Dressed In All Black

There is something about an all black outfit that makes you feel bad and boujee *cue Migos!* I used to always ask my debate teacher in high school (shout out to Mrs. Siegel formerly known as Ms. Knapp) why she wore black every day. I used to always encourage her to wear color, because a high school junior has all the fashion answers lol! While I am in no way opposed to color, I now understand as a 31 year old why all black outfits are so lit.

Wearing all black from head to toe is a fool - proof way to class up your outfit in a jiffy. By playing with different textures, and silhouettes it allows you to wear black from head to toe without looking boring. If you add a few unexpected finishes it can amp up your outfit like none other. 

In this look my accessories are what takes this simple combination of a black boyfriend blazer + black tee + black denim jeans to the next level. The fringe belt, lace - up - booties, choker, and sunnies all play a significant role in pulling this look together. 

BLAZER//via Forever 21: old (similar) - BLACK TEE// via H&M (similar) - SHEER PEPLUM TOP//via H&M (similar) - DIY DISTRESSED DENIM//via The Gap (similar) - FRINGE BELT//via Windsor: old (similar longer version) - LACE - UP BOOTIES//via Charlotte Russe (similar) - CHAIN CROSSBODY BAG//via Forever 21: old (similar here) - CHOKER// via Charlotte Russe (1 of 3 pack similar) - PRIMA DONNA LIPPIE//via The Lip Bar  - SUNNIES// via Charming Charlie's (similar)

If you don't have anything to wear this weekend, pull out your favorite black pieces from your closet (casual or dressy) and I guarantee you that you will have an instant outfit on your hands. I hope you all have a great and fashionable weekend. See you back here next Monday!

Xoxo,

-Ali

Work Vs. Werk

As I mentioned on Monday's post, this week is all about remixing items you already own to refresh and expand your wardrobe. Today's post we will focus on a suit. While suits are meant to be worn together...it is in the separating of the pieces where I find the most wiggle - room for creativity.

THE BASIC
Today's focus item is a plaid suit. Plaid is super on trend for the Fall/Winter season, but plaid is also a classic print that it will never go out of style! I purchased this particular suit from Target's new private label, "New Day." Sidebar: Target has some really dope new in- house private labels for women, men, and children's apparel. They even have a new home goods private label as well. One more way to get my coins, as if we don't already spend our hard - earned money in Target  *inserts emoji with hand covering forehead!* I love this suit because it was made with quality in mind and the silhouette is fresh and new (oversized top, slim bottom...I can dig it). This suit is composed of a Boyfriend blazer + a pair of Slim Fit Ankle Trousers.

WOMEN'S PLAID BOYFRIEND BLAZER// via Target - 
SLIM FIT STRAIGHT LEG PLAID ANKLE PANT// via Target

WORK

When I envision the traditional word "work" it makes me think of cubicles, briefcases, and dark boring [skirt] suits. Not every job requires you to put on your most snatched threads to make deals and call shots. But if it does, I would highly recommend adding this suit to your wardrobe arsenal. I like this suit because it allows me to look polished when I wear both pieces in an instant. But the thing I love most about the suit is my ability to wear the separates separately to create different moods and outfits to help expand my wardrobe. You can dress this suit up or down, depending on where you are going. You could pair it with flats, sneakers, heels, boots etc. (and that's just the various shoe options you have...let's not even mention the numerous top combinations you could come up with like how I "werked" it below)!

PLAID JACKET// via Target - PLAID TROUSERS// via Target - MAROON PUSSY BOW BLOUSE// via Forever 21: old (similar here) - SANDALS// via Target - BROACH// via Hobby Lobby - CLEAR FRAMES// via Windsor (similar here)

WERK

Many times after work we have engagements set up where we don't have much time to transition from work to play. We have to slay in seconds. That is why creating a suit of separates is genius and a fool - proof way to have snazzy outfits on deck. I took the same suit from above but I ditched the trousers, sandals, and blouse, and swapped them for a leather crop top, black midi skirt, and some lace - up booties, while keeping the blazer on to anchor the outfit and create a more "edgy" look and feel. With just a few key swaps you can take your blazer from boardroom to... baddie!

PLAID BLAZER: // via Target - LEATHER CROP TOP// via Forever 21 (similar top here) - MIDI SKIRT// via H&M (similar here) - LACE - UP BOOTIES// via Charlotte Russe: old (similar) - CHOKER// via Charlotte Russe (similar here)

I hope these two posts to date are beginning to help you see that fashion doesn't have to be super complicated! All you need are a few key staples to help do the heavy - lifting for your wardrobe, then you can mix and match items to make your pieces seem fresh, new, and of course stylish!! We have one more installment of this series. I will be showing you how to rock distressed jeans two different ways! So stay tuned. Until then...

Happy Hump Day luvs, 

-Ali

Rock Mom

One of my favorite people in the fashion world is stylist June Ambrose. I've always loved her positive attitude, her infectious spirit, and her fly sense of style. But the thing I love most about her is what I discovered when I started following her on IG a few years ago. Auntie June is the quintessential example of a rock mom. She works in the fashion industry (an industry that I WILL land a position in very soon - speak it into existence right?), she is a wife, an amazing mom of 2, she cooks healthy meals from scratch with organic foods, works out and has an all around fab life (not to mention a wardrobe to swoon over).  She is someone I don't mind trying to emulate, especially as a mommy, since she's an awesome Rock Mom! 

Outfit Details: Rock T-Shirt: Charlotte Russe; White Button Up with Puffy Sleeves: old; LC Pants: Kohl's; Cropped Leather Jacket: H&M; Lace - Up Booties: Charlotte Russe; Choker: Charlotte Russe; Mirrored Sunglasses: Charlotte Russe

Being a rock mom is not about being perfect, it is about doing your very best in all aspects of your life from being a great wife/partner, awesome mommy, career oriented, spiritually and physically centered, and most importantly aware of when you should block out time for yourself to rejuvenate. I haven't gotten it all figured out just yet, but I am on my way! Here's to all the amazing rock moms out there; and a special shout out to one rock mom I've had the pleasure of getting a front row seat of viewing for 31 years, my very own rock mom! I pray I can be as half as good as a mom to Grayson as you were to me and my siblings. Love ya mom.

-Ali

6 Month Blogging Hiatus

Hi, my name is Ali and I'm a [fashion] blogger lol! I felt like I needed to reintroduce myself since I've been on a 6 - month long hiatus. A lot has changed over these last six months.  I got a part - time job working retail at Charlotte Russe. I turned 31 on February 9th, and my husband received his Private Pilot License. But the biggest change of all is the size of my expanding belly. My husband and I are expecting Baby Anderson number two in 7 more weeks. Our due date is scheduled for April 14, 2017, so we'll see when my son wants to make his debut to the world. 

Mannequins I styled at work
Outfit Details: Faux Leather Baseball Cap: Forever 21 (Old), Blanket Poncho: Forever 21, White Button Up: H&M, Distressed Jeans: Charlotte Russe +

My positive affirmation that I said to myself on my birthday: The Best is YET to Come!!!

My hubby all smiles after passing his private pilot exam

The way my husband and I announced we were expecting to the world, along with his gender

All smiles in anticipation of our rainbow baby, Grayson
Outfit Details: Custom - Made Velvet Off The Shoulder Gown: AshleyMonique, Faux Fur Headpiece: AshleyMonique, Broach: Hobby Lobby

The smile on my face is indicative of God's love and promise to our family

After losing my first son DJ, I fell in love more with my husband because he has been my rock through the ups and downs this past year has presented us #TeamAnderson

Grayson at his 28 week ultrasound showing us his lovely profile

Grayson looking out at us during his 28 week ultrasound 

Grayson at his 31 week ultrasound appointment which also doubled as Valentine's Day! What a perfect gift

Initially I stopped blogging because I didn't want anyone to know I was pregnant because of the anxiety I was facing on a daily basis trying to grapple with the fact that I was going to be carrying another life into this world. I didn't want to announce prematurely and be met with the same fate that I was dealt last go round with my sleeping angel DJ. So my husband and I decided we would only share our pregnancy news with our immediate families. So that's exactly what we did! 

I found out I was expecting at the beginning of August but didn't share with others (family and friends alike) that I was expecting until December 2016! I partially told because I was starting to really show and could no longer hide my protruding baby bump.  Of course when I announced everyone was super excited for us as I've been very vocal about what pregnancy and loss looks like with our first pregnancy. So to be able to say I've walked THROUGH the valley and have now seen my rainbow on the other side means a lot. I couldn't have made it through the past year of darkness without my faith and my amazing support system! While I'm not fully in the clear I know, God will provide and deliver on His promise that I will be an Earthly mommy to a bouncing baby boy, Grayson Anderson, in a month and a half! I look forward to mommyhood and looking my baby in his eyes for the first time. I anticipate hearing his cry for the first time as I never got that intimate experience with my angel DJ who was born in a peaceful silence. 

So as I transition into preparing for my special arrival I want to document what's left of my pregnancy and transition my blog from a fashion - centered blog and expand it to a lifestyle blog where we can get candid about everything from love, fashion, marriage, mommyhood, health, and much more! I hope you're excited about this journey like I am! Hopefully you're still rocking with Ali. I missed you guys! Stayed tuned, Friday I will be chatting about my Rainbow Baby Shower that occurred last Saturday (February 25)! You won't want to miss it.

Birthday Selfie

Slight birthday slay
Outfit Details: Lace Kimono: Charlotte Russe, Graphic Tee: Charlotte Russe, Leggings: Kohl's, Faux Fur Jacket: Forever 21 (Old), Jessica Simpson Sandals: Ross, Rose Tinted Sunnies: Charlotte Russe, Faux Fur Purse: Charlotte Russe, Choker & Layered Necklaces: Charlotte Russe

Loving on my munchkin 

Running errands trying to look presentable with swollen feet #preggoproblems
Outfit Details: Floral Kimono: Charlotte Russe, Sleeveless Knit Bodycon: Charlotte Russe, Bow Sandals: Banana Republic Outlet, Rose Colored Sunnies: Charlotte Russe, Necklace (Old)

What's something you are committed to re-starting or jumpstarting TODAY? A health regimen? A new found mindset? A new hobby? Applying for a new job? Today marks the start of a new month, so why not use this clean slate to jump into the new found YOU!!! Here's to new beginnings.

Peace and love,

-Ali