Sensible Stylista x Hair Cuttery

Yesterday, Hair Cuttery generously invited me to get my hair did at their Hanover, MD location!  I was super excited because my mane needed a touch-up badly - it's been far too long since I've gotten a cut!  For those of you unfamiliar with HC, they're the largest family owned chain of hair salons in the country, with nearly 900 locations on the East Coast & Midwest.  They offer a full complement of cuts and styling, coloring, waxing and texturizing services with no appointment necessary, as well as a full line of professional hair care products.

If you ever decide to get your hair cut in my area, make sure you visit this HC!  Just make sure you call ahead to get an appointment with Staci, the head stylist.  She's absolutely amazing - super friendly and skilled.  She has years of experience under her belt, and it definitely shows!  I went in thinking I'd just get a trim, but decided to get layers after talking to her!  

She cut off about 2 inches and worked her magic.  My hair has honestly never looked better.  I know you guys may be skeptical, but I'm dead serious.  My shampoo, cut, and styling only came out to be $30.  Needless to say, I'm beyond pleased!  To see my new 'do, add me on snapchat - my handle's @sensiblestylist!  I'm also going to share a snap of it tomorrow on my instagram, so stay tuned.  If you're not already following me on IG, make sure y'all come find me and say hello!

 To find a Hair Cuttery near you, use their salon locater - you can access it here!

Jumping for Joy

I absolutely LOVE old Ellicott City.  It's super charming and cute! I'm ashamed of myself for not coming here earlier.  Mel, aka my good friend, photographer, and blogger extraordinaire, suggested that we shoot here, and I'm so glad we did.  I'm definitely going to come back here soon because I want to explore and try the different restaurants here.

I may or may not be a bucket bag fanatic!  Ora Delphine sells an adorable version HERE, but just in case you want to get your browse on here are some other cute versions for your shopping pleasure:

Sneakers:  Vans || Shorts:  Aero || Bag:  Ora Delphine || Shirt:  c/o Lily White Clothing || Cardigan:  Madewell

April Workout Playlist

I haven't shared a fitness post in forever, but I promise to be much more on top of it from here on out... or maybe after June because things are kind of insane until then, ha.  I'll share my fave tunes with y'all every month though - I'm confident my picks will keep you motivated during your sweat sesh.  Here's what's been playing on my pod-pod as of late!

The Striped Pullover

I'm all about neutrals today on Sensible Stylista.  I paired one of my all time favorite minis with my latest find from Last Call Neiman Marcus:  a Joie striped pullover.  I purchased it online a few weeks ago while it was on sale.  I thought it'd sell out, but lucky for you guys, it's still available here for $75.50 - I know it's still quite pricey, but keep in mind that it was originally $278 (!!!)  The piece has a relaxed fit with long sleeves and dropped shoulders. I'm wearing a size XS, and it fits me perfectly - no need to size up or down.  If you have any questions regarding the top, shoot me a message or leave a comment below! I'll always get back to y'all in a timely fashion.

Top:  Joie via Last Call || Skirt:  Shop June July || Shoes:  Aldo || Bag:  YSL

My Signature Moments: Kimberly's Korean-style Tacos + Giveaway

Thank you Safeway for sponsoring this post. Check out the new Signature family of brands from Safeway, with more than 4,000 Signature products available and a 100% money-back guarantee.

I'm super excited to partner up with Safeway for today's food post.  They asked me to share one of my signature recipes, and I happily obliged.  As you all know, I'm a proud Korean-american girl so naturally, I love bulgogi. However, I stopped eating red meat a few months ago so I subbed out beef for chicken.  I used several Safeway products for my dish - their new signature line includes more than 4,000 items - from coffee to juice, soup to cereal, fresh product to friend chicken, and delicious prepared foods to trusted home staples - all with a 100% money back guarantee.  Their brand includes items across six product sectors:  Signature Select, Signature Kitchens, Signature Farms, Signature Cafe, Signature Home, and Signature Care.

To start, the chicken + marinade call for:

1/2 tablespoon korean red hot chili flakes aka gochugaru

1 tablespoon soy sauce

2 teaspoons of minced garlic

1/4 of a vidalia onion

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 tablespoon of honey

1 teaspoon of gochujang

2 chicken breasts

Directions:  Start by slicing the chicken thinly - I trim the fat off to keep things extra healthy but that's your call. Slice the vidalia onion and add it to the chicken.  Mix all of the aforementioned ingredients together and let it marinade together in the fridge for 30 minutes.  If you want to crank up the heat, add more gochujang or gochugaru.  I threw in fresh jalapeños for extra spice and color, but it may be too much for some.

Cook the chicken on high heat, and in the meantime, pop open a can of Safeway corn and green chiles (diced) for an easy "salsa" - simply mix the two together after draining them with a strainer! I suggest a tablespoon of chiles for every 1/2 cup of corn. Then, bake the corn taco shells at 450 for 3-5 minutes to get 'em nice and crispy before filling them up with chicken!  Add salsa, lettuce, or beans as desired.

For dessert, I made coffee and enjoyed it with Safeway signature brand cookies.  

Before I leave you all, I have one last thing to tell you guys.  Safeway has generously offered to give away one $25 gift card.  It ends on May 13th, and participants must be 18+!  Open to US residents only.  The winner will be contacted individually for shipping information by May 20th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

April Beauty Must-haves

1.  Hask Bamboo Oil Strengthening Shampoo ($5.99) - Love, love, LOVE this shampoo.  Bamboo oil strengthens hair and delivers essential nutrients to weakened and lifeless strands providing a strong foundation and improving flexibility.   It works with all hair types and smells amazing.  If you're a fan of lemongrass, this is a must-have. Note: A little goes a long way because this shampoo lathers really well!  It'll leave your mane soft and tangle-free. Also, as a plus, this product's free of sulfates, parabens, drying alcohol, and artificial colors.

2.  Hask Bamboo Oil Strengthening Conditioner ($5.99) - Complements the aforementioned Hask shampoo beautifully.  Make sure y'all try the set for an affordable yet effective experience!  Contains ProDefense Complex (aka biotin + collagen) to fortify, providing stronger and healthier looking hair. TIP: leave the product on for a few minutes for best results.  

3.  Epic Blend Premium Lip Balms ($3.49) - Their petroleum-free balms are superior in every sense. Made from all natural ingredients, they're gluten-free and non-GMO with natural flavors!  They started with three flagship products (hemp vanilla, hemp coconut, hemp mint) and expanded to include more flavors, vegan products, tinted balms, and extra-hydrating lippies.  They only use top-shelf ingredients like organic beeswax, organic coconut oil, and organic sunflower!  Their hemp banana's my favorite.  Get free shipping on orders $20+.

4.  When Sheet Masks ($7) - When masks are everything and more!  They're all-natural sheets made from coconuts that hold essence up to 100 times their weight.  For those of you interested, there are 5 different kinds available: Travelmate, 10PM, Snow Magic, Glamour Base, and The Last Choice.  My personal favorites are 10PM and The Last Choice, but they all work well.  Try one out STAT for a luxe at-home spa experience.  Korean skincare at its best!

5.  Pur Glow Strobing Palette ($34) - I had literally JUST mastered contouring when strobing became a "thing."  I still prefer the former, but I like the overall effect of the latter as well.  For those of you looking to experiment, this palette will give you instant luminescence with its trio of silky cream shades. They glide on and give you streak-free coverage that quickly transforms into a powdery, transfer-resistant finish that you can layer.  Use a contour brush to apply it! I personally like using it on my cheek bones in addition to the center of the forehead + bridge of the nose.  I own both Moonlight Glow and Sun-Kissed Glow - both are gorgeous!  I recommend the first for fairer skinned individuals, and the second for darker.

6.  Hask Bamboo Deep Conditioning Packette ($2.99) - I know this is packaged individually, but I honestly get 2-3 uses out of it.  My point? Don't slather it all on at once.  This product's super strengthening and moisturizing so if you have issues with dry hair, this is a must-try!  It'll make a world of a difference without breaking the bank.

7.  PCA Skin Revitalizing Eye Gel ($84) - an amazing eye gel that strengthens, firms and lifts skin! You'll see results within a week or so.  It treats dark circles, fine lines, wrinkles and more.  I use it twice a day (morning + night) and refrigerate it to soothe and further reduce puffiness.  Also available in a cream formulation here for those of you who prefer richer textures.  Use code Welcome to get free shipping on your first order - valid until June 30th.

8.  Hask Bamboo Oil Vial ($2.99) - At $2.99, this product's a freakin' steal.  I've been using this on my hair post-shower every day! I like to put it on my ends to keep strands hydrated.  Warning:  avoid applying it on your roots and don't use too much.  You want moisturized, not oily!

Hask, PCA Skin, and When products provided by BrandBacker.

The Striped Boyfriend Blazer

I'm all about stripes today on Sensible Stylista!  I centered my latest post around my new blazer courtesy of Spiegel.  Originally $139, this jacket, made of stretch ponte,  is currently on sale HERE for $49.  The silhouette's on the looser side so you'll absolutely love this if you're a fan of boyfriend cuts.  Today's ensemble is casual yet polished - I styled a fairly simple look for y'all but dressed it up with an edgy statement necklace and crossbody. White tees are always a do in my book because they're timeless and ooze style with ease!  I own several different versions, but this (available at Chaser here) is by far my favorite.

Shoes:  Wild Diva || Bag:  YSL || Jeans:  Levi's || Blazer:  c/o Spiegel || Tee:  Chaser || Necklace:  JWholesale

Georgetown: Greenheart Juice Shop

Alright guys, as you all know, I've been working to turn Sensible Stylista into a full-on lifestyle blog. In addition to fashion & beauty, I now blog about food, adventures, and other stuffs. Lately, I've been featuring exceptional restaurants & stores in the DMV (DC/MD/VA) for funsies.  I've lived here for 5+ years, but I still don't feel like I know the area well enough so hopefully this will help me get my exploration on.  

Anywho, for today's post, I'll be telling you guys all about Greenheart Juice Shop. A few weeks ago, I stopped by the GJS pop-up in Georgetown to say hello to Alicia + Diana, the lovely owners - I met Diana previously at a blogger event and connected with Alicia on instagram.  I planned to attend their grand opening, but I had to miss it because I was (very unfortunately) out of town. I had heard amazing things though so naturally, being the foodie that I am, I was dying to try their juice.

Thank god I took the time to visit their pop-up because holy crap, they know juice!  I can pretty much guarantee you'll find something you love - clicky here to browse their menu.  I bought two concoctions (Liquid Gold and Forever Young) and a handmade nut milk (Matcha Milk), and they were freakin' magical! Seriously.  I can honestly say that they make THE best juice I've ever tasted, and that's saying a lot because I have extremely high standards for food + drink.  Sigh, I just wish I lived closer because I've been craving GJS for days now. 

If you're lucky enough to live near GJS, go ASAP.  Their drinks are on the pricier side ($6-$11), but they're worth every penny.  Each bottle contains anywhere from two to five pounds of organic fruits & vegetables, and they're jam-packed with nutrients because they use a hydraulic cold-press to produce their juices.  Just take my word for it and go!  Trust me, you'll be thanking me after your first sip.

Located at the corner of 34th and Prospect in Georgetown inside Down Dog Yoga from Wednesday through Sunday - to see their hours of operation, clicky here.  They also set up shop at different farmers markets!  Juices are available for pre-order, and you can buy a cleanse as well if you're into that.

Stitch Fix: A Personalized Shopping Experience

I'm really excited to tell you guys all about Stitch Fix today on Sensible Stylista.  If you're looking to have a personalized shopping experience, I recommend checking them out.  Here's how SF works: personal stylists handpick a selection of five items (clothing + accessories) just for you after you fill out a detailed style profile.  The survey helps them understand your size, style, shape, budget and lifestyle and takes 10 minutes tops.  

You decide when you'd like to receive your shipment.  At the time your stylist selects your items, you'll be charged a $20 styling fee, but not to worry, it'll be applied as credit toward anything you decide to purchase.  You're then free to try everything on in the comfort of your home.  The cool part? They include a cute brochure with outfit ideas to help you brainstorm looks.

You have three days to decide want you want to keep and what you want to send back!  Simply return the items you don't want in a pre-paid mailing bag - Stitch Fix clients get free shipping both ways as a courtesy.  You check out by logging into your account and paying there.  Oh, and if you decide to keep everything, they give you 25% off your entire purchase.

Afterwards, you give them specific feedback online regarding your package so their stylists can send you better selections in the future (if you choose to continue shopping with them).  You can choose to receive regularly scheduled shipments or opt out - there's no membership fee and a monthly subscription's not required.

Although I loved the items they sent me, I ended up only keeping one dress (pictured above). I styled it with a sleeveless vest (from Banana Republic Factory Outlet) for a chic work-friendly ensemble and accessorized with neutral pieces to match.  For those of you wondering, my shoes are from Jessica Simpson and my bag's Burberry.
Photography:  La Belle Mel || Melanie Yu

A Photo Diary: Renwick Gallery's Wonder Exhibit

I'm super excited to share today's post with you guys because it's a real goodie.  A few days ago, I visited DC to check out Renwick Gallery's Wonder exhibit.  I had already "seen" photos of the installations on instagram so I knew what to expect, but I wanted to see them all in person.  I took as many photos as I could, but it was quite a challenge because lighting was a little "eh."  I did my best though so hopefully you guys will enjoy looking through my first photo diary!

Here's 411 for y'all to start: nine contemporary artists created site-specific installations, each taking over a different gallery. Together these installations turn the building into a larger-than-life work of art.  The nine artists are connected by their interest in creating large-scale installations from unexpected materials like thread, tires, marbles, and blocks of wood - commonplace objects that are assembled, massed, and juxtaposed to transform the spaces and engage visitors in surprising ways.  

Patrick Dougherty's Shindig: uses willow osiers & saplings to weave enormous pods that offer discovery and sanctuary.

Janet Echelman's 1.8: explores volume without mass in a suspended net that surges in waves evoking a tsunami.

Gabriel Dawe's Plexus: develops dazzling waves of colored light using miles of embroidery thread spanning floor to ceiling.

John Grade's Middle Fork: is a tribute to the 160-year-old Renwick building.  He found a 160-year-old hemlock in the Cascade Mountains, made a plaster cast of it, and then invited hundreds of volunteers to re-create the tree in recycled cedar strips.

Chakaia Booker's ANONYMOUS DONOR: transforms hundreds of recycled rubber tires, splicing and weaving them into a mysterious labyrinth.  

Tara Donovan's Untitled: glues thousands of styrene index cards to create ten towers - looming spires that seem like natural accretions.

Jennifer Angus' In the Midnight Garden: creates spiraling designs across the gallery walls from shimmering, brilliantly colored insects, a novel "wallpaper" that displays nature's spectacular range of colors and shapes in small life-forms. 

Descriptions courtesy of the Renwick Gallery's Wonder brochure.

The Perfect Summer Frock

I'm beyond excited to tell you guys about my new dress from Sil Boutique!  Sil, the lovely owner, is a busy mom who's goal is to bring every woman the latest styles at affordable prices.  I'm pumped to partner up with her for today's post because I'm all about sensible style, hardy har har.  I centered my latest OOTD around the fabulous tangerine dress she sent me!  

If you're looking for a cute summer frock, search no more.  This wonderful dress is a do on so many levels.  If you're a fan of feminine clothing, you will fall head over heels in love.  I personally adore lace so I was sold within seconds.  If you're interested in purchasing this dress, click here.  As always, if you have any questions regarding the item don't hesitate to reach out.  I absolutely love hearing from you guys so it'd be a treat!  Oh, and in addition to the dress I'm wearing below, I'm currently lusting for these other fab dresses.  Which one's your fave?

Left || Middle || Right

Dress:  c/o Sil Boutique || Heels + Bag:  c/o AMICLUBWEAR || Necklace:  TJ Maxx

The Mosaic District: Arielle Shoshana

A few days ago, I had the pleasure of meeting Arielle Weinberg of arielle shoshana at her niche fragrance store in the Mosaic District.  I have a huge collection of perfumes at home, but most of them are mainstream. Now, there's absolutely nothing wrong with that, of course, but I've been looking for a unique scent for god knows how long. Lucky for me, Arielle helped me finally find one!

It was definitely tough - I mean, everything smelled so amazing.  Fragrances were divided into seven different categories for browsing ease: fresh, sweet, citrus, floral, green, fruity, and woods.  My personal favorites were fresh, floral, and citrus.  It was a hard decision, but I ended up getting Atelier Cologne's Pomélo Paradis - the third collab between Atelier Cologne and perfumer Ralf Schwieger. It smelled like a vibrant explosion of juicy pink grapefruit.

In addition to their amazing collection of scents, arielle shoshana offered soaps, shower gels, lotions, creams, candles, diffusers, and teas - I sampled their oolong and earl grey lavender, and both were first rate.  If you're a tea aficionado, I have no doubt you'll fall in love.  

You guys need to check Arielle Shoshana out for yourselves.  If you live in the DMV, do yourself a favor and take a day trip to the Mosaic District to get your browse on STAT.  The store itself is absolutely beautiful, and I promise you'll have a fun time sniffing around!  

Sensible Stylista x Secret

I'm super excited to partner up with Secret for my latest post! New Secret Outlast Xtend ups the ante with 48-hour odor protection and is available in both Clear Gel and Invisible Solid forms. Personally, I prefer the former, not because it works better - the Solid's just as legit - but because I like the way it feels on my skin, especially during spring & summer.  Secret’s new Xtend Technology includes an added layer of active ingredients within the Clear Gel formula, and is specifically formulated to dry fast and adhere to your skin to leave no white marks or residue behind.

If you're constantly on the run like I am, you'll need a no-fail deodorant.  There's seriously nothing worse than stepping into a professional setting and having to worry that you might not smell so hot. Spare yourself the embarrassment by covering your bases.  With just two clicks, one swipe and seconds to dry, you'll get continuous 48-hour odor protection.  Try the Clean Lavender scent - it's my favorite by far! 

The exciting news – you can try it out for yourself! Head over to SecretStore.com and use the code PL76XS to request a free sample of Secret Outlast Xtend!

It's Banana

I'm super excited to partner up with Banana Republic on Sensible Stylista for a fun Spring collab.  I centered today's OOTD around my new printed blouse courtesy of BR.  I could've easily went down the work-friendly route with this blouse, but I decided to style a more casual look for you guys. I paired the top with a faux-leather mini and threw on a distressed denim jacket on top for warmth - it's still a bit chilly in the DMV.  

A good jean jacket is a serious must-have for every girl!  It oozes casual cool because it's effortlessly stylish, and as a plus, it's great for lightweight layering.  Transitional pieces like this are key.  Don't underestimate the power of them because they can easily transform the vibe of any and every look. Let me give you an example!

Take a girly maxi dress.  When it's super hot outside, you obviously wear it alone, but when it's slightly chillier - like in the evening - you want to throw on some outerwear. God forbid you get sick, right?  Summer colds are the worst!  You could choose from a variety of different jackets, but a distressed denim jacket would elevate your style tenfold. Why? Because you're juxtaposing femininity with edgy and when you mix vibes, magical things happen. Unexpected combinations keep things interesting.  Fashion's all about experimentation! Don't be afraid to mix it up.

To top off my look, I threw on a pair of distressed boots from Nine West.  I picked these babies up at the Grove City outlet mall over spring break.  They were on sale for $29.99 -  I know, the price was straight up obscene.  I tried them on and bought 'em under 3 minutes!

Before I leave you guys, I'd like to take a minute to thank my good friend, Melanie from labellemel, for shooting my pics!  Not only is she an incredibly successful blogger + youtuber (over 20k+), she's a wonderful person with a heart of gold.  If you live in the DMV and need a wedding photographer, make sure to hit her up - you can view her work here.

Jacket + Blouse:  c/o Banana Republic || Skirt:  Banana Republic Factory Outlet || Shoes:  Nine West

Unboxing Fabfitfun: The Spring Edition

1.  Herb Garden by Makerskit ($35):  Most possibly my fave item of the bunch, this DIY Herb Garden is super cute and fun.  It gives you all the tools you need to grow mint, thyme, and basil - the kit comes with plastic pots, compost, and a wooden trough.  Remember to keep the soil slightly damp - the last thing you want to do is overwater.  Enjoy 20% off your entire purchase with offer code FABFITFUN.  Each MakersKit equals a school supply donated to P.S. Arts so know that your moolah's supporting a worthy cause.

2.  Jook & Nona Jewelry ($65):  An adorable 18k gold-plated stainless steel necklace engraved with words to live by. Mine says "love", but "happy," "inspire," and "dream" are also options you could get in your box! Ooze positive energy and step up your fashion game by wearing this.  Bonus points if you layer with longer pieces!  Get 10% off with code JNSPRING until 5/31.

3.  Merrithew Yoga Mat Strap ($14.99):  Use this dual-purpose item as an alternative to a mat bag or as a resistance cord for strength training.  Get 25% off the entire mat line HERE with code FFFMAT16 - valid until 5/31 for those of you interested.  

4.  ISH contour kit ($32):  Such an amazing kit - a must-have for makeup enthusiasts like myself. The ISH Contour Kit is the debut product from the first beauty line created by Joey Maalouf and FabFitFun.  I received a Light/Medium, but it also comes in Medium/Dark.  Each palette includes a highlighter, blush, bronzer, and contour and was made in the USA, cruelty-free.  For those of you wondering, Joey has been the MUA for A-listers like Molly Sims, Rachel Zoe, and Jessica Alba. Yeah, suffice it to say his line's legit - he's been in the industry for years so he knows quality.  Learn more about the partnership HERE.

5.  Keratin Gloves & socks ($9.98): Spoil yourself with these babies during an at-home spa sesh. Developed by Bodipure Inc., these socks and gloves are a waterless, all-in-one hand and foot treatment that strengthens nails and moisturizes skin.  Simply throw 'em on for 20 minutes or so for baby soft hands and feet.  Enjoy 20% plus free shipping with code FABFITFUN until 5/31.  

6.  Hellolegs Shaving Lotion ($19.95):  Get super smooth legs with this fab product.  The brilliant folks at HelloLegs combined the richest body lotion with the most gentle of shaving creams - and added a bit of "blade butter" to the formula - to give you an out-of-this-world shaving experience that's beyond luxe.  

7.  Marrakesh Argan & Hemp Oil Therapy ($22.99):  Improve the condition of your hair STAT with this powerful blend of nutrient-rich Argan Oil. Combined with ultra fortifying Hemp Seed Oil, it'll significantly improve your mane.  Apply a pump of it on wet hair to silk-ify locks and leave tresses shiny and frizz-free.  

8.  31 Bits $25 Gift Card:  Oh how I love shopping for a cause!  This season's FFF box features a brand that does more than empower.  31 Bits jewelry is handmade by artisans in Uganda, allowing them to rise above poverty!  Help them create a better life for themselves by shopping their beautiful accessories.  I mean, it's a total win-win!  Make sure y'all get your browse on here.

9.  Sterling Forever $30 Gift Card:  Head over heels in love with Sterling Forever.  I've been a fan for god knows how long so I was thrilled to see them included!  Discover a mix of easy-to-wear pieces inspired by fashion runway trends, celebs, and high-end jewelry designers.  Their team of experts travel the world seeking the best of the best for their online collection.  

10.  Jus d'amour bath bomb trinity ($28):  Bath bombs have always been a weakness of mine.  I don't know about you guys, but there's nothing I enjoy more than a relaxing bath.  Light up a candle (or five), grab your favorite magazine, and get serious R&R on with Jus D'Amour.  My set has three wonderful scents: eucalyptus, peppermint, and lime, but you can also try lavender, chamomile, and ylang ylang or jasmine, rose, and sandalwood.  I'd personally love to try them all (ha!) so I guess where my next $28 is going. 

All in all, the total value of this box exceeds $280 - do yourself a solid and sign up for Fabfitfun! The box itself costs $49.99 + free shipping so you're getting a whole lotta bang for your buck. You'll get full-size, premium products delivered to your door 4x a year.  Oh, and make sure y'all use code STYLISTA to get $10 off your subscription.  You're welcome in advance!