Graphic Tee + Flare Jeans + Faux Leather Moto Jacket

I cannot believe I've lived in California for an entire month now! Time has literally been rolling expeditiously (shout out to Mrs. Rollins my 7th grade English teacher for encouraging us to learn grand words even as youngsters). I'm also an official California resident now (because my Georgia license expired on my birthday which was last Friday, so I was forced to go to the DMV, take and pass a 36 - questioned test in order to get my license)! One thing I love about Cali is the endless amount of things to do and see. So far I've briefly explored Carson (where we reside), Compton, Long Beach, Beverly Hills, Marina Del Ray, Torrance, Hawthorne, El Segundo, Century City, Culver City, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Inglewood, and of course Los Angeles. 

Beyond exploring new cities I've also enjoyed the beautiful weather, clear skies, sunsets, beaches, aquarium, malls, food, and more. While visiting with my oldest brother the 2nd week we were here, he invited my family to dine at Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles in Long Beach. Roscoe's is a California staple. The food is delicious and the name is legendary. Being a new Cali resident I've been getting accustomed to the laid back vibes. My wardrobe is starting to transition to more comfortable, convenient pieces like kimonos (check out the last blog post), t-shirts, and sandals. So when I saw this Roscoe's t-shirt while dining at the restaurant I knew I had to have it as my first little piece of Cali!

It's the perfect t- shirt to rock during a chill weekend with a cute pair of jeans or you can "dress" it up a bit more with a sleek skirt and heels/boots. I decided to pair my Roscoe's tee with my New York & Co. Eva Mendes Collection flare jeans along with my black cropped faux leather moto jacket, tan fedora and booties, yellow tinted shades, yellow tassel earrings, and my super cute red crossbody bag I scored from Forever 21 for $13. 

ROSCOE'S WOMEN'S TEE//via Roscoe's Chicken & Waffles - FLARE JEANS//via New York & Co.: similar here or super flares here - FEDORA//via Forever 21: similar here - SUNGLASSES//via Charlotte Russe: similar here - TIER TASSEL EARRINGS//via Forever 21 - BOOTIES//via Charlotte Russe: similar here - RED PEBBLED FAUX LEATHER CROSSBODY//via Forever 21

I love this look because it is so simple to create and fits multiple body types. All you need is a cute graphic tee and your favorite pair of denim (flares, boot cut, skinny jeans, boyfriend jeans, high - waisted, low rise etc.). For an extra polished finish, top it off with a cute leather moto jacket. Trust me, you will look effortlessly chic. I hope you had a great weekend and that you have a super productive week! Let's set our intentions today and go out and get it!!

Xoxoxo,

Ali

Graphic Tee + Metallic Skirt

With the holiday season approaching, I wanted to do an outfit series that can span for a host of holiday occasions. We know as the Christmas and New Year's holidays roll around there are an endless amount of parties that we are invited too from family gatherings, work holiday parties, get - togethers at friends houses, late nights and early mornings on the town and much more. You want to look the part for all the different events you have to attend so I wanted to offer you some outfit inspiration/ideas to help you gear up for the most wonderful time of the year *cue Andy Williams!* 

When I think of the holiday's I think of metallic's, sequin, red, green, black, ugly sweaters, fur, tights, sparkles and more. For today's look, I wanted to create an outfit that offered a casual + dressy mix by pairing a [medium] "Rolling Stones" graphic tee (which I snubbed from the Men's Department at Target) with a metallic pleated skirt (from Target also). I added my cropped leather jacket on top to pull the look together and my red tasseled sandals to add an extra dash of holiday cheer! 

I love the juxtaposition of the casual tee paired with the metallic midi length skirt. It is an unexpected twist which offers a bit of edge plus feminine swag. You can wear this look to a friends holiday get together or out on a nice date. Either way, you'll be piping H-O-T!

ROLLING STONES TEE// via Target - METALLIC PLEATED SKIRT// via Target - CROPPED LEATHER JACKET// via H&M (similar here) - TASSEL RED SANDALS// via Charlotte Russe (similar here + exact shoe here sizes 5.5 - 6.5) - BAWSE LADY LIPPIE// via The Lip Bar - EARRINGS WITH TASSELS// via H&M (shown here in 5 different colors + same color different style)

What are some things you wear to your holiday get togethers? I'd love to hear in the comment section below. And stay tuned for more holiday inspired looks the rest of the week.

Xoxo,
Ali

A is for Ambition

There are some things that I truly want in life! I've been reading a lot about tapping into and unlocking those deep seeded gifts God planted into us that we sometimes bury because they seem too outlandish to achieve. I know we're wrapping up the end of the year and we always look ahead to the new year to make New Year's resolutions. But, this year I want to do things a little differently. I want to focus on maximizing each day, hour, and moment I am given to the fullest! We always hear that tomorrow is NOT promised but sometimes we plan, dream, and fantasize about tomorrow so much that we forget to think about, enjoy, and take in today! I am totally guilty of it. I'm all about a plan, but A is not only for AMBITION...it also stands for ACTION!

It's time to let all those inner gifts loose! It's our time to shine! It's time to walk into our purpose! It's time to throw fear to the wayside and pick up fearlessness! There are sooo many things I want to accomplish and I will no longer stifle myself because it's unconventional, different from the norm, or goes against the things people "think" I should be doing. I will use my ambition, my persistence, my work ethic, and my faith in God to move to higher heights, and levels I'm can't even fathom yet. 

BLACK DENIM// via Gap (similar) - "A" SWEATSHIRT// via Forever 21: old (similar) - CROPPED LEATHER JACKET// via H&M (similar) - TAN FEDORA// via Forever 21 (similar)  - CHUNKY BOOTS// via online boutique: old (similar) - YELLOW TINTED SUNGLASSES// via Windsor (similar) - QUILTED CHAIN BAG// via Forever 21: old (similar) - FURRY BAG CHARM// via Beauty Supply Store (similar)

My prayer for you and I is that we begin to live out the lives and blueprints that God created for us while we were in our mother's wombs! I'll end with this scripture: 

13 

13 "For you created my inmost being;

    

you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

14 

14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

    your works are wonderful,

    

I know that full well."

- Psalm 139:13-14New International Version (NIV)

Let your ambition take you to new heights starting today! Happy friday 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