In Spades

Style... in abundance

Banana Republic is Back

Banana Republic Harbison skirtBanana Republic cardigan and skirt // Bottega Veneta boots and bag // Gucci sunglasses

I’ll never forget my first Banana Republic t-shirt.  It was classic 90’s – the safari era – a green logo outlined in gold.  Back then was the heyday.  A brand with the perfect mix of classic and contemporary, yet totally functional.  Adventurous.  Dare I say rugged chic.

This phenomenon rode a pretty great wave of success.  And then, just like its counterparts from the era, it stopped.  No more Depeche Mode Gap commercials, no more peak Jenna Lyons for J. Crew.  And no more core DNA, classic Banana.

What happened?

Like any great wave of success, it’s bound to come down eventually.  Mall culture shifted to e-commerce.  Indie brands garnered cult followings thanks to social media and celebrities.  And well, a lot of Banana’s customers simply grew up and on to different things.

From my perspective, I remember a period of time when the quality at Banana really went downhill.  And so for years, I avoided it.  Never stepped foot in a store I once use to frequent multiple times a week.

And then, late last year, I crossed that forgotten threshold.  I stepped foot inside a Banana Republic.  What I saw amazed me.  The designer collaborations – like this one from Harbison – were GOOD.  The fits were perfection.  Suiting that made me feel like it was tailored to my body.  Sumptuous, high-quality knits.  Exciting color palettes.  Banana is back.

If like me, you haven’t set foot inside a Banana Republic in ages, I urge you to return.  Guarantee you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

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Mach & Mach Review

Mach & Mach mulesBottega Veneta padded cassette bagI know, I know.  Mach & Mach isn’t a new brand (it was founded 10 years ago) but their popularity has really taken off in the past couple of years.  I’ve loved their glam designs from the start, but was never really interested in purchasing a pair for myself until I saw these.

Something about them being mules, not too high and PVC really sold it for me.  The glam princess shoes finally got an edge.  It was the juxtaposition I needed.  I love that they look like edgy Cinderella shoes.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re considering purchasing a pair.

They run small. 

I’m a size 6 in heels 99% of the time (and sometimes go down to a 5.5).  I tried both the 6.5 and 7 and found them to be almost identical in size/the way they fit.  Most shoes have a 1/4 inch difference between sizes.  Mach & Mach is more like 1/8 inch.

I’d say your best bet is to size up by a half size.

They’re not super comfortable.

Since I got the PVC pair, I knew they weren’t going to be super comfortable.  PVC doesn’t give (or breathe).  The first time I wore them I got a blister, but they have softened up a bit.

The satin and leather pairs are more comfortable.

Are they worth it?

I think designer shoe prices have gotten really out of control, and these babies are no exception.  5 years ago they would have been a $600 shoe.

That said, I love mine.  They make me smile and I feel genuine joy when I wear them.

If you’re considering a pair, I say go for it.  I’d stick to a lower heel and a mule so you have more versatility.

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Bottega Veneta Padded Cassette Review

Bottega Veneta padded cassette bagJacquemus coat // Equipment top // Vintage Levi’s // Le Specs sunglasses // Bottega Veneta padded cassette 

My husband surprised me with a Bottega Veneta padded cassette crossbody for Christmas (so sweet).  I’ll be honest, this wasn’t a bag I had on my wishlist, but I’m so happy with it I wanted to share a review.

While I love structured bags (this bag is one of my all-time favorites), the reality is I’m much more drawn to pillowy, malleable bags.  They’re more comfortable to wear and I just love how supple they are – they instantly and effortlessly elevate a look.  The Bottega Veneta padded cassette is a beautiful balance between structure and fluidity.

Pros

You can adjust the strap to crossbody, shoulder length, or tuck it in and carry it as a clutch.

The inside has a zippered pouch to hold credit cards, etc.  It also acts as a divider (I put my phone behind the divider) which helps to keep your things organized.

Versatility – the classic intreciatto weaving makes it a beautiful everyday bag.  While they also have a flat version, I am 100% for the padded version.  Looks so much more interesting and contemporary IMO.

It also comes in TONS of colors and different leathers (patent and suede).  You can go bold and opt for the chain strap version or go neutral with the classic leather strap.

Cons

Other than the cost, my only real complaint is that it doesn’t hold much.  I can fit my keys, phone, credit cards, hand sanitizer, lipstick and sunglasses (in a case).

I use these pouches to keep things organized.

Some may wonder if the intreciatto weaving means items can slip through – they can’t.  It’s tightly woven and well constructed.

If you’re looking for a great, everyday designer bag, I highly recommend this one.  It’s the perfect balance between contemporary and classic.  It will serve me well for years to come.

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My 10 Best Cost-Per-Wear Pieces

Ganni Chelsea BootsHappy New Year!

It’s good to be back.  After a long break over the holidays, I reflected on my best purchases of 2021.  While I have my favorites, I thought the most helpful review would be to share the items with the best cost per wear.

Here are my 10 Best Cost-Per-Wear Pieces from 2021.  Click the title links below to see how I styled each piece.

Chelsea/Combat Boots

Even though I bought these in November, they have already surpassed some of my other shoes for the number of times worn.  They are as comfortable as tennis shoes (seriously!) and the perfect balance between edgy and put together.  I wear them with jeans and dresses.

Puffer Coat

Another winter 2021 purchase, this coat is like wearing a cloud.  SO soft and warm.  I love the optional gloved sleeves with thumbholes and removable hood.  It’s super versatile and garners compliments every time I wear it.

Lounge Leggings

These were a consistent top seller last year and for good reason.  They are the comfiest leggings I’ve ever worn.  They don’t pill or stretch out.  You can exercise or lounge in them.  I love how they’re not too restrictive.

Joggers

Besides denim, if there’s one fashion item I’m extremely well researched in, it’s joggers.  I’ve tried dozens of pairs and these are my hands-down favorite.  The vintage terry fleece is SUPER comfortable and not too hot/not too cold.  The cropped length, pockets and elastic waistband make them versatile and chic enough to wear out of the house.  I own 3 pairs.

Denim Cutoffs

As mentioned before, I’m very well versed in denim and there isn’t a pair of cutoffs I haven’t tried.  I only wear two brands and this year I discovered the long version of one of my favorite pairs.

They run large, so if you’re between sizes, size down.  I own two pairs in two different sizes – a smaller pair for a more tailored look, and a larger pair for a more relaxed vibe.

The 4-inch inseam is super flattering.  Get them.

Bikini

I hate shopping for swimwear and feel uncomfortable in 90% of the options out there.  This brand is super flattering and has the softest material that is also supportive.  I adore their high waist bottoms and this racerback top is so chic.

Heeled Sandals

These sandals are under $50, come in multiple colors, and are very comfortable.  They look so much more expensive than they are and really elevate an outfit.  I wore them with cutoffs, jeans, and dresses.  They carried me through the warmer months of 2021.

Velcro Sandals

Another “look more expensive than they actually are” purchase from last year is these sandals.  They’re super comfy and can take a beating.  I wore mine in the ocean (oops) and walked a ton in them.  Plus, they go with everything – dresses, shorts, you name it.

Sunglasses

Probably no surprise these sunnies made the list as I’m wearing them in just about every blog photo (including above!).  I love that they’re a classic style, lightweight, and affordable.

The Best White T-shirt

I was introduced to Advocate The Label last year.  Their mission is to bring awareness to human trafficking and support survivors.  100% of the proceeds of this perfect white tee support trafficking survivors.

Not only does it have a wonderful cause behind it, but it truly is the perfect white t-shirt.  Substantial cotton and cut to flatter all shapes and sizes.  I can’t live without it.

Puffer Coat Review

SAM. Isabel Faux Leather Puffer Coat SAM. Isabel Faux Leather Puffer CoatPuffer Coat // Split hem pants // Boots // Sunglasses

Favorites alert!

This puffer coat and these split hem leggings are two of my best purchases of 2021.

The puffer coat is SO soft and comfortable.  It’s seriously like wearing a cloud.  I adore the optional gloved sleeves and the zip-away hood.  Every time I’ve worn it I’ve been stopped by multiple people to ask where it’s from.  It looks great dressed up or worn casually.  If you’re in the market for a puffer coat, I can’t recommend this one enough.

Sizing tip: I’m wearing a small.  I usually wear an XS or S in coats but the XS was too tight across the shoulders for me.  If you’re in between sizes, size up.

Right now you can get $25 off every $125 you spend if you buy it here.

I had wanted a pair of split hem pants and found 3 pairs that I absolutely love.  This pair was the cheapest of the 3.  The fabric is an elevated version of workout leggings (AKA super comfortable) so I knew they were the winner.

I love how they look like trousers – you can easily dress these up or down.

I’m wearing an XS.  If you’re in between sizes, size down.  They run a tad big.

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