In Spades

Style... in abundance

Sunglasses Review: Affordable, Designer & 3 Tips for Finding the Best Pair

Sunglasses have become such a big part of my fashion vernacular that I consider them to be as important as the handbag I carry.  From cheap pairs to designer, I’ve learned a ton about different brands and styles over the years.

With summer right around the corner I thought it was the perfect time to break down my favorite pairs.  Read on for the affordable brands I love, which designer brands are worth it, and 3 tips for selecting the best frames for your face shape.

Affordable Brands I Love

NYFW SS20 OOTD 1 The Vampire's WifeWearing Le Specs sunglasses

Without question, my two favorite affordable brands are Le Specs and Quay Australia.

Each brand averages about $50 a pair.  They both offer polarized lenses and polycarbonate frames.  What you get is durable, high-quality sunnies at a great price.

Another bonus is that they are constantly coming out with new styles.  You can find classic and trendy frames in a myriad of colors.

This is my all-time favorite pair of Le Specs.  It’s a perennial style and they offer a multitude of seasonal colors.


Quay Australia runs a little cheaper and a tad trendier.  They have a great selection of classic styles but tend to be more fashion-forward in the shapes and colors they offer.  They also offer blue light glasses, which I love.

Blue Light GlassesWearing Quay Australia blue light glasses

This is my all-time favorite pair of Quay Australia.  They look great on every face shape.

Designer Brands I Love

Tiko Paksa Resort 20Wearing Celine sunglasses

If you’ve been reading In Spades for a while, you know I have a Celine sunnies addiction.

Every Nordstrom Note I earn goes towards Celine sunglasses.  I own these, these, and these.

What I adore about them is the style.  Their designs are incredible: uber chic, ultra flattering and so fashionable.  They are the sunglasses line that every other sunglasses brand copies.

The Best Affordable Cashmere SweatersWearing Celine sunglasses

Here’s what you need to know about Celine sunnies – they bend.  The frames are made from a super pliable material which makes them comfortable and durable, but also prone to losing their shape.

I have to get mine adjusted about every six months. To be honest, having to readjust them is a pain.  BUT, their impeccable designs are worth it, IMO.  I will deal with the extra step because I love them THAT much.

3 Tips for Finding the Best Sunglasses for Your Face Shape
  1. Opt for a gradient lens.  Do you know what makes sunglasses look expensive?  It’s not the frame, but the lens.  A gradient lens softens the look of the frames while also adding a dramatic edge.  This juxtaposition lends well to all face shapes.
  2. When it doubt, opt for square frames with rounded edges. This frame shape will flatter oval, round, square and heart-shaped faces alike.  It’s a common misconception that an aviator frame looks good on everyone – it doesn’t.  The downward slope of the aviator frame elongates oval and heart-shaped faces too much.  A square frame with rounded edges like these, look amazing on everybody.
  3. These nose pads are a lifesaver.  They come in clear and black and prevent sunglasses from slipping down your nose.  They can be cleaned and stuck on and off without damaging your frames.  If you have fit problems with sunglasses, GET THESE.

My New Favorite Skirt

LoveShackFancy mini skirt LoveShackFancy mini skirt LoveShackFancy mini skirtNordstrom sweater // LoveShackFancy skirt // Dorateymur boots
Celine sunglasses // Vasic New York handbag & key chain (similar here)

I don’t know about you, but I have the hardest time finding skirts.

I think it’s because I have short legs and a long torso, but finding the right silhouette and skirt length has always been a challenge for me.

Last year I experimented with clothing rental service Nuuly (read my review here) and found a skirt I adored.  It’s the one I’m wearing here but in this color.  I wore it a ton and almost purchased it (an option from the rental service).

The next month, I chose the dress version of this skirt.  After wearing it a ton and getting lots of compliments, I knew it was time.  The skirt needed to be added to my wardrobe.

I’m SO glad I purchased it.  It’s 100% cotton so you can wash it and runs TTS.  The longer length in the back provides the perfect amount of coverage, and it has an elastic waistband (super comfy).

I styled mine a la Parisian Chic with a striped sweater, black booties and a pop of red.  If you’re looking for a fun skirt that can easily transition day to night and from California winter to spring, this is it.  Right now it looks awesome with boots, but I know I’ll wear it a ton this summer with sandals too.

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Uggs, But Make it Fashion

Ugg Moto Punk Mini BootUgg Moto Punk Mini Boot Ugg Moto Punk Mini Boot Ugg Moto Punk Mini BootUgg Moto Punk Mini BootUggs (on sale!) (c/o) // Jean Atelier jeans (on sale!) // Vocabulary boutique sweater
YSL bag (on sale!) // Celine sunglasses (on sale!)

I love Uggs.  Every winter they become my go-to shoes for running errands, walking the dog, and just day-to-day life.

While there was once an Uggs + denim mini skirt phase (thank you, Britney) I think most women struggle with how to style Uggs so they look presentable for every day and not just the ski slopes.

Enter the Ugg Fashion Baby collection.

“Fashion Baby is a collection that celebrates the California woman’s spirit and style.  This woman is a beguiling mix of glamour and grunge.  She can be a tomboy or ultra-feminine depending on her mood.”

Hello, could that be any more me?

When I saw these Moto Punk Mini boots I knew I had to have them.  I love the buckled toes and zip-up style.  But the best part is that they can be worn two ways.  Any piece of fashion that is a 2-in-1 is an automatic win in my book.

I styled my Uggs with the top flipped down for a more casual vibe.  For a sleek look, zip them up and buckle them.  You can see the difference in the last two side-by-side photos.  I love them both ways!

To elevate the look and make it wearable for meet-ups with friends, I paired them with my favorite handbag and sunglasses (bonus, they’re both on sale!).  These flip top jeans are super comfortable and go perfectly with the edgy vibe of the boots.  Since the jeans have a fun detail on the high waist, I went for a cropped sweater to show that off.

Voila!  A totally stylish way to wear Uggs for every day.

Later this week I’ll be sharing another way to style Uggs, “but make it fashion” for every day.  My next pair is a more traditional ski boot vibe.  Can’t wait to share them!

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NYFW SS20 OOTD 2

Prada Frankenstein shirt, Bottega Veneta pouch Prada Frankenstein shirt, Bottega Veneta pouch Prada Frankenstein shirt, Bottega Veneta pouch Prada Frankenstein shirt, Bottega Veneta pouch Prada Frankenstein shirt, Bottega Veneta pouch Prada Frankenstein shirt, Bottega Veneta pouchPrada Frankenstein shirt // Tibi turtleneck (sold out, similar here) // J. Crew skirt // Happy Socks
Celine sunglasses // Prada shoes // Bottega Veneta pouch

Just call me bride of Frankenstein.  But like a cooler, more chic version.

When I saw the FW19 Prada runway show, I knew I was in trouble.  The kooky, eerie vibe the show took on had me from the first look.  I wanted it all.

So when it came time to think about my investment pieces for the year (which usually coincide with NYFW), I knew I needed something Frankenstein.  At first, I thought it was this skirt, but it just wasn’t flattering on me.  I ended up going with this men’s shirt and have worn it countless ways since owning it – tied at the waist, buttoned and tucked into high-waisted jeans and worn open like my NYFW Day 2 OOTD.

I love the idea of print mixing, so to offset the eerie vibe of my shirt, I wanted something feminine.  Enter this citrus floral print skirt from J. Crew.  Since I have short legs and a long torso, midi skirts are a tough look for me.  I opted to turn this skirt into a mini and love the way it came out.

My other wow factor pieces is, of course, this clutch.  When it first hit the scene and immediately skyrocketed in popularity I wasn’t surprised in the least.  The leather is positively scrumptious.  The oversized shape is fabulous.  I seriously haven’t loved a bag this much since, well, EVER.

If you are seriously considering investing in one, DO IT.  I cannot recommend this bag enough.

For a great affordable alternative, try this one.  The metallic version comes in 4 colors and the smooth leather version comes in 4 colors too.  Try this color for a great neutral look.

People sometimes ask me if I borrow clothes to wear to NYFW.  If you haven’t checked out my Instagram TV video on the clothing rental subscription service Nuuly, please do!  It’s a great option for affordable monthly rentals.

Maybe this comes as a surprise to you, maybe it doesn’t, but a lot of people wear borrowed clothes during NYFW.  In fact, it’s more the norm than the exception.  If you’ve ever heard the term “showroom pull” you know what I’m talking about.  PR firms allow certain influencers access to their showrooms to borrow clothing for big events.  During NYFW, this benefit gets used a ton.  While it’s never been my cup of tea (I’m a collector) I know girls who use the service and do it very well.

A blogger friend borrowed an insane Louis Vuitton dress for the first day of fashion week and someone accidentally got a huge pen mark on it!  I seriously would have died.  Thank goodness for dry cleaning.

Don’t miss my outfit from Day 1 of NYFW SS20 and my recap of the first day of shows!

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The Wardrobe Item You Need to Transition from Summer to Fall

Everlane Cropped Denim JacketEverlane Cropped Denim JacketEverlane Cropped Denim JacketEverlane Cropped Denim Jacket Everlane Cropped Denim Jacket Everlane Cropped Denim Jacket Everlane Cropped Denim JacketEverlane cropped denim jacket and skirt (c/o) // Isabel Marant sandals (brown here, similar style here)
The Great t-shirt // Celine sunglasses (cheaper option here) // Kjaer Weiss lip stain

Well, it’s been a minute!

Life has been pretty crazy lately (in the best way) and I’m sorry to say it’s affected the consistency of my posting.  I have tons of great content on the horizon and promise to get you back up to speed in a timely manner.

Stay tuned for your Top 5 Faves from July, an update on a local event I co-hosted, what I’m coveting for fall, and how I’m preparing for New York Fashion Week.

Today I wanted to talk about transition pieces.  In Socal we don’t get much of a fall, but we do get chilly mornings that turn into warm afternoons.

Enter the denim jacket.

No matter where you live, this is one of my favorite wardrobe items to transition from summer to fall.  Why?

  1. It can be dressed up or down.
  2. You can easily layer over or underneath it.
  3. There are tons of silhouettes available no matter what your style preference or body type – cropped, boyfriend, distressed – the list goes on.
  4. It breathes well.  No stifling feeling here.
  5. Denim is one of the most classic, versatile fabrics on the planet. It goes with everything.

I paired mine with a patch pocket skirt, my favorite summer sandals and a basic tee knotted at the waist.  To dress it down, I’d throw on a pair of tennis shoes (these or these) and to dress it up even more, I’d go with a silk slip dress and higher heels.

Shop the post below, including some great alternatives and what to pair with them.

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