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

Cheers to Fresh Starts in 2021!

Happy New Year, style friends! It’s been a minute since my last check-in, but I had to swing by to thank you for your support and wish you the happiest 2021! Cheers to fresh starts and sharp style, even if it remains at-home style for a while. Sending you all lots of love and gratitude.

fresh starts 2021

What I’m wearing:

H&M dress (sold out, shop more H&M dresses here) | Pat McGrath lipstick (color: Elson)

I’m currently working on style goals for 2021. What about you? Here’s a look back at my 2020 style goals.

fresh starts

Have a sparkling and stylish New Year!

The Sheer Fashion Trend Spicing Things Up

Sheer is here! Want to show a little skin but not actually show skin? The sheer fashion trend might be for you. This trend, equal parts classy and sexy, is having a moment this year. And, the cool thing about this is there are options for every occasion. I’ll round up some favorite finds at the end of this post. I’m also sharing a top I’ve been loving in today’s post.

sheer fashion trend

What I’m wearing:

Tulle bow top | Wide-leg trousers | Huggie earrings | Ear cuff | Watch

sheer fashion trend

Style on the scene

I wore this top for a night out with Bumble BFF recently. The scene was the beautiful rooftop restaurant–Cinder House–at the Four Seasons Hotel. I paired the sheer top with wide leg pants for an upscale look. What I enjoy about sheer styles being trendy is the many ways we can style them in the name of fashion. For example, I could easily wear this same top with high-waisted shorts for a more hip look that would be suitable for any occasion.

sheer fashion trend

Here’s another glimpse at my sheer top on the scene. Like seeing fashion out and about? Follow me on Instagram for live story shares of what I’m wearing.

Sheer fashion trend:

It’s Time To Get Holiday RED-y

Holiday season is here for real now! In today’s holiday look, I’m sharing a couple items that bring holiday red and holiday edge to the table. The items are also special to me. The dress is by a young, talented designer–Olivia Rae Designs–in St. Louis. You may remember her name from my Good Housekeeping article about St. Louis. Some of her items are available at a boutique gem right in my neighborhood. The jacket is a custom-made piece from The Jacket Maker, which traveled across the globe to get to me.

holiday red dress

What I’m wearing:

Biker jacket c/o | Dress c/o | Boots (on sale!) | Earrings (similar)

Let’s talk about the dress. It’s a fiery red that’s simply perfect for any occasion you want to stand out at. Without a doubt then, it’s a go-to holiday red dress. It has a fitted bodice and a ruffle bottom. Olivia picked this dress out for me, and I’m glad she did. I usually avoid fitted silhouettes, but there’s something special about this one. It’s so flattering and hugs you in all the right places. For reference, I’m wearing a size 4.

holiday red dress

Of course, it’s freezing in St. Louis again. So, no holiday look is complete without a jacket that packs as much punch as your holiday dress. This leather jacket is it! It’s by The Jacket Maker, a company that strives to simplify personalization in fashion. We all deserve the perfect fit, right? Well, The Jacket Maker gives you that every time.

holiday red dress

My exact jacket is the Smolder Black Leather Biker Jacket. It had me at the color, the zipper closure, the zipper cuffs, the burnishing…seriously, I could go on. The winning detail, though, is that the jacket was customized just for my weight, height, and chest. When it arrived, it was perfect!

P.S.: Want to see something interesting? Check out my TikTok to see how far this jacket traveled to get to me.

Location: St. Louis Union Station. Downtown St. Louis

Find your holiday red:

How To Look Fresh In All White In The Fall

It’s understood. That fashion rule about not wearing white after Labor Day no longer applies. In fact, the right all white outfit can look super fresh and crisp in the fall. In today’s look, I’m combining some off-white faves. They don’t match, but they complement each other well.

all white outfit

What I’m wearing:

Blazer | Pants | Tank (similar) | Wrappy | Mules c/o

Bag (also here)| Anklet | Earrings (similar, similar) | Watch (similar, similar)

all white outfit

My blazer is an old style from Ann Taylor (see a similar blazer here). It has a beautiful, off-white color that’s perfect all year round (see it worn before here) and is especially pretty in fall ensembles.

all white outfit

The high-waisted pants from Zara are a new find. They have a similar color that pairs well with my blazer. They also have one of my most flattering pant silhouettes–relaxed around the hips and tapered around the ankle. I’m excited about all the outfits they’ll easily anchor, with tops worn tucked in.

To add a little pizazz to this look, I reached for my Fendi wrappy. The combination of the leopard print and the signature FF motif is quite striking on the scarf. This little twilly is pricey for what it is, but I’ve found it so useful. See how I’ve worn it here and here. For a lower-priced option, check out these styles.

Location: Lafayette Square, St. Louis

Glamorous Embellishments In The Giambattista Valli Collection at H&M

H&M is at it again! The Giambattista Valli #Project♥ Collection is currently live! The retailer announced the collaboration back in May, and I knew it would be a big one. And, y’all, the designer is bringing it. From red-carpet worthy dresses to embellished basics, these pieces look just like the designer’s usual collections. Of course, the price point is a tad high for H&M, but a total steal for Giambattista Valli items. I’m rounding up some faves below. But, shop the entire collection online now here.

Giambattista Valli

#Project♥ Collection

This collection is expected to draw a huge response. Here are some tips from H&M to ensure you have a positive experience:

  1. Shopping is expected to start at 10am EDT.
  2. Be sure to click the “Try Again” button at 10am to enter the shop. Using your browser’s “refresh” button will NOT allow you to access the page.
  3. You may have to click “Try Again” multiple times to enter.
  4. Shop on a desktop or mobile site (and not the H&M app) for the best experience.
  5. Please reach out to customer service for any additional questions at (855) 466 7467.

Take a trip down memory lane with other recent H&M designer collabs here and here.