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

Light Fall Layers

We experienced our first fall chill in St. Louis last weekend. Not quite coat weather, I did some light layering to stay cozy and warm. My favorite pieces in my wardrobe are seasonless staples that can be styled all-year round. Yesterday, I reached for a few of those and threw them together to create a comfy fall outfit.

Tank—Banana Republic (on sale)

Shirt—J.Crew Factory (old) | new J.Crew Factory, J.Crew version
Vest—℅ Venus

Pants—℅ Venus
Bag—Rebecca Minkoff

Shoes—Madewell

Earrings—Kendra Scott

Watch—Movado

Lip—Mac Vamplify “Suggestive”, Mac “Brick” lip pencil

Blush—NYX “Intuition“

Today’s look started with the outfit I wore in the Fall Fashion Forward post. I kept most of the items in that look, added a long-sleeve shirt, and switched the shoes from pumps to oxfords. And, just like that, the ensemble was made appropriate for a colder day.

Oxfords are an easy choice for adding a lil hip flavor to fall looks. I’m quite fond of this Madewell pair because of its sleek and slim silhouette. The oxfords come laced, but can be worn laceless. I got them in my usual size 8, and they’ve been comfortable right out of the box.

I’ve gotten so much use out of the gingham button-down shirt I’m wearing. I purchased it on sale in J.Crew Factory last fall. It has a comfortably close fit that makes it perfect for layering. Remember how surprisingly well it paired with leopard? Shopping for one? Check out the new J.Crew Factory style and this J.Crew option.

Today’s images were taken at the Falstaff ghost sign in my neighborhood. I shot the earlier version of this look at the same location.

Adam Lippes for Target Hits Stores This Sunday

Target is about to do it again. This Sunday, September 27, the store’s latest designer collaboration launches online and in stores. Target challenged Adam Lippes, who started his fast-growing label in 2004, to produce an entire collection covered in plaid. Yes, from apparel to housewares, everything in his collection will be plaid.

Not a fan of plaid? Love plaid? Doesn’t even matter. Adam Lippes’ minimalist-chic approach to his collection for Target will get everyone mad about plaid. I love his classic designs so much that I’m considering standing in line at my neighborhood Target on Sunday morning. Find out if your stores will carry the collection by using the locator at the bottom of this Target page.

Check out the entire Adam Lippes for Target lookbook. Here are a few of my favorites:

If you’ve been in Target recently, you probably noticed a larger plaid theme in-store. Everything from Listerine to coffee mugs is covered in plaid. Here are a few other plaid items that are begging to join my wardrobe:

A Cozy Fall Knit for Under $20

H&M has been bringing it lately. I’ve found quite a few luxe-looking pieces at the usual low H&M prices this year. Today’s featured fine-it dress by H&M, also available in burgundy and dark grey, is only  $17.99! I like the dress as an affordable option for experimenting with fall’s trending textures and silhouettes. The dress has a mélange fabric and mock turtleneck.

I’ll be looking for this dress in my local stores. In the meantime, here’s one way I’d wear it:

 

Dress | Earrings | Tote | Oxfords

 

How to Wear: The Jess Oxford by Madewell

Oxfords are one of those trends that I’ve mostly shied away from. As a shorter woman, I gravitate towards shoes that are more leg-elongating, like pointed-toe pumps. I’m quite fond, however, of the overall hip vibe of oxfords. I’m also liking oxfords this time of year because they serve as a great transitional shoe; they’re the perfect style to wear between sandal season and boot season.

Top—℅ Ross

Shorts—MNG by Mango

Tote—Rebecca Minkoff

Shoes—Madewell (on sale)

Hat—H&M | similar H&M hat

Earrings—℅ Kendra Scott

Bracelet—J.Crew

Ring—℅ Kendra Scott

Watch—Movado | Skagen option

Lip—Mac Vamplify “Peer Pressure”, Mac “Currant” lip pencil

Blush—NYX powder blush in mocha

Oxfords are quite versatile and look good with almost everything. My favorite looks pair oxfords with shorter skirts and dresses, shorts, ankle pants, and leggings. I’ve been wearing my pair so much already. In addition to today’s look, these oxfords went really well with my Banana Republic belted romper (on sale).

Mixed metals! The J.Crew fireburst bracelet, one of my favorite pieces of jewelry, is back with a little twist. The re-released bracelet has blush beads at the tip of each gold matchstick. If you missed this statement piece last time, be sure to buy one early.

Nails | Ring | Bracelet

The black Jess oxford, now on sale, is a sleek and slim oxford that can be worn laced up or laceless. I’ve been wearing them laceless. By the way, I purchased the oxfords in my usual size 8, so the fit is true to size.

Black Jess oxford

I found another striking ghost sign in my city, y’all. This one, Red Diamond, is weathered but still legible. From what I’ve read, the ad was for Red Diamond Overalls for men.

7 Days in DENIZEN® from Levi’s® Jeans

This post is sponsored by Levi’s®

Perfect fit. Perfect style. I tried on a pair of DENIZEN® from Levi’s® jeans on a recent trip to Target, and I didn’t want to take them off. Target does it again! I’ve been searching for a super stretchy pair of jeans that hold their shape and flatter mine. The Essential Stretch Modern Skinny by DENIZEN® brand does just that. And, the best part? They retail for under $30.

These jeans fit so well and are so comfortable that I could wear them all week long. Picture this.

#7DaysinDENIZEN

 

Sunday Brunch: The combination of a draped scarf, pumps, and my dark skinny jeans creates a sophisticated look for Sunday brunch.

Scarf | Tank | Jeans | Shoes

Monday Morning Meeting: Adding a blazer gets the jeans ready for business.

Blazer (similar) | Tank | Jeans | Shoes

Tuesday Desk-to-Dinner: The jeans look quite polished when paired with a crisp white shirt. The resulting look is versatile enough to go from desk to dinner.

Shirt | Jeans | Shoes

Wednesday Afternoon Meeting: Jackets add instant polish to jeans. This on-trend jacket is the perfect partner for my skinny pair.

Jacket (similar) | Tank | Jeans | Shoes

Thursday Game Night: The jeans are the perfect anchor for a fun look with plaid.

Shirt | Jeans | Shoes

Casual Friday: Mixing blues in a denim on denim ensemble for casual Friday.

Top | Jeans | Earrings | Necklace

Saturday Shopping: A print blouse paired with the jeans is perfect for a day of running errands.

Blouse (option) | Jeans | Earrings

Next time you’re in Target, do yourself a favor, try on a pair of DENIZEN® from Levi’s® jeans. More of an online shopper? You can shop them at Target.com as well. The jeans are available in modern and curvy fits, short to long lengths, skinny and bootcut silhouettes, and several washes. I know you’ll find your perfect pair too.

Your on-the-go life requires jeans that move with you, hold their shape and flatter every step of the way. DENIZEN® jeans offer fits and styling uniquely designed to make you look incredible. Find your perfect seven days a week jeans at DENIZEN.com.