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

A Day in the Life in My New Denim Crops

This post is sponsored by DENIZEN® from Levi’s®

My DENIZEN® from Levi’s® skinny jeans are my wardrobe workhorse. I’ve been wearing these jeans at least once a week for the past few months. What can I say? They fit my curves like they were made for me and can be styled for any occasion. So, when I heard that Target stores just received the brand’s new spring collection, including the DENIZEN® from Levi’s® Essential Stretch Shaping Modern Crop, I was first in line to try them on. My favorite jeans in a new crop style for spring? Yes, please!

As I expected, my new DENIZEN® jeans are super stretchy and hence so comfortable on my pear shape. If you have wide hips, you know the struggle of finding bottoms that fit your hips and your waist. One of the features I’ve grown to love most about DENIZEN® jeans is that even though they’re super stretchy, they hold their shape all day long. Would these new crops live up to my DENIZEN® jeans expectations? I put them to the test.

About a week ago, I had a long day that started with a brunch meeting/workshop and ended with a blogger event in the evening. I needed to be comfortable and stylish, so I wore my DENIZEN® from Levi’s® Essential Stretch Shaping Modern Crops. For brunch, I paired the jeans with a chambray off-the-shoulder dress worn as a top and bright pumps. By the way, I purchased the crops in my go-to dark rinse called Orbit because I find that color is easiest to dress up and down.

What I’m Wearing: Top | Jeans | Pumps

I don’t enjoy having to sit anywhere for a really long time like I had to at this workshop. At least I was comfortable in my jeans, though.

Sizing? I’m wearing the jeans in a size 4.

After brunch, I stopped by my house for a quick break. While there, my Havanese dog Nevis grabbed his leash, which is how he lets me know that he wants to go for a walk. With only a short window before I had to head to my next event, I kicked off my heels and threw on a tee.

Nevis is such a ball of energy. When I’m outside with him, I have to be prepared to get low or run in an instant. Luckily for me, my DENIZEN® jeans move when I move and somehow keep their shape. Good thing, too, because I planned to wear the same jeans again that night.

What I’m Wearing: Tee (similar) | Jeans | Sneakers

To get ready for my blogger event that night, I opted for a blazer to create a polished look with the jeans. In an instant, my jeans went from casual to elegant. My dark-rinse pair makes that transition seamless and always pairs well with the brighter colors I like to wear.

What I’m wearing: Tee | Blazer (old) | Jeans | Pumps (old) | Clutch

So, what’s the verdict? The new DENIZEN® from Levi’s® Essential Stretch Shaping Modern Crop is as amazing as I had hoped. The jeans were comfortable all day, and more importantly, they stayed looking sharp. The new, cropped length will also make them a breeze to wear during the warmer months.

Experience fit perfection in jeans, crops and shorts that love your shape. DENIZEN® from Levi’s® jeans are fused with premium Essential Stretch denim that moves with you and keeps its shape so you look and feel incredible. Find your must-have fits at DENIZEN.com.

#NOFOMO: Boosting My Swimsuit Confidence

This post is sponsored by Target.

Back in December, my husband and I decided to take a spontaneous trip to Playa del Carmen in Mexico. While booking our tickets, my inner critical voice kept telling me that my post-holiday body was far from “swimsuit-ready.” I’m comfortable making clothing flatter my body in any shape, but swimsuits? They’re so little. In Mexico, I relied on coverups and spent more time lounging around the Caribbean Sea instead of diving in and enjoying every moment to the fullest. Have you ever let insecurities prevent you from doing something you wanted to do?

We’re planning a spring break getaway to an island neither of us has visited. I want to experience that island to the fullest. So, I’ve decided that my current body, thick thighs and all, is beach-ready. I’m so committed to shaking off my insecurities that I’ve already purchased my swimsuits.

Mossimo mesh inset one piece

I feel most confident in retro, super stylish, one piece swimsuits. So, when Target launched its 2016 swimsuit collection in-stores, I grabbed several styles in several sizes and had a major try-on session one night. By the way, if you prefer to try-on swimsuits at home, Target makes it easy to do so by offering free-shipping and free returns. I took a ton of selfies in the fitting room to help me decide which pieces I liked best.

The three pieces I chose in Target are so my style. They’ve got sexy details. They’re comfortable. They each make bold fashion statements. I can’t way for my trip so I can wear these flattering suits.

 

Merona draped one piece

I was very pleased with the one piece swimsuit options at Target. They’re sophisticated and fashion forward. I’ve always wanted a suit with mesh cutouts, and the one I’m wearing is under $40, y’all.

Merona underwire print blocked one piece

 Find your style @TargetStyle

Nourishing a Love of My Curls

This post is sponsored by Dove Hair

I remember the day clearly. I was in junior high when I finally convinced my mother to let me chemically relax my curly hair. I had been pleading with her for years to do it because I viewed my coarse, curly hair as unruly and unmanageable. I relaxed my curls, and my hair was pretty, but I soon missed all the things I once hated about my curly hair. The way my curls would shrink when wet. The thickness and fullness my curls created. The tightly coiled pattern of my curls that was unique to me. I missed my curls.

Eventually, I would garner the courage to cut my relaxed hair and start wearing my natural curls again. With products like the Dove Quench Absolute line, specially formulated to nourish curly hair, I grow to love my hair more every day.

As an avid user of social media and emojis, I was thrilled when Dove released its Dove Love Your Curls Emoji app packed with diverse, curly-haired emojis that reflect the beauty of curly heads. You can download the app for free in the App Store and Google Play. Standard data rates apply.

Today, I’m sporting one of my go-to natural hairstyles, the flat twist-out. I achieved this style using the Dove Quench Absolute Shampoo, the Dove Quench Absolute Conditioner, and the Dove Quench Absolute Crème Serum.

Dove Hair encourages all women and girls to love their curls. Download the Dove Love Your Curls Emoji for free in the App Store and Google Play, and show us how you #LoveYourCurls to help inspire the next generation. Standard data rates apply.

Celebrating Curls: Dove Quench Absolute Line

This post is sponsored by Dove Hair.

Eighteen years ago, I made the decision to embrace my naturally curly, coarse, and often unpredictable hair. At the time, there were very few products on the market that were dedicated to the care of my hair texture, a hair type that requires a lot of nourishment.

Today, as more women have braved the world with their natural curls, the market has responded with products designed to love those curls. Dove, one of my favorite product lines, recently launched its Dove Quench Absolute line, a collection of hair products specially formulated to deeply nourish dry, curly, coarse hair. Dove has gone even further with the recent release of its series of curly haired emojis. These emojis, which allow we curly haired women and girls to see reflections of ourselves, are available for free in the App Store and Google Play. Standard data rates apply.

 

I was invited to try Dove’s #LoveYourCurls product line, which is comprised of the Dove Quench Absolute Shampoo, the Dove Quench Absolute Conditioner, the Dove Quench Absolute Crème Serum, and the Dove Quench Absolute Restoration Mask. I, of course, obliged.

I washed my hair with the Dove Quench Absolute Shampoo, a conditioning shampoo that smells like a tropical heaven and left my hair feeling clean and soft. I followed up with the Dove Quench Absolute Restoration Mask, a deep conditioner. I allowed the conditioner to sit in my hair for about five minutes. I was stunned by how easy my comb glided through my hair while using the deep conditioner.

 

Conditioning with the Dove Quench Absolute Restoration Mask

After rinsing out the Dove Quench Absolute Restoration mask, I towel dried my hair and then applied the Dove Quench Absolute Crème Serum in sections. The serum is a lightweight, leave-in treatment for the hair. I then blow-dried my hair, flat-twisted it, and went to bed. The next morning, I had the best twist-out ever! Check out my curl definition.

No hat required on a great curly hair day.

Dove Hair encourages all women and girls to love their curls. Download the Dove Love Your Curls Emoji for free in the App Store and Google Play, and show us how you #LoveYourCurls to help inspire the next generation. Standard data rates apply.

7 Days in DENIZEN® from Levi’s® Jeans

This post is sponsored by Levi’s®

Perfect fit. Perfect style. I tried on a pair of DENIZEN® from Levi’s® jeans on a recent trip to Target, and I didn’t want to take them off. Target does it again! I’ve been searching for a super stretchy pair of jeans that hold their shape and flatter mine. The Essential Stretch Modern Skinny by DENIZEN® brand does just that. And, the best part? They retail for under $30.

These jeans fit so well and are so comfortable that I could wear them all week long. Picture this.

#7DaysinDENIZEN

 

Sunday Brunch: The combination of a draped scarf, pumps, and my dark skinny jeans creates a sophisticated look for Sunday brunch.

Scarf | Tank | Jeans | Shoes

Monday Morning Meeting: Adding a blazer gets the jeans ready for business.

Blazer (similar) | Tank | Jeans | Shoes

Tuesday Desk-to-Dinner: The jeans look quite polished when paired with a crisp white shirt. The resulting look is versatile enough to go from desk to dinner.

Shirt | Jeans | Shoes

Wednesday Afternoon Meeting: Jackets add instant polish to jeans. This on-trend jacket is the perfect partner for my skinny pair.

Jacket (similar) | Tank | Jeans | Shoes

Thursday Game Night: The jeans are the perfect anchor for a fun look with plaid.

Shirt | Jeans | Shoes

Casual Friday: Mixing blues in a denim on denim ensemble for casual Friday.

Top | Jeans | Earrings | Necklace

Saturday Shopping: A print blouse paired with the jeans is perfect for a day of running errands.

Blouse (option) | Jeans | Earrings

Next time you’re in Target, do yourself a favor, try on a pair of DENIZEN® from Levi’s® jeans. More of an online shopper? You can shop them at Target.com as well. The jeans are available in modern and curvy fits, short to long lengths, skinny and bootcut silhouettes, and several washes. I know you’ll find your perfect pair too.

Your on-the-go life requires jeans that move with you, hold their shape and flatter every step of the way. DENIZEN® jeans offer fits and styling uniquely designed to make you look incredible. Find your perfect seven days a week jeans at DENIZEN.com.