Sensible Stylista

Vacationing on the Harmony of the Seas: The Largest Cruise Ship in the World

Alright everyone, today's post is all about my latest trip to the Caribbean.  For 7 days, I was straight chillin' on the Harmony of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world.  At 66 metres, it's the widest cruise ship ever built, while the length's 362 metres - 50 metres longer than the height of the Eiffel Tower (!!!!) The ship houses up to 8,500 passengers and crew with ridonkulous features all throughout.
Let's start with the vessel itself.  It has 16 decks with onboard attractions like a 10-story slide (otherwise known as "The Ultimate Abyss"), a rock climbing wall, a freaking PARK (with over 12k+ plants), a rope slide, mini-golf, merry-go-round, surf simulator, casino, 1,200-seat hall, and bionic bar (with two robot bartenders)...and that's only the tip of the iceberg.  
The entertainment there was legit all day every day.  I reserved seats wayyyy in advance for their night-time performances because I wanted to make sure I was able to get in.  Thankfully, I got to see everything!  I attended a kickass comedy show, a production of Grease, Columbus (their own musical), a figure skating show, a cool aqua show (think Cirque de Soleil on water) and a headliner concert featuring Savannah Jack.  

On top of all that, they had singers and musical groups of all genres playing at different times all throughout the ship.  So much talent - seriously.  I had not-so-high expectations going in because, well, it was a cruise ship, but Royal Caribbean wasn't effing around.  I was completely and utterly blown away in the best way possible.
Now onto the food.  Oh. My. God.  Everything was so ridiculously nomtastic.  You could pay extra $$$ to dine at specialty joints, but why do that when complimentary options are bomb AF? Their main dining room had different dishes, apps, and desserts available each night, and Windjammer (their international buffet) always had amazingly yum options, like hundreds of options.  

I swear to god, I had some of the best Indian food I've EVER had on that ship - oh how I miss their lamb biryani. Anywho, in addition to the aforementioned restaurants, they had a free pizza joint, a hot dog joint (with gourmet sausages), room service 24/7, a SECOND buffet called Solarium featuring Meditteranian noms and a classy sandwich + dessert cafe.
Sorrento's aka free pizza joint where you could get a bajillion slices with toppings of your choice.
A nom Italian sausage with sautéed peppers on a fresh asiago bun.
Fresh pappardelle with peas and truffles for dinner at the Main Dining Room.
 One of my fave desserts from the week - a hazelnut cake with hot fudge, nuts, and vanilla ice cream.
 My dinner from the Solarium one night!  Steak with pesto and fries.
 Another dinner from Silk (the main dining room):  BBQ ribs with a baked potato and creamed corn.
Service was impeccable everywhere.  I had a suite with a private balcony (which was all sorts of awesomesauce) and an incredible attendant who cleaned my space twice a day and made sure I was comfortable.  AND (this is going to sound super nerdy but whatever) HE MADE ME TOWEL ANIMALS EVERY NIGHT!  I, of course, asked him how many he could make and was floored when he told me 20+.
During my trip, we visited 3 ports in Haiti, Jamaica, and Mexico.  I got to lounge around on gorgeous beaches and hit up cool artisanal shops.  I actually didn't end up buying much, but I left Cozumel with a bottle of delish kiwi tequila and two handcrafted wooden turtle magnets that are super cute.  
Handcrafted jewelry - so many vibrant pieces available for sale in Jamaica.
A Jamaican local working on another wood piece for his shop.
All the different tequilas available for sale in the store I hit up in Cozumel, Mexico.
An adorable friend I made while hiking in Haiti.
Soooo, there you go guys!  I hope you enjoyed reading all about my trip.  I'm traveling a bunch in April so make sure you guys follow along via instastories.  I always recap my adventures on Sensible Stylista, but I share a bunch of BTS shots + vids on instagram so stay tuned.

Two Sweaters for the Price of One

Beyond excited to partner up with Morning Lavender again on SS!  I don't know if y'all remember, but I styled one of their gorg dresses on here a while back - it was a dreamy white number, and I shot it in NYC with the wonderful Jiyang Chen.
Their entire collection is goals so I pretty much want everything they sell, but I'm currently obsessed with their Carly light grey twisty sweater.  It's $54.99 so it doesn't come cheap, but it's seriously too cute to pass up.  Made of a cotton/acrylic blend, this baby can be dressed up and down, forwards or backwards.  Anddd as a bonus, it's super lightweight so it'll transition beautifully into the spring.  I'm wearing small/medium and it fits me well, and it's on the looser side, which I love!  What can I say? I've always been a fan of the oversized silhouette - also available in medium/large.
For today's OOTD, I styled my new sweater with a flowy skirt from BCBG for a feminine look.  I wanted to keep things simple so I skipped jewelry and carried my new Gucci crossbody and heels to match!  How would you guys style this sweater?  
 Bag:  Gucci || Skirt:  BCBG Factory (similar-ish) || Top:  Morning Lavender ($54.99) || Shoes:  Stitch Fix (another super cute option)
Photos shot by the incredible Sung Shin.

Find of the Day: The Long Sleeved Lace-Up Crop ($17.50)

Alright guys, it's time for another find of the day!  If you're a fan of the lace-up trend, you'll absolutely love today's pick.  This fabulous crop top is currently on sale for $17.50 on the amiclubwear website, which is all sorts of awesomesauce because it was originally $34.99.  On top of that discount, you can get an extra 50% off with code FIRST50 for a limited time (!!!!)  I think it's actually only good for the day so make sure you hustle.
Anywho, I got this piece a few weeks back in size small, and I wore the crap out of it while I was vacationing in the Caribbean.  I styled it with denim cutoffs during the day and cool high-waisted skirts + heels for fancy schmancy dinners in the PM.  Made of a polyester/spandex blend, this piece oozes sexy without showing too much.  Anddd as a bonus, you can wear it all year round!  As always, hit me up if you have any questions.  You guys know what to do!

Post-Cruise Blues

Happy Monday, everyone!  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  I know a lot of you already know this, but I just got back from the Caribbean.  I had a ton of fun cruising with Royal Caribbean, but I'm pretty tired (hence the radio silence on SS yesterday, ha).  I'm going to sound ridiculous saying this, but I feel like I need a vacation from my vacation.  I think it's partly because traveling back home was a pain.  

My flight out of Fort Lauderdale got delayed so I ended up missing my plane to Pittsburgh.  I was stranded at the Philly airport for hours, BUT on a more positive note, I finally got to try Geno's Steaks (!!!!) Yay for nom foods. Anywho, I'm planning on recapping my entire trip for you guys on here super soon so keep an eye out!
Moving onto today's OOTD, I styled a casual everyday look for you guys.  I paired my fave striped tank with skinnies, badass lace-up boots, and a fab military-inspired vest for a bamf but laid-back vibe.  For those of you wondering, the kicks were a recent purchase from Nine West Factory - they were on sale for $50 so I decided to treat myself!  I don't usually spend that much moolah on boots - I usually wait until they're discounted to $30 or less - but I wanted to reward myself for passing my last doctoral comp soooo yeah. 
Shop my look (all options under $75):

A close-up shot of my new necklace from J Wholesale!
Tank:  Chaser || Vest:  c/o Velvet Heart || Jeans:  Aeropostale || Bag:  Chanel (look for less) || Boots: Nine West Factory
Photos shot by the wonderful Sung Shin.

Homage to my Fave Gowns

Recapping gowns for you guys today on SS!  As many of you know, I'm a pianist (both performer + teacher) by day so I own quite a few of these babies.  I'm planning on shooting more of them in the future so make sure you keep an eye out.  Here are some of my favorite features from the past - click to see more from each post!  Oh, and I take requests for content so if there's anything you want more of, let me know.  Comment, tweet me, whatever - you guys know what to do!
Other fabulous gowns for your browsing pleasure (all under $150):


The $15 Cardigan: My Latest Bargain Buy from BR

Featuring yet another bargain find today on SS!  A few weeks ago, I hit up the Hagerstown outlet mall in MD and purchased this cardigan at their Banana Republic Factory Outlet for $15 (!!!)  I went on a Thursday morning so I pretty much had the entire shopping center to myself, which was SUPER nice - no issues with parking whatsoever.  I could've parked vertically if I wanted to, ha!
Anywho, this piece is no longer available on the BR Factory website, but I hit up the Grove City outlets not too long ago and it was still on sale there so I recommend checking in person if you have the option to do so.  It's ridiculously cute, and I love that it can be dressed up and down!  Pair it with a white tee, skinny jeans, and distressed black boots for an effortlessly stylish look.  
For today's OOTD, I paired my new cardi with a fab striped dress from Laila Jayde.  For those of you interested, this adorable shirt dress is available in beige and grey in addition to the color I'm wearing. Made of a cotton/poly/rayon blend, the piece oozes class with its textured stripes and lace-up neckline.  
Other drape cardis I'm currently lusting for:
 Dress:  c/o Laila Jayde || Cardigan:  Banana Republic Factory || Shoes:  Aldo (similar) || Bag:  Prada
Shot by the amazing Sung Shin!

Find of the Day: The Casual Cutout Dress ($15)

It's time for another fab find, guys!  I'm super pumped to tell you all about my new dress from AMICLUBWEAR.  If you've been following me on IG, you know that I'm currently on a cruise in the Caribbean! Anddd I don't know about y'all, but I'm all about feeling comfortable when I'm bumming around, which (very conveniently) brings me to today's post.  This fab sweaterdress is a serious must-have - it oozes steeze and is one of the most comfortable pieces I own. 
I dressed mine down with snakeskin slippers for poolside fun and elevated it with fancy accessories and platform pumps for dinner.  The dress is made of a polyester/spandex blend and features a scoop neckline with cutout sleeves - think of it as the wearable dress form of sweats.  If you're a fan of loose or oversized silhouettes, you'll fall head over heels in love with this design.  I own it in size small, and I love the way it drapes my bod!  For those of you interested, it's also available in black HERE!

Getting my Hair Did by La Belle Mel: Video + Pics

Alright guys, here's the post you've all been waiting for!  Last Monday, I shared part 1 of my collab with the wonderful La Belle Mel - clicky here if you missed it - and I mentioned that we'd be sharing a video tutorial and more gown shots today.  Sooooo, without further ado, let's get to it!
Tousling my hair because I felt all sorts of glamorous - Mel did such an incredible job curling my mane!  For this shoot, I took out the fab hairstyle she did for me, but you can see the original 'do in the video below.  She provides clear step-by-step direction so you can re-create the look with no trouble whatsoever.


Other gorg red gowns that'll seriously wow (all under $200):


A closer look at my fab earrings from J Wholesale!  I know I talk about them on here all the time, but it's because I love their accessories THAT much.  If you're looking for bamf jewelry that's easy on your wallet, make sure you browse their collection STAT.  I promise that they won't disappoint!  As always, let me know if you have any questions at all.
Gown:  BCBG Factory Outlet (similar) || Earrings:  J Wholesale || Shoes:  Qupid (similar)
Photography by the fabulous La Belle Mel.

International Giveaway with Beach'd: Win an Item of Your Choice!

It's that time again, guys!  I'm partnering up with Beach'd today on the blog for a fabulous international giveaway. One super lucky winner will score an item of THEIR choice (!!!!) I can't even begin to tell y'all how amazing their line is.  I personally own their Mermazing tote, and it's one of the most incredible bags I've ever seen.  

Everything from design and craftsmanship are on point!  They carry bamf beach totes and heat proof makeup bags that are made responsibly using globally sourced natural materials.  They work closely with women-owned factories to create ethically produced designs that are blended with unique weatherproofing details.
As always, entering is SUPER easy.  All you have to do is sign up for their newsletter via rafflecopter below.  There are also several bonus entries available to up your chances of winning.  This giveaway ends on April 11th, 2017 - good luck, everyone!  Oh, and btw, just in case you're interested, I'm currently hosting two other giveaways.  Click HERE to win a $50 gift card to Sincerely Sweet Boutique and HERE to win shoes of your choice from Guilty Soles.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Oozing Merm-asian Vibes in my New BCBG Dress

Partnering up with my blogger bestie, La Belle Mel, for today's (AND this Wednesday's) post!  Many of you already know this, but I'm a pianist by day.  I've been playing ever since I was a little girl, and I actually majored it...and am (very unfortunately) STILL in school for it, ha.  I'm currently getting my doctorate in piano performance + a second master's in musicology at the Peabody Institute.  If you want to hear me tickle the ivories, click here!  I shared a video of me playing one of my favorite pieces a while back soooo hopefully you'll enjoy the performance.
Anywho, I typically throw my hair up in a messy bun or slicked back pony for performances, but Mel wanted to help me do something cuter so she curled it and styled it for me.  She did this awesome half-up hairdo that I'd never seen before.  It was ridiculously cute yet surprisingly easy - I'm hair-challenged so I asked her to do something simple so I could re-create it with ease!
See? I told you it was adorbs!  Oh, and btw we actually ended up filming the whole thing for her youtube channel - I'll be sharing the video on here Wednesday so make sure you guys keep an eye out.  Anddd I may or may not be sharing pics of me in one of my go-to gowns so there's that to look forward to as well.
Now, before I leave you, I want to very quickly tell you all about my headpiece.  I got this gold flower crown from Headbands of Hope, and it's hands down one of the cutest accessories I own. The company was founded by Jess Ekstrom back in 2012 after interning for a wish-granting organization for kids with life threatening illnesses.  When she saw that kids loved to wear headbands after hair loss from chemotherapy, she decided to take action - for every headband sold, a headband is given to a child with cancer.  

Amazing, right? I have the utmost respect for her and her cause!  And I think it's extra impressive that she started all of this when she was only a junior in college.  If you want to shop for a cause, make sure you browse their selection stat!  They sell a variety of styles online for both children and adults so you'll definitely find something you love.
Other fabulous BCBG gowns that'll seriously impress:
Dress:  BCBG Factory Outlet ($134.99 in black) || Headband:  Headbands of Hope ($25.85) || Shoes: Nine West
Shot by the fabulous La Belle Mel.

The Newest Edition to my Bag Collection: The Falabella Mini

Sooo, I don't know if you guys remember, but I blogged about my designer bag collection on here a while back!  I was supposed to share part 2, but I didn't get around to doing so because my editorial calendar got hella full.  I will eventually tackle the last 5-6 bags in my closet, but it may take me a while because I need to get cute snaps of everything!  

In the meantime, I'm going to tell y'all about the newest addition to my collection:  Stella McCartney's Falabella Mini.  I picked mine up at TJ Maxx Runway a while back, but it's still available online at Ruelala for a fairly reasonable price.  This was definitely a splurge buy on my part, but I wanted to treat myself so I let myself get my shop on.  In my defense, as far as designer items go, this piece wasn't TOO bad!  
I've wanted a black mini for ages now - I saw a girl in Korea carry it last summer and totally fell in love with it.  I've been trying to be good so I held off on the purchase, but when I discovered this item on sale at TJ Maxx, I figured it was fate.  It's not the color I wanted, but I actually prefer this now. The tote's made of embossed vegan-friendly faux leather, which is all sorts of awesome.  You honestly wouldn't know it though because it looks real!  I also really love the mixed hardware - the chain itself is a statement so it can double as jewelry!  

What do you guys think of this bag - is it a yah or nah?  What's currently on your designer wishlist?   Let me know by leaving a comment below.  Photography by the wonderful Sung Shin!

How-to Eat Clean All Day, Every Day: 5 Rules to Live By

1.  When in doubt, drink a glass of water.  It's easy to confuse thirst with hunger, and staying hydrated's important for a number of reasons so I always make sure to have at least 7-8 glasses a day. As a plus, it helps with portion control - I down a cup 20-30 minutes before each meal to suppress my appetite and aid digestion.  If you're feeling extra fancy, flavor your H20 with yum fruit or refreshing veggies, anddddd this obviously goes without saying, but replace all your sugary dranks with it as well.

2.  Carry around healthy snacks.  I swear to God, I'm like a freaking asian Mary Poppins.  My tote contains everything one would possibly ever need or want in life, and that includes delish noms that satisfy like nobody's business.  In all seriousness though, every Sunday I portion out almonds, dried figs, and hummus/guacamole cups with sliced veggies (red peppers, baby carrots, and celery) so I can eat healthfully on the go.  I've never been big into protein bars, but I'm going to try different ones this month so I'll keep you guys updated on the best of the best.  

Anywho, if you're on a "diet" - I hate calling it that because I view it more as a lifestyle change - you're probably going to get hungry at one point, or if you're like me, several points throughout the day.  If you don't have good choices in front of you, you'll most likely hit up the nearest fast food joint or vending machine.  Hashtag don't do it.  Take 20 minutes out of your week to prep in advance to ensure that you stay on track!  

3.  Exercise in the morning.  I don't workout as early as I used to, but I typically squeeze my sessions in between 9:30-12 depending on my schedule.  Sooo, why exactly do I recommend sweating it out in the morn? Because working out hurts.  In fact, it straight up sucks sometimes.  Now, don't get me wrong,  I LOVE the burn, but it's hard as hell.  Now, I don't know about you guys, but after I put in THAT much effort at the gym, I make SURE to eat right because the last thing I want to do is cancel everything out.  

4.  Prep food in advance.  I talk about this ALL the time on here because it's seriously crucial.  We're all out there hustling hardcore to become badass bosses, which means we're working pretty much 24/7 - great for your career, but not so great for your diet. I know way too many people who end up splurging at the end of the night because they're straight up exhausted. Combat this situation by cooking giant batches of nomtastic food ahead of time or buying quick & healthy microwavable options at [insert store of your choice].  I personally enjoy making pasta sauces, different stews, spicy Korean chicken dishes, whole wheat kale lasagnas, and egg cups. My go-to microwavable options are Morningstar veggie burgers or chicken patties with whole wheat toast - available at my fave store, Costco.  A little bit of effort will go a long way!  Once you get used to cooking in advance, it won't be no thang, and it'll help you get the bod of your dreams.

5.  Reward yourself with a splurge meal weekly.  Not only is this necessary for your sanity, it helps reset your metabolism so you can enjoy it without any guilt whatsoever.  You don't want your body to plateau so confuse the heck out of it with a juicy burger, a bowl of gooey mac 'n cheese or a warm lava cake with vanilla gelato... or all of the above, ha.  On another note, it's ok to slip up every once in a while so don't be hard on yourself.  You're not going to die if you indulge in a slice of pizza or enjoy a few bites of your friend's dessert.  I tend to go all or nothing, but I'm extreme in that way. Remember, you're doing this because you LOVE your body, not because you hate it, so be kind to yourself. 

Alright guys, that's all for today! I hope you found this blast helpful.  Is eating clean important to you? If yes, how do YOU stay on top of everything?  PS.  I'll be updating you guys on my fitness progress super soon so make sure you keep your eyes peeled!