In Spades

Style... in abundance

Palazzo Pants Two Ways

Last week I visited one of my favorite local boutiques Pink Lagoon.  They have an expertly curated lineup of advanced contemporary designers that I ADORE.  I discover new, amazing brands every time I’m there!

Some of my past faves from Pink Lagoon are this casual look and this summer-to-fall look.

As soon as I tried on these palazzo pants, I was sold.  Made from the most luxurious silk and cotton, they feel like you’re wearing a cloud.  The fabric is perfect for SoCal – light enough for warmer days, yet substantial enough to be taken up a notch.

As soon as I brought them home, I put them on immediately and have pretty much lived in them ever since.

I wanted to show you two ways to style these palazzo pants – casual daytime versus edgy nighttime.  They’re honestly the perfect pandemic pants.  Super comfortable yet chic and once we can travel again, they will be the PERFECT weekend getaway pant.  So many styling options!

Brazeau Tricot Palazzo Pants

Paired with a waffled sweater (also Pink Lagoon) and slides, I wear this to preschool drop-off or to run errands.

Brazeau Tricot Palazzo Pants

Pile on the jewelry, add an evening bag and some killer shoes (in this case, literally) and you’ve got a perfect nighttime look.

While I rarely wear stilettos anymore, you could absolutely pair these palazzo pants with these for a chic date night look.

San Diego friends, check out Pink Lagoon and my other favorite local boutiques here.  If you’re not in San Diego, they ship!

The State of Now

In Spades Keynote Speaker

These are surreal times.

My family has been on a self-imposed quarantine for 4 days, and sadly I don’t see this letting up anytime soon.

When I started In Spades 7 years ago, my goal was to share what inspires me.  The fashion that makes my heart sing.  The pieces that make me realize I can be anybody I want to be in the right outfit.  I hoped it would inspire you to realize the transformative power of fashion and contribute to the conversation too.

And in the 7 years since, I can say it absolutely has.  I’ve dialogued with readers from all over the world.  Met Fashionphile’s at NYFW.  Shared my insight with like-minded individuals and found ways to educate, further inspire and use this medium I hold so dear to story tell.

So… I’m going to continue to do so.

And I’ll be the first to admit, it feels really weird.

I know there is SO much more going on right now.  So many more important things to focus on.  Family to take care of.  Friends to look out for.  I don’t want to distract from any of that.  Or diminish it.  Or pretend like we’re living in a bubble.

I DO want to provide a safe space for you to feel joy.  A space to feel inspired.  To learn something.  To reflect.  To dialogue.  To feel community.  I have ALWAYS done this through clothes.  So I will continue.

Our small, local businesses are really feeling the stress of what COVID-19 is doing to our community.  So I’d like to take this opportunity to shout out my favorites.  As the week progresses, I’m going to highlight them in more depth.

My Favorite San Diego Local Businesses

Stay well.  Stay strong.  Support each other.  Together we’ll get through this.

Photo by Justice Photography

Wardrobe Essentials: The Classics

Understated Leather jacket Understated Leather jacket Understated Leather jacket Understated Leather jacketUnderstated Leather jacket Understated Leather jacket Understated Leather jacket Understated Leather jacket Understated Leather jacketUnderstated Leather jacket // The Great t-shirt via Pink Lagoon
Citizens of Humanity Rocket jeans via Pink Lagoon (c/o) // Quay sunglasses
Celine mules (under $25 pair here)

Shop the Post

Last week I talked about my summer essentials.  This week I wanted to stick to the theme of essentials, but this time, let’s chat about the classics.  These are the pieces you reach for again and again.  Those ‘never let me down’ staples that are good year round.

The Leather Jacket

If you follow me on Instagram you saw my recommendation for three leather jackets under $500.  One of my faves is by a small company out of Austin, TX called Understated Leather.  Today I’m showing off their Easy Rider Moto and I can’t recommend it enough.  Coming in at $418, this is one of the highest quality leather jackets I’ve ever seen.  It’s seriously right up there with Saint Laurent but at a fraction of the cost.  If you’re looking to invest in a classic leather moto, jump on this deal ASAP.  This company treats their leather to form to your body, so over time, the fit just gets better and better.  It’s like a vintage pair of Levi’s.  Fit like that comes around once in a blue moon.

The Skinny Jean

Speaking of denim, my hands down favorite pair of comfortable skinny jeans is the Citizens of Humanity Rocket.  I’ve featured this style on the blog many times before and can’t recommend them enough.  Truly one of the most comfortable jean styles out there, they mold to your body without stretching out and have the most flattering high rise.  I love the cropped length because I have short legs and they offer tons of different washes in both the cropped and regular styles.

The Perfect Tee

Last week I introduced you to Solana Beach boutique Pink Lagoon with my super chic shirtdress.  If you haven’t been into the store, it’s a gem in the Cedros design district.  Not only do they carry an abundant supply of Citizens jeans, but they also carry amazing indie labels like The Great, whose striped tee I’m wearing.  If you’re looking for a high quality comfy tee, this is it.

They also have other hard-to-find fashionista favorites like Ampersand as Apostrophe, SEA and Xirena.  Owner Jenny Livits is just as kind as she is chic, and I was thrilled to find a sartorial soul sister – she knows her fashion.  Her expertly curated wardrobe is reflected in Pink Lagoon’s amazing inventory and I love that she supports local, indie and established designers alike.

Pink Lagoon also offers personal styling services both in store and in-home and has a designer consignment vault.  It’s a great option for people like me who have an overflowing closet that needs pruning!  I consigned two of my barely used handbags: check out which ones here and here.

If you’re a San Diego native looking for hard to find labels or personal styling help, check out Pink Lagoon.