June 2016 - Sensible Stylista

Sensible Stylista's 5-year Anniversary Giveaway: Win a $100 Amazon Gift Card + Open Internationally

Wow, I can't believe it's been 5 years already!  I've had a truly incredible journey on SS thus far, but I know the best is yet to come.  As a small token of my appreciation for all the love and support I've gotten for you guys over the years, I've decided to raffle away a $100 Amazon gift card.  Like all my giveaways, entering is super easy because there's only one mandatory rule.  There are, however, several bonus entries available to up your chances of winning.  

Before I direct y'all to my rafflecopter widget, I'd like to highlight some of my favorite blasts!  I hope you enjoy traveling through time with me.  Oh, and if you'd like to see more, simply click on the links below to access full posts.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good luck, everyone! This giveaway ends August 1st, 2016.
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Sensible Stylista x Trollbeads: OOTD + Giveaway

I have some VERY exciting news to share with you guys today on SS.  I'm pumped to announce that I've partnered up with Trollbeads for the upcoming season.  I've signed on to be one of the faces of their Hello campaign as a US brand ambassador.  If you're a fan of composable jewelry, you'll fall head over heels in love with their designs. Mix and match to your hearts desire - everything is customizable.  Constructed of the highest quality, Trollbeads gives you the chance to individualize your baubles with unique memories to gift or keep.
Moving onto my OOTD!  For my latest, I've styled a from-the-pool-to-a-casual-hang kind of look for you guys.  I've always been a huge fan of sexy one-pieces, but this one is hands down the hottest suit I've ever seen - available at amiclubwear here for only $20.25.  Since the top part of the suit's revealing, I threw on a lacy coverup (from Happy Rebel Box) - for those of you wondering, this handmade kimono was designed by the fabulous Talia Touch. I threw on high waisted shorts to accentuate the small of my waist and finished off my look with chunky platform heels.
Now, let's take a closer look at my arm party.  I chose to stack three ready-to-wear bangles together for today's post, but like I mentioned earlier, everything is totally customizable.  However, if you're feeling overwhelmed, you have the option of purchasing pre-styled jewelry!  If you're interested in copping the pieces I'm sporting above, click here and here to browse more.
Suit:  Amiclubwear || Kimono:  Happy Rebel || Bracelets:  c/o Trollbeads || Shorts:  Aeropostale || Shoes:  Wild Diva
One last thing before I go!  Trollbeads has generously offered to give one lucky winner jewelry of their choice (retail value up to $200).  All you have to do to end is follow them on instagram via rafflecopter below!  As always, there are several bonus entries listed to up your chances of winning so make sure y'all take advantage.  Open to residents of the US, this giveaway ends on July 18th. Good luck, everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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The Best of June Beauty

1.  YSL Mascara Vinyl Couture ($29) - If you're looking for a fabulous lengthening mascara, you need to try this out stat!  It does a really good job without clumping at all.  The product's marketed to "give lashes length, volume and curl with deep, saturated color," but I don't really see much on the color front.  You do get volume and curl though, but like I mentioned earlier, length is this baby's strength. Now, I own this in green, but it looks more like a greenish-black, at least on me (probably because I have dark hair).  Try it out for yourself at your local YSL beauty counter to make sure you get the color you want!  For those of you interested, it's available in 8 other colors here.  

2.  Cosmedix Peptide-Rich Defense ($58) - Hands down, my new favorite sunscreen.  I know this product's pricy, but it's worth every penny IMHO.  Most of the items I've used previously have left white residue or have been ridiculously difficult to pat in, but this moisturizer absorbs super quickly and hydrates like a boss, providing a solid base for bb cream, foundation and the like. On top of it all, it contains SPF 50 so your skin's getting serious protection from the sun.  Since this baby is expensive, I save it for "special occasions" aka when I need to put on a full face of make-up.  For my off days, I slather on Olay's Complete UV Moisturizer

3.  Farmacy Skin Dew Hydrating Essence Mist & Setting Spray ($44) - I've never been a huge fan of mists, but this baby's a godsend.  It keeps my skin hydrated, my make-up fresh, and, well, it helps me relax all in all because it smells like heaven (herblike) and feels good on my face.  I honestly have to stop myself from spraying it on several times an hour, ha.  Spritz it on to prevent cake face or use it to soften powder post-application.

4.  No7 Protect & Perfect Intense Advanced Serum ($29.99) - Geared towards those of you looking to prevent + treat advanced signs of aging, this product supposedly reduces deep lines and wrinkles, giving you younger looking skin in just 2 weeks!  Unfortunately (but fortunately), I don't have either yet so I can't vouch for the aforementioned claim. However, I can say that this item leaves your skin soft and silky. The consistency's very light, and the scent's unoffensive so you'll probably love this product if you have sensitive skin.  I got two of these and gave one to my mom, so I'll let you guys know what she says after a month or two!

5.  Supergoop! Shine-On Lip Screen ($22) - I absolutely love the concept behind this product.  It basically works as a topcoat for your lipstick, protecting your pucker from the sun.  I like to slather it on top of my fave matte lip colors for a shiny finish! As a bonus, it leaves your mouth feeling nice and tingly.  One con though, the product tastes kinda "meh" so try not to get it in your mouth, ha.  

6.  T3 Featherweight Luxe 2i Dryer ($250) - Beyond impressed with how quickly this works on my mane - it only takes me about 15 minutes to dry + style fully.  It comes with a handy-dandy brush that helps me achieve a professional-looking blow out, and it features two speeds with three heat settings. It also has a Cool Shot button that gives hair a smooth, sleek finish.  For those of you worried about the price tag, simply think about cost per use!  Plus, they offer a two-year warranty for comprehensive coverage so you know they got your back.  On top of it all, it was the winner of two Allure Best of Beauty Awards:  Best Blowdryer and Best Breakthrough.

Have any of y'all tried these products?  If yes, which ones? What are you guys loving this month? Any new beauty products you'd like to tell me about? I'm always looking for new items to try so I'm all ears!
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My Warm Weather Go-To

As I'm sure y'all know, I LOVE crop tops.  I like to wear 'em all year long but especially during the summertime because it gets super hot where I live.  So, for today's ensemble, I kept things casual with my warm weather go-to: crop tops + high-waisted shorts + BAMF sunnies.  The formula's easy, flattering - you're highlighting the small of your waist which in turn elongates your legs and creates the illusion of an hourglass - and effortlessly stylish!  To finish everything off, I threw on sneakers and accessorized with a fierce body chain to add a bit of edge.
Body chain:  AMICLUBWEAR || Shorts:  Aeropostale || Top:  Karmaloop || Shoes:  Danice || Sunnies:  Rayban via AC Lens
Shop my look:
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Remix: The Fluted Bandage Skirt

Alright everyone, it's time for a remix!  I don't know if you guys remember, but last week, I featured this fabulous fluted skirt - oh how I love alliteration - in a casual OOTD post HERE. Although I'm all about everyday looks on SS, I thought it'd be fun to take things up a notch and get extra dressed up for y'all today.
I styled my skirt with a sexy crop from Karmaloop!  This top is everything - it's hands down one of the coolest tanks I own.  The plunging neckline's hot as hell, and the open back adds even more fire to the flame.  Pair it with high-waisted bottoms to balance errthing out.  Take a 30% off this top with my KarmaLoop coupon or shop my remix here
To top things off, I carried my new embellished clutch from JWholesale and threw on BAMF ankle-strap heels from UKIES to match.  I seriously can't get over how comfy & cute these babies are! Elevate your shoe game tenfold by purchasing a pair STAT.  Thanks to their nanoGel tech, you'll never have to sacrifice style for comfort ever again.  For realsies.
 Clutch:  Jwholesale || Shoes:  UKIES || Skirt:  BCBG || Top:  Karmaloop
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Crazy about Cut-Off Tanks

Words can't express how much I freakin' love Karmaloop's Bobbi tank.  This stylish basic features an angular cropped cut-off with a solid colorway.  Showcase serious sideboob with this piece or wear it with a bralette/tank. Dress this piece up AND down all summer long - style it with a pair of high-waisted jean shorts for an easy everyday look or pair it with a high-waisted skirt like I did below for a effortlessly fashionable ensemble.  Take 30% off this cut-off with my Karmaloop coupon or shop it here!
Since I kept things simple on the accessory front, I threw on a pair of fierce gladiator heels to elevate my look.  To top my outfit off, I wore my favorite cat-eyes! Y'all know how much I love sporting sunglasses - I mean, I've written several articles on 'em on SS so yeah, hopefully it's obvious.  Just in case you guys missed them, you can check out my latest articles here:  How a Pair of Sunnies Can Save Your Eyesight & 4 Sunglasses Every Fashionista Should Own.
Top:  c/o Karmaloop || Shoes:  Deb || Skirt:  BCBG || Sunnies:  Freyrs
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The Lacy Yellow Skirt: Remixed Three Different Ways

I'm all about lace today on Sensible Stylista.  I styled three fabulous ensembles for you guys and centered them all around, you guessed it, my fitted yellow pencil skirt.  The looks I've featured today are dedicated to those of you seeking work-friendly inspo.  All three were featured previously so if an outfit (or outfits for that matter) looks familiar, think of this as a refresher!
Left: A splash o' print (or a LOT in this case) never hurt nobody! For this look, I styled my skirt with a printed blouse from Talbots.  Since the pairing's quite "busy," I made sure to keep things simple on the accessory front aka no statement jewelry.  I could've definitely worn a dainty necklace or something, but I decided to skip it altogether.  To finish off my look, I carried a beige bag and threw on cap toe heels to match.  Click here to see more from this post.

Middle: A classic white button-front elevates any and every ensemble. Throw one on to instantly ooze polish and sophistication!  If you don't have one already, pick one up STAT at your local Polo Factory outlet - you'll get serious quality for a fraction of the price.  To read more about this outfit, click here.

Right:  Yellow all day, err day.  This post is the most recent outfit I've shared on SS - if you missed it, no worries, simply click here to access the aforementioned blast.  Anywho, for this getup, I paired my skirt with a matching yellow top - yay for monochromaticism.  Since the color itself makes a bold statement, I made sure to accessorize with neutral pieces.  TIP:  throw on nude shoes that match your skin color to visually elongate your stems.Which look do you guys like best?

Would you like me to do more of these remix posts? Make sure you leave me a comment below - your feedback means the world to me!
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Where to Buy Cute Sneakers under $10

Alright guys, we're talking all about affordable sneakers today on Sensible Stylista.  Personally, I don't like to sport 'em that often because I'm short - I rely on visual illusions to elongate my legs/make me feel better about myself - but I do wear them from time to time to mix things up.  I can't justify splurging because I'm sensible and consider CPW (cost per wear), but I get equally cute sneakers at stores like Danice for less.
Danice sells three types of sneakers: classic tennis shoes, lace-ups, and slip-ons.  I own one of each because, well, they're cute and budget-friendly!  Their lace-ups & slip-ons are currently on sale HERE for $5.99, and their tennis shoes, originally $25.99, are available for $9.99 HERE.  Note: half sizes aren't available, but their shoes run large so round down.  
I recommend copping a pair of their tennis shoes and lace-ups!  Their slip-ons are comfy, but they're a bit too thin for my taste.  Honestly, I think you guys would get much better wear out of the first two. I like neutral colors so I went with gray, white, and black, but they carry a ton of other hues/prints so get your browse on STAT.

How do you guys feel about sneakers? Do you wear them on the daily or just when you're working out? Do you prefer splurging on expensive tennis shoes or buying affordable versions like me?
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SS Travels to South Korea

Hi everyone!  As I'm sure y'all know, I've been in South Korea for the last week or so.  I spent the first few days here chillin' at the Chosun Westin in Seoul, but now I'm on the move.  Currently, I'm staying in Kyungki-do, but I'll be traveling again soon!  Here are some pics from my trip so far.

Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung, the largest of the five grand palaces in S. Korea, was the first royal palace built by the Joseon Dynasty.  It also houses the National Palace Museum of Korea and the National Folk Museum of Korea.  Admission is around $3 per person, and the museums are BAMF.  

Myeong-dong

I spent an entire day here walking around and browsing shops.  In addition to giant shopping centers like Shinsegae and Lotte, there are a bajillion stores and restaurants here. You'll find designer clothing and accessories, but unless you have moolah to waste, don't purchase 'em here.  Everything's super overpriced IMHO! I recommend Dongdaemun or Namdaemun.  

Dongdaemun is fashion heaven!  If you want to browse the best of Korean designs, go to Doota. That mall is goals. I literally wanted to buy everything, but I only ended up getting one thing because errthing was so damn expensive.  I had fun window shopping though!  

Also, FYI, there's another mall right next door called Migliore. They have some cute stuff, but you're not allowed to try anything on sooooo I'm not a fan!  Their stuff's MUCH cheaper though so if you're ok with the aforementioned system, knock yourself out.  Namdaemun's basically a flea market!  I like buying cute socks, hair accessories, and pens/pencils here.  Feel free to get your haggle on!  Now, onto food porn!!!!  There are seriously delish noms everwhere.  
Stay tuned for more! I'll make sure to update soon with snaps of my shenanigans.  
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Everyday Chic in Black & White

I'm all about style + comfort (stomfort? ha) today on Sensible Stylista.  I threw together an easy everyday look for y'all, centered around a black and white color scheme.  To be honest, there's really not much to my latest.  It's simple, really!  I just started with a new tank from BCBG - the black side paneling is super slimming - and paired it with a faux-leather mini to up my texture game.  I accessorized with a BAMF choker from JWholesale and threw on cute flats to match (courtesy of Maumero).  
Here's a close-up shot of my new necklace.  Jwholesale seriously carries EVERYTHING!  They get pieces in every week so there's always new stuffs to browse.  Personally, I'm beyond obsessed with their choker selection - this layered piece is definitely a closet-fave!

Choker:  c/o JWholesale || Tank:  BCBG || Skirt:  Banana Republic || Shoes:  c/o Maumero
Shop my look:

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Blogging Tools: 6 of the Best Resources Available Online

Alright everyone, today's blast is all about blogging.  I get a lot of emails from new bloggers weekly seeking advice, so I figured, why not share my knowledge directly on Sensible Stylista! For my first post, I'm going to tell y'all about my current fave resources.  I didn't want to write a dissertation on the subject - trust me, I could go on, and on, and on - so I picked 6 to feature today.  If you want me to share more, leave me comment below - I'll be more than happy to oblige.  Soooo, let's get to it!

1.  Picmonkey - I don't know about you guys, but I'm definitely no pro when it comes to editing pics. I tried using Photoshop back in the day, but it was a total bomb because I had no idea how to do, well, anything. Thank god they offered a trial because it would've been a complete waste of cash for me.

Lightroom's supposedly a lot easier to use, but I'm team Picmonkey all the way.  For $33 a year (as opposed to $9.99/month for PS), I get everything I need.  I can create graphics with cool fonts, style collages, fine tune photos, mess with filters, and so on and so forth. Everything's simple, straight-forward and easy to use.  Plus, I love that I'm saving $86.88.  I know it's not that much, but what can I say? I'm the sensible stylista for a reason!
2.  A Course About Money for Fashion & Beauty Bloggers, Stylists, & Content Creators - A serious must-have for influencers making $$$. Regardless of your income (big or small), if you're filing taxes for your site and/or services, you need to purchase this STAT.  It's a 4-chapter course that you take in the comfort of your own home - thank you, internet gods...actually, thank you Erin Armstrong (aka the founder of Enlightened Accounting).  

For $299, you get lifetime access to her money course which is seriously awesome because it's going to be continually updated as tax regulations change.  You'll also get access to a private FB group where you can ask Erin questions about your tax situation.  Yes, it's an investment, but you're saving a ton of moolah in the long run so it's the smart thing to do, especially if you're like me. I mean, I honestly had no idea how to file taxes for Sensible Stylista.  I ended up paying for my gross income like a total idiot.  I was totally banging my head on the wall because I could've saved SO much with deductibles and whatnot.  Do yourself a favor and enroll today!  You're welcome in advance.

3.  Facetune - The best $3.99 you'll ever spend on a photo-editing app on your phone.  I'm sure by now y'all know about FT, but just in case you don't, it's worth mentioning.  You can literally alter anything and everything - it's straight up magical!  Whiten your teeth, reshape your hair, eliminate blemishes, brighten your eyes, etc.  Think of it as photoshop for your phone minus the complications mentioned above - a must for the perfect selfie. You can access the app's tutorial at any time, but you probably won't need!  
4.  TweetDeck - If you're active on twitter, you're definitely going to want to check this site out.  It's helpful in more ways than one, and oh, did I mention that it's free?  Oh hell to the yes.  So without further ado, let's talk pros.  A. Schedule tweets with images = awesomesauce.  B. Customize your TD page to show whatever column/s you want.  I have several open because I like to track all my notifications, mentions, and DMs in one place.  C. Participate in twitter chats with zero stress. Simply search for the chat hashtag and add it as a separate column - you'll be able to keep up with everything in real time since it refreshes constantly.

5.  Tweet Jukebox - Another handy tool for twitter!  Created by Tim Fargo back in 2013, this site helps schedule + recycle content.  Here's how it works: you create different "jukeboxes" and load them up with pre-formed tweets.  Then, you choose how often you'd like your jukebox/es to tweet and simply turn it/them on.  You can store thousands of customized tweets in each one and send anywhere from 1-100 a day.  Scheduling's flexible so you can switch things up from day to day!  If you're interested, which you should be, you can try TJ out HERE for free (2 jukeboxes with 300 stored tweets + 5 scheduled tweets).

6.  Canva - This site is everything!  Create cute @$$ graphics with this site.  There are literally thousands of templates available, and many of them are free.  The best part? They have pre-formed social media posts (like the twitter graphic pictured above) for your convenience so you don't have to worry about photo dimensions.

Anywho, that's all folks.  I hope you guys found this useful!  What apps or sites do you use? Make sure you leave me a comment below with your faves.

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Wardrobe Must-have: The Tee Shirt Dress

Shirt dresses are everything and more.  Why, you ask?  Because they're super comfortable yet effortlessly stylish. They usually just look like oversized tees so I like to wear 'em when I'm feeling lazy or fat.  There are a ton of different styles available so style icons from all ends of the fashion spectrum have been rocking 'em.  
For today's OOTD, I centered my look around a simple gray shirtdress from BCBG - I picked it up for $30 at their factory outlet in Grove City a few weeks ago during their Memorial Day sale.  I accessorized with an edgy silver choker (available at JWholesale HERE) and threw on a pair of fierce gladiator sandals to top off my look.  
Necklace:  c/o JWholesale || Dress:  BCBG || Shoes:  Deb || Bag: YSL

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8 Ways to Maintain Your Health When You're Busy as Hell

I don't know about you guys, but pretty much everyone I talk to nowadays is busy as hell, myself included!  It'd probably be really good for my health to head on over to the beach and take a few weeks off to bask in the sun, but unfortunately that's not really an option, at least not for me and, I assume, the 99%.  Not all of us can make money by simply existing like Kim Kardashian - damn her and her perfectly shaped badonkadonk.  

Now, hustling's great, and I love that we're all working so hard to "make it," but y'all need to think long term. That means, taking care of yourself both mentally and physically.  I compiled this list for busy individuals like myself looking to enhance the quality of their lives.  A few small changes make all the difference in the world!  You don't need to work out hours on end and eat salad for the rest of your life to stay in shape.  Keep reading for quick, easy and painless ways to upgrade your life.
1.  Eat breakfast.  I mean, the word literally tells you to break [the] fast.  Don't skip this meal even if you're in a rush because it's critical for your well-being.  It improves your focus tenfold and sets a healthy tone for the day by reducing hunger throughout, which in turn helps with weight management.
  
I personally enjoy eating hearty breakfasts - think oatmeal loaded with dried fruits, omelettes stuffed with colorful veggies and yogurt parfaits - but if I'm late, I grab a 1915 Bolthouse Farms™protein shake before running out - you can follow them on IG here for inspo.  I really like drinking them as meal replacements because they're filling and delicious. My favorite flavor's chocolate, but vanilla and coffee taste nomtastic, too. They're made with pea protein and almond + soy milk (you're welcome my vegan friends) and each drink contains 12 grams of protein consisting of non-GMO and gluten-free ingredients.
  
2.  Prep your meals.  If you want to save time and eat healthily, you need to cook food in advance. Meal prep means different things for different people so get your experiment on to figure out what works best for you. Many plan their entire day (including snacks), but I like to focus on the "big" meals (aka breakfast, lunch & dinner).  

Don't waste precious time standing in front of your fridge figuring out what you're going to make. Have everything ready to go so you're not tempted to make unhealthy choices!  As a plus (as if you need one), you'll save moolah because you're not running out to grab last-minute ingredients at the store every couple of days.

3.  Squeeze in quick workouts at least 2-3x a week.  It's so important to stay active, but not everyone has time to go to the gym.  If you happen to fall in that category, I recommend purchasing Shaun T's workout regimen T25. Words can't express how much I love this series!  You get a good mix of cardio and strength training, and you don't need any heavy duty equipment, just resistance bands or a set of free weights.  

If you're constantly pressed for time, this is the workout for you because, well, 25 minutes is all you need to get in shape.  Get the deluxe set here for $145.60!  Yes, it's on the pricier side, but it's far less expensive than enrolling at a gym, and you get the same results (if not better) in the comfort of your own home.  He includes a plan for optimal results, but I don't really follow it anymore to be honest.  I have favorite modules so I do those to get my sweat on.  Now, if you're strapped for cash, no worries! Pinterest's a freakin' goldmine.  There are thousands of different workout regimens available for your browsing pleasure! Click here to check out my workout board.

4.  Sneak in extra bits of physical activity whenever possible.  Here are a few ideas to get y'all started: do push-ups while waiting for your dinner to cook, take the stairs instead of hopping on the elevator at work, park your car further back, do jumping jacks during commercial breaks, crank out some calf raises while waiting for the bus, and so on and so forth!  You guys get the idea.  
5.  Make smart choices when eating out.  Let's be real, if you're a hustler, it's not always going to be possible to eat at home.  Maybe you have a lunch meeting with a client or a dinner party to attend. Regardless, it's up to YOU to make healthy choices for yourself - eat for the body you want, not the body you have.  Always ask for sauce/dressing on the side and go for baked, broiled or steamed items if possible.  Most restaurants have "lean" menus (or sections) with healthier options so keep an eye out and hold yourself accountable.

6.  Stay hydrated.  If you're thirsty, that means your body's already dehydrated aka your focus is deteriorating and you're fatigued.  Use a reusable water bottle to save moolah - store bought bottles will do serious damage to your wallet over time.  If you're not a fan of the taste, infuse it with your favorite fruit to make it more appealing. If you have trouble remembering to drink it, try creating a schedule for yourself, ie. a glass when you wake, before breakfast/lunch/dinner, and before bed.  This will help you fight the aging process, prevent weight gain, and flush out unwanted toxins.
7.  Carry healthy snacks with you.  Avoid vending machines like the plague unless you have the self-control necessary to make solid choices.  Regardless, purchasing a giant tub of raw and unsalted almonds at Costco for $10 beats buying a tiny pack for $2.  Bag snacks while prepping meals to save time! Other delicious options include:  unsweetened dried fruits, 1915 protein shakes, raw veggies + hummus, cottage cheese, and roasted chickpeas.

8.  Stretch your body regularly throughout the day.  Get up and move around for at least 5 minutes every hour or so!  Sitting on your butt from 9-5 straight will seriously mess up your health. In fact, ABC News states that, "when you're sitting, the big muscles in the lower part of the body, are completely unloaded.  They're not doing their job, and that inactivity prompts changes in the body's metabolism producing a number of biological signals which are linked to cancer."  Now, on top of that, if you're staring at a computer screen all day, you risk f*cking up your eyes and wrists as well. Take all that into account and fight it by forming healthy habits to combat whatever issue you may experience.

That's it, folks! I hope y'all found this article helpful.  I'm almost done for today, but before I leave you, I have one final perk to offer you guys.  1915 Bolthouse Farms has generously agreed to giveaway a box of their organic beverages.  If you're interested in entering, make sure you do so via rafflecopter below before June 14th.  You must be a US resident, age 18+ to enter.  Good luck, everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.
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The Drape Dress

For today's OOTD, I'll be featuring two of my latest finds.  On Memorial Day weekend, I hit up the Grove City outlet mall to get my shop on.  Lucky for me, BCBG was having a huge blowout sale - everything including clearance merchandise was an extra 50% off.  Needless to say, I went a little cray.  I got 7 things for $230 (!!!!)  Yeah, my monthly budget's spent for sure, but the splurge was worth it since I got a ton of bang for my buck.  
The dress I'm wearing today was originally $300+, but I got it for a flat $40.  I fell in love with it the second I saw it due to the drape front, high-low hem and color.  BCBG will always have a special place in my heart - their quality's of the highest caliber and their designs are always cute.  Since I don't have a product link for you guys, here's a widget with all my current fave BCBG dresses for your browsing pleasure.
Moving on to accessories!  I paired my dress with a thin cocoon cardi and threw on heels to match. In case you were wondering, the pumps were another outlet mall buy.  I picked them up at Nine West for $30 and bought a second pair in blush because they fit me so well.  You know what they say!  "If the shoe fits, buy them in every color," ha!  Yeah, that's pretty much how I'm going to justify all my shoe purchases from here on out.  

Moving on, I topped off my look by wearing a fabulous statement necklace.  I'm a huge fan of mixed metals so when I saw this item at JWholesale, I just knew I had to feature it.  Have you guys shopped at JWholesale yet? If not, make sure you do so STAT.  They sell hundreds of amazing designs for less so you'd be saving a ton of money in the long run. As always, let me know if you have any questions! 
Choker:  c/o JWholesale || Shoes:  Nine West || Dress:  BCBGMaxAzria || Bag:  Amiclubwear || Cardigan:  Deb
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How a Pair of Sunnies Can Save Your Sight

Alright guys, today's post is all about eye health so make sure you take the time to read through this post carefully.  I'm no medical doctor, but I've (very sadly) experienced enough eye problems to last me a lifetime.  I've read up quite a bit on the topic so I'm gonna drop some knowledge on y'all...in an entertaining manner, of course!  So without further ado, let's get to it!
Why should you wear 'em? 

Other than the fact that they're super stylish, they shield your eyes from the sun's ultraviolet rays - extended exposure can cause cataracts (blurs vision), macular degeneration (straight up destroys vision) and pterygium (causes astigmatism).  Yeah, all that sounds scary as hell, but the sun's not the only danger out there.  Did you know that you could burn your cornea from spending too much time in the snow?  It reflects 80% of the sun's UV rays, hitting your peepers with a ridonkulous glare, which in turn causes a condition called snow blindness.  Moral of the story: wear shades when you go skiing or mountain climbing. 

So, we've covered sun and snow, which mean it's time to address sand, dust and all that jazz. The former can actually scratch you and cause permanent damage.  I mean, I can't even deal with having an eyelash in my contact lens.  I can't imagine how much it'd suck to have sand in my eyeball.  Yeah, no thanks! I'll definitely pass on that one.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that you'll get fewer headaches if you wear shades on the daily.  I get awful migraines all the time and most of them occur after long drives - bright sunlight does not mesh well with me.  Now, if you're lucky and you don't get 'em very often, you'll still benefit - sunglasses will help reduce eyestrain so you'll enjoy your time outdoors much more.
What kind of sunnies should you get?

Obviously, you should cop designs that look BAMF on your face, but you also need to make sure that they block out 99-100% of UVA and UVB radiation to protect your eyeballs fully.  If you spend a lot of time in the sun, go for polarized sunnies to reduce glare, and if you're super sensitive, throw on wrap-around sunnies to block out light from the side Lady Gaga style!  You want your sunnies to screen out 75-90% of visible light.  Note: the color and darkness have absolutely nothing to do with your shades and their ability to block rays. 
Where should you buy 'em?

I'm currently loving AC Lens because they carry all things eye related: sunnies, contacts, glasses, drops, and so on and so forth.  They have a huge selection so I can pretty much guarantee you'll find something you love without leaving the comfort of your home.  Simply pick your frames, email your prescription or provide your doc's digits, and let AC do the rest. They'll even check in with your MD to make sure everything's in line to save you time, and most importantly - since I'm sensible and all, ha - they help you save mad $$$ because their site is 50-75% less expensive than most.

Links to the sunnies worn above:  Picture 1, Picture 2, Picture 3
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of AC Lens. The opinions and text are all mine.

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Sensible Stylista x Banana Republic: Part 2

A while back, I partnered up with Banana Republic for an outfit post on SS - click here if you missed the aforementioned blast.  They'd sent me two different pieces to style, but I didn't have the time to shoot part 2 until now.  So, for today's OOTD, I centered my look around my new BR top. Unfortunately, this tank's no longer available online, but I've linked similar options for you guys below so remember to scroll down.  
Anywho, I was feeling super summery so I decided to wear yellow from head to toe.  I paired my tank with a lacy pencil skirt to match for a fun yet polished work-friendly ensemble.  As you all know, I usually accessorize with jewelry but I skipped it for today's LOTD because I wanted the hue to take centerstage.  How do you guys feel about bright colors - are they a do or a don't? Would you wear a monochromatic look?  Make sure you let me know by commenting below!  Also, as promised above, here are similar tank options for your browsing pleasure (varying price points):
Skirt:  Shop Scoobie || Bag:  Chicwish || Top:  c/o Banana Republic || Shoes:  Cole Haan via DSW
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