In Spades

Style... in abundance

What I’m Coveting: Denim Shorts

Agolde Dee ultra high rise shortsTibi sweatshirt (similar here and here) // AGOLDE denim shorts // Celine sunglasses

Ah, shorts season.

If you’re a long-time reader, you know I am 100% a fall/winter girl when it comes to wardrobe.  But there’s something to be said about the perfect pair of denim cutoffs.  Classic, comfy, chic.

Since they are what I live in during summer, I wanted to share my favorites.  I have three pairs that I reach for most.  If you have questions about other brands or styles, let me know.  Chances are I’ve tried them.  Denim is kinda my thing.

My 3 Favorite Pairs of Denim Cutoffs

Denim Cutoffs

The great news about all three of these styles is that they are perennial AND they each come in TONS of washes.

1.AGOLDE Ultra High Rise Denim Shorts

Pros: SUPER flattering.  The high rise (12.25 inches) and longer inseam (4 inches) mean these cutoffs give you the most coverage.  No Daisy Dukes here.  They are especially flattering on pear shapes because they accentuate the waist and give you room in the hips.

Cons: Because they are ultra high rise, I don’t recommend doing summer sports in these (bike rides, etc.).  They are a lounging-by-the-pool pair of shorts.  Out of my three favorites, these are the least comfortable because they have no stretch and such a high rise.

Sizing: TTS but size up if you’re between sizes.  They are 100% cotton so there’s zero stretch.  I’m wearing my true size (25) but wish I would have sized up to a 26 for added comfort.

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2. AGOLDE Parker Denim Shorts

Pros: SUPER comfortable.  While these are technically 100% cotton, they absolutely feel like they have elastane in them.  They stretch and mold to your body.  I can crawl around on the floor with my daughter, play beach volleyball and take a long bike ride in these shorts.

Cons: They have a 10.25 inch rise and 2 inch inseam so there’s not a lot of coverage.  Out of my three favorites, I think they are the least flattering on me because I have wide hips and a small waist (the rise isn’t high enough to highlight my waist).

Sizing: TTS.  I went up one size (wearing a 26) because I wanted them to be my workhorse/super comfy pair, but the size 25 looked SO MUCH better on me.

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3. Vintage Levi’s 501s (go for modern-day 501s or Mid Thigh 501s for the same style)

Pros: My ride or die pair.  Comfortable, classic, cool.  I love how the wash has aged with time.  The key to this pair is the way they are cut.  The side seam is cut slightly higher so they form a U-shape.  This elongates the leg and makes the hips look even.

Cons: None.  The modern-day 501 shorts are just as awesome.  If you are pear shaped, try the mid-thigh 501s.

Sizing: If you find a vintage pair, size up.  Vanity sizing is a thing for both men’s and women’s.  I’m wearing a Men’s 31.  In modern-day Men’s, I’d choose a 29.  If you go with a modern pair of Women’s, take your true size.

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Your Top Five Favorites May 2019

May was quite a month!  Between our first road trip with baby, to cool, rainy weather, my outfits ranged from versatile basics to statement trend pieces.

Below are your Top 5 Favorite Products from May 2019.

Peasant top

I truly believe every woman needs a peasant top.  Understated enough to be versatile, but also statement making thanks to the billowing sleeves, it’s the perfect spring/summer choice.  I wore mine wine tasting in NorCal and loved how comfortable and breezy it was.

Joie Mitney Cotton Top

High waist denim shorts

For the second month in a row, these ultra high rise denim shorts were your faves.  Rightly so!  They suck you in in all the right places and have a long enough hem not to make you feel on display.  Mine fit TTS, but if your waist and hips are relatively the same width, you should size up.  These have a tapered waist and are 100% cotton so there is no give.

Agolde Dee ultra high rise shorts

Wide Leg Crop Pant

I have yet to shoot these pants for the blog, but I shared them via Instagram Stories as a red hot find.  They come in 7 colors, short and regular lengths, sizes 00 – 16 and are ultra flattering.  Made of cotton and elastane they have some stretch so you could literally sleep in them they are so comfy.  I wore them for a day at the aquarium with my daughter and felt elevated yet comfortable.

Everlane Wide Leg Crop Pant

Statement sleeve sweatshirt

This look was a clear winner for you in May.  Who doesn’t love a statement sleeve?  My sweatshirt comes in 5 colors (hurry, it’s selling out fast!) and has a cropped length.  It’s the perfect casual and fun piece to wear with high waisted bottoms.  I love that it’s basically amped up loungewear.

Tibi Shirred Sleeve Sweatshirt

Tie dye dress

My how to style tie dye in 2019 post clearly struck a chord with you.  Cheers to all my former grunge kids.  Since we’re no longer in middle school, I shared ways to style this trend so you look chic and relevant today.  This dress was a clear winner.  I have it in a different color (stay tuned for that post!) and love this tie dye version as well.  It’s a great way to dip your toe in the trend with a silhouette that’s timeless.

Rhode Ella Tie Dye Dress

What was your favorite from May?

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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.

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