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

Looking Back, Looking Forward: High-Low Dressing

It’s the first day of August already?  Summer sure is flying by.

Last weekend, while flipping through the latest issues of my favorite magazines, I noticed that a common topic was ‘transitioning your summer wardrobe into fall.’  In the midst of this heat wave, though, it’s difficult to imagine temperatures under 100 degrees.

Anyway, one of my favorite summer purchases is the Anthropologie four corner shirtdress, a bold orange dress with a high-low hemline.  This is an item I envision wearing well into fall 2012.  The dress is quite versatile (remember how easily it transformed in High-Low: Anthropologie Four Corner Shirtdress by layering a plaid shirt over it?).

In today’s post, the dress is paired with a lightweight chambray shirt.  In the fall, I could achieve the same look by wearing a denim jacket and my BP Runway boots.

Shirt—c/o Liz Claiborne for jcpenney

Dress—Anthropologie (latest Anthropologie high-low shirtdress)

Shoes—Tahari 

Earrings—Kendra Scott Danielle

Bracelets—Amrita Singh Seema via Beyond the Rack

Watch—Michael Kors via TJ Maxx (similar)

Shopping Next Season Now: BP Runway Boots

No, I haven’t lost my mind.  Yes, it’s still hella hot in the Lou.  It’s just that time of year again.  The Nordsrom Anniversary Sale is in full swing!

This year, I’ve had my eyes on one thing only—the BP Runway boots in cognac.  Last winter, I searched extensively for a low wedge boot like this one to no avail.  So, when I flipped through the Nordstrom Anniversary catalog and spotted the BP Runway boots on sale for $89.90 (orig. $129.95), I knew I had to have them.

These BP boots have a 1 1/2″ low covered wedge heel,  a sculpted top line, and an exposed back zip closure.  They also feature a 15″ calf circumference that doesn’t overwhelm my calves, which is a problem I often encounter with boots.  The boots are exactly what I wanted.

Looking Forward:

I usually love summers.  This year, though, I’m looking forward to the fall for the cooler temperature and the opportunities I’ll have to wear these boots.

The boots look polished and professional when worn

with one of my favorite sheath dresses

Fit:  True to size.  I purchased the boots in my usual size 8 and they are a perfect fit.

Close-up of the BP Runway Boots.  They do slouch a bit, but mostly maintain a
structured profile.

Dress—Tahari via Marshalls
Belt—Banana Republic (similar sequined belt)
Boots—BP Runway Boot via Nordstrom
Earrings—Kendra Scott Danielle
Watch—Two-tone MK watch (similar)

Looking Back:

Since it’s Wednesday, it’s also time to take a quick look back.  Here are a few looks from last winter, each featuring my Jeffrey Campbell cognac boots.  These boots complement so many of my colder weather outfits, but I often pass on wearing them because of the high heel.  I won’t have that issue with my new pair.

Original Posts (L to R):  Going Out, Flowers in Bloom Again, and
Experimenting with the Color of the Year

Layering Light, Part III: Summer Styling Options for Shirt Dresses

Shirt dresses are summer staples for me because the lightweight ones are cool and effortlessly chic.  I own about five of them that have to get me through the entire summer season, so I’m always exploring new styling options.

In today’s Looking Back, Looking Forward, I’m layering light again to give my one of my favorite shirt dresses—a chambray, military-inspired number—a new look.

Dress—Gap (Old Navy alternative), Shirt—The Limited,
Belt—Ann Taylor (similar), Shoes—Tahari via Nordstrom (similar)

The shirt layered under the dress is The Limited sleeveless peter pan shirt.
I purchased it for $8  during the huge sale at The Limited last week.

Let’s take a quick look back at how I’ve been layering light to restyle other shirt dresses recently.

Original post (L to R):  1. High-Low: Anthropologie Four Corner Shirtdress,
2. The Shirt Dress: A Summer Work Style Staple, 3. Layering Light


My Favorite Shoes: Tan d’Orsay Sandals

Today’s Looking Back, Looking Forward spotlights my favorite pair of shoes this time of year, Tahari d’Orsay sandals.  These shoes are one of those few items that I’ve owned since I started this blog in 2007.

When I think about why I love these sandals, I remember something that Diane Von Furstenberg mentioned in a Redbook magazine interview (see quote below).  These shoes blend well into just about any outfit I wear and the open cut and color make my shorter legs appear longer.

Diane Von Furstenberg shares her thoughts on shoes.  Source: Redbook


You’ve already seen me wear these sandals a lot this summer, here’s a look back at some of my favorite outfits with the shoes.

Summer 2007:

Original post:  Warm Breezes

Summer 2008:

Original posts (L-R):  Bright, White, Right; Good Newport News;
Looking Back, Looking Forward

Summer 2009 & 2010:

Original posts:  Summer Wedding Look, 

Summer 2012 (from yesterday’s post):

Original post:  Layering Light Part II

Here are a couple pairs of d’Orsay sandals that I’ve been eying at DSW:

Crown Vintage, Seychelles

Pumps
Shoes & Boots

ShopStyle

Summer Style Versatility in a J.Crew Sanur Dress

We dress lovers are always exploring new styling options for the dresses in our wardrobes because our love of dresses need not limit wardrobe versatility.  So, when a dress is marketed as being “convertible,” we listen, right?

I purchased my first J.Crew Sanur dress a few years ago when preparing for a trip home to St. Kitts.  I figured it would be a great all-occasion dress to pack, and it certainly was.  

My sanur dress is so easy to wear and stylish that I often reach for it when I’m not on vacation too.  Here are a few ways I’ve been wearing my grey one.

1.  Poolside:

Swimsuit—Norma Kamali for Wal-Mart, Dress—J.Crew Sanur,
Flip-flops—c/o Havaianas, Bag—Michael Kors via eBay,
Sunglasses—DVF via Marshalls, Bracelet—Target
Headband—Scarf from Gap (gift)

2.  A Day in the City:

Dress—J.Crew Sanur, Shoes—Kanna via Marshalls, Clutch—Aldo
Bracelets—Amrita Singh Seema bangles via Gilt, Earrings—Kendra Scott Danielle,
Belt—Gap scarf worn above as headband, Watch—Michael Kors via TJ Maxx

3.  To the Office:

Top—Loft, Cardigan—c/o Fresh Produce (Santa Barbara cardigan), Skirt—J.Crew Sanur,
Shoes—Tahari via Nordstrom, Bag—Michael Kors Hamilton tote via Macy’s,
Earrings—Kendra Scott Danielle, Watch—Michael Kors via TJ Maxx

Since there was no Looking Back, Looking Forward post yesterday because of the holiday, here’s a quick look back at additional ways I’ve worn the same Sanur dress.

Original post:  Easygoing Chic-Gorgeous in Grey

Original post:  Spring Break Style III