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

Editorial: Shades of Grey

Excited to share yet another classy editorial with you guys!  I'm partnering up with the fabulous Jared Wolfe again on SS for today's latest.  We took these shots a while back at Strathmore Mansion - if you missed our other collabs, no worries!  You can check them all out here: "In Search of an Emerald Sky" and "Dress to Impress."

For today's post, I wore a super affordable maxi dress courtesy of Amiclubwear.  I wanted to fancy things up so I accessorized with a bold statement necklace and threw on gold heels to match.  

Other fabulous maxi dresses (varying price points):

Heels:  Wild Diva || Dress:  c/o Amiclubwear || Necklace:  JWholesale

My Everyday Make-up Essentials

Alright everyone, today's post is all about beauty. I've gotten a lot of emails from you guys asking about my favorite products so I thought it'd be good to share my everyday makeup essentials with y'all.  I've used many of these for years now, and I swear by them!  Sooo, without further ado, let's get to it:

My brow game is strong:

1.  L'oreal Brow Stylist Prep & Shape Pro Kit in Light to Medium ($14.99):  This product is an absolute must-have in my book.  Groomed brows ooze polish so I always make sure to take care of 'em.  With this kit, it takes less than 2 minutes.  I brush them quickly before shaping them with wax, then fill them in with eyebrow powder.

2.  Smashbox Brow Tech Shaping Powder in Taupe ($25):  After using my L'oreal kit to give my brows a solid base, I fill in sparse areas with this procut.  The applicator's hella easy to control so shaping's a breeze.  

Eyes are the windows to the soul:

1.  Estee Lauder Artist's Eye Pencil in Softsmudge Black ($24):  I've been using this liner for years!  I like to line the bottom of my eyes with it first before tackling my lids.   I always go bold on top, but I STILL don't feel comfortable just going for it with liquid liner so I sketch out my lines in advance to make sure everything's straight and even.  That way, I can "correct" whatever goes wrong easily.

2.  e.l.f. Intense Ink Eyeliner ($3.90):  Hands down my favorite liquid liner - it works super well, and it's hella affordable.  The applicator's really easy to use so it takes less than 3 minutes to execute.  If you're a fan of cat eye or dramatic eyeliner, you'll want to pick this up STAT.

3.  Too Faced Better Than Sex Waterproof Mascara ($23):  Get serious volume without clumping!  Slowly coat each and every lash and experiment with layering if you're looking to up your eye game.

4.  Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler ($25):  The best lash curler you'll ever use!  Many use it pre-mascara, but I like to curl them after application - just make sure your lashes are completely dry before getting your curl on.  Simply place it as close to your eyelid as possible (without pinching your skin) and gently press.  Hold for 5-10 seconds and work outwards for perfect peepers.

Getting flawless skin:

1.  Nars Blush in Orgasm ($30):  I own SO many blushes, but this baby's my go-to - it's an oldie but a goodie for sure. The peachy pink shade has just the right amount of shimmer, and I love its natural finish.

2.  Anastasia Contour Kit ($40):  This kit's pricy, but it's worth every penny IMHO.  Sculpt your features with ease with these 6 beautiful + blendable shades.  There are two kits available:  light to medium & medium to tan.  I own the former, and the colors complement my asian skin tone perfectly.  Havana's my favorite bronzer, but if I'm in the mood for something more subtle, I go with Fawn.  Banana's the perfect highlighter, and Vanilla + Sand help mask zits and/or red marks.

3.  e.l.f. Brushes:  Obsessed with these brushes!  I own several of 'em, but my favorites include:  the small tapered brush (for foundation + highlighter), the stipple brush (for bronzer), and the powder brush (for blush).  

4.  NYX Concealer ($4.99): This has been a staple in my beauty routine for years now.  It's honestly one of the best concealers I've ever used!  I don't like wearing a full face of makeup on the daily so I mask my imperfections with a swipe of this.  It's easy to blend, lasts all day long, and is super affordable so it's a must-have in my book.

Totally kissable lips:

1.  Vaseline ($4.49):  As much as I love fancy moisturizing lippies, nothing hydrates my pucker more than a tub of vaseline.  I always make sure to slather some on before bedtime!

2a.  Mac Lip Pencil in Spice ($17.50):  Alright, so these next three go hand-in-hand because their colors work SO well together.  As I'm sure many of you know, I'm all about nude lips.  I like experimenting with different shades for special occasions, but this is def. my go-to everyday color.  I start by lining my cupid's bow.  Do NOT try to execute this in one stroke - I've found that small dashes work best.  I then carefully overdraw my lower lip to create the illusion of a fuller pout.

2b.  Kate Moss for Rimmel London Lipstick No. 47 ($4.97):  After errthang, I fill in my lined lips with this lipstick!  I seriously can't get enough of this lipstick.  The lasting power's impressive, and it keeps my mouth hydrated throughout the day.

2c.  Too Faced Melted Lipstick in Melted Chihuahua ($21):  If I want to step things up a notch and add intensity, I layer a bit of this matte gloss on top!  

3.  NYX Mega Shine Lip Glosses ($4.99):  I own a bunch of these glosses, and they're literally the BEST because they're hella affordable and look super pretty.  Sweetheart and Pink Frost are my favorite colors!  If you're looking to experiment with new lippies, I highly suggest checking these babies out at your local Ulta.  You're welcome in advance.

What are some of your everyday makeup essentials?  Do you guys use any of these items? If yes, which ones? Leave me a comment below! I'd love to hear from y'all.  

Find of the Day: The Asymmetrical Mini Skirt ($24.99)

Pumped to share my latest bargain find with you guys today on SS.  If you're a fan of the menswear trend (or cute skirts in general), you'll fall head over heels in love with this piece.  Made of 90% polyester, the asymmetric hem + bowknot waist are on point.  The quality's comparable to Forever 21/H&M, which makes perfect sense for the price.

For today's post, I styled my new skirt with a loose knit and threw on patterned tights for personality - I kept everything super simple because I wanted my stockings to take centerstage. I'm such a huge fan of cute legwear. In fact, so much so that I have an entire pinterest board (called "All About Tights") dedicated to it.  How do you guys feel about tights - are they hot or not? Do you wear them often? If yes, where do you like to purchase them?

Other fabulous tights:

Tights:  Apt. 9 || Shoes:  Qupid || Bag:  Chanel || Skirt:  c/o Metisu || Top:  Aeropostale

Photos shot by Sung Shin.

Oozing Casual Vibes on the Daily

SO in love with my new sweater from Metisu!  I paired it with jeans and fun boots for an effortlessly stylish everyday look.  Where do you guys like to shop for casual clothing?  Some of my favorite places include Charlotte Russe, TJ Maxx, H&M and Last Call Neiman Marcus.

A closer look at my top + other fabulous sweater options for you guys:

I may or may not have a thing for animal print errthang.  Elevate your outfit tenfold with a pop of it! If you're feeling shy, start small - try wearing booties or a printed crossbody to add personality.

Top:  c/o Metisu || Jeans:  Stitch Fix || Boots:  Nine West || Bag:  Prada

Photos shot by the amazing Sung Shin.