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

When You Decide It’s Time to Just #PutOnASwimsuit

A couple Sundays ago, my local blogger network had it’s member appreciation party at the pool at The Cheshire. I spent the entire day walking tall in a swimsuit, y’all. Not a swimsuit cover-up, but a swimsuit! I felt so comfortable that day. Was it the support of my super fly blogger squad? Perhaps it was my flawless makeup done by Brea Polittle or my free fro created by stylists from Dominic Michael Salon? Maybe it was my retro-inspired swimwear? I tried to figure out what was going on and eventually realized that I didn’t need a reason to just put on a swimsuit and be confident. Rocking a swimsuit by a pool is as natural as humming a tune after all!

Lori Coulter Swim Put On a Swimsuit

Left to Right (starting at the back): Julia | Amy | Manu | Elena | Jenna | Cary | Cara

Lori Coulter is a St. Louis-based, luxurious collection of ready-to-wear and made-to-order swimsuits. I became an instant fan of the brand the moment I noticed that it creates swimwear that celebrates the diversity of the female form. I have a pear shape, for example, and love flaunting my arms and upper body. The Ann Plunge Shirred Maillot was perfect for me, then, with its plunging neckline and shirred wrap torso.

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I’m wearing The Ann swimsuit in the color “nectarine,” a perfectly bright hue for this lover of color. It is available, however, in several other shades. I wore OPI “Live.Love.Carnaval” on my nails because it perfectly complemented the color of my suit. I’m also wearing my Kendra Scott “Caroline” earrings for a little sparkle.

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If you also find your perfect swim style at Lori Coulter, be sure to use the code economyofstyle2016 to get 20% off your order. The code is valid through July 31, 2016.

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Special thanks to Lori Coulter and the Alive Network for creating such an awesome experience. And, a super special thank you to Elizabeth Wiseman Photography for beautifully capturing the moments.

 

Spring Getaway Style: The Chic Cover-Up

While in Curacao, I stayed at the Renaissance Curacao Resort and Casino, which is centrally located in the capital city of Curacao—Willemstad. I had walking access to so many major attractions, from the Rif Fort to the Queen Emma Bridge that connects the city’s historic centre—Punda and Otrobanda. Wait until you see the photographs I snapped of the stunning landscapes.

One of my favorite things about staying at the Renaissance, though, was that it offered the most serene spaces for lounging. After a busy first day of exploring the city, my husband and I opted for a day of tranquility. And, the sea-view infinity pool at our hotel was perfect for that.

Cover-up: c/o Venus

Flip-flops: Mossimo

Sunglasses: Kate Spade “Tahira” (similar J.Crew style)

Earrings: Kendra Scott (new for spring)

Lip: Mac “Fashion Legacy” liquid lipcolour, Mac “Beet” lip pencil

We got up bright and early to catch the sunrise, one of my favorite things to do. It was so beautiful. I wore my mesh inset one-piece swimsuit, seen before in the #NOFOMO post. To move around the area for breakfast and drinks later, I relied on my crochet romper cover-up.

I felt so comfortable and confident in this little romper. The crochet and lace trim details are so adorable. This swimsuit cover-up looks and feels so much more luxurious than its $44 price. It fits true to size too. I’m wearing a size small.

Strapless swimsuits that’ll pair perfectly with the crochet cover-up:

#NOFOMO: Boosting My Swimsuit Confidence

This post is sponsored by Target.

Back in December, my husband and I decided to take a spontaneous trip to Playa del Carmen in Mexico. While booking our tickets, my inner critical voice kept telling me that my post-holiday body was far from “swimsuit-ready.” I’m comfortable making clothing flatter my body in any shape, but swimsuits? They’re so little. In Mexico, I relied on coverups and spent more time lounging around the Caribbean Sea instead of diving in and enjoying every moment to the fullest. Have you ever let insecurities prevent you from doing something you wanted to do?

We’re planning a spring break getaway to an island neither of us has visited. I want to experience that island to the fullest. So, I’ve decided that my current body, thick thighs and all, is beach-ready. I’m so committed to shaking off my insecurities that I’ve already purchased my swimsuits.

Mossimo mesh inset one piece

I feel most confident in retro, super stylish, one piece swimsuits. So, when Target launched its 2016 swimsuit collection in-stores, I grabbed several styles in several sizes and had a major try-on session one night. By the way, if you prefer to try-on swimsuits at home, Target makes it easy to do so by offering free-shipping and free returns. I took a ton of selfies in the fitting room to help me decide which pieces I liked best.

The three pieces I chose in Target are so my style. They’ve got sexy details. They’re comfortable. They each make bold fashion statements. I can’t way for my trip so I can wear these flattering suits.

 

Merona draped one piece

I was very pleased with the one piece swimsuit options at Target. They’re sophisticated and fashion forward. I’ve always wanted a suit with mesh cutouts, and the one I’m wearing is under $40, y’all.

Merona underwire print blocked one piece

 Find your style @TargetStyle

8 Bold Florals To Wear This Spring

Floral prints are surely spring style staples. Every year, there seems to be a new take on prints inspired by flowers. This year, florals are going bold. I adore the way Maryam Garba used florals on the sleeves of the “Psyche” dress. I’ve also been scouting my local Macy’s stores for the Rachel Roy halter neck midi dress since first spotting it online. Its dramatic floral print coupled with an asymmetrical hem could make this an “IT” dress for the warmer months. I’m also eager to try on the J.Crew crescent floral cluster earrings. Talk about a statement earring!

Today’s post shares my favorite bold floral picks for spring.

1. RACHEL Rachel Roy dress

2. J.Crew earrings

3. Aldo clutch

4. Kate Spade iPhone case

5. Steve Madden pump

6. ChicNova sunglasses

7. J.Crew skirt

8. Ted Baker swimsuit


More bold florals:

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Valentine’s Day by the Sea

My wish this Valentine’s Day is to be in a warm place bordered by the Caribbean Sea. A girl can dream, right? I’m just so over the blizzards and ice storms and everything winter has to offer. So, today’s post shares my ideal Valentine’s Day outfit. It’s the kind of look you rock when soaking up the sun while sipping on tropical beverages.

Hat | Swimsuit | Swimsuit cover-up | Flip-Flops | Beach Bag