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

How To Look Cute While Running Errands

My fail-proof outfit for running errands is always anchored by joggers and sneakers. While I rely on these casual, sporty style staples, I like to make sure I create outfits I love. So, I style every errand outfit like I would style any other type of outfit. I add color, some structure, and keep it moving.

errand outfit

What I’m wearing:

Blazer (similar) | Light pink t-shirt | Purple sweatpants | Blue-light glasses | Sneakers | Bag

errand outfit

I partnered with the Saint Louis Galleria to highlight my experience shopping spring styles there. Check out my Instagram post here. I had a lot of ground to cover, and I’m still recovering from a broken big toe. So, a casual and comfy outfit was necessary.

errand outfit

This outfit started with the jogger pants and the sneakers. I wanted to dress it up a bit, and my go-to for doing that is always a sharp but fun blazer. This fuchsia blazer, an older style from Milly that I bought in Nordstrom, provided the perfect complementary color to the purple joggers. I layered the blazer over a light pink t-shirt, which created so much harmony with the blazer.

errand outfit

My hands-free, cross-body camera bag in white was the perfect finishing touch because it blended in without adding more color and overwhelming the colorblocked outfit.

That’s my formula. And, this is my uniform for work these days and for running errands. It works because it meets the needs of life right now.

Want to know another thing? The sweatpants are only $15 and the t-shirt is $5. You truly don’t have to spend a lot to look chic and feel amazing.

Want more errand outfit inspiration? Go here, here, and here.

How To Transform An Empty Corner Into A Workspace

I started a new position in tech (more on that later), and it’s completely remote. I found myself often working from my dining table. You see, my husband’s office and my closet-office are both upstairs, and when we’re both speaking on zoom, it’s chaotic. Since he uses a desktop, and I use a MacBook, I relocate. I wanted a more permanent solution for this situation. So, I started scouting my house for the ideal location for a home workspace.

Location Scouting

I considered the big closet downstairs, but the position didn’t feel feng shui. I thought about the small room next to our dining room, but it’s too close to a bathroom. I then considered an empty corner of the dining room, and I saw serious potential. As an added bonus, there’s an electrical outlet right in the corner too. I took some measurements and decided that if I could find a desk that’ll fit perfectly in the corner, this could be a go. Found one!

home workspace

What I’m Wearing:

Jogger set hoodie + shorts | Blue light glasses | Kendra Scott earrings

home workspace

The Right Desk

Choosing the right desk required some thought and planning. I wanted enough useable surface space for my needs, but I was working with limited space. The solution? A ladder desk with the perfect dimensions for my empty corner, sufficient surface space, and two additional shelves that maximize the tight corner.

home workspace
Desk Essentials

To boost functionality at my desk, organization is critical. So, I added pieces that maximize every bit of the space. My laptop stand (under $30) is essential because not only does it prop my MacBook up to a comfortable viewing height, it also reclaims so much desk space. I can slide my external keyboard right under it when not in use. My vertical laptop stand (under $30) is another must-have because it’s a sharp-looking and space-saving way to stow away my personal MacBook and my iPad. Since I’m facing a wall and next to window, I use a small ring light (under $20) that I can clip to my screen or sit on the shelf above me for the perfect light for video meetings. It’s USB chargeable, which is such a plus.

home workspace

The rest of my accessories are just personal things I find inspirational. From words of affirmation (some stickers from an event that I framed) to special photos to meaningful artifacts, each was chosen with love. My lamp is from TJ Maxx. I got it mainly for the look and to add a little light to the workspace. It has a USB port, which is convenient. I usually use that port to charge my ring light. The fake greenery is from Target.

Finishing Touches

I wanted this little corner to feel like its own space, so I added this accent wall as a room divider. And, get this? The pattern is created using decals I found on Etsy (shop them here). And, of course, because Nevis (my Havanese dog) wants to be wherever I am, I got this Ikea bed for him. I wish I could get him to stay on it instead of on my lap, but that’s another story. The fake plant in a seagrass basket is from Ikea as well. My mid-century modern chair was a fortunate Ross find, but I usually shop desk chairs at Wayfair. I chose a woven wastebasket because it fits the overall decor. I use it to store extra cables and other stuff I want tucked away. The bamboo shades are really old, but I believe I found them at Wayfair.

Location: Home sweet home, Shaw Historic District, St. Louis

Taking Your Loungewear To The Streets

Chances are this year you’ve accumulated more loungewear than ever. Sweatpants, leggings, and sweatshirts all experienced a significant spike in sales. It’s panning out to be a loungewear all year kind of year. If it’s cozy and comfy, we’ve apparently been here for it. Of course, we believe that cozy and comfy could be chic too. So, here’s how I’m taking my loungewear to the streets. This set is from Tarjay (top | bottom), and it’s as comfortable as it’s cute.

What I’m wearing:

Sweatshirt (size S) | Joggers (size S) | Jacket c/o | Combat boots (option)

Wool fedora | Telfar shopping bag | Kendra Scott bracelet c/o | Kendra Scott ring c/o

To be honest, my main outings these days are to Target or the grocery store. So, when I have an appointment, even if it’s just with my dentist, I step it up a bit. Real talk, I wore this outfit to see my dentist last week.

Stepping it up, however, is super easy when your loungewear is chic all on its own. These joggers have so many features I love. They have a wide waistband, loose fit, and a tapered ankle. Still, I almost passed on them because the reviews are so mixed. I’m so glad I took a chance because I couldn’t love them more. Now, the soft fabric isn’t the most forgiving, so if a little jiggle might concern you, these might not be your favorite.

The sweatshirt packs a lot of flavor too. It has a swingy silhouette with slightly flared sleeves and an attached hood. I like to tuck it for a polished look. By the way, the set also comes in Moss Green and Dusty Peach. I’m wearing both pieces in a size small.

To add a little fall style vibe to the joggers, I caped my leather jacket, added a pair of combat boots, and grabbed a mini bag. And, yes, I finally got my hands on the sought-after Telfar Clemens Shopping Bag. I’ve been a fan of Telfar for a while (check out my 6 Black Fashion Designers To Know), so I’ve been thrilled to see how much attention the designer’s work has garnered. Well-deserved.

By the way, while this bag has been sold out for months. The brand has been doing special releases fairly frequently. Sign up for the mailing list to receive announcements of new limited releases. When I got the email about this dark olive bag, I set an alarm and got ready because releases sell out within seconds. Shout-out to the Telfar team because I got my bag a few days (as in less than a week) after ordering. That’s impressive given the demand and the times we’re living in.

How I’m Fashioning Our New Normal During Quarantine

Quarantine fashion? I hope that you are all safe and healthy. For the entire time I’ve maintained this blog, I’ve believed that style is important. We all wear clothes and being intentional about our selections is both empowering and inspiring. No doubt, the current pandemic has shaken many of my beliefs, including my thoughts about style. Still, I’ve been inspired by the many ways the fashion world has banded together to help curb the spread of the virus. From making masks (and sharing DIYS on making masks) to mobilizing resources to support frontline workers.

I ordered a couple masks from a local designers for my household. In the meantime, I’ve been rocking a bandana mask (made using this DIY) for supermarket runs. Today’s post shares the look I’ve been sporting, a little quarantine fashion.

quarantine fashion

What I’m wearing:

Dip-dye hooded sweatshirt | Dip-dye joggers | Canvas sneakers | DIY mask

quarantine fashion

Loungewear is the new “dressed up.” This set is from Target. I didn’t include it in my last roundup of favorite jogger sets (see that post here) because I hadn’t worn it yet. Now that I have, I can brag about the super soft feel and overall amazing quality. And, that dip-dye detail adds such a fresh touch. By he way, each piece is $20, so the set is $40.

quarantine fashion

With so many things beyond my control right now, I worked with a blue bandana to coordinate with my set. That I could control, right!?! And, of course, to protect the eyes, my sunglasses stay on while moving around in the world.

quarantine fashion

Sizing? The pieces from this brand fit true to size. I’m wearing a size small in the sweatshirt and joggers. Since this set is selling out quickly, I’ll add a few more options from the same brand in a widget below.

Quarantine Fashion:

Essentials To Lounge in Style During Quarantine

Quarantined, but make it fashion! I was not exaggerating when I said that I’ve been living in jogger sets. They are the perfect, comfy-chic option for riding out stay-at-home orders in style. I’ve accumulated a few sets over the last year since I usually work from home. A few favorites have emerged. I’m sharing those today, along with a fun TikTok video of my quarantine style. Like something you see? All the links for items still available are at the end of this post.

Getting dressed for the day has been important for me since I started working from home. Even though we find ourselves in a uniquely different situation, continuing to do so gives me some small sense of control over how my days evolve amidst all the uncertainty.

My Quarantine Style:

Monday: Draped neck top | Pleated hem pants (also in beige and black) | Earrings

Tuesday: V-neck top (similar) | Drawstring pants (similar) | Earrings

Wednesday: Crewneck pullover | Skinny joggers | Earrings

Thursday: V-neck top (similar) | Drawstring pants (similar) | Earrings

Friday: Sweatshirt | Sweatpants | Necklace

Saturday: Cropped tube top | Sweatpants | Earrings

Quarantine style Quarantine styleQuarantine style Quarantine style

The Saturday look in the video features the black version of the following sweatpants. I wanted to give a peek at the coordinating cropped sweatshirt.

Bonus:

I’ve also been loving this snakeskin set from J.Crew Factory (seen before here). It’s not a jogger set, but the bottoms have a relaxed fit with an elasticized waist that makes it so comfortable.

Snakeskin camisole | Snakeskin pants | White canvas sneakers