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

To the Max: Pleated Chiffon Maxi Dress

Last night, I attended my first Delux Magazine event since joining the team as a style contributor. It was a cool celebration at a hip lounge in the city. I thought it was the perfect occasion to finally wear my blue pleated chiffon maxi dress. I’ve been hunting for a maxi dress like this one since seeing Shea of Curves and Confidence rock a similar one. So, when I found this style on sale and in a perfect shade of blue, I bought it with no hesitation.

Pleated chiffon overlay. V-neck in the front and back. Adjustable straps. This classic maxi dress is stunning summer staple. I can imagine wearing it for many summers.

Dress—Express (on sale)

Shoes—J.Crew (on sale)

Clutch—Aldo (old) | H&M option

Earrings—℅ Happiness Boutique

Watch—Michael Kors

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

Blush—NYX powder blush in mocha

My dress was the focal point of the entire look. I wanted to keep my accessories minimal but interesting. My vintage-looking crystal tassel earrings from Happiness boutique added the perfect, elegant touch. This boutique, by the way, carries an extensive collection of trendy jewelry at affordable prices. These earrings, for example, are only $21.64 and ship for free.

The dress features a pleated chiffon overlay. This detail is perfect for creating dramatic, flowing movements. And, you know how sometimes the slip layer of a dress like this one is just all wrong? Not on this dress. The slip is fluid and non-clingy.

I’m wearing the dress in an extra small. The dress has an oversized fit, so sizing down is probably a good idea. It’s also quite long. I have to wear the maxi with heels at my 5’4″ height or it will be sweeping the floor. The adjustable straps come in handy here because you can shorten them and essentially shorten the dress.

My old Aldo beaded clutch was a perfect companion for the dress. If you’re on the market for a beaded clutch, the H&M beaded clutch (only $34.95) is just as stunning.

Walking on Rainbows

Swish! I love swingy dresses, especially this time of year. They’re usually lightweight and breathable. Their voluminous A-line shapes are quite flattering and always exude that “I woke up like this” vibe. And, when they come in a cheery emerald color like today’s featured dress, they’re simply magical.

Dress—℅ Venus

Shoes—Tahari (old) | d’Orsay pump I want

Clutch—Aldo (old) | H&M option

Watch—Michael Kors

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

Blush—NYX powder blush in mocha

I was so impressed by the printed dress I received from Venus, a perfect wear-everywhere number, that I couldn’t wait to explore the brand further. That’s when I found this slip on swing dress. It’s available in five colors and in sizes small through extra large—and the best part? The dress is on sale for just $32.

The halter style dress features a wide sash tie and a sexy back baring cut. You’d be happy to know that the dress has pockets too, hidden at the sides.

Picture it. Strolling the beach. Hitting the city pavement. Dancing at an outdoor festival. Shopping at the farmer’s market. This dress is an easy choice during the summer.

Pride Week in St. Louis is huge, especially in my neighborhood, the hippest part of town. The Grove Community Improvement District installed colorful crosswalks at three intersections in The Grove to celebrate Pride. These rainbow crosswalks make walking the area so much more fun. I hope they make them permanent.

Rock the rainbow:

Nautical in the City

I can’t believe I debated purchasing my white Philosophy blazer. Actually, I can believe it because I deliberate over all purchases I make. I know I made the right decision in taking this topper home, though, because I want to wear it all the time. It’s the perfect transitional piece, and it goes with everything.

You saw the blazer featured on Monday in my City Chic with Island Flair post. Today, the blazer makes another appearance, paired with shorts again. Combining the blazer with a stripe tube top gives the look a nautical vibe.

Blazer—Philosophy | similar

Top—H&M

Pants—Express

Shoes—Report Signature

Clutch—Kate Spade | similar

Rings—J.Crew Sliced ring, J.Crew Stone Signet ring, J.Crew Orb ring

Watch—Michael Kors

Lip—Mac “Flat-out Fabulous” lipstick, Mac ‘Heroine’ lip pencil

Get the look:

Colorblocking to Brighten Up Your Winter Style

During the winter, we spend a lot of time in our winter coats. A winter coat, then, is a major purchase. It’s a purchase that often prompts us to think about fit and function. For several years, I did what seemed like the prudent thing, and I purchased classic coats in classic colors like black and grey. But, I live in color, and coats in my favorite bold colors excite my style sensibilities and fit my lifestyle.

I purchased today’s featured coat—a purple wrap coat by Calvin Klein—in Marshalls back in 2011. I loved it at first sight, but I was worried that the color might date the coat. I’m so glad I went with my instincts on this one, though, because four years later, I love it even more. This coat has been the perfect finishing touch to many colorful winter looks (see Surviving the Winter in Style).

In today’s look, my purple coat is just what I needed for some winter style colorblocking.

Dress—Wells Grace (sold out in pink)

Coat—Calvin Klein | similar, similar
Boots—BP | similar

Bag—Kate Spade | option

Earrings—House of Harlow

Necklace—J.Crew | option
Watch—Michael Kors

Lip—Mac “Up the Amp” lipstick, Mac “Magenta” lip pencil

Eyez Open on Broadway mural in St. Louis

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Mix and Match: Brights and Bold Prints

Black, grey, navy…I’m so over winter and the darker hues so popular during this season. I perked up recently when I saw that spring styles were arriving in my favorite stores. Hello spring color! I was so energized by the sight of brights. Why wait for spring, then, to wear brighter colors? I’m going to try to add a pop of color to my looks this winter.

In today’s post, a yellow silky sweater adds a little pep to a stripe dress. In lieu of a winter hat, I’m wearing a head wrap that features thick bars with printed etchings.

 

Mural by Craig Downs in The Grove, St. Louis

Sweater—Banana Republic | similar

Dress—Anthropologie (old) | similar
Sweater tights—℅ Kushyfoot
Boots—b.o.c. Born Concepts (old)

Bead necklace—℅ Karma Mantra

Letter charm—℅ Kendra Scott
Watch—Michael Kors

Rings—J.Crew Sliced ring, J.Crew Chunky Stone ring, J.Crew Orb ring

Lip—Mac “Carmine Rouge’ lipstick, Mac ‘Brick’ lip pencil

Yellow sweaters:

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