Looking Back, Looking Forward

Another classic. There is nothing more chic and sophisticated than a fabulous cowl neckline on ordinary winter knits. The loose-fitting turnover collar adds softness, movement, and extra style to our cozy sweaters and sweater dresses, demonstrating that we can be fly throughout the freeze.

Today’s look features a black and cream textured knit dress with a body skimming silhouette and a fabulously draped cowl neck. The dress is worn with a red belt, textured black tights, and black pumps.








Dress—Willi Smith via TJ Maxx
Belt—The Limited
Tights—Merona for Target
Shoes—Nine West via Marshalls

Check out The Right Shift, Chic Winter Dressing, and Losing Love for an Old Friend posts for some cowl neck looks featured in the past at Economy of Style.

Wanted: Soft and Cozy Cardigan

Gotta get carded.  You may remember from my Favorite Summer Cardigan post that I love and rely on the versatility of v-neck cardigans.  Well, I’ve been on the look out for a couple fall styles.  I’ve been drawn to the trendy long cardigans, but most have been somewhat overwhelming on my 5’4” frame. 

I think I've found what I’ve been looking for in Ann Taylor Loft’s pima cotton v-neck cardigan.  It is luxuriously soft and quite durable.  It comes in about 9 colors including my favorites—peridot, deep rose, and grey.  It also has a long fit that is just right for us shorter women. 

If you’ve been keeping up with the Loft’s weekly special values, you know that this week the cardigan is available for just $24.50!

 

The Fabulous Sheath

A classic. We’ve got to love the timeless and totally flattering sheath dress. It endures passing trends and transitions easily from day to night.

Recently, I fell in love with Banana Republic’s graphic print sheath. Knowing that I would be crushed if I saw the dress on sale after paying the $140 retail price, I decided to wait for the usual BR price slashing. Unfortunately, the dress sold out in my size before I could cop one on sale. It’s the risk we take on the search for a great bargain, right?










I bounced back from the loss of the BR sheath when I spotted an equally sophisticated London Times dress in Marshalls. This dress had cap sleeves, a round neck with pleated detailing, and a very chic two-tone styling. It also came with a cheesy skinny patent belt, a detail I was willing to overlook since it was only $24.99!

Check it out.
















1. Skinny belt that came with the dress
2. Red belt—The Limited
3. Yellow belt—Banana Republic Factory Store
4. Cardigan—Ann Taylor Loft


See Looking Back, Looking Forward for another sheath dress look.

“Live Within Your Means. Dress Beyond Them”

New shopportunities. I had never entered a Dress Barn store until I recently had the opportunity to check out the store’s new denim collection. With a mission statement like “live within your means, dress beyond them,” it makes no sense that Dress Barn and I weren’t acquainted before now either.

Back to the denim. I was impressed to find the wide range of denim possibilities—low waist to high waist fits, light washes to dark washes, skinny leg to trouser jeans, petite to regular fits, non-stretch to stretch fits, and a size range of 4 to 24. There were even jeans with features I couldn’t quite comprehend like bedazzled and print side panels. But hey, to each her own.

I tried on a few pairs and narrowed my favorites to a regular bootcut jean and a petite straight leg number. After a quick mental assessment of my wardrobe needs and the assistance of my personal shopper, I decided on a pair of dark rinse bootcut stretch jeans. And, get this, they retail for $29.99 at full price!

Check out a few looks with the new jeans.

1.

Ruffled top—Ann Taylor

Belt—MICHAEL Michael Kors via Marshalls

Shoes—Tahari via UpperBid

Jeans—Dress Barn

2.

Green Tee—Old Navy

Cream cami—Old Navy

Blazer—Banana Republic

Shoes—Nine West via Marshalls

Jeans—Dress Barn

3.

Tank—Old Navy

Blazer—Banana Republic

Shoes—Nine West via Marshalls

Jeans—Dress Barn

Bag—Coach via Rag-O-Rama

Looking Back, Looking Forward

Full and flirty classic. This summer the full skirt has been one of my go-to pieces. These voluminous skirts are not only versatile, but also quite flattering on those of us who are bottom-heavy. To balance a look with a full skirt, I opt for slim-fitting tops that create a fit and flare silhouette.

Top—Forever 21

Skirt—Banana Republic

Scarf—H&M

Shoes—Tahari via Marshalls

Top—The Limited

Skirt—Banana Republic Factory Store

Scarf—Anne Klein via TJ Maxx

Belt—MICHAEL Michael Kors via Marshalls

Shoes—Franco Sarto via Marshalls

Full skirts transition well into the Fall. For a couple Fall looks, check out Clean Classic Chic and Match Made in Heaven.

Black, White, Summer Chic

Where did summer go? Anyway, this past summer the high contrast combination—black and white—has been quite popular and so attractive. Black and white always looks fresh and sophisticated though, doesn't it?. Let’s take a look back at some of my favorite black and white looks this summer.

Dress—BCBG Max Azria via Nordstrom

Shoes—Tahari via Smartbargains

Bag—Linea Pelle

STATUS: RETURNED. I loved the print on this BCBG dress, but the fit was not the most flattering. So, I returned it and got the following dress from Ann Taylor (which not only fit better, but was a lot cheaper with a fantastic AT summer sale).

Dress—Ann Taylor

Shoes—Tahari via Smartbargains

Bag—Linea Pelle

Dress—Express

Top—BCBG Max Azria via eBay

Leggings—Marshalls

Shoes—Tahari via Marshalls

Bag—Linea Pelle

*This top is actually a dress that was too short for me. To salvage the eBay buy, I wear it as a top.

Look out for Fall remixes of these classic black and white looks.

Favorite Summer Cardigan

Disclaimer. I love cardigans. Anyway, Old Navy’s summer cardigan with its lightweight cotton, deep V-neckline, and three quarter sleeves is the perfect warm weather companion. These cardigans work fabulously at the office, substituting for those too-stiff-for-summer blazers, and also provide just enough coverage for those chilly summer nights.

Here are a couple looks created with my cardigan picks.

Green Cardigan—Old Navy

Cream Cami—Old Navy

Khaki Pleated Skirt—Banana Republic

Belt—Vintage

Scarf—Marshalls

Tan Peep-toe Pumps—Tahari via UpperBid

Purple Cardigan—Old Navy

Black Dress—Gap

Leopard Skinny Belt—Oscar de la Renta via Marshalls

Red Peep-toe Pumps—Tahari via Smartbargains

Looking Back, Looking Forward

Bag check. Over the past year, I have received a few requests to feature the new bags that have appeared with some outfits. Today, we shall do just that.


The Clutch:
Linea Pelle Dylan Folding Clutch. This clutch is the perfect evening companion. It has the softest washed Italian leather. Its cool red color, accented by gold studs and a standout gold zipper, gives the bag a lot of punch.






The Satchel:
Francesco Biasia Blue Moon. This is my current go-to satchel. The aubergine patent leather goes well with everything. And, with features like gathered seams, whipstitched handles, and brushed goldtone hardware, what’s not to love?








The Tote:
Hobo International Bodega Bag. This cool carryall has replaced the three bags I used to take to work. It is stylish, too, with its three leather braid straps and two flap-patch pockets with leather-wrapped buckles.











Linea Pelle clutch via LP Collection
Francesco Biasia satchel via eBay
Hobo International Tote via Nordstrom (Anniversary sale)

Easy Breezy Summer Look

Laid-back style. So, today’s look pulls together those simple pieces that we all have in our closets—a v-neck tee, a camisole, and a full skirt. These basic wardrobe staples easily morph into a fairly cool outfit with the addition of a wide braided belt with a bold gold buckle and tan peep-toe pumps.

Tee—Old Navy
Camisole—Old Navy
Skirt—Banana Republic Factory Store
Belt—MICHAEL Michael Kors via Marshalls
Shoes—Tahari via UpperBid

Chic Friday Looks

By Day. This cool and casual day look features a summery white top with chic details like a crocheted boatneck, elasticized waist, and fluttery hem. The top is layered under a black cardigan and worn with denim straight leg jeans. Fuschia flats add a pop of color.

Top—Old Navy
Cardigan—Ann Taylor
Jeans—Banana Republic Factory Store
Shoes—SE Boutique via DSW











By night. A sleeveless khaki and black dress with black button accents around the collar anchors the evening look. The dress is worn with red peep-toe pumps and a red folding clutch with edgy, gold hardware.

Dress—Banana Republic Factory Store via eBay
Shoes—Tahari via Smartbargains
Bag—Linea Pelle via LP Collection