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

5 Zoom Backgrounds For Amazing Work From Home Settings

2020 switched things up on us. Many of us have found ourselves working from home. Some of us are finding out that this work-from-home life might be permanent. Take the stress out of worrying about how your home looks by adopting one of these easy tricks to set up perfect zoom backgrounds. As an added bonus, everything is affordable and requires zero skills to setup.

Zoom backgrounds
5 Easy-To-Create Zoom Backgrounds
1. Artsy wall backdrop

I’m no DIY-er, and painting is not my forte. So, you better believe this backdrop doesn’t require any of these skills. Get this. The striking design on my wall is achieved by decals. I always choose decals when I want a statement wall because they’re easy to apply, and more importantly, they’re easy to remove. We deserve the right to change things often.

Zoom backgrounds

Wall decals | Laptop stand | Candle holder | Candle | Faux palm plant via Home Goods | Chair

Purple sweater | Coral joggers

2. Room Rater Envy

Obsessed with Room Rater reviews on Twitter? It’s super easy and affordable to create a bookcase backsplash of your own. Well, the books are on you. But, the white bookcases, all from Ikea, make it easy to customize to your needs. You have the option to buy as many shelves as you want and place them where you need them. I sacrificed a window to create this continuous flow of books, and it was totally worth it.

Zoom backgrounds

Billy Bookcases | Extra Shelves | Chair | Pajama set

3. Corner office

Space tight? No worries! Even a corner can be spruced up. I relied on a combination of wall decals and favorite artifacts to design this backdrop. My bamboo window coverings totally fit the vibe as well.

Zoom backgrounds

Wall decals | Ikea plant | Ladder desk | Hoodie + shorts

4. Happy Hour Spot

Zoom happy hours are actually a thing now. Why not let your backdrop function for the event as well. I decorated my bar cart to serve as a backdrop. And, of course, all the essentials for the event will be handy.

Zoom backgrounds

Raffia bar cart | Wall baskets | Snifters (More details here)

5. Fashion Link-ups

Fashion is a big part of my life. When I’m doing fashion-related zooms, I stream from the cute and tidy parts of my closet room. In this corner, I replaced the doors from the actual tiny closet and covered the opening with drapes. Next to that, my shoes and bags are organized on a Billy bookcase.

Billy Bookcase | Society 6 curtains

How To Stand Out in Your Next Video Call

I work remotely for a tech company that has a very casual vibe. So, my daily uniform is one of my favorite jogger sets (like this Target pullover/jogger combo that I own in 3 colors) or some combination of my favorite knits. My sets are cute and comfy, but some days (especially those that involve a video call) I just want a little more oomph. I like to throw on some statement jewelry when that’s the case. And, sis, Kendra Scott’s Spring 2021 Collection, which dropped today, is filled with the perfect statement makers. I’ve rounded up my absolute must-haves.

Kendra Scott Natalie Earrings and Cocktail Ring

Since cutting my hair, I prefer wearing smaller earrings. I took one look at the rattan-inspired design on these large Natalie earrings and knew I’d be making an exception. They’re GORGEOUS. I’m designating them my go-to pair for special occasions. But, when my casual knits need a little jazzing up to hop on a zoom call, these earrings do the trick every time. And, the coordinating Natalie cocktail ring? It might be my favorite Kendra Scott ring ever. I talk with my hands just to show it off.

video call style

What I’m wearing: Kendra Scott Natalie statement earrings and Natalie cocktail ring

Rebecca Large Long Pendant Necklace And More

The Rebecca necklace is so edgy, from the bold chain to the standout pendant. It’s the best finishing touch for turtlenecks or pullover sweatshirts. It takes those pieces from plain to fashion in an instant. I’m also wearing the Brylee chain bracelet. By the way, the Brylee necklace is another new favorite for dressing up basic knits. I’m also wearing the Natalie ring in this look. I told you it was my favorite.

video call style

What I’m wearing: Rebecca Gold Long Pendant Necklace In White Mussel | Zoey huggie earring set | Brylee chain bracelet (see also Brylee necklace)| Natalie cocktail ring

See what I mean? The pieces are extra special in this collection. Check out the entire new launch here. You’ll surely find the perfect items to add a little pizazz to your video call style.

Disclosure: My Kendra Scott jewelry was gifted for editorial purposes. All opinions are my own.

Cozy Chic Outdoor Style For The Current Times

The holiday season is surely going to be different this year. Gosh, 2020 has brought us all kinds of new experiences. When I need a break from being safest-at-home, I head outdoors to explore my city. Enjoying outdoor activities gets tricky as it gets colder, but I’m committed to extend that enjoyment. So, I’ve been searching for a new puffer to make sure my outdoor style is on point.

I partnered with Everlane to create some Instagram Stories yesterday. When I pulled my featured outfit for those stories, I knew immediately what I wanted–the ReNew Long Puffer. This puffer was exactly what I didn’t know I was looking for. And, it is inspiring my cold-weather, outdoor style

outdoor style

What I’m wearing:

Puffer coat | Turtleneck top | Leggings | Boots (new version, option) | Bag

Kendra Scott earrings | Kendra Scott ring | Lip: Pat McGrath “Elson” | Face mask

outdoor style

The Everlane puffer jacket immediately caught my eye because of its overall luxe look. Do you see those oversized button flap pockets? I was all the way sold, though, when I saw it came in 3 colors including this right-on-trend Chestnut hue. When I received it, I was blown away by its high quality. And, when I wore it, I was blown away by how warm and cozy it is. I’m actually looking forward to colder temps because I’m ready with my outdoor style.

outdoor style

On frigid days when my coat needs to show up and rep my style, this puffer jacket will be the one. Such a statement coat doesn’t even need much help to create fabulous outfits. I’m wearing it here with a turtleneck top and leggings. That’s it!

If you’ve never shopped Everlane, use the code PSYCHE15 to get 15% off your first order.

Location: St. Louis Union Station

Outdoor Style Essentials:

Fashioning The Face Mask

No matter where you stand on the issue of face masks, there has been an abundance of evidence that suggests they make us safer. I’ve chosen to wear a face mask for months now. My city of St. Louis mandated masks last Friday, so I thought I’d share a cool way I’ve been embracing my masks as accessories. In the following Instagram video, I’m colorblocking with my masks, y’all.

Orange dress | Green romper (sold out) | Turquoise dress | Masks

My masks are from Shein, and they came in a set of 4 for about $10. They’re cool if you’re looking to add more to your rotation without spending much. There are several face mask styles to choose from. Target has some really affordable and accessible sets for the entire family as well (see them here).

Want more mask styling inspiration? See here, here, and here.

How To Make Neon Work In Your Everyday Look

No surprise. I’m a bright color lover. But, neon colors intimidate me a bit. After all, looking like a highlighter is not the vibe. Since the neon trend is all the rage this year again, though, I thought I’d get with it and at least give it a try. Interested in doing the same? Here are 2 ways to ease into the neon trend.

neon trend

What I’m Wearing:

Cropped tank top (size small) | Pants (option, shorts option, option) | Sneakers (option)

Bandana (sold out, new options from same brand) | Sunglasses | Watch | Anklet

1. Find your neon hue

We all have colors that spark joy for us, so I bet there’s even a neon hue for you too. This super bright, lime green color does it for me. I saw it and immediately envisioned it blending in with my overall wardrobe. I could use it to colorblock like I did in today’s look. I could also pair it with neutrals, like my cream pants (see them here). It’ll even look good with jeans.

neon trend neon trend

2. Ease into the trend

Instead of going head-to-toe highlighter, test it out. Neon accessories, from bags to belts to earrings, could make it easy to get a feel for the trend. Sandals and slides in the brighter hues are quite popular as well, and they can offer just the right pop of color to your summer looks. Since it’s summer, a barely-there-piece, like a neon bralette or cropped tee, could be easy to rock too. I’ve never met a cropped, tank top I didn’t like. So, this one in lime green (aka highlighter yellow) is a hit for me.

neon trend

Want to see even more easy-to-wear highlighter pieces. Check out the widget below.

Shop Easy-To-Wear Neon Styles: