Covered Up In My Tan Poncho + Flare Jeans

It is getting cooler outside so I pulled out my camel - colored poncho that I snagged from H&M 7+ years ago, along with my white button up, and flare jeans to cover up and keep warm. While the temperatures aren’t frigid as the Michigan temperatures I’m used to, the chilled temps have finally caused me to grab my warmer clothing option as I get dressed each morning. 

Fall/Winter seasons are not just about covering your body in layers to keep warm, it is about doing it in style! You all know I love to look my best (and I’m sure you all do too), but the truth is, in today’s society we often cover up who we truly are (inside) because we may be different than what we see on TV, through different media mediums, or just different than those that surround us on a daily basis. 

I  have a news flash for you…one that I continuously try to internalize each day! God made all of us unique. We are not supposed to be carbon copies of one another with the same thoughts, ideas, style, mindsets, skin color, hair textures, body shapes, careers, hobbies, gifts etc. He created us to be a melting pot of beauty (the vision He saw of us when we were sculpted in our mother’s wombs). 

In this day and age of social media it is so hard to try to fight to be you when everything around us tells us to be like everyone else. This week, while we try to cover up to keep warm physically, I want us to try to uncover who we truly are. Dust off those gifts buried deep within. Try a new hobby that you’ve been putting on the back burner because it’s “weird” or different from the norm. Try something you’ve always wanted to do this week. Focus on only saying positive things to yourself instead of being overly critical of yourself. Begin learning to love your flaws in all. They are what make you distinctly YOU!

TAN PONCHO// via H&M old (similar) or  (here) - FLARE JEANS// via NY & CO. (similar) - WHITE BLOUSE// via H&M (similar) - VINCE CAMUTO LEOPARD PRINT BOOTIES// via Belk (similar) - TAN FEDORA// via Forever 21 (similar) - SUNNIES// via Charming Charlie’s (similar)

Here’s to uncovering and unlocking the REAL YOU; with style and grace. Have an amazing week. I’ll see you back here on Wednesday and Friday :)

Xoxo,

-Ali 

White Maxi + Shaggy Fur Vest

HI!!!!! I've missed you all so much! I know you're probably thinking..."who are you?" It's been a little minute but I had to take a little break from blogging. I've had A LOT going on between school, church, being a wife etc. so I decided to take a short hiatus. But I'm back with some great stuff for you during this last half of the year. Can you believe it's already October??? So let's jump right into it.

Who said you can't wear white after Labor Day? Well, clearly I've put that myth to rest. As the temperatures drop slowly, I wanted to pull out my white maxi (that I received as a gift, that I haven't worn before), and style it with my shaggy fur vest. I was able to structure the bulky vest by adding a belt to define my waist. I then added my gladiator heels to give me a little more height so my dress would not drag on the ground. My fedora was added to create a little element of cool! I finished out the look by layering gold jewelry (necklace, earrings, sunnies, and a broach). It truly pulled the entire look together. Check out the full outfit below.

Outfit Details: White Maxi (Express), Fur Vest (Forever 21), Belt (Unknown), Gladiator Sandals (DSW), Necklace (Thrifted), Fedora (Forever 21), Sunnies (Forever 21), Earrings (Forever 21)

 Is it super cold in your area already and you can't get away with wearing short sleeves? Swap the vest for a cute leather motorcycle jacket OR layer the moto jacket on top of the maxi and use the vest as your outer most layer. Would you wear a maxi with a fur vest? Let me know in the comment section below. 

P.S. It feels good to be back. I missed you all ;)

Happy Monday,

-Ali

Mix It Up

Solange is one of my style hero's. Her ability to take two prints and make them cohesive, EFFORTLESSLY is truly a gift and quite mind blowing if you think about it. She has truly come into her own. I love to see what two wild and crazy prints she will pull off next with her crazy, sexy, cool vibe!

In honor of Mrs. Solange Knowles I tried my own version of mixing prints, the lite 2.0 version. I took my army green hieroglyphic vest and paired it with my black and white paint - splattered blouse. For a more casual look I paired my denim shorts and caged booties sandals. To play up the military theme (think army green) I grabbed my cognac and black belt (which helps suck me in at the waist, creating the illusion of an hour - glass), gold earrings, a broach, and an "I Believe in FAMU" button.

Outfit Details: Denim Shorts (Forever 21), Hieroglyphic Vest (Forever 21), Paint - Splattered Printed Blouse (Forever 21), Booties (JustFab), Belt (Forever 21), Aviators (H&M)

Mixing prints doesn't have to be a daunting task if you choose correctly. Two of the oddest pairs can become a masterpiece in the right hands. The Mixologist's Guide for Beginners: Try these 3 mixes to jump start your hand at mixing it up. 

1.) Floral Prints + Polka Dots

2.) Stripes + Stripes

3.) Print + Print 

TGIF my luvs. I hope that you try mixing  up your wardrobe this weekend!

-Ali

Summer Booties

I took two courses in Summer School this summer. One of the classes I took was a technical writing course. For our final report I was asked to write a proposal comparing similar items, so I decided to write a report comparing the top three online shoe clubs: JustFab, ShoeDazzle, and ShoeMint. While doing research for my 20+ page paper I stumbled across these beauties called "Bellona" on Just Fab, where I ended up becoming a member...you know for research purposes lol. This was my first time purchasing from JustFab so instead of being $39.95 (the normal price for VIP members) or $69.95 (the price for non - VIP members) I received these gorgeous cutout booties for $9.95 with free shipping included!!!! You can't beat that. These boots will definitely be a staple as we transition into the fall season. I rocked them with an all black ensemble to bump up the edge factor. Ali's Fashion Sense PSA: If you wear an 5.5 - 8.5 (sorry 9 - 11 are sold out) and are interested in purchasing the Bellona style knee - high bootie order them here. 

Outfit Details: Leather & Lace Dress (TJ Maxx), Bellona Booties (JustFab), Leather Clutch (Forever 21), Fedora (H&M), Belt (TJ Maxx...Came on a gray jumper), Statement Necklace (Kiosk in Detroit Mall), Bracelets (Macy's) 

I hope you all had a great weekend. Let's make this a magnificent Monday! Do something to get you one step closer to your dreams...and while you're at it...wear your favorite shoes (heels, pumps, sandals, or summer booties)! 

Smooches dolls,

-Ali