In Spades

Style... in abundance

My 2 Best Fashion Investments Going into Fall

Photos by Astray Photography

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Late in the summer I picked up two pieces that have been great investments for their comfort and versatility.  This pink bell sleeved top (currently 40% off!) is the perfect transitional piece because it’s lined, making it ideal for the cooler months, and also made of 100% cotton so you can wash it.  Most of my statement tops are dry clean only, so it’s refreshing to have something I can easily throw on that still looks polished and doesn’t require a long wait until the next wear.  Thankfully bell sleeves are here to stay – they were all over the S/S18 runways – so I’ll still have a stylish option come 2018.  For those interested in more neutral colors, this top also comes in black and white, which I’ve linked above.

The second wise investment I made this summer was these black studded sandals.  A riff off of these Isabel Marant stunners, they are a fraction of the price and super comfortable.  With a padded insole, soft suede straps and a reasonable heel, they look great with jeans or dresses.  I’m finding that more and more of my shoes and accessories have gold hardware and accents, so the silver studs are especially appealing when I want a cooler palette to work from.

And while stilettos will always be in fashion, block and kitten heels are becoming more mainstream every day.  Personally, I’m thrilled.  You can’t beat the comfort of a block or low kitten heel and I think they are so much more fashion forward.  Take a look at the gold standard for shoe and accessory trends – Celine.  Their current lineup features kitten, triangular and block heels almost exclusively.

What have been your best clothing and accessory investments this season?

Stripes & Flares for Fall

Photos by Astray Photography

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As the days slowly turn from California summer to crisp fall, I’m relishing the chance to break out my jackets, boots and hats.  But before I go full force (trust me, it’s taking every fiber of my being!) I’m easing into the weather change with some transitional pieces.

I picked up this Tibi top towards the end of summer and its light cotton fabric was perfect for sailing trips and brunching with friends on weekends.  Thankfully this is a style Tibi continues year round, and for fall/winter they’ve made some incredible options in silk crepe, lurex knit and tweed. The tie sleeves can be worn up or down, giving you tons of styling options.  I wore mine cinched, with the ties undone for an edgier vibe but it works just as well worn loose for a bell sleeved effect.

If you don’t have a pair of wide leg pants in your wardrobe, I highly recommend them for fall.  This Madewell pair is from last season but I’ve linked some great alternatives under $100 above.  Not only is a wider leg totally on trend, but they work incredibly well with all kinds of shoes.  For the transitional weather we’re having, I opted for open toed, suede mules, but when the temps drop I’ll definitely be breaking out my pointed toe ankle boots and velvet pumps.  This pair has an elastic waistband which is another reason why I love them – the look is much more elevated than jeans yet still super comfortable.

Now is a great time to invest in fall staples as many of the major department stores are having their Friends & Family sale.  Take 25% off your purchase at Bloomingdale’s (Loyalists also earn a $25 gift card for every $100 they spend), 25% off at Saks Fifth Avenue and 40% off your purchase at Banana Republic.

Happy shopping!

One-Mile Wear

Photos by Astray Photography

After coming off a week of major fashion moments, I was definitely ready for an easy, no-brainer OOTD.  I recently discovered the Japanese concept of one-mile wear (clothing you wear within a mile of your home) and completely embraced the idea.  The reality is that most people need chic, comfortable clothing to run errands, pick up kids and deal with life’s little moments, without any hassle.  Most of us don’t want to have to think too hard about an outfit that is going to be comfortable, functional and chic.

Madewell was the first to embrace this concept in the form of their own separate line, Mile(s) by Madewell.  When I saw their Cha Cha Cha sweatshirt in store I didn’t even try it on, it was an immediate purchase.  The cotton is oh-so-soft, and the non-hem waistline is super flattering with leggings or when tucked into jeans.  Not only is the line comfortable and chic, but it’s affordable.  95% of their pieces are under $100 and the quality will survive many washings and wear and tear.

Everlane is another brand that creates high-quality, affordable basics perfect for mixing and matching.  While they don’t specifically have a one-mile wear component, their pieces wholly embrace the concept with non-wrinkle, breathable fabrics that can withstand everyday running around.

I remember talking with a friend who moved abroad to Paris for a year.  Being in one of the biggest fashion capitals in the world, the bar was clearly set very high.  She remarked that Parisians couldn’t wrap their heads around how Americans dressed when making a quick visit to the market or to grab a morning coffee.  Or, think of the way people used to dress when traveling.  The idea of pajamas or flip flops aboard a flight was unheard of.  While I’m all for comfort, I do advocate for a more elevated way of casual dressing for everyday.

What do you think of the concept of one-mile wear?  How do you dress for a casual day of errands?

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