Sensible Stylista

Two-tone Queen

This is going to sound really stupid, but I like to collect dresses.  If I come across a really cool design, I really can't help myself...unless it's ridonkulously expensive, and I literally can't afford it, ha.  I don't really like wearing pants so I live in dresses & skirts.  Honestly, it may have to do with the fact that I'm kind of self-conscious about my back fat.  Call me crazy or whatever, but we all have insecurities. That just happens to be my biggest one!  
So, when I stumbled upon this super cute two-tone piece at Dezzal, I flipped out, especially since it's a design I can wear to work.  Since I'm sensible and all that jazz, functionality always tickles my fancy. I absolutely adore the floral print and the pop of orange.  It's perfect for summer, and I love that I can wear it anywhere I so desire.  Date night? Style it with a pair of killer black stilettos and a eye-catching clutch.  Going to work? Throw on a pair of beige pumps and carry your neutral everyday tote.  A casual hang? Throw on summer sandals and your fave shoulder bag.  The options are endless!  
For those of you interested in copping this dress, it's available here for purchase.  I'm wearing a size small, and it fits me well.  Make sure you pay attention to measurements.  Their sizing varies from product to product so keep that in mind when shopping their site.  They carry a ton of cool designs from Chinese designers!  I wasted a good hour or so browsing their collection last night.  Oh well, it's all "research" for Sensible Stylista so my actions are totally justified...or so I like to tell myself, ha.
I styled my dress with a vintage Bally bag and threw on blush platform sandals to top off my look.  I picked these shoes up recently at the Nine West Factory Outlet in Hagerstown, MD.  They were on sale for $19.99 so I obviously had to purchase them, ha.  They were too cute (and surprisingly comfortable) to pass up!  
Shoes:  Nine West Factory (similar) || Bag:  Vintage Bally || Dress:  c/o Dezzal

SS Eats: George Martin's Grillfire

It's time for more noms, everyone!  For today's post, I'll be telling you guys all about my experience at George Martin's Grillfire in Hanover, MD.  If you're a fan of solid American food, you'll love this restaurant.  They know how to do comfort food, for reals.  

The space is pretty, and the vibe's quite nice.  You don't have to get super dressed up or anything, but it's definitely not a let's-put-on-flip-flops-and-go kind of place.  I've been here several times since I've moved here and have enjoyed most everything I've tried on the menu.  
This may be completely irrational, but I totally judge restaurants based on their bread.  Lucky for George Martin's, their bread = life.  It's freshly-baked white bread stuffed with blue cheese (!!!!!) I could easily eat 3 of these by myself...in one sitting - FYI, no complimentary bread during lunch [insert sad face here], only dinner.  

Now, moving onto apps.  I ordered their creamy tomato soup to start, and it was ridiculously delicious.  It came out pipin' hot, and the flavor was super on point.  This was a special, so I don't know if it's available on the daily, but it's worth getting if it's on the menu.  I also got their stir fried brussel sprouts.  I get them every time I come here.  They're usually nomtastic, but they were (unfortunately) super salty this time + swimming in sauce.  
For my main course, my friend and I split two dishes.  I ordered the Beets & Blue salad with grilled chicken, and she got barbecued baby back ribs ($18 for a half rack, $26 for a full rack).  The salad was a bit overpriced, but it was yummy - $12 for the salad + $5 for the extra protein.  It was an arugula & watercress mix with roasted red & gold beets, blue cheese, candied pecans, and crispy fried onions in a sherry vinaigrette.  I could've done without the onions, but the dressing was good. Honestly, unless you're vegetarian, I recommend passing on the salad and getting a warm entree here. You'll get much more bang for your buck that way!
My frand's ribs were totes legit.  They were house-smoked and smothered in a blackjack BBQ sauce + came with sweet potato wedges and crispy fried onions.  If you like meat, definitely give this dish a try!  Now, if you're in the mood for something else, I highly recommend the horseradish, bacon & cheddar crusted sirloin meatloaf.  It comes with roasted mushrooms and mashed potatoes, and the serving's gigantic so you'll get a good 2-3 meals out of it.
The cherry on top is the free cotton candy!  I never get dessert here because I'm usually stuffed so cotton candy's  the perfect ending, light and sweet.  If you live in the DMV area, have you tried this place? If yes, I'd love to hear your thoughts.  Also, make sure y'all comment with your favorite restaurants so I can check 'em out.  I'm planning to blog MUCH more about food + travel this year so make sure y'all stay tuned.  

Hitting up the NY High Line

I'm super excited to share my third Stylinity collab with you guys - I'll be featuring Wet Seal, Bobbi Brown, AND Steve Madden today on SS so I'm beyond pumped.  Heads up, this post's super pic-heavy because it's another NYC Dennis Christians shoot - we trekked to the High Line during the early morn to take these photos.  If you missed our first post in Soho, click here!
I don't know about you guys, but I'm a huge fan of mock necks.  When I saw this dress at Wet Seal, it was like love at first sight. I knew I had to have it because everything from color to cut was on point, and the versatility's a huge bonus.  I absolutely love that it can be dressed both up AND down.  As you can see, I went with a casual but polished vibe for today's OOTD - to get an extra 30% off your purchase, click here.
I'm a sucker for summer layering so I threw on a lightweight cardigan on top.  I'm wearing it in taupe, but this adorable cocoon cardi's available in two other colors as well: heather gray & charcoal.  As you all know, I tend to prefer slightly looser fits so I went with a S, but an XS would've worked too. For those of you interested, this item's available HERE for $19.90.
To finish off my look, I carried my Tory Burch crossbody and wore strappy Steve Madden heels to match. A pop of animal print can seriously work miracles!  I'm sure you all know this by now, but I'm a huge fan of prints.  It's a tough call (because I'm also obsessed with stripes & florals), but animal print may just be my favorite out of 'em all.  If you're shy, start small.  Try incorporating a bit of it into your everyday look with heels or sunglasses.  I have a feeling you'll be sporting blouses and skirts in no time!  To shop my look on Stylinity, click here.
A closer look at my sandals!  Aren't they cute?  Love, love, LOVE Steve Madden.  Their shoes never disappoint - they always ooze quality and sophistication! Click here to pick up a pair for yourself and get an extra 20% off with my exclusive coupon HERE.
Dress:  c/o Wet Seal ||  Cardi:  c/o Wet Seal ||| Bag:  Tory Burch (similar) || Shoes:  c/o Steve Madden || Lip: c/o Bobbi Brown (in Mod)
The post is in collaboration with Stylinity, Bobbi Brown, Wet Seal, and Steve Madden.

click here to shop more looks you'll love at Stylinty.com
click here to shop more looks you'll love at Stylinty.com

Mock Neck Trapeze Dress With Keyhole Detail
Wet Seal
Mock Neck Trapeze Dress With Keyhole Detail
Lightweight Short Sleeve Cocoon Cardi
Wet Seal
Lightweight Short Sleeve Cocoon Cardi
Chico's Jackie Crossbody Bag
Chico's
Chico's Jackie Crossbody Bag
SERRINA: STEVE MADDEN
Steve Madden
SERRINA: STEVE MADDEN
Luxe Lip Color
Bobbi Brown
Luxe Lip Color