In Spades

Style... in abundance

Classic Meets Edgy

Baukjen Cecile dressBaukjen Cecile dress Baukjen Cecile dress Baukjen Cecile dress Baukjen Cecile dressBaukjen Cecile dressBaukjen Cecile dress  Baukjen dress (c/o) // Vasic New York handbag (c/o) // Marco de Vincenzo boots (similar here)

SoCal weather has been unseasonably warm.  (I know, you’re sick of hearing that).  Over the weekend I tried to break out my sweaters and jackets and every time I ended up sweating through my wool (or leather) and regretting the decision.  So as much as I want to show you my best cold weather get-ups, it’s just too darn hot!

Thankfully I have a collection of transitional dresses to get me through these weird temps.  This polka dot shirt dress couldn’t be any more classic, or flattering.  It reminds me of something Audrey Hepburn would wear.  The a-line silhouette and built-in belt make it the perfect choice for any body type – athletic, curvy, petite.

You may remember these metallic silver booties from last season.  Remarkably they are still available and on sale!  They also come in gold and pink (I may just have to snag another pair).  I’ve also linked some similar options below under $100.

As we get further into winter – and closer to the holidays, yay! – I’d love to hear what kind of content you’d like to see from me.  Each year I share Holiday Gift Guides and outfit inspiration for what to wear to holiday parties, but I’d love to hear who you’re shopping for and what events you’re attending so I can help make your holidays a breeze.

Let me know in the comments what kind of holiday content you’d like to see!  And as always, if you ever have any styling questions, you know how to find me (wink).

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Photos by White Tee Black Dress

NYFW F/W18 Day 4

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Day 4 of NYFW was the most chill day we had.  With the downpour still going strong from Day 3, I was thankful for the lighter schedule.

I opted for an OOTD that could withstand the rain – metallic patent leather boots (currently 50% off), leather cropped pants and a vinyl turtleneck.  With the exception of maternity jeans, I’ve been able to avoid spending money on clothing that I’ll only wear while pregnant.  These pieces are not only edgy and fit into my normal personal style, but are super forgiving for a growing baby bump.  Win-win.

Check out some great alternatives of my OOTD under $80 below.

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Claudia Li

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First on the agenda was a presentation by Claudia Li.  Another designer that I typically miss due to scheduling, I was thrilled to make her show.  Immediately upon arrival, I ran into fellow blogger friends Kat and Maria.  They both serve up incredible style and were snapped by Refinery 29 and Nylon for their on point ensembles.

Li’s F/W18 collection was rich in texture, so of course I was immediately hooked.  From glitter tunics to Mongolian shearling handbags to mohair + jacquard separates, it was a visual feast.  Following the trend of the week, she didn’t shy away from color for fall and used persimmon, cactus and fuchsia with great success.

I adored her silk gazaar scarf dress, cactus shawl jacket + slouch pants and permission blanket skirt with whimsical bird print.  It all felt easy but polished, innovative and fresh.

Backstage with Redken for Tanya Taylor

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After Claudia Li, I headed backstage with Redken while they prepped the models’ hair for Tanya Taylor.  I love going backstage during fashion week.  It definitely takes on the “man behind the curtain” feeling.  You get to witness the magical transformation and incredible amount of talent it takes to present a finished look.

Fashion shows aren’t just photo ops with pretty clothes.  They’re an entire visceral experience – they sell a feeling, an attitude, a mantra.  It’s fabulous to be a fly on the wall during this process.

The look for the day was low ponytails with natural texture enhanced by Guts, Redken’s volume spray foam, and finished with Wind Blown, for that effortless, undone feeling.

Known for her expert use of color and print mixing, the clothes were next-level.  Check out the full collection here and be prepared to swoon over the candy colored fur stoles, plaids + florals and asymmetrical sequins separates.  The effect was anything but sugary-sweet.  Instead, Taylor gave us strong, unfussy femininity.

Tanya Taylor is one of few high-end designers to offer sizing from 0-22.  Definitely keep an eye on her career – the inclusion and innovation she brings to design is trailblazing.

Even with unrelenting rain, we decided to venture out in search of cupcakes.  After having my fill of cream cheese frosting, we shopped the streets of Soho.  No NYFW trip would be complete without a visit to one of my favorite designer consignment stores, and the holy grail of flagships – Prada.

Later that evening we saw Negris Lebrum’s runway show, followed by dinner with one of my oldest friends.  Check out my Insta Story Highlight of NYFW for all the details.

ICYMI: here’s everything we did on Day 3 of NYFW!

Holiday Party Style: Faux Fur & Metallics

Holiday Party Style Faux Fur & MetallicsHoliday Party Style Faux Fur & MetallicsHoliday Party Style Faux Fur & Metallics Holiday Party Style Faux Fur & MetallicsHoliday Party Style Faux Fur & Metallics Holiday Party Style Faux Fur & MetallicsHoliday Party Style Faux Fur & Metallics Holiday Party Style Faux Fur & Metallics Holiday Party Style Faux Fur & Metallics Holiday Party Style Faux Fur & Metallics

Zara faux fur sleeved sweater // Veronica Beard skirt (70% off)
Marco de Vincenzo boots (60% off, also comes in pink and gold)
Pianegonda ring // Quay sunglasses (black sold out; also comes in pink)

I can’t believe Christmas is a week away!  My parents are coming to visit later this week and we have lots of fun holiday activities planned.

When it comes to my personal style for holiday festivities I like to step outside the box (no surprise there) and go with more unexpected color ways and fabrics.  Classic red will always been in style, but why not take a walk on the edgier side?

This faux fur sleeved sweater is a play off of a Sally LaPointe piece, but ethically-friendly and a fraction of the cost.  It looks just as fabulous dressed down – I wore it with leggings and Nike’s to run errands last weekend – and is uber comfortable.

Because of its oversized silhouette I opted to tuck in a corner right where the ruffle began on my skirt for some visual contrast.  You may remember this skirt from over the summer.  It’s one of those tried-and-true pieces that fits all seasons and occasions thanks to its fabric content and flattering shape.  A fabulous investment then, it’s now 70% off!

And oh, don’t even get me started on these boots.  The minute I saw them I died and went to sartorial heaven, patiently stalking them until they went on sale.  I scored them on Black Friday, but they are now even more discounted and come in pink and gold as well.  I seriously might need to get the taller gold version too.

What I love about a spunky boot for holiday parties and events is that it’s more comfortable (i.e. warmer) and plays up an outfit so much more than a classic pump or high heeled sandal.  In an effort to never be predictable, I just love the finished effect this more unusual choice has on an overall look, while still maintaining a holiday theme with the metallic leather.

Shop the Post below for more of my favorite, affordable faux fur and metallic holiday picks!

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