Strawberry Fields Forever

I'm so beyond excited to partner up with Jared Wolfe again on SS for my latest.  I absolutely love working with him - he has an incredible eye, and his style's super distinct. I feel like I could spot his work anywhere!  If you're interested in working with him, hit him up here.  He just opened a new studio in DC so it should be fun times all around!

Anywho, for today's OOTN, I styled a fun going out look for you guys.  I (unfortunately) don't have a dress link for y'all, but I'll make sure to share other cute options for you guys below so scroll, scroll, scroll.

Other sexy dress options for you guys (all under $50):

My neckline's already hella fancy so I accessorized with bold statement earrings instead of a pretty necklace as per usual.  I got these earrings from Charlotte Russe back in the day, and they STILL look fab.  I expected them to change color and whatnot, but they're good as new.  They're no longer available online (since I bought them years ago), but here are other affordable styles for your browsing pleasure:

How-to Get Mistletoe Ready

I'm totes excited to introduce you guys to editor-in-chief of Yahoo Style, author and host Joe Zee today on Sensible Stylista.  He's taking over (via video) and giving y'all amazing tips on how to get holiday ready this season. Some additional tips for you guys:
1.  Go all out and make a statement:  Have some fun and step out of your comfort zone!  Seek a statement piece - maybe one you typically wouldn't wear - a funky jacket, a big piece of jewelry or a bold tie, and add it to that holiday look.  This is the fastest way to add pizazz to your ensemble.  It's also an easy way to take a look from day to night which is important during the busy holiday season. 2.  Start with the winner:  Know what makes you feel food and play it up!  Throw on that pair of shoes or that specific skirt that gives you confidence and always makes you feel like a million bucks and make it your signature piece for the holidays! 3.  Let it shine:  Embrace the sparkle in you!  Metallics and shine are a huge trend right now so add sparkle to your everyday look.  Try a sequin trimmed tee with a pencil skirt or add a metallic belt + shoes. 4.  Layer that LBD:  Take this simple staple and turn it into something new for each occasion. Consider it a blank slate you can dress up and down with layers, fabric textures and awesome accessories. 5.  Look the part from head to toe:  Being well-groomed is just as important as what you wear!  Take time to pamper yourself before your holiday event.  Reflect on how you want the holidays to unfold, don't just let them happen.  This will make sure you're at your very best.  Take a luxe bath and leave time for grooming. Man, I'm SO glad he talked about grooming.  I'm all about treating myself so at-home spa nights are a total must. Lucky for me, these products available on Walmart.com/mistletoeready to help me get my pamper on.  So, without further ado, let's take a look at what's inside my pretty package!

1.  Gillette Venus Swirl Razor and Cartridges ($10.75):  You guys have no idea how much I needed this.  My razor was super old, and I was running out of cartridges so I was beyond pumped that this was included in my toolkit. Not to mention, Venus has been my go-to for YEARS now - it gives me the closest shave possible without nicking and all that garbage. Soft skin is super important to me so moisturizing after a good shave = bliss.

2.  Oral-B Pro White 1000 ($29.90):  After trying this toothbrush out, I don't think I can ever go back to anything else...but then again, I'm kind of cray when it comes to dental hygiene.  This brush does an amazing job keeping my pearly whites clean.  The in-handle timer pulses every 30 seconds to let you know when to switch areas, and it's clinically proven to break up and remove more plaque than a regular manual toothbrush.  Walmart.com's currently offering a $15 mail-in-rebate so make sure y'all take advantage (valid until 12/31).

3.  Crest 3D White Whitestrips ($36.99):  As much as I love wearing pretty jewelry, I truly believe that my best accessory (by far) is my smile!  These whitening strips are def. a must for me. I used to drink a ridonkulous amount of coffee daily so my teeth suffered.  I actually decided to stop drinking it entirely a month ago, but I still need these to keep everything in check.  You'll see results in 3 days, and full results will come in 20.  They'll remove 14 years of stains (!!!) delivering professional-level teeth whitening results for a fraction of the cost.  Andddd the best part? It's all SUPER safe so you  don't have to worry about damaging your enamel.

4 -5.  Gillette Fusion ProShield Chill Men's Razor & Braun Series 3:  These two items are for guys so I'm not going to review them!  I'll be gifting these babies to my pops though.  I'm sure he'll appreciate 'em.  FYI:  Now's a great time to stock up on basics since Walmart.com's offering a bunch of P&G products for a fraction of the price.  See the full list here!

Alright guys, that's it for today!  If you guys have questions about any of the aforementioned essentials, just shoot me a message.  Also, I want to take a second to thank P&G for sponsoring today's latest. Cheers, everyone!

Keeping it Casual on the Daily

Excited to share another fall-friendly look with you guys today!  I'm all about casual cool for my latest post, anddddd like my last blast, I'm wearing Stitch Fix from head to toe, ha.  Don't judge me, guys.  Their clothing's just too freakin' cute.

Anywho, I centered my latest around a blue/gray color scheme!  I started with a simple striped shirt and threw on a drape cardigan to match.  I thought about wearing gray pants, but decided to keep things more casual with jeans.  What do you guys wear to run errands?  How do you execute casual on the regular?

My feeble attempt at twirling!  This was totally weaksauce.  I promise to step my game up next time, ha.

Cardi + Top + Bag:  c/o Stitch Fix || Jeans:  Aeropostale || Necklace:  J Wholesale || Shoes:  Wild Diva (similar)

The West Elm @ Lab 1270 Holiday Party

Stoked to tell you guys all about my latest adventure at West Elm.  Last Thursday, I hit up their DC store for a fun night of food, dranks and ornament-making with blogger friends.  For those of you interested, they're hosting their first "Makers Residency Program" there this holiday season.  They're sponsoring 9 local artists to offer customers a curated assortment of handmade goodies (!!!!) in addition to their own stuffs. Their metro-area makers will also be hosting workshops there so it should be good times all around.

For this shindig, they had Samantha Testa of Painted Palettes come in and give us "faux calligraphy" lessons.  She handed us all packets and we sat around a huge table to practice tracing her lettering before tackling our DIY ornaments.

Left:  Samantha, our fabulous instructor, werkin' it like a boss!  Right:  La Belle Mel perfecting her calligraphy.  FYI, we were totally SILENT throughout our lesson because we were concentrating really hard.  Calligraphy is tough - I was definitely struggling.

Our finished ornaments!  Mel, Kate, and I totally cheated and asked Samantha to do ours for us.  In our defense though, we tried to make our own (my sad attempt's pictured on the right, ha).  Samantha wrote my name out for me, and I tried to copy it but it made no difference because I ran out of room *sniffles* I brought back an extra packet for practice though.  I'm gonna be a pro in no time...probably not, but hey, positive thinking never hurt nobody!

West Elm hired a nomtastic caterer + bartender for the event, but I didn't get to eat anything because of my whole clean eating diet.  All their drinks + treats looked delicious though.  I was super proud of myself for practicing such great self-control, ha.  

Afterwards, we went to Union Market to grab dinner.  I wasn't super hungry so I just went to South Block Juice and grabbed their Tropi-kale smoothie before joining Mel + Kate at Rappahannock Oyster Bar.  OMG, I can't even begin to tell you guys how yummy it was.  I expected it to taste super healthy (aka gross), but it was surprisingly delicious.  I don't remember all the ingredients, but I think there was agave nectar, coconut water, spinach, kale, mango andddd give or take a few fruits and veggies, ha.  It WAS super expensive though!  Dang, $8 for a smoothie?  Probably won't be getting it on the daily, but it was a nice treat! Anywho, that's all for today.  Who else LOVES smoothies? Comment with your favorite combination.

Editorial: The [Not So] Secret Garden

Pumped to share yet another dressy look with you guys!  I partnered up with the fabulous Jared Wolfe again for my latest because he's hella talented and all sorts of awesomesauce.  I styled a classic going-out ensemble for y'all for today's OOTD.

I got this elegant & (very) comfortable dress at Amiclubwear a while back.  I love simple LBDs because they're like blank canvases - can I get a woot woot for accessories - begging to be adorned.  I styled it with bold statement earrings from JWholesale and a beautiful choker from Trollbeads.  They released three gorgeous charms that go with it so feel free to go cray.  

I went with the pearl charm for today's post, but I'll be showing y'all more very soon so stay tuned. BTW, their new winter collection is seriously goals - if you haven't checked it out yet, you need to STAT!  OH, and one more thing, I wrote a post on finding the perfect LBD a while back.  If you missed it, you can access it here.

 A closer look at my fabulous choker!

 Other fabulous LBDs for your browsing pleasure:

Dress:  c/o Amiclubwear (splurge) || Necklace:  c/o Trollbeads || Shoes:  Qupid (similar) || Earrings:  JWholesale

Wearing Stitch Fix from Head to Toe

Extra pumped for today's OOTD because my adorable furbaby's making an appearance!  I took these shots with my mom back in Pittsburgh - my dad was grilling steaks + chicken outside so the entire family decided to keep him company.

For my featured OOTD, I pretty much wore Stitch Fix from head to toe!  I got everything - to be more specific, my jacket, scarf, and jeans - while I was there for my SF trip.  If you missed my recaps, click here for part 1 and here for part 2.

I can already tell that these pieces are going to be cold weather staples for years to come.  For those of you unfamiliar with Stitch Fix, they're an AMAZING styling service + fashion retailer.  If you're a fan of personalized packages, you'll absolutely love them.  All you have to do is fill out a detailed style profile (to help them understand your size, style, budget, lifestyle, and more) and sit back.  Note: you DO pay a $20 styling fee, but it'll be applied as credit toward anything you decide to purchase! Oh, and did I mention that shipping's (plus returns) totally free?  That's what I'm talking about!

Other fabulous scarves that are perfect for winter!

Daisy loves cuddling with me!  In case you were wondering, her haircut looks hella funny because I did it myself. The last time I took her to the groomer, she was traumatized for weeks so I do it for her now.  She loves going to Petsmart for toys and noms though, ha!  Do you guys have pets?  

Jacket + Scarf + Jeans:  c/o Stitch Fix || Tank:  Polo Factory Outlet (similar) || Shoes:  Seychelles

A Peek Into My Closet: My Bag Collection

Hey everyone!  I've been getting a bunch of messages from y'all asking me to spill deets on my designer bag collection so I figured I'd tackle that for my latest.  I'll be featuring 8 of my favorites today on SS.  I have 12 total, but I decided not to list the last 4 because I didn't have solid pictures of 'em.  If you want to see, just shoot me an email (sensiblestylista1@gmail.com)! If enough people ask, I'll make sure to do a second segment.  

Anywho, I call myself the Sensible Stylista because I'm all about shopping smart.  I'm extremely choosey when it comes to splurging.  I pinch pennies 95% of the time but spend moolah on investment pieces + classics I know I'll wear forever.  High-end designer bags don't usually go on sale, but I managed to snag most of mine during blowout sales.  So without further ado, let's get to it. 

1.  Givenchy Antigona:  I snatched this baby up a few years ago on the TJ Maxx Runway site.  It was on sale for much less so I decided to go for it because I only had neutral investment bags at the time. I instantly fell in love with the color and knew it would become a warm weather staple.  It's an easy way to incorporate color when I'm in a rush, and it always ups my outfit's ante.  TIP:  TJ Maxx Runway is a GREAT place to get your designer fix (clothing, shoes, accessories, basically whatever your heart desires) for a fraction of the price.  They carry a ton of bags, and they update their selection often! Common brands include Valentino, Stella McCartney, and Chloe.

2.  YSL Monogram Crossbody (faux-snakeskin print):  I purchased this on Bluefly years ago while it was on sale, and it was SUCH a good call.  It's definitely one of my favorite bags - you guys know how much I love animal print.  But in all seriousness, it goes with any and everything.  I don't usually like super label-y items, but I love the YSL tassel detailing on this baby.  If you're looking for a trendy crossbody, pick this up STAT! FYI, it's super small so you won't be able to fit much in.  My wallet's too big for it so I always have to take my credit card, license + a little cash out and carry it separately.  TIP: Bluefly sells discounted YSL tassel crossbody bags from time to time so keep your eyes peeled. If you don't see any on there, check Nordstrom, Saks or Neiman, BUT make sure you wait for promos. They'll often give you hella cash back (in the form of a gift card) if you shop their designer garb during the aforementioned times.

3.  Chanel Boy:  This was my FIRST huge designer buy.  Chanel NEVER goes on sale so I had to pay full price aka a ridiculous amount for this piece.  It was worth it though!  The value just keeps going up so I'm glad I bought it when I did.  I actually like this a lot better than the classic quilted jumbo!  What do you guys prefer?

4.  Ferragamo Crossbody:  I copped this crossbody during after-Christmas blowout sales!  I don't carry it as much as I should, but I'm going to change that starting now.  The design's really interesting, and I like that it features different textures - I may or may not have a thing for suede. Who here's a fan of Ferragamo?  TIP:  Their after-Christmas deals are BOMB so make sure you get your browse on!  Their sale-bag selection is quite large, and they usually give customers a pretty solid discount.

5.  Chloe Drew (similar):  This purse is the most recent addition to my collection!  I bought it during a NY trip a few months back. My mom and I hit up Woodbury Commons and decided to stop by the Chloe Outlet.  Thank god we did because they have an amazing selection.  After debating for a good hour or so (between a black Faye w/ animal print, an embellished mini-drew, and this), I decided to purchase this design.  Warning:  Don't EVER carry light bags with jeans. I made that mistake once and got dye on my mom's white Chanel!  I'm surprised I'm still alive, ha.  Seriously though, don't make the same error I did.  

6.  YSL Monogram Crossbody (classic black & gold):  Another classic!  I got this at Nordstrom years ago.  I was eyeing this design for quite some time and decided to take the plunge when they offered peeps $500 (or was it $750) back for spending "x" amount of money.  I own 2 of these crossbody designs because they're so versatile - I love that they work well for both casual and formal settings. What do you guys think of the size? Is it too small? Would you prefer the larger bags to this one?  

7.  Burberry Bowler Bag (beige):  I picked this bag up while it was on sale at the Burberry outlet in Orlando a few years back.  I vacation there for Christmas every year - I always make sure to check out their sales because their post-holiday deals are BOMB.  I've purchased a bunch of outerwear there as well.  Don't ever pay full price for Burberry - their outlets sell classics so there's really no need to spend the extra $$$, unless you're looking for a specific design straight off the runway.    

8.  Prada Saffiano Lux Satchel (black):  My parents got me this as a (very generous) gift for my birthday/master's graduation.  They NEVER spoiled me growing up (x-mas gifts were like pens and stuffed animals, lol) so they wanted to do something (extra) nice for me.  My mom has impeccable taste so she picked this satchel out for me - she knew it'd be a chic option for both everyday wear + work so she split the cost with my pops.  It's a classic that I'll carry forever, and it has special meaning because it was a gift from them.  Yes, it was extravagant, but don't worry guys!  I totally got them back. When I got my first big payout, I got my dad a HUGE smart TV and purchased a Gucci Dionysus for my mama.
Which bag do you guys like most? Is there a specific design you've been lusting for? What's your dream bag?

Editorial: Bullet with Butterfly Wings

Yay! It's time for another fabulous editorial on SS.  Today's look is hella fancy because, well, I felt like getting dolled up for you guys.  I decided to play around with metallics for my latest since I'm a fan of all things shiny, ha. I centered my OOTN around an old dress that I got from Diva NY a few years back.  I seriously need to hit them up again because their clothing was super cute!  Oh how I envy you NY-ers.  I'll have to make a trip up soon!

Anywho, I paired my dress with a BAMF moto jacket (featured here not too long ago) and accessorized with killer heels and a fierce choker.  I can't get enough of chokers as of late, and my go-to jewelry store, JWholesale, has the most a-ma-zing selection.  I recently got a big shipment in the mail, and I seriously love everything.  If you're looking for solid jewelry on the cheap, you need to check them out STAT!  Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

A closer look at my necklace!  How do you guys feel about the whole choker trend - is it a do or a don't?  And on that note, what kind of jewelry do you prefer: dainty or bold?

 Other fabulous cocktail dresses I NEED:

 Choker:  c/o Jwholesale || Dress:  Diva NY || Jacket:  BCBG || Bag:  YSL || Shoes:  Castro

Shot by the amazingly talented Jared Wolfe!

November Fitness Updates + Workout Playlist

It's time for my November workout playlist!  Y'all enjoyed my 90's throwback so much that I decided to do one in honor of 00's pop music.  Also, I wanted to update you guys on my fitness progress.  I've been pretty good this month = I've been working out daily (usually at night but I need to start squeezing them in the early morning).  I've been running or ellipticaling 4-5 miles every day + doing a ton of squats, lunges, and other strength exercises.  I also got my T25 DVD set in the mail last week (I used to stream them) so I've been doing that daily as well.  If I'm crunched for time, I skip the extra cardio since T25 gets the job done.  

I've also been a stickler with food. I've been living on black bean burgers (with whole wheat buns of course), bowls of 100% whole wheat pasta in marinara sauce, and egg white omelettes loaded with veggies.  I've been into making smoothies a bunch, too!  I'm going to write a more detailed post on my diet later this month so keep an eye out!  What have you guys been doing to stay in shape this month?  

Find of the Day: The Khaki Mini ($34.99)

Alright guys, I'm excited to share yet another fab find with y'all!  I centered today's OOTD around my new Metisu mini. This skirt is ridiculously adorbs! I mean, look at that side slit - how could you NOT adore this piece!  I'm loving the trendy but minimalistic design.  The quality's comparable to that of H&M, and in case you were wondering, the fabric's legit.  Made of 100% nylon, it has a zipper back and a bowknot waist.  Note:  contrary to their description, this does NOT run true to size - I usually wear size XS/S, but I had to get a M - so double-check your measurements.  

Run, Sensible Stylista, run!  Sorry (not sorry), I'm a nerd, BUT now that I got that out of the way, let's move on, ha. I styled my skirt with a warm printed sweater and threw on over-the-knee boots for a cozy fall look.  Can we just take a second and bask in the greatness that is Stuart Weitzman? These def. cost me a freakin' arm and leg, but they were worth every penny.  I'm actually thinking about getting another pair in grey or taupe.  What do you guys think?  BTW, I'm going to link more affordable OTK boots below so make sure y'all get your scroll on.

As promised, here are other fabulous options all under $100!

Top:  Design History || Skirt:  c/o Metisu || Boots:  Stuart Weitzman || Bag:  Ferragamo 

Shot by the amazingly talented Sung Shin.  Oh, and in case you're wondering why I look hella awkward here, it's because I was caught mid-twirl. Ha! Yay for twirling fails.

Find of the Day: The Frill Tank ($15.50)

Sharing yet another fabulous find with you guys today on SS!  This adorable tank top is currently available on ASOS for $15.50 (it was originally $38).  Made of a stretchy woven fabric, this top's super flattering and comfortable.  If you're a fan of frills, this tank is an absolute must-have.  I'm wearing a size 4, and it fits me perfectly.  I'd say it's roughly equivalent to a US small.  FYI:  European sizing is different so make sure you double check your measurements, and if you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask.

For today's OOTD, I paired the aforementioned tank with fun skinnies! I don't know if you guys remember, but I covered Joe's Jeans' Denim event a while back on SS.  They had a bunch of different DIY options available (ripping, embroidering, etc.), but I just went with paint for funsies.  What do you guys think of them - yah or nah?  Would you wear these jeans?

Other cute frilly options for your browsing pleasure:

Jeans:  c/o Joe's Jeans || Top:  ASOS ($15.50) || Jacket:  Ann Taylor Factory Outlet || Bag:  Chanel

Shot by the fabulous Sung Shin.

Sensible Stylista x Capolavori: Win Any of These Gorg Earrings!

I'm beyond pumped to partner up with Capolavori today on SS for a fabulous giveaway.  One VERY lucky winner will score earrings of his or her choice from the lovely selection pictured below!  Now, there are a number of marketplaces that sell artisanal goods, but none of them can assure the quality of their products.  The fine folks at Capolavori however have a direct relationship with the artisans themselves, so they can guarantee quality since they're buying pieces straight from the source and personally sending them to their final destinations!

Left || Middle || Right

If you're looking for serious craftsmanship straight from the artisan's workshop, hit up Capolavori stat. They sell everything from jewelry to bags to home decor.  Oh, and did I mention that each product is HAND-MADE? Yeah, nothing's mass produced so you're getting a totally unique item each and every time you shop their site.  They're the perfect place to buy gifts for your family & friends (...or you, if you want to treat yoself) this holiday season!

Left || Middle || Right

As always, entering is simple!  All you have to do is follow Capolavori on instagram via rafflecopter below.  There are also several bonus entries available to up your chances of winning!  Good luck, guys.  This giveaway ends on Dec. 1st and is open to residents of the US.

a Rafflecopter giveaway