Fab Transitional Dresses

I've pretty much had it with winter.  I don't know about you guys, but I'm ready for Spring - bring on the warm weather! Anywho, in honor of the upcoming season, I've showcased seven fab transitional dresses that work beautifully all year round.

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4 || 5 || 6 || 7

An International Giveaway: Win a $40 gift card to The Luk

I am SO beyond excited to partner up with The Luk today on Sensible Stylista.  This fabulous store was founded by Amanda Bennett - you can read more about her and her twin sister HERE - in an effort to provide fashionable yet affordable work attire. Most young professionals end up investing in two separate wardrobes, and often times they'll end up spending a fortune on stylish office-appropriate garb or going for cheaper stuff they don't really like.  After dealing with the aforementioned issues firsthand, Amanda followed her dreams and launched The Luk - an online clothing store that offered on-trend transitional pieces for less.  

One VERY lucky winner will score a $40 gift card, and trust me, you want to win this because their clothing is on point.  As always, rules are simple.  All you have to do is follow them on instagram via rafflecopter below.  There are also several bonus entries available to up your chances of winning.  As a plus, TL has generously offered to give Sensible Stylista readers and extra 20% off all website purchases with code SS2016 and free shipping on orders $50+.  Here are a few of my personal favorite pieces from their site!  I own several of their items so I can personally vouch for their quality - you guys will see them featured very soon so keep an eye out.  Good luck, everyone!  This contest ends on March 21st, 2016.

LEFT || MIDDLE || RIGHT

LEFT || MIDDLE || RIGHT

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Oversized Cardigan: Comfort and Style All in One

I'm pumped to partner up with Tobi today on Sensible Stylista!  I centered my latest around their Trysha Tie Shift Dress.  This fabulous piece, made of polyester, oozes style with ease.  I'm wearing a size small and measurements are as follow: bust - 35', length - 31'.  The material's fairly thin so it's ideal for spring/summer, but why wait when you can layer!  I paired the dress with an oversized cardi for max comfort and threw on chunky boots for a stylish transitional outfit.  You can browse more of their dresses here!  They also carry super cute cardigans if you want to get your shop on.

Shop my look:

Boots: Nine West || Bag:  Chanel (look for less) || Dress:  c/o Tobi || Cardigan:  AMICLUBWEAR

Shop for a Cause: Part 2

I'm very excited to share today's post with you guys!  I don't know if you remember, but a while back I highlighted several brands that supported worthy causes and/or organizations - to access the aforementioned post, click here.  I'm a big believer in giving back, and what better way to do so than shop!  Ok, perhaps it's not the BEST way to donate, but if you're going to shop anyways, why not patronize stores that lend a helping hand.  So, without further ado, let's take a look at our first shop!

1.  AK Kerani

Sells:  cool graphic tees and cozy infinity scarves

Ships: worldwide

Supports:  knitting as a therapeutic activity for those that struggle with anxiety and depression.  They try to promote public dialogue and advocate for mental health awareness to try and reduce stigmas.

How you can help: Donate to their kickstarter campaign HERE.  Their new program involves hosting a 30-minute open mental health discussion on a topic relevant to their audience (mental health in the workplace, mental health in the media, etc.) followed by a break-out session where they teach participants to knit with supplies they provide.  

2.  Good Row Clothing

Sells: Ridiculously cute clothing and accessories!

Ships:  Free orders for US residents, a flat fee of $18 for international orders

Supports: the homeless.  It's estimated that 13,300 women+ are homeless within LA County.  Based in downtown LA, they give back to their community by donating 10% of every purchase to the Downtown Womens Center.  They're socially responsible.  More than 50% of their collection is USA made, and they've partnered up with Carbon Checkout so that customers can purchase carbon credits to offset the environmental impact of their purchase.  Also, their mailer packaging is made from post-consumer & post-industrial material so everything is 100% recyclable.

3.  Maumero

Sells: chic + high-quality women's shoes

Ships: worldwide

Supports: Amazima and IJM.  They donate 10% to either, and you get to choose which charity/s at checkout.  Amazima is a Christian non-profit working to empower the people of Uganda, and IJM (International Justice Mission) is a global organization that protects the poor from violence in the developing world.  Their team includes hundreds of lawyers, investigators, social workers, and activists, and they fight slavery, sex trafficking, sexual violence, police brutality and more.  So far, they've rescued more than 25,000 people from violence and oppression, and their work is protecting 21 million people globally from violence.

4. Five Pound Apparel

Sells:  unique graphic tees, fun accessories, books, and cologne.

Ships: worldwide, based in Missouri

Supports: the hungry.  Each purchase will provide a book to a community in need and 5 pounds of food to someone in need in the Ozarks.

5.  Noonday Collection

Sells: beautiful jewelry and accessories

Ships: to the US

Supports: and develops artisan businesses through fair trade providing dignified jobs in vulnerable communities.  They've partnered up with 30 different businesses in 13 counties, impacting more than 20,000+ people.

6.  Market Colors

Sells: jewelry, bags and other accessories

Ships: worldwide

Supports: families in Africa by collaborating with local craftsmen to create beautiful products that are unique and high-quality - click here to meet their artisans.
How you can help:  if you'd like to donate to their cause, click here.

The Perfect Fringe Sweater

I'm super excited for my latest because I'm sharing several new finds with you guys on SS.  I centered today's OOTD around my new sweater from Banana Republic.  Fringe is all the rage as of late, and this piece is comfortable, warm and stylish!  if you're looking to dabble in the trend, scoop this baby up stat - available here for $88 + free shipping!  Pair it with skinny jeans and flat over-the-knee boots like I did below for a casual yet chic ensemble.

Shop my look: 

Bag:  Paul's Boutique || Sweater:  Banana Republic || Jeans: Levi's || Boots:  c/o Boohoo || Jacket:  BCBGMaxAzria Factory Outlet

Get 30% off select jewelry with code LOVE30WANT at Amazon.  Run, don't walk because this promotion ends on Feb. 29th! Here are some of my current faves:

1.  Robert Lee Morris "Shimmer" Sculptural Hinged Collar Necklace

2.  Rebecca "Sahara" 24k Yellow Gold Bracelet

3.  Lucky Brand Gold Open Work Collar Necklace

4.  Vince Camuto Gold-Tone Small-Horn Hoop Earrings

5.  Betsey Johnson "Glitter Rose" Mismatch Stud Earrings

6.  Bella Pearl Double Dangling Pendant Necklace

7.  Myia Passiello Sterling Silver and Swarovski Zirconia Heart Key Necklace

8.  Barse Jubilee Turquoise and Copper Cuff Bracelet

9.  Marc by Marc Jacobs Scribble Metal Cuff Bracelet

10.  Rebecca Minkoff Long Triangle Chain Drop Earrings

Adding Polish with a Blazer

I don't know what it is about blazers, but they always manage to add polish.  Elevate your ensemble tenfold by throwing one on - it's simple, easy, and effective. I purchased this fabulous piece at H&M for $15 last week.  I'm actually astounded that I picked it up for that price, but then again, I am the sensible stylista for a reason, ha!  Words can't express how much I love that store. They have the most amazing sales there!  I always have a blast shopping their clearance racks because they're super organized.  

My look today is quite simple because I've been all about steeze (style + ease) as of late.  I started with a casual base:  jeans and a striped top.  I wore high-waisted skinnies to mask potential muffin top (tip 1 from my article "9 ways to cover muffin top") and elongate - the cut hits me high up so it creates the illusion of longer stems.  The blazer matches my shirt so that was a no-brainer, and I accessorized with neutral pieces to match.  I carried my favorite Celine-inspired bag (from Chicwish) and threw on lace-up heels.  The shoes definitely add a ton of personality!  Lace-ups are always a do in my book.

Since I don't have a shoe link for you guys, here are other fabulous options for your browsing pleasure:

Like I mentioned previously, I bought my blazer on sale so I don't have a link for y'all, but I found other cute H&M blazers if you're interested:

Blazer:  H&M ($15) || Top:  Forever 21 || Jeans:  Aeropostale || Bag:  Chicwish

Remix: The Cable Knit Cardigan

I'm super excited to re-feature my current favorite cardigan today on Sensible Stylista - in case you guys forgot, I picked it up at Saks Off 5th for $44.99 a while back.  I've actually featured it on here twice already - once as a "Find of the Day" and once as an OOTD. Previously, I styled it with a fab sweater dress from Old Navy for a casual yet sophisticated look.  I wanted a different vibe today so I paired the cardi with a plain tee and skinny jeans for an effortlessly stylish everyday ensemble. If you're looking to purchase this cardigan, click here.  Lucky for you guys, it's still available online.

Shop my look:

Cardigan:  Saks Off 5th || Jeans:  Levi's || Tee:  Banana Republic Factory Outlet || Tote:  Handbag Heaven (similar) || Shoes:  Saks Off 5th (similar)

Workwear Wednesday: The Gray Poncho

Alright guys, it's time for my weekly work-friendly post!  In case you're just tuning in, I share office-appropriate ensembles every Wednesday.  I centered today's look around my new poncho from Ann Taylor.  It was 80% off at the time so I got it for $15! Unfortunately, I don't have a product link for you guys, but I found other cute options for your browsing pleasure - all under $50:

Tee:  Banana Republic || Bag:  Stella McCartney || Scarf:  c/o VeVelle || Pants:  Madewell || Poncho:  Ann Taylor || Shoes:  Candie's (similar)

Re-purpose your cocktail ring like a pro by using it as a scarf ring! It's easy-peasy - simply choose a bauble of your choice and pull the ends of your scarf through.  It's a great way to switch up your look!  Also, for those of you wondering, my scarf's from Vevelle.  Made of 100% silk, the piece draws its inspiration from Haiti's rich heritage.

Shop my look:

Find of the Day: The Cable Knit Poncho

I'm super excited to share today's post with you guys because I'm featuring my latest designer find on Sensible Stylista!  I picked this luxe Christopher Fischer poncho up last week at Last Call Neiman Marcus for $110 - there was a special promo going on so I got an extra discount on top of an already-reduced price tag.  Currently, it's available online for $144.50 - click here to purchase.  I know that's still quite pricy, but trust me, you're getting a great deal because it was originally $450.  This sophisticated piece oozes steeze with its slouchy turtleneck, dolman sleeves, and oversized silhouette. It'll become a closet favorite in no time! I've personally already worn this several times already.  It's effortlessly stylish, warm, and comfortable.  TIP: Use code LCSHIP to get free shipping on your order!

My look for less:

Other ponchos for your browsing pleasure (all under $50):

Bag:  Paul's Boutique || Shoes:  Rebels Footwear (similar) || Skinnies:  Theory (similar) || Poncho:  Christopher Fischer via Last Call

The Gray Sweaterdress

I'm all about my new sweater dress.  It's so chic and comfortable, and I love that it transitions effortlessly from work to play!  For those of you wondering, it's from AMICLUBWEAR.  I know that they're known for their more risqué designs, but they actually carry a ton of cute, affordable everyday items.  To start, I recommend browsing their knits and casual dresses.  If you're looking for something fancier, click on "party dresses" under their "clothing" tab.  I personally own several of their bandage dresses, and they're all really cute!

Unfortunately, the dress I'm wearing today is sold out!  I think they're planning on restocking it in the future, but I don't know when.  As a consolation, I found other fab alternatives all under $50:

I styled my sweater dress with a faux-leather jacket (from Donna Degnan) for some edge - if this piece looks familiar, it's because I've featured it on Sensible Stylista several times already.  I threw on suede over-the-knee boots for texture and warmth - a double win in my book- and finished off my look with a scarf!  A pop of animal print is always a do.

Here are two previous Donna Degnan features for you guys, in case you're interested!  Click for outfit details:  left & right.

Dress:  c/o AMICLUBWEAR || Boots:  Stuart Weitzman (look for less) || Scarf:  c/o Scarves.Net || Coat:  Donna Degnan (Browse Similar) || Bag:  BagInc

A closer look at my dress sans jacket.