Mommy Vs. Wifey

In all three of this week's posts (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) I am going to show you how to  style basic items in your closet for extended wearability and a more versatile wardrobe. Today's styling edition will focus on transforming a simple dress from "mommy - on - the - go" to a "hot mama" ready for date night with a few basic swaps. So let's get started shall we?

THE BASIC

Today's basic is a simple tank dress I scored from H&M in my favorite color at the moment, army green. The dress is simple enough to dress up or down depending on your itinerary. 

DRESS//via H&M (very similar), (long - sleeved version)

MOMMY

While I'm in mommy - mode the most important thing for me is comfort and practical usage out of my wardrobe. I have to be able to move quickly, carry a growing infant (who is upwards of 17+ lbs), a car seat, and/or maneuver a huge stroller...all while tugging a gigantic diaper bag. Needless to say, I don't need a restrictive or impractical outfit to slow me down. While I still love to dress up when I go out (as mentioned in my last post), I have to think more about what the day calls for. Flats are definitely the real MVPs these days (sneakers, boots, ballet flats, sandals etc.) as I have not been able to really rock stiletto heels as much or for extensive periods of time since giving birth to Grayson. Comfort is KING! That is why this simple army - green colored tank dress is the perfect item for any mommy - on - the - go to have in her closet. This dress is a must have because it can be easily paired with an array of items in your closet, but most of all, it is easy to throw on and is a great foundational piece. 

To achieve my mommy look, I opted to wear this simple dress and pair it with my camouflage jacket, Superstar Adidas, gold - rimmed glasses, and a red lip. This look is super simple, but fool - proof to create (jacket + dress + sneakers = simple outfit)!

DRESS//via H&M (very similar) - CAMOUFLAGE JACKET//via Charlotte Russe (similar) - SUPERSTAR ADIDAS//via Footlocker - GOLD - RIMMED GLASSES//via Charlotte Russe (similar) - BAWSE LADY LIQUID MATTE LIPSTICK// via The Lip Bar

WIFEY

While I love being a mom I have to constantly remember that before I was called mommy I was crowned with the title wifey aka Mrs. Anderson! My hubby put a ring on it (shout out to Queen Bey) 5 years ago, so I try to keep things right and tight to keep our marriage spicy! He knows I love to dress up and go on dates (which are a little harder to come by, since we don't have an official babysitter for Grayson at the moment). So when I get a chance to get fully glammed up, I jump at the opportunity!

To achieve the ultimate swap from mommy to wifey in a flash I kept the same tank dress as my foundational piece but I traded my camouflage jacket for my fuzzy blush coat, my Superstar Adidas for my fringe booties, my gold - rimmed frames with a dope pair of sunnies, and my red lip for a nude softer pout! 

DRESS//via H&M (very similar) - FUZZY BLUSH COAT//via Forever 21 (similar) or (also similar) - FRINGE BOOTIES //via Charlotte Russe (similar) - SUNNIES //old (similar) - PERSISTENCE MATTE LIPSTICK// via (M.A.C)

With a few simple tweaks to your outfit, you can go from day to night in a flash, and turn heads in the process. *Cue Beyonce's "I'm Feeling Myself!"* You don't have to make styling items in your closet rocket science. All you have to do is find simple complimentary items that can be used to dress your basics up or down...and wallah, you have the perfect outfit no matter if you're having a mommy and me play date in the park or going on a hot date with your partner!

I hope you slay your day! Happy Monday luvs!

-Ali

Loving the Me I See

One thing I constantly tried to tell myself throughout my pregnancy and before Grayson's arrival was to not lose myself - my sense of style, my personality, my social life, my relationship with my husband etc. - or my identity because I added the new title of mommy to my resume. Because I've always prided myself on looking nice before Gray arrived I told myself I would try to maintain some sort of upkeep so I wouldn't let myself go (physically, mentally, spiritually, or through my fashion sense - you see what I did there lol).

Let me be candid: Dressing up makes me feel good. That is why I go through all the effort to look nice no matter if I'm having solo mommy - time, if I'm on date night with my hubby, or if I've got my main man Gray in my arms. I like to look my best. When I look my best, I feel my best! While looking nice is high on my priority list, I never want my outer appearance to overshadow my inner. I think it's equally important to beautify our inner woman as well. I try to do that by spending time with God, reading my word and other inspirational messages, speaking daily affirmations over my life, being inspired by researching positive influences, and listening to encouraging music. Bottom line, I try to make sure my inner [wo]man and outer [wo]man are both in tip top shape!! Because no amount of nice clothing can make up for a terrible attitude or negative mindset! 

VEST// via Forever 21 (similar) - DISTRESSED JEANS// via Charlotte Russe (similar) - WHITE TEE// via Target (similar) - LACE UP BOOTIES// via Charlotte Russe (similar), SUNGLASSES// via Windsor (similar)

Being confident in who I am and who I am becoming from the inside out is what allows me to "love the me I see!" No matter my job title (at the moment it is stay at home mommy), no matter what my bank account may read, no matter how many likes, comments, or subscribers I have on my various social media platforms...as long as the reflection of the girl staring back at me in the mirror can accept her imperfect imperfections that is what matters. 

Do you love the me you see everyday in the mirror? Self - love is the key to creating the life you've always wanted. When you know who and whose you are (I am a child of the King, created in the image of the Most High God), you can confidently hold your head up high and fearlessly conquer your day *cues I'm Every Woman Whitney Houston's version!* So on this Friday as we prep to kick off the weekend, it is my prayer that you practice the art of "loving the me you see!" Be kind to yourself this weekend. Be bold! Be fearless! Be unapologetic! BE YOU beautiful. 

Enjoy your weekend luvs! I'll see you bright and early Monday morning.

-Ali

How to Maintain Rockmom Status

Rockmom - A woman who seemingly has it all together on the outside; Well mannered children, a supportive partner, self - love, style, intelligence, a bomb social life, and total life balance. 

This is my personal definition of what most would think a rockmom should be. However, all  true rockmoms know that appearing to have it all together and truly having it all together are two different sentiments. While it is great to appear to have it all in a social media driven world, the truth is, if we are honest with ourselves and each other, we don't always have it all together! We don't always have the picture perfect lifestyle we try to convey (the great spouse, perfect children, amazing house, top of the line car, a satisfying career, amazing friendships, an endless budget to shop, dine out, and travel, debt - free, healthy lifestyle accompanied with a six pack - this may be wishful thinking lol). Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with striving to get to this place but a lot of us are faking the funk to our detriment. 

Truth is, sometimes we carry a load of self - doubt and fear, we are searching for the right partner to spend the rest of our lives with, our children are not perfect (they make messes, they cry, they don't behave all the time), we sometimes compare ourselves to our peers because we don't feel like we're making the necessary strides to be successful, or maybe we are in dead - end job that we hate while our dreams are festering inside of us. I want to ensure you, you are not alone in feeling this way! But the true testament comes from recognizing that you may not be who God truly wants you to be yet but you are constantly working towards being the woman that you picture so vividly in your dreams. 

I'm beginning to learn that a true rockmom is:

True Rockmom - One who is unapologetic for the person she truly is (underneath all the expectations and weights of the world), one who follows her heart no matter what, a woman who has self - love, one who acknowledges her faults and learns from each lesson thrown at her, one who has inner peace, who does the best she can with what she is given, and makes the best out of every situation, and cultivates every relationship she is in (marriage, partnership, motherhood, friendship etc.)

ROCKMOM SWEATSHIRT// via June Ambrose - COLLARD SHIRT// via H&M (similar) - FAUX LEATHER PANTS// via JC PENNEY (similar) - SNEAKER WEDGES// via Target: old (similar) - MICKEY MOUSE EARS// via Choies (similar)

I don't always exemplify the entire definition of a true rockmom on a daily basis, but I promise you this, I am continuously striving to be her in totality one day! Until then, as they say....[perfect] practice, makes perfect! So here is a salute to all my rockmoms - those of you who are entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers, teachers, stay - at - home moms, engineers, artists, business women, and beyond! Shine on, no matter what your situation may look like. Just know I see your [invisible] crown queen! From one rockmom to another: Happy Hump Day!

Rock on,

-Ali

Twinning with Mommy

When I discovered Grayson's gender the fantasy of having my little mini me, a baby girl, flew out the window.  At that very moment I honestly thought I was striped of the potential to dress alike, teach my daughter about fashion, and play dress up. While I really wasn't caught up on the gender of the baby (I really just wanted a HEALTHY, LIVING, BREATHING child) I would be lying if I didn't say the possibility of having a girl made my heart smile at the very beginning stages of my pregnancy. 

When Grayson arrived all my thoughts for a girl melted away the moment I saw his face! Grayson was perfect! I traded in bows and tulle skirts for dinosaurs, trains, and harem pants (Side note: Somebody PLEASE put some valid effort into improving little boy's clothing options, our few little racks with limited inventory is pretty drab in comparison to the vast little girls section - I'd be willing to offer my suggestions for a fee...but I digress). 

So lets rewind to last week. Grayson and I go to the library every Wednesday for story time. Tip: If you are a parent searching for something to do with your baby or child, hit up your local library. Besides the array of books you can read with your child you can also find some amazing story times for babies and toddlers, and even free or cost effective activities and events. I wanted to put Grayson in a long sleeve outfit because morning temperatures have been a bit cooler (faux - fall...by 12PM it is burning up, which makes it very hard to figure out what to wear). I purchased this denim button up and army fatigue cargo pant set from the Carter's outlet back when I visited St. Augustine, FL about a month ago. I love the outfit because it pairs denim (with a tiny pop of color - orange) and army fatigue - which could be used as a neutral. *Please pardon my sons drool spots, he's teething. Parents know trying to keep your children clean is almost next to impossible!*

CARTER'S SET// via Carter's (similar) - MOCCASINS// via Amazon.com (similar) - WOODGRAIN SUNGLASSES// via Carter's (similar)

Once Grayson was dressed it was my turn to get ready. I drew inspiration from his outfit. I knew I had denim and army fatigue  in my closet, so I grabbed my Canadian tuxedo (denim from head to toe) then paired my army fatigue jacket on top to pull the look together. For my accessories I used my orange necklace as a pop of color (to match Grayson) and added a broach to ramp up the dramatics. I finished off the look with my tan fedora, lace - up booties I snagged from Charlotte Russe, and my green - tinted sunnies I scored from H&M. 

DENIM BUTTON UP// via Charlotte Russe (similar) - DENIM FLARES// via New York & Co. (similar) - ARMY FATIGUE JACKET// via Charlotte Russe (similar) - BROACH// via Hobby Lobby (similar) - NECKLACE// via Forever 21 (old) - BOOTIES// via Charlotte Russe (similar) - AVIATORS// via H&M (similar)

The outfit turned out great and I finally got my wish, I was about to twin with my little munchkin. I must admit, we look good as a unit! Don't you think so? As a mommy of a little boy, you are not totally striped of your ability to twin with your mini - me if you so choose. It just takes a bit more creativity and planning. 

Happy Monday Luvs, lets go out and conquer the day!!! I'll see you back here bright and early Wednesday morning! 

-Ali

Dear Gray

Dear Gray,

Mommy dropped the ball. I had your 6 - month update written but I never  got around to posting it (smh). Matter - of - fact, I didn't blog once in the month of September (shame on mommy...I have to do better). It was a very busy month last month for our family, so this will be a 2 - in - 1 installment of Dear Gray combining months 6 and 7! 

So here we are...at month 7!!!! You are literally more than halfway to O-N-E! I cannot believe month 6 has come and gone and we're on to the next one *in my Jay-Z voice.* Where did the time go? Waking up is such a joy, knowing I will get the chance to see your handsome face right by my bedside (in your bassinet - which you're inches away from outgrowing) with an enormous smile to start the day. 

During month 6 you had your very first out of state trip (first of many I pray) and flight. We (you, mommy, and daddy) traveled as a family to my home state of Michigan. It was an ACTION packed five days, with the majority of the events planned focused around you! You were able to meet a lot of family (including your Uncle Loren and cousin Prince), church, members and friends who prayed for your safe arrival and have watched you grow from afar via mommy's chronicles of your life through social media! 

During our stay in the mitten you were finally able to meet Gigi & Pop - Pop (mommy's maternal grandparents and your great grandparents...they were SO excited to finally get the chance to meet you in person and they haven't stopped talking about you since), you looked dapper at granddad's 25th pastoral banquet, you were blessed at granddad's church - Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, you met your god mommy (mommy's best friend) Jasmine for the first time, you had an entire afternoon planned to celebrate your life and to meet family and your extended Michigan church family, and lastly, we got to take pictures with Gigi, Pop - pop, grandma, and granddad all before boarding the plane back to our home in Georgia.

For your first flying experience you did an exceptional job. You didn't cry a peep. You slept most of the 2 hour flight home, while you stayed awake most of the flight going to Michigan. During the first flight you were very inquisitive, taking in the sites and sounds of the aircraft as well as the people around us. You were so good on the flight that the flight attendant gave us a goodie bag for you being on your best behavior. I really wanted to get a picture with you with the pilot but we couldn't make it happen this go round. Mommy will make sure it happens next time.

Another thing that happened during month 6 is your Nana (daddy's mom) came to visit you. She watched you while daddy took mommy flying in an airplane for the first time (iIcan't wait until daddy takes you flying when you get a little bit older)! She came all the way from Seattle just to spend time with you for a couple of days. How sweet! 

A few weeks later we were in the car traveling about 4 hours to St. Augustine, FL so mommy and daddy could attend a wedding of one of mommy's FAMU friends. We stayed at a timeshare with grandma and granddad. They watched you while, mommy and daddy attended the wedding. They truly enjoyed your company as well and said you were on your best behavior. They came all the way from Michigan to watch you!

Here's a quick recap of some things that have occurred during the last couple of months:

6 month check up
You got your first ear infection. You screamed at Dr. Niebeum but he prescribed you some medicine and it cleared up in about a week.

Expanding your pallet
At your 6 month appointment we were given the green light to start introducing 1st stage baby food to you in tandem with your milk. You are at the beginning stages of transitioning from milk to solid foods. While it has been a little messy, so far you have tried and finished (successfully) carrots, sweet potatoes, green beans, squash, and apples. You also like your apple cinnamon puffs. You've even tried water! Mommy is proud of you for trying and exploring new foods. Keep up the good work.

Hand and Feet Coordination 
You started learning how to wave hi and bye. You're still trying to get the hang of it but for the most part you have the motion down pack. A little more practice and you will have it mastered! You also discovered your toes and the fact that you can put your feet into your mouth!

You're Growing
Not only are you getting older, but your body is growing longer, and your mind is getting sharper. You are wearing clothes that are 6 months, 6 - 9 months, and 9 months. You practice sitting up on your own and you've even started scooting to reach for things when you do tummy time. It's pretty remarkable to see you continue to grow and learn more about your body each day. 

Family Fun Day at the Atlanta Zoo
You had your first trip to the Atlanta Zoo! While you weren't able to totally lock in on all the animals, you had a new, exciting experience. You did however enjoy the massive elephants!

So as you can see it has been a couple busy months of travel, growing, and developing. One thing mommy wants you to always remember is the fact that you are TRULY LOVED!!!! There are so many people whose lives you have changed for the better. Your smile lights up a room. Your laugh warms people's heart. Your personality creates laughter. You are one special kid! Don't ever let anyone dim your light! Here's to months 6 and 7!!!

Love,
Mommy (and Daddy)