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

Labor Day Style and Sales

Happy Labor Day to those of you celebrating in the US. I’m usually in NYC for Labor Day visiting with family, but this year I’m chilling in St. Louis. I actually have a work meeting later this afternoon.

Jacket—Gap

Tank—Banana Republic (on sale)
Shorts—J.Crew (old) | option

Shoes—Converse ℅ Get The Label
Clutch—Anthropologie pencil case | clutch version at J.Crew

Earrings—℅ Kendra Scott

Watch—Movado | Skagen option

Lip—Mac Vamplify “How Chic Is This”, Mac “Heroine” lip pencil
Blush—NYX powder blush in mocha

My look for the day is laid-back and comfortable. I have a few errands to run this morning, so I reached for my current favorite sneakers, a pair of slip-on Converse trainers. This entire look actually started from the sneakers up.

One of my errands today involves swinging by a few of my favorite stores to check out the Labor Day offerings. These are the sales that caught my attention:

Labor Day sales to note:

J.Crew: Extra 50% off final sale Items plus free shipping

J.Crew Factory: 50% off everything plus free shipping

Anthropologie: Extra 30% off sale items

Ann Taylor: 60% off fall styles

Banana Republic: 40% off your entire purchase

Gap: 40% off your entire purchase

H&M: Up to 60% off select styles

JCPenney: Additional savings with these coupon codes

Loft: Extra 50% off sale items

Old Navy: Entire store up to 60% off plus extra 20% off online orders

Nordstrom Rack: Extra 25% off clearance items

Converse trainers in my usual size 8.

If you caught my Shifting Fashion Scenes post, you read all about my favorite spaces to photograph in St. Louis. Well, I’m working on a cool new project that celebrates St. Louis; and I’ll be sharing my favorite things about the Lou, through imagery of course, via my social media channels. A version of the image below will be my first post in that series which launches tomorrow on Instagram.

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Location: Moto Wall at Grand Center, St. Louis

Shop the look:

In the Summer Flow

I may not be spending this summer on a beach, but I’ll surely be taking my favorite beach-y style to the city streets of St. Louis. I love a flowing dress with a halter neckline. It’s practically my all-day uniform for sunny days spent at home in St. Kitts. When I peeped the braided halter high-low dress featured today, then, I knew I had to try it on.

Dress—℅ Venus Swim & Fashion

Bag—Kate Spade Saturday | option, option

Shoes—Arturo Chiang | similar

Earrings—℅ Berry Brand
Rings—℅ Berry Brand rotating Lapis ring, rotating howlite ring

Watch—Michael Kors

Lip—Mac “Asian Flower” lipstick, Mac “Heroine” lip pencil

Blush—NYX powder blush in mocha

The dress is available in two perfect shades of blue and red. At first sight, the blue was my preferred choice. Since I just purchased the Express pleated maxi dress in blue (see it worn here), though, I decided that the red would add more value to my wardrobe.

Location: Ritz Park on South Grand, St. Louis

I’m not sure if I’m colorblind, but this ‘modern red’ color that’s so popular always looks orange to me. I would describe this dress as orange and not red. What color do you see?

No matter what the color is, the standout feature of the dress is surely its dramatic high-low hemline, complete with an eyelet trim. This hemline takes the dress from cute to gone-with-the-wind fabulous.

I’m wearing the halter dress, which retails for $46, in a size small. It’s available in sizes extra small through extra large.

To the Max: Pleated Chiffon Maxi Dress

Last night, I attended my first Delux Magazine event since joining the team as a style contributor. It was a cool celebration at a hip lounge in the city. I thought it was the perfect occasion to finally wear my blue pleated chiffon maxi dress. I’ve been hunting for a maxi dress like this one since seeing Shea of Curves and Confidence rock a similar one. So, when I found this style on sale and in a perfect shade of blue, I bought it with no hesitation.

Pleated chiffon overlay. V-neck in the front and back. Adjustable straps. This classic maxi dress is stunning summer staple. I can imagine wearing it for many summers.

Dress—Express (on sale)

Shoes—J.Crew (on sale)

Clutch—Aldo (old) | H&M option

Earrings—℅ Happiness Boutique

Watch—Michael Kors

Lip—Mac “Asian Flower” lipstick, Mac “Heroine” lip pencil

Blush—NYX powder blush in mocha

My dress was the focal point of the entire look. I wanted to keep my accessories minimal but interesting. My vintage-looking crystal tassel earrings from Happiness boutique added the perfect, elegant touch. This boutique, by the way, carries an extensive collection of trendy jewelry at affordable prices. These earrings, for example, are only $21.64 and ship for free.

The dress features a pleated chiffon overlay. This detail is perfect for creating dramatic, flowing movements. And, you know how sometimes the slip layer of a dress like this one is just all wrong? Not on this dress. The slip is fluid and non-clingy.

I’m wearing the dress in an extra small. The dress has an oversized fit, so sizing down is probably a good idea. It’s also quite long. I have to wear the maxi with heels at my 5’4″ height or it will be sweeping the floor. The adjustable straps come in handy here because you can shorten them and essentially shorten the dress.

My old Aldo beaded clutch was a perfect companion for the dress. If you’re on the market for a beaded clutch, the H&M beaded clutch (only $34.95) is just as stunning.

Fashioning the Fourth

Red. White. Blue. And, Sparkle. If cutoffs and flag tees won’t cut it for your 4th of July plans, a chic look like this one will still show your patriotic spirit. Have a happy 4th of July if you’ll be celebrating in the US!

Dress | Tote | Earrings | Sneakers | Sunglasses

All Black and Perfect for Summer

I blinked and Piperlime was gone. Such a loss. I was a regular deal hunter at Piperlime. That retailer was one of the few I would routinely shop online. Y’all know I hate to pay for shipping. Shopping Piperlime’s site was easy, then, because shipping was always free. I already miss you, Piperlime. Summer black dress

Dress—Sabine via Piperlime | option

Shoes—Steve Madden

Bag—Kate Spade Saturday

Earrings—J.Crew | option

Bracelet—J.Crew | option

Rings—Gorjana Teagan ring, J.Crew | love this

Watch—Michael Kors

Lip—Mac “Flat Out Fabulous” lipstick, Mac “Heroine” lip pencil

Blush—NYX powder blush in mocha

Warmer weather is usually my cue to wear all the bright colors all the time. This summer black maxi dress, purchased on mega sale at Piperlime, has become a summer staple for me though. The breezy dress is the perfect backdrop for mixing in bold gold accessories, pops of color, and even vibrant prints.

In today’s look, my accessories, like the Steve Madden Donddi sandal with its hip patterned strap over the vamp, give the dress a casual chic vibe. By the way, the black maxi dress can be such a versatile piece, transforming effortlessly from fancy affair to running errands with a simple switch of accessories. I wore this summer black dress to travel recently and it traveled so well. Not a wrinkle in sight.

Location: Metro Theater Company, St. Louis