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

How to Wear: The Jess Oxford by Madewell

Oxfords are one of those trends that I’ve mostly shied away from. As a shorter woman, I gravitate towards shoes that are more leg-elongating, like pointed-toe pumps. I’m quite fond, however, of the overall hip vibe of oxfords. I’m also liking oxfords this time of year because they serve as a great transitional shoe; they’re the perfect style to wear between sandal season and boot season.

Top—℅ Ross

Shorts—MNG by Mango

Tote—Rebecca Minkoff

Shoes—Madewell (on sale)

Hat—H&M | similar H&M hat

Earrings—℅ Kendra Scott

Bracelet—J.Crew

Ring—℅ Kendra Scott

Watch—Movado | Skagen option

Lip—Mac Vamplify “Peer Pressure”, Mac “Currant” lip pencil

Blush—NYX powder blush in mocha

Oxfords are quite versatile and look good with almost everything. My favorite looks pair oxfords with shorter skirts and dresses, shorts, ankle pants, and leggings. I’ve been wearing my pair so much already. In addition to today’s look, these oxfords went really well with my Banana Republic belted romper (on sale).

Mixed metals! The J.Crew fireburst bracelet, one of my favorite pieces of jewelry, is back with a little twist. The re-released bracelet has blush beads at the tip of each gold matchstick. If you missed this statement piece last time, be sure to buy one early.

Nails | Ring | Bracelet

The black Jess oxford, now on sale, is a sleek and slim oxford that can be worn laced up or laceless. I’ve been wearing them laceless. By the way, I purchased the oxfords in my usual size 8, so the fit is true to size.

Black Jess oxford

I found another striking ghost sign in my city, y’all. This one, Red Diamond, is weathered but still legible. From what I’ve read, the ad was for Red Diamond Overalls for men.

Labor Day Style and Sales

Happy Labor Day to those of you celebrating in the US. I’m usually in NYC for Labor Day visiting with family, but this year I’m chilling in St. Louis. I actually have a work meeting later this afternoon.

Jacket—Gap

Tank—Banana Republic (on sale)
Shorts—J.Crew (old) | option

Shoes—Converse ℅ Get The Label
Clutch—Anthropologie pencil case | clutch version at J.Crew

Earrings—℅ Kendra Scott

Watch—Movado | Skagen option

Lip—Mac Vamplify “How Chic Is This”, Mac “Heroine” lip pencil
Blush—NYX powder blush in mocha

My look for the day is laid-back and comfortable. I have a few errands to run this morning, so I reached for my current favorite sneakers, a pair of slip-on Converse trainers. This entire look actually started from the sneakers up.

One of my errands today involves swinging by a few of my favorite stores to check out the Labor Day offerings. These are the sales that caught my attention:

Labor Day sales to note:

J.Crew: Extra 50% off final sale Items plus free shipping

J.Crew Factory: 50% off everything plus free shipping

Anthropologie: Extra 30% off sale items

Ann Taylor: 60% off fall styles

Banana Republic: 40% off your entire purchase

Gap: 40% off your entire purchase

H&M: Up to 60% off select styles

JCPenney: Additional savings with these coupon codes

Loft: Extra 50% off sale items

Old Navy: Entire store up to 60% off plus extra 20% off online orders

Nordstrom Rack: Extra 25% off clearance items

Converse trainers in my usual size 8.

If you caught my Shifting Fashion Scenes post, you read all about my favorite spaces to photograph in St. Louis. Well, I’m working on a cool new project that celebrates St. Louis; and I’ll be sharing my favorite things about the Lou, through imagery of course, via my social media channels. A version of the image below will be my first post in that series which launches tomorrow on Instagram.

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Location: Moto Wall at Grand Center, St. Louis

Shop the look:

Black Romper: A Style Essential for Just $15

The Banana Republic romper I’m wearing today is a one-piece wonder. It’s the kind of item that you can simply throw on and be ready to go just about anywhere. The best part? It’s on sale in-store for $15 (orig. $120)! I found this black romper marked down to $30 with an additional 50% off the sale price at the Banana Republic store in Plaza Frontenac. Banana Republic stores operate independently, though, so you may see a slightly different price in your local store.

Romper—Banana Republic (on sale)

Shoes—Sophia Webster for J.Crew

Bag—Rebecca Minkoff

Earrings—℅ Kendra Scott

Bracelet—J.Crew

Watch—Movado

Lip—Mac “Carmine Rouge” lipstick | try Ruby Woo, Mac “Brick” lip pencil

Blush—NYX powder blush in mocha
Nails—OPI It’s a Piazza Cake

I kept overlooking this one piece wonder because on the rack, it looked boxy and oversized. I’m so glad I tried it on, then, because when belted, the romper has such a sophisticated look. Then there are the hip details like its pointed collar, cuffed sleeves, rolled hem, and pockets.

This romper makes such a chic statement on its own that I kept my accessories minimal. I wore a couple mixed metal pieces—my Kendra Scott Adair earrings in gunmetal and gold and my J.Crew fireburst bracelet (it’s back in stock with a cool twist!).

Sizing of the romper? I sized down to a 2 because of the oversized fit.

Location: The Moolah Theatre

Get the look:

A Moody Tropical Print

I believe that bright colors and bold prints correspond to my vibrant spirit. I love the way I feel when I wear them and the way they seem to warm and excite others. I was thrilled when I got to showcase that aspect of my style in the September issue of Redbook.

In today’s featured look, you may recognize the print on the shorts—a very moody tropical print that’s perfect for summer and could easily transition into fall. I wore an H&M dress with the same print in my profile pictures for the Redbook issue. That dress with the full skirt is available in stores. There’s also a sheath dress available in the same print. Today, I’m styling the shorts (on sale, $17).

Jacket | Blouse | Shorts | Necklace | Sandals

Related: The Road to Redbook’s September Cover

Remix: Stripes and Mixed Metals

Remix! I started this week with a post featuring the same shorts and jewelry that I’m wearing today. I’m all about pieces that can be mixed and remixed.

Top—Forever 21

Shorts—MNG by Mango (on sale, $17.99)

Clutch—Milly (old) | similar

Shoes—Sophia Webster for J.Crew | love these

Earrings—℅ Kendra Scott

Necklace—℅ Kendra Scott 

Watch—Movado

Lip—Mac “Flat Out Fabulous” lipstick, Mac “Brick” lip pencil

Blush—NYX powder blush in mocha

The MNG by Mango shorts, at a clearance price of $17.99 (orig. $50), were such a great find. If you’re bottom-heavy like me, you’ll love ’em because they flow loosely over the hips like a full skirt. The longer length, pleats, and tie-front details make them a luxe-looking pair of shorts.

I’m wearing the shorts in a size 8. I sized up to fit the tiny waist. For reference, I usually wear a size 4 or small in MNG by Mango bottoms.

I’ve been so excited about the new directions of the Kendra Scott line since visiting the Kendra Scott showroom during NYFW last year. The edgier designs that embrace mixed metals particularly appeal to me. Just look at the Margot necklace I’m wearing. Gold. Gunmetal. Fringe. It has so much attitude! 

As a longtime fan of Kendra Scott, I’m looking forward to Kendra Scott opening its first store in St. Louis at Plaza Frontenac in October. I’ll keep you posted on that for sure.

 

If you saw my Nordstrom Anniversary sale post, then you wouldn’t be surprised by my Movado watch purchase. I’ve been wish listing a Movado bold watch for a few years, but I was waiting for a color combination that I couldn’t resist. A color combination that would make the watch the perfect complement to every look. This stainless steel band with gold plated accents, featured in this year’s nSale, was the one. 

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Want to see how I wore the shorts before? See the Accessories: Summer to Fall Transition post.