February 2016 - Sensible Stylista

Find of the Day: The Fringe Tee

I'm super excited to tell you guys all about my latest find: a cute fringe tee from Old Navy!  I picked this baby up last week for $15 (originally $24.94) online.  Lucky for you guys, it's still available - click here to purchase.  The shirt's made of polyester and linen, and it has three bands of crocheted fringe on the front.  If you're a fan of loose t-shirts, this top's an absolute must-have.  It's comfortable and effortlessly stylish.  The fit's boxy though so keep that in mind.  I recommend pairing it with skinny jeans to get optimum balance.  You have a lot of volume on top, so you want to go with something form-fitting below.
Shop my look:
1

Fab Transitional Dresses

I've pretty much had it with winter.  I don't know about you guys, but I'm ready for Spring - bring on the warm weather! Anywho, in honor of the upcoming season, I've showcased seven fab transitional dresses that work beautifully all year round.
1 || 2 || 3
4 || 5 || 6 || 7
2

An International Giveaway: Win a $40 gift card to The Luk

I am SO beyond excited to partner up with The Luk today on Sensible Stylista.  This fabulous store was founded by Amanda Bennett - you can read more about her and her twin sister HERE - in an effort to provide fashionable yet affordable work attire. Most young professionals end up investing in two separate wardrobes, and often times they'll end up spending a fortune on stylish office-appropriate garb or going for cheaper stuff they don't really like.  After dealing with the aforementioned issues firsthand, Amanda followed her dreams and launched The Luk - an online clothing store that offered on-trend transitional pieces for less.  

One VERY lucky winner will score a $40 gift card, and trust me, you want to win this because their clothing is on point.  As always, rules are simple.  All you have to do is follow them on instagram via rafflecopter below.  There are also several bonus entries available to up your chances of winning.  As a plus, TL has generously offered to give Sensible Stylista readers and extra 20% off all website purchases with code SS2016 and free shipping on orders $50+.  Here are a few of my personal favorite pieces from their site!  I own several of their items so I can personally vouch for their quality - you guys will see them featured very soon so keep an eye out.  Good luck, everyone!  This contest ends on March 21st, 2016.


a Rafflecopter giveaway
7

The Oversized Cardigan: Comfort and Style All in One

I'm pumped to partner up with Tobi today on Sensible Stylista!  I centered my latest around their Trysha Tie Shift Dress.  This fabulous piece, made of polyester, oozes style with ease.  I'm wearing a size small and measurements are as follow: bust - 35', length - 31'.  The material's fairly thin so it's ideal for spring/summer, but why wait when you can layer!  I paired the dress with an oversized cardi for max comfort and threw on chunky boots for a stylish transitional outfit.  You can browse more of their dresses here!  They also carry super cute cardigans if you want to get your shop on.
Shop my look:



Boots: Nine West || Bag:  Chanel (look for less) || Dress:  c/o Tobi || Cardigan:  AMICLUBWEAR
3

Shop for a Cause: Part 2

I'm very excited to share today's post with you guys!  I don't know if you remember, but a while back I highlighted several brands that supported worthy causes and/or organizations - to access the aforementioned post, click here.  I'm a big believer in giving back, and what better way to do so than shop!  Ok, perhaps it's not the BEST way to donate, but if you're going to shop anyways, why not patronize stores that lend a helping hand.  So, without further ado, let's take a look at our first shop!
1.  AK Kerani
Sells:  cool graphic tees and cozy infinity scarves
Ships: worldwide
Supports:  knitting as a therapeutic activity for those that struggle with anxiety and depression.  They try to promote public dialogue and advocate for mental health awareness to try and reduce stigmas.
How you can help: Donate to their kickstarter campaign HERE.  Their new program involves hosting a 30-minute open mental health discussion on a topic relevant to their audience (mental health in the workplace, mental health in the media, etc.) followed by a break-out session where they teach participants to knit with supplies they provide.  

Sells: Ridiculously cute clothing and accessories!
Ships:  Free orders for US residents, a flat fee of $18 for international orders
Supports: the homeless.  It's estimated that 13,300 women+ are homeless within LA County.  Based in downtown LA, they give back to their community by donating 10% of every purchase to the Downtown Womens Center.  They're socially responsible.  More than 50% of their collection is USA made, and they've partnered up with Carbon Checkout so that customers can purchase carbon credits to offset the environmental impact of their purchase.  Also, their mailer packaging is made from post-consumer & post-industrial material so everything is 100% recyclable.

3.  Maumero
Sells: chic + high-quality women's shoes
Ships: worldwide
Supports: Amazima and IJM.  They donate 10% to either, and you get to choose which charity/s at checkout.  Amazima is a Christian non-profit working to empower the people of Uganda, and IJM (International Justice Mission) is a global organization that protects the poor from violence in the developing world.  Their team includes hundreds of lawyers, investigators, social workers, and activists, and they fight slavery, sex trafficking, sexual violence, police brutality and more.  So far, they've rescued more than 25,000 people from violence and oppression, and their work is protecting 21 million people globally from violence.

Sells:  unique graphic tees, fun accessories, books, and cologne.
Ships: worldwide, based in Missouri
Supports: the hungry.  Each purchase will provide a book to a community in need and 5 pounds of food to someone in need in the Ozarks.

Sells: beautiful jewelry and accessories
Ships: to the US
Supports: and develops artisan businesses through fair trade providing dignified jobs in vulnerable communities.  They've partnered up with 30 different businesses in 13 counties, impacting more than 20,000+ people.

Sells: jewelry, bags and other accessories
Ships: worldwide
Supports: families in Africa by collaborating with local craftsmen to create beautiful products that are unique and high-quality - click here to meet their artisans.
How you can help:  if you'd like to donate to their cause, click here.
3

The Perfect Fringe Sweater

I'm super excited for my latest because I'm sharing several new finds with you guys on SS.  I centered today's OOTD around my new sweater from Banana Republic.  Fringe is all the rage as of late, and this piece is comfortable, warm and stylish!  if you're looking to dabble in the trend, scoop this baby up stat - available here for $88 + free shipping!  Pair it with skinny jeans and flat over-the-knee boots like I did below for a casual yet chic ensemble.
Shop my look: 
Bag:  Paul's Boutique || Sweater:  Banana Republic || Jeans: Levi's || Boots:  c/o Boohoo || Jacket:  BCBGMaxAzria Factory Outlet
4
4

Adding Polish with a Blazer

I don't know what it is about blazers, but they always manage to add polish.  Elevate your ensemble tenfold by throwing one on - it's simple, easy, and effective. I purchased this fabulous piece at H&M for $15 last week.  I'm actually astounded that I picked it up for that price, but then again, I am the sensible stylista for a reason, ha!  Words can't express how much I love that store. They have the most amazing sales there!  I always have a blast shopping their clearance racks because they're super organized.  

My look today is quite simple because I've been all about steeze (style + ease) as of late.  I started with a casual base:  jeans and a striped top.  I wore high-waisted skinnies to mask potential muffin top (tip 1 from my article "9 ways to cover muffin top") and elongate - the cut hits me high up so it creates the illusion of longer stems.  The blazer matches my shirt so that was a no-brainer, and I accessorized with neutral pieces to match.  I carried my favorite Celine-inspired bag (from Chicwish) and threw on lace-up heels.  The shoes definitely add a ton of personality!  Lace-ups are always a do in my book.
Since I don't have a shoe link for you guys, here are other fabulous options for your browsing pleasure:

Like I mentioned previously, I bought my blazer on sale so I don't have a link for y'all, but I found other cute H&M blazers if you're interested:

Blazer:  H&M ($15) || Top:  Forever 21 || Jeans:  Aeropostale || Bag:  Chicwish
4

Remix: The Cable Knit Cardigan

I'm super excited to re-feature my current favorite cardigan today on Sensible Stylista - in case you guys forgot, I picked it up at Saks Off 5th for $44.99 a while back.  I've actually featured it on here twice already - once as a "Find of the Day" and once as an OOTD. Previously, I styled it with a fab sweater dress from Old Navy for a casual yet sophisticated look.  I wanted a different vibe today so I paired the cardi with a plain tee and skinny jeans for an effortlessly stylish everyday ensemble. If you're looking to purchase this cardigan, click here.  Lucky for you guys, it's still available online.
Shop my look:

Cardigan:  Saks Off 5th || Jeans:  Levi's || Tee:  Banana Republic Factory Outlet || Tote:  Handbag Heaven (similar) || Shoes:  Saks Off 5th (similar)
5

Workwear Wednesday: The Gray Poncho

Alright guys, it's time for my weekly work-friendly post!  In case you're just tuning in, I share office-appropriate ensembles every Wednesday.  I centered today's look around my new poncho from Ann Taylor.  It was 80% off at the time so I got it for $15! Unfortunately, I don't have a product link for you guys, but I found other cute options for your browsing pleasure - all under $50:
Tee:  Banana Republic || Bag:  Stella McCartney || Scarf:  c/o VeVelle || Pants:  Madewell || Poncho:  Ann Taylor || Shoes:  Candie's (similar)
Re-purpose your cocktail ring like a pro by using it as a scarf ring! It's easy-peasy - simply choose a bauble of your choice and pull the ends of your scarf through.  It's a great way to switch up your look!  Also, for those of you wondering, my scarf's from Vevelle.  Made of 100% silk, the piece draws its inspiration from Haiti's rich heritage.
Shop my look:
5

Find of the Day: The Cable Knit Poncho

I'm super excited to share today's post with you guys because I'm featuring my latest designer find on Sensible Stylista!  I picked this luxe Christopher Fischer poncho up last week at Last Call Neiman Marcus for $110 - there was a special promo going on so I got an extra discount on top of an already-reduced price tag.  Currently, it's available online for $144.50 - click here to purchase.  I know that's still quite pricy, but trust me, you're getting a great deal because it was originally $450.  This sophisticated piece oozes steeze with its slouchy turtleneck, dolman sleeves, and oversized silhouette. It'll become a closet favorite in no time! I've personally already worn this several times already.  It's effortlessly stylish, warm, and comfortable.  TIP: Use code LCSHIP to get free shipping on your order!
My look for less:
Other ponchos for your browsing pleasure (all under $50):

Bag:  Paul's Boutique || Shoes:  Rebels Footwear (similar) || Skinnies:  Theory (similar) || Poncho:  Christopher Fischer via Last Call
4