Patterned Kimono + T-Shirt

Hi luvs! Happy New Year. I know! I know! I'm extremely late. But my January was SUPER hectic. For those that don't know (or follow me on my other social platforms: Facebook, Instagram) my family packed up our entire lives in Georgia, to trek 2100 miles to the west coast, in sunny CAL-I-FOR-NI-A! We've literally been here 3 1/2 weeks and I've loved every minute of it. Cali is absolutely beautiful. There is so much beautiful scenery, clear blue skies, sky - high palm trees, and amazing weather 95% of the time. The vibe is super chill and the people are really nice. 

Since the vibe out here is so chill, I wanted my first outfit post to reflect my surroundings. I chose to pair a high low kimono I scored from the Forever 21 [Red] (down the street from our new apartment) with a basic white t-shirt, a pair of leather pants, and leather ankle booties. I accessorized with a pair of knotted tassel earrings in a matching green, and a pair of green - tinted aviators in front of a beautiful array of boats in a Long Beach Marina. 

HIGH LOW KIMONO// via Forever 21 (different color, same color different pattern) - WHITE T-SHIRT// via Target ($6.50 option from Forever 21) - LEATHER PANTS// via "The Coolest Monkey in the Jungle" Retailer: that I'm currently taking a hiatus from (similar option here) - ANKLE BOOTIES//via Old Navy (similar suede option) - KNOTTED TASSEL EARRINGS//via Forever 21 - GREEN AVIATORS//via Charlotte Russe (similar here) - BLACK FEDORA//via Forever 21: old (similar here)

This look was easy - breezy to create and is even easier to replicate. With 3 simple pieces you can create this look over and over again and look flawless every-time. All you need to create this silhouette is a kimono (it can be solid, printed, patterned etc.) + a t-shirt (basic tee, graphic tee, lace tee etc.) + a pair of your favorite bottoms (leather pants, jeans, a skirt, joggers, leggings etc.). This outfit helps you look put together without even trying. As Grayson begins to become more and more active I need clothing that will allow me to get up and go without a fuss. This is one of those outfit options. This will definitely be one of my go - to outfit options when I need something quick, stylish, and effortless. 

I cannot wait to take you all on this journey of exploration of my new city and state. I look forward to exploring more cool locations to shoot blog pics (like this marina we found in Long Beach) and fine - tuning my wardrobe to fit my new Cali lifestyle. Here's to an amazing 2018! 

Xoxo,

Ali

Printed Pajamas

Ever so often fashion hits a home run with a new trend. The new matching pajama trend is ideal (at least for me). You get to wear something comfy that doesn't take much effort to throw on and pull together because it comes as a matching set. 

When I first saw this printed pajama matching set at Target a few months ago I was intrigued. The print along with the unique color palette kind of intimidated me at first, but I took it to the fitting room and tried it on anyway. Ali's Fashion Sense Tip: ALWAYS try things on...even if it may scare you on the hanger. You never know what gems you may stumble upon. 

WOMEN'S WRAP KIMONO// via Target - WOMEN'S WIDE LEG FASHION PANTS// via Target - WOMEN'S VELVET DOUBLE TIER TANK// via Target - YELLOW SUNNIES// via Windsor (similar) - BOW CHOKER// via Charlotte Russe (similar) - LACE UP BOOTIES// via Charlotte Russe (similar in burgundy) - TASSEL EARRINGS// via H&M (similar here & here)

I'm so glad I made the purchase for four reasons: 1.) It looks awesome on 2.) It fits well 3.) It is very cool aesthetically 4.) You can mix and match each piece in the set with different items you already own in your closet. This is a 3 - in - 1 set (wrap kimono, velvet tank, printed trousers - even though everything I purchased was separate), which allows you to get the most out of your money spent!! Here's to wearing pajamas outside in a stylish way :)

Happy Hump Day luvs, Make today a great one,

-Ali

6 Month Blogging Hiatus

Hi, my name is Ali and I'm a [fashion] blogger lol! I felt like I needed to reintroduce myself since I've been on a 6 - month long hiatus. A lot has changed over these last six months.  I got a part - time job working retail at Charlotte Russe. I turned 31 on February 9th, and my husband received his Private Pilot License. But the biggest change of all is the size of my expanding belly. My husband and I are expecting Baby Anderson number two in 7 more weeks. Our due date is scheduled for April 14, 2017, so we'll see when my son wants to make his debut to the world. 

Mannequins I styled at work
Outfit Details: Faux Leather Baseball Cap: Forever 21 (Old), Blanket Poncho: Forever 21, White Button Up: H&M, Distressed Jeans: Charlotte Russe +

My positive affirmation that I said to myself on my birthday: The Best is YET to Come!!!

My hubby all smiles after passing his private pilot exam

The way my husband and I announced we were expecting to the world, along with his gender

All smiles in anticipation of our rainbow baby, Grayson
Outfit Details: Custom - Made Velvet Off The Shoulder Gown: AshleyMonique, Faux Fur Headpiece: AshleyMonique, Broach: Hobby Lobby

The smile on my face is indicative of God's love and promise to our family

After losing my first son DJ, I fell in love more with my husband because he has been my rock through the ups and downs this past year has presented us #TeamAnderson

Grayson at his 28 week ultrasound showing us his lovely profile

Grayson looking out at us during his 28 week ultrasound 

Grayson at his 31 week ultrasound appointment which also doubled as Valentine's Day! What a perfect gift

Initially I stopped blogging because I didn't want anyone to know I was pregnant because of the anxiety I was facing on a daily basis trying to grapple with the fact that I was going to be carrying another life into this world. I didn't want to announce prematurely and be met with the same fate that I was dealt last go round with my sleeping angel DJ. So my husband and I decided we would only share our pregnancy news with our immediate families. So that's exactly what we did! 

I found out I was expecting at the beginning of August but didn't share with others (family and friends alike) that I was expecting until December 2016! I partially told because I was starting to really show and could no longer hide my protruding baby bump.  Of course when I announced everyone was super excited for us as I've been very vocal about what pregnancy and loss looks like with our first pregnancy. So to be able to say I've walked THROUGH the valley and have now seen my rainbow on the other side means a lot. I couldn't have made it through the past year of darkness without my faith and my amazing support system! While I'm not fully in the clear I know, God will provide and deliver on His promise that I will be an Earthly mommy to a bouncing baby boy, Grayson Anderson, in a month and a half! I look forward to mommyhood and looking my baby in his eyes for the first time. I anticipate hearing his cry for the first time as I never got that intimate experience with my angel DJ who was born in a peaceful silence. 

So as I transition into preparing for my special arrival I want to document what's left of my pregnancy and transition my blog from a fashion - centered blog and expand it to a lifestyle blog where we can get candid about everything from love, fashion, marriage, mommyhood, health, and much more! I hope you're excited about this journey like I am! Hopefully you're still rocking with Ali. I missed you guys! Stayed tuned, Friday I will be chatting about my Rainbow Baby Shower that occurred last Saturday (February 25)! You won't want to miss it.

Birthday Selfie

Slight birthday slay
Outfit Details: Lace Kimono: Charlotte Russe, Graphic Tee: Charlotte Russe, Leggings: Kohl's, Faux Fur Jacket: Forever 21 (Old), Jessica Simpson Sandals: Ross, Rose Tinted Sunnies: Charlotte Russe, Faux Fur Purse: Charlotte Russe, Choker & Layered Necklaces: Charlotte Russe

Loving on my munchkin 

Running errands trying to look presentable with swollen feet #preggoproblems
Outfit Details: Floral Kimono: Charlotte Russe, Sleeveless Knit Bodycon: Charlotte Russe, Bow Sandals: Banana Republic Outlet, Rose Colored Sunnies: Charlotte Russe, Necklace (Old)

What's something you are committed to re-starting or jumpstarting TODAY? A health regimen? A new found mindset? A new hobby? Applying for a new job? Today marks the start of a new month, so why not use this clean slate to jump into the new found YOU!!! Here's to new beginnings.

Peace and love,

-Ali

White Maxi + Lace Kimono

One of the reasons (among many others) I started my blog was to show real women, like you, how to take your wardrobe and remix, reuse, and revamp looks with simple items that you already have in your closet that are readily accessible. I don't have an endless supply of money or clothes so I reuse a lot of the pieces in my closet and make them appear different simply by mixing and matching, and switching and swapping different foundational pieces to create new looks.

I took that same lace kimono that I wore last week here and revamped it by swapping my floral crop top, distressed jeans, and fedora with my white maxi dress and floral headband. By simply exchanging my crop top and jeans for this maxi it gives the look a whole different personality. I truly felt like a little "Flower Child" or "Hippie!"

I am not one of those bloggers who wears something once and lets it sit in my closet. If I love a piece I will wear it over and over., with NO shame. I try to challenge myself to change up a look by switching up my styling methods each time I wear it! If you are one of those people that wear the same thing again and again try challenging yourself to see how you can remix your current pieces by styling them differently the next time you wear them. 

Outfit Details: Lace Kimono (Charlotte Russe), Maxi Dress (gift: Express), Floral Headband (DIY), Aviators (H&M), Necklace (Forever 21), Earrings (Charlotte Russe), Charm Bracelet (Juicy Couture), Sandals (old)

This look made me want to just throw up the peace sign and twirl around in a meadow of sunflowers! I received a ton of compliments on this look (even one that made me blush from one of my nephews who told me...."Auntie Lish you look beautiful!"). Talk about a confidence booster. All you need to accomplish this look is a simple kimono (which you can score from stores like TJ Maxx, Marshall's, Forever 21, H&M etc.) and a simple maxi and wallah, you have the look. I truly love the look because it has ease, comfort, and most importantly...I didn't have to iron it (that's a BONUS)! 

I hope you have a wonderful, productive, positive Monday! I will see you later on this week. Have a great day!

-Ali

White Maxi + Kimono

A couple years ago when floral headpieces were a thing for all festival goers I chose to D.I.Y a few. I misplaced them until one day, I was doing some spring cleaning and I found this white one. Since I have a short bob I thought it would be really cute to pair my floral headpiece with my white maxi. I know my floral headpiece isn't exactly white (more "Mother of Pearl") but I think it pulls the look together, along with my patterned kimono with black fringe. If I were to go to Coachelle, this is an outfit I would pack (at least in my head lol). 

Outfit Details: White Maxi (Express), Kimono (TJ Maxx), Floral Headpiece (D.I.Y), Sunnies (Forever 21), Layered Gold Necklace (Goodwill), Black Booties (JustFab.com) , Lippie (M.A.C. Candy Yum Yum)

I love the ease and fluidness of this outfit! It is the perfect outfit for a sunny day because it allows wind to flow through, keeping you cool and CUTE (nobody wants to be a sweaty mess during the summer so it's best to keep cool). What is your perfect spring/summer duo? Kimono + Maxi? Denim Cutoffs + Tank Top? I'd love to hear from you in the comment section below. 

Happy Wonderful Wednesday Luvs,

-Ali