Casual Style Archives - Page 2 of 163

economyofstyle January 27, 2021

Chic Color Combo: Brown, White, And Black

Even this bright color lover likes some neutral hues, especially when paired together. A chic color combo I adore right now is brown, white, and black. There’s something so magical about the sharp contrasts created when these three colors come together.

What I’m wearing:

White jogger set (option, option) | Coat (similar, similar) | Sneakers | Bag

Kendra Scott earrings | Kendra Scott bracelet | Kendra Scott ring/ring

You’ve seen my coat before. I wear it often and with everything (see here, here, and here). It’s the perfect shade of copper brown for mixing and matching. For this sharp brown, black, and white combination, I wore the coat with my favorite white jogger set, some black sneakers, and a black/white scarf. The result? An effortlessly chic ensemble.

This coat is hands down a favorite 2020 purchase. I found mine in a TJ Maxx Runway store, and it was worth every penny. You can find it at the Theory outlet here. Want an alternative? Everlane has a cool option in the same color (see that here).

Shop this look:

economyofstyle January 19, 2021

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!

What I’m Wearing:

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

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.

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.

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

economyofstyle January 15, 2021

Why You Need Oversized Shirts In Your Spring Style

Supersized shirting is a spring trend that has my full attention. This oversized shirts trend is right on time too. I mean, who doesn’t need a billowy silhouette that’s sure to fit, comfortable, and chic? Styles in mood-lifting hues, like this light purple, are my favorite. Color just breathes new life into clothes, doesn’t it?

What I’m wearing:

Shirt dress | Joggers (option) | Superga jute sneakers

Kendra Scott earrings | Kendra Scott bracelet | Kendra Scott ring/ring

My purple number is an oversized shirt dress from H&M. It was an easy choice because of its color, silhouette, and striking puff sleeves. It’s quite versatile too and can be worn as a dress or as top. For an off-duty street style look, I paired my dress aka oversized shirt as a top with joggers and sneakers. And, just like that, it was a look. Want to see another styling option for your oversized shirts? Check out how I styled a beautiful peach option here.

So, to recap, supersized shirting is comfy, versatile, and stylish. They’re also always in style. All of these features qualify them as a must-try trend in the spring.

Location: Midtown St. Louis.

Shop Oversized Shirts:

economyofstyle January 13, 2021

How To Wear Joggers And Look Fabulous

No doubt. The changes in our world over the past year have had an impact on my style. Maybe even a lasting impact. While comfort has always been important to me, it became a top priority in 2020. As a result, I’ve honed a cool, comfortable, casual style that suits the times we’re living in. That look for me is anchored by joggers. I love jogger pants. That elastic waist, relaxed hip, and tapered ankled produce a silhouette I find so flattering. Joggers, though, can also easily look frumpy. I thought I’d share, then, how I approach jogger set styling to make ’em look fabulous

What I’m wearing:

Young, Fabulous & Broke Hoodie (option), Young, Fabulous & Broke Joggers, Trench coat

Superga jute sneakers | Kendra Scott earrings | Kendra Scott bracelet | Kendra Scott ring/ring

What I Shop For

Anytime I shop for joggers and jogger sets, I reach for my favorite silhouette. That’s a high-waisted, tapered ankle length bottom and a cropped top. Occasionally, a set is so amazing that I get it in multiple colors. Remember the Zara set I got in white and black (see it in white here)? Well, I recently found the most comfortable, durable (have washed it multiple times without pilling), and flattering set at Target, and I bought it in 3 colors (see the sweatshirt and the joggers).

Go-To Jogger Set Styling Tips

1. Add polish with a fly jacket. A topper can transform a jogger set. From blazers to leather jackets to wool coats, a coat can add an intentionally cool gal vibe to an outfit. (see more inspiration here and here,)

2. Add street style flavor by rolling the sleeves of your sweatshirt or tucking the bottom of your jogger pants in chunky boots (see here).

3. Experiment with fun color combinations. You can’t go wrong with joggers in neutral colors, but embracing brighter colors offers some fresh styling possibilities. Hello, colorblocking!

Essentials for jogger set styling:

economyofstyle January 11, 2021

2021 Style Goals: Adapting To The Moment

Happy New Year again, my friends! I just love the the fresh start that a new year ushers in. So, I thought I’d tap into that positive energy and share a few 2021 style goals. There have been some major career changes in my life that’ll surely shape my style this year, and I’m excited to see where that goes. In the meantime, here are a few of my goals for styling this year.