In Spades

Style... in abundance

A la Annie Hall

Last summer I had a chance encounter with Diane Keaton.  During my weekly lunch stop at Le Pain Quotidien, she got in line behind me and we waited together for avocado toast.  I couldn’t help but admire the strong point of view in her individual style.  She was dressed exactly as you’d imagine, in a bowler hat, menswear jacket, vest and loafers.

When putting together this OOTD I was completely inspired by Diane’s spirit and went for my own take on Annie Hall.  There is an amazing resurgence of menswear as womenswear, as well as a practical shoe trend going on right now (think Birkenstocks, mules, loafers).  I picked up this blazer at a vintage flea market in Chicago.  I love its boxy shape and strong shoulders.  The color palette and fuzzy wool give it a ‘raid your grandma’s closet’ feel that I think it so fun.

My jeans are definitely the modern touch in this equation, but also a throwback in their own right.  Levi’s redesigned their original 501’s to have a slimmer silhouette and I’m totally obsessed.  For those of you looking to score a pair of Re/Done Levi’s without the price tag, I highly recommend this new style.  I can’t wait to get my hands on this wash next.

Finally, let’s talk shoes.  These loafers are truly the most comfortable pair of shoes I own.  Lined in the softest leather imaginable, it seriously feels like you’re putting on a sock when you slip them on.  I scored them during Moda Operandi’s Designer Sale (which I highly recommend you take advantage of) and could wear them for days.

Vintage blazer // Banana Republic leather top // Levi’s 501 Skinny fit jeans //
Mari Giudicelli loafers (brown sold out, leather available here)

Pajama Jam

Why hello, 2017.

With the start of each new year I normally feel crazy inspired and jump into a mile long to-do list of things I want to accomplish.  Perhaps I’m getting older, but something about the turning of the clock on January 1 this year felt markedly different.  I didn’t go into overdrive, feel like I was already behind or completely stress out.  I moved into 2017 with a zen feeling and the acknowledgement that what is meant to be related to my goals and ambitions, will be.

I won’t lie to you.  Blogging can be tough and produce a lot of self-doubt.  I’ve done my fair share of second guessing my abilities.  Why I am not growing faster?  Are people even reading this?  Are they inspired?  Is my photography good enough?  My writing?  I started 2017 recognizing that all of that is just noise.  I am so thankful for what I do have – all of YOU and the amazing support and encouragement you’ve given me the past three years.  So let me begin 2017 not only with a zen feeling in my heart, but a big dose of gratitude to everyone who has supported me on this amazing, chaotic, colorful journey.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I wanted my first OOTD of 2017 to be symbolic, and what signifies a relaxed, zen outlook more than… pajamas. Of course I had to add a dose of flair, because one thing you can count on with me, is that there is always going to be at least one weird element.  One little off-kilter detail that makes me the proverbial Dark Horse. I don’t ever want to blend in.

When we shot this look, I got a lot of feedback… negative feedback.  Bottom line, I don’t think people understood it.  But for me, it’s makes perfect sense.  Here’s to starting the year doing what makes sense for you, fulfills your heart, enriches your mind and makes you smile.  The rest will all fall into place.

Sleepy Jones pajama top and pants // Stuart Weitzman Nudist sandals // Free Press faux fur stole

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Year-End Sales

If you’ve been following me on Instagram (@inspadesblog) you know I’ve been sharing my favorite looks from 2016.  One of the things you may not know, is that that majority of my wardrobe is purchased within the last few weeks of the year (this amazing technicolor coat included!).  The end of December and early January is truly the best time to invest in statement pieces and high quality designer items.  I like to keep a running list throughout the season of pieces I’m swooning over so when the time hits, I can take advantage of these amazing deals without getting distracted by the rest of the sale noise.  Raise your hand if you’ve ever bought something just because it was “on sale”.

Unlike Anniversary sales or Friends & Family where the focus tends to be on lower priced basics (and buying up as much as you can), year end sales are more about finding treasures (designer items that typically never go on sale).  Now is the best time to invest in a winter coat, chic booties or a statement handbag.  I’ve linked 40 items that are not only conversation starters, but high quality pieces that will last.

Black + Gold NYE

I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful holiday with your nearest and dearest!  I just returned from a trip home and am feeling refreshed and renewed for what’s ahead in 2017.

Last week I talked about a monochromatic holiday look that was comfortable and versatile for family gatherings.  Today I’m sharing something a little edgier, perfect for a sexy yet sophisticated New Year’s Eve.  I’m a huge fan of 70’s Yves Saint Laurent, and felt inspired by his signature smoking jacket for this look.

Oversized silhouettes are my favorite, but it’s important to pay close attention to proportions when dressing this way.  With my boxy smoking jacket I opted for a form fitting top to keep the look feminine.  When it comes to footwear, I recommend sticking to pointed-toe stilettos with wide leg pants – block heeled boots or round-toe shoes will make the look too heavy.

As with any celebratory event, accessories are the icing on the cake.  I recently picked up this gold ribbon wrap necklace from Love Tatum, and am obsessed with all of the different ways I can style it.  I wore it as a bracelet in our holiday card photos, and can’t wait to style it twisted and draped off my shoulders with a killer backless dress.

To round out 2016, I’ll be sharing my favorite sales on the blog later this week.  Let me know what you think of this look at what you’ll be wearing for NYE below!

Isabel Marant x H&M smoking jacket (old, similar here) // Guess top (old, similar here) // Madewell pants // Jimmy Choo pumps (old, similar version on sale here) // Thatch earrings // Love Tatum gold necklace

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Holiday Gift Guide Under $25


1. Card set – how fun are these cheeky phrases set in metallic foil finish?
2. Soap rocks – these assorted soaps look like natural gemstones and add a glamorous touch to any bathroom.
3. Trinket dish – whether her heart is in Paris, New York or London she can store her dainty pieces on this pretty dish.
4. Brooch – I love the modern and timeless appeal this pearl + silver brooch gives off.  It will look so chic pinned to a winter coat.
5. Metallic pouch – metallics are huge right now and this crocodile pouch is genuine leather and will look great with any outfit.
6. Alphabet mug – let her drink her morning coffee in style.  Add a bag of your local roaster’s beans for good measure.
7. Silver ring – modeled after a Van Cleef & Arpels style, this design is timeless and so sophisticated.
8. Coloring book – I’m all about adult coloring books and this one is designed by blogging duo The House Home.
9. Shower gel – one of Philosophy’s best selling scents, these shower gels are useful and luxurious.
10. Velvet belt – on trend and versatile.  I’d wear it as a choker as well as a belt.
11. First Aid Beauty Balm – I’ve written about this miracle cream before and it’s simply the best beauty product to soothe winter skin.
12. Llama socks – these wool socks have Christmas llamas on them.  Enough said.

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