Sensible Stylista

The Utility Jacket

I know today's workwear wednesday, but I broke tradition and styled a casual fall look for you guys. I hope that's ok - things have been a little cray, and I totally forgot to shoot an office-friendly ensemble.  To be honest, I haven't been feeling great lately.  My life is ridiculous right now, and the stress is getting to me.  I think I just have too much on my plate.  This is year 5 of my doctorate, and I still have a ways to go.  Sometimes I wish I could hit pause.  If I could spend a year focusing on JUST my studies, I know I could knock my doctoral requirements out, but that's obviously out of the question.  Sorry to get all negative nancy on you guys - I promise to return to my perky self soon!

Anywho, let's talk fashion. I've always been a huge fan of the military trend, but camo's not really my style.  I'm all about utility jackets - I may or may not own 4 different versions, ha. This chic version is from Left on Houston - if you're interested you can purchase it here for $139.12 (originally $252.95). I know it's steep, but it's seriously worth every penny.  LOH is legit - their quality is as good as any designer brand you'll find at Neiman Marcus.  If this is out of your price range, don't fret.  I'll share more affordable versions with you guys below!
Jeans:  Bongo || Boots:  Shoetopia ($36.99) || Top:  c/o Velvet Heart || Jacket:  Left on Houston

As promised, here are affordable jacket options for you guys (all under $75):
Moving on, I wore my new button-front c/o Velvet Heart underneath (available here for $88).  This top has roll sleeves and a split-tail back, and it's made of tencel so it's extra soft.  As an additional plus, you can wear this with leggings because it covers your butt!  I've been endorsing VH for years now because they're one of my favorite brands.  If you like James Perse and/or Vince, you'll adore LOH - talk about style with ease!

Shopswell: Shop like a Boss



I'm stoked to tell you guys all about Shopswell today on Sensible Stylista.  Shopswell has made it fun to discover and share products you love with your friends and family.  You can create & share lists and track your favorite products to get the most bang for your buck!  Think Pinterest for shopping, except better.  I say this because they only feature available products.  

Now, before we take a look at my board, let me break the listing process down for you guys:

1.  Search for a product in the box at the top of the page, and/or
2.  Add a specific product or paste a link from a web retailer by clicking on the plus sign next to the search box.
3.  Add notes or check track price, and then click on the "save" button next to the list you'd like to add to.
4.  If you find an item already listed on Shopswell that you'd like to add, simply click on "List."

Without further ado, let's talk about my new Fall Fashion board!  FYI, you can follow me if you'd like to keep up with my wishlist.
Here are a couple of my picks!  I seriously need a cape coat in my life.  Are there any pieces you're lusting after?  OH, and before I forget, Shopswell generously hosts a fabulous giveaway every month!  Clicky HERE to see how you can enter to win moolah - you can view the current leaderboard to see where you stand daily (it's updated every 24 hours around midnight PST).
Very quickly, I'd like to talk about price stalker.  Prices can drop up to 30% on an item in a week - that really adds up, especially if you're shopping for electronics or fine jewelry!  Shopswell conveniently tracks prices and alerts you when tags drop so you know when to purchase.
I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Sensible Stylista x INC: Part 1

For those of you following my instagram, you've already seen this look, but I thought I'd re-share because I skipped deets on the aforementioned pic.  A while back, I partnered up with Macy's to celebrate INC's 30th anniversary.  I styled three looks for them, but I'm only writing about one today!  I'll post about the rest in the near future though so make sure you check back.

For today's post, I centered my outfit around my suede fringe top c/o INC via Macy's. Lucky for you guys, it's currently on sale here for $69.99 - it was originally $89.50 in case you were wondering.  Also, it's available in camel as well.  I recommend going with the black though!  I tried wearing the camel, and I ended up looking like Pocahontas, ha.  With that said, this fabulous top is a must-have because it ups your texture game, plus, faux-suede's always a do!  
I styled my top with a faux-leather mini and threw on a draped blazer to finish off the look.  I accessorized with a long pendant necklace and Chanel boy.  If you look closely, you can see that I matched my metals - I'm kind of a stickler about matching hardware.  Unless you have a fab arm party going on (with lots of gold AND silver), it's best to keep things consistent in my opinion.  

I don't have a close-up shot of my boots for you guys, but they're from Naturalizer.  They're pricey, but they're quality shoes that'll last. Also, they're very comfortable because they're made with patented contoured footbeds that provide extra arch and heel support.  You're still getting height though so don't worry - they're about 3" high.
Skirt:  Chicwish (similar) || Shoes:  c/o Naturalizer || Top:  c/o INC via Macy's || Blazer:  Barneys Factory Outlet (similer)

A shot of my necklace for you guys!  Unfortunately, I don't have a link for you guys, but I'll make sure to share other adorable and affordable options with you guys below.

Necklace picks for you guys, as promised!