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

Chic Wool Winter Coats

My wool coat is the jacket I wear most often during the winters in St. Louis. Since purchasing today’s featured wool coat, a Plenty by Tracy Reese coat that I found in Anthropologie over 3 years ago, my other wool coats rarely get worn.

This coat, anchored in navy blue, has bold blocks of color that take the coat from basic to fabulous. It has an overall standout design.

You know you made a smart buy when three years later, you’re just as excited to wear an item as the day you purchased it.

Shopping for a new coat? I’ve rounded up a few statement jackets that’ll keep you warm and stylish.

 

Fab Coats:

Back to Reality: Sweater Weather

Winter is starting to feel like winter now. Brrr….

Sweater—H&M

Leopard Scarf—The Limited (old)

Leggings—Philosophy | similar

Boots—BP (old) | similar, similar

Earrings—House of Harlow

Bracelet—℅ Kendra Scott

Rings—Kendra Scott, Kendra Scott

Watch—Movado | Skagen option

Lip—Mac “Dark Side” lipstick, Mac “currant” lip pencil

Blush—NYX powder blush in mocha

It’s been so cold in the Lou this week that I’ve been reaching for my warmest clothing—chunky sweaters, tall boots, and heavy coats.

 

I found today’s featured sweater for just $19.99. It’s available in four colors, but of course, the mustard yellow was my favorite. It’s a rib-knit sweater that’s slightly longer in the back. I’m wearing it in a size medium for an oversized and longer fit.

Saw the cozy chic in bargain buys post? This look is a remix of that one that maintains the combination of colors (mustard and cognac) and leopard print.

 

Get the look:

 

Just Add a Scarf

Boring outfit? No worries. Just add a scarf in a vibrant color or bold print to instantly add interest to a look. As an added bonus, of course, scarves can also ward off the chills when the temperature drops.

Sweater—Express
Scarf—Kate Spade | option

Leggings—Express

Bag—Rebecca Minkoff

Boots—Kenneth Cole Reaction

Earrings—℅ Kendra Scott

Rings—Kendra Scott, Kendra Scott

Watch—Movado | Skagen option

Lip—Mac ‘Carmine Rouge’ lipstick | Ruby Woo is similar, Mac ‘Brick’ lip pencil

Last Sunday, I was running out to brunch in my asymmetrical tunic sweater paired with leggings. The all-black ensemble was hip, but I felt like it lacked something, a finishing touch. On a whim, I reached for my Kate Spade bow infinity scarf. That was it! The graphic black and white print that the scarf brought to the look was just what the outfit needed.

To add some color, I wore my burgundy suede ankle booties and my go-to fall tote in its beautiful port color. Bold berry hues are always a good choice this time of year.

 

These Boots are Made for Walkin’

On day two of the Saint Louis Fashion Week blogger experience, I got to explore Naturalizer’s latest fall styles and learn about the newest technology behind the brand’s comfortable shoes. A brand that prioritizes style and comfort? Of course, I was intrigued.

Blouse—Banana Republic (on sale)
Shorts—MNG by Mango (on sale)
Clutch—℅ Chameleon Bags

Shoes—℅ Naturalizer

Earrings—Kendra Scott

Rings—Kendra Scott, Kendra Scott

Watch—Movado | Skagen option

Lip—Mac “Own the Look” lipstick, Mac Vino” lip pencil
Nails—Nicole by OPI “Razzle Dazzler

I was excited to learn about Naturalizer’s N5 Contour collection featuring shoes with advanced, premium technology for delivering comfort. Shoes with the N5 comfort technology offer dual density cushioning, breathable microfiber linings, innovative contour insoles, flexible materials inside and out, and they’re light. Let’s just say, I couldn’t wait to have the N5 experience.

I first tried on Jarret, a pair of ankle boots with an edgy wraparound strap complete with metallic hardware. They were a perfect fit and oh so comfortable. I tried on the Jordie boot next, a mod tall boot with a wraparound strap. They, too, had a relaxed fit. To seriously test the N5 technology, though, I had to try on another pair. So, I tried on the Harbor boot, a sleek tall boot. This pair had such an amazing fit that I didn’t want to take them off.

Jarret, Jordie, and Harbor boots on display in the Naturalizer store at the St. Louis Galleria.

I’m wearing the Naturalizer Harbor boots in today’s post in black in the medium width. They’re the boots my cold weather wardrobe has been wanting. By the way, these boots are also available in brown and a wide calf width. I envision wearing them often, with skinny pants, with dresses, with any look that can use a pair of sleek black boots.

I’ve been reaching for all black a lot this fall. To jazz up my black ensembles, I rely on mixed textures, like the rich leather boots and the mud cloth clutch. I also embrace statement pieces, like the ruffle-front blouse and the  mirror rock crystal drop earrings.

What I’m wearing:

Transitioning a Maxi Dress Into Fall

Maxi dresses are summer staples for me. These longer dresses, especially those with flowing silhouettes, are simply perfect for all kinds of summer occasions. I’m not ready to pack up my maxi dresses just because fall is officially here. And, by adding fall layers, I think my favorite summer maxis can become fall staples too.

Dress—Express (now under $30)

Belt—Sash from another dress

Jacket—Gap

Shoes—J.Crew (on sale)

Earrings—℅ Berry Brand

Ring—℅ Kendra Scott

Bracelet—℅ Kendra Scott

Watch—Movado | Skagen option

Lip—Mac Vamplify “Suggestive”, Mac “Beet” lip pencil

Blush—NYX “Intuition“

Nails—OPI “uh-oh roll down the window”

Yesterday, I wore my blue Express maxi dress, now on sale for under $30 (orig. $128), to brunch. It was only a tad chilly, so all I needed was a lightweight denim jacket to add warmth. I also cinched the waist with an OBI belt to give the dress a new look.

Sizing? I’m wearing an XS. I sized down because the dress is voluminous.

This maxi dress has a pleated chiffon overlay that creates the most dramatic, flowing movements. As you can see, I love showing off the movement of the dress.

I usually resist purchasing multiples in any style, but this dress is such a classic, and at under $30, I’m very tempted to get the black maxi as well. There’s also a white one, but it’s sale price has only dropped to $49.

When I first photographed this dress, I took my images in front of street art bearing the message “#HealSTL.” I returned to the same area to find newly painted walls. This “An Open Letter To NYC” mural immediately caught my eye. To no surprise, the mural also photographs so well.

Get the maxi for under $30: