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

Sweatshirt + Faux Leather Pants

"A" is for Ali. "A" is for awesome. "A" is also for academics. As some of you may know I am currently in school as an Apparel Textile Technology student majoring in Fashion Design & Product Development at Kennesaw State University - The Marietta Campus (formerly known as Southern Polytechnic State University). It is crazy to me that my 2 year journey as a fashion student is coming to an end in two short months. On Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at 3PM I will be walking across that stage (with Pomp and Circumstance playing in the background) obtaining my 2nd Bachelor's Degree. This time in a subject (FASHION) that I am immensely passionate about. While I have an idea of what I want to do post graduation I feel as lost as ever on what direction I will take. Should I move to Atlanta and start a fashion career there? Should I relocate from the state of GA into the fashion lion's dens of New York or LA? Should I entertain the idea of starting a family (for the 2nd time)? That old adage the chicken coming before the egg or vice versa sounds a bit like my life at the moment. Should I start a career and then try to expand my family once my career is established, or should I graduate, start a family, then go to work? Or can I have the best of both worlds and start a family all while starting a new career? 

Only God knows the answer. But in the meantime. I am working my butt off to soak up as much knowledge as I can about this industry that I am so passionate about, so I can confidently complete and defend my Senior Project, complete two major projects for each of my other classes (Ethics & Safety and Quality Assurance) and ultimately walk across the stage with my 4.0 in tact and the honors of Summa Cum Laude with my family cheering for me in the background (and my angel cheering me on from up above) #shorttermgoals. 

Today's outfit is one of many of my typical school girl outfits that I would wear to campus for a day of classes, meetings, and much more. 

Outfit Details: "A" Sweatshirt (Forever 21), Faux Leather Pants (JC Penny), Collared Button Up (JC Penny), Faux Fur Vest (Forever 21), Gold Oxfords (Zara) Sunnies (Forever 21), Statement Necklace (DSW), Polka Dot Planner (TJ Maxx), Black & White Journal (TJ Maxx)

Why must adulting be so hard lol! I guess "A" really stands for adventures! That is what I'm on and I'm strapped in, on the front row ready for the ride :) I'll catch you on the other side.

Happy Hump Day Luvs,
-Ali

Shaggy Vest + Striped Dress

We made it to another Monday. New day! New possibilities! New blessings bestowed upon us :) This weekend was pretty packed for me. I went and got a tattoo to commemorate my angel DJ on Friday. It was a little more painful than I remember (I have two other tattoos) but I took it like a G in honor of my little guy! My hubby was there to support me. One of my really good friend packed up her stuff and moved 1.5 hours away for a new job, so I went to say my goodbyes. Then Saturday after I had rehearsal (for Praise Team) the hubby and I chilled around the house for a little bit, before going to see the movie Race (I definitely recommend going to see it...I learned a lot about Jesse Owens) then we capped off our night with dinner at a Mexican restaurant, Margaritas.

I decided to wear my shaggy vest (which you've seen a couple of times on the blog now), my striped shift dress, navy tights, and chocolate booties to create my weekend outfit. I paired it with my white collared shirt, a statement necklace, and my glasses to take the look to the next level. The simple combo of a shift dress + vest + collared shirt = flawless foundation to an amazing outfit. Check out the pictures below to see the full look.

Outfit Details: Shaggy Vest (Forever 21), Striped Dress (JC Penny), Collared Shirt (JC Penny), Navy Tights (Target), Chocolate Booties (Forever 21), Statement Necklace (Charlotte Russe), Opticals (Forever 21)

This outfit was very comfy and still is put together enough to run errands or even go on a date with hubby! What did you do/wear this weekend? I'd love to hear about it in the comment section below.

Here's a glimpse of my tattoo (keep in mind I just got it done so it looks a little abnormal). I am in love with it. I think my tattoo artist did an amazing job capturing exactly what I wanted.

I hope you have a great day and a stellar rest of your week! Happy Monday luvs. Lets make it a great one.

-Ali

Furry Gray Duster Vest + Black Skirt

"I've got sunshine, on a cloudy day! When it's cold outside, I've got the month of May! I guess, you say, what can make me feel this way? My boys...talking bout my boys, my boys (hubby and son of course)!" No seriously Sunday was a very cloudy and windy day in Central Georgia. It was also pretty chilly (hence why this song popped into my head). Whenever it is cold out I love to grab a faux fur vest to layer with. They are the perfect fashion accessory and they can definitely keep you warm. For Sunday's OOTD I opted for my long furry gray duster vest that I scored from H&M a couple seasons ago. I love this vest because it not only keeps me warm, but it has a cool texture, and is a great neutral to pair with jeans, slacks, a dress, or even a skirt. It's the perfect chilly weather accessory. As I mentioned a couple posts ago I am able to disguise or display my baby bump whenever I like. Sunday was one of those days that I contained the bump a little more by wearing my Express skirt (that has an elastic waistband...thank God for elastic lol) along with my white collared shirt, black tights, and black wedge booties. 

Outfit Details: Furry Gray Duster Vest (H&M), Skirt (Express), White Collared Shirt (JC Penny), Tights (Target), Booties (Target), Sunnies (Forever 21), Statement Necklace (FancyKouture.com)

The look really kept me warm even with the wind whipping and the clouds invading the sky. All I needed was a hot cup of cocoa and a fire place and I would have been in business. Whats your favorite chilly weather fashion accessory? A fur vest? Tights? Riding boots? Over the knee socks? I'd love to hear in the comment section below! 

Color On Crenshaw

On my last day in Cali my friend Maria aka my photographer/visual director for the shoot took me to an awesome spot on Crenshaw Blvd. The mural is called "The Mural of African American Progress." The amazing murals were done by various artists and give a glimpse into the African Americans journey from queens and kings in Africa to the works of influential leaders like Fredrick Douglas, MLK, and Malcolm X. The bright and bold colors in the mural help to highlight the colors in my thrifted blazer. 

One simple way to dress up a pair of denim shorts this summer is to add structure on the top by adding a collared shirt and any blazer (whether its printed, a solid, or a cool textile like [faux] leather or [faux] snakeskin). 

Outfit Details: Blazer (Thrifted), Denim Shorts (Forever 21: Similar Here), White Collared Shirt (Old Navy: Similar Here), Sam & Libby Sandals (Target: Here), Gold Watch (Charming Charlie's), Sunnies (Thrifted), Necklace (Forever 21: Similar Here)

If you're ever in Cali I would definitely suggest checking out this mural. Its pretty cool. It stretches 2 blocks on the famous Crenshaw Blvd (from 50th - 52nd Street). Where are your favorite murals located? How do you dress up your denim shorts in the summer? Let's chat in my comment section below! 

TGIF Luvs and I hope you have a safe and fun holiday weekend,

-Ali

Photo Credit: Maria Katre

Leopard & Chains

So the way my closet is set up, I like to utilize the things within it. I know sounds crazy right (lol)? Hence the reason you see the same chain blazer that I wore in last week's blog post "At Play on Black Friday" (which can be seen here) on today's post "Leopards & Chains." The fun and challenging thing about being a blogger (and just a girl in general that likes to play real life dress up) is to see how many combinations that I can create using the same items but styling them completely different. This look starts off with my black chain blazer, which I love by the way. It gives me a Chanel vibe. Then I added my white collared button up, denim jeans, leopard booties, and statement necklace to differentiate this look from the previous time I wore the blazer. 

Outfit Details: Chain Blazer (Forever 21), Collared Shirt (Old Navy), Denim Jeans (Old Navy), Booties (Belk), Statement Necklace (TJ Maxx)

This look is pretty simple. Very classic with a twist. Business on the top, party on the bottom lol. No, but seriously the chain detail "dresses up" the blazer to be a little more sophisticated along with the collard shirt and statement necklace, but the denim and leopard booties give the look a little more playful vibe. Overall, I think the balance works well. The red signature just gives the look a new element of color and texture.

Is there a classic item that defines your signature look? A certain blazer? Moto Jacket? Pink Lip? I'd love to know what elements make up your favorite look.

Happy Hump Day!

-Ali

Oh You Fancy Huh!?

Hey y'all! How have you been doing? I've missed you all...hopefully you've missed me too ;) Sunday, I wanted to round out the black and white series with my last installment. When I see this look Drake's song "Fancy" pops into my head lol.  I paired my strapless black dress with my white collared shirt (with the dramatic sleeves). I wanted to continue with the classic silhouette so I grabbed my patent leather pumps, a statement necklace, and added a pop of color with my cherry lips, and wallah...my look was complete!

Outfit Details: White Collared Shirt (K&G), Strapless Dress (Forever 21), Jessica Simpson Patent Leather Pumps (DSW), Statement Necklace (Forever 21), Sunnies (H&M)

I like this look because it gives you a classic color combination with classic silhouettes: a LBD (little black dress), crisp white collared shirt, and black pumps. You can recreate this look over and over again using any color combination as long as you have a strapless dress and collared shirt. I promise you it will look sleek and chic every time. You can even drape a blazer or [outerwear] coat over your shoulder to heighten the dramatics of the look. 

Would you wear a look similar to this? Let me know how you would rock it in the comment section below! 

I hope you have a marvelous Monday! Lets make it productive :)

XO,

-Ali