcementUnconventional pregnancy announcementUnconventional pregnancy announcementUnconventional pregnancy announcementUnconventional pregnancy announcementUnconventional pregnancy announcement Unconventional pregnancy announcementUnconventional pregnancy announcementUnconventional pregnancy announcementUnconventional pregnancy announcementUnconventional pregnancy announcementUnconventional pregnancy announcement

Maybe it’s the Aquarian in me, but I’ve never considered myself to be conventional.  I like different.  I cherish weird.  Thankfully I found a partner that not only supports these qualities but embodies them himself.  A perfect little quirky match made in the stars.

So when we became blessed with the news that in April 2018 we’d officially become parents, I knew we couldn’t share perhaps the biggest announcement of our lives in an average way.  It had to be unique.  Us.

So I donned an evening gown and stiletto boots.  The hubby threw on his best Yohji.  And we art directed a photoshoot.  In a laundromat.  Because, why not?  If there’s one thing we love, it’s stepping out of the box.  And this next chapter of our lives will be stepping outside of the box in ways we can’t yet fathom.

Here’s to the wild ride ahead of us.  He’s going to be a rad dad.  Me?  Well, all I can tell you is that I’m going to continue to bring you style inspiration the only way I know how.  As myself.  In my little corner of the internet.  While I grow a tiny human that I’m super excited to meet.

At some point the clothes will get bigger.  And while there might be a tiny shoe or two, In Spades will remain a women’s fashion blog.  I’ve already figured out my next style icon: Andre Leon Talley.  Expect lots of cloaking.

Let the adventure begin!

Special thanks to Felicia LaSala for capturing these images and to Cecelia for her chic eye

2017 Holiday Gift Guide For Men

 

13 Ideas from $20 – $599 for the Men in Your Life

1.  Patagonia pullover – a winter staple no matter what climate you live in, this Patagonia sweater is under $100 and comes in 9 different colors.

2.  Growler – this beautiful stainless steel design keeps beer cold and perfectly carbonated for up to 9 hours.

3.  Duffle bag – whether he uses it as a gym bag or weekender, this sleek design has a removable and adjustable shoulder strap plus top handles.

4.  Reusable cooler – an eco-friendly container that holds 6 bottles or cans for tailgates, picnics or a day at the beach.

5.  Waterproof boots – stylish and functional, these boots come in three colors, are waterproof and lined with wool for extra warmth.

6.  Virtual reality set – a splurge at $599 but worth every penny.  I’ve tried this VR set and it’s the most realistic, crazy interface you will ever experience.

7.  Tupac socks – hilarious and awesome, any music lover needs these.

8.  3-D printer – this is the most used gift I’ve ever given my husband.  The guy in your life will love finding new templates and spend hours creating everything from bottle openers to action figures.

9.  Luggage locator – for the frequent traveler, he’ll never have to worry about the airlines losing his luggage with this electronic tracker.

10.  Watch – clean and classic, this Japanese quartz movement watch has a leather strap, stainless steel face and is coated in sapphire for durability.

11.  Hat – the hat of hats for frigid temps, I love the throwback feel of this lined number.

12.  Cocktail shaker – nerds, art lovers and drink connoisseurs alike will love this cheeky cocktail shaker.

13.  Skateboard deck – for the adventurous dude who always embodies that Cali spirit.

For more ideas, check out my 2016 Holiday Gift Guide for Men

 

Styling Fedoras: Indiana Jones Made Me Buy This Hat

Janessa Leone Riley hatJanessa Leone Riley hat Janessa Leone Riley hatJanessa Leone Riley hatJanessa Leone Riley hat Janessa Leone Riley hat Janessa Leone Riley hat Janessa Leone Riley hat Janessa Leone Riley hatJanessa Leone Riley hat

Janessa Leone Riley fedora // J. Crew t-shirt // Theory blazer ($25 version here)
Madewell jeans // Amelie Pichard boots ($40 version here) // Local Eclectic rings
Rachel Zoe necklace (silver version 20% off) via Lola Boutique

How to Style a Fedora for Fall

It may come as a surprise to you, but Indiana Jones totally made me buy this hat.  As much as I’d like to tell you Harrison Ford and I actually went shopping together, the reality is that Indie’s persona was the inspiration for this purchase.

The “I’m gonna do it my way” pursuit-of-good spirit that’s normally cloaked in a leather bomber, khaki pants and sable fedora needed to manifest itself into my wardrobe too.

I’ve talked many times about how fashion is so much more than mere necessity.  To me, it’s a highly emotional experience; one that uses pieces of fabric cut and draped certain ways to transcend thought, feeling and a completely visceral experience.

If you’ve ever sat in a museum and been moved to tears by a painting or sculpture, then you understand the feeling I’m talking about.  Or maybe it was a song, a building or a stage production.  But the point is that something you saw, heard or felt moved you in such a way you had to take action.  That feeling made it impossible to sit idly by, unaffected.

Modern ways to wear fedoras have been a part of the fashion game for quite some time now.  What I love about this one is the brim is structured to hold it’s shape without being stiff.  It dips down slightly in the front and back with elevated sides making it so flattering (and a little mysterious looking) for all face shapes.

Most fedoras I’ve found are either board stiff and have brims that stick straight out, or have no structure and lose their shape similar to the J. Lo floppy hats of the early 2000’s.  This one strikes the perfect medium.  For an under $100 version, check out my Holiday Gift Guide for the Fashionista.

Shop the Post

2017 Holiday Gift Guide Under $100: Designer Dupes for the Fashionista

12 Designer Dupes Under $100 for the Fashionista in your life

1. Wool cape – capes and ponchos are super chic winter accessories that easily elevate a look (see how I style mine) and this checked wool number with tassels is so fun.

2. Velvet + crystal necklace – two holiday fashion musts (velvet and statement jewelry) come together in this pretty necklace.

3. Silk shirt – my long time favorite brand hits it out of the park with this 100% silk shirt under $100.

4. Faux leather leggings – paired with OTK boots and oversized sweaters, every fashionista needs a pair of these during winter.

5. Hoop earrings – I love the modern take on these sparkly hoop earrings.  Wear them during the day or at night.

6. Metallic sock sneaker – I’ve been dying for a pair of Balenciaga sock sneakers and this pair under $100 is a no-brainer!

7. Corset belt – my love for corsets runs deep and this one can be worn forwards or backwards for a modern take on the trend.

8. Enamel clutch – until one day my dreams of owning an Olympia Le-Tan clutch come true, this affordable alternative will suit me perfectly.

9. Crocodile effect shoulder bag – Chloe continually knocks it out of the park with their “it bags” but if you don’t want to shell out $1500, this croc effect baby is your best bet.

10. Sunglasses – a frame that flatters all face shapes in a cool, translucent shade?  Fashionista all the way.

11. Wool Fedora – I just bought a designer version of this hat that I adore.  Snatch this one up for a much better price!

12. Annie Leibovitz Portraits – every fashionista will love this book of the famed photographer’s portraits from the last 10 years.

Shop the Post

Trend Alert: Modern Ways to Style a Corset

Beaufille Pasiphae Corset Beaufille Pasiphae CorsetBeaufille Pasiphae Corset Beaufille Pasiphae Corset Beaufille Pasiphae Corset Beaufille Pasiphae Corset Beaufille Pasiphae Corset Beaufille Pasiphae Corset Beaufille Pasiphae Corset Beaufille Pasiphae Corset

W Concept shirt dress // Beaufille Pasiphae corset // Valentino boots (similar $40 version here) 

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!  I managed to strike that perfect balance between relaxing and productive over the last four days so I’m ready to tackle the week ahead.

With today being Cyber Monday, there are still some insane deals to be had.  I’ve added my Top 10 Cyber Week picks in the Holiday tab above.  They include notes on how each products’ sizing runs, alternate color and fabric options and ideas for how to style each item.  The best part?  Everything I’ve selected is under $100 and I will be continually adding picks as the holiday sale season goes on!

Today’s OOTD is a special one because I had my eye on this coated wool corset for over a year!  When Moda Operandi put it up for pre-sale I immediately snatched it up and patiently waited the six months for its release.  I had hoped to wear it during NYFW, but sadly it didn’t arrive in time.

The first time I wore it out was to host a pop-up event with one of my favorite local jewelry lines, Thatch.  It strikes the perfect balance between edgy and eye-catching so if you’re playing hostess or attending lots of holiday parties, I highly recommend giving the corset look a try.

While corsets may seem like a thing of the past, they have made a huge comeback in fashion, found everywhere from the runway to street style.  To get the look, I’d recommend keeping your layers structured (like this oversized shirt dress) or voluminous (think long flowing skirts and silk tops).  Pairing a corset over anything form fitting just takes you in an entirely different direction, one best avoided IMHO.

As we move into winter, I’m definitely going to be styling this baby under an oversized blazer with a silk top, mom jeans and ankle boots.  Just be sure to keep your base layer thin enough so the corset still fits and doesn’t have too much bulk to rest against.

What do you think of the corset trend?

Shop the Post