In Spades

Style... in abundance

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.

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Just Belt It

Bill Blass High Heeled Sandals Bill Blass High Heeled Sandals Bill Blass High Heeled Sandals Bill Blass High Heeled Sandals Bill Blass High Heeled Sandals Bill Blass High Heeled Sandals

Theory blazer (similar here) // J. Crew tee // Quay sunglasses // Vasic New York handbag
Madewell jeans // Leatherlock belt from Vocabulary boutique // Bill Blass sandals (c/o)

I’ve always been a jacket girl.  Between my plethora of leather jackets to my growing blazer collection, there is something equally edgy and sophisticated about a well-tailored jacket.

During NYFW, we saw a ton of belted blazers grace the spring 2019 runways.  This is a look I can 100% stand behind.  But why wait until spring?  I’m breaking out the trend now.

Since we’re experiencing overcast mornings that burn off into warm afternoons in SoCal, I kept my accessories transitional.  This white circle bag from indie favorite Vasic adds the perfect finish to a classic blazer.  My belt has an equestrian vibe which adds to the sophisticated aura of the look without going too preppy.

These Bill Blass sandals have a fun paisley print – again, sophisticated flair – and are super comfortable for walking around. I also have the flat version which carried me through summer.

Now that it’s October and fashion month is nearing an end, I’m wrapping up my NYFW reflections post and am really going to be digging into layered looks.  Stay tuned for all my thoughts and tips next week!

What fall fashion are you most excited about?

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Fall Fashion Shopping List

Baukjen pantsBaukjen pants Baukjen pants Baukjen pantsBaukjen pants Baukjen pants

The Arrivals leather jacket // Band tee // Quay sunglasses // Rebecca Minkoff booties (similar here) // Baukjen pants

Whoohoo fall is here!  I could not be more excited for cooler temps.  If you’re a long time reader of In Spades, you know this is my favorite season for fashion.  Leather jackets, cozy sweaters and statement boots are the name of the game.

When I was pregnant, I quickly learned that Isabella Oliver was the go-to brand for fashion-forward mamas-to-be.  What I didn’t know at the time was that they also have a non-maternity line called Baukjen.  Founded by a husband and wife team and based in London, think great basics with a contemporary vibe.

These windowpane print pants are great for work, but also look fabulous when edged up with a band tee and leather jacket.  Two points for versatility.

I’ve been loving graphic tees in general and picked up some fun ones from Nasa and Unfortunate Portrait that I’ll be sharing on the blog soon.

You’ve seen this leather jacket on the blog before.  The company who makes it is one of my fall time favorites and they just launched a teddy bear coat that I’m dying over.

Even though fall just started, my shopping wish list is growing by the day.  I’m planning on adding some jewel-toned pieces, amazing combat boots and my new favorite hat trend to my closet.

Stay tuned for more fall favorites!  What are you most looking forward to this fall?

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NYFW SS19 Day 4

NYFW SS19 OOTD 4 Tiko PaksaNYFW SS19 OOTD 4 Tiko Paksa NYFW SS19 OOTD 4 Tiko PaksaTiko Paksa vest and skirt // Amelie Pichard boots // Boyy handbag // Thatch and Giles & Brother bracelets

Down came the rain.

As if signaling the start of spring, the extreme heat from Day 1 transitioned to rain on our last day of NYFW.

Every February, I always tell my husband I’d rather have snow than rain.  It’s so difficult to shoot photos or really walk anywhere when it’s raining, but on we pressed!

Last September I wore an amazing oversized plaid blazer by Georgian designer Tiko Paksa (who picked up on plaid and purple as THE color of the year before both became trends).

Oversized silhouettes are my game, and this belted puffer vest and matching wrap skirt struck the perfect balance between editorial and wearable.  NYFW outfit gold.

Nonie

Nonie SS19 Nonie SS19 Nonie SS19

With the unrelenting rain, it was nice to only have one show on our last day.  You may have heard of Canadian brand Nonie via Megan Markle.  The Duchess of Sussex stepped out in a Nonie trench dress this summer and the brand has continued to garner well-deserved press ever since.

Timeless, clean silhouettes in the finest silk were the theme for spring 2019.  The show opened to all white separates (the chiffon trench paired with silk trousers matched Markle’s look), transitioned to inked hues and closed with crimson and fuchsia.  The ruched side slit skirts resembled my outfit from Day 2 so you know I’m a fan.

In a week that can feature over-the-top designs, it’s nice to end with a clean slate of relaxed, expertly tailored staples.

I’ve said many times before that one of my fave things about NYFW is making friends.  It truly feels like a posh summer camp every season.

While waiting for the show to start, I met model Madeline Stuart and her mother.  Madeline was the first person with Down syndrome to walk in Asia at Mercedes Benz fashion week China, and has gone on to walk in Paris, London, Russia and Dubai.  I actually saw Madeline walk her first show at NYFW almost 5 years ago and have been a fan ever since.  Forbes named her the number one game changer in fashion and she has appeared in Vogue, Marie Claire, Paper, Cosmopolitan and the New York Times.  After meeting her, it was so much fun to follow along on the rest of her NYFW journey via Instagram.

With our last show complete, it was time to celebrate.

My mom and I took a rainy walk through Central Park and stopped at Tavern on the Green for tea and wine.  With the crisp air and tons of foliage around us, it truly felt like fall.

I don’t know if our daughter will join us for another NYFW (February is so cold!), but being able to experience it with her, my mom and husband – three of the most important people in my life – while doing something that is of infinite importance to me was pretty much the best thing ever.

And just like that, we marked another NYFW in the books.

Photos by Matthew Passiglia

ICYMI: my recaps of NYFW SS19 Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3

NYFW SS19 Day 3

NYFW SS19 OOTD 3NYFW SS19 OOTD 3NYFW SS19 OOTD 3 Alexander McQueen leather jacket (similar here) // Rag & bone jeans
Calvin Klein 205w39NYC boots (similar here) // Pianegonda earrings and ring
Quay sunglasses // YSL handbag (similar here)

On baby: Jean jacket (custom patch 1,  2, 3) // T-shirt // Pants

I love when my readers can help me decide on outfits.  That was the case for my NYFW SS19 Day 3 look.

I found this insane Alexander McQueen jacket at an amazing discount thanks to my friends at Nordstrom.  Word to the wise; always develop relationships with your favorite store associates.  You all voted that I should go for it, and thus it ended up in my closet.

The jacket is signature McQueen – edgy leather, strong shoulders and that famous brand peplum.  Someday my little baby will inherit it.  I hope she loves it as much as I do.

To mimic my edgier vibe for Day 3, I wanted to create a fun jacket for her too.  I found these fun Stranger Things and Comme des Garcons patches on Amazon and a mini varsity jacket was born.

I tend to wear all black a lot in my everyday life, so this look really represents what I wear on a daily basis.  My NYFW looks clearly pull out all the stops, but this look is a great example of something that is equal parts special and everyday.

Taoray Wang

Taoray Wang SS19Taoray Wang SS19Taoray Wang SS19

While I really dislike the question “what’s your style”, Taoray Wang is a brand that could come exceptionally close to manifesting my aesthetic.  East meets west, feminine and masculine, structured yet flowing.  Juxtaposition is the name of her game.

For spring 2019, designer Wang Tao created a beautiful version of the power suit.  In soft pinks and yellows, plus pristine plaid, her separates were powerful yet delicate.  Styled with elongated belts, nipped waistlines and voluminous shoulders, the Taoray woman is fierce.

Spring is a season where you see tons of dresses (rightly so) but what I love about Taoray is that her lineup is heavy on separates.  From jumpsuits to blazers to mixed media skirts, her pieces are perfect for layering to create your own aesthetic.

Son Jung Wan
Son Jung Wan SS19Son Jung Wan SS19Son Jung Wan SS19

Son Jung Wan is a designer we’ve had the pleasure of covering many times before.  Her spring ’19 collection was a special one for me because I got to experience it through my mom’s eyes.  Since this was our first time bringing our daughter with us to fashion week, we of course needed an extra set of hands to look after her while we worked.  Mom to the rescue!  Thankfully she got to take in a show with us too.

Son Jung Wan’s show presented three distinct themes.  She opened with a set of floral silk pieces, transitioned to soft, textured silhouettes with lots of volume, and finished with bold black and white stripes.  I loved how the journey started airy and light and closed with bold and daring.

My mom remarked at how beautiful her gowns were.  One of them even reminded us of my wedding dress!  She also loved the people watching.  As I mentioned earlier this week, I’m working on a post about my NYFW reflections and will definitely be including more of these first-time insights.

Jonathan SimkhaiJonathan Simkhai SS19Jonathan Simkhai SS19Jonathan Simkhai SS19 Jonathan Simkhai SS19

Each season there is always one show I look forward to the most.  For SS19, it was Jonathan Simkhai.

A light rain descended upon the city as we were making our way to his presentation.  As if I wasn’t eager enough to get inside, you can only imagine how this accelerated things!  Leather and rain don’t mix.

Simkhai transformed the show space into a beautiful spring garden.  Foliage was everywhere creating a labyrinth of stunning looks.  Behind every hedge was a model adorned in soft pastels and textures.  Tiers of sheer lace, eyelet hemlines and gingham were the main themes.

Models looked equally sexy and cool.  His wide-leg pants paired with long blazers and knotted belts gave us a look to aspire to for day, while his off-the-shoulder and cutout gowns inspired the look for night.

The crowd was a who’s who of the fashion world, and based on the collective reaction, Simkhai hit it out of the park.  I left completely swooning and couldn’t shut up the entire Uber ride back to our hotel.  I would wear EVERY SINGLE PIECE in the collection.

Dying.

Did you see our Recap of NYFW SS19 Day 2?

Stay tuned tomorrow for my final installment of NYFW SS19!

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Taoray Wang photos by Matthew Passiglia