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

6 Black Fashion Designers You Should Know

February is such an important month in style. It’s Black History Month, and black creatives have contributed so much to style movements. New York Fashion Week also went down this month. So, I thought it was a good time to share some of my favorite black fashion designers to watch. Some of them, like Tracy Reese, I’ve worn for many years, and others, I can’t wait to be able to afford a piece or two.

6 Black Fashion Designers To Know

1. Tracy Reese

Tracy Reese launched her label in New York City in 1998. It’s a women’s ready-to-wear clothing line. She’s since launched Plenty by Tracy Reese, a more affordably-priced line that makes her styles more accessible. I’m a huge fan and usually grab her pieces at Anthropologie. The jumpsuit below is an all-time favorite Tracy Reese design.

2. Cushnie

Designed by Carly Cushnie, this label is a luxury ready-to-wear line known for its clean lines and precise tailoring.

black fashion designers

3. LaQuan Smith

LaQuan Smith started his line in 2013 and has since gotten the attention of big names like Rihanna and Beyonce. No surprise, his designs are distinctive and edgy. Good news for us is they’re also available at Asos. See some pieces from his Asos design collaboration here.

4. Demestik

Demestik by Reuben Reuel creates beautiful, contemporary designs using globally-inspired fabrics. Remember Beyonce’s epic baby shower ensemble? The skirt was by Demestik!

5. Studio One Eighty Nine

Studio 189 was co-founded by Rosario Dawson and Adrima Erwiah. It’s a fashion and lifestyle brand and also a social enterprise. The brand offers African-inspired styles created by artisanal communities in Accra, Ghana.

6. Telfar

Telfar by Telfar Clemens is a super cool, unisex line. The brand promotes inclusivity in fashion. It operates under the tagline, “Not for you—for everyone.”

How To Transition Your Winter Wardrobe For Spring

This post is sponsored by Kindred, a collective boutique located at West County Center.

Feeling the urge to adorn yourself in spring attire but still facing dreadful winter weather? I feel you. Me too. There are cool ways to ease spring flavor into your winter style though. And, I’m rounding up my top 3 in this post.

1. Mix spring hues with your favorite winter colors

I was so thrilled to see all the new spring arrivals when I visited Kindred recently. Do yourself a favor and stop by. I was drawn to the bright pink, orange, and yellow items throughout the store. I was also smitten by the rich jewel tones of the winter items in stock. So, I decided to experiment by blending a beautiful rust sweater I found from Addi & Ains, one of 7 featured boutiques at Kindred, with a brighter pair of pants, also available at Kindred.

Ready to ease into Spring? Try blending a bright with a winter hue.

What I’m wearing:

Wide collar sweater via Kindred (only $54) | Pleated trousers via Kindred (only $44.99)

Fendi wrappy scarf (exact style here) | Eyes: Urban Decay “Naked Cherry” palette | Nails: Essie

2. Ease spring accessories into your style

The twilly/wrappy/neckerchief is one of spring’s IT accessories. And, since scarves and winter go together, you might as well start rocking one with your winter style. It’s totally appropriate and adds a little spring flavor.

3. Play with textures

I love how warm and cozy this wide collar sweater from Kindred boutique is. The pants, on the other hand, have a lightweight, silky fabric that balances the weight of the top. So, the overall look is a little bit spring and a little bit winter.

Location: Cafe Ventana, St. Louis

Be sure to support local STL by shopping right-on-trend styles at Kindred boutique at West County Center. See more of my Kindred finds here, here, and here.

How to Switch up your Beauty Routine for Spring

This post is sponsored by Walmart.

I’m a staple-products kind of woman. When I find products that work for me, I stay loyal to them. What I’ve learned, however, is that it’s important to occasionally switch up your beauty routine to ensure that your skin is getting what it needs. Seasonal changes, for example, put different demands on our skincare products. So, I like to tweak my routine when welcoming a  new season

Now, I’m no guinea pig, I like to stick to brands I know and trust. I’m a fan of Shea Moisture because the products use organic, good-for-you ingredients that perform as promised. The line also offers products for our head-to-toe needs. For spring, I’m infusing a few new Shea Moisture products into my routine.

Spring Beauty Routine

Cleanse:

Is it just me, or after winter your skin feels like it needs its moisture replenished? When I choose cleaners, then, I like to make sure they’re gentle on my skin and also nourishing. And, the selection of Shea Moisture cleansers is so wide that I often discover new-to-me formulas there, including the Manuka Honey and Mafura Oil Shea Butter Soap. Do yourselves a favor and try this soap.

spring beauty routine

Deep Cleanse/Treat:

Don’t want to change your staple facial products? Me neither! To make your routine fresh for spring, consider simply adding a new mask to your regimen. The skin-healing and hydrating properties of the right mask might be just what your skin needs to recover from winter.

This Clarifying Mud Mask is my go-to for spring because it leaves my skin exfoliated and bright. While it is a mud mask, this one doesn’t get caky, dry, nor irritating.

And, when you wash it off? The skin feels so refreshed.

Moisturize:

Shea moisture. Aloe. Coconut oil. You only need to glimpse the ingredients in this next moisturizer to know that it’s good stuff. The Shea Butter Ultra-Rich Moisturizing Body Lotion is the kind of product that’ll satisfy all your skin’s issues, from dryness to sensitivity.

I love that the lotion is lightweight, non-greasy, and super moisturizing. It’s perfect for for replenishing the skin after a harsh winter. It’s often hard to find, but I always have luck finding it here.

Did I mention that it smells amazing? It does!

Hair:

I wash my hair often, after workouts and in the mornings to get it ready for styling. So, I’m picky when it comes to shampoos and conditioners because I use them so frequently. Since testing the Manuka Honey and Mafura Oil Intensive Hydration Shampoo and Conditioner, I knew they were perfect for my spring hair routine.

These two products are moisturizing, shine-enhancing, and softening. My hair loves them. By the way, it’s so easy to shop these products at Walmart. After realizing how effective these products were on my hair, I decided test a new styling gel by Shea Moisture.

Will you be mixing things up in your spring beauty routine?

Warby Parker Opening its First St. Louis Store Right on Time

Warby Parker, the eyewear brand known for its high-quality, fashionable, affordable specs, is opening its first St. Louis store this Saturday, November 11. The store is in the heart of the Central West End at 304 North Euclid Ave, a space previously occupied by Kit and Ace. I got to preview this new Warby Parker St. Louis location, and it is everything we need right now in the Lou.

This new store has a cool library feel. All the eyewear sits on open wooden shelves with colorful books for decor and a curated collection of books for purchase.

Warby Parker St. Louis also has a very joyous and welcoming vibe because of the colorful mural done by St. Louis artist, William LaChance. It’s an ideal backdrop for a bomb Instagram shot, don’t you think?

Warby Parker St. Louis

From what I heard, there are going to be some sweet treats at the grand opening this Saturday. In addition, for a limited time only, the St. Louis store will exclusively sell the crystal sunglasses below. Crystal frames with mirror lenses are so fly right now. I actually took home a similar pair, the Ormsby  sunglasses in crystal aqua with mirror lenses.

Another cool perk of the Warby Parker St. Louis store is the availability of the eye exam service. Not all Warby Parker locations offer eye exams, but ours will!

Keep scrolling for more inside looks at Warby Parker St. Louis before it opens on Saturday.

I was invited to preview the store and received free merchandise as part of my visit. All images and opinions are my own.

How to Stretch Your Dollar When Getting Holiday Glam

This post is sponsored by Specialty Retailers, Inc.

Holiday party season is right around the corner. If you’re like me, you’re already asking the question, “what do I wear to all these events?” I enjoy getting super glam during the holiday season. But, I also like starting the new year on a strong financial foot, so I never want to overspend on my holiday style. Luckily, here at Economy of Style, we know that great style is not determined by the size of your budget. I’m so excited, then, to partner with Gordmans to show you how easy it can be to look like a million bucks for under $100!

holiday glam

I’m a regular Gordmans shopper (see here, here, and here). Gordmans is an off price store that offers big brands at small prices. The stores are huge and filled with merchandise. So, when you shop, you absolutely need a strategy in order to maximize your budget. Here are my top 3 tips for shopping off-price stores:

3 Tips for Shopping Off-Price

1. Know what you want. Gordmans stores carry lots of treasures. But, just because something is a good deal, it doesn’t mean it’s a good deal for you. So, shop with purpose.

2. Get the real thing. When you shop off-price, look for brands that you know and love on the retail market.

3. Know your stuff. Following up on that second point, know what those items usually retail for, so you can know when you’re getting an amazing deal.

I hinted at the start of today’s post that I found my entire look at Gordmans for under $100. I did! It actually only cost me $84 before tax. Here’s the breakdown because I know you want receipts:

Vest: Retail $98 | Gordmans $12.99

Skirt: Retail $40 | Gordmans $5.99

Booties: Retail $70 | Gordmans $44.95

Necklace: Retail $30 | Gordmans $9.99

Sunglasses: Retail $40 | $9.99

I’m a huge fan of the power suit trend this fall. So, when I visited Gordmans, my goal was to find sharp separates to build my own power look. And, y’all, I stepped into a holiday glam gold mine. Apparently, Gordmans purchased a warehouse filled with Express items, and the markdowns are steep. I saw coats for $12.99, suiting pieces for under $10, and sweaters for $7.99. As a longtime Gordmans shopper, I’ve never found steals this amazing.

I tried on so many items, from pants to blazers to sweaters before deciding on today’s holiday glam look.

I gave a sneak peek of this look on Instagram last Friday. And, that post quickly became my most engaged post of all time. I enjoyed your feedback. I heard words like “boss,” “power,” “fierce,” and “slay.” What I didn’t hear was “cheap” because this affordable outfit looks absolutely expensive.

I’m telling you. Shopping with a purpose at Gordmans will get you the best deals for you.

Shoes usually max my budget. So, I was thrilled to find these Unisa booties for under $50. They’re the perfect wear-with-everything nude for fall.

To complete my look, I just threw on one of my older coats and a party bag, and I was ready to go. Holiday glam!

Location: Central Library, Downtown, St. Louis

Let me know what you find when you shop the latest arrivals at Gordmans. And, stay tuned for an upcoming holiday gift post featuring some of my top finds for gifts. All I’m going to say is there are two items from Gucci that I got at about 60% off.