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

How to Stay Stylish Even in the Airport

I’ve developed a bit of an airport uniform for myself. Why a uniform? Because airport travel can be hectic and I want my clothing to appease the process. My airport style, then, has to achieve a few things. First of all, what I wear has to make it easy for me to get through security quickly. Furthermore, my clothing should be comfortable enough for a brisk walk to my gate (if necessary). Especially relevant, I should be able to sit comfortably for hours in flight.

Airport Style, Travel Style 1c

Tank | Jeans (on sale this week) | Scarf (old) | Flats

Duffel bag | Suitcase | Sunglasses c/o St. Louis Premium Outlets

Today’s look shares my airport style from a day of travel yesterday. I had to be at the airport at 4 am, y’all. In the Midwest, we almost always need to connect before jetting out of the country, which requires early morning starts. Here’s the uniform I wore to make that entire day of travel a comfortable and stylish one.

Airport Style, Travel Style 2c

The look is anchored by the most comfortable, soft, and stretchy jeans ever. On the top, I wear layers. Since it’s the summertime, I went with a white tank paired with a silky scarf as a coverup. Finally, I wear slip-on flats.

Airport Style, Travel Style 3c

What’s your travel uniform?

5 Travel Essentials in the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

When I travel, I travel with carry-on luggage only. I take my favorite, lightweight, carry-on spinner (this style in another color) and a leather duffel bag as my personal item. My usual duffel (seen here) that I’ve been traveling with for 10 years is in need of a repair. Furthermore, estimates for that repair exceed what I paid for the bag. So, I’ve been shopping for a replacement because a duffel is one of my travel essentials.

I initially bought the popular Madewell Transport weekender but decided it was too big to carry as my personal item. It’s such a beautiful bag though. Just as I was browsing and seriously considering some pricier alternatives, the Sole Society ‘Cassidy’ faux leather duffel appeared (through the magic of cookies) as a suggested item. I clicked through and noticed that the bag usually retails for an affordable $69.95, but is only $45.90 at Nordstrom Anniversary Sale pricing. It’s also available in a few colors, including a dark cognac, the exact color I want. I ordered it, it arrived, and I love it. I’ll definitely let you see how I pack it for an upcoming trip. In the meantime, check out all these cool travel essentials I had initially overlooked in the #NSale.

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Travel Essentials

Travel essentials in the #NSale:

Monogram passport holder and luggage tag set, $48.90 (after $73)

Thong sandal, $139.90 (after $225)

Sunglasses, $112.90 (after $169.00)

Mac ‘Look in a Bag’, $39.50 ($71.50 value)

Faux leather travel duffel, $45.90 (after $69.95)*

*The duffel has been selling out and popping back online. Be sure to check your local stores as well. If you’re in St. Louis, the West County Nordstrom has it in stock.

A Fabulous Alternative for an Off-The-Shoulder Top

X marks the spot! The Banana Republic print cross-neck top is the perfect summer top. It’s shoulder-baring without the fuss of keeping it in place. It has a striking combination of print and color. It has a right-on-trend ruffle overlay. It’s even 40% off right now with the code BRFLASH!

Banana Republic Print Cross-Neck Top, J.Crew Sadie Flats in Snakeskin 1c

Top: Banana Republic (on sale with code)

Jeans: c/o DENIZEN® from Levi’s®

Shoes: J.Crew (new style!)

Earrings: J.Crew (old)

Rings: Kendra Scott (on sale), Kendra Scott (on sale)

Watch: Movado (new #NSale style)

Banana Republic Print Cross-Neck Top, J.Crew Sadie Flats in Snakeskin 10c1

I saw the top in-store while in New York City this past weekend, so I tried it on having had it wish-listed for a minute. I liked it so much that I purchased it and wore it the very next day. For reference, I’m wearing the top in a size small.

Banana Republic Print Cross-Neck Top, Summer Top

Mac ‘Midnight Mambo’ lipstick (try ‘Heroine’ lipstick) & Mac ‘Heroine’ lip pencil

Of course, I visited a few J.Crew stores while in the big city as well. We have J.Crew stores in St. Louis, but our local stores get a fraction of the inventory. St. Louis stores don’t even receive the shoes, and you know those are my favorite things to purchase at the Crew. While there, then, I tried on every shoe style I’ve been curious about. I’m glad I did, too, because J.Crew sizes aren’t consistent across styles. I bought the Sadie flats in snakeskin-printed leather in a half size smaller (7 1/2 instead of 8) than I usually wear. These flats are also available in a luxe-looking suede and a leopard calf hair.

J.Crew Sadie Flats in Snakeskin 6c2

Sadie flats in snakeskin-printed leather | DENIZEN® from Levi’s® Modern Skinny Jeans

Banana Republic Print Cross-Neck Top, J.Crew Sadie Flats in Snakeskin 2c

Tory Burch ‘Small York’ Tote

Banana Republic Print Cross-Neck Top, J.Crew Sadie Flats in Snakeskin 6c

Get Your Kicks in a Pair of Popular Sneakers!

I’m off to NYC today for a few days. Since my trips to NYC always involve more walking than I do in a typical day, I plan to rock comfortable flats for the entire trip. Sneakers will be a go-to choice, and I found the perfect pair at Famous Footwear recently. Seriously, though, Famous Footwear has some of the best sneaker styles for the entire family.

How to wear white sneakers, Adidas Neo Advantage Clean Sneakers 1c

For travel day, I’m rocking my Adidas Neo Advantage Clean sneakers. White tennis shoes are the must-have style of the summer, and this pair is so fresh and so clean. Just so you know, I sized down a 1/2 size for a perfect fit in this style.

How to wear white sneakers, Adidas Neo Advantage Clean Sneakers 2c

Tank: Old Navy | Jacket: Gap

Tights: Philosophy (similar)

Sneakers: Adidas c/o Famous Footwear

Hat: H&M (Men’s) | Bag: Gap (old) | Umbrella: Vera Bradly

Adidas Neo Advantage Clean Sneakers 2c

These shoes immediately caught my attention because of the perforated Adidas 3-stripes. That detail is so cool, right!?!

Adidas Neo Advantage Clean Sneakers 1c

After finding these fly shoes at famous Footwear, I shopped around for more athletic shoe styles. I got lucky and also found my new trainers for the gym. I decided on the Nike flex Supreme TR 4 in the beautiful platinum, crimson, and blue because of the color and the performance of this trainer style. My fall fashion sneakers shall be the Nike Air Max Motion in noble red, a beautiful berry hue for fall.

Adidas Neo Advantage Clean Sneakers 4c

Find today’s look in Famous Footwear’s #ForTheLoveOfShoes movement. My features went live last night, so you can check me out on Famous Footwear’s Facebook and Instagram.

How to wear white sneakers, Adidas Neo Advantage Clean Sneakers 6c

Thank you, Famous Footwear, for collaborating on this post!

Embracing Bold Prints for Spring 2016

When I was in Curacao last month, I did something that I rarely do on island—I shopped for clothing. The hotel I stayed in had a fabulous mall on the first floor. Every day I was there, I had to pass right by a Mango store with the most striking window displays. I was eventually lured into the store by this Mango print flowy dress sitting prominently in the window.

I loved almost everything about this dress. The print had a global chic flavor. It was sleeveless and belted. The fit though? Horrible on me. When the store associate saw how disappointed I was when the dress didn’t work, she let me know that the print was also available on a top. I tried that top on immediately, loved it, and bought it. Here it is today.

Blouse: Mango

Jeans: c/o Denizen

Hat: c/o Brooklyn Hat Company

Shoes: J.Crew
Bag: Tory Burch
Earrings: Kendra Scott
Ring: Kendra Scott (on sale)
Lip: Mac “Starlett Scarlet” lipstick, Mac “Kiss Me Quick” lip pencil

I may have wanted the dress version of this print, but the top brings more styling possibilities. Today, I created a funky look with cuffed jeans, but the top looks equally well with shorts, a pencil skirt, or dressier pants. It’s a breeze to dress up or down.

I capped off this fun look with my new hat for spring—a Brooklyn Hat Company Green Point Toyo Fedora. You may recognize the company name as it is carried in stores like Free People and Urban Outfitters. I envision rocking this hat all spring and summer. It fits well (I’m wearing a men’s large because I have big hair and a big head). The color combination is ideal for wearing with everything too.

My d’Orsay pumps in Flame added a perfect pop of color. Admittedly, when I first unboxed these pumps, I thought they were a tad bright. Who knew that super bright pumps could be so useful? I’ve worn them all week long.

I’m also wearing my go-to tote for the spring and summer—my Tory Burch Small York Buckle Tote in French Grey. If you’ve been eying anything at Tory Burch, now is the time to get it. There is a massive sale on right now. This bag at Tory Burch, for example, is 20% off with the code BLOOM (valid through 4/25). Discounts like this one at Tory Burch stores are rare.

Have a wonderful weekend!