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

The Best Pajamas To Cozy Up In This Winter

So, we’re stuck in the house. The way I see it, our style shouldn’t be restricted to out-of-the-house activities. Over the past year, I’ve been exploring my loungewear look (see examples here, here, and here). I’ve also been fine-tuning my nighttime style, aka sleepwear. And, if I’m honest, some days are sleepwear all day kinda days. I found a few pajamas sets recently that I enjoy wearing so much that I had to share before they’re gone.

Satin Pajamas

What I’m Wearing:

Pink stripe satin pajama set ($25) | Bobeau cardigan c/o | Fenty gloss bomb (color: Fu$$y)

Satin Pajamas

The pajama set, which includes the shirt, shorts, and a matching sleep mask is only $25. Don’t let the price deceive you, though, this set feels as luxurious and comfortable as higher-end options. I bought the pajamas on a whim, brought them home, tried them on, and I immediately returned to Target to buy another in red. The pieces fit perfectly. The fit is cozy and soft. For reference, I’m wearing a size medium, and sizes range from XS to XXL. By the way, the set also comes in a floral option and a black one.

To add a little styling and some additional warmth, I paired my pajamas with my Bobeau cardigan. The color complements my set well. And, Bobeau pieces feel like your favorite hug…so cozy.

Shop cozy pajamas:

How To Transform An Empty Corner Into A Workspace

I started a new position in tech (more on that later), and it’s completely remote. I found myself often working from my dining table. You see, my husband’s office and my closet-office are both upstairs, and when we’re both speaking on zoom, it’s chaotic. Since he uses a desktop, and I use a MacBook, I relocate. I wanted a more permanent solution for this situation. So, I started scouting my house for the ideal location for a home workspace.

Location Scouting

I considered the big closet downstairs, but the position didn’t feel feng shui. I thought about the small room next to our dining room, but it’s too close to a bathroom. I then considered an empty corner of the dining room, and I saw serious potential. As an added bonus, there’s an electrical outlet right in the corner too. I took some measurements and decided that if I could find a desk that’ll fit perfectly in the corner, this could be a go. Found one!

home workspace

What I’m Wearing:

Jogger set hoodie + shorts | Blue light glasses | Kendra Scott earrings

home workspace

The Right Desk

Choosing the right desk required some thought and planning. I wanted enough useable surface space for my needs, but I was working with limited space. The solution? A ladder desk with the perfect dimensions for my empty corner, sufficient surface space, and two additional shelves that maximize the tight corner.

home workspace
Desk Essentials

To boost functionality at my desk, organization is critical. So, I added pieces that maximize every bit of the space. My laptop stand (under $30) is essential because not only does it prop my MacBook up to a comfortable viewing height, it also reclaims so much desk space. I can slide my external keyboard right under it when not in use. My vertical laptop stand (under $30) is another must-have because it’s a sharp-looking and space-saving way to stow away my personal MacBook and my iPad. Since I’m facing a wall and next to window, I use a small ring light (under $20) that I can clip to my screen or sit on the shelf above me for the perfect light for video meetings. It’s USB chargeable, which is such a plus.

home workspace

The rest of my accessories are just personal things I find inspirational. From words of affirmation (some stickers from an event that I framed) to special photos to meaningful artifacts, each was chosen with love. My lamp is from TJ Maxx. I got it mainly for the look and to add a little light to the workspace. It has a USB port, which is convenient. I usually use that port to charge my ring light. The fake greenery is from Target.

Finishing Touches

I wanted this little corner to feel like its own space, so I added this accent wall as a room divider. And, get this? The pattern is created using decals I found on Etsy (shop them here). And, of course, because Nevis (my Havanese dog) wants to be wherever I am, I got this Ikea bed for him. I wish I could get him to stay on it instead of on my lap, but that’s another story. The fake plant in a seagrass basket is from Ikea as well. My mid-century modern chair was a fortunate Ross find, but I usually shop desk chairs at Wayfair. I chose a woven wastebasket because it fits the overall decor. I use it to store extra cables and other stuff I want tucked away. The bamboo shades are really old, but I believe I found them at Wayfair.

Location: Home sweet home, Shaw Historic District, St. Louis

How To Wear Joggers And Look Fabulous

No doubt. The changes in our world over the past year have had an impact on my style. Maybe even a lasting impact. While comfort has always been important to me, it became a top priority in 2020. As a result, I’ve honed a cool, comfortable, casual style that suits the times we’re living in. That look for me is anchored by joggers. I love jogger pants. That elastic waist, relaxed hip, and tapered ankled produce a silhouette I find so flattering. Joggers, though, can also easily look frumpy. I thought I’d share, then, how I approach jogger set styling to make ’em look fabulous

jogger set styling

What I’m wearing:

Young, Fabulous & Broke Hoodie (option), Young, Fabulous & Broke Joggers, Trench coat

Superga jute sneakers | Kendra Scott earrings | Kendra Scott bracelet | Kendra Scott ring/ring

jogger set styling

What I Shop For

Anytime I shop for joggers and jogger sets, I reach for my favorite silhouette. That’s a high-waisted, tapered ankle length bottom and a cropped top. Occasionally, a set is so amazing that I get it in multiple colors. Remember the Zara set I got in white and black (see it in white here)? Well, I recently found the most comfortable, durable (have washed it multiple times without pilling), and flattering set at Target, and I bought it in 3 colors (see the sweatshirt and the joggers).

jogger set styling

Go-To Jogger Set Styling Tips

1. Add polish with a fly jacket. A topper can transform a jogger set. From blazers to leather jackets to wool coats, a coat can add an intentionally cool gal vibe to an outfit. (see more inspiration here and here,)

2. Add street style flavor by rolling the sleeves of your sweatshirt or tucking the bottom of your jogger pants in chunky boots (see here).

3. Experiment with fun color combinations. You can’t go wrong with joggers in neutral colors, but embracing brighter colors offers some fresh styling possibilities. Hello, colorblocking!

Essentials for jogger set styling:

This Easy, Virtual, Affordable Health Care Is More Important Now

This post is sponsored by SSM Health Virtual Visits. Find out more here.

At the start of the year, I shared that one of my goals was to make my health a priority (see that post here). I had no idea at the time that safeguarding our health would become a top priority for all of us. I’m so thrilled to have discovered SSM Health virtual visits when I did because it’s so convenient and affordable. That’s more important now than ever.

SSM Health Virtual Visits

SSM Health virtual visits is a service that connects you with trusted SSM Health providers via your computer or mobile device. You can now start a visit 24/7. Got a health concern? Connect and get answers! It’s as simple as taking 5 to 15 minutes to respond to a series of questions about how you’re feeling. During office hours, a healthcare provider will respond within 3 hours with a treatment plan and a prescription if needed.  After hours, you get a response first thing the next morning.

SSM Health Virtual Visits

Allergies flaring up? Sinus infection? Cold symptoms? The virtual service is a go-to for non-urgent medical concerns like these. The service costs a flat fee of $25, which is lower than my copay for sure. If for some reason your health concern cannot be addressed online, you will not be charged that fee.

How To Start A Virtual Visit

Skip scheduling appointments. Definitely avoid waiting rooms. It’s so easy to start a virtual visit. From your computer or mobile device, visit the SSM Health site here. You’ll be asked to register and then indicate the reason for your visit. I love that you can now start a virtual visit 24/7!

SSM Health Virtual Visits

Sharing the reason for your visit is also easy. You simply respond to a dynamic questionnaire that asks the same kinds of questions you’d get in an in-person healthcare visit.

A trusted SSM health provider then responds with a treatment plan within 3 hours or the next morning if your virtual visit was after office hours. If medications are needed, a prescription is sent directly to your chosen pharmacy. Just like that, you can inch closer to feeling well.

SSM Health Virtual Visits

Virtual Visit Benefits

Virtual visits have been my saving grace with my allergy flare ups and hyperactive skin this year. The flat fee of $25 is lower than my copay making it an easy choice. 24/7 access to care made getting help when I needed it so convenient. And, gosh, these past few months more than ever, I feel so much safer connecting with a health provider from the comfort of my home.

Sounds like a service that might benefit you and your family? Please bookmark the following link so you can be ready to start a virtual visit when you need it.

Rung For Women’s Big Move to Empower St. Louis

I visited Rung for Women’s new campus last week, and it was immediately clear to me that Rung believes that when women do better, St. Louis does better. Rung for Women is a non-profit that plans to provide holistic support to women wanting to pursue their dreams and thrive doing just that. Its first cohort of members is launching in March 2021, so if you or someone you know could benefit from this experience, get an application in (apply here).

2020 has been a year of unmasking social atrocities, from the diminished value some place on Black lives to the illuminating barriers that women face in our world. Rung for Women’s approach is to face all the tough stuff with a supportive, strength-based, woman-focused plan for change. I respect that.

Rung for women

I’ve had the privilege of making risky moves in my life that have yielded big rewards. I was only able to make those moves because I was surrounded by support and safety nets at every step of the way. But for that support, I may have never been able to walk in my purpose against all odds. I’ve mentioned recently that digital content creation sparked an interest in software engineering. Well, with some strong counsel from my most trusted person, I took a leap into that field. What I’ve accomplished in the last 6 months is beyond my own imagination. To think, I was a young woman who started college having barely ever used a computer. Now, I build apps.

What I love about Rung’s program is that it aims to ensure that every one of its members can tap into her potential and achieve goals even when unimaginable. It does so by first reducing major barriers, from child care to food security to healthcare. Doing so gives its empowerment model space to work, space to allow women to dream and to pursue those dreams. And, the only cost to its women members? Sweat equity and time. Members get access to every amenity offered by Rung at no financial cost.

Rung for women

Member Eligibility

There are some requirements to become a member. You must be at least 21 years old, have a high school diploma/GED, make $50K (personal, not household income) or less, have at least a 6-month work history, and be able to get to the Fox Park campus. Submit applications here.

Rung for women

Did I mention how impressed I was by the campus? I saw a state of the art kitchen that’ll have a chef. I saw a coffee bar. There was a gym, a community garden, a childcare center, meditation rooms, private coaching suites, a health center. I could go on because there’s so much more, but it’s truly the kind of space you have to experience to understand my excitement for what’s about to happen at Rung for Women. Visit the site here for more information.

Location: Rung for Women, Fox Park, St. Louis