In Spades

Style... in abundance

Taking Care of Business

Lafayette 148 Emerging Wool Slade JacketLafayette 148 Emerging Wool Slade JacketLafayette 148 Emerging Wool Slade JacketLafayette 148 Emerging Wool Slade Jacket Lafayette 148 Emerging Wool Slade JacketLafayette 148 Emerging Wool Slade Jacket Lafayette 148 Emerging Wool Slade Jacket Lafayette 148 Emerging Wool Slade Jacket Lafayette 148 jacket, pants & mules (c/o) // Banana Republic earrings (similar here)
Marrow Fine necklace // Prada handbag

2019 will mark my sixth year of blogging.  Six years, you guys!  So much has changed since I started to share my own little slice of fashion inspiration on the internet.

When I first started In Spades, my goal was to be rather elusive.  I’ve never really been comfortable sharing my life on the internet (the only reason I signed up for Facebook is because of my blog).  If you look back at some of my first posts, the writing is minimal – it was really only about the photos.

But as I learned and grew, I realized that sharing a part of myself with all of you was important.  People wanted the personality behind the clothes and I get it!  Inspiring people with cool photos is great (and my goal is to continue to do so), but adding value about personal style is what’s truly important.

As I move in 2019, my goal is to share more of these value-added tidbits with you – how to style things, what’s the best bang for your buck, where to find unique pieces.  To start, two of my favorite retailers are having HUGE sales right now.  Check out my go-to for tried and true brands, and my secret for finding emerging designers for big savings.

Insider Tip: Buy now – the big sales are still offering full refunds.  Better to snag something now with the ability to return, than risk it selling out – because it will!

We only have 6 weeks left in 2018 folks!  It’s time to continue reflecting and set our sights high for 2019.  I have a feeling it’s going to be the best year yet.

Shop the Post

Photos by White Tee Black Dress

Life Lately: Fall 2018

Leopard print pajama top Leopard print pajama top Leopard print pajama topLeopard print pajama topLeopard print pajama top Leopard print pajama top Club Monaco top (similar here) // Ann Taylor pants // Prada bag (similar here)
Celine mules (similar here and here) and sunglasses

It feels like in the blink of an eye, the year has come and gone.  I swear it will be Christmas tomorrow.  As I reflect back on the past month, I thought I’d share an update of what life has been like lately for team In Spades.

Fashion Month

First, I can’t go another paragraph without talking about the end of Fashion Month.  I stayed glued to my computer screen watching the last of the runway shows walk in Paris.  One of my all time favorites, Celine, shocked me to the core.

I knew something was up when I visited their website about a week before the show and everything had been removed save for one abstract black and white video.  Huh.

To confirm my suspicion, the SS19 show that walked was a complete 180 from the brand I knew and loved.  Under the newly appointed direction of Hedi Slimane, the brand went from amazing minimal pieces that flatter every woman’s body to club-kid rocker chic that was anything but chic.  Not only did the pieces look like something I could find at H&M, but they were also an exact regurgitation of Saint Laurent Fall 2016 (the brand Hedi left to come to Celine).

In one fell swoop, the DNA of a brand that had been expertly cultivated for decades vanished.  All of that work to establish a culture, a message – gone.  It broke my heart.  There was no respect for tradition or identity; I saw only arrogance.

In honor of the old Celine I knew and loved, I’m rocking these witchy mules and flat top sunglasses.  Shop the post below for options at every price point.

San Diego Life

This past week I attended a few events to support my local fashion community.  First up was the Fashion Valley Fall Fashion show.  Twelve stores participated to showcase the best fall trends.  Leopard print, plaid, sequins for evening and Western influences were on full display.  I wore an amazing emerald green leopard print dress from Bloomingdale’s that I’ll be sharing on the blog soon.

I also got a chance to visit the Kopari office.  If you’re not familiar with the brand, they create organic beauty products with one common ingredient – 100% pure coconut oil.  Not only do their products smell amazing, but their non-toxic deodorant and coconut body scrub are among my green beauty favorites.  Their office is nothing short of amazing, and I’ll be sharing some pics from my visit this week.

Finally, my dear friend Conni from Art in the Find partnered with Clare V. for an amazing pop-up shop.  I pre-ordered a fabulous leopard print handbag (noticing a theme?) and picked up a fun short-sleeved sweatshirt that I can’t wait to share with you.

This time of year is only going to get busier so stayed tuned for tons of fresh content!  Let me know in the comments if there’s anything specific you’d like to see.

Shop the Post

Belt Bags + Wrap Dresses

James Perse dress & Prada belt bagJames Perse dress & Prada belt bagJames Perse dress & Prada belt bagJames Perse dress & Prada belt bagJames Perse dress & Prada belt bag James Perse dress & Prada belt bag James Perse dress & Prada belt bag James Perse dress & Prada belt bag

James Perse dress ($20 option here) // Prada bag ($20 option here and $30 option here)
Fendi pumps ($40 option here) // Free People sunglasses // Nars lipstick

Belt Bags

Earlier this month I talked about my newest handbag crush: the ultimate 3-in-1 belt bag.  I first styled it as a crossbody, and today I’m styling it as it’s meant to be worn – around the waist.  Even with a pregnant belly, it still works and looks chic as ever.

My love for this bag is pretty unparalleled.  I’ve wanted a belt bag since before becoming pregnant, and as soon as I found out I was, knew it would be the perfect addition.  Being handsfree is essential as a mom, and with this beauty I don’t have to compromise functionality.  It comes with a gold chain to wear as a crossbody and everything can be removed to carry it as a clutch for evenings out.

If you’ve been thinking of jumping on the belt bag trend, I highly recommend you do!  You don’t need to go the fanny pack route – there are so many fabulous structured options out there for a more chic look.

For a great $30 alternative, click here.

Wrap Dresses

James Perse is a line I’ve long loved.  While the t-shirts have always been a part of my wardrobe, I hadn’t tried on their dresses until becoming pregnant.  The double-lined cotton is super comfortable and very forgiving.  No VPL here!  I love how the fabric maintains its shape and doesn’t stretch out.  Plus, the ruching around the waist and wrap effect around the bustline make it a great option for all shapes and sizes.

While the price point is a bit higher for James Perse, the quality makes it 100% worth it.

For great alternatives, check out this $20 option and this $40 option.

Shop the Post

The Ultimate 3-in-1 Belt Bag for Spring

Missoni dress & Prada handbagMissoni dress & Prada handbag Missoni dress & Prada handbagMissoni dress & Prada handbag Missoni dress & Prada handbag Missoni dress & Prada handbagMissoni dress & Prada handbag Missoni dress & Prada handbag Missoni dress & Prada handbagMissoni dress ($56 version here) // Stuart Weitzman sandals ($80 version here)
Prada bag ($25 version here) // Le Specs sunglasses

Last week I talked about circle bags and this week I’m all about the belt bag.

With spring in full bloom and my due date three weeks away, my wardrobe has transitioned to be exclusively about dresses.  Although I have a couple pairs of maternity jeans, pants are just not something I’m interested in tackling right now – hah!  Thankfully, this is California and it’s not the dead of winter.

I picked up this dress prior to our Miami trip and have worn it several times since.  Shocking I know, as its metallic knit leans a tad dressy, but trust me when I say it’s perfect for daytime outings too.  I’ve styled it with a low, block heeled sandal for weekend brunch (it’d also be great for Easter) and with a stiletto for evenings out to dinner.

The accessory it’s constantly paired with is this amazing crossbody bag.  A “3-in-1”, the gold chain is removable and the bag can be carried as a clutch.  It also comes with a belt attachment to be worn as the most stylish fanny pack ever.  Stay tuned for what this beauty looks like as a belt bag.  Even with a pregnant belly, it works!

I’ve been eyeing a belt bag for quite some time and finding out I was pregnant was actually the perfect excuse (blame it on the baby, hah!) to pull the trigger.  I know after Baby P arrives being handsfree will be key.  Belt bags are the perfect alternative for moms on the go who just need their essentials, while the baby’s gear can go into a diaper bag.

If you follow me on Instagram you know I teased my search for a non-conventional diaper bag.  Stay tuned next week for the reveal – trust me, it’s a good one!

Shop the Post