Sensible Stylista x Castro

I'm beyond excited to partner up with Castro today on SS.  I recently discovered them online, and I'm a huge fan already.  Their collection is elegant, classy, and effortlessly stylish.  I wanted to feature a trendy yet polished look for you guys so I centered today's OOTD around a chic drape jacket.  This lightweight piece is a dream for transitional weather.  The design's sophisticated, and the quality's on point (comparable to BCBG).  I'm wearing it in stone, but it's also available in black HERE.  For $63.33, this piece is a steal - you're getting designer clothing for a fraction of the price.  FYI, this item fits true to size.  I'm wearing an XS below!

I paired my jacket with a matching blouse that I picked up at Off Saks a week ago.  I was pumped because I found IRO - one of my favorite brands - in the sale racks.  I could've gone monochrome, but I decided to wear faux-leather instead for texture.  To finish off the look, I accessorized with a bold bag and shoes.  Animal print is always a good idea - just make sure you don't go overboard.  We want tasteful not tacky!

A close-up of my accessories.  FYI, my bag's from Coach.  I purchased it recently from their online factory outlet.  I'm officially a fan because they've really stepped up their game!  Coach is different now.  Their BS (bags + shoes, ha) are super cute, and they no longer plaster their logo on all their items.  Moving on, let's talk shoes.  These babies are pricey (available here for $79.23), but I promise that you'll get tons of wear out of them.  They look amazing with any and everything.  Heads up, they don't sell half sizes.  I recommend sizing down - I'm a 6.5, and their 6 fit me perfectly.  If you're looking to step up your shoe game, purchase these STAT.

Top:  IRO via Off Saks Fifth || Skirt:  Banana Republic Factory Outlet (similar) || Blazer:  c/o Castro || Shoes:  c/o Castro || Bag: Coach Factory Outlet (similar)

Soft Surroundings Grand Opening: Fairfax Corner

Yay for grand openings! I don't usually go to local events, but I've decided to be much more active this year.  I'm going to try and have a social life for once, ha.  For those of you who don't know me, I'm a serious workaholic.  I spend all my time trying to better myself - productivity makes me happy, and I dig the hustle.  With that said, it doesn't hurt to have some balance!  Soooo, my mom and I decided to go to Soft Surroundings' grand opening at Fairfax Corner.  If you guys live in the DMV, you need to check FC out stat - it's a really cute shopping complex with tons of stores and restaurants.  This was actually my first time at a Soft Surroundings.  I was excited because I didn't know what to expect.  After browsing, here's what I can tell you guys:

1.  They're a lifestyle brand - they sell home goods, make-up/skincare, clothing, and more!

2.  I'd describe their clothing as Chico's meets Free People.  They carry a lot of cute stuff, but IMHO, their line's geared towards gals in their late 20's+.

3.  Their interior decor is legit.  Lots of fresh flowers everywhere, and the store styling is on point.  Serious props to Soft Surroundings.  I couldn't stop snapping pictures, ha.  

4.  Their clothing's reasonably priced.  Most of their stuff is under $100! 

5.  Every grand opening should have free champagne and macarons.

Have any of you guys shopped at a Soft Surroundings? Let me know by tweeting or commenting below.  You all know how much I love hearing from y'all.  Also, a huge thanks to the Virginia's Blogger Club and Jim Manno (PR Manager of Soft Surroundings) for having me there as media.

Queen of the Fall

I absolutely love H&M. They have amazing sales, and their clothing's always cute!  I scored this top HERE for $10 a few weeks ago.  Honestly, I'm shocked that it's still available.  If you like loose knits, do yourself a favor and buy this STAT.  I guarantee it'll become a wardrobe fave!  Let me share some basic info with you guys.  The sweater's made of a soft rayon & acrylic blend - it's wide-cut with long sleeves and has a seam at the front with slits on the sides.  The back's longer so it covers your booty!  I'm not super confident about my derriere - I'm no Jen Selter, ha - so I'm all for that cut.  

There are so many pros going on with this top.  For one, it's extremely comfortable.  If you want to scrub it with style, throw this baby on. You'll look awesome in minutes. Wear it with stretchy skinnies or jeggings, grab your everyday tote, and throw on sneakers for a fashionable ensemble. Oversized tops are the best because you don't have to worry about muffin top or any of that BS.  I'm going to be real with you guys and admit that I've gained a lot weight this summer.  My pants don't fit right, and this is probably the heaviest I've been in years.  It's definitely time for me to get off my butt and sculpt my body for the better, but until then, dresses, loose tops, and high-waisted bottoms will be my staples.

This top seriously looks amazing with everything.  Animal print is usually bold, but this piece isn't too "in-your-face."  The dark/light gray color combo is subtle and chic.  Pair it with any pant and ooze style with ease.  This top is also available in white & light gray if you're interested.  I actually ordered the white but returned it because it was too sheer for my taste.  If you're into that, shop away by all means, but personally, I'm not a huge fan.  The leopard print though? That's a must-have!  FYI: I'm wearing a size XS because the piece fits true to size.

Shoes:  c/o UKIES || Pants:  Levis (similar) || Top:  H&M ($10) || Bag:  Stella McCartney || Necklace:  Kitsch

I paired my top with periwinkle skinny jeans.  I got them at Macy's way back in the day during a blowout sale so I don't have a link for you guys.  These are really similar though.  They may seem pricy, but $67 + free shipping for J Brand is actually pretty good.  Designer jeans usually go for way more!  Moving on, I accessorized with a dainty t-necklace and threw on open-toed faux-snakeskin pumps.  These heels, courtesy of UKIES, are legit!  The craftsmanship is impeccable, and they're extremely comfortable because they're made with nanoGel tech and have added arch support.  I'm a huge fan of their brand because they value both design and comfort.  For those of you interested, they're available HERE.