Twinning with Mommy

When I discovered Grayson's gender the fantasy of having my little mini me, a baby girl, flew out the window.  At that very moment I honestly thought I was striped of the potential to dress alike, teach my daughter about fashion, and play dress up. While I really wasn't caught up on the gender of the baby (I really just wanted a HEALTHY, LIVING, BREATHING child) I would be lying if I didn't say the possibility of having a girl made my heart smile at the very beginning stages of my pregnancy. 

When Grayson arrived all my thoughts for a girl melted away the moment I saw his face! Grayson was perfect! I traded in bows and tulle skirts for dinosaurs, trains, and harem pants (Side note: Somebody PLEASE put some valid effort into improving little boy's clothing options, our few little racks with limited inventory is pretty drab in comparison to the vast little girls section - I'd be willing to offer my suggestions for a fee...but I digress). 

So lets rewind to last week. Grayson and I go to the library every Wednesday for story time. Tip: If you are a parent searching for something to do with your baby or child, hit up your local library. Besides the array of books you can read with your child you can also find some amazing story times for babies and toddlers, and even free or cost effective activities and events. I wanted to put Grayson in a long sleeve outfit because morning temperatures have been a bit cooler (faux - fall...by 12PM it is burning up, which makes it very hard to figure out what to wear). I purchased this denim button up and army fatigue cargo pant set from the Carter's outlet back when I visited St. Augustine, FL about a month ago. I love the outfit because it pairs denim (with a tiny pop of color - orange) and army fatigue - which could be used as a neutral. *Please pardon my sons drool spots, he's teething. Parents know trying to keep your children clean is almost next to impossible!*

CARTER'S SET// via Carter's (similar) - MOCCASINS// via Amazon.com (similar) - WOODGRAIN SUNGLASSES// via Carter's (similar)

Once Grayson was dressed it was my turn to get ready. I drew inspiration from his outfit. I knew I had denim and army fatigue  in my closet, so I grabbed my Canadian tuxedo (denim from head to toe) then paired my army fatigue jacket on top to pull the look together. For my accessories I used my orange necklace as a pop of color (to match Grayson) and added a broach to ramp up the dramatics. I finished off the look with my tan fedora, lace - up booties I snagged from Charlotte Russe, and my green - tinted sunnies I scored from H&M. 

DENIM BUTTON UP// via Charlotte Russe (similar) - DENIM FLARES// via New York & Co. (similar) - ARMY FATIGUE JACKET// via Charlotte Russe (similar) - BROACH// via Hobby Lobby (similar) - NECKLACE// via Forever 21 (old) - BOOTIES// via Charlotte Russe (similar) - AVIATORS// via H&M (similar)

The outfit turned out great and I finally got my wish, I was about to twin with my little munchkin. I must admit, we look good as a unit! Don't you think so? As a mommy of a little boy, you are not totally striped of your ability to twin with your mini - me if you so choose. It just takes a bit more creativity and planning. 

Happy Monday Luvs, lets go out and conquer the day!!! I'll see you back here bright and early Wednesday morning! 

-Ali

Shake Things Up

A couple of weeks ago I wanted to straighten out the top of my closet. It was absolute chaos. I removed every item of clothing and reorganized everything (grouping the items, folding the items, and giving each piece a specific home). Since I got the top of the closet organized I decided to go through my clothes that were hanging up as well. It was about that time that I did some official spring cleaning with my clothes anyway. 

During my pregnancy I "outgrew" a lot of the items I have in my closet. I lived in leggings because they were comfortable and the only piece of clothing in my closet that could "stretch" with me and my growing belly. Overtime I got really bored with the items in my closet (as I felt like I was wearing the same things over and over and over again). So while I was cleaning out my closet I decided to "shake things up" a bit.

I knew there were some items that needed to be thrown out, there were others that I simply did not like any more that needed to be donated, there were some pieces that I was on the fence about keeping or discarding, and then there were my showstopper pieces and staples that I knew I wanted to keep. 

Sometimes we get so bored with things in our closet that we cannot see the great outfit potential we already possess. It's easy to overlook great pieces we own because we wear them too often, don't know what to wear with them, or we want something new. But there is a way to spice up the items you already have, by looking at your closet with fresh eyes. Those fresh eyes can be found by using Pinterest 's search tool.

I went to Pinterest (especially with items I was on the fence about keeping), typed in the article of clothing I needed inspiration for, then I found 3-5 pins of that said article of clothing to aid in creating multiple outfits. For example. I searched "Black Floral Kimono Outfit" and many styles popped up. I pinned outfit inspiration that incorporated items I already owned in my closet so I wouldn't be compelled to go out and spend money, and to also help me stretch my mind to create new looks.

Here's an example of a search I did and how I was able to create a look from items I already had in my closet.

Once I searched for black floral kimono outfits I ran across this look and countless others. I liked this outfit because I realized it was composed of items I already own (i.e. a black floral kimono similar to the one pictured above, a striped shirt, denim skinnies and a pair of cognac booties). Check out how I remixed the look below!

    Outfit Details: Black Floral Kimono: Amazon, Striped T-Shirt: Target, Distressed Jeans: Charlotte Russe+, Fedora: Forever 21, Booties: Charlotte Russe, Gold Frames: Charlotte Russe

While this is a great outfit as is, this exercise is not about just copying and pasting an outfit. It is all about taking inspiration, tweaking the outfit to fit your style, and making it your own using items you own (hence the reason I added my tan fedora, gold rimmed frames, and earrings)! Don't be afraid to shake things up. Use the wealth of inspiration found on Pinterest to help you spruce up your closet to create an infinite amount of new outfit ideas just in time for Spring/Summer to hit! You'll thank me later. Trust me :)

*Hint: Create a Pinterest board with all your inspired looks. Keep a log of which looks you've recreated. Try to document the looks by taking pictures when you wear them, then store them on your phone in a special album, so when you feel like you don't have anything to wear you can reference your Pinterest board and/or photo album of looks you created!

Happy Friday luvs,
-Ali

Golden Oxfords

I'm finally back home from my mini vacay from the sunny skies of California. While in Cali I had a blast hanging with friends and exploring new sites. Thanks to my girl Maria (the photographer of this shoot) I was able to do a couple impromptu photo shoots to post for you my Ali's Fashion Sense family. We traveled down to the LACMA museum to shoot in the sea of lights. I think the pictures came out great and they truly complimented my structural look. I  chose to make these awesome golden oxfords that I scored from a Zara sale downtown Hollywood for $29.99 (what a freaking bargain) the focal point of the outfit. 

Overalls (Macy's), Denim Button Up (Target), Boyfriend Blazer (Forever 21), Golden Oxfords (Zara), Sunnies (Forever 21), Watch (Charming Charlie's), Earrings (Thrifted)

Oxfords are great shoes to polish up a look all while being comfortable. These metallic oxfords really help an outfit pop. If you are searching for them they are sold out online, but check your local Zara. You may find these and a plethora of other gems.

Happy Hump Day,

-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

Hot Spring Shoe Trend:Flatforms

I am always looking for new trends that I can incorporate in my ever changing closet. As I'm getting closer to 30 I want to streamline my clothes, making them more chic, unique, and edgy. I want things that not only match my personality but match my age as well. A spring shoe trend that has caught my eye are the flatforms. What are flatforms you ask? They are flats (sandals, sneakers, shoes) that have a higher raised sole that looks like a platform…hence the name FLATFORM. In honor of my search for the perfect flatform here are a list of a few favorites I've come across and how to style them. Happy viewing :)

Click to the right to view the slideshow. If you like the items you see click on them and it will take you to the link where to purchase them. 

Flatforms by alifashionsense on polyvore.com

I know this trend may not be for everyone, but I hope this post will give you a glimpse in how you can incorporate flatforms into your spring lineup (if they're your thing)! Would you rock the flatform trend? Let me know which style was your favorite in the comment section below.

Happy Monday luvs!
-Ali

Festival Vibes

From Coachella, Lollapalooza, or Made in America festivals are the new pastime to fill your Spring and Summer calendars. To get a chance to hear awesome music, experience great food, see new sites, and meet new people is like none other. Although I've never been to one of these major festivals, I imagine that if I were to attend this ensemble would be an appropriate outfit choice. I'm trying to get my wear and tare out of this poncho before the temperatures forbid me to wear it. I paired my native inspired poncho with a denim top and pair of shorts, my cognac gladiators, and sunnies. I feel pretty good in this outfit. The vibrant poncho just makes me want to do a little spin (hence picture number 3…seen below).

Outfit Details: Poncho (Forever 21), Denim Shirt (Target), Denim Shorts (Forever 21), Gladiator Sandals (GoJane), Belt (Target)

Hopefully, I will be able to cross off attending a festival on my bucket list sooner than later. When that time comes, I have no doubt that I will be prepared…at least in the style department. What is the ideal festival outfit for you?

Happy Hump Day luvs,

-Ali

Triple Denim

This outfit was conceived in my mind when I thought…what would it look like if I put my denim shirt under my denim overalls, and topped it off with my denim jacket. I have to admit none of the denim is the same shade, but I think that adds a bit of character to the outfit. Again my theme these last few posts has been about layering. Today's minimal layering efforts takes denim and multiplies it by 3. 

Outfit Details: Denim Overalls (Macy's), Denim Shirt (Target), Denim Jacket (Forever 21), Leather Vest (Forever 21), Pumps (Forever 21), Aviators (H&M)

This look is very comfy, very chill, very denim. And I love it! Would you rock triple denim? It's a great option for a weekend getup. Try it! Simply take 3 different items of denim (i.e. a denim skirt, a denim shirt, and a denim vest etc.) and layer them and wallah you have the perfect ensemble.

Have a great weekend luvs. I will see you Monday.

-Ali

Poncho Power

Have you ever stalked something online (and when I say something I'm talking about an article of clothing) and when you see it in the store you fall in love all over again? That's how I felt when I saw this tribal print [blanket] poncho from Forever 21. I had been eyeing this poncho for sometime at the beginning of December on Forever 21's online site. Everyday I would check to see if it was sold out. Then one day while having a special bff's day out with my bestie Jasmine we stopped into Forever 21 at Lenox Mall in Atlanta. The fashion angels sang that day when I saw the poncho hanging high on it's hanger. It's vibrant colors, eclectic tribal print pattern, and warm, comfy touch sold me from the first time my eyes met it. I have been wearing it non - stop ever since I purchased it. It is such a great buy for the mild Winter months here in the south. I threw on a long sleeve shirt (in this case it's my denim button up), black leggings, over the knee socks, black riding boots, fedora, and ribbon (used as a bow) to create this native inspired look. 

This Southwestern - Inspired Poncho can be spotted here for $32.90 (such a steal for a great quality - made garment).

Forever 21's look

Outfit Details: Poncho (Forever 21: Here), Leggings (Target: Similar Here), Over - The - Knee Socks (Target: Similar Here), Riding Boots (Forever 21: Here), Denim Button Up (Target: Similar Here), Fedora (H&M: Similar Here), Ribbon (Hobby Lobby: Similar Here - Don't forget to use this), Bangles (Macy's: Alternative Here)

This look has a low key Americana vibe and I'm here for it. I will be sure to have this poncho in heavy rotation for the remainder of the Winter months :)

Would you wear a poncho? If so, what you would you pair it with? Let me know in the comment section below!

Xoxo,

-Ali