In Spades

Style... in abundance

Wardrobe Essentials: The Classics

Understated Leather jacket Understated Leather jacket Understated Leather jacket Understated Leather jacketUnderstated Leather jacket Understated Leather jacket Understated Leather jacket Understated Leather jacket Understated Leather jacketUnderstated Leather jacket // The Great t-shirt via Pink Lagoon
Citizens of Humanity Rocket jeans via Pink Lagoon (c/o) // Quay sunglasses
Celine mules (under $25 pair here)

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Last week I talked about my summer essentials.  This week I wanted to stick to the theme of essentials, but this time, let’s chat about the classics.  These are the pieces you reach for again and again.  Those ‘never let me down’ staples that are good year round.

The Leather Jacket

If you follow me on Instagram you saw my recommendation for three leather jackets under $500.  One of my faves is by a small company out of Austin, TX called Understated Leather.  Today I’m showing off their Easy Rider Moto and I can’t recommend it enough.  Coming in at $418, this is one of the highest quality leather jackets I’ve ever seen.  It’s seriously right up there with Saint Laurent but at a fraction of the cost.  If you’re looking to invest in a classic leather moto, jump on this deal ASAP.  This company treats their leather to form to your body, so over time, the fit just gets better and better.  It’s like a vintage pair of Levi’s.  Fit like that comes around once in a blue moon.

The Skinny Jean

Speaking of denim, my hands down favorite pair of comfortable skinny jeans is the Citizens of Humanity Rocket.  I’ve featured this style on the blog many times before and can’t recommend them enough.  Truly one of the most comfortable jean styles out there, they mold to your body without stretching out and have the most flattering high rise.  I love the cropped length because I have short legs and they offer tons of different washes in both the cropped and regular styles.

The Perfect Tee

Last week I introduced you to Solana Beach boutique Pink Lagoon with my super chic shirtdress.  If you haven’t been into the store, it’s a gem in the Cedros design district.  Not only do they carry an abundant supply of Citizens jeans, but they also carry amazing indie labels like The Great, whose striped tee I’m wearing.  If you’re looking for a high quality comfy tee, this is it.

They also have other hard-to-find fashionista favorites like Ampersand as Apostrophe, SEA and Xirena.  Owner Jenny Livits is just as kind as she is chic, and I was thrilled to find a sartorial soul sister – she knows her fashion.  Her expertly curated wardrobe is reflected in Pink Lagoon’s amazing inventory and I love that she supports local, indie and established designers alike.

Pink Lagoon also offers personal styling services both in store and in-home and has a designer consignment vault.  It’s a great option for people like me who have an overflowing closet that needs pruning!  I consigned two of my barely used handbags: check out which ones here and here.

If you’re a San Diego native looking for hard to find labels or personal styling help, check out Pink Lagoon.

My Love/Hate Relationship with Zara

Zara Green Dress Zara Green Dress Zara Green Dress Zara Green DressZara Green DressZara Green Dress Zara Green Dress Zara Green DressZara dress (sold out, similar here) // YSL bag ($70 version here and here)
Quay sunglasses (similar here) // Celine mules ($25 version here)

I have a confession.  I have a love/hate relationship with Zara.

On one hand, I love that they carry on-trend pieces at super reasonable price points.  On the other hand, I hate that literally every design they carry is a blatant knock-off of a designer original.  Anyone remember the City Lights collection?  They practically copied the entire Balenciaga and Gucci F/W17 lines down to the stitch.

Zara is no stranger to intellectual property theft.  While it’s one thing to copy retail giants like Gucci, there’s added salt to the wound when they take advantage of the little guy.

If you’re a close follower of fashion news, you’re familiar with the Tuesday Bassen case.  Tuesday, who designs cheeky pins and patches, noticed the fast fashion giant was knocking off her designs without contacting her to license the rights.  What followed was a lengthy David vs. Goliath lawsuit, and sadly, she’s not the only indie artist with this story.  The list is long.

Then there’s the environmental impact.  Fast fashion accounts for massive amounts of waste per year, not to mention the inefficient use of energy.  And by purchasing clothes from Zara and its counterparts, we’re perpetuating a cycle that continually strains scarce resources.

Time to get real

I’ll be the first to admit I own pieces from Zara.  The dress I’m sharing with you today is Zara.  I purchased it for my baby shower.  An 80’s theme party, I needed something affordable that fit my growing belly and paid homage to the decade.  When I found this dress with massive shoulder pads and a bold, graphic print for only $17.99, I knew it was the perfect piece.

In an effort to upcycle, I didn’t want it to be a one and done item.  Thus, it’s making its debut on the blog.

But where do I draw the line?

I’m still battling with that question.  While I make an effort to avoid Zara, I find myself popping in to window shop every now and then.  What starts as excitement for all the amazing designs I see, quickly turns into disdain.  It’s like lipstick on a pig.

“Ooh, I love that top.”

“Wait, didn’t I see this exact top in Jacquemus’ last collection?”

As I take a closer look at the items in my hand waiting to be tried on, a pattern emerges.  Balenciaga, Celine, Gucci.  I’ve seen it all before.  It quickly loses its luster.  Originality and (sadly) exclusivity are what make fashion tick.

So the question remains.  Are designer knock-offs that strain the environment worth it?

Where do you stand?

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