Blouse + Denim Flares

They say what goes around comes around and that couldn't be more true when it comes to fashion. There are many different decades and trends that are making a strong comeback. Case in point flare jeans. The wide leg silhouette looks amazing on ALL body types. For a girl with curves I love how these pants fit me like a glove. They are easy to style. I can pair them with a t- shirt, blouse, off - the - shoulder top or even a tank top. It is a very good investment piece to dress up or down. They also make me want to log into Apple Music and blast some 70s tunes and dance under a disco ball :)

Outfit Detail: Blouse (Forever 21), Denim Flares (New York & Co.), Fedora (H&M), Booties (JustFab), Sunnies (Forever 21), Bracelets (Macy's)

If you don't have a pair of denim flares I HIGHLY suggest you cop a pair before the summer hits. If you need a place to find a cute pair check out New York & Co. (here), Forever 21 (here), H&M (here), or Zara (here).  Happy shopping!

I hope you enjoy your hump day,
-Ali

Cape + Printed Skirt

Whenever I throw on my cape it makes me hold my head a little bit higher, and makes me stand a little bit straighter. By adding the cape to an outfit, any outfit, it adds a bit more structure and sophistication to a simplistic look. I started this look with a printed skirt that my friend Renee brought me back from Africa. I love the vibrant colors in the skirt as well as how the skirt fits and flows. I had a blouse in my closet, that I scored from Goodwill by the way for under $2, that matches the skirt perfectly.

Outfit Details: Cape (Los Angeles Garment District), Skirt (Nigeria, Africa), Blouse (Goodwill), Sandals (Charolette Russe), Sunnies (Forever 21), Fedora (H&M)

If you want to look like a boss add a cape. I'm telling you, it will make you feel put together. You can wear a cape with a dress, jeans and a t- shirt, a skirt, and even shorts. I truly have to put on my cape and slay these 3 projects that are due within the next couple of weeks. What do you need to throw on your cape to slay? Let me know in the comment section below. Happy Hump Day!

-Ali

I Smile

"I smile, even though I hurt see I smile, I know God is working so I smile, Even though I've been here for a while. I smile, smile." This song just popped in my head while I was writing this blog post. Have you ever had a day where you just felt a little down? Within the past couple of days, I've experienced this feeling more times than not. While I'm not doing terrible, I can't say that every day has been peaches and cream. The thought of my son makes me happy and sad all at the same time. I'm happy because I'm honored I got to spend 7 months with DJ (while he was in my tummy) and even time with him after delivery when  I saw his angelic face ;) But I'm also sad because the first time was the last time I would get to see (hold, kiss, hug, look at etc.) him. On that day I lost my baby, my toddler, my preteen, my teenager, and my adult son. But even with this tragedy I can still find solace and something to smile about knowing that my son is in the care of the Master up above. 

You know what else makes me smile besides my relationship with God, the love of my husband, family, friends, music, pizza, this blog, and fashion? This outfit! The brightness, boldness, and colorfulness really picks up my spirit. While the top and duster vest are neutrals the added pops of color (with my turquoise statement necklace and skirt) change the entire dynamic of the outfit. 

Outfit Details: Duster Vest (Forever 21),  Skirt (Forever 21), Blouse (H&M), Booties (Just Fab, Statement Necklace (Gifted), Sunnies (Thrifted)

I know it may be difficult at times but even in your lowest of moments learn how to smile. Just the simple gesture of putting on a smile can truly make you feel better. As the song says "gray skies are going to clear up, put on a happy face" (and an awesome outfit lol) and rock the day!!!! Before you depart, push play and let the lyrics of Kirk Franklin's "Smile" warm your heart.

Happy Hump Day luvs,
-Ali

Ruffled Blouse + Leather Shorts

This week I am spending time house/pet sitting for my brother, so I had to plan ahead to get my outfit of the day posts done. If you are a blogger of any kind, planning ahead is KEY to staying consistent with your content. I shot all three of this weeks outfits in one day. This black on black look of the day incorporates my ruffled blouse that I got from K&G many years ago as well as my black leather H&M shorts. The over the knee booties add an edgy element to the look while the accessories pull the look together. 

Outfit Details: Ruffle Blouse (K&G: Old), Leather Shorts (H&M), Over The Knee Booties (JustFab), Sunnies (Thrifted), Lipstick (M.A.C. Ruby Woo), Earrings (Charlotte Russe)

Wearing all black makes me feel confident and well put together. A way to liven up an all black ensemble is to select various fabric choices as well as items with different details. For instance, my blouse has ruffles and lace and my leather shorts have pleats. It breaks up the mundane of wearing the same colors. What's your favorite way to rock all black? Let me know in the comment section below.

Happy Hump Day 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

[Burnt] Orange & Green

The colors orange and green spark different emotions to different people. To my husband he thinks of peas and carrots (it's a bit of shade…and a fun inside joke he always teases me with, as he went to a rival HBCU = Historically Black College or University). When I see orange and green it takes me back to my first love of higher education. The place where I met so many long lasting friends. Where my life was in shambles every other day (not really…just a young college student being dramatic) trying to obtain my Industrial Engineering degree. Where I learned an abundance of life lessons to become the woman I am today. The colors orange and green are the colors of my illustrious Alma mater, Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University aka FAMU. Those colors will always be near and dear to my heart and evoke nothing but a smile whenever I see them. So when I pulled out my orange and green blouse from my closet all I could do was smile. I decided to pair the blouse with a dark pair of skinny jeans and my cognac suede boots that I picked up from Aldo 8+ years ago. I grabbed my burnt orange silky cardigan as a layering piece, then draped my cognac leather jacket around my shoulders for a more dramatic effect. 

Outfit Details: Cognac Leather Jacket (TJ Maxx), Orange Silk Cardigan (Forever 21), Orange & Green Blouse (Love Culture), Denim Skinnies (Old Navy), Cognac Suede Boots: Old (Aldo), Aviators (H&M), Gold Watch (Charming Charlie's)

Shout out to all my rattlers who bleed orange and green all across the nation! #Rattlerforlife #IloveFAMU. And of course shout out to all my Ali's Fashion Sense readers, followers, and subbies. I love y'all too! SN: That's enough HBCU pride for today. I am off to go get pampered, thanks to my amazing husband aka my dope photographer, for purchasing me a much needed 60 - Minute Massage as my Valentine's Day gift. So I'm off to have a good day. I hope you do the same! Happy Hump Day luvs.

-Ali

Reuse, Remix, and Recreate

I know you may be thinking "why is Ali wearing this black faux fur vest AGAIN?" See the way my closet is set up, I reuse, remix, and recreate looks using the same pieces over and over. I'm the first to admit I'm no baller (although I will be…the power of positive thinking is real you should try it). So I have to make my closet stretch long and wide. But I have a secret. Come close so I can share it with you. I'm not apologetic about it at all. I buy my clothes to wear them and I make sure I get the best bang for my buck. I don't buy clothes to sit in my closet and look pretty. I continue to wear clothes that I purchase. Case and point this vest that I love was purchased at least 3 years ago (it could be more) and I've pulled it out every Fall/Winter for the last few years. The moral of this blog post is don't be afraid to re-wear what you buy. The key is switching up the piece to make it look brand new which comes form your styling effort. 

Outfit Details: Faux Fur Vest (Forever 21), Blouse (Forever 21), Skirt (Vintage), Boots (TJ Maxx), Clutch (Target)

What are your thoughts on re-wearing items in your closet? Do you mind wearing them over and over or do you feel ashamed of wearing it continuously? Let me know in the comment section below.

I hope you have a great productive day!

-Ali