In Spades

Style... in abundance

Summer Wardrobe Staple: The Linen Blazer

The Best Linen BlazersThe Best Linen BlazersThe Best Linen Blazers The Best Linen Blazers The Best Linen BlazersThe Best Linen BlazersThe Best Linen Blazers The Best Linen Blazers The Best Linen BlazersEverlane blazer and tee // Jean Atelier jeans // Celine bag and sunglasses // Atelier Beaute Chanel bracelet
Schutz platforms // Orseund Iris mesh scarf  // Pianegonda ring

If you follow my Insta Stories, you know I recently filmed an amazing new digital TV project about fashion bloggers.  In one of the episodes, we discussed denim.  My favorite topic!

No matter the season, “jeans and a tee” continue to be my go-to uniform.  Today I wanted to share those extra pieces that take jeans and a tee to the next level.

For summer, I am loving this linen blazer.  It instantly pulls a look together making you look super polished and chic.  It currently comes in 3 colors and I know more are planned down the road.  I’m also loving this version which comes in 5 colors and is currently 50% off.

This blazer is perfect for those moments when the A/C is blasting and you need an extra layer.  It’s also a great option for all my corporate ladies that need a fun option that can be both formal and casual.

Platforms have been making comeback for a few seasons now, so when I saw this pair I had to have them.  They come in gold, black and tan suede and are currently 40% off.  The heel height is flattering without being too high or uncomfortable.

Finally, a quick note about my mesh fisherman’s bag and porcelain bracelet.  Both were freebies (the best freebies I’ve probably every gotten TBH).  The bag came with this necklace and the bracelet is actually a perfume diffuser!  You add a couple drops of your favorite fragrance to it and it lasts for up to a week.  I love that it’s both stylish and perfume on the go.  Yes to dual purpose fashion!

Shop the Post

Designer Sale Season: What You Need to Know to Get the Best Deals

Designer Sale Season Shopping HacksTibi sweatshirt // AGOLDE denim cutoffs // Celine Sunglasses // Golden Goose sneakers // Marrow Fine ring

One of my favorite times of year is upon us.  Designer sale season!

Twice a year (in late May and late December) everything from the prior season goes on sale.  This is a carte blanche maneuver, meaning literally every retailer under the sun participates.  No one is left out.

How these sales differ from other big sales – for example, Friends & Family sales or the ever-popular Nordstrom Anniversary Sale – is that things are permanently marked down.  These aren’t promotional prices that will expire.  In addition, inventory will not be restocked.  Once something is sold, it’s gone.  So striking while the iron is hot is imperative.

Designer Sale Season Shopping HacksDesigner Sale Season Shopping HacksDesigner Sale Season Shopping Hacks

Why You Should Pay Attention to Designer Sale Season

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again.  I buy 80% of my yearly wardrobe during designer sale season.  The deals do not get any better than during this time.  If you’re a bargain hunter, this is when you get rock bottom prices.

Plus, the items on sale are unique.  They’re diamonds in the rough.

I have a confession.  I loathe the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale.  Why?  Because what goes on sale is stuff that literally 10,000 other girls have.  Everyone buys the same thing.  It’s like clone shopping.  And who wants to look like everyone else?  Not me.

Designer sale season is the time to buy those items you’ve coveted all year but haven’t pulled the trigger because the price wasn’t right.  Now the price is right!

Designer Sale Season Shopping HacksDesigner Sale Season Shopping Hacks
Tips for Shopping Designer Sale Season

My top tips for shopping the sales can be found here; one of my most popular blog posts.

The first thing you want to do is scour the wishlists you’ve created with all of your favorite online retailers.  This keeps you focused on what you need and have been coveting, and curbs impulse buying.  The goal is not to buy something just because it’s on sale.

The second thing is to make sure you have relationships built with your favorite stores’ associates.  I have at least 3 experts at Nordstrom that text me information of pieces they think I’ll like that will be going on sale.  Keep your information on file and they can pre-sale these items to lock in your size/availability.

Finally, buy now, return later.  While I will never promote over buying or going beyond your budget, this timeframe in designer sale season still allows for full refunds.  As summer begins and the discounts get deeper – from 30% to 50% to 80% off – your ability to return something for a full refund diminishes.  And so does inventory.  What’s left by the time we get to the 80% off marker is really picked over.

Designer Sale Season Shopping HacksDesigner Sale Season Shopping Hacks
Today’s Look

My entire outfit was purchased during designer sale season (past and present).  Never pay full price!

These denim shorts will be your summer staple.  If you are pear shaped like me or have a smaller waist and bigger hips, go with your normal size.  If you are apple shaped or have a similar hip to waist ratio, go up one size.  Because these shorts are 100% cotton (no stretch) and tapered at the waist, make sure you size accordingly.

My sweatshirt comes in 3 colors and I adore the voluminous sleeves and cropped length.  Perfect for pairing with high waisted bottoms, it’s nice for cool spring days.

Everyone talks about Golden Goose sneakers and I have to say they are worth the hype, especially when you get them on sale.  The first time I saw them in person I was way more impressed than I thought I’d be.  They just scream cool.  Are they comfortable?  Yes.  Should you wear them to work out?  No. They aren’t built for that kind of support, nor will they be as comfortable as a true athletic sneaker, but they are perfect for comfortable, casual days.  Check out this pair, this pair and this pair – all on sale.

What are you shopping for in the sales?

Shop the Post

Top 5 Favorites April 2019

New series alert!

To help answer your styling questions and give you more of what you want to see, I’m introducing a new series on In Spades.  Each month I’ll be recapping your Top 5 Favorites.  These are the products you purchased, clicked on, and asked about the most.

First up, April 2019!

It’s no surprise you had warm weather on the brain, as your Top 5 Favorites for April were all great basics meant to be worn outside.

Top 5 Favorite Products April 2019

1. The Great Slim Tee – This is hands-down my favorite t-shirt ever.  Super comfortable, impeccably well made with a flattering fit.  It comes in a myriad of colors – you can see my striped version here – and is truly worth the price.  You will have this for at least 5 years before you even think of replacing it.

2. Large Initial Necklace – Initial necklaces are all the rage – see my round-up of the Best Initial Necklaces here – but this one took the cake.  People love the super-size and bamboo texture.  My version is the original, which is no longer available, but this one is less than $15 and an exact replica.  Total no-brainer.

3. Golden Goose sneakers – The number one question I get asked about these sneakers is if they’re worth the hype?  The first time I saw them in person I was way more impressed than I thought I’d be.  There’s something about these sneakers that just screams cool.  The shape and style are amazing – they truly look good with everything.  You could wear them with an evening gown and people would call you an It Girl.

Are they expensive?  Yes.  But if you’re going to spend money on a pair of shoes, your money couldn’t be better spent than on versatile sneakers that you can wear with everything.  Too often we splurge on fancy items.  Think of it in terms of cost-per-wear.  Does it make more sense to spend $500 on a pair of Jimmy Choo stilettos that you’ll wear once a month or on these sneakers that you can wear every day?

4. High Rise Denim Shorts – Everyone needs a good pair of denim cutoffs for summer and these are the most flattering style I’ve tried.  They run TTS, and hit right at your belly button.  I love that they are slightly longer than your average cutoffs.  There is no worry of showing too much or having these completely disappear the moment you sit down.  Another thing I love about this particular pair is the wash.  It’s the perfect lived-in, effortless hue.

5. Celine sunglasses – Another item that I fully recommend investing in if you’ve been considering a pair.  This square cat eye frame is just the right touch of glamorous, edgy and suitable for every day.  See how I style mine here.  I adore Celine sunglasses to the point it’s almost creepy.  There truly is no other brand that looks as good or as chic on every face shape.  They just make you an instant stylish badass.  SOLD.

Shop the Post

NYFW FW19 Day 2, Part 1

Jacquemus balloon sleeve coatJacquemus balloon sleeve coat Jacquemus balloon sleeve coatJacquemus balloon sleeve coat (similar here) // Tibi track top
Jean Atelier flip-top jeans // YSL bag (similar here) // Celine sunglasses
Marco de Vincenzo boots (similar here)

Whoohoo on to Day 2!

My day started early with a 9am presentation.  As soon as I stepped out of my hotel, my feet landed in rain puddles.  I’ve always said anything is better than rain during NYFW.  I’d take snow, sleet or scorching heat over rain any day (I’ve experienced it all)!

Thankfully I chose metallic, patent leather booties that are practically waterproof for Day 2.  Continuing with Day 1’s nod to vintage (thanks again, Dad, for the track jacket), I put every 80s fashion element I could think of into my look.  Giant shoulder pads, flip-top jeans and a neon purple track suit top were in order.  Could someone please just get me a time machine?  I really need to live in the 80s!

NanushkaNanushka FW19 Nanushka FW19 Nanushka FW19

Around 9:30am I arrived at Nanushka.  Interestingly, it was the same location as Milly’s show from exactly one year before.  If you’re unfamiliar with the brand, their vibe is ‘a contemporary house for the modern human’.  They make men’s and women’s pieces that are meant to be lived in (no impractical fashion here) and that can easily transition to all types of occasions.

I have a secret.  Nanushka was my favorite FW19 collection.  The supple vegan leather, faux shearling bags and shoes, and plush knits in plum and peach had me swooning.  I’ve already pre-ordered some items from the collection.  Any guesses on what I got?  Here’s a hint.

Nanushka FW19 Nanushka FW19

Dubbed, Mystery Child, the collection aimed to break the mold of masculine vs. feminine and allow the wearer to freely express his or her point of view.  But this is no namby-pamby freedom – it’s an optimistic viewpoint, one that is unafraid and daring which can be seen in a nod to 70s silhouettes and dominant colors.

If you follow me on Instagram you remember my outrage at the first Celine show under Hedi Slimane’s direction.  I wasn’t alone.  Women the world over mourned the loss of a house that actually designed for women.  Women need pieces they feel confident AND comfortable in – and not many brands can deliver both.

After witnessing Nanushka’s FW19 presentation, I’m convinced they have filled the void Phoebe Philo left at Celine.  The bonus?  Nanushka is a fraction of the cost and has a broader distribution channel – you don’t need a relationship with a sales associate in a boutique to get your hands on it.

Nanushka FW19 Nanushka FW19

Keep your eye on Nanushka.  They’ve been around for over 10 years, but I’m certain the best is yet to come for this brand.

Following Nanushka, I met up with a few reps from a PR firm for coffee.  Can I be honest?  I’ve seen enough Insta Stories and social media posts of women touting they’re “taking meetings” during NYFW to last me a lifetime.  The way these tete-a-tetes are explained is honestly ridiculous.  If you are Bill Gates or Barack Obama, then yes, you “take meetings”.  But the rest of us?  We attend meetings.

And no, this was not a super top secret meeting in which we plotted world domination or a super exclusive business deal.  It was a group of friends who happen to work in the same industry coming together to catch-up and brainstorm about how we can make a small impact in a space we love.

As a blogger friend pointed out, half the time women say they’re ‘taking meetings’ they’re just visiting a showroom to pick out clothes.  Cool?  Yes.  But can we please just simmer down on the “I’m so important” train?  Let’s do great work instead of talking about doing great work.

Once again, my day was so full I’m breaking it into two parts.  Stay tuned tomorrow for the second half of Day 2!

ICYMI: Check out my recaps of NYFW Day 1 Part 1 and Part 2!

Shop the Post

OOTD photos by Andrea Ceraso Photography 

Life Lately: Fall 2018

Leopard print pajama top Leopard print pajama top Leopard print pajama topLeopard print pajama topLeopard print pajama top Leopard print pajama top Club Monaco top (similar here) // Ann Taylor pants // Prada bag (similar here)
Celine mules (similar here and here) and sunglasses

It feels like in the blink of an eye, the year has come and gone.  I swear it will be Christmas tomorrow.  As I reflect back on the past month, I thought I’d share an update of what life has been like lately for team In Spades.

Fashion Month

First, I can’t go another paragraph without talking about the end of Fashion Month.  I stayed glued to my computer screen watching the last of the runway shows walk in Paris.  One of my all time favorites, Celine, shocked me to the core.

I knew something was up when I visited their website about a week before the show and everything had been removed save for one abstract black and white video.  Huh.

To confirm my suspicion, the SS19 show that walked was a complete 180 from the brand I knew and loved.  Under the newly appointed direction of Hedi Slimane, the brand went from amazing minimal pieces that flatter every woman’s body to club-kid rocker chic that was anything but chic.  Not only did the pieces look like something I could find at H&M, but they were also an exact regurgitation of Saint Laurent Fall 2016 (the brand Hedi left to come to Celine).

In one fell swoop, the DNA of a brand that had been expertly cultivated for decades vanished.  All of that work to establish a culture, a message – gone.  It broke my heart.  There was no respect for tradition or identity; I saw only arrogance.

In honor of the old Celine I knew and loved, I’m rocking these witchy mules and flat top sunglasses.  Shop the post below for options at every price point.

San Diego Life

This past week I attended a few events to support my local fashion community.  First up was the Fashion Valley Fall Fashion show.  Twelve stores participated to showcase the best fall trends.  Leopard print, plaid, sequins for evening and Western influences were on full display.  I wore an amazing emerald green leopard print dress from Bloomingdale’s that I’ll be sharing on the blog soon.

I also got a chance to visit the Kopari office.  If you’re not familiar with the brand, they create organic beauty products with one common ingredient – 100% pure coconut oil.  Not only do their products smell amazing, but their non-toxic deodorant and coconut body scrub are among my green beauty favorites.  Their office is nothing short of amazing, and I’ll be sharing some pics from my visit this week.

Finally, my dear friend Conni from Art in the Find partnered with Clare V. for an amazing pop-up shop.  I pre-ordered a fabulous leopard print handbag (noticing a theme?) and picked up a fun short-sleeved sweatshirt that I can’t wait to share with you.

This time of year is only going to get busier so stayed tuned for tons of fresh content!  Let me know in the comments if there’s anything specific you’d like to see.

Shop the Post