In Spades

Style... in abundance

Fashion Favorites: November & December 2019

Levi's x Star WarsWith the end of the year being a total whirlwind, I forgot to share your favorite products from November and December 2019.

I did manage to post one Holiday Gift Guide, and while you loved this kid’s play mat, this stylish iphone charging bracelet and these slippers, I’m going to focus on the tried-and-true fashion pieces for today’s post.

Here are your fashion favorites from everything I posted on the blog and my social channels in November and December 2019!

Your Top 6 Fashion Favorites – Nov & Dec 2019

1. Plaid dress – this was my most worn item from my experience with Nuuly.  The silhouette is so flattering and comfortable.  I wore it during the day with loafers and at night with heels.  It will easily transition from winter (throw on a leather jacket and boots) to spring (opt for a straw hat and black sandals).

2. Rhinestone sunglasses – these babies are a Gucci knockoff.  For only $15, I like to say it’s the best $15 I’ve ever spent.  Super stylish and fun, you can’t help but feel like a rockstar in them.

3. Black booties – these are an investment, but SO worth it.  The insoles have a memory foam cushion so the comfort level is top-notch.  They also come in burgundy.  The slip-on style is effortless and chic.

4. Levi’s Star Wars collab – If you’re new here, I’m a huge Star Wars fan.  I’m also a huge Levi’s fan.  So this was a match made in heaven.  These straight leg cropped jeans with a galaxy print are so cool (size up).  Bonus points that the collection is now on sale!

5. Leather leggings – another investment item, but a total closet staple.  You will have these for LIFE.  I originally shared my review of them here, but multiple retailers have them on sale, which made them a favorite in December.  Looking for faux leather?  Try these or these.

6. White eyelet dress – this beauty would be perfect for a beach vacation.  Substantial cotton makes it appropriate for day or night and it’s stunning in person.  I rented it via Nuuly and got tons of compliments on it.  Runs TTS.  Looking for something more affordable?  Try this one from the same brand.

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The Best Leather Leggings

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Saint Laurent handbag // Keep Nature Wild beanie

Southern California had me all excited.  We actually experienced about a week’s worth of “winter” weather.  Naturally, I broke out my hats, coats, sweaters and boots and basked in the sartorial glory.  And then it promptly went back to sunny and 78 degrees.

Whaaa-whaa.

For that glorious week of being able to dress in my winter finery, I started thinking about a short list of winter staples.  For years I’ve been searching for the perfect pair of leather leggings.  I’ve tried a ton of different styles and finally found the holy grail.

Before I get into the winner, here’s a list of options at various price points (and what I really think of them).

Spanx Faux Leather Leggings

Clocking in under $100 and with almost 2200 reviews, you know these leggings have passed muster. Women love how real the faux leather looks, how the high waist sucks in your tummy and how unbelievably comfortable they are.

My take?  I really dislike them.

When I tried them on, I was fully expecting to love them based on the glowing reviews, but to me, they’re just fancy workout pants.  Personally, I would feel so awkward wearing anything but tennis shoes with these leggings.  No aspect of their aesthetic resembles actual pants, so unless only a very small portion of them show (i.e. the space around your knees) you’re going to look like you’re ready to go work out.  Pairing them with heels or ankle boots just seems crazy to me.

David Lerner Faux Leather Leggings

These, on the other hand, were the best faux leather leggings I found.  Only $55 more than the Spanx, they actually resemble pants.  Thus they look great with stilettos, boots and flats alike thanks to the substantial fabric and true pant hem.  Their high waist sucks in your tummy like a great pair of high rise jeans only way more comfortably.

The online reviews of these leggings are just okay, which totally surprised me.  They are hands down 5 stars in my book.  If you’re looking for an affordable pair of leather leggings, I highly recommend these babies for comfort, style and price.

All Saints Faux Leather Leggings

These babies are currently 50% off (under $100).  If you love the edgy, rocker vibe a la Anine Bing but not the price point, then these could be a great option for you.

I found them to run quite small (size up one to two sizes!) but love that they look like actual pants.  The faux leather has more of a rubbery quality compared to others I tried, but they are fully lined and have a comfortable elastic waistband.

I wish the waistband were higher for a more flattering fit.  If you are a curvy lady or have an abundant derrière like me, the lower rise waist made me feel like I had to constantly pull them up in the back.  In other words, not something that felt practical for long-term wear.  However, if you have an athletic build or are long and lean, definitely check out these leggings.

The Winner: Helmut Lang Leather Leggings

Full disclosure: these leggings are an investment.  I got mine on Black Friday for over 60% off (still marveling at my fabulous score).

What I love about these leggings – beyond the fact that they look like actual pants – is how freaking comfortable they are.  The elastic waistband molds to your body to make them feel like workout pants, while on the outside they are smooth as butter.  Perfectly placed seams at the knees (something all the other styles lack) ensures easy movement, optimal comfort and no bunching.

They aren’t super heavy, so there’s no feeling restricted or weighed down.  I’ve worn mine on long road trips, airplanes and sightseeing/walking long distances.

Thanks to the illusion fly and back slit “pockets” they look sharp as hell.  In other words, a highly appropriate wardrobe choice no matter what the occasion (no yoga butt here).

If you’re looking for a pair of high quality, comfortable leather leggings that will last you decades, these are it.  I highly recommend favoriting these babies on your fave retailers’ websites so you can jump on them when they go back on sale.

Do you have a favorite pair of leather leggings?  Let me know in the comments!

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Yippee Kiyay It’s 2018

The Dress Shirt Marie Claire St. JohnThe Dress Shirt Marie Claire St. JohnThe Dress Shirt Marie Claire St. JohnThe Dress Shirt Marie Claire St. John The Dress Shirt Marie Claire St. John The Dress Shirt Marie Claire St. JohnThe Dress Shirt Marie Claire St. JohnThe Dress Shirt Marie Claire St. John The Dress Shirt Marie Claire St. John The Dress Shirt Marie Claire St. John The Dress Shirt Marie Claire St. John The Dress Shirt by Marie Claire St. John // Silk scarf (velvet version here) // Quay sunglasses 
Vince leather pants ($69 alternative here) // YSL bag ($56 alternative here)
Haider Ackermann boots (suede version 50% off; $65 alternative here)

And just like that 2018 was upon us.  With the coming of each new year, I’m normally very reflective on what transpired and enjoy recapping every moment.  While I had one of my best year’s yet in 2017, I’m feeling much more fresh and “full speed ahead” about this changing of the tide.  Perhaps it’s the upcoming addition to our family or the robust goals and intentions I’ve set for myself in 2018, but I’m taking a note from Die Hard and saying “Yippee Kiyay” (motherf*cker) to the adventures ahead.

I’m excited.  This year is going to be all about off-the-charts passion for me.

About a year ago I discovered Dress Shirt by Marie Claire St. John and fell hard for her silk shirts with cheeky personalized embroidery.  After thinking long and hard about how to customize a shirt, I realized that nothing encompassed my enthusiasm for 2018 better than one of my favorite movie lines.

Hence, Yipppe Kiyay was born.

One of the interesting challenges about getting dressed while pregnant is finding that happy medium between style and comfort.  I ordered these leather pants when they went to additional sale at Bloomingdale’s and have been living in them ever since.  Incredibly chic and suuuper comfortable thanks to the elastic waistband, they seriously might be the best cost-per-wear item in my closet.

I’ve linked a more affordable faux alternative below, including some great dupes of my YSL bag and boots.

I’d love to hear from you!  What are your goals for 2018?  And what would you like to see covered this year on In Spades?

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