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

Make Every Step Colorful in these Summer Sandals

It’s time to schedule your pedicure because sandal season is here! Today’s post shares some of the best, affordable, bright options on the market. When you rock these colorful summer sandals, every step will feel like you’re walking on a rainbow.

I’ve personally been online stalking those blue satin slides. I gasp every time I look at them. Since they’re 40% off today, I might just have to slip my feet into them as well. See all the featured styles below.

Colorful summer sandals

Shop colorful summer sandals:

Blue satin sandals | Ruffle strap heels

Green block heel | Pink punch sandals

Yellow sandals | Lavender block heel

Fuchsia 3-strap sandals | Red kitten heels

Now that you have the shoes, be sure to check out the dresses and jumpsuits you’re going to be wearing with them.

Matchmaker: African Print Pants Meet Sweater Vest

I did a little shopping when I attended Festival of Nations, a huge international festival in St. Louis, a few weekends ago. I bought a few summery African print pieces primarily for my trip home in December. One of the items I purchased, however, is a cool pair of African print pants that I figured I could make work for early fall. So, here’s how I’m styling them right now.

African print pants

Tank | Sweater vest (option) | Pants | Mahnal earrings | Mahnal choker

I absolutely love vests as transitional pieces. Read more about that in this post. So, when I decided to give these pants a fall vibe, a vest was my first choice. And, luckily, I had a sweater vest in a complimentary olive hue. See this vest also worn here.

Digging my glasses? They’re fake, of course. I found them in H&M, y’all.

My jewelry is by Mahnal, a St. Louis-based, handmade jewelry line. If you’re in the St. Louis area, stop by the Makers Mart on Sunday to shop the jewelry and so much more. Save $5 on your tickets to the event by using the code “ECONOMYOFSTYLE“.

Location: Construction site in Dogtown, St. Louis

This Playful and Functional Jumpsuit is Under $40

We’re getting to that tricky time of year when we should probably start thinking about fall, but it’s still hot outside. If you’re still shopping for a few fabulous pieces to finish the summer in style, this strapless printed jumpsuit is for you. It has an all-over playful print, a sexy strapless top, and a cool-girl wide leg. And, get this, the jumpsuit is only $39!

Printed jumpsuit c/o | Denim lace-up sandals (option) | Gold choker (option)

Mac “Fashion Legacy” lipstick

This jumpsuit is such an easy choice for summer days. It’s stretchy and simply pulls on. No zippers. No fuss.

I’m wearing a size small, so the jumpsuit fits true-to-size. By the way, I’m 5’4″ and need to wear this longer style with heels (about 3 inches) so it doesn’t drag on the ground.

I wore this exact combination to brunch last Sunday.

Strapless printed jumpsuit

I kept my accessories simple since this print is such a standout. My choker is an older style from J.Crew. I recently bought this mult-irow choker in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. I can’t wait to style and wear it.

My sunglasses are a fabulous Miu Miu pair that I found in Nordstrom Rack. If you’re looking for an equally fabulous but more affordable pair of mirrored sunglasses, check out the under-$15 styles in this post.

 

Location: Downtown Library, St. Louis

How to Elevate Your Summer Basics Instantly

Summer basics can sometimes be a tad boring. But, when it’s severely hot outside, all I want to reach for are breezy basics. I do these 3 things to take my basics from boring to fabulous.

How to Elevate Your Summer Basics Instantly

Bell cuff tee (on sale) | Tie-waist shorts (on sale) | Gladiator sandals | Bag (c/o)

Kendra Scott necklace (old) | Movado Bold Sport watch

1. Pay attention to details

A breezy t-shirt and shorts are easy choices on super hot days. Choosing these items, though, with interesting details easily jazzes up the classic combination. My bell cuff white tee (now under $20) and tie-waist fluid shorts (now under $20) pack lots of pizazz.

2. Add accessories for flair

The right accessories can take any look from basic to brilliant. From statement earrings to chokers to cuff bracelets, the choices are plentiful this season. For this look, I chose an old Kendra Scott necklace with tassels.

3. Step into sandals that make a statement

Statement sandals have been especially popular this year. From slides to lace-up sandals, add a pair that shows off your flair for style. I found these gladiator sandals by Vince for a steal in Nordstrom Rack (find more sizes also on sale here).

Location: Central Library, Downtown, St. Louis

For more ways to survive the summer heat in style, go here, here, and here.

These July Sale Finds are Actually Worth Buying

It seems like every store is having a major sale right now. Talk about temptation! If you’re feeling overwhelmed by these summer sales, I’ve got you. I enjoy browsing all the picks to find the treasures. And, by treasures, I mean those fabulous items that you can wear again and again and even transition to early fall. Today, I’m featuring two items I’m really excited about. One is a luxe pair of high-waisted shorts (seen before here), and the other is a flowy off-the-shoulder top.

Off-the-shoulder top (c/0 Venus) | Tie-waist Shorts | Metallic Lace-up Sandals |

Lip: Mac “Fashion Legacy” | Sunglasses (under $8) | Straw fedora

The top is a light and drapey off-the-shoulder piece that swings with every move you make. It’s the kind of top that’ll quickly remind you that fashion could be fun. I got it in classic black for versatility and because the beautiful snaps in the front stand out best on the black top. I’m wearing the top in a size small, but an extra small would offer a more secure fit. So, I recommend sizing down in this one since the banding at the top is super stretchy. By the way, the top is now on sale for $21.99

This top is a must-have for me because of its overall style and versatility. I could wear it with everything from white jeans to blue jeans to leggings. It’ll be a style I can reach for during early fall as well.

For today’s post, I paired the top with another summer sale find that I’ve already been wearing a lot. It’s the fluid tie-waist shorts, now on sale for $25 (orig. $59). I immediately wanted these shorts because the tie-waist detail made them look so luxe. I’ve already dressed them up with a lace blouse and pumps for a summer party. In today’s post, I’m actually wearing them as basic black shorts without the belt.

A couple other items holding down this look deserve an honorable mention. My metallic lace-up sandals (currently on promo) prove once again that they go with everything. And, my current favorite sunglasses, which cost only $7.99, offer an affordable way to explore the mirrored sunnies trends.

Location: Central Library, Downtown, St. Louis

summer sales