Dressed In All Black

There is something about an all black outfit that makes you feel bad and boujee *cue Migos!* I used to always ask my debate teacher in high school (shout out to Mrs. Siegel formerly known as Ms. Knapp) why she wore black every day. I used to always encourage her to wear color, because a high school junior has all the fashion answers lol! While I am in no way opposed to color, I now understand as a 31 year old why all black outfits are so lit.

Wearing all black from head to toe is a fool - proof way to class up your outfit in a jiffy. By playing with different textures, and silhouettes it allows you to wear black from head to toe without looking boring. If you add a few unexpected finishes it can amp up your outfit like none other. 

In this look my accessories are what takes this simple combination of a black boyfriend blazer + black tee + black denim jeans to the next level. The fringe belt, lace - up - booties, choker, and sunnies all play a significant role in pulling this look together. 

BLAZER//via Forever 21: old (similar) - BLACK TEE// via H&M (similar) - SHEER PEPLUM TOP//via H&M (similar) - DIY DISTRESSED DENIM//via The Gap (similar) - FRINGE BELT//via Windsor: old (similar longer version) - LACE - UP BOOTIES//via Charlotte Russe (similar) - CHAIN CROSSBODY BAG//via Forever 21: old (similar here) - CHOKER// via Charlotte Russe (1 of 3 pack similar) - PRIMA DONNA LIPPIE//via The Lip Bar  - SUNNIES// via Charming Charlie's (similar)

If you don't have anything to wear this weekend, pull out your favorite black pieces from your closet (casual or dressy) and I guarantee you that you will have an instant outfit on your hands. I hope you all have a great and fashionable weekend. See you back here next Monday!

Xoxo,

-Ali

Black Blazer + Over The Knee Booties

From the loss of Alton Sterling aka "The CD Man" in Louisiana, to the traffic stop gone awry in Minnesota ending in the life of Philando Castile being snatched away, to the lives of police being slaughtered by snipers in Dallas... to say we had a ROUGH WEEK last week is an understatement. With such tragedies occurring I couldn't dare think about blogging in such a tense climate. For 2 days straight I stayed locked in via social media on the climate of our nation that began to boil over from the senseless lives being taken at the hands of trigger happy cops. Then I saw the effect to a larger injustice through retaliation against cops by snipers in Dallas. As I stated on Facebook last week the loss of life is never good no matter the color of victim. In all cases whether it's white on white crime, black on black crime, terrorism, or crooked cops killing innocent unarmed people of color what we're asking for is JUSTICE. We want people no matter their hue to be treated fairly and humanely in the eyes of our citizens and from a systematic standpoint.  

With all of these tragedies occurring back to back I used Saturday to decompress. I had to log off of the Internet and do some self care. I spent Saturday morning reading, praying, and listening to some good music (2000s R&B Brandy's Full Moon album, Sisqo's Incomplete solo project, and Jazmine Sullivan's Reality Show). I also went on an impromptu date with the hubby. We went to check out The Purge and followed it up with Olive Garden. It was nice to temporarily take my mind off the madness and just enjoy the company of my husband after the tough week we encountered.

For our date night I  decided to wear a monochromatic black ensemble from head to toe. Black can represent mourning (at funerals), power (black panther movement), and even structure. While only one color the different textures and details of each piece chosen (i.e. the fringe belt, the over the knee booties etc.) helped to elevate this look into a sophisticated Summer16 ensemble. While still in mourning from all of the anger, confusion, sadness etc. this outfit reminded me that we still are powerful in our hope, prayers, kindness, and action. While we have a long way to go to see true change we must realize as a human race that we are more alike than different. We need to exercise compassion to ALL our fellow men and women not just those we deem worthy! 

Outfit Details: Boyfriend Blazer (Old: Forever 21), Black Tee (Old: H&M), Leather Pants (Old: JCPenney), Fringe Belt (Windsor), Over The Knee Booties (Old: JustFab), Fedora (Old: H&M), Broach (Old: Forever 21), Gucci Bag (Gift), Pink Pom - Poms (Beauty Supply Store), Necklace (Forever 21), Round Sunnies (Old: Forever 21)

I'm sorry this blog took a more political viewpoint than one solely devoted to fashion. But I couldn't sit back idly and not address the terrible tragedies that have consumed our nation over the past week. Continue to pray for our nation. Continue to fight for justice. Continue to treat others how you would want to be treated. And remember to take time out for self care. We can't slay our days without taking care of ourselves in the process. I hope you have a marvelous Monday. 

"United we stand! Divided we fall!"

-Ali

Ruffled Blouse + Midi Skirt

Sometimes there are times when I want to get dolled up and dressed to the nines for no apparent rhyme or reason. This is one of those times. I love to find ways to spruce up items I've had in my closet over extensive periods and breathe new life into them. This is one of those instances. I took a ruffled blouse that I bought from TJ Maxx well over 7 years ago and revamped it by layering it with a black tank, tucking it into a midi skirt, and accessorizing with my favorite black fringe belt (with gold accents). 

Outfit Details: Ruffled Blouse (TJ Maxx: Old), Midi Skirt (H&M), Ruffled Belt (Windsor), Black Tank (Forever 21), Strappy Heels (Gift), Earrings (Beauty Supply Store)

This ensemble makes me want to shimmy and shake and would be the perfect outfit for a night out with my hubby! I love that the midi skirt can still be a sexy piece to show off my curves while still keeping me covered. 

Ali's Fashion Sense Tip: "Midi Skirts are perfect pieces to add in your closet if you are 30+. They give you the coverage you need, while still showing off your curves in the right spots."

What is your go - to date - night outfit? What pieces keep your look sexy yet refined? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.

Happy Monday Luvs,
-Ali

Faux Leather Peplum, Pants, & Fringe Belt

I'm such a fan of [faux] leather. So much so I created a full monochromatic look from head to toe featuring all black faux leather garments. Every time I put on my fringe belt it just makes me want to dance lol (hence the picture directly below). Whenever you are stumped at what to wear, grab a few pieces in the same color and wallah you have a chic, monochromatic look in a matter of minutes.

Outfit Details: Peplum Top (Online Boutique: Old), Faux Leather Pants (JC Penny), Fringe Belt (Windsor), Sunnies (Forever 21), Sandals (K&G), Geometric Necklace (Forever 21) 

What are your favorite monochromatic pieces to rock? Do you like to rock one color? Or one textile? Let me know in the comment section below. Enjoy your weekend. :)

Happy Friday Luvs, TGIF!
-Ali

Fringe + Faux Leather Pants

As I sit here editing my blog pictures and listening to 90s R&B (the likes of Blackstreet, Envogue, TLC, Montell Jordan etc.) I am getting pumped about the weekend. You know, when you get the chance to sleep in, catch up with friends, go on a date with bae, or just stay at home in your PJ's and catch up on Netflix; oh yeah and did I mention, sleep! This simple black and white ensemble reminds me of a sophisticated weekend outfit. You know one you can wear for a dinner date or a night out with the girls. 

I took some classics that you probably have in your closet currently and threw them together. I started with a simple white collared button down, and a pair of my favorite (stretchy) black faux leather pants. Then I began to accessorize by adding my black boyfriend blazer, my flirty fringe belt, fedora, sandals, statement necklace, and gold rimmed cat - eye sunnies. The fringe takes this simple black and white silhouette to a fool - proof, weekend - ready ensemble. 

Outfit Details: Boyfriend Blazer (Forever 21), White Collared Button Down (JC Penny), Faux Leather Pants (JC Penny), Fedora (H&M), Fringe Belt (Windsor), Statement Necklace (DSW), Cat - Eye Sunnies (Forever 21), Sandals (Forever 21)

I showed you how you can take this outfit from business meeting to happy hour by simply removing the boyfriend blazer. It's just that simple. I hope you are as ready for the weekend (and NOT the singer lol) that I am. I have a pretty chill weekend ahead but I am excited about getting a tattoo today in memory of my little munchkin!!! What's on your weekend agenda? Better yet, what are you wearing? Let me know in the comment section below. In the meantime, may your weekend be lit ;) and full of fun (whatever your definition of fun may be).

Xoxoxo,
-Ali