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

What I Wore for an Evening Out in Paradise

No matter where I’m going or how long I’m traveling for (up to a week, that is), I pack carry-on luggage only. To facilitate that, I plan every look before I pack to ensure that I’m only taking items I’m going to wear. This particular trip was easy to style because all I needed was beachwear and dresses. The only other factor I considered before selecting pieces was the resort’s dress code. There are always a few locations on a resort that require resort evening attire. This dress code is especially relevant because it discourages things many people wear while on an island vacation, like shorts and slippers.

Kate Spade leopard dot tie back dress 1c

Dress: Kate Spade (on sale, cheaper at outlet store)

Flats: Madewell (on sale)

Earrings: c/o Kendra Scott (sold out online, similar style)

Sunglasses: Tory Burch c/o St. Louis Premium Outlets

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

Kate Spade leopard dot tie back dress 4c

To meet the dress code, I packed a few ‘nice’ dresses. My Kate Spade Leopard Dot Tie-Back Dress, for example, was perfect for an evening out. My Madewell Thea Sandal in Embossed Leather was my go-to ‘dressy’ shoe. Its d’Orsay style at least made it a step up from a thong sandal.

Resort evening attire, Kate Spade leopard dot tie back dress, Sandals Grande St. Lucian

For jewelry, I packed a few of my favorite statement earrings, like my Kendra Scott Adair Earrings. If you missed out on this style, check out the smaller Kendra Scott Adie Earrings. My sunnies are the Tory Burch Fret-T Square Sunglasses that I got for less at Saks Off 5th.

Tory Burch FRET-T SQUARE SUNGLASSES 1cKate Spade leopard dot tie back dress 3c

Hanging on to the Last Bikini Moments of the Summer

I’ve been partnering with Venus for about a year to showcase some of my favorite affordable finds from the retailer. Some of my finds became instant wardrobe staples like my black skinny pants because I wear them all the time (seen here, here, and here). Other pieces became go-tos for special occasions like my LBD (seen here). All of my beach-y styles, though, became must-pack items for my island getaways. Since Venus does swimwear and beachwear so well, I turned to them when searching for the first bikini I’d wear in over 15 years. Consequently, that bikini, a sunny yellow number, was perfect for creating enjoyable bikini moments.

Sandals Grande St Lucian, Venus sunny yellow bikini 3c

Cover-up: c/o Venus (size s/m)

Bikini top: c/o Venus (size C)

Bikini bottom: c/o Venus (size 6)

Earrings: Kendra Scott (love this new style)

Sandals: Sam Edelman ‘Gigi’

Sunglasses: Kate Spade (similar J.Crew style)

Lip: Mac “Rebel” lipstick, Mac “Currant” lip pencil

Bikini Moments, Sandals Grande St Lucian, Venus sunny yellow bikini 5c

While my home country St. Kitts is my most beloved island, St. Lucia is one of my favorites. So, my husband and I jetted out to the island for a last vacay of the summer. We stayed at the Sandals Grande St. Lucian, a dreamy spot for couples because every corner of the place is serene and no kids are allowed. Stay tuned for details on our stay later this week.

Sandals Grande St Lucian, Venus sunny yellow bikini 6c

What is it about the Caribbean Sea? After a morning dip in the ocean, I always feel inspired to unleash my inner Usain Bolt. Ha. Seriously, though, as a child, no week ever started for me without a beach visit. Sundays at the beach were ritual.

Sandals Grande St Lucian, Venus sunny yellow bikini 8cSandals Grande St Lucian, Venus sunny yellow bikini 9cSandals Grande St Lucian, Venus sunny yellow bikini 10c