Sensible Stylista

25 Ways to Stay Alert When You're Super Tired

Alright guys, it's time for some real talk.  We all wish we could sleep 7-8 hours each night, but that just doesn't seem possible in this day and age.  We're all hustling to become the best we can be, and that requires serious sacrifice, which brings me to my latest.  For today's post, I'll be sharing my tips on how to stay fully alert throughout the day.
1.  Rest your eyes for a bit, especially if you're staring at a screen for a prolonged period of time.
2.  Practice acupressure - try stimulating different pressure points.
3.  Catch up with a friend during a short ten-minute break.
4.  Turn your lights up or get some sun!
5.  Take a minute to stretch.
6.  Watch ONE funny video on youtube.
7.  Squeeze in a quick workout or do a bit of light exercise.
8.  Take a break and play with a furry friend.
9.  Stand while you work - some swear by standing desks.
10.  Take a power nap - 5-20 minutes can do wonders for your focus.
11.  Switch tasks to avoid monotony.
12.  Chill in front of the air conditioner for a bit.
13.  Down a glass of water to stay hydrated.

14.  Sniff some peppermint oil.
15.  Look at flashing colors to stimulate your brain - you can even download an app for it on your phone!
16.  Munch on a healthy snack and avoid overeating at lunch.  Like Steve Jobs said, "stay hungry."
17.  Play a quick game on your phone.
18.  Keep your workplace cool.
19.  Down a cup of espresso (or a caffeinated beverage of your choice).

20.  Take a quick shower.
21.  Watch a motivational clip to stay inspired - sometimes that's all you need to get back into the game!
22.  Practice deep breathing to reduce anxiety and increase focus.
23.  Blast your favorite tune and sing along with it.
24.   Chew on some bubblegum.
25.  Splash your face with cold water.

And that's it folks! I hope y'all found this helpful.  If you did, please take a moment to share this post with your friends.  Also, if you enjoyed this post, you'll love "8 Ways to Maintain Your Health When You're Busy as Hell." Happy reading, everyone!  Sending lots of love from the DMV.

The Striped Long Shirt: Remixed Three Ways

You guys are probably sick of seeing this shirt on SS by now, but it was a serious fave of mine all summer long so I have to pay homage to it one last time.  I blogged about it HERE a few months ago, but I want to give you guys a quick refresher.  I picked it up at Doota in June during my month-long trip in Korea, and it was the ONLY thing I purchased there clothing-wise.  

I wanted to get more stuffs, but everything was either too expensive or straight up un-buyable.  I know "un-buyable's" a harsh, but not being able to try something on (without the option of return) is a dealbreaker for me. So, I exercised self-control and kept my shopping habit to a minimum. However, I ended up wearing it all the freakin' time, which brings me to *drum roll, please* today's remix.  I'll be sharing my fave looks with you guys on Sensible Stylista!
Shoes:  OASAP || Dress:  H&M

1. My first look's a work-friendly ensemble that's both comfortable and stylish.  I started with a fabulous dress from H&M and wore my long shirt on top.  I don't know about you guys, but I've always been a huge fan of summer layering and all that jazz.  There are a ton of cute deets happenin' in this outfit already (tassels + ruffles), but I threw on my Valentino-inspired heels to add more personality.  To see more snaps from this shoot, click here!


Shoes:  Steve Madden || Top:  Polo || Bag:  Chanel || Necklace:  JWholesale

2.  Look number 2's more of a casual everyday outfit.  I wore this out to lunch last month when I met up with an old friend from high school.  I was running super late so I only got to snap 1-2 pics of it with my cam - that's why I never used it as an individual post. In retrospect, I probably would've carried a different bag, but whatever, I was home visiting my parents in Pittsburgh so I wanted to take full advantage of my mom's amazing closet.

For this getup, I started with a cute faux-leather mini and paired it with a navy tank from Polo.  I picked up a bunch of them (tanks + tees) from their factory outlet in Grove City because they were on sale for $9 or so.  TIP:  always get your basics for less!  I refuse to spend a buttload of money on items that aren't "special."  The only exception IMHO is if you're investing in something you'll wear forever like the classic trench.

Sorry, I totally got off topic.  Let's get back to my OOTD!  This skirt has navy embroidery so it matches everything beautifully.  My neck felt a bit bare so I threw on a fabulous statement necklace. This gorg piece is available at Jwholesale.  If you're looking to purchase trendy jewelry for a fraction of the price, make sure to hit them up HERE.


Boots:  Nine West || Tank:  Polo || Shorts:  Aero || Bag:  YSL

3.  I'm oozing (or at least trying to, ha) casual cool for this ensemble.  I kept things very simple by wearing high-waisted denim shorts and a plain white tee.  The long shirt elevates the outfit and creates a cohesive vibe.  I went easy on the accessory front, but carried my faux-snakeskin YSL crossbody for a splash a print.  To top things off, I wore distressed boots.  To see more from this post, click HERE.

Alright guys, that's it for today!  I hope you enjoyed my latest remix.  Which outfit do you like best? And how do you feel about long shirts - are they a do or a don't?

Find of the Day: The Fringe Burgundy Dress

Hey guys, if you love fringe as much as I do, you'll absolutely adore today's find of the day! I discovered this gem while browsing, you guessed it, ASOS.  It was on sale at the time for like $65 (originally  $386) so I copped it quickly.  Since then, the price has (very unfortunately) increased to $123, but I'm sure it'll go down again soon.  I recommend "saving it for later" to keep an eye on the price!
This fabulous dress is made of 100% polyester, but it looks and feels just like suede.  If you want to make a super fashionable statement at a cool event or special occasion, pick this baby up STAT!  The fringe skirt and lace-up front ooze streetstyle star.  It's definitely pricey, but it's a unique and high-quality piece that's well worth the $$$. I own it in size S, and it fits true to size, but if you're worried about fit, just buy two at once.  ASOS offers free shipping + returns so if something doesn't work out, you can just send it back.  

NOTE: this is definitely a fall piece so keep that in mind when purchasing it.  You see that half-smile/half-scowl I'm sportin'?  It's because I snapped this picture in 95 degree weather so I'm sweating like a donkey in heat, ha!  In all seriousness though, let me know if you have any questions regarding this dress.  I'm here for y'all so just shoot me a comment or message.  For those of you interested, you can purchase this dress HERE!  If this dress doesn't tickle your fancy, here are some other fabulous options for your browsing pleasure (varying price points):