In Spades

Style... in abundance

Anine Bing Jeans

Anine Bing jeansAlexander McQueen sunglassesThe Arrivals leather jacket (similar under $100) // Alexander McQueen sunglasses
Anine Bing jeans // Adidas superstars // Nordstrom tee 

I’ve been a fan of Anine Bing’s clothing for years, but beyond trying on a lot of her denim, I never invested in a pair until I found these.

I tend to stick with this brand or this brand because their styles fit me so well.

While searching for a pair of faded black jeans I came across these and fell in love.  They have a teeny amount of stretch (1% elastane; something I vowed to swear off), but it really makes the silhouette.  It’s so hard to have a cropped flare or bootcut style when there’s no stretch.  I love how these are fitted in the hips and legs (while still comfy) and have a slight flare.  They look great with so many different shoes, my faves being boots and sneakers.

This style comes in 4 washes.  Although there is stretch, I definitely recommend sizing up.  I took one size bigger in these.  They have a high rise (11 inches), and the denim is a thick, quality cotton.

Finally, a shoutout to my new favorite sneakers.  They are so comfy, go with everything and stay clean because they are leather.  No more canvas white sneakers for me.

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Style Tips for Transitional Dressing

Lack of Color hat Lack of Color hat Lack of Color hatIsabel Marant pants (similar below) // Tank top // LTHR JKT (similar below)
Hat (also comes in black and brown) // Heels

If you missed my post from last week, I talked about how Western-inspired dressing – specifically cowboy boots – will be on trend for fall.

I recently picked up this hat and love the cowboy vibe.  To shake things up, I paired it with a leather moto jacket and sandals.  It’s the perfect transitional look from summer to fall.  This can often pose a challenge for those of us in warmer climates.  How do you get dressed when it’s fall but feels like the dead of summer?  I wrote a post about that here.  In short, the solution is layers.  Layers and the right footwear.

I like to pair fall pieces (jackets, cardigans) with spring/summer footwear.  If you add boots or shoes that require a sock, it’s just too hot.  Try a pair of sandals or a loafer (another super on-trend item for fall).

What fall pieces will you be adding to your closet?

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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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2019: The Year of the Overhaul

Ground Zero Michael Jackson Thriller sweater Ground Zero Michael Jackson Thriller sweater Ground Zero Michael Jackson Thriller sweater Ground Zero Michael Jackson Thriller sweater Ground Zero Michael Jackson Thriller sweater Ground Zero Michael Jackson Thriller sweater Ground Zero Michael Jackson Thriller sweater

Ground Zero Michael Jackson Thriller sweater (similar here) // Citizens of Humanity Rocket jeans
Celine sunglasses // Pierre Hardy boots (similar here and here) // Understated Leather jacket

Happy New Year readers!  I hope 2019 has started off well for all of you.

At the start of the new year, I took a much needed break from Instagram.  While I wish I would have refrained from the app altogether, I did pop on to see what others were up to.  What I saw overwhelmed me.  Messages of total life overhauls, aggressive fitness routines and proclamations of lengthy, super specific goals were made.  If that was you, rock on.  More power to you.

But for me, it prompted an overwhelming feeling of SLOW DOWN.  It made me want to reflect on the many blessings in my life right now – not get all uppity about what I’m lacking or have yet to accomplish.

I talked about my 2019 goals and what I hope is in store for me this year.  If you missed the post, I want to add more value back into your lives.  So please let me know via email, social media or in the comments what you’d like to see more of.  Style tips?  Closet overhauls?  Videos?  Let me know!

One of my first major shares of 2019 will be NYFW in February.  This season team In Spades is doing things a little differently.  I talked previously about sharing my reflections on how much NYFW has changed since we first started attending.  Why is this important?  Well, beyond some truth bombs and gossipy tidbits I have to share, it shows how the world of fashion blogging has affected a multi-billion dollar industry (an industry you rely on every day).  It shows how your buying habits are changing the way brands market to you.  Further, it means trends are dictated differently than they once were, which further fuels the cycle of consumerism.

If you geek out on fashion like I do, you won’t want to miss it. 🙂

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Fall Fashion Shopping List

Baukjen pantsBaukjen pants Baukjen pants Baukjen pantsBaukjen pants Baukjen pants

The Arrivals leather jacket // Band tee // Quay sunglasses // Rebecca Minkoff booties (similar here) // Baukjen pants

Whoohoo fall is here!  I could not be more excited for cooler temps.  If you’re a long time reader of In Spades, you know this is my favorite season for fashion.  Leather jackets, cozy sweaters and statement boots are the name of the game.

When I was pregnant, I quickly learned that Isabella Oliver was the go-to brand for fashion-forward mamas-to-be.  What I didn’t know at the time was that they also have a non-maternity line called Baukjen.  Founded by a husband and wife team and based in London, think great basics with a contemporary vibe.

These windowpane print pants are great for work, but also look fabulous when edged up with a band tee and leather jacket.  Two points for versatility.

I’ve been loving graphic tees in general and picked up some fun ones from Nasa and Unfortunate Portrait that I’ll be sharing on the blog soon.

You’ve seen this leather jacket on the blog before.  The company who makes it is one of my fall time favorites and they just launched a teddy bear coat that I’m dying over.

Even though fall just started, my shopping wish list is growing by the day.  I’m planning on adding some jewel-toned pieces, amazing combat boots and my new favorite hat trend to my closet.

Stay tuned for more fall favorites!  What are you most looking forward to this fall?

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