In Spades

Style... in abundance

Sultry Ruffles

Solace London ruffled skirt // Equipment button-down (similar here) // BCBG shoes (similar here) Pianegonda and Pandora rings

A couple of years ago I discovered a British line via Moda Operandi that immediately caught my attention.  Solace London was founded in 2013 and features expertly cut pieces in bold silhouettes.  Think high waisted pants, bell sleeved tops and figure flattering sheath dresses all with a sophisticated air.  Their manifesto focuses on “blurring the lines of statement making and wearability”.  In other words, exactly my cup of tea.

I saw this ruffled skirt in their SS17 campaign and promptly fell in love with it’s unapologetic moxie.  Wearable for day or night, the wrap effect is super flattering on my curvier lower half and really comfortable thanks to the stretch denim material.  When it went on sale, I scooped it up without hesitation.  If you’re in the market for this look, but want to stick to something even more affordable check out this option under $100 (more alternatives linked below).  And if you want to drool, check out Solace London’s lineup of sale items all at 60% off!

Whenever I get dressed, looking “sexy” is the last thing on my mind.  But with this skirt, I wanted to add an unexpected pop.  By leaving my menswear button-down open and adding a pair of Marilyn Monroe inspired heels the look took on a powerful yet sultry effect.  When I’m not channeling a modern day Marilyn, I’ll add a ribbed cotton tank (think old school Hanes), block heeled mules and a basket bag.

What do you think of this look?  Next week I’m going to transition from featuring summer skirts to the knitwear basics that I wear just about everyday.  Let me know in the comments what other OOTD posts you’d like to see!

Shop the Post

Candy Colored

Torn by Ronny Kobo top (similar here) // Levi’s wedgie jeans // Sol Sana sandals (similar here)
DIFF sunglasses (c/o) // Glossier lipstick in Zip

With summer around the corner, I’ve been in a bit of a sunglasses kick.  My current collection has been feeling a bit boring, so when DIFF eyewear reached out about collaborating, I knew it was meant to be.  Similar to my other favorite ethical fashion companies The Arrivals and Everlane, DIFF’s mission is to make high quality, affordable eyewear while also giving back through a charitable initiative.  For every pair of sunglasses sold, they donate a pair of eyeglasses to someone in need.  While it may seem easy to obtain eyeglasses in the US, the rest of the world isn’t so lucky.  Over 1 billion people in the world need eyeglasses but do not have access to them!

During our last sunny weekend we headed downtown for brunch and some exploring.  I paired my candy colored Levi’s with DIFF’s The Dime.  The rounded Audrey shape is so flattering and I love that the tortoise shell goes with everything while the yellow mirrored lenses give them a pop.  At only $60 for polarized lenses, they are such a great deal.  Head over to my Instagram for a coupon code to receive 25% off your first pair!

If you’ve been in the market for a new pair of jeans under $100, check out Levi’s wedgie style.  High waisted with a tapered leg, they are super flattering and come in some amazing washes.  I’m definitely keeping my eye on this pair but also love these if you’re looking to add some color into your wardrobe.  I took my normal size, but if you’d like to skip the break in period, size up one size.

Spring Stripes

Mimi & Red top, pants and glasses // Zara shoes (similar here and here) // Pianegonda ring

Right after returning from NYFW I attended an event at Mimi & Red in North Park, San Diego.  A contemporary boutique with a SoCal vibe and insane accessories collection, they have two locations – the other being in Bird Rock.  Last week I returned after a tea date at Holy Matcha to take a look at their spring line-up.  Immediately after laying eyes on these 70’s era glasses, I knew I had to have them.  At only $12, they were a total steal and haven’t left my face since.

If you’ve been reading In Spades for a while you know I’m a big fan of statement pants.  This spring I’ve been leaning more towards the high waisted, wide leg variety over skirts, so these totally fit the bill.  Paired with a striped crop top I felt just like Gwen Stefani, sans red lipstick.

Surprisingly my favorite trends for spring have been rather unspring-like in the traditional sense.  Rather than floral print, short dresses and feminine sandals, I’m definitely sticking to my signature silhouette of volume and texture.  Think wide leg pants, duster length trench coats and chunky heels.  The bigger the better in my book!