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

Poolside Style

This summer, I’ve been falling in love all over again with my local area. My husband and I are both St. Louis transplants. I initially moved here for school and he relocated for work. Whenever we have downtime, we usually leave. So, we realized recently that we haven’t appreciated all that St. Louis and neighboring areas have to offer. We’ve been using our time-off, then, to explore the city and others in the state of Missouri. This week, we spent a few days at Lake of the Ozarks, soaking up the beauty of the area and mostly being lazy.

Today’s post shares what I wore to chill by the pool one day. I’m wearing a reversible Maaji swimsuit. I received the suit last year from the Orchid Boutique and it remains one of my favorites.

Swimsuit—Maaji ℅ Orchid Boutique

Skirt—J.Crew Factory
Shoes—Sam Edelman

Hat—BR Factory Store | similar, similar

Earrings—Kendra Scott

Watch—Michael Kors | similar

Sunglasses—Nine West ℅ Gordmans

Lip—Mac ‘Flat Out Fabulous’ lipstick, Mac “Magenta” lip pencil

Nails—OPI ‘You’re Such a Budapest’

4th of July Beach Style

I think I know why I’ve been having a hard time deciding on 4th of July plans. The problem is none of my options include what I’d probably love to do most—chill on a beach. What could be better than that, right? If I were spending the holiday sipping on rum punches and soaking up the sun by the sea, I’d want to be wearing this beach-y getup:

Ann Taylor swimsuit (on sale)

OKL beach towel (on sale)

Gap straw tote (on sale)

Havaianas flip flops 

Gap straw fedora (on sale)

Target sunglasses

The Orchid Boutique: Designer Swimwear at Discounted Prices

Swimsuit season is fast approaching and thanks to The Orchid Boutique—a designer swimwear, jewelry, and beach bag boutique based in Miami—I’ll be ready.

If you’re like me, always on the quest for designer items at great prices, then you, too, can get ready for swimsuit season at The Orchid Boutique.  The boutique’s clearance section comprises an extensive assortment of luxury swimsuits marked down by as much as 70% off!

I had the opportunity to try a swimsuit from The Orchid Boutique.  Choosing one swimsuit was a challenge because the boutique boasts a well curated collection of suits for fashion-forward and style-savvy women.

I decided on a Maaji one piece.  I favor somewhat conservative pieces with full coverage bottoms like this one.  This suit also flaunts a curve-friendly silhouette and overall sophisticated style.  And, guess what?  The Maaji swimsuit is reversible!  Gotta love that kind of versatility.

Maaji Swimwear lady lobster one piece.  See other Maaji Swimwear pieces at The Orchid Boutique

Reversible swimsuit—Maaji c/o The Orchid Boutique

Chambray shirt—Old Navy | similar

Sandals—Kanna via Marshalls | similar

Hat—H&M | similar

Bracelets—Pura Vida

Sunglasses—Cole Haan | similar

I can’t wait to sport my new swimsuit on the beach.  In the meantime, check out a few standout suits at The Orchid Boutique, all under $100:

1. Retro Polka dots  2. Sunrise Mist bottom  3. Monokini  4. Bikini bottom  5. Anchors away bikini

Disclosure: The Orchid Boutique provided a swimsuit free of charge for review purposes.  As always, the opinions and ideas expressed are my own.

Summer Style Versatility in a J.Crew Sanur Dress

We dress lovers are always exploring new styling options for the dresses in our wardrobes because our love of dresses need not limit wardrobe versatility.  So, when a dress is marketed as being “convertible,” we listen, right?

I purchased my first J.Crew Sanur dress a few years ago when preparing for a trip home to St. Kitts.  I figured it would be a great all-occasion dress to pack, and it certainly was.  

My sanur dress is so easy to wear and stylish that I often reach for it when I’m not on vacation too.  Here are a few ways I’ve been wearing my grey one.

1.  Poolside:

Swimsuit—Norma Kamali for Wal-Mart, Dress—J.Crew Sanur,
Flip-flops—c/o Havaianas, Bag—Michael Kors via eBay,
Sunglasses—DVF via Marshalls, Bracelet—Target
Headband—Scarf from Gap (gift)

2.  A Day in the City:

Dress—J.Crew Sanur, Shoes—Kanna via Marshalls, Clutch—Aldo
Bracelets—Amrita Singh Seema bangles via Gilt, Earrings—Kendra Scott Danielle,
Belt—Gap scarf worn above as headband, Watch—Michael Kors via TJ Maxx

3.  To the Office:

Top—Loft, Cardigan—c/o Fresh Produce (Santa Barbara cardigan), Skirt—J.Crew Sanur,
Shoes—Tahari via Nordstrom, Bag—Michael Kors Hamilton tote via Macy’s,
Earrings—Kendra Scott Danielle, Watch—Michael Kors via TJ Maxx

Since there was no Looking Back, Looking Forward post yesterday because of the holiday, here’s a quick look back at additional ways I’ve worn the same Sanur dress.

Original post:  Easygoing Chic-Gorgeous in Grey

Original post:  Spring Break Style III

Summer Shopping at Wally World

I teach classes on social welfare policy and at some point during the semester, my students and I talk about the socially unjust employment practices at Wal-Mart.  Many of my students choose to boycott shopping at Wal-Mart, and as a general rule, I do not shop there either.

Last year around this time, I was preparing for a trip home to St. Kitts, and was desperate for new swimwear.  I knew I wanted to spend very little because I rarely wear swimsuits.  I also wanted a chic one-piece.  While searching for a suit, I stumbled onto walmart.com and found the following one shoulder, stripe swimsuit by Norma Kamali. I believe it retailed for about $9 too.  I took a chance despite mixed reviews (driven largely by issues around fit) and ordered it.  This swimsuit quickly became one of my favorites and still is!

Swimsuit—Normal Kamali for Wal-Mart

Since then, I occasionally browse the Norma Kamali collection on Walmart.com.  Recently, I spotted a tube skirt with a striking tribal print on sale for $9.  Given my last amazing NK find, I did not hesitate to order it.  Besides, Wal-Mart’s shipping is only 97 cents.

The verdict.  The skirt’s print is quite striking in person, but the skirt is simply too short for my taste.  So, I won’t keep it.

Skirt—Normal Kamali for Wal-Mart, Tee—Max Studio via TJ Maxx, 

Blazer—Banana Republic, Shoes—Kelsi Dagger via Marshalls

Have you tried anything from the Norma Kamali or any other collection at Wal-Mart?