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

Black and Gold

The combination of black and gold is so luxe! This color combo had a moment in 2014 and I took advantage, purchasing some amazing accessories at affordable prices. Since this combo pairs so well with colors (yellow, white, and orange) I plan to be wearing this year, I’m taking my favorite black and gold accessories with me into 2015.

Today’s post shares those favorites—J.Crew Elsie metallic stripe pumps, J.Crew metal medallion necklace, J.Crew chunky stone ring, J.Crew Industrial bolt ring, and the Rebecca Minkoff studded clutch.

I purchased the J.Crew Elsie metallic stripe pumps during a post-holiday sale. I’ve wanted a pair since sharing them in my Holiday 2014: Go for Gold post. I decided to wait for a markdown though. I got lucky and found a pair for $122 (orig. $278). They fit true-to-size. The 3 1/2 in heel is sexy and comfortable.

I’ve also had great luck finding fabulous J.Crew rings for under $20. Check the in-store sale selections, y’all. The J.Crew chunky stone ring is now only $12 ($48).

Shop Black and Gold Accessories

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J.Crew Favorite Now at J.Crew Factory

I’ve wanted the J.Crew Stone Burst Necklace since it appeared online back in January. This necklace had a hip global flavor with its colorful stones, mixed materials, and standout layers. At a starting price of $165, though, I decided to wait for markdowns. Unfortunately, the necklace was so popular that it sold out before I could get one. When I saw, then, that J.Crew Factory released a version of this necklace, I didn’t even hesitate to get one. Of course, the starting price at the Factory store is $64.50, and all jewelry is 40% off there right now. The decision to purchase one was easy.

There’s been some debate about the reappearance of J.Crew styles in the Factory store. Wouldn’t you feel bruised if you paid J.Crew prices for items that later appear at lower prices in the Factory store? There are usually, however, discernible differences in quality between similar items in both stores. The  J.Crew Stone Burst Necklace, for example, is much more opulent than the Factory Double-layer Necklace. I’m such a huge fan of the design, though, that the Factory version is good enough for me.

J.Crew Factory Necklace

Aldo Clutch (old) | similar

My favorite clutch has been reunited with her long, lost sister.

Global Twin Set and Giveaway from Gordmans

Gordmans, the off-price fashion and home goods store, promises you’ll always find, “something unexpected!” That promise is even more true now since the launch of the store’s misses contemporary collection. You know the brands that you see in the department stores? Well, those brands are now in Gordmans and at 60% off their retail values.

I had the opportunity to explore the new, fashion-forward selections at a recently opened store in the St. Louis area—Gordmans in Arnold, MO. Within minutes of entering that store, I was holding items by BB Dakota, Matty M, Nine West, Jack, and more. I had so many items that I had to make two trips to the fitting room. At the end of my try-on session, I chose a matching set with a beautiful global print. The two-piece by Matty M is a perfect wear-now-wear-later style. And, get this. Each piece in the set was under $25! I saved over $100 by shopping the set at Gordmans.

I had such a good time visiting Gordmans that you should too. Enter below to win a $25 gift card to shop Gordmans. There are almost 100 Gordmans stores across the country.

Location: Lindell Boulevard (with The Coronado behind me), St. Louis

Top—matty m ℅ Gordmans

Skirt—matty m ℅ Gordmans

Shoes—Joe’s Jeans | similar

Earrings—Kate Spade

Watch—Michael Kors | similar

Sunglasses—Nine West ℅ Gordmans

Lip—Mac ‘Flat Out Fabulous’ lipstick, Mac “Magenta” lip pencil

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway Rules:

  1. Entries can be made until Friday, August 14, 2014 at 12:00 AM CT. 
  2. Must have a mailing address in the United States.
  3. A winner will be randomly selected using random.org
  4. Selected winner has 48 hours to respond to winning notification email. In the event of no response, another winner will be selected.

Disclosure:  Gordmans invited me to explore the Misses Contemporary collection at the store and provided gift cards for me to shop.  Gordmans has also provided the gift card for the winner of my giveaway.  As always, the opinions, ideas, and images are my own.

Styling My 4th of July J.Crew Bargain Buys

Fourth of July weekend was a whirlwind for me. I actually ended up working for a great portion of it. I’m a a new part-time buyer for a small international boutique that brings the brands we know and love to women in a country where these brands aren’t easily accessible. While out shopping all the amazing deals the weekend had to offer, I grabbed a couple items for myself too. J.Crew stores had a serious sale, offering an additional 50% off markdowns. When you can get luxe-looking $75 shorts for $10, you grab a pair.

Here’s how I plan to wear my bargain buys from J.Crew:

J.Crew silk tee, $34 (orig. $118)

J.Crew shorts, $10.62 (orig. $75)

J.Crew necklace

Joe’s Jeans pumps

The sale is still on! Be sure to shop the physical store for the best deals. If items are unavailable in-store, an associate can order online at the store price with free shipping. 

Haul: 4 Must-Have Prints

I’m so thrilled that artistic and global prints are trending this spring and summer because it means there are lots of options available on the market. More options equal more chances to find the perfect items for yourself and your budget.

Talking about options, I’ve had lots of luck finding a few items with amazing prints at affordable prices over the past month. I’m so excited about these finds that I thought I would create a mini haul to share them with you before I style and wear them. So, here goes.

Now that you’ve seen the prints, here’s another look at these fabulous items that I’ve added to my wardrobe. These finds will surely be featured in outfit posts very soon.

From Left to Right:

T-shirt dress, $54

Pencil skirt, $69.95 (orig. $128)

Shift dress, $51.45 (orig. 98)

Head wrap, $15