Grateful

Over the Thanksgiving holiday we spent some time in Louisiana visiting my husband's paternal side of the family. It was such a nice break to be able to link up with family and friends whom we haven't seen in a couple years. I was especially excited to introduce Grayson to his great grandma (aka Gram). Just being surrounded by people we love and care about made my week. It also made me reflect on the things I'm most grateful for. Today's post is just a simple list of 10 things (out of many) that I am most thankful for.

TEN THINGS I'M MOST THANKFUL FOR

1. My amazing husband! He works tirelessly for me and my son! He gives us everything we want and need without any complaints. He is the most selfless human being I've ever met and I'm extremely blessed and thankful to have him in my life. 

2. My rainbow baby, Grayson! He lights up my life and the lives of all he comes into contact with. He teaches me the meaning of patience, unconditional love, and shows me the world through a new prism.

3. My angel baby, DJ! DJ taught me lessons through loss. He taught me to cherish each moment! He also taught me reliance on God that is much deeper than surface. I'm forever indebted to my angel (and I miss him constantly).

4. My health. The older I get the more I appreciate having a good bill of health. I appreciate the fact that I can wake up and use my 5 senses without thought. I can breathe on my own without assistance. I have activity of all my limbs. I'm just very appreciative of good health!

5. My family. Family means everything to me. Beyond my husband and son(s) my immediate and extended family are what keep me going. Whether I talk to them (or see them) everyday, once a week, once a month or even a couple times a year their presence makes my heart smile. I truly hit the jackpot when it comes to my family. I love each one of them for different reasons, but in no way shape or form could I imagine my life without them in it.

6. Writing. Writing is therapeutic for me. It allows me to express what I'm truly feeling without ever opening my mouth. I let the words on each page I write or type do the talking for me. Writing has been a huge part of my life since I can remember. It has gotten me through some of the happiest and toughest times in my life. I'm grateful for my passion of writing and excited about what God has in store with this particular passion of mine in due season.

7. New Opportunities! God is shifting some things around in my life, creating avenues for growth and expansion mentally, physically, emotionally, through my career, through my passion and purpose and much more. I appreciate Him giving me the chance to grow and become the woman I truly want to be through these new opportunities. 

8. Peace! Having peace of mind is so key in our noisy word. Being at peace with who you are meant to be, where you are in your journey and where you are headed is so underrated in today's social media driven world. I am grateful God has given me inner peace and helped me to learn to turn down the outside noise so I can connect with His still quiet voice. It is a feeling like none other. 

9. Authentic Friendships. Over the years God has placed some amazing friends in my life. I have been blessed with friends that are disbursed around the country. They have held my hand when needed, encouraged me when I felt I couldn't finish my race, cheered me on, lended a shoulder to cry on, been my sounding boards when I needed advice, or offered much needed laughter in my life. For all my friends who have rocked with me over the years...thank you so much. I love you more than words can explain.

10. You my Ali's Fashion Sense followers. Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to bypass a million and one blogs just to read mine. I know there are so many things you could be doing but you choose to come visit Ali's Fashion Sense faithfully. Please know I do not take your support lightly. I deeply appreciate your feedback, encouragement, and conversation. It truly fuels me. I cannot wait until you see what I have in store for us in 2018. 

STRIPED RUFFLE SHIRT// via H&M (similar) - TAN DUSTER VEST// via Target (similar in black) - LEATHER LEGGINGS// via JCPenney (similar) - TAN FEDORA// via Forever 21 similar) - GOLD OXFORDS// via Zara (similar) - YELLOW SUNNIES// via Windsor (similar) - D & J PENDANTS// via Charlotte Russe (similar)

These are just a few things of many that I am grateful for. I'd love to know what you are grateful for this season and pray that you had an amazing Thanksgiving spent with family and friends alike. Happy Monday luvs. Lets make this week GREAT and end November with a BANG!

Xoxo,
-Ali

Midi Dress + Duster Vest

Last week was a WHIRLWIND of a week. I started off Monday getting news that I was requested to intern for a couple designers from New York City in their showroom at the Atlanta Apparel Mart (AmericasMart) for Market Week. I showed up Wednesday to meet the designers and their awesome assistant and learn about my assignment the next few days. The designers I worked with have a fashion line that they created 4+ years ago called Full Figured Fashionista aka F3. They specialize in true plus size clothing. Their pieces look amazing on and feel just as good on and off the body. I had such an amazing time working with them the entire week. It was an experience that I will NEVER forget. 

Then yesterday (Sunday August 7, 2016) I helped out my dear friend/fashion twin get ready to launch her new lines (GloungE',  Skirts & Clutches, and Cotton Candy Skies) in a fashion show that highlighted Middle Georgia designers, entrepreneurs, and boutique owners. The show was an absolute success (be on the lookout for more information about that)! I was helping behind the scenes, but my friend graciously made a piece for me to wear during the show. Between helping backstage and being in charge of the photoshoot with all her models in the show I was able to sneak away and snap a few pics for Ali's Fashion Sense. I was sweating BULLETS. The Georgia heat was in FULL effect....but I made it through and found some cool spots to shoot!

The piece AshleyMonique! made for me was a simple midi dress (with a lot of generous give and stretch) in an awesome print. I paired it with an army green vest that I scored from Target for less than $30 and some taupe booties I purchased on my trip to Florida a couple weeks ago (from Forever 21). The accessories: the "Slay" heart pin and my layered "DJ" necklaces were purchased from Charlotte Russe and my inexpensive sunnies were purchased at Forever 21.

Outfit Details: Midi Dress (AshleyMonique), Army Green Duster Vest (Target), Booties and Sunnies (Forever 21), Layered Necklaces "DJ" and Slay Heart Pin (Charlotte Russe)

This past week showed me, that when you're working in your purpose and doing something you're truly passionate about, it doesn't even feel like work!!!! I had such a great time working as a merchandiser, interacting with buyers, dressing models backstage for a Prom inspired fashion show, becoming a stage manager for a fashion show, and even helping direct a photoshoot for various models. Fashion is not just what I (we) wear, it is a way of life. And I hope to stay submerged in it! 

I pray this week you are able to operate in your passion, in whatever capacity you can. I pray that you have a productive week, and accomplish EVERYTHING you set your mind on. Have a marvelous Monday luvs, I plan to do the same!

Xoxo,

Ali

Tan Duster Vest + Black Jeans

Those that truly know me know I love animals (almost as much as I love fashion). When I was a kid I wanted to be a veterinarian or a Sea World whale trainer. Who would've thought right? Very different from fashion I know. So when I spotted this awesome mural outside the Atlanta Humane Society I thought it was a great backdrop for a photoshoot. The puppies (and doggies) inside didn't hurt either. This is an awesome way to rep ATL while showing off a casual ensemble that you can wear during the weekend. 

Outfit Details: Tan Duster Vest (Amazon.com), Black Tee (H&M), Distressed Jeans (DIY purchased from GAP), Booties (JustFab.com), Fedora (Forever 21), Choker (Charlotte Russe), Layered Necklace (Charlotte Russe), Watch (DSW), Earrings (Charlotte Russe)

This outfit is a perfect fit ushering the weekend. You can wear it almost anywhere as you celebrate making it through another week!!! Before you TGIF check out some of the cute pups that I discovered inside the humane society along with my some of my other snaps from Snapchat yesterday. I'm new to Snapchat so follow me at "AliFashionSense" (I follow back).

Have a good weekend. See you Monday!
-Ali

I Smile

"I smile, even though I hurt see I smile, I know God is working so I smile, Even though I've been here for a while. I smile, smile." This song just popped in my head while I was writing this blog post. Have you ever had a day where you just felt a little down? Within the past couple of days, I've experienced this feeling more times than not. While I'm not doing terrible, I can't say that every day has been peaches and cream. The thought of my son makes me happy and sad all at the same time. I'm happy because I'm honored I got to spend 7 months with DJ (while he was in my tummy) and even time with him after delivery when  I saw his angelic face ;) But I'm also sad because the first time was the last time I would get to see (hold, kiss, hug, look at etc.) him. On that day I lost my baby, my toddler, my preteen, my teenager, and my adult son. But even with this tragedy I can still find solace and something to smile about knowing that my son is in the care of the Master up above. 

You know what else makes me smile besides my relationship with God, the love of my husband, family, friends, music, pizza, this blog, and fashion? This outfit! The brightness, boldness, and colorfulness really picks up my spirit. While the top and duster vest are neutrals the added pops of color (with my turquoise statement necklace and skirt) change the entire dynamic of the outfit. 

Outfit Details: Duster Vest (Forever 21),  Skirt (Forever 21), Blouse (H&M), Booties (Just Fab, Statement Necklace (Gifted), Sunnies (Thrifted)

I know it may be difficult at times but even in your lowest of moments learn how to smile. Just the simple gesture of putting on a smile can truly make you feel better. As the song says "gray skies are going to clear up, put on a happy face" (and an awesome outfit lol) and rock the day!!!! Before you depart, push play and let the lyrics of Kirk Franklin's "Smile" warm your heart.

Happy Hump Day luvs,
-Ali

Gray + Camel

I've discovered that camel goes with just about anything, especially other neutrals. Camel in collaboration with other basic color palettes comes together effortlessly. For today's look I decided to pair my camel duster vest and tan pumps with my favorite pair of sweatpants (which I scored from the men's section in Forever 21) and my gray long sleeve shirt. I threw on my faux fur stole that I snatched from H&M a few years ago for $5 to complete the look. The reason I love this look is the fact that it's so chill but yet still put together. The sweats are SUPER comfy along with the top, but the duster, stole, and pumps elevate the look to be a bit more polished. 

Outfit Detail: Duster Vest (Online Boutique), Gray Shirt (Forever 21), Gray Sweats (Forever 21), Tan Pumps (Forever 21), Sunnies (Forever 21), Statement Necklace (Fancy Kouture), Faux Fur Stole (H&M)

Which color combo are you willing to try? Camel + black, camel + navy, camel + brown, or camel + gray? Let me know in the comment section below. I hope you will incorporate camel into your wardrobe this season. It's the perfect neutral to compliment a bevy of colors.

P.S. I want to say thank you for the huge outpouring of support from my last post about my angel DJ. While, I was a bit hesitant to share my recent ordeal with you my readers, I knew it had to be done (you guys are like family). I'm glad I was able to open up about my experience and share my testimony from my greatest trial. Just know your kind words encouraged me beyond measure.

Happy Hump Day!
-Ali

Faux Leather Baseball Cap + Blush Duster Vest

Sometimes life shoots you a curve ball and all you can do is take a swing. The weekend of January 15th, my world got flipped, turned upside down. I went in for a routine ultrasound to check on Baby Anderson (at 28 weeks) when the nurse (later confirmed by my doctor) informed me and my husband that my baby had no heartbeat. 3 days later, January 18, 2016,  after having my labor induced I gave birth to Derrek Jerrell Anderson Jr. (aka DJ) at 6:48AM. My baby was the cutest sight I've ever seen. He literally was my sleeping angel! I wasn't able to blog let alone do much else last week trying to recover physically, emotionally, and spiritually. But this week I am trying to get back into the swing of things. 

Yesterday, while most of the east coast was recovering from the massive snowstorm that hit, the sun was out and shining brightly here in GA. Our pastor preached about finding the blessings in whatever situation you are going through. So I took his message and soaked up each ray that touched my melanin skin during this photo shoot after Sunday service. I used this moment to thank God for the blessing of shining on me even during one of the toughest moments in my life. For my first Sunday back post - delivery I chose to rock a casual yet comfortable look that was inspired by a look I saw on Pinterest. I paired my faux leather baseball cap with my faux leather pants, blush duster vest, gray sweater, and black wedges. I've worn this outfit before prior to seeing the Pinterest inspiration pic (simply swapping the faux leather baseball cap with my black fedora and adding a collared shirt underneath the sweater). I love how you can dress this look up or down by swapping just a few subtle accessories. 

My OOTD inspiration

Flexin'

Turn that frown upside down

Reflecting on life and this last week

Just enjoying the moment

Just me

Observing the beauty that God created

Soaking up the sun rays

Smiling in spite of the pain I may feel

Outfit Details: Faux Leather Baseball Cap (Forever 21), Faux Leather Pants (JC Penney), Sweater (Forever 21), Blush Duster Vest (Forever 21), Wedges (Target), Round Gold - Rimmed Sunnies (Forever 21), Feather Earrings (Charlotte Russe)

Today marks my new normal and I am trying to adjust to that. The only way I know how is by continuously finding the blessings (whether the blessings are front and center or hidden gems that are sometimes overlooked when we're so focused on the negativity) and pushing past the pain by smiling and soaking up the sun! I pray that whatever situation you're going through you're able to keep a smile on your face. I pray that your outer swag, matches your inner beauty and peace. And most of all I pray a blessing over you on this great Monday morning. No more "case of the Mondays!" We're going to celebrate life today and all the endless possibilities that we have to do exceptional things today. 

I hope you conquer your Monday with boldness :)

Luv,

-Ali