All About Tencel

I can't wait to tell you guys all about my new parka from Aeropostale.  This jacket is, hands down, my favorite piece of outerwear right now. It's made of 100% tencel, and it seriously feels like butter against my skin.  I'm a huge fan of the loose, slouchy fit because it oozes style with ease. For those of you interested, this piece is currently on sale here for $42.  Trust me, it's worth every penny!  I'm telling you guys, Aero's legit now. Now don't get me wrong, not everything is gold - they still sell their token "aero" graphic tees - but they carry some really cute designs.  I recommend browsing their Bethany Mota & Toyko Darling lines.  

Anywho, let's move onto my dress (which is also made of tencel BTW)!  I styled it with my Aero parka for a monochromatic vibe. I think this pairing's tres chic, but I may or may not be biased, ha! This sleeveless number is a total must-have in my opinion though.  It's available HERE for $38 (originally $82).  Cop it while you can because, a) it's probably going to sell out soon, and b) you're going to get so much wear out of it.  It's comfy like the staple shirtdress, but as a plus, this piece has a self belt that strategically flatters by highlighting the small of one's waist.

Let's take a look at my dress sans parka!  Isn't it super cute? I love that the back's slightly longer! I don't have to worry about flashing someone because of the shirt tail hem, ha.  I kept things simple on the accessory front by simply incorporating a pop of animal print.  I threw on my current fave heels to finish off the look.  I featured these shoes HERE a couple days ago - clicky if you missed my collab with Castro!  Also, if you're interested in purchasing a pair yourself, simply click HERE.  I guarantee that you'll love these.

Shoes: Castro ($79.60) || Dress:  c/o Velvet Heart ($38) || Parka:  c/o Aeropostale ($56) || Bag:  Coach Factory Outlet (similar)

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.