In Spades

Style... in abundance

Life Lately

While not much time has passed since my last Life Lately post, a lot has happened.

I have spent a lot of time reflecting on what I want to say about the recent tragedies in our country and I’m still having trouble articulating what’s in my head and in my heart.

What I do know is that education is paramount.  Education about how to help our black communities: how to uplift them, how to support them and how to educate ourselves and our children about what they endure.  The way forward needs love, understanding and voices behind it.

Fashion is my love language.  My voice.  The best way I know how to start communicating is through my love language.

To start, I want to share four black fashion designers and the work they’re doing.  While this just barely scratches the surface of the black designers in the fashion community, but I wanted to start with these four because they are all New-York based, and I’ve had the pleasure of seeing their work firsthand.

Please send me your favorite black fashion designers so I can share their designs here.

LaQuan Smith

LaQuan Smith

LaQuan Smith

Perhaps the most well-known designer in today’s post, LaQuan Smith creates clothes you wear when you want to make an entrance.  His clients include some of the world’s biggest celebrities: Beyonce, Rihanna, Cardi B.

He launched his label at only 21 years old and worked so hard to make it what it is today.  I love this quote about his journey (as told to Vogue):

“Before 2010 I was doing things a nontraditional way. I was wearing my own designs, promoting myself, sneaking into Fashion Week parties, and doing these random things just to get some form of acknowledgment. There was a lot of just grinding, networking. I became friends with a lot of different girls, and I was making their outfits just in a casual way. Through that, I formed relationships and gained clients. It was about trying to get as many people interested as I could so I could get to somewhere greater.”

The above photo is from LaQuan Smith’s S/S18 collection which I had the pleasure of attending during NYFW.  Held in the Beacon School’s gymnasium, Brooklyn Tech’s Lady Dragons opened the show with a step routine (you can see them performing in the background).  Models sat on desks and posed with basketballs.  A film buff, Smith said he wanted to create a film-like atmosphere reminiscent of movies about high school to epitomize the feeling of being young and free.

Check out more of LaQuan Smith’s work on his website and Instagram.

LaQuan Smith runway photo via IMAXTREE

Washington Roberts

Washington RobertsWashington Roberts

Washington Roberts learned to sew at the age of five.  Although he would go on to study chemical engineering, fashion was always in his DNA.  After honing his skills at Vera Wang and Tory Burch, he launched his first collection in 2011 and hasn’t looked back since.

Known for pristine tailoring and vibrant prints, his clothes turn heads and make you smile.  He designs menswear, womenswear and accessories.  I adore these geometric jacquard pants from his most recent collection.  Talk about a statement!

The above photo is from Washington Roberts’ S/S15 collection.  It holds a special place in my heart because this is the very first NYFW show I EVER attended.

Check out more of Washington Roberts’ work on his website and Instagram.

Negris Lebrum

Negris Lebrum

Negris Lebrum is a multifaceted designer.  He creates womenswear, handbags and cosmetics.  I’ve attended two of his NYFW shows over the years and his clothes always have a sophisticated and timeless flair.

His brand motto is “aime par beaucoup, admiree par tous, elegance percu,” which translates to “Loved by many, admired by all, elegance perceived.”

Passionate about social responsibility, Negris gives back to various social, cultural and educational projects.

Check out more of Negris Lebrum’s work on his website and Instagram.

Negris Lebrum images via IMAXTREE

Terese Sydonna

Terese Sydonna

Terese SydonnaTerese Sydonna is brand designed for the superhero in all of us.  I couldn’t love that motto more.  I was actually introduced to Terese through a mutual friend and think her vibrant print kimonos are so striking.  They are a perfect balance between artistic expression and comfort, an element she strives for in all her designs.

In the COVID-19 pandemic, Terese has begun designing facemasks.  For every two masks purchased, the designer donates one to a healthcare worker.

Check out more of Terese Sydonna’s work on her website and Instagram.

Images via Terese Sydonna’s website

Life Lately

Janessa Leone Siro

Last month I shared a post about my life, lately.  It’s been one of my most popular posts of 2020 so I thought I would make it a monthly series.  This unprecedented time of coronavirus has definitely shifted my routines, priorities and attention.  Here is what I’ve been loving lately.

Binge-Worthy Shows

I thought I would start Tiger King, Cheer or Schitt’s Creek, but what has captured my attention of late is The Amazing Race.

It’s one of the only reality shows I enjoy, and although I’ve seen every season, it’s been awesome to go back and re-watch my favorites.

Here’s why.

I love to travel.  Since it’s going to be a long time before I can indulge my travel bug, The Amazing Race is the perfect solution.  I get to revisit my favorite cities and see parts of the world I’ve never visited.  The show does a great job of incorporating local customs and off-the-beaten-path venues.  My husband and I have been analyzing each episode to determine how well we’d do if we were on the race, haha!

Workouts

Last month I talked about my journey with BBG (the Bikini Body Guide).  In addition to these 30min circuit workouts I can do from my phone, we also invested in a Peloton.

I’ll be the first to say it’s a significant investment.  We do not plan on flying anywhere for the rest of 2020, nor do we plan on going back to the gym, so we decided to invest the money we would have spent on those things into a Peloton.

Has it been worth it?

1000%.  I can honestly say this is one of THE BEST investments we’ve ever made.  My husband and I have both ridden the bike every single day since we got it.  You can choose between cycling classes ranging from only 5min up to 45min.  They have low impact, HIIT, rides with arm intervals, and every musical genre you can imagine.  I love having the camaraderie of a group class from the instructors (my favorites are Robyn Arzon and Cody Rigsby).

I seriously don’t ever plan to return to a normal class unless I get to see friends and meet for brunch afterward!

Fashion

Now that the weather is warming up, I’m spending more time in shorts.  I wrote a review on my favorite denim cutoffs and they have all been on constant rotation.  From high waisted with a longer inseam, to the coziest pair ever, there’s a pair for every summer activity.

Straw hats are another must-have for me right now.  I just picked up this one and it’s a dream.  A true gardener’s hat (TONS of coverage) but elevated and stylish.

Sandals are the last must-have in my summer arsenal, and I’m all about the platform.  I desperately want these, but think I may try these instead because they’re on sale for $70.

Shop my Summer Favorites
Life Lately

Two-plus months into quarantine life and things are starting to shift a little.  I went to a coffee shop for the first time to grab an iced coffee to go and it felt so indulgent and lovely.

We also made the decision to utilize outside childcare, something we haven’t done since quarantine started (hello, grandma and grandpa’s house).  Having time to catch up on chores, do a long workout, and sit at my computer uninterrupted felt so foreign – it was amazing.

As we move forward into the new normal, I’m discovering new things that I consider must-haves (journaling, time to exercise).  Slowing down has made me more reflective of all the blessings in my life.  I hope you are doing well and staying safe!

Life Lately

AGOLDE Parker Black Jeans AGOLDE Parker Black JeansAGOLDE Parker jeans // Pharaoh tee // Roxanne Assoulin necklace // YSL bag
Golden Goose sneakers // Le Specs sunglasses

Like the rest of the world, my daily scenery consists of the rooms in my house and a dog walk/toddler nature excursion.  Despite the change in schedule, I wanted to give you an update on my life lately.

Binge-Worthy Shows

I finished The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and adored it.  If you love fashion, comedy and New York City (three of my loves) you’ll adore this show.  I love how meticulously put together Mrs. Maisel is while also serving up some loose-cannon zingers.  Her father, played by Tony Shalhoub, has me rolling on the floor laughing.  My husband said it’s been so nice to see me laugh while watching this how.  If you need some refreshing escapism, this show is for you.

I also tried Heidi Klum and Tim Gunn’s new show, Making the Cut, and sadly had to scrap it after 3 episodes.  It’s Project Runway 2.0 without the grit.  The producers obviously identified a favorite in the first episode, and I don’t think I need to continue watching to know who will have the next global fashion empire.

Next on my list is Cheer and Schitt’s Creek.  What are you watching?

Workouts

I’ve been consistent with BBG (the Bikini Body Guide).  I do four resistance workouts per week – legs, arms, full body and abs.  They are 7-minute circuits that get repeated 4 times for a total of 28 minutes of exercise.  You need minimal equipment – I use 3 lb weights and resistance bands – and it’s done through the Sweat app.

The cost is either $20 per month or $120 for a yearly membership.  Clearly, I went with the yearly membership and think it’s SO worth it.

My husband and I also decided to invest in a Peloton because we don’t think we’ll be able to return to the gym anytime soon.  It arrives on April 25, so once I’ve had a chance to test it out, I’ll write a review.

The Peloton app (which has yoga, meditation, dance classes, etc.) is free for 90 days.  You don’t need the bike to do these other workouts, so jump on the freebie while it lasts!  You must sign up by April 30 for the 90-day free trial.

Fashion

I’ve honestly only put on jeans once since self-quarantine began.  These jeans are my hero pair.  I wrote about them here.  They run TTS (size down if you are in between sizes) and come in several different washes.

I recently upped my loungewear game because my collection only consisted of two pairs of joggers.  Clearly with life as it is, I need more!

I’m going to update this loungewear review once all my new picks arrive.  Stay tuned!

New Obsessions

Okay, I don’t know that I’d go so far as to say I’m obsessed, but I am really enjoying Tik Tok.  I started creating videos.  Check them out here.

No, I will not be doing sexy dance videos.  I do have some ideas for a twist on my Fashion Friday series, so stay tuned!

Life Lately

This was the last photoshoot we did before self-quarantine began.  We shot right outside Copa Vida coffee shop, which is adjacent to Petco Park.  I remember feeling so excited for opening day at the Padres (I love a sunny day of baseball, beer and good friends).  It still blows my mind how much has changed.

Interestingly, I ran into two friends while doing this shoot.  It was so nice to randomly run into people and chat for a few minutes.  I long for the days when that reality starts again.

Yes, this is a hard time, but I know we’ll get through it.  Let’s continue to support each other, open the lines of communication and be thankful for the many blessings we have.  Sending you all well wishes for health, happiness and comfort!

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