Wednesday, June 29, 2016

Dreaming In Color


Vision boards are not a new concept. They've been on the scene for quite some time. You start to think about "WHAT YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP" the closer you get to 30. I don't know if that's a requirement as your rite of passage into "real" adulthood. But your dreams and goals begin to be like a glaring red light that you cannot ignore. Some people fall into the gap, dive head first, and chase their dreams while others decide dreams are just dreams and reality is the name of the game that they've been predestined to. But when I tell you that writing out your dreams and goals and having a constant daily reminder of the things that drive your inner soul is what life is truly about. I remember the first time I stumbled across the Bible verse Habakkuk 2:2: And the Lord answered me: 

"WRITE the VISION; MAKE IT PLAIN on tablets, so (s)he may RUN who READS it!"  

This scripture blew my mind. It is literally saying, write down, see, visualize your visions, dreams, goals and make them plain. In other words be as direct, straight to the point, or specific as possible so God, you and the Universe know EXACTLY what it is that you are trying to accomplish. It goes on to say we write our inner most dreams down so that he or she who reads it can run! In other words when you write out your dreams you begin to to see them in color, you begin to brainstorm, you begin to plot how you can accomplish them! You begin to take the necessary steps to make these dreams become apart of your personal reality. When those things that you wrote down begin to manifest themselves you begin to buy into the system that there is some truth to writing down your inner most visions. Then it becomes an endless cycle of dreaming in color, writing down your goals, taking the necessary steps to accomplish your goals, accomplishing what you set out to accomplish...then repeating the process! Over and over again. 

Why am I talking about dreams. I realized that some of the things that I wrote down 3 YEARS ago from my 2013 Vision Board I created are beginning to manifest themselves.  For example:

  • Going back to school for fashion - CHECK
  • Getting all A's - CHECK
  • Graduating Summa Cum Laude - CHECK
  • Getting a feature in Instyle Magazine (I wasn't in their magazine YET....[you gotta speak it into existence] but I was featured on their digital platform here)! - CHECK
  • Starting a family (I did begin the process, but lost my little angel...but I'm still grateful for his presence and the many lessons this tiny human being taught me)! - CHECK
Example of my Vision Board hanging up

Just seeing my vision board, seeing the things I've accomplished thus far is truly blowing my mind and inspiring me to dream BIGGER, go DEEPER, and increase my FAITH and FREQUENCY to align with those things that God has in store for me. Those things deep rooted deep within that I haven't even tapped into yet. I've been reading A LOT more this summer tapping into a wealth of knowledge about creativity, tapping into your BEST self, and living the life you've always dreamed of. While it may seem silly to some I am buying into the notion that I can have what it is that I envision. It's not a matter of IF I can obtain it, it now is a matter of WHEN it will come true! I dare you to dream in color. I dare you to believe the things that keep you up at night! I dare for you to tap into all the gifts and talents and passions God has buried within you! When I tell you your life will be FOREVER changed....don't take my word for it. Try it for yourself! In the meantime....

"Don't Quit Your Daydream!"

My feature as "Reader of the Week" on Instyle.com here


I hope you have a fantabulous Wednesday! Don't forget to take on the day with a grateful heart and a mind prepared to accept all the great things in store for you!

-Ali

Friday, June 24, 2016

Tan Duster Vest + Black Jeans


Those that truly know me know I love animals (almost as much as I love fashion). When I was a kid I wanted to be a veterinarian or a Sea World whale trainer. Who would've thought right? Very different from fashion I know. So when I spotted this awesome mural outside the Atlanta Humane Society I thought it was a great backdrop for a photoshoot. The puppies (and doggies) inside didn't hurt either. This is an awesome way to rep ATL while showing off a casual ensemble that you can wear during the weekend. 









Outfit Details: Tan Duster Vest (Amazon.com), Black Tee (H&M), Distressed Jeans (DIY purchased from GAP), Booties (JustFab.com), Fedora (Forever 21), Choker (Charlotte Russe), Layered Necklace (Charlotte Russe), Watch (DSW), Earrings (Charlotte Russe)


This outfit is a perfect fit ushering the weekend. You can wear it almost anywhere as you celebrate making it through another week!!! Before you TGIF check out some of the cute pups that I discovered inside the humane society along with my some of my other snaps from Snapchat yesterday. I'm new to Snapchat so follow me at "AliFashionSense" (I follow back).





Have a good weekend. See you Monday!
-Ali

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Denim Off The Shoulder Dress + Gladiator Sandals


It's officially summer and the Georgia heat did not come to play. So it's imperative to find outfits that offer breathability. That is why I LOVE the off the shoulder trend.  It's cute on all body types plus nobody has ugly shoulders!

 I've been looking for an off the shoulder dress for a couple months now. So when I found this denim beauty looking through the racks at Express I leaped for joy (at least in my head). I wasn't too thrilled when I got to the register and saw a $60+ price tag, but I bit the bullet because this dress was so cute (plus I had gift cards to help reduce the price which softened the blow). 








Me and the bestie spreading L - O - V - E

Outfit Details: Denim Off The Shoulder Dress (Express: Similar Dress Here), Gladiator Sandals (DSW: Old), Sunnies (Forever 21), Layered Necklace (Charlotte Russe)

I think the dress was a great investment. I love the fit, the length, the material, the cut, and the endless styling opportunities it offers. Trust me when I say it will be in rotation all summer! As the awesome mural states (that we used for this photoshoot) "Try Love." I'm encouraging you to try loving yourself, your family, friends, and fellow man today! As the late great Notorious B.I.G would say... "Spread love it's the Brooklyn way!" Happy Hump Day luvs peace and blessing to you.

-Ali

Monday, June 20, 2016

Black & White Geometric A Line Dress


Sunday marked an amazing day. I've been rooting for Lebron James since he entered the league 13 years ago (2003) so I had the biggest smile on my face when the Cleveland Cavaliers (after 50+ years) won their first NBA championship! It did my heart proud to see Lebron hoist the trophy up in spite of all the doubters, critics, odds makers, statistics, the amazing competition on the other side, the hard fought road to get here etc. 

Through the Cavs victory it made me self reflect. I realized that sometimes the things we want most may be right in our grasp (Cleveland was in the finals last year against the same team, Golden State but lost 4 - 2, for me it was losing my first child abruptly after being 12 weeks away from the finish line) but for some reason God may not feel we're ready to handle them yet. At that moment you may want to give up. You may want to throw in the towel. You may say...why am I putting in all this hard work only to come up empty handed? This series reminded me, no matter how the situation may look in front of you, you can't give up on God or yourself. You have to simply trust the journey. If you work hard the Universe will reward you for your efforts whether that is immediately or down the line when you least expect it.  

Unlike my dress (scored from Old Navy) life is not always black and white. You may have some gray moments that you can't explain or that don't make sense but DON"T LOSE HOPE! Keep the faith accompanied by a smile :)








Outfit Details: Black & White Geometric A Line Dress (Old Navy: Seen here), Furry Pom Pom Headband (Charlotte Russe: Seen in white), Gladiator Sandals (Steve Madden Sandals), Necklace (DSW), Sunnies (Forever 21), Purse (Forever 21), Furry Key Chains (Beauty Supply Store)

After being a witness to Cleveland's greatness I am taking on this week with a restored focus on my goals. I am going to do it with belief in myself and in my abilities, with a spirit of gratitude for those things I already have, and tenacity to stick with it even if (or shall I say when) it gets tough! I hope you join me. And of course I hope you look your best while conquering your goals.

Happy Monday Luvs,
-Ali

Friday, June 10, 2016

Sequin Top + Black Distressed Jeans


Celebrate good times c'mon. In my world it doesn't take much to celebrate (especially these days). I love to enjoy this life that I've been given, so I choose to celebrate the small victories in life! Anything from finding change on the ground to sticking to my newfound lifestyle change for a day (take things 1 day at a time). Don't get me wrong I have days where I am down in the dumps (I just had an episode earlier in the week...missing my son). But overall, I try to live life to the fullest! So it takes nothing for me to throw on sequin. Even on a random Friday. Who says you have to reserve your sequins for New Years Eve? Not I! I say wear it anytime, anywhere...heck, if you want...wear it to the gym! I'm not stopping you. 











Outfit Details: Sequin Crop Top (H&M), Black Distressed Jeans (Gap; DIY: Me), Boyfriend Blazer (Forever 21), Sparkly Platform Peeptoes (Steve Madden: old), Candy Yum Yum Lippie (M.A.C)

Go out and CELEBRATE! Celebrate the weekend. Celebrate the sun radiating on your face. Celebrate your awesomeness. Celebrate YOU!

"Let your soul glow and your outfit sparkle!"

Have a fantastic Friday luvs. See ya Monday,
-Ali

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Off The Shoulder Top + Denim Overalls


Showing off your shoulders is the hot thing this season. You've seen me wear my off the shoulder lipstick top from New York & Co (seen here) before with my flare denim jeans. This time, I've paired my off the shoulder top with my overalls. It gives the top a whole new feel! I pulled out the tan hue from the lipstick base (on the top) to accessorize the ensemble using my fedora and tan fringe booties. This outfit is perfect for a day of fun. You can wear it out to brunch, on an impromptu midday movie date with bae, or to simply run errands on a Saturday morning. This look will definitely stay in rotation (until the sun will not let me bare it any longer). Check out the full look below. 









Outfit Details: Denim Overalls (Macy's), Off The Shoulder Top (New York & Co.), Fringe Booties (Charolette Russe), Fedora (Forever 21) Sunnies (Forever 21), Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag (Graduation Gift), Ruby Woo Lippie (M.A.C.)



If you don't know what trend to adopt this spring I would definitely suggest trying the off the shoulder trend. 

"No matter what size you are, EVERYONE has awesome shoulders."

You can pair the off the shoulder trend with skirts, shorts, skinny jeans, denim flares, or even overalls. The possibilities are endless. So give it a try. I'm sure you won't be disappointed. I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!

-Ali

Monday, June 6, 2016

Ruffled Blouse + Midi Skirt


Sometimes there are times when I want to get dolled up and dressed to the nines for no apparent rhyme or reason. This is one of those times. I love to find ways to spruce up items I've had in my closet over extensive periods and breathe new life into them. This is one of those instances. I took a ruffled blouse that I bought from TJ Maxx well over 7 years ago and revamped it by layering it with a black tank, tucking it into a midi skirt, and accessorizing with my favorite black fringe belt (with gold accents). 









Outfit Details: Ruffled Blouse (TJ Maxx: Old), Midi Skirt (H&M), Ruffled Belt (Windsor), Black Tank (Forever 21), Strappy Heels (Gift), Earrings (Beauty Supply Store)

This ensemble makes me want to shimmy and shake and would be the perfect outfit for a night out with my hubby! I love that the midi skirt can still be a sexy piece to show off my curves while still keeping me covered. 

Ali's Fashion Sense Tip: "Midi Skirts are perfect pieces to add in your closet if you are 30+. They give you the coverage you need, while still showing off your curves in the right spots."

What is your go - to date - night outfit? What pieces keep your look sexy yet refined? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.

Happy Monday Luvs,
-Ali