Patterned Kimono + T-Shirt

Hi luvs! Happy New Year. I know! I know! I'm extremely late. But my January was SUPER hectic. For those that don't know (or follow me on my other social platforms: Facebook, Instagram) my family packed up our entire lives in Georgia, to trek 2100 miles to the west coast, in sunny CAL-I-FOR-NI-A! We've literally been here 3 1/2 weeks and I've loved every minute of it. Cali is absolutely beautiful. There is so much beautiful scenery, clear blue skies, sky - high palm trees, and amazing weather 95% of the time. The vibe is super chill and the people are really nice. 

Since the vibe out here is so chill, I wanted my first outfit post to reflect my surroundings. I chose to pair a high low kimono I scored from the Forever 21 [Red] (down the street from our new apartment) with a basic white t-shirt, a pair of leather pants, and leather ankle booties. I accessorized with a pair of knotted tassel earrings in a matching green, and a pair of green - tinted aviators in front of a beautiful array of boats in a Long Beach Marina. 

HIGH LOW KIMONO// via Forever 21 (different color, same color different pattern) - WHITE T-SHIRT// via Target ($6.50 option from Forever 21) - LEATHER PANTS// via "The Coolest Monkey in the Jungle" Retailer: that I'm currently taking a hiatus from (similar option here) - ANKLE BOOTIES//via Old Navy (similar suede option) - KNOTTED TASSEL EARRINGS//via Forever 21 - GREEN AVIATORS//via Charlotte Russe (similar here) - BLACK FEDORA//via Forever 21: old (similar here)

This look was easy - breezy to create and is even easier to replicate. With 3 simple pieces you can create this look over and over again and look flawless every-time. All you need to create this silhouette is a kimono (it can be solid, printed, patterned etc.) + a t-shirt (basic tee, graphic tee, lace tee etc.) + a pair of your favorite bottoms (leather pants, jeans, a skirt, joggers, leggings etc.). This outfit helps you look put together without even trying. As Grayson begins to become more and more active I need clothing that will allow me to get up and go without a fuss. This is one of those outfit options. This will definitely be one of my go - to outfit options when I need something quick, stylish, and effortless. 

I cannot wait to take you all on this journey of exploration of my new city and state. I look forward to exploring more cool locations to shoot blog pics (like this marina we found in Long Beach) and fine - tuning my wardrobe to fit my new Cali lifestyle. Here's to an amazing 2018! 

Xoxo,

Ali

Printed Maxi + Flannel Shirt

Some days, no matter how hard you try to be grateful for all the blessings, life gets cloudy. Yesterday was one of those days. It just seemed that from the moment I woke up (carrying over from the night before) that a cloud was hovering over me. While I usually try to look on the bright side of things yesterday just got the best of me. But then I realized in order to truly enjoy the sunshine you have to endure a few clouds and rain. Whenever I'm feeling bad I try to do something for ME. So I got dressed, put on some makeup and went to soak up some vitamin D before the clouds rolled in. 

I wanted something that was comfy while I went to run a few errands and get some work done at a coffee shop. I landed on this hi/lo printed maxi dress and paired it with a black and red lumberjack flannel (which I stole from my hubby's side of the closet). I then added my denim jacket, fedora, booties, and gold accessories (+ my new favorite choker) to round out the look.

Outfit Details: Printed Maxi (Target), Lumberjack Flannel (Hubby's: Old Navy), Booties (JustFab), Denim Jacket (Forever 21), Fedora (H&M), Aviators (Forever 21), Earrings (Charlotte Russe), Choker & Layered Necklace (Charlotte Russe), Chain Purse (Gift: Charming Charlie's), Pom - Pom (Beauty Supply Store)

Even when I experience rough days I always end the night by journaling. I have made it a habit now to end my journaling post each night with "3 Things I'm Grateful For..." it is a way to keep things balanced and in perspective. While I may have been sucking on lemons yesterday, there are still some things I can use to make lemonade today! I said all of that to say, don't beat yourself up when you have a less - than stellar day, just regroup, look yourself in the mirror and say..."hey, tomorrow will be MUCH better!" I hope your day today is filled with love, sunshine, faith, and fun! Have a great weekend luvs, see ya Monday!

-Ali

The Secret To Transitioning A Hi - Lo Dress From Summer to Fall

I know, I know. You don't want to hear that Summer is coming to an end but we have to face the fact, FALL IS COMING. So it's better to be prepared than to let Fall catch you off guard. I will give you the inside styling deets on how to take a simple gray hi - lo dress and style it for the end of the summer as well as how to transition it for fall. The secret is all in the switching and swapping of pieces.

SUMMER
Hi - Lo Dress (Forever 21), White Slides (Forever 21), White Leather Clutch (Forever 21), White Collared Shirt (Old Navy), Necklace (FancyKouture.com), Aviators (H&M)

FALL
Hi - Lo Dress (Forever 21), Cognac Leather Jacket (TJ Maxx), Tan Fedora (Forever 21), Animal Print Booties (Belk), Sunnies (Forever 21), Necklace (FancyKouture.com)

The main secret to transitioning any item in your closet is the art of layering. When you are able to layer it can help transition an outfit and make it fit for the times. Another key to transitioning your summer wardrobe into fall is to swap out summertime essentials for fall necessities. For my transition here are the items that I swapped or added:

SWAPPED

White sandals - Animal Print Booties

Aviators - Cat Eye Sunnies

Red Lippie - Plum Lippie

ADDED BONUS

Cognac Jacket

Fedora

Enjoy the rest of the summer while you can. But definitely keep an eye on how you can seamlessly transition your favorite summer pieces into the fall. Until then, I hope you have a great weekend!

TGIF,

-Ali

Blazer + Floral Romper

I am madly in love with rompers, jumpsuits, playsuits, jumpers. Whatever you want to call them...I love them! If you are someone who never knows what to wear or who wants a way to look put together without a lot of hassle rompers are your best friend! The thing I love about rompers are the fact that they look good on an array of body types, they come in different styles, lengths, colors, prints etc. and lastly they are easy to dress up or down. Like I mentioned in my last post it is best to find pieces to add to your wardrobe that you can get the best bang for your buck. The way you do that is by adding pieces that you can incorporate various ways. 

Outfit Details: Romper (Marshall's), Blazer (H&M), Booties (JustFab.com), 

Aviators (H&M), Earrings (Forever 21)

As you can see the romper is the foundation of the look. Simply by shedding the blazer you can create an entirely different look and feel to the romper. This week's blog posts are all about showing you how to add more versatility and flexibility with those items you have in your closet by making small tweaks to your outfits.

Happy Hump Day,
-Ali

Superwoman

While I was in Cali my friend took me to the Garment District. On our stroll through countless vendors we stumbled upon a shop that had hot trendy items. As I was searching through the racks I came across a gem. I've been coveting a cape for some time now, but I was never able to find one that I liked, in my price range (I'm a fashion blogger on a budget lol). So when I saw a black cape I knew I had to get it. Plus it was only $32 (win, win)! 

When I put the cape on yesterday for church I felt like a real - life super hero…more like Superwoman.

Outfit Details: Cape (Garment District), Ruffle Tank (Forever 21), Midi Skirt (H&M), Earrings (Forever 21), Sandals (Forever 21), Aviators (H&M)

Sometimes life throws curve balls at you. You feel like its too much to bear, but when you feel super overwhelmed, throw on your cape, dig deep, and rule the world!!! #GirlsRule #WhoRunTheWorld

Let's grab this Monday by the horns and make something happen today! Cape or not, we all are superwomen. Besides a cape, what makes you feel like superwoman? Let me know in the comment section below.

Happy Monday luvs,
-Ali

Going Up On A Wednesday

Friends, how many of us have them? I'm so excited because today I get to travel to LA for 6 days to spend time with some of my closest friends as we "pre" celebrate our friend who is about to tie the knot (shout out to my girl Maria)! This trip is much needed. Since coming back from my cruise at the end of May I've been busy with my nose in the books taking two classes for summer school. To be able to chill with my girls, in nice weather, with nice scenery is just what the doctor prescribed! I can't wait to blog about all (maybe not all lol) of our Cali adventures. Stay tuned :) In the meantime check out my OOTD. 

I chose to pair my flare denim jeans that hug me in all the right places, with a sheer blouse, silky burnt orange cardigan, strappy nude sandals, and colorful feather earrings to pull the look together.  

Outfit Details: Cardigan (Forever 21), Blouse (Forever 21), Denim (TJ Maxx), Sandals (Charlotte Russe), Feather Earrings (Charlotte Russe), Aviators (H&M)

This outfit is fun and playful and is perfect for a casual date night, or fun night out with the girls! I hope you all have a very happy hump day. I know I plan too.

-Ali