Psyche Southwell (36) is a poverty researcher and style contributor living in St. Louis, who documents her outfits on Economy of Style. Her style is Modern Classic, Preppy and feminine with the occasional mod touch. Our blogger is an expert pattern mixer who can’t resist a good print. She’s into statement jewellery and sporting her favourite pieces as often as possible. As a budget-conscious shopper, she is also a big believer in high-low style. Her beautiful curls and radiant smile are an integral part of her look.
“At the core, my style is classic. I build my wardrobe around timeless staples, and I make them my own by playing with color, print, and statement accessories. These days, I’m more inclined to push the envelope when it comes to my personal styling.
Psyche’s windowpane print trapeze top is the centrepiece of this polished casual look. The tiered layers make it extra interesting and more voluminous. The volume is toned down by pairing it with dark wash skinny jeans. The fitted, hip-length cardigan also streamlines the outfit, and is a great way to transition a Summer blouse into Fall. The cobalt blue pops against the white. Opting for dark red suede pumps creates an even richer colour palette. Currant lippie, a girly floral print clutch and statement mixed resin pendant earrings subtly add more colour and pattern.
Swingy peplum tops are a staple in Psyche’s wardrobe. They fit her feminine and fun style persona to a T. This flirty chambray number has cuffed elbow-length sleeves and a roomy, but not oversized fit above the bustline, which creates structure. The pleated peplum then tapers out over slim-fit shorts, which also adds visual balance. When browsing Pysche’s blog, you’ll quickly notice that she adores patterned footwear, and these fun fabric d’Orsay flats are just one example from her wonderful collection. The all-blue colour palette is complemented by an arty stone grid necklace in white, a big tortoise sport watch, bright fuchsia lipstick and cute colour splash clutch.
A borrowed-from-the-boys look that’s brilliant in its simplicity. Psyche built this high-low look around a well-fitting tailored Theyskens Theory blazer that she found on deep sale. She’s wearing it over a simple fitted white tee and black slim-fit ankle-length pants. A sleek silhouette that fits the menswear vibe perfectly. Black patent loafers add subtle sheen. Our blogger’s fabulous curls add lots of pizzazz. As always, Psyche’s accessories game is on point too. The chain strap on the citron clutch echoes the arty gold-toned rings Psyche is sporting on both hands. The eye-catching spiky bracelet adds refined hard edge. A silver chocker necklace and sunburst stud earrings add subtle bling up top. Bright lipstick and our blogger’s beautiful smile are the stylish finishing touches.
Psyche is an expert pattern mixer with a great eye for colour and proportions. Just looking at this vivid tomato red paired with the striped bag and marvelous floral print satin pumps makes me smile from ear to ear. The pleated midi hits our 5’4″ blogger just below the knee. Tucking the V-neck tee lengthens the leg line. The high-heeled pumps do the same. Wearing the dressy skirt with a simple tee and cheeky denim jacket is a fun way to casualize this red, white, and blue look. And notice how Psyche is wearing the same jewellery as in the previous outfit. She’s a huge fan of frequently sporting her favourite accessories. Here’s to Team Repeat!
When asked which Fall/Winter 2015 trend she is looking forward to the most, Psyche said:
“I’m most excited about the new approaches to pattern play (really unusual mixes of prints) and the apparent global influences on that trend. I plan to have fun experimenting with unexpected combinations using old and new additions to my closet.”
The peplum top from outfit two makes another appearance. This time, Psyche wore it for a trip to NYC. Comfort and practicality were key, so she paired it with black Ponte knit pants and fun flat ankle strap sandals. The chambray blouse is a statement piece that allows for plenty of movement, which makes it a great item to travel in. The white and black speckled part of the sandals adds some patterned fun to the mix (and matches Psyche’s gorgeous doggy). Our blogger’s toenail polish echoes the cobalt blue tote. Nice detail! The cuff bracelet and tribal-inspired bell pendant are the accessories du jour. Psyche’s curls and pink lipstick are the feminine finishing touches.
We can’t see the outfit underneath, but I picked this mod-inspired look to demonstrate what a huge impact outerwear and fab Winter accessories can have on your overall style. Psyche’s gorgeous colour blocked coat is undoubtedly the star of the show. The tailored A-line style fits her perfectly. The navy, orange, hot pink and grey colour combo is unusual and will brighten the dreariest Winter day. The leather toggle closures are a chic detail. Psyche’s pattern mixing talent comes out to play once again. The abstract print scarf works beautifully with the “stripes” of the coat because she’s kept all the colours in the same family. Her magenta lipstick and crocheted beanie also fit the bright colour palette, while the knit adds textural interest. Shiny rain boots and leather gloves with contrast stitching, both in a rich plum, are the playfully elegant finishing touches.
I’m curious to hear if you can pick a favourite outfit. Let us know in the comments, and be sure to browse the rest of Psyche’s marvelous outfits over at Economy of Style. Or check out what inspires her on Pinterest.
