Sensible Stylista

My New Favorite Store

So, I officially have a new favorite store!  I'm ALL about Francesca's.  I don't know why I decided to check 'em out recently, but I'm super glad I did.  Everything they carry is gold.  I literally walked around their entire shop thinking, "oh my gosh, I want to BUY their store!"  I actually only bought these shorts, but if I had unlimited funds, I would've purchased all their dresses, ha. 

These bottoms were on sale for $10.  Yay for clearance sales!  They're so cute and comfortable!  I absolutely love the print, and the side bow-tie is beyond adorable.  I styled them with my new H&M shirt, also purchased for $10.  I'm actually really proud of today's look because the entire ensemble is under $80, including the shoes and bag!  I'm thinking about starting a new series called, "Under $100."  What do you guys think? Would that be helpful?
Anyways, back to my today's look!  Let's take a closer look at my top!  Isn't the embellished neckline on point? It's like a built-in necklace!  I can't wait to wear this shirt to work.  I'm going to pair it with a pretty skirt and a sharp blazer *grins*
Jacket:  Oasap || Shorts:  Francesca's || Top:  H&M || Bag: Amiclubwear || Shoes:  Amiclubwear

Starfish Project: OOTD + Giveaway

I'm SO excited to partner up with Starfish Project today on Sensible Stylista.  I actually featured them a while back in my article, "Shop for a Cause: Look Fabulous while Supporting Amazing Organizations."  In case you missed it, Starfish Project is a socially responsible jewelry business that employs post-trafficked women in Asia.  

Jenny McGee founded it in 2006 after seeing the needs of women in exploitation in her city.  Since then, Starfish Project has grown to three locations in Asia, helping hundreds of women each year.  Women who come to work received dignified employment, counseling, housing, food and vocational training.  Every piece your purchase from Starfish Project helps another woman live in freedom.  Help their noble cause by shopping their lovely collection, hosting a jewelry party, and/or becoming an advocate and selling their jewelry for commission.  You can also donate directly to SP because they're a registered 501c3 non-profit.  

As you can see from today's title, I'm hosting a giveaway with Starfish Project, BUT if you want to support their cause and purchase their jewelry now, make sure you use code SENSIBLESTYLISTA15 at checkout to receive an extra 15% off your purchase - valid until 8/31.
Moving on, I centered today's outfit around my new necklace courtesy of Starfish Project.  This layered pearl necklace is a dream.  It makes me feel like an asian Audrey Hepburn, ha!  My lacy skirt and ruffled blouse make me feel extra girly.  I wanted to keep things simple so I stuck with nude accessories.  I carried my Celine-inspired bag and threw on my favorite Ann Taylor heels to top off my feminine look.  I've been really into classic ensembles as of late.  I think it's safe to say that my style's evolving.
A closer look at my necklace!  Keep reading to see how you can win a gorgeous piece of jewelry of your choice...
Blouse:  L'agence || Skirt: Forever 21 || Necklace: Starfish Project || Bag:  OASAP || Heels:  Ann Taylor

As I mentioned earlier, Starfish Project has generously offered to give one lucky INTERNATIONAL winner jewelry of their choice (!!!!)  All you have to do to enter is "like" their facebook page - super easy, right?  As always, there are bonus entries to up your chances!  It's honestly a win-win situation -  you support an amazing cause on social media to potentially win gorgeous swag!  Also, I shared a couple of my other favorites SP pieces below so make sure y'all scroll down!  This contest ends on September 7th, 2015.  Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

August Fitness Update

Sorry guys, I haven't done a fitness update in forever because things have been really crazy.  Honestly, I'm a little overwhelmed.  I have SO much coming up this fall - I'm trying to prep for it all, but it's driving me a bit cray.  I've been working 16-17 hour days - practicing piano a sh*t ton, studying for comp exams, blogging, and so on and so forth.  There's so much I want to do, but obviously, there are only so many hours in a day.  

I was actually doing well on the whole workout front until I got really sick last week.  For those of you keeping up with my snapchats (my username's @sensiblestylist BTW) and tweets, you know I've been really into t25 as of late.  I finished week 2 but then had serious issues with my stomach so I had to take time off.  I had to go get an endoscopy and everything because I kept getting awful stomachaches and felt this weird lump in my throat.  Luckily,  it wasn't anything too serious.  However, I did have to make major changes to my diet.  No more coffee, alcohol, milk or spicy foods.  Ugh.  I used to live on coffee (5-7 cups a day), and I loved eating burn-a-hole-in-my-stomach-hot foods *le sigh* health comes first!  It's better than feeling like garbage so I'll suck it up and find healthier dishes I enjoy.  I know, I know.  I'm forever the optimist!

Anywho, since I had to take a week off, I decided to start the whole series over again.  I'm such a huge fan of Shaun T.  His workouts are always fun and effective.  I did Ab Intervals today, and I literally cried, ha.  If you're unfamiliar with the program, it's 15 weeks long with the following levels: alpha, beta, and gamma.  The set comes with 16 different modules, and each workout is only 25 minutes long.  However, he doubles up on you on Fridays so you have one 50 min. sesh each week.

I'm "modeling" my current fave workout garb courtesy of Public Myth today on SS.  I'm seriously obsessed with their activewear - think Lulu Lemon except hotter.  When I first saw the mesh detailing, I immediately thought, "shit, I hope this is comfortable."  I lucked out because it totally was.  Who would've thought right?
BTW, I obviously didn't work out before taking these.  I wore my hair down and did my make-up because I wanted to look purdy for you all, ha! Shooting activewear's really tough, especially when your body still has a long way to go!  If this was a post-gym shot, my hair would be in a messy pony, and I'd be dripping with sweat.  Hey, you gotta sweat like a pig if you wanna look like a fox *rawr*

Let's take a closer look at my pants!  The mesh paneling is on point.  Oh, and before I forget, these pants are available HERE, and my sports bra is available HERE for those of you interested.  FYI: they offer free shipping on orders $200+.
Baring my midriff for you guys.  I took a shot for you all so you could see my bra clearly.  I always wear an oversized tank on top because I'm self conscious of my tummy & back when I'm working out!  It's my goal to eliminate jiggle and eventually exercise sans tank.  I definitely still have a long way to go, and I'm ok with that! I'm doing the best that I can, and that's what matters.  Remember, it's about progress, not perfection!

I was in the best shape of my life when I was in NYC (2009-2011).  I ate so clean - and I mean I ate clean, I didn't do any of that starvation bullshit - and worked out at least 1.5 hours a day!  I was 103 lbs of lean muscle, and I remember thinking, "damn, if I could get rid of my back and arm fat, I'd be so happy."  Now I'm 120 lbs, and I just want to get back to where I was, ha!  Funny how that all works.  I don't really care about my weight though.  I just want to be healthy - eff the scale!  I want to run with ease and crank push-ups out like a boss.  I'll get there, slowly but surely!  
On top of my t25 workouts, I've been supplementing with cardio 3x a week.  I'll either run for 20 minutes on the treadmill or do jump rope for 15.  I don't know about you guys, but I think running's a lot easier in comparison.  There are a ton of different workouts available on pinterest if you're interested!  I simply set a timer and go.  I use a TKO rope because it has a soft rubber coated grip.  It's 9 feet long and is made of solid vinyl.  It's currently on sale HERE at Macy's for $14.99 (originally $30).  They also sell exercise mats, push up bars, ab wheels, and more.
While I'm at it, let me share my current workout list with you guys!  Here's what I'm currently jammin' to on my pod-pod - lots of Yellow Claw this month!  I can't believe I just discovered them. Their music is absolutely SICK!  I've listened to "Shotgun" at least 5 times already today, ha.  Oh, AND they're following me on twitter *swoons*  I'm super active on there so make sure you guys come find me - clicky HERE to tweet me!