Tough Girl

If you've come to blog more than once you know I am a leather, faux fur, and black junkie. I literally love each of those trends separately. But when they all come together it's magical. I recently ordered this nude blazer with leather sleeve details from Forever 21. It doesn't have any buttons or any closures, but I really like how it fits and looks. Due to this ever changing weather here in GA I never know what to wear (without being too hot or too cold). I decided to layer my latest blazer with my fav faux fur vest, a pair of black leggings and a simple black tee. The nude pumps help tie the look together. 

Outfit Details: Faux Fur Vest (Forever 21), Blazer with Leather Detail (Forever 21), Leggings (Target), Black Tee (H&M), Nude Pumps (Forever 21), Necklace (Fancy Kouture), Aviators (H&M)

This look truly makes me feel like a tough girl who can conquer the world, but who is not afraid to roll up her [leather] sleeves and get things done. I hope you all have an outfit like that in your closet. Lets make this Monday the best one yet luvs!

-Ali

Silver Fox

As I've mentioned in the previous 3 posts the weather has been very up and down these last couple of weeks here in Georgia. I have tried to keep up with the changing temps practicing different layering techniques. Saturday I had a lot of errands to run and I wanted to be comfortable while doing so. So  I started my look off taking my distressed jeans and layering them with my navy tights (you can see where I first mentioned this technique 2 years ago with lace and distressed jeans here). Then I threw on my silk gray blouse, a gray cardigan, and my cream faux fur vest to amp up the look. Lastly, I grabbed my cream, gray, navy, and blush pink sneaker wedges to pull the look together and tie in all the colors. The shoes are a perfect casual Saturday, running errands, running behind your children kind of shoe. They allow you to be comfy yet still put together. 

LAYERING 101

The secret again to layering is all about balance. You want to create warmth without looking bulky. The way I nail my layering technique is all about trial and error. I will start with a firm foundation and switch and swap items until I have the perfect mix of garments. So don't be afraid to get down and dirty in your closet. Try things on. Switch things up and rock whatever you choose with confidence. Here's a simple pictorial example of how you can layer your pieces using an oversized blouse + cardigan + faux fur vest + distressed jeans + tights. It's quite simple when you really get the hang of it. Ali's Fashion Sense Tip: Throw on a faux fur vest over your cardigan, duster coat, or leather jacket to create an unexpected element. It instantly adds sophistication to your outfit. 

Outfit Details: Silk Blouse (H&M), Distressed Jeans (Forever 21), Tights (Target), Sneaker Wedges (Target), Cardigan (Target), Faux Fur Vest (H&M), Necklace (Fancy Kouture), Aviators (H&M)

Would you rock the distressed jeans and tights combo?

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Have a wonderful day and a great start to your week!
-Ali

Layering In the Winter

The weather conditions here in GA have clearly not been like the rest of the country with mountains of snows and thermometers reaching single digit temperatures. However, it has presented a bit of a chill and enough dewy conditions to cause my school to be closed ALL week long. So for today's post I wanted to show you how to layer in chiller temperatures while still looking fierce. You need to take pieces that will offer warmth but not necessarily bulk. I started my look with a basic pair of skinny jeans and a sweater. I moved to the next layer and added my faux fur vest and booties. I finished the look with a special fur (I believe it's rabbit fur…real rabbit fur) that I picked up from….just guess… Goodwill. I scored this real beauty for $16.00. Ali's Fashion Sense: Check out your local Goodwill. Because you never know what jewels you will find.

Outfit Details: Rabbit Fur (Goodwill), Faux Fur Vest (Forever 21), Sweater (Forever 21), Skinny Jeans (Old Navy), Booties (Target), Snakeskin Clutch (Target), Necklace (Fancy Kouture), Aviators (H&M)

Though the weather outside may be frightful where ever you may be, it doesn't mean you have to let the frigid temps steal your sense of style. Use this post as a guide to help you layer your favorite pieces with flare. Stay warm out there luvs! 

I hope you have an amazing day and a wonderful weekend!

-Ali

How To Master Wearing All Black

Georgia's weather is an indecisive as me in my closet trying to decide what I want to wear. Last week there were frigid temperatures barely making it out of the teens while yesterday it was in the low 70s. I mean really…"where they do that at?" But make no mistake, I am NOT complaining. It's just very tricky to dress for weather that insists on being on a roller - coaster ride. So I opted to wear one of my favorite trends, wearing an all black monochromatic look from head to toe.

The way to master wearing all black or any monochromatic color you choose is by adding different elements and textures of that color, which offer dimension and depth to the outfit. With this particular outfit you can see how I was able to use lace, faux fur, leather, and suede to create simple, subtle nuances resulting in an interesting visual. For the foundation of my look I took a lace dress (yes a dress) and converted it into a shirt by tucking it into my new midi skirt. Once I had a top and bottom for my look it was time to accessorize by incorporating my favorite faux fur vest, tights, a pair of booties, and a leather baseball cap.

Outfit Details: Faux Fur Vest (Forever 21), Midi Skirt (H&M), Lace Dress (TJ Maxx), Leather Baseball Cap (Forever 21),  Suede & Leather Booties (Target), Chain (Forever 21)

I really love how this look came together. The lace peeping out from underneath the furry faux fur vest adds a unique dimension to my ebony ensemble. I will definitely rock this look again but with an Ali's Fashion Sense twist. I may swap out the skirt for a pair of wide leg trousers in a dark denim or a pair of black skinny jeans. The possibilities are endless.

Happy Monday Chicas!

-Ali

Maxi Dress Revamped for Winter

I'm am a huge advocate for recreating, remixing, and reusing items in my closet. It's like a fun game for me to see how many ways I can reinvent a look. So as I was rummaging through my closet to figure out what I would wear on Sunday, I ran across my fuchsia one - shoulder maxi dress. I have a vintage boyfriend blazer that has floral print with that same fuchsia color as an accent color. To winterize my look I added my cream faux fur vest and tied the belt that came with the dress around the vest and blazer to create a more cinched - in waist.

Outfit Details: Maxi Dress (Forever 21), Boyfriend Blazer (Vintage), Faux Fur Vest (Forever 21), Fedora (H&M), Aviators (H&M), Wedges (Forever 21)

This look shows us how you can simply take a garment that is deemed for a specific time of year (i.e. a maxi is only used in Spring and Summer) and break all rules, but finding a way to revamp it no matter what season you are in. Since I'm down south and the weather isn't so bad (mid 50s) I can get away with wearing no tights even though the material on the maxi is very light. If you live in a colder state add a leather jacket underneath your faux fur vest (instead of a boyfriend blazer). You can even add some opaque tights and a pair of boots or booties to provide more warmth. Everything about this outfit is unconventional for this time of year (the colors, the maxi etc.) but I would have it no other way.

It's a new week with a fresh start and I pray you took full advantage of all the opportunities that come your way. Have a magnificent Monday and a wonderful week. See ya back on Wednesday with an all new outfit post!

Kisses,

-Ali

Reuse, Remix, and Recreate

I know you may be thinking "why is Ali wearing this black faux fur vest AGAIN?" See the way my closet is set up, I reuse, remix, and recreate looks using the same pieces over and over. I'm the first to admit I'm no baller (although I will be…the power of positive thinking is real you should try it). So I have to make my closet stretch long and wide. But I have a secret. Come close so I can share it with you. I'm not apologetic about it at all. I buy my clothes to wear them and I make sure I get the best bang for my buck. I don't buy clothes to sit in my closet and look pretty. I continue to wear clothes that I purchase. Case and point this vest that I love was purchased at least 3 years ago (it could be more) and I've pulled it out every Fall/Winter for the last few years. The moral of this blog post is don't be afraid to re-wear what you buy. The key is switching up the piece to make it look brand new which comes form your styling effort. 

Outfit Details: Faux Fur Vest (Forever 21), Blouse (Forever 21), Skirt (Vintage), Boots (TJ Maxx), Clutch (Target)

What are your thoughts on re-wearing items in your closet? Do you mind wearing them over and over or do you feel ashamed of wearing it continuously? Let me know in the comment section below.

I hope you have a great productive day!

-Ali