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

A Maxi Dress for Maximum Summer Style

A maxi dress is a fantastic solution for maximum chic in the summertime.  You may remember from Tropical Inspired that I’ve been eying the Gap geo print maxi dress.  The style finally arrived in my local stores, so I tried it on and fell in love with the dress all over again.

The black and white, geometric print coupled with the long and slim silhouette of the dress make some kind of style magic together.  I certainly envision myself wearing this dress often throughout the summer.

Budget tip:  Shop the dress online for greater savings.  I purchased mine for $42.24 (with free shipping) using online discount codes.  The dress is still full-price ($74.95) in-store.

Fit:  I’m wearing the dress in an XS.  I sized down because the top appears to run large.  The length is perfect for me (with or without heels) and I’m only 5’4″.  Taller women, then, may find the dress short.

Dress—Gap | maxi skirt option, pant option
Shoes—Kate Spade (on sale)
Watch—Michael Kors via TJ Maxx | similar
Earrings—Kendra Scott
Bracelets—Amrita Singh, Pura Vida (gift from CLR-MNSTR), Rungolee (gift from event)

Photographs by PetalSnap

Savvy in St. Louis in a London Times Dress

When the temperature rises in the Lou, my favorite thing to do is get dressed and get outside.  St. Louis boasts several outdoor events and festivals.  They’re usually free too!  One of my treasured outdoor spots, conveniently located in my neighborhood, is the Missouri Botanical Garden, the nation’s oldest botanical garden in continuous operation.

Summertime at the Garden is extra special because of the Whitaker Music Festival.  Picture this: Live music, scenic views, picnic fare, and the perfect dress from London Times.  The tiered blouson dress by London Times is surely a go-to summer dress.  It comes in a fresh fuchsia color, flaunts fabulous features like laser cut detailing on a tiered skirt, and is versatile enough for casual outings to fancier affairs.

The dress fits true to size.  For reference, I’m wearing a size 4.
The laser cut detailing on the tiered skirt is impeccable!

Dress—c/o London Times (Use code LT20 for 20% off)
Belt—The Limited | option
Shoes—Tory Burch via Nordstrom Rack
Bag—c/o Neiman Marcus (2013 Camp Gorgeous tote)
Watch—Michael Kors via TJ Maxx | similar
Earrings—Kate Spade | similar
Necklace—J.Crew | option

Wanna have the savviest summer ever?  Win a $1000 in the London Times Savvy Summer Sweepstakes!

Weekend Style: Camo Stripes & Boyfriend Jeans

In today’s post, a camo stripe tee meets boyfriend jeans for a casual weekend look.  The jeans are a recent purchase from the Gap Outlet.

I was so pleased with the fit of another pair of premium jeans from the Gap Outlet recently that I decided to try the premium boyfriend stye there.  The premium boyfriend jeans are made of a lightweight denim that’s soft and comfortable.  Unlike other pairs I’ve tried on, these jeans have a narrow tapered leg that creates a slim silhouette.  They were priced at $59.95, but were available for $45 during a typical outlet sale.

For reference: I’m wearing a size 6.  I also tried the 8 to see if that pair would give the more
loose, relaxed look of boyfriend jeans, but it was too large in key areas (waistline
and thighs).  This style has a sleek and slim fit.

My favorite spot in Tower Grove Park, my neighborhood park and where I take most of my
blog photos.

Tee—Gap | camo tee
Jeans—Gap Outlet | similar
Belt—Marshalls | similar
Shoes—Tahari | option, option
Bag—Kate Spade
Earrings—Kendra Scott
Watch—Michael Kors via TJ Maxx | similar
Bracelets—Amrita Singh via Beyond the Rack & J.Crew
Sunglasses—Cole Haan via TJ Maxx | similar

Saint Louis Fashion Week: London Times

Related: Navigating Saint Louis Fashion Week as a Blogger

Several years ago when I started building my work wardrobe for teaching days, I quickly accumulated several London Times sheaths (see a couple in The Fabulous Sheath and Sheath by London Times).  London Times sheaths are stylish, professional, and affordable.  After wearing them frequently for years, I discovered that they’re durable too.

During Saint Louis Fashion Week, I was gifted a London Times dress of my choice.  A colorblock pintuck sheath immediately stood out to me from the retailer’s current selections.  The dress is fresh and modern with details like textured fabric and an exposed back zipper.  Did I also mention that it’s a beautiful combination of soft white, turquoise, and black?

The combination of a stretch fabric and black side details
make this dress quite curve friendly and flattering.

Colorblock panels and textured detail.

These handcut fabric earrings by Domestic Vixen perfectly complement this look.

Dress—c/o London Times
Cardigan—J.Crew
Tights—H&M | similar
Boots—b.o.c. Born Concepts via DSW | similar b.o.c. boot
Sunglasses—Cole Haan via TJ Maxx | similar
Watch—Michael Kors via Nordstrom Rack
Earrings—c/o Domestic Vixen

Disclosure: London Times provided the dress free of charge in support of the VIP blogger getaway during Saint Louis Fashion Week (STLFW).  Domestic Vixen provided the earrings for free for STLFW bloggers as well.  No monetary compensation was received for writing this post.  As always, all the ideas and opinions expressed are my own.