In Spades

Style... in abundance

Moussy Vintage Jeans

Moussy Vintage jeansTee // Jeans // Sunglasses // Bag // Sneakers

By now you know that when it comes to denim, I leave no stone unturned.  I mentioned needing to update my Top 5 Denim post (one of the first blog posts I ever wrote for In Spades!), but before I do, I wanted to dedicate a post to Moussy Vintage.

This is a brand I’ve been stalking for years but never pulled the trigger until recently.

The Details

Moussy Vintage is premium Japanese denim.  If you’re not aware, there are two parties that can claim winner when it comes to the history and expert, artisanal craft of creating denim.  Levi Strauss.  And the Japanese.

If you’re a diehard denim lover, I highly recommend at least trying this brand on.  They are like the rarest, coolest vintage Levi’s straight out of the gate.  Their washes are unparalleled.  Literally EVERY SINGLE WASH is gorgeous – no fake looking or mediocre washes here.

This Tokyo-based label was pretty hard to find until about 5 years ago.  They are now carried at major retailers and have a brick and mortar store in Soho.

The tough part about these jeans are 1) they’re expensive (but sales do exist!) and 2) they create dozens of styles and it’s really difficult to know how they’ll fit unless you try them on.

Sizing

A Moussy Vintage expert will tell you to go with the smallest size you can because the majority of their styles are 100% cotton and are made to mold to your body.

My take?  I agree, but if you prefer a more comfort fit, size up one size.  I am wearing a size 26 (normally a 25 or 26 in jeans).

My Uniform

The more time that passes in the pandemic, the more I realize my appreciation for jeans.  Okay, I just read that sentence back to myself and laughed.  I know I’m denim obsessed.  But if you told me I had to narrow my closet down to 10 pieces, jeans would fill at least 2 of those slots.

A lot of people ask me what items are truly worth investing in.  Denim is absolutely at the top of my list.  Jeans get worn A TON.  They have the ability to make you look amazing or just okay.  They’re a workhorse item and strike the balance between fashion and function more than any other item in your closet.

So if you’re looking for a pair of superior quality jeans that only get better over time, check out Moussy Vintage.

Have you tried Moussy Vintage jeans?  What are your favorite denim brands?

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Denim’s New Trend: Barrel Leg Jeans

Barrel Leg JeansBarrel Leg Jeans Barrel Leg JeansNaadam cashmere sweater // Levi’s barrel leg jeans // Prada mules (similar here)
Gucci sunglasses // Bottega Veneta bag

Denim trends change all the time.  And honestly, I love it.  I wear jeans more than anything else and love experimenting with different styles.

The 80s and 90s have played a huge role in the types of denim trends we’re seeing now.  Hello, Mom jeans.  We’re also moving away from skinny jeans in favor of a true straight leg.

The newest take on straight leg jeans is a high waist, cropped style that tapers at the ankle.  Barrel jeans and balloon jeans are super flattering because they elongate the legs. While skinny jeans draw attention to your hips, barrel leg jeans even out the ratio from hip to ankle.

I love the stitching and wash on this pair, but they also come in lots of other washes and colors.

If you’re looking for a more 90s inspired style, try balloon leg jeans.  These tend to be longer in length and wider through the leg, so if you have long legs, definitely give them a try (or be prepared to wear heels or platforms).  I tried these on over the weekend and adored them.  Be sure to go up one size.

Cropped sweaters and tops are an ideal pairing with these jeans because of the high waist.  I paired my Naadam cashmere sweater (on sale for $100!) with these babies (you MUST check out the brand – read my review here).

Oh, and I got a new handbag.  Teehee.

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NYFW FW20 Day 4 OOTD

Bottega Veneta storm boots Bottega Veneta storm boots Bottega Veneta storm boots

Low Classic trench (similar) // Tiko Paksa vest // Frankie Shop top // Isabel Marant pants
Gucci sunglasses // Banana Republic belt (similar) // Boyy bag // Bottega Veneta boots

Sorry friends, I meant to get this post out on Friday but our whole family has been under the weather.  Ugh, it’s going around.  Stay well!

This would have been my last look for NYFW FW20.  Day 4 is usually always our lightest day (just one show) so I tend to go more casual (and definitely comfortable).  In an effort to stick with my goal of sustainability, I repeated the boots and handbag you saw earlier in the week.

I also brought this trench coat and this vest out of archive.  Both are from indie designers.  The trench coat designer has been gaining traction and is now sold at two of my fave stores (W Concept and Net-a-Porter).  The vest is part of a set and is designed by a Georgian designer I’ve written about many times before – Tiko Paksa.  I adore her clothing and think she is an amazing talent.

There are so many great designers coming out of the Tbilisi area.  Check out MATÉRIEL, another Georgian brand, designed by two designers who also have their own eponymous labels.  So much talent coming out of Georgia!

Back to the rest of this look.  The overall vibe is kind of fashion safari.  I love that it’s comfortable, includes so many textures and layers, and has a literal meaning as well.  If NYFW isn’t a hunt for exotic breeds, I don’t know what is.

Stay tuned for my last NYFW FW20 show recap!

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NYFW FW20 Day 1 OOTD

NYFW FW20 Street Style NYFW FW20 Street StyleRoksanda coat // Sandro top // Vintage Levi’s // Gucci sunglasses
Haider Ackerman boots // Bottega Veneta pouch

Okay, okay.  I know I didn’t actually get to attend NYFW this season, but I still wanted to share my looks.  Since my suitcase was packed and ready to go prior to having to cancel, it was only fair to let these beauties shine.

My goal for this season of NYFW was sustainability.  I wanted to reuse what was already in my closet.  So most of what I’m sharing is something you’ve seen before, but styled in a new way.

I did acquire a few new pieces as Christmas gifts or end-of-season sale scores, but 80% of what you see pays homage to sustainability.

First up is this amazing technicolor dream coat.  I’ve worn it to NYFW before, and it never disappoints.  Warm, great for layering, and such a statement, it was made for the street of NY.  When I first saw it debut in Roksanda’s collection 4 years ago I almost fainted.  The patchwork design and color choice made me so happy.  It’s a coat that makes my heart flutter.

I wanted to keep the rest of my outfit monochrome, so I paired this embellished denim top with my vintage Levi’s and black boots.  My new favorite handbag had to make an appearance too.

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Band tee + Vintage Levi’s

Band tee & Vintage Levi's Band tee & Vintage Levi'sBand tee & Vintage Levi's Band tee & Vintage Levi'sMadeworn band tee // Vintage Levi’s (similar here) // Understated Leather jacket  (under $100 version here)
Gucci sunglasses ($55 version here) // Haider Ackermann boots (under $100 version here)

What a weekend.

If you saw my Fashion Friday, you know we sadly had to cancel our trip to NYFW.  While I’m super happy with our decision to stay home (sick baby that needs love!), I’m anxiously watching the runway coverage from my couch.

It definitely stings not being able to see the magic in person, but I am super grateful to actually have the time to watch and catch up on all the coverage (something I’m never able to do in the moment).

Anytime I’m feeling bummed out, I like to put on an outfit that makes me feel strong.  There’s nothing like a leather jacket, killer boots and great denim to make you feel like a badass.  Not only is this look comfortable, but it’s a great outfit formula to come back to again and again.

 Here are some tips for selecting the perfect band tee and vintage denim
  1. Vintage denim sizing will be totally different than the size you wear today.  Don’t look at the number on the tag.  Instead, know your measurements.  Need a quick guess if something will fit?  The length of your elbow to your wrist should fit inside the waistline of a pair of jeans.  It’s a rough estimate, but if this is way off, they likely won’t fit.
  2. Shop the men’s section.  This applies to both band tees and vintage denim.  Both have better fits and more options!
  3. For vintage Levi’s, always look at the tag on the back pocket.  Orange tabs signify more fashion-forward and experimental styles of the past.  You always want an orange tab!  And if you can find Levi’s with a capital “E” on the tab, they are pre-1971.  Get them!
  4. This brand is my favorite for band tees.  They are small-batch, reworked vintage garments, so there is a lot of history and love in them.  While more expensive, the construction and uniqueness of their pieces make them totally worth it.
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