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

Colorblocking: Laid-Back Summer Style

A reader asked me recently to share one of my more laid-back outfits. Today, I do just that. I have a few uniforms that I can throw together quickly for a run to my neighborhood Target, a stop by my favorite corner restaurant for takeout, or an afternoon visit to Starbucks. That ensemble is always relaxed.

Tee—Banana Republic (under $10 in-store)

Shorts—J.Crew (old) | similar

Sandals—J.Crew | additional colors (all on sale)

Bag—Kate Spade Saturday | option

Earrings—℅ Kendra Scott

Bangle—℅ Kendra Scott

Watch—Movado

Lip—Mac “Flat out Fabulous” lipstick, Mac “Heroine” lip pencil

Blush—NYX powder blush in mocha

A drapey tee. Crepe shorts. Slide sandals. These are staples in my laid-back style because they’re comfortable and versatile. In this outfit, I blend my favorite bold hues—orange, purple, and pink—for a fun, colorblocked spin on casual. 

I never leave home without earrings. Never. I often reach for a pair of my Kendra Scott earrings because each pair I own is a standout that I can wear alone or with other pieces. The Kendra Scott Francie earrings (in pink agate) are crucial in today’s look. They add a beautiful pop and an important additional block of color.

I have my hair pulled back using a Puff Cuff (the JR. size), a clamp designed for thick, curly hair. My girl, Haley at Derby City Naturals, introduced me to the product. I love it because it securely holds my kinky hair in place without pulling at the edges. The clamp is such a relief from my usual banana clips and Goody hair bands. If your puffs and ponytails give you headaches, check out the Puff Cuff.

Chambray Swing Top & Shorts

A swingy peplum silhouette meets chambray. Let’s just say the Anthropologie chambray swing top had me at hello. You saw how I wore it on a recent travel day in my Travel Style post. Well, I’ve worn this top so many times since then. Today, the top is worn with shorts to create a cool and breezy look for a hot summer day in the Lou. Wait a minute. It’s not official summer yet. It sure feels like it in the Lou though.

Top—Anthropologie (on sale)

Shorts—J.Crew (old) | option

Clutch—Kate Spade | want this

Shoes—J.Crew | new print

Necklace—J.Crew (old) | option

Watch—Michael Kors

Lip—Mac “Flat Out Fabulous” lipstick, Mac “Heroine” lip pencil
Blush—NYX powder blush in mocha

This look pulled together some of my summer favorites. A white necklace. A colorful clutch. Fabric d’Orsay flats. Just a few of my essentials for adding a little summer flair to anything I wear.

Interested in ordering the top? I’m wearing an XS. It’s such an oversized top that I wanted the smallest size available that I could fit. 


What I Wore on TV: Nicki Minaj & Shinymix

During my recent TV segment, I shared a few of my favorite affordable fashion finds. I was wearing a couple of them on air and got quite a few requests yesterday for details. So, today’s post shares that look.

My entire outfit was anchored by a season must-have—a romper. I wore the Nicki Minaj strappy lattice romper. Nicki Minaj’s clothing line, sold exclusively at Kmart stores, launched in 2013. In her latest collection, the rompers and jumpsuits are my favorites. They are simply chic and cut to accommodate curves. By the way, Nicki Minaj styles are available in sizes XS to 3X. The romper I wore, with its striking kaleidoscope print and comfortable soft crepe fabric, usually retails for only $29.99, but is on sale now for just $19.

During the segment, I showcased the Shinymix ‘Chic Emperor’ earrings, a huge hit for the show hosts. Shiny Mix is an online boutique offering trendy jewelry at affordable prices. I wore the Shinymix ‘Step It Up’ ring. I’ve actually been wearing that ring everyday since I got it. It’s the perfect statement ring when worn alone and is also ideal for stacking.

Romper—℅ Nicki Minaj 

Blazer—Philosophy | similar

Shoes—Sophia Webster for J.Crew | option

Bag—Rebecca Minkoff | same bag in black

Earrings—Kate Spade (old)

Ring—℅ Shinymix ‘step it up’ ring

Rings—Wanderlust + Co

Watch—Michael Kors

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

Blush—NYX powder blush in mocha

 

I’m wearing the romper in a size S.

I love wearing these rings side by side.

They also look amazing when stacked together on the same finger.

A Nod to Safari Chic

Safari-inspired styling is always a favorite this time of year. There’s such a relaxed elegance about safari chic looks. Utility jackets. Loose-fitting shirts. Natural fabrics. Neutral tones. All perfect elements for laid-back summer style.

Last Saturday, I pulled together a few separates that when worn together give a nod to the safari chic trend. My J.Crew oversized boy shirt in olive is a great stand-in for a utility jacket and is an effortless topper for a white tee.

Shirt—J.Crew Oversize boy shirt | MNG Mango option

Tee—Target

Shorts—Express

Clutch—Kate Spade | summery option by H&M (only $9.95)

Sandals—Report Signature (on sale for $35)
Hat—H&M
Earrings—J.Crew
Bracelet—J.Crew Fireburst bracelet

Rings—J.Crew Industrial Bolt ring, J.Crew orb ring, Gorjana Teagan ring

Watch—Michael Kors

Sunglasses—Kate Spade

I’ve been a huge fan of the combination of olive and yellow since Marissa Webb revealed The New BR, a collection filled with fresh combinations of the colors. So, my yellow, ostrich-embossed Kate Spade clutch adds the perfect pop of color.

When I first spotted the Report Signature “Pammy” sandals in Burlington Coat Factory, I knew they would be a go-to, neutral sandal for the spring and summer. 

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Gordmans Spring Fashion and Giveaway

Head-to-toe white is a Spring 2015 trend I’ve been eager to try. So, when Gordmans invited me to explore the store’s new arrivals, I visited my local store in search of the perfect white ensemble. My goal while shopping was to find separates that would pair well and also complement my existing wardrobe. Seconds after stepping into Gordmans, I spotted a short-sleeve, loosely woven, sweater top that looks so much more expensive than its store price of $21.99. I knew immediately that was my top. I then tried on several white bottoms, from skinny jeans to wide-leg trousers, but decided on a pair of Bermuda shorts because I especially liked the fit.

Check out my final look and enter for a chance to win a $25 Gordmans gift card to shop your favorite spring trend at the store. In the meantime, grab the friends and family coupon.

Top—℅ Gordmans

Shorts—℅ Gordmans

Clutch—Kate Spade | Milly option (on sale)

Shoes—Sophia Webster for J.Crew | option

Necklace—J.Crew Sunbeam necklace

Rings—J.Crew stone trio ring, J.Crew Industrial Bolt ring, J.Crew Stone Signet ring

Watch—Michael Kors

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

Blush—NYX powder blush in mocha

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway Rules:

  1. Entries can be made until Friday, May 8, 2015 at 11:59 PM CT.
  2. Must have a mailing address in the United States.
  3. A winner will be randomly selected using random.org
  4. Selected winner has 48 hours to respond to winning notification email. In the event of no response, another winner will be selected.

Disclosure:  Gordmans provided the gift cards for my shopping and for the winner of the giveaway.  As always, the opinions, ideas, and images are my own.

 

I’m joining Sydney Fashion Hunter’s link up.