In Spades

Style... in abundance

Sneaker Roundup: The Best Affordable to Designer Styles

I can’t lie.  I’ve been coveting a pair of platform sneakers.  Maybe it’s pandemic fashion (comfort is key) or the fact that my beloved Adidas x Stella McCartney sneakers have seen better days, but I have sneakers on the brain.

I love sneakers because they are SO versatile.  From function to fashion, they serve every sartorial need.

This week the long-anticipated Dior x Jordan Brand collab dropped.  People entered a lottery for a chance to purchase a pair of hand-painted $2,200 Air Jordan 1s.

Fun fact: Check out this Jeff Goldblum documentary about the underground world of sneakerheads to see just how fanatical this sartorial group is.

All this fanfare got me thinking about the sneakers I currently own.  Below is a round-up of my favorite sneakers from affordable to designer and the pros and cons of each.

Converse

Converse sneakersThe ultimate classic sneaker.  These date back to the early 1900’s. (Converse Chuck Taylors were the official shoe of the US military!)  They look good on everyone and will NEVER go out of style.

Pros: affordable; timeless; fun collaboration styles

Cons: not much support; white canvas gets dirty/fades easily

Sizing: TTS, although I sized down a half-size in my low top Chuck Taylors.

Vans

Vans sliponsFrom skaters to beach kids, these sneakers have a fiercely loyal following and I too, adore them.

Pros: affordable; cool, edgy vibe; classic slip-on style is easy to wear (socks or not); progressive company that offers a ton of limited edition collabs

Cons: take a while to break in

Sizing: TTS; size down if you are in between sizes.

Bucketfeet

Bucketfeet sneakersThese were my go-to shoes during pregnancy b/c they are SO comfortable. I even wore them home from the hospital.

My sister introduced me to this brand over 5 years ago and I love their brand mission.  They create classic slip-ons and lace-ups, but commission indie artists from around the world to design them.  Anyone can submit a design!

Pros: affordable; SUPER comfortable thanks to the “massaging bubbles” at the base of the insole; fresh styles constantly available

Cons: none!

Sizing: TTS; size down if you are in between sizes.

P448

P448 SneakersThink of P448 as the more affordable, yet still designer alternative to Golden Goose.  I love these lowtops; they zip up so you never have to lace them.

Pros: mid-range price with designer-level style; can ALWAYS find them on sale

Cons: more expensive than most sneakers; the styles aren’t as sophisticated as Golden Goose

Sizing: Size up.  I’m usually a 36 or 36.5 and I got a 37 in these.

Golden Goose

Golden Goose Superstar SneakersI’ve written before on whether Golden Goose are worth it.  In a word, absolutely.  They are the most stylish of the bunch.  I truly believe you can wear them with anything.

Pros: SUPER versatile; sophisticated style; highest quality; durable

Cons: expensive; can scream “blogger uniform” (invest in what pulls at your heartstrings, NOT what you “think” you should wear)

Sizing: TTS.  They do NOT come in half sizes so size down if you are in between sizes.

Moda Operandi Sale Picks Under $200

NYFW SS20 OOTD 1 The Vampire's WifeA designer dress I scored in the Moda Operandi sale last year (originally $1800, I got it for $300)

If you’re unfamiliar with Moda Operandi, it’s one of my favorite fashion retailers.  Why?  They are the only multi-brand site to offer trunkshows of upcoming collections.  You can pre-order items immediately after they walk the runway.  You pay a deposit and when you receive the item, you can still return it for a full refund.

Beyond their first-access feature, they expertly curate indie and up-and-coming brands.  If you want to be in-the-fashion-know, Moda Operandi is your ticket.

Their end of season sale went to 65% off today, so it’s an excellent time to score some deals.

Here are my Moda Operandi Sale Picks Under $200
Dresses

Jeans

Tops & Bottoms

Shoes

Swim

Accessories

Little White Dresses Under $150

Need Supply Stelen dress

You guys, it is almost June.

I’ve amassed a collection of little white dresses over the years from glam to casual.  And if there’s one time to wear a LWD, it’s summertime.  There are some gorgeous ones on sale right now so I had to share my favorites under $150.

Most of these are cotton so you can dress them up or down.  I love a light-weight long-sleeved option too.  So chic with a pair of strappy block heeled sandals.  Go bold with your jewelry or throw on a straw hat for some added edge.  I’m loving these lucite bangles or a dramatic hat like this one.

Some of these LWD’s are part of Target’s upcoming designer collaboration.  It launches June 6th and they’re $50!

Voila, your summer uniform.

Little White Dresses Under $150

What I’m Coveting: Denim Shorts

Agolde Dee ultra high rise shortsTibi sweatshirt (similar here and here) // AGOLDE denim shorts // Celine sunglasses

Ah, shorts season.

If you’re a long-time reader, you know I am 100% a fall/winter girl when it comes to wardrobe.  But there’s something to be said about the perfect pair of denim cutoffs.  Classic, comfy, chic.

Since they are what I live in during summer, I wanted to share my favorites.  I have three pairs that I reach for most.  If you have questions about other brands or styles, let me know.  Chances are I’ve tried them.  Denim is kinda my thing.

My 3 Favorite Pairs of Denim Cutoffs

Denim Cutoffs

The great news about all three of these styles is that they are perennial AND they each come in TONS of washes.

1.AGOLDE Ultra High Rise Denim Shorts

Pros: SUPER flattering.  The high rise (12.25 inches) and longer inseam (4 inches) mean these cutoffs give you the most coverage.  No Daisy Dukes here.  They are especially flattering on pear shapes because they accentuate the waist and give you room in the hips.

Cons: Because they are ultra high rise, I don’t recommend doing summer sports in these (bike rides, etc.).  They are a lounging-by-the-pool pair of shorts.  Out of my three favorites, these are the least comfortable because they have no stretch and such a high rise.

Sizing: TTS but size up if you’re between sizes.  They are 100% cotton so there’s zero stretch.  I’m wearing my true size (25) but wish I would have sized up to a 26 for added comfort.

Shop High Rise Cutoffs

2. AGOLDE Parker Denim Shorts

Pros: SUPER comfortable.  While these are technically 100% cotton, they absolutely feel like they have elastane in them.  They stretch and mold to your body.  I can crawl around on the floor with my daughter, play beach volleyball and take a long bike ride in these shorts.

Cons: They have a 10.25 inch rise and 2 inch inseam so there’s not a lot of coverage.  Out of my three favorites, I think they are the least flattering on me because I have wide hips and a small waist (the rise isn’t high enough to highlight my waist).

Sizing: TTS.  I went up one size (wearing a 26) because I wanted them to be my workhorse/super comfy pair, but the size 25 looked SO MUCH better on me.

Shop Comfy Cutoffs

3. Vintage Levi’s 501s (go for modern-day 501s or Mid Thigh 501s for the same style)

Pros: My ride or die pair.  Comfortable, classic, cool.  I love how the wash has aged with time.  The key to this pair is the way they are cut.  The side seam is cut slightly higher so they form a U-shape.  This elongates the leg and makes the hips look even.

Cons: None.  The modern-day 501 shorts are just as awesome.  If you are pear shaped, try the mid-thigh 501s.

Sizing: If you find a vintage pair, size up.  Vanity sizing is a thing for both men’s and women’s.  I’m wearing a Men’s 31.  In modern-day Men’s, I’d choose a 29.  If you go with a modern pair of Women’s, take your true size.

Shop 501s

What I’m Coveting: Flat Summer Sandals

Summer Sandals

This past weekend was glorious.  We spent tons of time outside and had an impromptu sprinkler session in our front yard.  It definitely got me excited for summer.  Since I was in sandals all weekend, I wanted to share some of my favorites of late.

I typically wear 3 kinds of flat sandals during the summer: beach/pool sandals, dressy sandals and platform sandals.  These three categories cover all of my summer activities and outings and are super comfortable because they’re flat.  No heels here!

Beach Sandals

I’m really hard on my sandals so I need a beach pair that can take a beating.  This brand is the gold standard in chic flip flops.  They have a TON of color options in all different styles.  Go for a patent leather pair to wear by the pool.  The rubber sole is super comfortable and they transition well to brunch or walking the town.

Shop my beach and pool picks below.

Dressy Sandals

Heels are pretty much a thing of the past for me.  So how do I wear flats and make them look dressy?  I invest in flat sandals with chic details.  Whether it’s a long strap that can be tied several different ways, a fun print or a pop color, I choose something that makes a statement.

All of these can be pairs with dresses or skirts for a night on the town.

Shop my dressy picks below.

Platform Sandals

It probably comes as no surprise to you that platform sandals are my favorite.  They scream Prada (even when they’re not) and have an edgy yet chic vibe.  Dr. Marten’s and Birkenstock’s are the OG’s of platform sandals and I highly recommend both.  Docs take longer to break in, but are so worth it.  Birks go with everything and only get more comfy with time.

This pair is actually the impetus for today’s blog post.  I saw them and fell in love.  I adore the feminine yet edgy vibe and the lug sole.  They look super comfortable.