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

Haul: Labor Day Weekend Shopping

This past weekend, while browsing the holiday offers of several stores, I tried to find items that would fill holes in my fall wardrobe.  Yes, I’m officially in fall fashion mode.

I’m looking forward to layering button-front shirts under sweaters, so I’m trying to expand my tiny collection of shirts.  I found some fabulous options at discounted prices.

I’m also looking forward to incorporating a few funky pairs of oxford pumps and booties into my fall styles.  I was most drawn to the Poetic Licence “Backlash” oxford pump, so I ordered a pair.  If they are comfortable, I may get another color combination.

I plan to wear skirts a lot this fall as well.  I prefer A-line and full skirts, but there weren’t many options at the stores I visited.  I did find a couple options on eBay and ordered them (not pictured).

Here are the items I purchased.  A mini haul…

*Both collages include photographs taken by me.  

The image of the Poetic Licence pump, however, was found online (source)

Shop the items available online:

  1. Old Navy chambray shirt (see polka dot option)
  2. Michael Kors paisley shirt
  3. Banana Republic striped button-back sweater
  4. H&M lace pencil skirt
  5. Poetic Licence ‘Backlash’ oxford pump

Did you shop during the Labor Day weekend?  What did you get?

Looking Back, Looking Forward: Houndstooth

I’m quite fond of houndstooth prints during the colder months.  The broken checks pattern is so graphic, classic, and chic.  If you’ve been reading the september issues of your favorite magazines, you’ve already noticed that houndstooth is going to be especially popular this fall.

Since this is an anniversary week for this blog, I decided to dig into the Economy of Style archives to extract some of my favorite past houndstooth outfits.

Looking Back:

February 2010

Original post: Versatile Silk Wrap Dress
I no longer own this Banana Republic dress.  I donated it because I felt it was too short to teach in.
I kinda wish I hadn’t done that o_O

November 2010

Original post: Mixing Prints: A work look inspired by Mondo Guerra
I still own everything in this outfit.  I’ll definitely be wearing this older skirt from The Limited
a lot this fall.

Looking Forward:

As soon as it gets a little cooler, I’ll be wearing my older houndstooth skirt from the The Limited.  Here’s one of the ways I’ll probably style the skirt this fall.

August 2012

Shirt—The Limited, Skirt—The Limited (newer version), Shoes—Tahari via Marshalls
Belt—Michael Kors via Marshalls,  Cardigan—Loft

New houndstooth purchase:  The Limited houndstooth split-V blouse.  The Limited hosted a scratch and save offer in stores recently.  I scratched a 40% off coupon and decided to buy this blouse and a neon crewneck sweater that’ll pair well with it.

Will you be rocking houndstooth prints this fall? 

Inexpensive Summer Shirt Purchases Suitable for Fall

Although it doesn’t quite feel like it, we are fast approaching the end of the summer, which means that fall fashion everywhere, from the magazines to the stores.  Today’s Looking Back, Looking Forward, then, spotlights a key summer item that’ll be useful during the fall as well—summer camp shirts.

You’ve seen me wear a yellow plaid camp shirt by Old Navy several times this summer (see Looking Back, Looking Forward, Road Trip Style, and Layering Light).  Well, I have plans to sport this shirt throughout the fall.  See how easy this shirt becomes fall-ready in the image below.

Left:  See Layering Light

Right: Shirt—ON, Sweater—ON, Trousers—c/o jcpenney, Shoes—Michael Kors

Below are close-ups of two Old Navy camp shirts I purchased this summer.  They both retailed for $24.94 each, but I got them for less by combining store promotions with Viggle gift cards.  As seen above (using the yellow top), these shirts will be perfect for layering under sweaters this fall.

Didn’t catch these shirts in Old Navy this summer?  Check out these newer styles available in stores now.


Old Navy

Longsleeve Tops

ShopStyle

Back to Basics: A Navy Blazer

Today’s Looking Back, Looking Forward spotlights an item I think will be a staple for me this fall.  A navy blazer.

I was instantly drawn to a Cynthia Rowley blazer I found in Marshalls recently.  The blazer is a perfect shade of navy blue and has a chic polka dot lining.  It’s much longer than any other blazer I own.  Boyfriend blazer?

According to Lucky mag, a longer blazer keeps the tummy under wraps.  Whatever the case, I think this longer blazer will complement dresses (of this length and silhouette) like the one below well.  It’ll probably work well with shorter dresses and skirts too.

Blazer—Cynthia Rowley via Marshalls (similar, similar)
Dress—Marc New York via SmartBargains (similar Marc New York dress)
Belt—The Limited
Shoes—Jaeger ‘Sophia’ via Marshalls
Earrings—Kendra Scott Nyla
Watch—Michael Kors via TJ Maxx (similar)
Sunglasses—DVF via Marshalls

Dots + Dots: J.Crew Scatter Dot Dress

The J.Crew scatter dot dress could easily be my favorite dress purchase this summer.  Its silhouette and drawstring waist make it perfect for us dewdrops.  It also has polka dots and pockets.  Did I mention that it has polka dots and pockets?  I was lucky enough, too, to buy this dress during a sale on sale at my local store.

You saw me wear the scatter dot dress to a concert in Going Out: J.Crew Scatter Dot Dress.  Today, I’m pairing it with a sheer, purple shirt that also has polka dots.  Match made in heaven!

Shirt—The Limited printed roll-sleeve shirt
Dress—J.Crew
Shoes—Tahari via Smartbargains (similar)
Clutch—Vintage via Rag-O-Rama

Pearl earrings—Overstock
Watch—Michael Kors via TJ Maxx (similar)
Bangle—Solid gold bangle via family