How I Do Athleisure

Oh how I love athleisure.  I purchased these pants YEARS ago at Kohl's and love the fact that they're still in style.  I paired them with a fab lace-up crop from Amicubwear and threw on my fave white sneakers to top things off.  Yay for comfortable outfits that ooze steeze!

This top's sold out, but here are fab alternatives all under $50:

How do you guys feel about track pants - are they hot or not? If you're a fan of 'em, how do you wear them on the daily?  

 Top:  Amiclubwear || Pants:  Kohl's (similar) || Bag:  Chanel (look for less) || Shoes:  Greats

Shot by the wonderful Sung Shin.

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The $15 Cutout Dress that Slays

Alright everyone, I don't know if you remember, but I featured this fab dress as a find of the day here a while back on SS!  I'm stoked to finally style it for you guys.  I dressed it down with my fave OTK boots and Chanel boy bag for a laid-back vibe.  Cute dresses are the best because they're ridiculously comfortable and easy to style.  If I'm ever in a rush or feel lazy, boots + dresses are my go-to!  Sub out boots for gladiator sandals for Spring & Summer.  What's your lazy day uniform?

Other fab cutout dresses that'll impress (all under $50):

 Dress:  Amiclubwear ($14.99) || Boots:  Stuart Weitzman || Bag:  Chanel (look for less)

A huge thanks to Sung Shin for taking these bamf photos!

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Post-Cruise Blues

Happy Monday, everyone!  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend.  I know a lot of you already know this, but I just got back from the Caribbean.  I had a ton of fun cruising with Royal Caribbean, but I'm pretty tired (hence the radio silence on SS yesterday, ha).  I'm going to sound ridiculous saying this, but I feel like I need a vacation from my vacation.  I think it's partly because traveling back home was a pain.  

My flight out of Fort Lauderdale got delayed so I ended up missing my plane to Pittsburgh.  I was stranded at the Philly airport for hours, BUT on a more positive note, I finally got to try Geno's Steaks (!!!!) Yay for nom foods. Anywho, I'm planning on recapping my entire trip for you guys on here super soon so keep an eye out!

Moving onto today's OOTD, I styled a casual everyday look for you guys.  I paired my fave striped tank with skinnies, badass lace-up boots, and a fab military-inspired vest for a bamf but laid-back vibe.  For those of you wondering, the kicks were a recent purchase from Nine West Factory - they were on sale for $50 so I decided to treat myself!  I don't usually spend that much moolah on boots - I usually wait until they're discounted to $30 or less - but I wanted to reward myself for passing my last doctoral comp soooo yeah. 

Shop my look (all options under $75):

A close-up shot of my new necklace from J Wholesale!

Tank:  Chaser || Vest:  c/o Velvet Heart || Jeans:  Aeropostale || Bag:  Chanel (look for less) || Boots: Nine West Factory

Photos shot by the wonderful Sung Shin.

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Artsy in Black & White

Beyond stoked to share today's post with you guys because everything's in B&W...as you can see, ha. I know it doesn't seem like a huge deal, but it kind of is for me because I've never shared a blast like this before.  A huge thanks to Joseph D Tran for shooting these bamf photos!  He's definitely hella talented.  Oh, and by the way, I'm going to post the color versions tomorrow so make sure you check back and let me know which set you prefer!  

 

Anywho, I centered today's OOTD around another one of my bargain buys.  I stumbled upon this metallic ruffle mini online at Zara.com and pretty much bought it instantly.  For those of you looking to get your online shop on, both Zara & ASOS offer free shipping + returns so you can order stuffs without thinking twice.  This piece is no longer available - no surprise since it was selling for $12.99 - but I'll be linking similar items below so make sure y'all get your scroll on!

Killer metallic minis that slay: 

On a related note, how do you guys feel about the whole metallic trend - are you into it or not so much? Are there any other styles you're digging as of late? I'm currently obsessed with statement sleeves.  I know everyone and their mom is sporting the look, but IDGAF - they're cute so I'm going to wear 'em all day, err day.  

OH, and one last thing before I leave you all.  Do you see the kickass wedges I'm wearing? Well, they're from Guilty Soles, andddd I'm currently hosting a giveaway with them.  All you have to do to enter is follow them on instagram via rafflecopter so get on it STAT!  PS.  there are a bunch of bonus entries available as well so make sure you take advantage.  If you need to buy kicks NOW, use code SENSIBLESTYLISTA25 to get an extra 25% off your purchase.

Dress:  Zara ($12.99) || Turtleneck:  Design History (similar) || Shoes:  Guilty Soles ($39.95) || Bag:  YSL

Photos shot by the amazing Joseph D Tran.

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All Cried Out

Alright guys, I don't know if you remember, but I shared a teaser from this post HERE last week. I'm beyond pumped to share all of the shots that I took with the amazing Joseph D Tran today on SS!  We met up in Old Town Alexandria last week and had a blast taking these together.  We did 4 outfits total, and everything came out really well (thanks to Joe T) so definitely keep your eyes peeled!

I copped this dress on ASOS a few weeks ago.  At $46, it wasn't my best bargain buy, but it was too cute to resist.  I wore it with a lace bralette for today's featured look to keep things modest-ish and paired it with OTK boots because they're all sorts of awesome! I then accessorized with one of my favorite statement pieces and threw on a fitted jacket to tie everything together.  If this necklace looks familiar, it's because I've styled it on here a bajillion times.  Click HERE to see some of my other fave neckpieces!

Other fab lace minis for your browsing pleasure (all under $50):

Jacket:  Rachel Zoe || Dress:  ASOS ($46) || Necklace:  J Wholesale || Bralette:  Gentlefawn (similar) || Boots:  Stuart Weitzman (look for less)

Photos shot by the incredible Joseph Tran.  

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Feeling Like One of the Crazy 88

I don't know if you guys caught the reference, but I feel like I'm totally oozing a Kill Bill vibe for my latest post.  For those of you unfamiliar with the film, the Crazy 88 = O-ren Ishii's masked Yakuza army in part 1.  The first three photos are definitely wayyyy edgier than usual!  Big ups to the amazing Joseph D Tran for bringing out my inner assassin? Ha.  In all seriousness though, he's a BAMF, and I can't wait to share more from our collaboration.

I centered today's OOTD around another bargain buy from Zara.  Can you believe that I scored this skirt for $9.99? Yay for huge blowout sales! Anddddd on that note, did you guys hear about BCBG? They're apparently closing most (if not all) their factory outlets! I'm so freaking bummed.  I guess I'll just have to shop their discounted merchandise online from here on out!  It's such a challenge though because I'm not comfortable purchasing final sale items without trying them on.  I wonder if they'll change their policy? 

Similar plaid minis that'll tickle your fancy (varying price points):

Shoes:  c/o Guilty Soles ($39.95) || Skirt: Zara (splurge vs steal) || Turtleneck:  Design History (similar) || Jacket: Forever 21 (similar)

Photos shot by Joseph D Tran Photography.

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Find of the Day: The Lace Mini ($46)

Alright everyone, I'm super excited to tell you guys all about my latest find.  This dress is definitely too pricy to be considered a bargain buy, but it was just too cute to pass up!  I found it online at ASOS last week and instantly fell in love with the design.  I've been obsessed with plunge necklines as of late, so naturally I was drawn to this piece.  

Made of a cotton and polyamide blend, this mini is ridiculously comfortable - it has a stretch waist so you have a lot of give aka no sucking in.  However, I do want to point out that the item is on the shorter side.  I honestly didn't mind the length though.  If you find it to be too scandalous, simply throw on black tights and heels.  You'll look chic, while creating the illusion of longer legs.  I paired the dress with OTK boots and wore a bralette underneath to keep things modest-ish, at least for the occasion.  For those of you interested in purchasing this piece, it's available for $46 here.  I bought it in size US 4, and it fits me well!  If you're nervous about sizing, simply order two.  Asos has a great return policy so you don't have to worry about shipping costs and whatnot.  

Also, a HUGE thanks to Joseph D Tran Photography for the pic! I shot a bunch of looks with him in Alexandria on Sunday, and I'm beyond excited to see more.  I hope you guys enjoyed the sneak peek!

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Strutting Around in Suede OTK Boots

I don't know what the weather's like where you guys live, but it's been straight up crazy here in the DMV.  It's 77 one day and 40 the next - like, it was FREEZING when I shot this with Sung a while back.  I mean, I'm not going to lie to you, I've been loving the warm weather, but it's all kinds of disconcerting.  Is anyone else worried?

On a more positive note, I have several trips planned in March and April so I'm beyond excited!  I'll be in Phoenix, SF, and the Caribbean for different shenanigans.  I'll, of course, be recapping everything on here, but you can follow along via instagram for BTS shots and other good stuffs.  I'm planning on sharing a ton on instastories so keep an eye out!  I haven't been posting much on snapchat, but I'll try and remember to do so if you all want me to.  And just out of curiosity, what do you guys prefer - snapchat or instastories? Make sure you let me know in the comment section below!

Necklace:  Jwholesale || Top:  c/o Laila Jayde (available in several other colors) || Skirt:  Chicwish (similar) || Jacket:  Shop Sosie (similar) || Bag: Chanel (look for less) || Boots:  Stuart Weitzman (look for less)

Photos shot by the wonderful Sung Shin.

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My Latest Bargain Find from Zara

Telling you guys all about my latest find from Zara today on SS.  I picked this baby up online a few weeks ago during one of their blowouts - I actually ended up getting a bunch of other stuff as well because everything was super affordable, like under $10 affordable.

I scored this skirt for $9.99 (!!!!), and it's hands down one of my current favorites because the design slays and it flatters my figure like nobody's business.  I paired it with a sexy lace-up crop from amiclubwear and threw on a structured moto jacket to up my style game tenfold.  To finish things off, I carried my YSL tassel crossbody and wore custom-made boots from Two Perfect Souls.

Other BAMF skirts with asymmetrical hems (all under $20):

I've been feeling much more confident in my skin as of late because I've been working out a ton! Exercise seriously does the body good on so many different levels.  I've doubled up on beachbody workouts because my stress levels have been out of control - hopefully things will let up soon though. How do you guys de-stress? Do you have a routine? 

Skirt:  Zara || Boots:  Two Perfect Souls || Bag:  YSL || Jacket:  BCBG || Top:  amiclubwear

Photos shot by the incredible Voulez Boudoir.

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Find of the Day: The Plunge Pencil Dress ($20)

I can't even begin to tell you guys how much I LOVE my new dress from ASOS.  This piece is seriously fire!  I dressed it down for today's OOTD, but you can wear it pretty much anywhere as long as you don't feel self-conscious sporting the plunge neckline.  Whether it's a fancy cocktail party or a GNO, you'll be breaking necks left and right. 

Made of a polyester & elastane blend, this item flatters like whoa and is super smooth to the touch. It contains a boned v-shape insert that helps keep everything in place, giving the neckline structure. Also, for those of you wondering, I'm wearing a US 4, and it fits me like a glove!  Care is easy - simply machine wash after wear.  As always, let me know if you have any questions! I'm always happy to hear from you guys.

For my latest, I paired my dress with BAMF custom-made boots from Two Perfect Souls.  I've been wearing them on repeat 'cause I just can't get enough of them - #sorrynotsorry.  Yes, they're on the pricy side, but they're ridiculously cute and comfortable so that'd make it totally worth it in my book. To top things off, I threw on an edgy jacket and carried by Chanel boy.  The bag was definitely a splurge, but you can get it for less!  Several brands offer similar designs for a fraction of the price - I've linked one for you in the widget below so get your scroll on.

 Shop my look:

 Dress:  ASOS ($20) || Boots:  Two Perfect Souls || Jacket:  Spiegel ($54)

Photos shot by the amazing Sung Shin.

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Fighting the Cold in Houndstooth

The weather has been SO all over the place - it's 75 degrees one day, and 30 the next.  I mean, I'm all for warm weather and all, but this is giving me serious whiplash.  Luckily, I have a large selection of winter coats to choose from to battle the cold when it's freezing out.  

I got this adorable houndstooth coat from Chicwish a few years ago, and it's still one of my absolute favorites.  I like it because it instantly adds personality to any and every ensemble.  See how it elevates my simple jeans + turtleneck combo?

A shot of my outfit sans coat!

Necklace:  c/o JWholesale || Bag:  Chanel (look for less) || Jeans:  Aeropostale || Top:  Design History (similar) || Coat: Chicwish (similar) || Shoes:  Two Perfect Souls

Photos shot by the wonderful Sung Shin.

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Remixing My Favorite Velvet Heart Top

Alright guys, it's time for another remix!  I'm beyond pumped to restyle my Velvet Heart top for you all today on SS.  I don't know if you remember, but I featured it HERE a while back.  For my latest OOTD, I paired it with skinny jeans and a cropped bomber jacket.  I was in a sporty mood so I threw on my fave sneaker wedges before running out the door!

Other fabulous bombers under $50: 

Sung and I finished shooting mad early andddd we were both hangry so we decided to grab an early dinner at Ted's Bulletin.  I was ITCHING for a splurge meal so I ended up getting fried chicken tenders with coleslaw and french fries - their early bird specials are bomb BTW.  I know I sound like an old lady saying that, but hey, I'm a sucker for all good deals.  Don't judge, ha!  For dessert, I devoured a brown sugar pop tart in less than 30 seconds - they're famous for 'em so you need to get 1 (or 5) when you come to get your nom on.

Top:  Velvet Heart || Jeans:  Aeropostale || Shoes: Rock & Candy || Jacket:  Charlotte Russe (similar) || Bag: Chanel (look for less)

Photos shot by the wonderful Sung Shin.

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