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

This Affordable Brand Slayed The Dress Game This Summer

I’ve shopped H&M more this year than I’ve ever shopped the brand. Like ever. The selections have been incredibly stylish. The price point has remained low. H&M is having a great year, and my wardrobe is grateful for it.

You’ve already seen some of my favorite dress buys this summer (like this Turquoise number, this puff-sleeved orange beauty, this white eyelet stunner, and this black off-shoulder fabulousness). You would’ve even seen more, but the inventory has been selling out so quickly, I missed the chance to get.

I thought I’d check in with another find that’s perfect for enjoying the rest of summer.

H&M smocked dress

What I’m wearing:

Dress ($34.99) | Denim jacket | Fenty ‘$Sweetmouth’ Gloss Bomb

Favorite lashes | Nails: OPI Funny Bunny | Earrings (similar)

This blue-white dot dress is airy and comfy. The combination of a midi length with spaghetti straps at the top is sophisticated. It screams summer and can take you from a walk on the beach to brunch.

Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton

Sizing? As a heads up, the dress runs large. I sized down one size to an XS. The smocked bodice is very stretchy.

Have you been shopping at H&M more too?

Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton

Location: Le Méridien St. Louis Clayton (opening Fall 2020)

Now Is The Right Time For Polka Dots!

Polka dots are a timeless classic that I’m sure we all enjoy spotting among trends year after year. In 2019, the trend has resurged. This time, though, it’s shaking its retro vibe and embracing a modern flavor. We’re seeing polka dots on transparent pieces. We’re eying dots on statement sleeves. My favorite, though, are polka dot jumpsuits.

polka dot jumpsuits

What I’m wearing:

Jumpsuit (I’m wearing a size S) | Belt bag (convertible) | Sandals (want these) | Sunglasses

polka dot jumpsuits

I was immediately drawn to today’s featured jumpsuit because of its silhouette. It has a fitted smocked top and a wide leg bottom. I’m also smitten by the mixed dot pattern (see another cool way to mix dots here). It’s subtle, but the dot pattern on the top is smaller than that on the bottom. Love that detail!

polka dot jumpsuits

Now, this jumpsuit comes with adjustable spaghetti straps (see the style AS IS here). When I saw it online, though, I could only envision wearing it strapless. So, I cut the straps off as soon I got it. Of course, if you like having the option of wearing it both ways, it’s possible to simply tuck the straps. I decided to commit.

polka dot jumpsuits

The jumpsuit fits true to size. I’m wearing a size small. True story, I was so disappointed when I first tried it on because I thought it was a pull-on style, and it wouldn’t go past my hips. Silly me, though, it has a side zip, which makes it easy to get on and off without help.

To add to the modern vibe of this polka dot jumpsuit, I wore it with my Gucci belt bag. Can you believe the belt bag trend is still holding strong? I’m thrilled that it is because a belt bag makes outfits that much cooler with the added bonus of a hands-free experience. That’s a fashion win-win.

If you think polka dot jumpsuits are a great way to embrace the dot trend as well, check out all the cool styles at the end of this post.

Shop polka dot jumpsuits:

Get In On The Palm Print Trend With This Under-$30 Set

With spring in full swing, we’re officially cleared to rock all our favorite tropical prints. I’m so excited to see one of my personal favorites–the palm print–back again in 2019. There’s more. I stumbled into a palm print gold mine recently. Every piece is under $20, and they can easily be mixed and matched to create super fun combinations.

palm print trend

What I’m Wearing:

Blouse | Pants | Belt | Sandals (similar) | Trench coat c/0 | Lip: Pat McGrath “Elson”

palm print trend

I chose two items, a sleeveless blouse and crepe pants in different but complementary palm prints. The result is a sophisticated, coordinated set. I’m wearing the look belted with my Gucci web belt. When the blouse is tucked, though, the combination looks like a sharp jumpsuit. I’m so here for fashion versatility like that!

palm print trend

By the way, did I mention that the blouse is only $9.99 and the pants are only $19.99? Y’all, the lines between high fashion and affordable fashion are becoming increasingly blurred. This combination looks more luxe than its price tag.

Psst…I tried a new red lipstick, and it instantly became a favorite. If you’re shopping for a fabulous blue-based red, simply try on Pat McGrath “Elson”.

I wore my palm print combination on Easter Sunday in lieu of an Easter dress. I added the trench (now on sale!) in the morning because it was freezing in St. Louis. It warmed up pretty nicely though.

Shop this look and more palm print styles:

Want more palm print styling inspiration, go here.

Check This: Gingham On Gingham On Gingham

The gingham trend is back again in 2019. Every year, though, it seems like gingham gets cooler and cooler. It appears to be shaking off its picnic cloth vibes and embracing its high-fashion vibes. It’s a non-boring classic. It’s proven to be timeless. And, in the fun colors and sizes I’m seeing this year, gingham is so much fun.

In today’s look, I’m playing with both print size and color to create an edgy gingham outfit. I was gifted a new pair of gingham slingbacks (see more of my favorite slingbacks here) that inspired the entire look. The gingham print on the shoes is a tiny check print. As I built the look from the shoes up, I increased the size of the gingham print, ending at the top by adding a pop of color as well. Et voila.

Get all the details on this ensemble below, then shop some of my favorite gingham sightings this season at the end of the post.

gingham trend

What I’m wearing:

Shirt (similar) | Pants (similar under $30, similar) | Slingbacks c/o

Eyes: Urban Decay Born To Run Palette | Lip: Urban Decay “66”

Nails: OPI “Meet A Boy Cute As Can Be”

Shop the gingham trend:

How To Reimagine The Women’s Pant Suit This Season

Power suits. Pant suits. Trouser suits. They’re all the rage in 2019. And, good news is, you can rock the trend in the way you like. Naturally, I’m drawn to the bright pant suit trend (see my favorite combination here). I’m also here for suits that are more laid-back and less structured. And, when those laid-back suits have green stripes all over, it’s a win-win situation.

green stripe pant suit

What I’m wearing:

Blazer | Cigarette pants | Trench Coat c/o | Slingbacks (similar style for less) | Belt Bag

To create this look, I tried a brand I’d never shopped before. I simply couldn’t resist the super low price point. Get this. The stretch crepe blazer is marked down to $18 and the cigarette pants are only $11. For reference, I’m wearing the blazer in a size 4 (the actual tag says M), and the pants in a size 6 (again, the actual tag says M).

Now, you get what you pay for with these lower-priced brands. In this case, the coordinated pieces feature a stretch crepe that looks as chic as any silk jersey. The material doesn’t feel like silk though. All in all, if you’re looking for an unstructured set that looks good together and could be worn separately, this one is a winner.

To create a fun mixed print moment, I wore the green stripes with my snake print flats. This particular snake print is so versatile. They’re a super fun alternative to a wear-with-everything neutral.

Shop this pant suit outfit: