In Spades

Style... in abundance

Save vs. Splurge: Little White Dress

Since I’m all about starting new series’s, I thought I would add one more to the mix!

I give you… Save vs. Splurge.

By no means is this a new idea – my first introduction to the concept was In Style magazine in the late 1990’s – but it’s a timeless one.  What gal doesn’t want to save a buck and look glam for less?

Since the majority of what I feature on In Spades falls between moderate and luxury pricing, I wanted to offer something more accessible.

For this first edition, I’m focusing on a summer staple – the little white dress.  All of these pieces are super on trend right now, yet provide major versatility because of their neutral palette.

You could wear these sandals and this bag with SO many things.  Hair clips are trending and rather than go big, I like the dainty vibe this one gives off.

Let me know what you think of the new series and what looks you’d like to see next!

 

Save vs Splurge White Eyelet Dress

 

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The Most Comfortable LBD

Current Elliott The Perfect Muscle Tee DressCurrent Elliott The Perfect Muscle Tee DressCurrent Elliott The Perfect Muscle Tee Dress Current Elliott The Perfect Muscle Tee Dress Current Elliott The Perfect Muscle Tee Dress Current Elliott The Perfect Muscle Tee DressCurrent Elliott The Perfect Muscle Tee Dress Current Elliott The Perfect Muscle Tee DressCurrent/Elliott The Perfect Muscle Tee Dress // Banana Republic bag (similar here and here)
Karen Walker sunglasses // Trina Turk x I.N.C. sandals // Topshop hat (similar here)

Ladies and gentlemen, it’s July.  Summer BBQ’s, beach days and leisurely city strolls are the name of the game. And all of the above require something comfortable and chic.  You can never go wrong with a little black dress.

Believe it or not, this is the dress I wore home from the hospital after giving birth.  Its muscle tee silhouette is comfy and super flattering.  I like knotting it at the bottom for a bit of personality.  Bonus points if you have short legs – it won’t drag on the ground!

This dress also comes in grey and would be a great cover-up après swim.  I’d definitely pack it for any summer getaways as it’s breathable, won’t wrinkle and can easily be dressed up or down.  I styled it with three summer staples: a straw boater, a bucket bag and flat sandals, but for nighttime I’d pair it with a wedge or block heel, tons of layered necklaces and bangles and a box clutch.

With Fourth of July this week, I’ll definitely be breaking out this dress for lounging with family.  We’re expecting a heatwave in SoCal.  In the past, Fourth of July has been overcast and cool in San Diego, so I’m definitely looking forward to a little sun.

What are your holiday plans?

 

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Fun Cold Weather Accessories

Pom Pom HatPom Pom HatPom Pom HatPom Pom HatPom Pom HatPom Pom Hat Pom Pom Hat Pom Pom Hat Pom Pom Hat Pom pom hat // Club Monaco sweater // Citizens of Humanity jeans
Vince boots (under $100 version here) // Mansur Gavriel mini bucket bag (under $28 version here)

As we move further into fall, I’m all about cold weather accessories.  When I saw this $29 pom pom hat, I immediately snatched it up.  My husband lovingly jokes that it makes me look like a horse jockey, but I’ll take it.  How can you not love a classic equestrian silhouette with an edge?

To keep the look from going full on uniform, I paired it with a slouchy sweater casually tucked into high waisted jeans.  This keeps the look from going a bit too slouchy and casual and it’s one of the simple styling tricks I apply to almost all of my fall outfits.  It really does transform a look from plain Jane to style maven.

Chelsea boots are a classic style that every woman should own for fall, and I knew this was the perfect time to break mine out.  While these are a few seasons old, I’ve linked a few pairs under $100 below that are great replicas and will go with everything.  Finally, bucket bags are still going strong in the world of fashion (this one is my most used handbag ever).  For an under $28 version, check out the image in the Shop the Post widget below.

Over the weekend I finally tackled a big project on my to-do list: organizing my denim collection.  After finding out I own 55 pairs of jeans (I know, that’s totally insane!) I eliminated 20 pairs and put them up for sale on my Poshmark page.  If you’re looking for some barely worn denim from Madwell to Re/Done Levi’s be sure to check it out!

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Sandal season

We had glorious weather in Southern California this past weekend – the beaches were packed and I spent the majority of my time outside.  Whenever the weather starts to turn warm, it’s no surprise I reach for easy, comfortable pieces.  This wide leg jumpsuit looks like a maxi dress, but has all the comfort of wearing pants.  It was the perfect choice – and oh-so-fun – for walking around downtown after a quick stop at one of my favorite cafes.

I recently read an article about the items of clothing you no longer buy when you hit your 30’s.  Stilettos topped the list and I have to say I completely follow suit.  These days I’m all about flats or low block heels.  For summer, I was looking for a good pair of leather sandals and came across designer Katharine Page.  Using sustainable manufacturing and ethical business practices – key elements for me when choosing clothing and accessories – her sandals are inspired by equestrian sport.  To play up this detail, I paired them with a horsebit leather belt to cinch the waist and create a nice contrast to the voluminous jumpsuit.  The criss-cross linen straps look great with dressier and casual outfits alike, and the padded insole is super comfortable.  They’ll definitely be a great staple for the fun weekend trips I have planned this summer!

Anthropologie jumpsuit // Mansur Gavriel mini bucket bag // Leatherock belt from Vocabulary boutique//
Thatch necklace // Katharine Page sandals (c/o)