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

Just Add A Belt To Elevate The Look

I have a few reliable styling tricks I can reach for when I need to step it up a bit. One of those is simply adding a belt to a look. I was wearing a white shorts suit during the day last week, and I needed to transition the look for a celebratory event at night. I threw on my Gucci web belt, and the rest is history.

gucci web belt

What I’m wearing:

Blazer (similar) | Tank | Shorts (similar) | Gucci belt | Sandals (similar, option)

It’s no secret. This Gucci belt is one of my favorites. You’ve seen it transform outfits here, here, and here. One of my favorite ways to wear it is over a blazer (kinda like this). This time around, though, I belted my shorts for a different styling option. The result was the same–it made the outfit better.

gucci web belt

To complete the look, I added some red sandals with round wooden heels. Aren’t you just loving the sculptural heels trend? My pair is from Zara (sorry, they sold out quickly during the summer sale). They remind of a few styles I’d been eying from Cult Gaia (see those sandals here).

Location: Mission Taco, Soulard, St. Louis

Find your fabulous belt:

Super Sleek And Chic Pairs Of White Shoes

White shoes have been holding down the favorite looks of style mavens all year. They’ve been must-haves, especially this summer. You see, a white sandal can be the perfect companion to our favorite summer hues. I’ve found white shoes a tad overpowering on me, though, until I found and bought my first pair–a sleek white/clear sandal (number 1 below).

I bought my white sandals to complement a couple bright yellow outfits (like this dress that’s on mega sale right now and my yellow shorts from this post). I’ll be sharing those looks soon. The sandals are such perfect complements. There’s something so sophisticated about a pop of white on a barely-there sandal.

If you’ve also been wanting to try a pair of white footwear, I’ve rounded up the sleekest pairs below. Number 1 is a personal favorite. For me, it fits true to size. It’s more on the narrow side of a medium width  sandal, but the translucent straps give a little.

white shoes

Find your favorite pair:

1. White/translucent straps | 2. Knotted sandal | 3. Strappy sandal | 4. Boxy slide sandal

5. Block heel sandal | 6. Bow sandal | 7. Slingback sandal | 8. Slide sandal | 9. Ankle tie sandal

These Sandals Make IT Easy To Try The Clear Shoe Trend

Love it or hate it, the clear shoe trend is sticking around in 2019. To be honest, I don’t have the fondest memories of rocking plastic shoes the last time they were a huge trend. But, I was younger and went all in with a closed-toe pair, which inevitably made my feet sweat because of the lack of breathability.

This time around, I’m approaching the trend a lot smarter–with sandals, of course! Sandals with a clear detail can look elegant and leg-elongating. And, since they’re sandals, they practically have a built-in ventilation system.

clear shoe trend

Clear Shoe Trend:

Leopard print sandal | Cork sandal

White sandal | Slide sandal

Teal sandal | Black sandal

See more spring shoe trends here and here.

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.

This Must-Have Shoe Will Complete ALL Your Colorful Outfits

This post is sponsored by Marmi Shoes.

My favorite spring and summer trends are bright and colorful. Yours too? I plan to embrace ALL the colors during the warm season this year. You’d think, with all the bright clothing that I wear, that I own a few pairs of shoes in neutral colors. But, no way. Who has time for boring shoes? I like my shoes to be colorful too. And, luckily, I found THE sandal that’ll complement just about every spring/summer color combination.

This must-have shoe is the Vaneli “Bena” sandal from Marmi, a St.Louis-based women’s shoe brand committed to offering fabulous shoes to every woman no matter her shoe size. Seriously, Marmi carries Italian-designed styles in sizes 4-13 at slim, narrow, medium and wide widths.

Special Event

Exciting news. Starting Thursday, March 14 through Saturday, March 16, Marmi Shoes is hosting its ‘Spring Fashion Event’ at its St. Louis Galleria store. All spring styles will be 10% off during the event and customers can enter a contest to win free shoes for a year! And, there’s more. I’ll be at the store this Saturday from 1-4 pm to help you find your perfect pair. Come hang out and shop with me.

Not in the St. Louis-area or can’t make it to the event? No worries. Use the code “PSYCHE” to get 10% off (valid through April 30) spring arrivals online.

Marmi Bena Sandals

What I’m Wearing:

Sweater | Trousers | Trench coat | Vaneli “Bena” sandals c/o Marmi Shoes

Marmi Bena Sandals

So, let’s talk about these Marmi Bena sandals. I was instantly drawn to them because of the standout watercolor print and sophisticated silhouette. The artsy print captures all the IT colors of spring and summer, making it the perfect choice to complete any outfit.

marmi bena sandals

The standout print is perfectly balanced by the sophisticated silhouette–an ankle strap, 2 1/2 inch block heel style with a closed back.

When I unboxed this style, I immediately started imagining all the styling possibilities.

Thanks to the amazing weather last weekend, I got to wear my new sandals out and about. For me, they were comfortable right out of the box. By the way, I’m wearing my usual size 8 Medium, so they are true to size.

Like this colorway, but want a lower heel? You must see the Vaneli “Hillie” sandals. The geometric print on that style has a beautiful color combination as well. Also, if you’re a fan of slides like me, you’ll love the Vaneli “Hiba” slides. After much deliberation, I got that style in the orange suede, but they’re also available in fuchsia, taupe, blue, and black.

To demonstrate just how versatile my Bena sandals are, I’m sharing 3 ways I’ve been rocking them so far. In each look, the shoes totally make the outfit!

marmi bena sandals

Be sure to use the code “PSYCHE” to get 10% off (valid through April 30) your favorite spring styles at Marmi. And, if you’re in the St. Louis area, come hang with me this Saturday, March 16, from 1-4 pm at Marmi in the St. Louis Galleria Mall.