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

Labor Day Style and Sales

Happy Labor Day to those of you celebrating in the US. I’m usually in NYC for Labor Day visiting with family, but this year I’m chilling in St. Louis. I actually have a work meeting later this afternoon.

Jacket—Gap

Tank—Banana Republic (on sale)
Shorts—J.Crew (old) | option

Shoes—Converse ℅ Get The Label
Clutch—Anthropologie pencil case | clutch version at J.Crew

Earrings—℅ Kendra Scott

Watch—Movado | Skagen option

Lip—Mac Vamplify “How Chic Is This”, Mac “Heroine” lip pencil
Blush—NYX powder blush in mocha

My look for the day is laid-back and comfortable. I have a few errands to run this morning, so I reached for my current favorite sneakers, a pair of slip-on Converse trainers. This entire look actually started from the sneakers up.

One of my errands today involves swinging by a few of my favorite stores to check out the Labor Day offerings. These are the sales that caught my attention:

Labor Day sales to note:

J.Crew: Extra 50% off final sale Items plus free shipping

J.Crew Factory: 50% off everything plus free shipping

Anthropologie: Extra 30% off sale items

Ann Taylor: 60% off fall styles

Banana Republic: 40% off your entire purchase

Gap: 40% off your entire purchase

H&M: Up to 60% off select styles

JCPenney: Additional savings with these coupon codes

Loft: Extra 50% off sale items

Old Navy: Entire store up to 60% off plus extra 20% off online orders

Nordstrom Rack: Extra 25% off clearance items

Converse trainers in my usual size 8.

If you caught my Shifting Fashion Scenes post, you read all about my favorite spaces to photograph in St. Louis. Well, I’m working on a cool new project that celebrates St. Louis; and I’ll be sharing my favorite things about the Lou, through imagery of course, via my social media channels. A version of the image below will be my first post in that series which launches tomorrow on Instagram.

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Location: Moto Wall at Grand Center, St. Louis

Shop the look:

A Luxe and Affordable Sweater for Fall

I’m treasuring these last weeks of summer, but I must admit that I’m looking forward to fall and the new style possibilities it brings. Cozy knits, for example. I love a comfy sweater with interesting details. It got a just a tad chilly in St. Louis, and I immediately reached for the slouchy red sweater featured today. What can I say? I just couldn’t wait to wear it.

Sweater—℅ Venus

Pants—Nine West | similar

Shoes—Sophia Webster for J.Crew

Bag—Kate Spade (old) | Kate Spade option (on sale) 

Earrings—℅ Berry Brand

Bracelet—J.Crew (it’s back!)

Watch—Movado | Skagen option

Lip—Mac “Heroine” lipstick, Mac “Heroine” lip pencil

Blush—NYX powder blush in mocha

The sweater, already on sale for $44, is sexy, comfortable, and versatile. It’s a cowl neck sweater with zippers at the shoulders. The zippers are functional too and can be adjusted to transform the look of the sweater. I’m wearing the zippers halfway open to create this off-shoulder, slouchy look.

Talking about fall, tassels and fringe are projected to continue to dominate trends throughout the season. My Berry Brand tassel earrings, which retail for $48, will keep me right on trend. 

Back to the sweater. I’m wearing an extra small. I tend to try the smallest size I think I can fit when an item has an oversized or slouchy fit. In this sweater, that strategy worked for me. 

More Chic Sweaters for Fall:

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Insta-Outfit: J.Crew Linen Dip-Dyed Dress

I purchased the J.Crew linen dip-dyed dress the moment it went on sale. I believe I spent $59.99 (orig. $148). I’ve been saving the dress for the perfect summer soiree. I couldn’t wait any longer, though, and wore it out to dinner with my husband last weekend. The dress is versatile like that.

Dress—J.Crew (on sale)

Shoes—Sophia Webster for J.Crew

Bag—Kate Spade (old) | Kate Spade option (on sale)

Earrings—℅ Happiness Boutique

Bracelet—℅ Kendra Scott

Ring—℅ Kendra Scott

Watch—Movado | Skagen option

Lip—Mac “Heroine” lipstick, Mac “Heroine” lip pencil

Blush—NYX powder blush in mocha

When I first tried the dress on, I knew I had to have it. Lightweight linen. Fluttery sleeves. An easy breezy silhouette. It’s a stunning dress. I would’ve purchased it immediately, but even the dress I tried on was on hold for another customer. This style was popular in my local stores and sold out at release.

This dress has so much drama all on its own that few accessories are needed. At the top, I wore a statement pair of tassel earrings (under $23) with a vintage-y vibe.

On my hands, I wore an open ring with a touch of sparkle, a gold filigree bracelet, and a two-tone watch.

The dress has a back zip, making it easy to get on and off. The back also has a sexy and sophisticated v-shaped opening.

Sizing? I’m wearing the dress in an extra small, which is an indicator that it runs a bit large. I usually wear a size small (or larger) in shift silhouettes to fit my hips.

Interested in getting the linen dip-dyed dress on sale? Sizes have been limited online, so have a store associate track it down in-store for you. My dress came from a store in Colorado.

Black and White

This week, I’ve been on a bit of a neutral kick. On Wednesday, I embraced olive green as a go-to neutral. Even this lover of brights values that neutral hues so effortlessly produce simple, sophisticated outfits. So, today, it’s all about black and white. Of course, mixed black and white prints make this neutral outfit jazzy.

Top—℅ Ross

Pants—Nine West | similar

Shoes—J.Crew
Clutch—℅ Chameleon Girl

Earrings—℅ Luxe Caribe

Watch—Movado (Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2015)

Lip—Mac “Carmine Rouge” lipstick, Mac “Brick” lip pencil

Blush—NYX powder blush in mocha

Adding oomph to neutrals. Every piece in the look is black and white. But, the blouse has gunmetal studs on the front. The pumps feature a striking print that looks like it was created by blending a graphic print with an animal print. The clutch (oh how I love this clutch) is made with African textiles, including Bogolanfini mud cloth. Lots of oomph.

I’m also wearing a pair of earrings by Kittitian designer, Davina of Luxe Caribe Handmade Jewelry. Remember the pair that inspired an entire outfit in Styled Around a Small Floral Detail? I remain in awe at how Davina takes dried flowers and metallic flakes and creates these one-of-a-kind earrings. 

When I’m planning outfits that mix prints, I like to see the prints together before trying them on. I do this to make sure that there’s harmony. I knew I had a winning combination when I did this flat lay.

This pair of J.Crew Elsie printed leather pumps was an impulse buy. I got them for $40 (orig. $275) during that wild summer sale at J.Crew last week. That sale is back! You can get 75% off several marked down items using the code “SHOPSALE” (shop the sale here). Of course, sizes are very limited now, but the deals are worth a look.

Have a wonderful weekend! I’ll see you here on Monday. Let’s connect on Instagram until then.

Classic Style With a Twist

Yesterday, I attended a runway show. For more on that, stop by my corner of Delux Magazine later this week for coverage.

Tee—H&M

Blazer—Philosophy | similar

Pants—Banana Republic

Shoes—J.Crew

Clutch—Aldo (old) | H&M option

Earrings—House of Harlow

Necklaces—Handmade in Cameroon (gift from ChouChou)

Watch—Michael Kors

Lip—Mac “Carmine Rouge” lipstick, Mac “Brick” lip pencil

Blush—NYX powder blush in mocha 

I knew I wanted to wear my new J.Crew pumps to the event, so I styled this very classic look featuring a blazer and slim pants to allow the pumps and other accessories to stand out. The look is classic with a twist. Talking about style, find out more about how I think about my personal style in this cool article on You Look Fab. I’m so honored to be featured.

One of the things I love most about blogging is it connects me to fashion enthusiasts all over the world. In today’s look, I’m wearing a couple handmade, beaded necklaces from Cameroon. The necklaces are gifts from my friend, ChouChou, who is an excellent ambassador to her country. See Cameroon through her eyes by visiting her on Instagram and tumblr. You will be wowed!

Handmade necklaces from Cameroon.

The J.Crew Elsie fabric d’Orsay pumps are now under $100 (orig. $298). Isn’t the print on these pumps stunning? According to J.Crew, the fabric used to make these shoes is from an Italian mill known for its unique designs. If you wanted a pair, keep checking the site for pop backs in your size.

The Banana Republic sloan-fit textured slim ankle pants in chambray is on sale in-store. And, of course, sale is on sale at Banana Republic. Last weekend, I believe the additional discount on sale items was 50%. These pants are a great classic style that fit well. Click through the link to read all the rave reviews.

Nails—OPI

 Rings—J.Crew (love this new style), Gorjana