August 2013 - Sensible Stylista

Remix: The Oxblood Skater Skirt

For today's post, I've re-styled my Forever 21 oxblood skater skirt. I actually featured it quite recently, but if you missed the blast, clicky HERE! Which look do you guys prefer?
Anywho, I styled my high-waisted skirt with a form-fitting cropped top to show just the right amount of skin. Pairing a cropped top with a high-waisted skirt is fashion 101.  It's pretty much a foolproof formula. 
If you're worried about baring too much skin, experiment with outerwear. Don't be afraid to mix & match.  Remember, it's all about juxtaposition. Contrast is key!  TIP:  Wear whatever makes you feel good about yourself.  If you're confident, others will find you damn sexy by default.  
Isn't the back absolutely adorable?  FYI:  There are three other colors available, and they're only about $10 a piece.  I'm seriously thinking about buying one of each, haha!
A closer look at my regal Taara necklace.  Jewelry fit for a queen!
Bag:  Tory Burch - old
Wedges:  c/o Deb ($35.90)
Necklace:  Taara Jewelry c/o Cult of Progression
Skirt: Forever 21 ($10.80)
Top:  c/o Deb ($10.43)
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Occasion: Back-to-School

For today's post, I've styled a super casual look featuring pieces courtesy of Deb & Aeropostale. Ya'll probably don't know this about me, but I used to be a HUGE tomboy back in the day.  I LIVED in hoodies and baggy pants! I even thought sagging was cool in high-school. Yeah, definitely not.  I don't know what I was thinking...
Anywho, I thought it'd be fun to showcase a comfy yet cute ensemble for study sessions in the library, which reminds me... this is my FINAL year of doctoral coursework, WOOT! 
I started with a cute graphic tee and short-shorts.   I took it up a notch by throwing on a fierce military jacket - gosh, I absolutely love the contrasting sleeves - and wearing wedge sneakers.  The layered spiky necklace adds just the right amount of edge.    
Necklace: Baublebar - old
Jacket: c/o Deb ($34.90)
Bag:  Foley + Corinna (won in a giveaway - $395)
Shoes:  BDG via Urban Outfitters ($29.99)
Shorts:  AG Jeans via Off Saks Fifth
Tee:  c/o Aeropostale ($9)
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Let's Dance the Night Away

For today's post I've styled a polished yet fun look, featuring a new girly tank from Madewell.  I bought this piece a couple of weeks ago for a fairly decent price ($17).  I mean, I know I technically got a "good deal" - it was an additional 30% off an already reduced price with an extra 15% student discount - but I still found it a bit pricey.  I don't usually spend more than $10 on tanks :: SIGH::  Oh well.  I couldn't help myself - ya'll know how much I love florals! 
Anywho, I paired the tank with a form-fitting ruched skirt and belted the waist to accentuate my curves, ultimately creating a longer line.  The tank already has a bit of volume, but I threw on a oversized cardigan anyway to complement the floral color scheme.  I then accessorized with a layered feather necklace to match the gold hardware of my belt & bag.  
Bag:  Prada - gifted
Tank:  Madewell ($17)
Necklace:  Off Saks - old
Shoes:  Candie's via Kohl's - old
Cardigan:  c/o District via Cult of Progression
Belt: came with a skirt I bought at H&M
Skirt:  BCBGMaxAzria Factory Outlet - old
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Material Girl

I got this dress at Macy's for $18 - it was originally $48 - after using two different coupons.  SCORE! Kim = 1, Macy's = 0. Actually, I guess it's Kim = 1, Macy's = 1? Haha, I don't know!  All I know is I got a freakin' cute dress for an awesome price *pumps fist* bargain-shopping ftw.  Anywho, I've known about Madonna's "Material girl" line for a while now,  but I never checked out her collection because I assumed it'd be lame.
Well, I was totally wrong.  In fact, I was actually impressed with her line.  I love bold prints & vibrant colors, so her designs really caught my eye.  If ya'll are interested, here are some of my other favorite picks:  Sleeveless Cutout High-Low Dress ($34.99), Sleeveless Cutout Lace Dress ($14.99), Sleeveless Denim Floral-Print Dress ($14.99). 
TIP:  Wear a jean jacket over a girly summer dress for a Fall-friendly look.  

I'm totally loving my new jean jacket courtesy of Aeropostale.  It fits me like a glove!
Shoes:  c/o Deb ($35.90)
Necklace:  J. Crew Factory Outlet
Clutch:  c/o GraceStars ($35.90)
Jacket:  c/o Aeropostale ($39.75 - originally $79.50)
Dress:  Material Girl via Macy's ($15 - originally $48)
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A Touch of Lace

For today's post, I've featured a royal-blue skater dress courtesy of Deb.   I love the way it hugs my body in all the right places. The lace "belt" accentuates my waist, successfully flattering my shape while creating the illusion of longer legs.
I accessorized with an edgy statement necklace for contrast.
The fun sunnies add a playful touch!  Side-note: I've been obsessed with unique sunglasses as of late.  I actually just ordered cat-eye sunglasses - I can't wait to feature them on here!
Bag:  Kate Spade
Dress: c/o Deb ($24.90)
Sunnies: c/o Aeropostale
Shoes:  Candie's via Kohl's - old
Necklace: Amrita Singh via Beyond the Rack - old

Some other options if you'd like to shop my look...

PS.  Have you checked out my Lynn + Lace Giveaway?  You could win a stunning heart cut-out dress just by liking a FB page.  Clicky HERE to enter now... 

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How-to: Style Boots + High-Waisted Shorts

For today's outfit post, I've styled a casual summer look around new sponsored items I recently received. 
My new cropped top courtesy of Deb.  Such a cute piece (only $11).  FYI:  There are three other colors available.  Make sure to check their site out for trendy yet affordable clothing!  
A closer look at my new necklace courtesy of That's Pretty.  Can you guys see the little shells inside? Super cute, right?
My new Seychelles courtesy of  PB&J Boutique.  You guys have to check out their online selection - they carry the most unique vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories!  

Bag:  Tory Burch
Top:  c/o Deb ($11)
Shorts: Forever 21 ($17)
Cardigan:  Say What via Kohl's - old
Sunnies:  Coach Factory Outlet - old
Shoes:  Seychelles c/o PB&J Boutique
Necklace:  Bottled Treasures c/o That's Pretty 
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Lynn + Lace Review and Giveaway

I'm super excited to introduce you guys to one of my favorite sponsors, Lynn + Lace.  They have so many fabulous pieces available on their site.  I especially love their fun & girly dresses.  Hence, I was beyond stoked when they offered to send me a dress to review. 
There were so many cute pieces to choose from,  but ultimately, I knew I had to feature this adorable little white dress.  It was definitely a tough decision though.  Here, I'll show you guys some of my other favorites: Pleat to Meet You DressStrap Back Maxi, and Back-Cutout Lace Dress.
I'm so glad I showcased this dress - I LOVE the cut-outs and pleats. 
Bag:  Vintage Coach - gifted 
Bracelet:  c/o Lynn + Lace
Dress:  c/o Lynn + Lace ($40)
Necklace:  c/o Statement Baubles ($32.99)
Shoes:  BCBGMaxAzria via TJ Maxx 

Isn't the back SO cute?  It's a heart-shaped cut-out.  Anywho, ya'll are in LUCK because Lynn + Lace has generously offered to give one lucky reader the same LWD!  All you have to do is like their FB page through the rafflecopter widget below.  As always, there are several bonus entries available to up your chances of winning. HOWEVER, they have agreed to give you guys a coupon code to get an additional 20% off your purchase.  Enter STYLISTA20 to take advantage of this amazing offer!  
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How-to: Wear a Skater Skirt

For today's post, I've styled an edgy look featuring two new pieces from Forever 21. I know ya'll are probably sick of hearing me say this, but I gotta say it again.  I just can't help myself. I heart that store so much! 
Shoes:  Candie's via Kohl's - old
Bustier:  Forever 21 ($15.80 - bought for $13)
Skirt:  Forever 21 ($10.80 - bought for $9)
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Remix: The Floral Peplum Skirt

For today's post, I've remixed a printed peplum skirt from Forever 21.  I featured it on Sensible Stylista a couple months ago - if you'd like to see how I styled it back in May, clicky HERE.   
Anywho, I centered today's look around my playfully flirtatious skirt.  I highlighted the vibrant print by choosing accessories that complemented its bold color scheme.
GraceStars has generously agreed to give one lucky reader a stunning clutch of their own.  FYI:  it's also available in two other colors (blue & pink).  I'll be hosting it in early September, so make sure to check back!
Skirt:  Forever 21
Sunnies:  Cole Haan via TJ Maxx
Top:  Banana Republic Factory Outlet - old
Blazer:  Sparkle & Fade via Urban Outfitters ($29.99)
Necklace:  c/o Wild Butterfly Boutique ($19.95)
Shoes:  BCBGMaxAzria via TJ Maxx
Clutch:  c/o GraceStars ($35.90) 
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The Pleated Print Dress

For today's post, I'll be reviewing another adorable number courtesy of Oasap.  Like the previous dress I featured - click HERE if you'd like to access the aforementioned post - this piece stands so well on its own.  
Dress:  c/o Oasap ($34)
Bag: Louis Vuitton - borrowed
Shoes:  Jessica Simpson via TJ Maxx
Sunnies:  Cole Haan via TJ Maxx

Which dress do you guys prefer? The pleated print dress pictured above or the crochet babydoll mini-dress featured HERE?
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City Lights

For today's post, I've featured a GORGEOUS pink blazer from Reese + Riley.  I actually won this stunning piece in a giveaway.  I know, I totally lucked out.  I was so excited when they messaged me on twitter.  It felt like a holiday, ha! I enter giveaways on a daily basis. I mean, who doesn't like free swag.  Anywho, If ya'll are interested, I blast "Free Swag Sunday" posts weekly to share fabulous giveaways hosted by brands & bloggers alike.
Dress:  Forever 21
Belt:  Vintage - gifted 
Blazer:  Reese + Riley (won in a giveaway)
Sunnies:  Cole Haan via TJ Maxx
Necklace:  c/o Luxe Craving ($36)
Bag:  Christian Dior - borrowed
Shoes:  Aldo Factory Outlet - old
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High-Waisted Shorts for the Young Professional

For today's post, I've centered my look around a pair of high-waisted shorts from Forever 21. My cousin, Joone, ordered a bunch of stuff from them online, and I totally lucked out because she didn't like the way they fit her, hardy har har.  Hand-me downs? Cast-offs? YES PLEASE. 
Anywho, I actually styled these shorts last summer.  If you'd like to see the post, clicky HERE.  I thought it'd be fun to experiment with a more "sophisticated" pairing this time around. The classic black & white blouse, sky-high heels, and vintage bag really elevate the look - think high-waisted shorts for the young professional.
Blouse & Shorts:  Forever 21 - old
Necklace:  c/o Chicnova ($10)
Shoes:  Candie's via Kohl's
Bag:  Vintage Bally - gifted
Sunnies:  Cole Haan via TJ Maxx
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Crochet Babydoll Mini-dress

This adorable dress, courtesy of Oasap, is probably the girliest thing I own.  I don't mean that in a bad way or anything.  In fact, it's probably good that I'm trying to embrace my inner femininity.  I act too much like a dude sometimes!  Whatever.  It is what it is.
Anywho today's dress, in essence, accessorizes itself with its puffed sleeves, peter pan collar, crochet trim, and empire waist. Therefore, I kept it simple by carrying a classic bag and throwing on a pair of black heels. The "conservative" vibe of the bag creates a nice contrast with the otherwise romantic look.  The black also stands out nicely against the creme.
Dress:  c/o Oasap ($32.44)
Bag:  Bvlgari - gifted
Shoes:  Candie's via Kohl's
Sunnies:  Cole Haan via TJ Maxx
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