In Spades

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NYFW S/S18 Day 2

Early mornings during NYFW are especially tough, so when my alarm went off at 7am I was pretty much a zombie. Thank goodness for eye masks!

With my Day 2 OOTD, into a taxi I went. Destination: the World Trade Center. In the lobby I caught up with my blogger friend Nicole and together we ascended to the 71st floor for the Club Monaco presentation.

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Club Monaco
I’ve been lucky to attend all of Club Monaco’s shows since their inception at NYFW. First it was their debut in Grand Central and then a scene out of Alice’s Tea Party in their 5th Avenue flagship with Grace Coddington, Nick Wooster and Drew Barrymore in attendance.

Photos courtesy of Club Monaco

What makes Club Monaco unique is that they present a see-now, buy-now collection so everything is immediately available for purchase.  In a week where what you’re seeing won’t be available for another six months, it was wonderful to be inspired by pieces that I can actually get my hands on now. Standouts were their leopard print duster, tweed coat with oxblood fur sleeves and their take on the new power suit – florals from head to toe. You can shop the entire collection below!
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The first thing that popped into my head when I stepped off the elevator at World Trade? Coffee!

Concept Korea
Highly caffeinated and fed, Concept Korea was next. Featuring the country’s freshest talent shown in back-to-back runways, S/S18 opened with LIE by Lee Chung Chung, followed by Greedilous. Remember her insane collection from February?

Korean fashion is completely unapologetic. It pushes the envelope of texture, color and silhouette in ways most designers take years to perfect. There are underlying concepts infused into garments making them not just clothes, but movements. I can’t get enough.

Take LIE Collection. 69-year-old Maye Musk (Elon’s mother) opened the show in a see-through raincoat and tee emblazoned with the word “Imperfect”. Accessories and beauty followed suit with scripted eyeliner spelling out “Imperfectly Perfect” on upper lids and leather slides while lipstick was only applied on the bottom lip. How can you not love this IDGAF attitude?

I was thrilled to see shoe designer Yuul Yie collaborate on the footwear. As an owner of their mules, I found several other pairs to add to my collection!

Greedilous was inspired by the movie Avatar and created botanical prints on causal separates and dresses alike. Ruffles played an important note for spring – they’re not going anywhere! Featuring menswear and womenswear, Maye Musk closed the show in a floor length multi-tiered ruffled set.

LIE Collection
Greedilous

Although I’ve been attending NYFW for years, it’s always a thrill to have a fashion week “first”. Bibhu Mohapatra was a first for me this season and he didn’t disappoint.

Bibhu Mohapatra
If you’re unfamiliar with Bibhu, he creates intricately detailed garments that turn heads. These are not your average “I’ll-wear-this-to-brunch” looks. Bibhu is for special occasions. Tapping into an adventurous spirit, his S/S18 woman was a fearless explorer. Craving knowledge, culture and new-to-the-eye details, the collection featured sweet gestures of tulle and lace toughed up with harnessed bodices and corseted waistlines. A master of combining edgy and feminine, his show stopping gowns showcased hand beaded appliques and feathers. A note for spring – more is more.

Michael Costello
The show stopping drama didn’t end at Bibhu. Michael Costello held a presentation comprised of RTW and bridal at the Robert Miller Gallery. Last season Michael tapped into his inner badass with Rock N’ Roll vibes and an unforgiving je ne sais quoi. For spring 2018, he accessed a softer femininity. Think secret gardens overflowing with heady roses that intoxicate the senses to a point where you practically float away.

While all runways are fairytales to me, Michael’s presentation was the literal embodiment of elegance and grace. It didn’t matter if you were already married. There wasn’t a woman (or man) in the room who didn’t want to put on a wedding dress right then and there. If you like drama, you love Michael.

Photos courtesy of Michael Costello

Saks Fifth Avenue
Alas, I got my details correct! The Saks Fifth Avenue party was everything I hoped it would be and more. Killer live band, amazing 360 degree photobooth, appetizers and free flowing champagne. They recreated the shopping experience in which dreams are made.

I’ve often said I could live inside a Saks and this evening only solidified my views. Imagine chatting with friends among straight off the runway shearling Alexander McQueen coats. And jewel encrusted Judith Leiber bags. And don’t forget a collection of Balenciaga more abundant than the actual Balenciaga store in Soho. I was so high on fashion my head was literally spinning. My next goal? To actually be one of the women invited to the party simply because they actually spend that much money in Saks every year. Ah how I wish I were a Russian billionaire.

The hubby and I moved through the party with blogger friends Lauren and Jacqueline before deciding we were starving and it was time for yet another late night NYFW dinner.

Until tomorrow friends!

Photos by Matthew Passiglia

NYFW S/S18 Day 1

Ahh, New York Fashion Week. Each season I try to envision what the experience will be like (Will it be as good as last year? Will I get to catch up with everyone? Will my outfits come together?) and each season my expectations are blown away. There is no way to anticipate the crazy, beautiful chaos that encompasses NYFW. You just have to let it do what it’s going to do.

We arrived in NY on Wednesday and were able to enjoy a delicious dinner with friends before the week officially began.

Pro tip: If you’re going to attend the entire week, arrive early. It’s so much nicer to ease into the chaos than to hit the ground running!

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Day One’s outfit came together at almost the last minute. Even though I had six weeks to prepare, I employed the “throw-everything-in-my-suitcase-and-pray” methodology when packing.

Pro tip: Plan your outfits in advance (obviously). I normally use an Excel spreadsheet to track each item including alternate pieces that can go with each look in case the weather changes or I just can’t take another minute in heels.

My ruffled skirt and “Clutch” tee caught the attention of street style photographers and I was floored to find out Fashion Illustrator Holly Nichols captured my look via pen and paper. Check out her beautiful illustration here.

Noon by Noor
Our first show on Thursday was Noon by Noor. Known for clean lines and sharp tailoring, the S/S18 collection was beyond gorgeous. Accented with shades of rose, crimson, sketchbook and ladybug prints, the collection was a great example of elevated everyday-wear.

I loved the Tyler Ellis boxy belt bags styled with several of the looks and how tops were worn half unbuttoned for a slouchy yet elegant feel. The brand excels at blending masculine and feminine (can you tell they’re one of my faves?) which was executed perfectly in their oversized tunics and voluminous trousers.

In a week where a lot of what you see is more style than function, Noon by Noor is always a great example of the type of clothes your super chic friend invests in. I had so many people DM me after seeing my Insta Story of the finale saying how they would wear every single piece. I completely agree.

From elevated separates at Noon, to gorgeous gowns at Tadashi we went!

Tadashi Shoji
Tadashi Shoji is always a mainstay I look forward to. We haven’t missed his show in years and when he took his final bow wearing something other than his signature pink pants I was floored! The collection proved to be just as exciting.

Inspired by a Golden State of Mind, his S/S18 woman took us on a journey from bohemian Malibu to the glittering streets of LA. Opening with a swath of colors – canary, jade, rose quartz – adorned with tassels and floral embroidered tulle, it was perhaps the most casual and carefree I’ve seen from Tadashi. But make no mistake. He expertly took us from soft, easy pieces to va-va-voom drama. It was his plan all along. A master draper that can manipulate the most delicate of fabrics – lace, chiffon and tulle – he closed the show with celestial embroidered gowns, the most stunning of which was finished with a cape. Garments fit for royalty and the dreamers among us indeed.

Snoopy & Belle in Fashion
After Tadashi we headed to a cocktail reception featuring Snoopy & Belle in Fashion. Yep, that’s right, Snoopy from the Peanuts cartoon and his little sister Belle. Snoopy has a longstanding relationship with the fashion industry. Every major designer from Oscar de la Renta to Toki Doki has created couture pieces for him. As someone who was obsessed with Snoopy as a child, this is kind of like my fashion dream come true. Think mini couture pieces made from the exact same fabrics of the legendary collections in which they originated on display while fashion’s elite mingle in the background. We had so much fun networking with people who were personal friends of the Schulz family as well as buyers and editors from fashion glossies around the world.

After Snoopy we headed 45min uptown to Saks Fifth Avenue for the grand re-opening of their legendary 3rd floor. It may have been NYFW first day euphoria, but as soon as we walked in I could tell something was off so I asked an associate if I had gotten the location wrong. Maybe the festivities were on the 4th floor?

“Oh darling, I’m so sorry but the party is tomorrow.”

In the words of Cher Horowitz, “I feel like such a bonehead!”

Pro tip: Don’t use an Excel spreadsheet to track your calendar. Use Google or Outlook like a normal person so you don’t miss shows and events!

After laughing off my stupidity, the hubby and I walked a few blocks and enjoyed a delicious Greek meal.

Join me tomorrow for my recap of NYFW S/S18 Day 2!

Photos by Matthew Passiglia

Summer Basics

Project Social T sweatshirt // AMO jeans // Vans slip-ons // Forever 21 sunglasses (similar here)
Love Tatum earrings // Mansur Gavriel bag ($55 version here)

For the past few weeks I’ve featured ruffled, satin and sequins skirts.  While I love these elevated OOTD’s, I wanted to switch gears and talk about basics.  During summer it’s especially important to have a few easy pieces you can grab that are comfortable but still chic.  Whether it’s a soft tee to pair with denim cutoffs, a cozy sweatshirt to wear during your morning coffee run or a bodysuit that’s comfortable enough to wear all day, knowing where to find these staples is key.

Last summer I did a post about my go-to classics, so I thought it would be a good idea to freshen up the list for 2017.  I recently discovered the LA label Project Social T and instantly feel in love with their knit basics.  One of the toughest things about finding good tees is getting an affordable, quality cotton that won’t fall apart after a dozen washes.  Straight out of the gate this pink lace-up sweatshirt felt perfectly broken in, like I had been wearing it for years.  I’ve washed it numerous times since, and it continues to hold up and get better with each wear – kind of like a great pair of Levi’s.  I’ve also got my eye on this oversized tee to pair with skinny jeans and cutoffs and I’m loving this bodysuit for a transitional piece I can wear with high waisted pants and blazers come fall.

No casual, chic look would be complete without a great pair of tennis shoes.  Vans and Converse are my definite go-to’s when I want to be comfortable but don’t want to go full on athletic gear.  The metallic foil finish of these classic slip-on’s give just enough of a chic edge to be appropriate day or night.  They also come in rose gold, and when worn with twist hem jeans and my trusty bucket bag, the overall effect is cozy yet put together.

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Ultra Flattering Ruffled Skirt

Veronica Beard skirt // COS shirt (similar here) // Valentino heels // Pandora ring // Nu Evolution lip gloss

My summer uniform normally involves several pairs of cutoff Levi’s, but this year I’m really into skirts.  They’ve added a bit more pop to my everyday look and I’ve been doing a lot of experimenting with dressing them up or down.  This striped, ruffled number can go super feminine, but I wanted to pull in some masculine vibes with a banker blue button-down and power heels.  Think of it as your modern day version of Melanie Griffith’s Working Girl.

To make the skirt more casual, I’d throw on a simple cotton tank top and flat slides in a pop color.  It’d be the perfect look for a 4th of July BBQ or lunch al fresco.

The gathered ruffles flatter curvy and athletic girls alike, so I’ve linked some other options below.

Have a great 4th of July!

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Un-Coachella

Salt Water Luxe kimono dress from Mimi & Red (c/o) // Manolo Blahnik boots (similar here) //
Jennifer Fisher and Stephen Webster rings // Janessa Leone hat (similar here)

After taking a break from posting last week, it feels good to be back in the swing of things.  One of the things I love about spring is the transitional weather we get in California.  While generally warm, it’s still cool enough outside to wear my boots and jackets.  If you’ve been a longtime reader of In Spades, you know Fall/Winter is my favorite season, so any excuse to extend the wear of my leather jackets and boots is a plus.

I found this Saltwater Luxe kimono dress at Mimi & Red and immediately fell in love with the silhouette – anything long and drapey is my jam.  It provided the perfect opportunity to break out my favorite boots of all time and a sassy fedora (that I lovingly refer to as my Ed Harris hat).  The open back gives it a bit of va va voom and the raised hemline in the front makes it so versatile for styling.  I’ll definitely be pairing it, unbuttoned to the waist, with cropped jeans and block heeled mules.

Last year I did a post about the antithesis to a Coachella wardrobe.  While Coachella isn’t my thing, this dress is a great example of the power of styling.  Worn completely unbuttoned as a vest or belted with sandals, you can transform the look into a more desert feel.