Top 5 Fall Trends

Fall is quickly approaching! Soon, it will be time to embrace the rapidly cooling climate, watch as all the leaves turn golden brown, and, of course, go back to school. I'm going to be starting my Freshman year as a Fashion Merchandising major, so I definitely have to restock my closet with all of fall's hottest pieces. Here are the top 5 trends for this upcoming season:

1. Fur Coats

Fur coats have been popping up everywhere in pop culture fashion. In the amazing, "Feeling Myself" music video, Bey is wearing a gorgeous brown fur coat over a leotard. Guys rock the trend, too! In cold weather, Justin Bieber's almost always spotted in coats with fur. Whether it's full fur, or just a furry hood, this look's gonna be super popular this fall.

Here are some awesome options for you guys to browse: 

2. Neoprene Sweatshirts

Like we talked about in our Bathing Suit Edition, neoprene suits were killing it -- everyone was obsessing over Triangl. This fall, that trend is translating into warmer wear. Neoprene is definitely one of my fave fabrics, and although it can be expensive, I definitely reccommend copping something neoprene this season.

Here are some super cute sweatshirts to try out:

3. Cape Coats

So, this trend is probably the funkiest of the bunch. Recently, capes have been dominating high fashion runways -- most of the latest runway shows have had some version of a cape in them. Unfortunately, this trend hasn't quite trickled it's way down to more affordable stores yet. There are definitely some retailers that carry gorgeous, inexpensive capes, but for the most part it's hard to find outside of high-end designer boutiques. But, if you can find an affordable cape, definitely buy it, because this trend's gonna be big!

Here are some really cool capes for you guys:

4. Turtlenecks

Unlike some of the other trends on this list, turtlenecks have been around forever. However, this fall they're coming back in full force! Retailers all over have new, funky turtlenecks that I'm falling even more and more in love with. Like chokers, they may not be the most comfortable, but sometimes beauty is pain, ha!

Check out these really cool turtleneck tops:

5. Sweater Dresses

Everyone has their favorite cable knit sweater, and, similarly, everyone has their favorite dress. The sweater dress combines both of these into one ultra-cute fashion item: the sweater dress! This look is honestly just adorable, and it can combine beautifully with any of the aforementioned trends, ie. the turtleneck sweater dress. In cold weather, simply pair this dress with leggings or tights for an insanely cute and comfortable ensemble.

Definitely try out some of these sweater dresses:

Do you guys like any of these trends? Which one is your favorite? Are there any specific trends you're looking forward to?

Written by Zoe Luiz

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Trend Report: Tee Shirt Dresses

The typical, tight, body-con dresses that we're used to seeing on women may be becoming a thing of the past! Lately, people from all ends of the fashion spectrum have been rocking this trend! Tee shirt dresses are basically exactly what they sound like, long tee shirts. The designs usually have no form, and they often just look like an oversized shirt!

As you can see, there are tons of different styles available. You can wear a black, button down tee-dress for an edgy look. Or, a blue tee shirt dress with small little eyelets for a simple, casual ensemble. My personal favorite is the urban version pictured above, third from the left.  Jersey dresses are beyond stylish in my opinion.  Last but not least, the fashionista on the far right demonstrates that this trend can ooze sophistication.

This trend reminds me a lot of the "boyfriend" phase that was just really popular -- boyfriend jeans, boyfriend sweatshirts, boyfriend everything! It's very similar because it's all about the oversized fit.  If you wanna rock this trend yourself, check out these fabulous options below:

Which style do you like best? Are you gonna rock a tee shirt dress this season? If so, make sure you post a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #sensiblestylista for a possible feature!  Also, make sure you guys check back at 4:30 EST to read about 8 guys you'll encounter on online dating sites like OKC!

Written by Zoe Luiz

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4 Bags Every Girl Must Own

Alright guys, it's time to get serious up in here.  Today's post is all about *drum roll please* bags.  As I'm sure y'all know by now, they're my fave accessory by far.  I pretty much collect 'em.  Now, I'm all about being sensible, that is my name after all.  However, I believe smart shopping's all about knowing when to save and when to splurge.  Bags, in my humble opinion, are worth the moolah. We're going to talk about four pieces EVERY woman must own.

1.  The Investment Bag

Every girl needs a solid version - one that'll last them a lifetime.  Now, I'm gonna ask you to splurge here.  It's called an "investment bag" for a reason.  Don't cut corners here.  Go for the big designers if you can.  They're pricy so start saving now if you haven't already.

Consider three things when you're shopping for an IB:  style, material, and color.  Pick a piece that'll look chic even when you're 80 years old.  I don't know about you guys, but I don't have the funds to purchase 40 different designer bags.  If you have a limited budget like I do, you're not going to want to drop a ton of cash on the current "it" bag - it'll eventually go out of style, and you don't want to be stuck with an expensive bag you don't carry.

Moving on to material.  I recommend purchasing a leather bag because it's easier to take care of.  Pieces made out of suede and fabric can be a pain to upkeep.  Color's also an important factor as mentioned previously.  As much as I love bold hues, I'd stick with a neutral tone like black or brown.  White's also good, but it's a bit limiting because it's more of a summer color - personally, I don't usually like wearing a ton of white in the Fall & Winter.

Some amazing IBs are pictured above:  the Prada Saffiano Tote, the Hermes Birkin, and the Chanel Classic Flap.  Now, if these are too pricey, other brands like Coach, Michael Kors, and Tory Burch carry more affordable versions.  Here's a handy widget for your viewing pleasure:

2.  The Clutch Bag

If I had it my way, I'd buy 20 of these in varying prints, colors, and sizes.  Unfortunately, I don't have the means to do so, ha!  I've acquired 4 over the last few years - none of them were investment buys FYI.  They were all $50 and under *thumbs up*  It's not a huge deal for me though because I usually carry my YSL crossbody because I prefer to be hands-free whenever possible.  

I typically carry these for formal events and fancy dinners.  I recommend purchasing a chic, simple version in gold or silver to start.  If you already have a "standard" clutch, don't be afraid to experiment with different styles! Remember though, you want to make sure you can fit in your basics.  Here are some fab options for you guys (different price points):

3.  The Everyday Tote

I call this my Mary Poppins bag because it fits all my essentials...and non-essentials!  This tote is a must-have for college students and young professionals alike.  I have several different versions in my closet:  brown, black, gold, animal-print, and LV (my Louis Vuitton).  Purchasing the LV tote was a mistake on my part because I did a crappy job taking care of it.  It's all tattered up now, and every time I look at it, I die a little inside, ha.

If you're like me and you fling your everyday tote around, stick with more inexpensive versions because you'll go through them quickly.  I've learned my lesson from my LV though.  I now guard my tote from the rain and keep it OFF the floor - I usually place it behind me when I sit down or set it on a chair next to me.

Here are some awesome options for you guys!  Let's start with $50 & under...

And move onto pieces that are $50-$250...

4.  The Crossbody Bag

The crossbody's arguably my fave bag of the four listed above!  I have a bunch of these because I love being hands-free.  Although this is my go-to when I'm running errands, it's also a fave for a fun night out on the town so if you have the extra cash, I recommend splurging on a designer version in addition to the more affordable options you accumulate over the years!  I bought YSL's Cassandre tassel crossbody, and it's a serious staple for me because of its versatility.

Here are some affordable versions for you guys (under $75)...

...and some splurges to browse...

I hope you all enjoyed this post!  What do you think of my list of must-haves?  What would you add or omit? Also, where do you guys like to shop for bags?

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Trend Report: Matching Pieces

Rushing in the morning to find an outfit has been a struggle for ages. I spent most of my mornings before school racing around my house trying to find clothes that matched. Now, there's a way to avoid that, while still looking crazy in style: two-piece sets!

Photo courtesy of SheFinds

If you follow us on Facebook, you know we've been crushing on matching pieces lately. They first came onto our radar last summer, but this summer they're back and in full swing. Celebrities like Rihanna and Beyonce can be seen wearing this trend, and there's tons of different styles available. Crop tops and high waisted shorts, halter tops and skirts, tank tops and pants, and basically any variation of those combinations.

As you can see, matching pieces are very popular in the celebrity world. Lily Collins shows us how boho-chic matching pieces can be; her white, quasi-plaid ensemble looks like she's ready for the beach! Katy Perry's rocking her purple and yellow printed set at the Kid's Choice Awards. Her tight pencil skirt oozes sexy. Kim Kardashian looks amazing and professional in her set.  She demonstrates that matching pieces can be worn on business occasions. And, finally, America's Sweetheart, Taylor Swift, is rocking a casual, girly matching set that anyone could wear!

If you love matching pieces as much as we do, you need to get one ASAP! Here's a list of some of the cutest two-piece sets out there:

Which celebrity look do you like best? Are you gonna get your own set? If so, make sure you post a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #sensiblestylista so we can see!

Written by Zoe Luiz

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Trend Report: Platform Sandals

Every girl loves to wear heels, and adding even just a few extra inches can transform an outfit from blah to glam. However, high heels are insanely hard to walk in; nobody wants to walk through the city in them or stumble all over themselves at the beach. Luckily, there's a new way to get those few extra inches while still maintaining your ability walk: platform shoes!

This winter, we saw a ton of them; creepers were all the rage, ankle boots grew higher, and people were sporting sneaker wedges everywhere! That trend's translating into summer wear beautifully with platform sandals. Everywhere from Target to Miu Miu is coming up with new designs. There are so many different ways to wear this trend as you can see from above. Tan and cork platforms look amazing with funky outfits whereas black creepers complement grungier outfits perfectly. White strappy platforms look super cute with girly ensembles, but they're casual enough to go with an everyday leggings-sweatshirt combo.

Here are some fab platform options for you guys to browse:

Let us know how you wear this look! Post a picture of you in your platform boots on Instagram with the hashtag #sensiblestylista so we can check it out and possibly feature you!

Written by Zoe Luiz

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Summer's Hottest Trends: The Shorts Edition

It's summertime, and that means it's time to bust out the shorts! Finally, you can ditch the leggings and boyfriends jeans, and start wearing some trendy cut-offs! Here are a list of this summer's top five shorts trends:

1. High-Waisted Shorts

This trend has been in for a while, but it's still going strong! If you guys already own these from past summers, get some cute tops to create new outfits.

                       

Save: Romwe $13                                                  Splurge: Urban Outfitters $138

2. Pin-Up Shorts

These shorts are a variation on the aforementioned high-waisted trend; they're definitely specific though. They're typically tight black shorts that go above the belly button. They're also sometimes called "sailor shorts" aka pin-up shorts with buttons across the sides. 

        

Save: Rue 21 $20                                   Splurge: Urban Outfitters $39

3. Asymmetrical Shorts

I love this trend because it's fairly new!  These shorts are similar to the classic 90's skort. The piece has a panel that's diagonal, which makes the front look asymmetrical. 

                  

Save: Choies $14                               Splurge: Nasty Ga $68

4. Rompers

These aren't technically shorts, but they have shorts attached therefore they make the list! Rompers were in a few years ago - they never really fully went away, but this summer they're coming back strong. There are tons of different styles, but my personal favorites are ones that have really loose legs - they look like dresses until you start walking.

       

Save: Nordstrom Rack $20                        Splurge: Revolve $142

5. Embellished Shorts

Sequins and studs may seem like things of the past, but they're making a comeback. Any of the aforementioned trends can be embellished - just add sequins, studs, or lace.  You could even DIY! I personally like shorts with embellished pockets sticking out underneath (pictured below on the right).

   

Save: Target $15                                                       Splurge: American Eagle $50

What do you guys think of these trends? Do you think you'll be purchasing any new items? Which one's your favorite?

Written by Zoe Luiz

4

Summer's Hottest Trends: The Bathing Suit Edition

After a long, long winter I know that I for one could not be happier that summer is here. After spending far too much time indoors curling up next to a heater, I can't wait to get to a beach ASAP! This means that I'm going to need some of this season's hottest bathing suits. Let's take a look at this summer's hottest bathing suit trends:

1. Neoprene

Last summer Karl Lagerfeld's Chanel Fall 2014 Haute Couture runway was filled with neoprene dresses. It seems like the trend just can't be stopped, from dresses to tops and even to bathing suits! Make sure you get your hands on your very own neoprene swimsuit this summer. 

   Save: Sears $24.99       

Splurge: Triangl $89

2. One-Pieces

Bikinis have been getting skimpier and skimpier, but that's not the case with this trend.  Shops all around the world are selling sexy single-piece swimsuits. There are tons of different styles available:  some with slits all over, some with chains, and some even with lace! In my opinion, the LBO(ne)P(iece) is just as much of a must-have as the classic LBD.  Every girl needs at least ONE simple black suit.

 Save: Victoria Secret $29      

 Splurge: Volcom $73.99

          

3. High-Waisted

High-waisted clothing has been on fleek these past few years.  Last summer we saw everyone's shorts switch from low-rise to high-rise, and this winter "mom-jeans" were seen everywhere.  This trend is here to stay so jump on the bandwagon and purchase a high-waisted suit for yourself.  Need more convincing? Fashion icons, like Gigi Hadid and Taylor Swift, have been seen sporting trendy versions on beaches themselves.  

  Save: Sammy Dress $8.93  

   Splurge: Urban Outfitters $42

             

4. Neon

Neon is always on point for summer - everyone loves coming back from the blacks and burgundy's of winter to the brightest colors they can find. Plus. neon has the ability to somehow make everyone look tan, which is great for those of us who've hardly left the house this cold winter!

Save: Doll Swimwear $27.99  

Splurge: Voda Swim $66

5. Mismatched

Looking perfectly put together is no longer "in"! This summer, it's cool to look mismatched. This trend is awesome because it means that you can reuse last season's bathing suits; just buy a new pair of black bottoms and you can match them with any of your old tops!

 Save: Victoria Secret $19.50  

Splurge: Zimmerman $260

Which bathing suit trend do you guys like best? Do you guys have any big beach plans for the summer? Let us know in the comments below!

Written by Zoe Luiz

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