Economy of Style
A notebook on evolving trends, fashion sense and cents

I Rocked a Bodysuit Outside and This Happened

Venus, one of my brand partners, asked me recently to produce content for their “Meant to Be Seen” campaign, which highlights lingerie so fly that it ought to be shown. I embraced the opportunity to step outside of my box and try something different—the bodysuit. In my eyes, bodysuits are filled with challenges, opportunities. On one hand, bodysuits give that perfect tucked in look, but wearing them isn’t always easy. Anyway, I went all out, and I chose a super sexy lace piece to indulge in the bodysuit trend.

Bodysuit trend

Bodysuit c/o | Shorts (on sale) | Oxfords (now 70% off!)

Sunglasses ($7.99) | Mac “Heroine” lipstick

Y’all, I tried on the lace bodysuit and immediately felt empowered. There’s just something  special about the streamlined silhouette and the peek-a-boo details on this particular style. And, once I wore it outside, I actually enjoyed wearing it despite its challenges. Bodysuits may have won me over just like jumpsuits did before.

For now, I’m wearing the bodysuit with fluid tie-waist shorts (also see these shorts here, here, and here). I imagine dressing up this piece later with long wide-leg pants or a flowy maxi skirt. Ultimately, I think rocking less fitted items on the bottom will strike a nice balance with a sleek bodysuit.

By the way, Ive been shopping for a replacement pair of cutout oxfords since I completely wore out my old Steve Madden pair. I stumbled upon a hip style (also in other colors) from Chinese Laundry. They’re leather and metallic. They’re also 70% off right now ($29.99)! Following the suggestion of reviewers, I sized down a half size to a 7.5 (I usually wear an 8) and found my perfect fit.

Back to bodysuits. I loved today’s featured style so much that I also ordered this long-sleeve style for fall. Have you been feeling bodysuit trend?

 

End Summer in Style with this Dress Now Under $25

After I told you all about two really big summer sales in this post, I revisited one of the stores. I’m glad I did because I had overlooked the dresses eligible for the massive sale-on-sale discount on my previous shopping trip. So, I had totally missed the opportunity to snag this one-shoulder flounce dress in the prettiest shade of green. And, get this. The dress is now under $25 (under $20 in-store)!

Dress (on sale for under $25) | Pumps (similar, option) | Sunglasses (same style)

Mac “Heroine” lipstick

The color, dubbed “Fresh Emerald” by the retailer, is what initially caught my eye. I wasn’t thrilled when I noticed it has a one-shoulder design. But, once I tried it on, I knew it was a keeper.

LOFT One Shoulder Flounce Dress

For reference, I’m wearing the dress in a size 4. If you have hips, get the size you’d typically wear to fit your top. Since the bottom is flowy, the dress effortlessly glides over hips. So, there’s no need to size up to accommodate curves.

This dress has a lovely airy fabric that makes it quite versatile. I’m wearing it with pumps in today’s post. This look could easily take me to a summer wedding. I plan to wear it casually with my yellow lace-up sandals (now on sale) as well.

If my sunglasses look familiar, it’s because they are a sister pair to my favorite H&M sunglasses (only $7.99). This pair has iridescent mirrored lenses. I’ve only seen this version in store.

I wore yellow pumps to create a colorblocked look with the dress. It’s so much fun to mix and match bright solids. My pumps are an older J.Crew style. I’m really digging these yellow mules and these yellow d’Orsay pumps.

Did you grab a free lipstick from Mac on National Lipstick Day? I stopped by on my way to an event. And, there was a line, so I left. I would’ve grabbed a Heroine Lipstick, the color I’m wearing. In this look, I like how the purple lip teases out the purples in the iridescent sunglasses and also complements the emerald dress.

Location: Central Library, Downtown St. Louis

Get the look:

This Playful and Functional Jumpsuit is Under $40

We’re getting to that tricky time of year when we should probably start thinking about fall, but it’s still hot outside. If you’re still shopping for a few fabulous pieces to finish the summer in style, this strapless printed jumpsuit is for you. It has an all-over playful print, a sexy strapless top, and a cool-girl wide leg. And, get this, the jumpsuit is only $39!

Printed jumpsuit c/o | Denim lace-up sandals (option) | Gold choker (option)

Mac “Fashion Legacy” lipstick

This jumpsuit is such an easy choice for summer days. It’s stretchy and simply pulls on. No zippers. No fuss.

I’m wearing a size small, so the jumpsuit fits true-to-size. By the way, I’m 5’4″ and need to wear this longer style with heels (about 3 inches) so it doesn’t drag on the ground.

I wore this exact combination to brunch last Sunday.

Strapless printed jumpsuit

I kept my accessories simple since this print is such a standout. My choker is an older style from J.Crew. I recently bought this mult-irow choker in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I can’t wait to style and wear it.

My sunglasses are a fabulous Miu Miu pair that I found in Nordstrom Rack. If you’re looking for an equally fabulous but more affordable pair of mirrored sunglasses, check out the under-$15 styles in this post.

 

Location: Downtown Library, St. Louis

How to Survive the Summer Heat and Still Look Cute

It’s been near or over 100 degrees in St. Louis this week. Talk about a heat wave! In addition to choosing styles that represent my taste and fit well, I’ve had to prioritize styles that keep me cool. Enter the warm-weather-friendly t-shirt dress. I love an easy, breezy t-shirt dress this time of year because it’s cool, timeless, effortless, and suits all style sensibilities.

T-shirt dress (exact style in different color, similar) | Sandals | Sunglasses

Nails: Essie “Waltz” | Lip: Mac “Capricious” lipstick

I found this little dress in Nordstrom Rack for about $20. What a steal for a piece I’m going to wear over and over again! See a similar style at Nordstrom Rack here and the exact style in a different color here.

For a day of running errands, I reached for a few other summer staples—mirrored aviators and metallic lace up sandals—to accent my dress.

And, jewelry? I kept it minimal, rocking studs (see non-boring studs in this post) and a bracelet only.

t-shirt dress

Location: Central Library, Downtown St. Louis

Find Your T-Shirt Dress for Summer

The Best Mirrored Sunglasses for Under $15

Like the mirrored sunglasses trend but don’t want to break the bank to own a pair? I got you. These four fabulous styles cost less than $15. Actually, my favorite pair, the aviators at the top (available in silver and gold), are only $8. Grab a pair or two or three!

mirrored sunglasses

Best Mirrored Sunglasses for Under $15

1 | 2 | 3 | 4

 

Complete the look with a non-boring pair of stud earrings or a fabulous pair of hoops.