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

Wide-Leg Pants for Under $15!

Ready or not, wide-leg trousers have heralded a new must-have silhouette in pants for spring and summer this year. If you’re looking to add a little drama to your wardrobe this season, loose and slouchy pants might do the trick. At only 5’4″, I was hesitant to try these pants. But, I’ve worn them before, so I could wear them again, right? I just had to find the right pair. And, I found that pair in an unlikely place—Forever 21. The best part is these Forever 21 linen-blend drawstring pants are only $14.90! There are other cool features, of course, like the elasticized drawstring waist and pockets. Yes, there are pockets!

Camisole—Old Navy

Sweater—Banana Republic

Pants—Forever 21 (limited sizes online, but available in-store)
Shoes—Steve Madden
Bag—℅ Chameleon Girl on Etsy

Bracelet—J.Crew (old) | option, option

Watch—Michael Kors

SunglassesKate Spade Outlet | similar

I’m wearing the wide-leg pants in a size medium. Size small was a tad too tight around my hips. By the way, these pants are available in five other colors. I found this black pair in a local store recently.

I’m especially fond of the look of wide-leg pants worn with flats. The Forever 21 pair is perfect, then, because it’s the ideal length for doing just that. If you’re taller, these pants may be too short for you.

Here’s a close-up to capture the texture and drawstring waist on the pants.

Complement Your Style With Spring Scarves

Lightweight scarves are perfect complements to our spring wardrobes. For those abnormally cold spring days or those overly air-conditioned spaces, scarves function as crucial warming layers. And, style wise, a scarf could add that perfect pop of color or print, an often important finishing touch to make an outfit unique.

I’m most fond of infinity scarves because they’re fuss-free and versatile (see one of my favorite ways to wear an infinity scarf here). You understand, then, why I couldn’t resist the J.Crew mixed print infinity scarf. Its print and color combination makes it just what I need to jazz up a few of my spring and summer ensembles.

Mixed print infinity scarf | d’Orsay fabric flats (new print)

Shop my favorite spring scarves:

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Travel Style

Swingy top. Ponte knit pants. Comfy flats. That’s pretty much my formula for traveling fashionably. I’m off to NYC today to attend a friend’s wedding. From the moment I touch down in the big city, I hit the ground running. It’s important, then, that I’m dressed comfortably. But, who says comfy can’t be stylish too?

Top—Anthropologie
Pants—Tahari | similar
Sandals—Steve Madden “Donddi”
Bag—Rebecca Minkoff | similar
Earrings—House of Harlow
Necklace—J.Crew metallic bell necklace | option
Rings—Gorjana Teagan ring, J.Crew sliced ring, J.Crew orb ring

Watch—Michael Kors

Lip—Mac “Flat Out Fabulous” lipstick, Mac “Heroine” lip pencil
Blush—NYX powder blush in mocha

Sizing? I’m wearing the swing top in an XS. 

The Steve Madden Donddi sandal is the most comfortable sandal ever! You wouldn’t believe where I found this pair? Burlington Coat Factory, y’all.

Shopping for a chambray peplum top? Check out these styles:

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Favorites: Macy’s Destination Spring Fashion Show

From Cabo to Marrakech to Austin to Paris to Tuscany and then to Dubai. The Macy’s Destination Spring Fashion event last Saturday at West County Center in St. Louis took attendees around the globe in style. The event, hosted by celebrity blogger Courtney Kerr, showcased looks that she styled for each destination. I left inspired and with a few styling ideas I’d like to try this spring, like wearing a maxi skirt as a dress. Today’s post shares some of my favorite sightings at the event.

Clearly, I have to step up my spring and summer shoe game. The sandals featured in the show were stunning. These three pairs drew oohs and ahhhs from the crowd. Hello, fringe!

  Caged Sandal | Fringe Sandal | Floral Sandal

Courtney wore a comfy-chic, denim, wide-leg jumpsuit. It had a bandeau top and hip utility pockets. And, guess what? The jumpsuit is available at Macy’s too.

Denim Jumpsuit | Similar Sandals

The next three looks were standouts in the entire runway show. A versatile black jumpsuit. A spirited palm print twin-set. A classic shift in a fresh paisley print.

Black Jumpsuit | Palm Print Top and Skirt | Paisley Print Dress

Shop the looks:

Global Flair

Your style this spring and summer could be your ticket to anywhere in the world. Fashion continues to celebrate global cultures by infusing elements of the dress codes of far-off places. Hit the global trail with me this year by adding  one (or all) of these pieces to your wardrobe.

Skirt | Peplum top | Pumps | Bucket bag | Earrings | Necklace | Map print