In Spades

Style... in abundance

The Perfect High Rise Jeans

I wanted to kick off the week discussing one of my favorite topics – denim.  Mid to high rise jeans are everywhere and when it comes to this style, Levi’s have pretty much been my go-to.  (I recently talked about how to score a great vintage inspired pair for less than $100.)  The only thing that gives me hesitation when it comes to slipping on a pair of Levi’s, is that you have to get through the break-in period.  As anyone who’s sat through a long car ride or 3-hour brunch in brand new jeans can attest, the break-in period can be rough.  They’re stiff, barely give and are usually the first thing you take off when you get home.

I recently came across Citizens of Humanity Liya jeans and found the answer to my break-in woes.  With a selvedge denim wash, they achieve the perfect broken-in look and feel.  As soon as I slipped them on, I knew I’d struck gold.  Substantial and super soft to the touch, the are true mid-weight denim.  No stretchy legging vibes here.  Comfortable to wear all day through numerous errands, they maintained their shape and didn’t stretch out.

One of the dangers of high rise jeans is looking a little too mom-ish.  Don’t get me wrong, a vintage silhouette is great, but we don’t want to throw it back too far.  With an 11 inch front rise, button fly and tapered leg, the Liya’s achieve the perfect balance between vintage and contemporary.

I highly recommend giving these jeans a shot if you’re looking for a slim, high rise pair.  Here are a few things to consider when purchasing:

  1. Size down – I went down a full size and panicked that I’d barely be able to button them, but they fit perfectly.
  2. Fold them, never hang – This goes for all of your jeans, but because these are selvedge denim, you definitely want to fold them in a drawer as opposed to hanging them to avoid damage.  No knee creases!
  3. Don’t wash them – to sanitize, put them in a ziplock bag and store in your freezer for 24 hours.
  4. Enjoy! These jeans are high-rise, slim fit, mid-weight perfection.  No ugly mom jeans or flimsy legging style here.  Their cropped hem looks great folded or worn down.  They seriously go with everything!

Vince cardigan (on sale) // Ashley Rowe top // Citizens of Humanity Liya jeans //
Alexander Wang heels (similar here) // Celine bag // Retro Super Future sunglasses

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Winter Layering: The Double Coat


If you haven’t already guessed, Fall/Winter is my favorite season for clothing.  I’ll take a statement coat over an airy sun dress any day.  For today’s post, I want to talk about a popular layering trend – the double coat.  Not only does this trend look amazing, but there are several practical bonuses – added warmth, polished looks for both in and outdoors, and maximizing what’s already in your closet (hello, lower cost-per-wear!).

To recreate the look, consider the following tips:

  1. Mix prints and solids – unless you’re a master at pairing polka dots and plaids, I’d recommend sticking to one print and one solid as I’ve done with this window pane blazer and charcoal duster.  The visual differentiation keeps the eye moving and provides depth.
  2. Play with different textures – consider pairing a denim jacket underneath a corduroy topcoat, a satin blazer under a velvet duster, or marled wool with shearling.
  3. Pay attention to length – in general the more polished look is to keep the outer layer long, and the the inner layer short as I’ve done here.  However, for daring girls, I love the idea of pairing a long trench underneath a cropped bomber.  If you’re going to pair layers of the same length, make sure one piece is lightweight to avoid added bulk.  Here’s an example of how to layer pieces of the same length.
  4. Experiment with color – today’s look is monochrome, but the sky’s the limit!  Try camel + orange, pink + grey or black + purple for more of a pop.

Let me know in the comments what you think of this trend.  And, did anyone notice how much I look like John from the Breakfast Club with this look?

Acne Studios beanie // COS shirt (similar here) // Banana Republic blazer (similar here) //
Halston coat (similar here) // Madewell jeans // YSL bag //
Comme des Garcons Play x Converse shoes

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A la Annie Hall

Last summer I had a chance encounter with Diane Keaton.  During my weekly lunch stop at Le Pain Quotidien, she got in line behind me and we waited together for avocado toast.  I couldn’t help but admire the strong point of view in her individual style.  She was dressed exactly as you’d imagine, in a bowler hat, menswear jacket, vest and loafers.

When putting together this OOTD I was completely inspired by Diane’s spirit and went for my own take on Annie Hall.  There is an amazing resurgence of menswear as womenswear, as well as a practical shoe trend going on right now (think Birkenstocks, mules, loafers).  I picked up this blazer at a vintage flea market in Chicago.  I love its boxy shape and strong shoulders.  The color palette and fuzzy wool give it a ‘raid your grandma’s closet’ feel that I think it so fun.

My jeans are definitely the modern touch in this equation, but also a throwback in their own right.  Levi’s redesigned their original 501’s to have a slimmer silhouette and I’m totally obsessed.  For those of you looking to score a pair of Re/Done Levi’s without the price tag, I highly recommend this new style.  I can’t wait to get my hands on this wash next.

Finally, let’s talk shoes.  These loafers are truly the most comfortable pair of shoes I own.  Lined in the softest leather imaginable, it seriously feels like you’re putting on a sock when you slip them on.  I scored them during Moda Operandi’s Designer Sale (which I highly recommend you take advantage of) and could wear them for days.

Vintage blazer // Banana Republic leather top // Levi’s 501 Skinny fit jeans //
Mari Giudicelli loafers (brown sold out, leather available here)

Pajama Jam

Why hello, 2017.

With the start of each new year I normally feel crazy inspired and jump into a mile long to-do list of things I want to accomplish.  Perhaps I’m getting older, but something about the turning of the clock on January 1 this year felt markedly different.  I didn’t go into overdrive, feel like I was already behind or completely stress out.  I moved into 2017 with a zen feeling and the acknowledgement that what is meant to be related to my goals and ambitions, will be.

I won’t lie to you.  Blogging can be tough and produce a lot of self-doubt.  I’ve done my fair share of second guessing my abilities.  Why I am not growing faster?  Are people even reading this?  Are they inspired?  Is my photography good enough?  My writing?  I started 2017 recognizing that all of that is just noise.  I am so thankful for what I do have – all of YOU and the amazing support and encouragement you’ve given me the past three years.  So let me begin 2017 not only with a zen feeling in my heart, but a big dose of gratitude to everyone who has supported me on this amazing, chaotic, colorful journey.  Thank you, thank you, thank you.

I wanted my first OOTD of 2017 to be symbolic, and what signifies a relaxed, zen outlook more than… pajamas. Of course I had to add a dose of flair, because one thing you can count on with me, is that there is always going to be at least one weird element.  One little off-kilter detail that makes me the proverbial Dark Horse. I don’t ever want to blend in.

When we shot this look, I got a lot of feedback… negative feedback.  Bottom line, I don’t think people understood it.  But for me, it’s makes perfect sense.  Here’s to starting the year doing what makes sense for you, fulfills your heart, enriches your mind and makes you smile.  The rest will all fall into place.

Sleepy Jones pajama top and pants // Stuart Weitzman Nudist sandals // Free Press faux fur stole

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Black + Gold NYE

I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful holiday with your nearest and dearest!  I just returned from a trip home and am feeling refreshed and renewed for what’s ahead in 2017.

Last week I talked about a monochromatic holiday look that was comfortable and versatile for family gatherings.  Today I’m sharing something a little edgier, perfect for a sexy yet sophisticated New Year’s Eve.  I’m a huge fan of 70’s Yves Saint Laurent, and felt inspired by his signature smoking jacket for this look.

Oversized silhouettes are my favorite, but it’s important to pay close attention to proportions when dressing this way.  With my boxy smoking jacket I opted for a form fitting top to keep the look feminine.  When it comes to footwear, I recommend sticking to pointed-toe stilettos with wide leg pants – block heeled boots or round-toe shoes will make the look too heavy.

As with any celebratory event, accessories are the icing on the cake.  I recently picked up this gold ribbon wrap necklace from Love Tatum, and am obsessed with all of the different ways I can style it.  I wore it as a bracelet in our holiday card photos, and can’t wait to style it twisted and draped off my shoulders with a killer backless dress.

To round out 2016, I’ll be sharing my favorite sales on the blog later this week.  Let me know what you think of this look at what you’ll be wearing for NYE below!

Isabel Marant x H&M smoking jacket (old, similar here) // Guess top (old, similar here) // Madewell pants // Jimmy Choo pumps (old, similar version on sale here) // Thatch earrings // Love Tatum gold necklace

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