In Spades

Style... in abundance

NYDJ National Fit Tour

NYDJ Ami Skinny Jeans (c/o) // NYDJ shirt (c/o) // Boyy handbang // Christian Louboutin heels
Thatch earrings & choker // Love Tatum Kali Wrap necklace & Initial chain // Mejuri rings

Earlier this spring I had the opportunity to take part in the NYDJ National Fit Tour.  Their team of experts and stylists set-up pop-up shops in three major cities where women could come in, get pampered and find their perfect fitting pair of jeans.  Since denim is probably the most difficult thing to shop for, the goal was to remove the stress and hassle of the question we’ve all asked ourselves – why is it so hard to find a good fitting pair of jeans?

On top of that, NYDJ was also casting for their National Fall Campaign to be featured in O, The Oprah Magazine!

My girls Tiffany and Kara also attended the event, and we had a blast going through each phase of the experience.  We started in hair and makeup to get camera ready and then each met with their master stylist to find a fit we loved.

Before this experience, I had never tried on a pair of NYDJ.  And I have to be honest – as a self-proclaimed denim snob, I was skeptical I’d like them.  Their main demographic seemed a bit older to me and I knew they were on the stretchy side, which I didn’t think would go with the structured fit I normally gravitate towards.

Then I tried them on.

I can honestly say they are the most comfortable jeans I have ever worn.  Period.  You could seriously climb a mountain, do yoga or go running in them they are so comfy.  But here’s the most important part – they actually feel like (and are!) real denim.  None of this legging jean mumbo jumbo that looks like they’ve been painted on or are so thin you could see through them.  This is substantial quality denim.  Denim with sturdy pockets, buttons and grommets that doesn’t leave creases on your stomach or legs when you take them off.  The type of denim I gravitate towards and actually feels like what Levi Strauss set out to create when he revolutionized how we wear denim over a century ago.

Plus, I looked around at the women who were working and attending the event.  Their team of experts were mostly from New York and super stylish women of all ages and sizes.  I loved seeing how they each put their signature stamp on their NYDJ’s.  Some were wearing shorts, some had their jeans cuffed, others styled them with sneakers, heels or boots and did their own distressing to personalize them.  And the joy on the fellow attendees faces when they came out of the dressing room feeling fabulous and confident was priceless.

Once we had selected our looks, we met with the photographer for our photo shoot.  Tiffany, Kara and I all took turns individually posing and then did a series of group shots.  We had so much fun laughing and modeling together.

Here’s the best part…

Last month we all got notified we’d been cast in the NYDJ Fall Campaign!  Not only can we consider ourselves cover girls, but we’re in Oprah Magazine baby!  So head over to NYDJ’s website to watch the video of the casting process and then get to your local newsstand to pick up a copy of O’s August issue.

Shop the Post

French Girl in the City

Project Social T bodysuit // Rachel Comey jeans // Zara pumps (similar here)
Quay sunglasses /// 3.1 Phillip Lim x Target scarf

It may have been the leftover energy from Comicon, but when I slipped on this striped bodysuit, I felt it needed a little something extra.  My Phillip Lim x Target superhero scarf did just the trick.  I had originally planned on wearing it as a belt, but it looked so much more chic when draped effortlessly through a belt loop.  These little surprises are one of the things I love most about getting dressed.  It’s fun to open a drawer and find something you don’t get to wear very often; bonus points if it comes with a great origin story (superhero pun intended). On top of that, surprising yourself with new ways to style older pieces always breathes fresh life into our sartorial choices, and our confidence to try it again.

As I think about new ways to get dressed or what pieces in my closet deserve to rotate to the front, I’m reminded that today marks T-minus one month until NYFW begins.  Actually, let me be real.  You never need to remind me about NYFW.  It’s always top of mind.  For those of you who’ve been following me for a while, you know that the planning and packing of NYFW outfits begins, well, today.  For the next 30 days our guest bedroom will turn into a makeshift personal styling studio with rolling racks, shoeboxes, accessories trays and some seriously nerdy Excel analysis.  I hate packing.  Yet for this specific occasion, I live for it.  I guess, when it all boils down to brass tax, what I get to decide is who I want to be every day of this crazy, chaotic and creative week. And that is F-U-N.

So, what will the second week of September hold for me?  A French woman strolling through the city?  A cross between Sir Elton John and the purple Prince?  Stay tuned to find out.

Shop the Post

Wrapped Up

Project Social T wrapped crop top // Zara pants (similar here) // Thatch and Parpala Jewelry necklaces
Katharine Page sandals

I can’t believe we’re in the home stretch of summer.  The past few weeks have been full of events and connecting with blogger friends.  When I’m not styling a look for a party or outing, I’m reaching for comfortable basics that still make me look and feel chic.

Last week I talked about a t-shirt and loungewear line I discovered out of LA.  Their pieces are designed and cut in a way that elevates their basic function making them appropriate to wear at both casual and more formal affairs.  This cropped wrap top is so off duty ballerina (love) and comfortable enough to sleep in let alone wear all day in the summer heat.  For a more elevated look I’m going to style it with high waisted skirts or skinny denim, killer shoes and a blazer.

I picked up these pants for a great price at Zara last month.  The detachable belt is great for versatility and the cropped length is just about all I’m wearing anymore.  Gotta show off those shoes!

What are your summer go-to’s?

Shop the Post

Style Inspo: Interior Design with Homepolish

As a self-proclaimed style obsessive you would think I’d have every aspect of my aesthetic life down cold. I can style an outfit with my eyes closed. But when it comes to decorating my house, well, let me tell you a little story.

Two years ago my husband and I completed a massive home renovation. Throughout the process I chose not to hire an interior designer, so each and every detail fell to me. Tile, paint, fixtures, wood flooring, cabinetry, you name it, I chose it. By the time the process was complete, I was totally over having to make even One. More. Decision. Things like artwork, furniture and drapery became enormously daunting tasks.

In the two years since, I’ve managed to cobble together our living room and master bedroom (we needed a couch and a bed after all), but there is one area in our home still facing major neglect – the loft. Originally intended to be our home office, the space has nothing more than an area rug, green screen and a few light boxes. It needs help. It could be so much more than just a makeshift photo studio. As someone who works from home, it’s time for me to move my computer off the kitchen table and create a proper office. It’s been two years!

There comes a point in adulthood when you’re ready for things to stop looking and feeling like college. I no longer want to haphazardly acquire things and cross my fingers that they fit.

I need help.

I first learned about Homepolish from their amazing work with Rumi Neely and Leandra Medine. After viewing the stunning imagery of their home and office revamps I knew the Homepolish designers were my kind of people.

I promptly investigated to figure out how it all worked. First, you do a free in-home consultation with a designer. If you aren’t located in one of their 20 cities with brick and mortar offices, the consultation is done over video conference. After discussing your goals and mapping out a plan, you choose whether or not to hire the designer. If so, you pay an hourly rate.

In order to get our loft in beautiful, working order, I started to browse through the Homepolish archives for inspiration. Organized by room or style, I gravitated towards a contemporary glam aesthetic infused with eclectic elements.

Design by Elisa Shankle, Photos by Claire Esparros for Homepolish
The Man Repeller office revamp that introduced me to Homepolish

If you’re a long time reader, you know that my personal style follows this same path. I lean towards contemporary pieces with a flair for the dramatic – voluminous silhouettes, exaggerated draping and mixed media. The copper chairs are the statement piece in the room but their neutral tone and structured shape give the space a cohesive and inviting flow.  Eclectic, yet functional.

First image: Design by Stefani Stein, Photos by Amy Bartlam for Homepolish
Second image: Design by Jennifer Hallock, photos by Claire Esparros for Homepolish

Key Elements
While going through their archives I found several articles about what to consider when decorating a home office.  The key point that stood out was to create a space that inspires productivity and creativity.  A clean color palette seems like the best starting point; I don’t want to be distracted by a busy room.  I love the neutral, airy vibe of the above rooms.  Both are anchored with pop colors – hello sassy pink and striped coffee table (look familiar) – and use mirrors, plant life and interesting art to open up the space and inspire creativity.

Design by Annochkah Engel, photos by Julia Robbs for Homepolish

Cohesive Style
Since our home is craftsman style I want to incorporate elements that will lend well to its cozy feel. This sitting nook is the perfect blend of traditional and modern with its built-in bookcases and crown molding on the light fixture. And how amazing are those powder blue velvet chairs?  They look incredibly lush and give the room that touch of feminine glam I’m going for.

First image: Design by Tali Roth, Photos by Julia Robbs
Second image: Design by Bree Callahan, Photos by Amy Bartlam for Homepolish

Function
I’ve always wanted a vision board right above a huge work desk, so when I saw these images from fashion designer Rebecca Taylor’s office I was smitten.  I love the idea of refreshing the board every month with my latest whims, brainstorms and reflections.

Since our loft is on the small side, efficiently utilizing the space will be critical.  Floating shelves get things off the floor and out of drawers without taking up too large a footprint.  I love how they used floral wallpaper behind the shelves in Rebecca Taylor’s office and textured wallpaper in the second photo.

Now that I have my inspiration and vision in place, I’m excited to start working with a Homepolish designer. I think all style obsessives can relate to one common theme: we know what we like and we know what we don’t like.  The problem is having to sift through the myriad of choices on offer.  By working with a designer, I won’t have to stress about spending hours on furniture websites, returning things that don’t work and generally just spinning my wheels when I get stuck in a rut.  I’ll have someone to manage all of that for me while sticking to my budget and timeline.

Stay tuned in the months ahead for my office reveal. I can’t tell you how good it’s going to feel to finally have our office in working order!

If you’re in the midst of a remodel or considering a revamp, check out Homepolish for some major design inspo. And please share your journeys and questions with me! I’d love to hear what design choices you’re considering and how the process goes for you.

This post was created in partnership with Homepolish. All opinions are my own.

Summer Basics

Project Social T sweatshirt // AMO jeans // Vans slip-ons // Forever 21 sunglasses (similar here)
Love Tatum earrings // Mansur Gavriel bag ($55 version here)

For the past few weeks I’ve featured ruffled, satin and sequins skirts.  While I love these elevated OOTD’s, I wanted to switch gears and talk about basics.  During summer it’s especially important to have a few easy pieces you can grab that are comfortable but still chic.  Whether it’s a soft tee to pair with denim cutoffs, a cozy sweatshirt to wear during your morning coffee run or a bodysuit that’s comfortable enough to wear all day, knowing where to find these staples is key.

Last summer I did a post about my go-to classics, so I thought it would be a good idea to freshen up the list for 2017.  I recently discovered the LA label Project Social T and instantly feel in love with their knit basics.  One of the toughest things about finding good tees is getting an affordable, quality cotton that won’t fall apart after a dozen washes.  Straight out of the gate this pink lace-up sweatshirt felt perfectly broken in, like I had been wearing it for years.  I’ve washed it numerous times since, and it continues to hold up and get better with each wear – kind of like a great pair of Levi’s.  I’ve also got my eye on this oversized tee to pair with skinny jeans and cutoffs and I’m loving this bodysuit for a transitional piece I can wear with high waisted pants and blazers come fall.

No casual, chic look would be complete without a great pair of tennis shoes.  Vans and Converse are my definite go-to’s when I want to be comfortable but don’t want to go full on athletic gear.  The metallic foil finish of these classic slip-on’s give just enough of a chic edge to be appropriate day or night.  They also come in rose gold, and when worn with twist hem jeans and my trusty bucket bag, the overall effect is cozy yet put together.

Shop the Post