White Maxi + Lace Kimono

One of the reasons (among many others) I started my blog was to show real women, like you, how to take your wardrobe and remix, reuse, and revamp looks with simple items that you already have in your closet that are readily accessible. I don't have an endless supply of money or clothes so I reuse a lot of the pieces in my closet and make them appear different simply by mixing and matching, and switching and swapping different foundational pieces to create new looks.

I took that same lace kimono that I wore last week here and revamped it by swapping my floral crop top, distressed jeans, and fedora with my white maxi dress and floral headband. By simply exchanging my crop top and jeans for this maxi it gives the look a whole different personality. I truly felt like a little "Flower Child" or "Hippie!"

I am not one of those bloggers who wears something once and lets it sit in my closet. If I love a piece I will wear it over and over., with NO shame. I try to challenge myself to change up a look by switching up my styling methods each time I wear it! If you are one of those people that wear the same thing again and again try challenging yourself to see how you can remix your current pieces by styling them differently the next time you wear them. 

Outfit Details: Lace Kimono (Charlotte Russe), Maxi Dress (gift: Express), Floral Headband (DIY), Aviators (H&M), Necklace (Forever 21), Earrings (Charlotte Russe), Charm Bracelet (Juicy Couture), Sandals (old)

This look made me want to just throw up the peace sign and twirl around in a meadow of sunflowers! I received a ton of compliments on this look (even one that made me blush from one of my nephews who told me...."Auntie Lish you look beautiful!"). Talk about a confidence booster. All you need to accomplish this look is a simple kimono (which you can score from stores like TJ Maxx, Marshall's, Forever 21, H&M etc.) and a simple maxi and wallah, you have the look. I truly love the look because it has ease, comfort, and most importantly...I didn't have to iron it (that's a BONUS)! 

I hope you have a wonderful, productive, positive Monday! I will see you later on this week. Have a great day!

-Ali

Polo Hat + Fringe Shoes to Match

This weekend was very chill for me. Saturday, I went to a (middle school) basketball championship tournament with my hubby to see some of our good friends refereeing! They both did a great job and the games were exciting enough (as far as middle school athletics go). After attending the tournament we came home and took naps (a Saturday/Sunday ritual) before heading out to dinner. After dinner I came home and got a lot of research done for my Senior Project that I'm working on (did I mention I graduate in 3 more months ;) ) while watching the most exciting NBA game ever (Warriors vs. Thunder). Side Note: Steph Curry is unbelievable!

Since Saturday was a day full of running errands, I knew I wanted to be comfy. I didn't want to be too dressy as I knew we were going to be in some pretty casual settings so I opted for my red Polo Hat, red fringe suede booties (that were gifted to me from a friend), Chambray button up, denim jeans, navy faux leather blazer, and my new favorite items in my closet...my shaggy vest. I added gold accessories (gold bullet earrings, Juicy Couture Charm Bracelet, and gold watch) to finish pulling the look together. 

Outfit Details: Polo Hat (Polo Outlet), Chambray Button Down (Charlotte Russe), Denim Jeans (Forever 21+), Shaggy Vest (Forever 21), Navy Blazer (Gift), Red Fringe Booties (Gift), Bullet Earrings (Pink Elephant), Juicy Couture Charm Bracelet (Juicy Couture), Gold Watch (Charming Charlie's), Sunglasses (Forever 21)

Overall, I think this outfit was the perfect weekend ensemble. It's checks off the 2C's: cute and comfy, plus it incorporates the art of layering. The pops of red also add a little unexpected twist to a simple color palette of denim + navy + and tan! What did you get into last weekend? I'd love to hear! 

P.S. Since it's a leap year, here's a cool way to commemorate it: Try creating a leap year time capsule that you can open on February 29, 2020. I received this clever idea from Chatbooks.com. I'm going to do one and have my hubby do one too that we can open it in four years.  Get your free time capsule printables here to complete with your family.

Happy Monday & Leap Year,
-Ali

Over [it] All

On Saturday, I had a pretty chill day. I kicked back watched a movie, caught some football, started studying for a test, and even brainstormed outfits for my blog. Through all of that, I wanted to be comfortable yet cute for the day, so I decided to throw on my overalls! I tried to style the overalls differently than I did when you 1st saw them so I paired it with my favorite go to piece in my closet at the moment: my army green hieroglyphic print vest, and a tee with faux leather on the sleeves. Then I threw on my sneaker wedges, statement necklace, and sunnies  and the look was complete. 

As I was studying for my Fashion Forecasting Exam 2 (which I have today...wish me luck) I stumbled upon something interesting. The question was..."How do consumers become fashion stylists?" The answer: "When they take available clothing resources and mix, restyle, and customize items in individualistic and expressive ways." This definition is the perfect example of what I'm trying to do here on Ali's Fashion Sense. I want to show you (my loyal readers) that it's okay to love the items in your closet, and to wear items over and over again (isn't that the reason you bought them in the first place?)! The key to successfully stretching your wardrobe is finding innovative ways to style your pieces so they look fresh, hip, and new (even though you may be wearing the same things).  So check out today's look Over [it] all. See what I did there lol?

Outfit Details: Vest (Forever 21), Overalls (Macy's), Shirt with Faux Leather Sleeves (Forever 21), Sneaker Wedges (Target), Statement Necklace (TJ Maxx), Sunnies (Aldo), Charm Bracelet (Juicy Couture), Watch (Charming Charlie's)

As you can see. This outfit is super comfy but still gives off a fun, sporty, vibe! I hope my Monday is just as chill, cool, and fun as this outfit (even though I have a FULL schedule). I'm sending out positive vibes in the atmosphere. In my Ice Cube voice...today WILL BE a good day!

Happy Monday

-Ali