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

Covered Up In My Tan Poncho + Flare Jeans

It is getting cooler outside so I pulled out my camel - colored poncho that I snagged from H&M 7+ years ago, along with my white button up, and flare jeans to cover up and keep warm. While the temperatures aren’t frigid as the Michigan temperatures I’m used to, the chilled temps have finally caused me to grab my warmer clothing option as I get dressed each morning. 

Fall/Winter seasons are not just about covering your body in layers to keep warm, it is about doing it in style! You all know I love to look my best (and I’m sure you all do too), but the truth is, in today’s society we often cover up who we truly are (inside) because we may be different than what we see on TV, through different media mediums, or just different than those that surround us on a daily basis. 

I  have a news flash for you…one that I continuously try to internalize each day! God made all of us unique. We are not supposed to be carbon copies of one another with the same thoughts, ideas, style, mindsets, skin color, hair textures, body shapes, careers, hobbies, gifts etc. He created us to be a melting pot of beauty (the vision He saw of us when we were sculpted in our mother’s wombs). 

In this day and age of social media it is so hard to try to fight to be you when everything around us tells us to be like everyone else. This week, while we try to cover up to keep warm physically, I want us to try to uncover who we truly are. Dust off those gifts buried deep within. Try a new hobby that you’ve been putting on the back burner because it’s “weird” or different from the norm. Try something you’ve always wanted to do this week. Focus on only saying positive things to yourself instead of being overly critical of yourself. Begin learning to love your flaws in all. They are what make you distinctly YOU!

TAN PONCHO// via H&M old (similar) or  (here) - FLARE JEANS// via NY & CO. (similar) - WHITE BLOUSE// via H&M (similar) - VINCE CAMUTO LEOPARD PRINT BOOTIES// via Belk (similar) - TAN FEDORA// via Forever 21 (similar) - SUNNIES// via Charming Charlie’s (similar)

Here’s to uncovering and unlocking the REAL YOU; with style and grace. Have an amazing week. I’ll see you back here on Wednesday and Friday :)

Xoxo,

-Ali 

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

Chambray Top + Denim Flares

Yesterday I had a daytime date with me, myself, and I. While I love the company of my husband, sometimes it's good to just go out solo, enjoy some me time, and treat yourself. I went to see Free State of Jones. It was an interesting movie. I'd recommend it. Once I left the movies I went to Stevie B's for a late afternoon meal. I haven't been to Stevie B's in a long time...it's literally been at least 7 years. This outfit has the ultimate cool factor. It's easy breezy without trying too hard and the perfect daytime ensemble whether you're solo or accompanied by your partner or a group of your favorite girls. 

Outfit Details: Chambray Top (Charlotte Russe), Denim Flares (New York & Co.), Vince Camuto Leopard Booties (Belk), Fedora (Forever 21), Broach (Hobby Lobby), Louis Vuitton (Gift), Max Mara Frames (Primary Eyecare)

Denim on denim is always a good idea. While this is a bit covered up for the summer, it was perfect for the blasting AC in the movie theatre. I even got a compliment about my outfit from a guy in the grocery store how put together I looked. This is an outfit most of us probably have in our closets. Sometimes fashion is best served when you go back to basics. 

Happy hump day!
-Ali

Polka Dot Peplum + Denim Flares

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY! I hope you are having a safe, fun - filled, day with family, good food, great conversation, and good vibes. Today I am going to spend the day enjoying the company of my husband, admiring the sunshine (from the coolness of my home), doing some house cleaning, work on job applications, and catch up on some reading. So I have a pretty full day ahead of me. Of course I will enjoy some good food at some point in the day and even go for a walk with the hubby at some point during the day. Before I jumpstart my holiday festivities I wanted to show you my patriotic take on red, white, and blue. 

I wanted to show my patriotic pride going to church yesterday...but I also wanted to be casual chic. So I pulled out this cute white and powder blue polka dot top (with peplum detail) that my aunt purchased for me (back in Michigan) and paired it with my New York and Co. Eva Mendes Denim Flare jeans. I love silhouette that the peplum top and denim flares creates. They jeans make my legs look super long and the peplum adds a dramatic effect. I took my red pom - pom key chain and turned it into a cute broach for added detail. I also wore my red fringe sandals to further tie in the red element into my red, white, and blue ensemble and to help keep my pants from dragging on the floor. 

Outfit Details (Ali): Polka Dot Top (Gift), Denim Flares (New York & Co.), Red Fringe Sandals (Charlotte Russe), Louis Vuitton Bag (Graduation Gift), Red, White, & Blue Pom - Pom Ball Key Chains (Beauty Supply Store), Sunnies (Forever 21), Clip - On Earrings (Thrifted)

Outfit Details (Derrek): Button Down (Old Navy), White Pants (Macy's), Polka Dot Socks (Not seen: TJ Maxx), Denim Boat Shoes (Forever 21 Men)

I was able to drag my husband who also doubles as my blog photographer from behind the camera to snap a couple of photos of him before our holiday photoshoot ended. I was able to even get a couple smiles out of him for once. It was a great shoot with the perfect outfit to accompany the essence of the 4th of July in an elevated casual way. I will definitely be putting this shirt into the summer rotation for sure. Plus these pants have become my new favorite summer bottoms. So don't be shocked if you see them multiple times on the blog in the upcoming weeks. 

Well, I know you gotta go get to your BBQ's so I will let you go. Until them I'll check you later fashionistas. Happy holidays!

-Ali