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

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

Work Vs. Werk

As I mentioned on Monday's post, this week is all about remixing items you already own to refresh and expand your wardrobe. Today's post we will focus on a suit. While suits are meant to be worn together...it is in the separating of the pieces where I find the most wiggle - room for creativity.

THE BASIC
Today's focus item is a plaid suit. Plaid is super on trend for the Fall/Winter season, but plaid is also a classic print that it will never go out of style! I purchased this particular suit from Target's new private label, "New Day." Sidebar: Target has some really dope new in- house private labels for women, men, and children's apparel. They even have a new home goods private label as well. One more way to get my coins, as if we don't already spend our hard - earned money in Target  *inserts emoji with hand covering forehead!* I love this suit because it was made with quality in mind and the silhouette is fresh and new (oversized top, slim bottom...I can dig it). This suit is composed of a Boyfriend blazer + a pair of Slim Fit Ankle Trousers.

WOMEN'S PLAID BOYFRIEND BLAZER// via Target - 
SLIM FIT STRAIGHT LEG PLAID ANKLE PANT// via Target

WORK

When I envision the traditional word "work" it makes me think of cubicles, briefcases, and dark boring [skirt] suits. Not every job requires you to put on your most snatched threads to make deals and call shots. But if it does, I would highly recommend adding this suit to your wardrobe arsenal. I like this suit because it allows me to look polished when I wear both pieces in an instant. But the thing I love most about the suit is my ability to wear the separates separately to create different moods and outfits to help expand my wardrobe. You can dress this suit up or down, depending on where you are going. You could pair it with flats, sneakers, heels, boots etc. (and that's just the various shoe options you have...let's not even mention the numerous top combinations you could come up with like how I "werked" it below)!

PLAID JACKET// via Target - PLAID TROUSERS// via Target - MAROON PUSSY BOW BLOUSE// via Forever 21: old (similar here) - SANDALS// via Target - BROACH// via Hobby Lobby - CLEAR FRAMES// via Windsor (similar here)

WERK

Many times after work we have engagements set up where we don't have much time to transition from work to play. We have to slay in seconds. That is why creating a suit of separates is genius and a fool - proof way to have snazzy outfits on deck. I took the same suit from above but I ditched the trousers, sandals, and blouse, and swapped them for a leather crop top, black midi skirt, and some lace - up booties, while keeping the blazer on to anchor the outfit and create a more "edgy" look and feel. With just a few key swaps you can take your blazer from boardroom to... baddie!

PLAID BLAZER: // via Target - LEATHER CROP TOP// via Forever 21 (similar top here) - MIDI SKIRT// via H&M (similar here) - LACE - UP BOOTIES// via Charlotte Russe: old (similar) - CHOKER// via Charlotte Russe (similar here)

I hope these two posts to date are beginning to help you see that fashion doesn't have to be super complicated! All you need are a few key staples to help do the heavy - lifting for your wardrobe, then you can mix and match items to make your pieces seem fresh, new, and of course stylish!! We have one more installment of this series. I will be showing you how to rock distressed jeans two different ways! So stay tuned. Until then...

Happy Hump Day luvs, 

-Ali

Loving the Me I See

One thing I constantly tried to tell myself throughout my pregnancy and before Grayson's arrival was to not lose myself - my sense of style, my personality, my social life, my relationship with my husband etc. - or my identity because I added the new title of mommy to my resume. Because I've always prided myself on looking nice before Gray arrived I told myself I would try to maintain some sort of upkeep so I wouldn't let myself go (physically, mentally, spiritually, or through my fashion sense - you see what I did there lol).

Let me be candid: Dressing up makes me feel good. That is why I go through all the effort to look nice no matter if I'm having solo mommy - time, if I'm on date night with my hubby, or if I've got my main man Gray in my arms. I like to look my best. When I look my best, I feel my best! While looking nice is high on my priority list, I never want my outer appearance to overshadow my inner. I think it's equally important to beautify our inner woman as well. I try to do that by spending time with God, reading my word and other inspirational messages, speaking daily affirmations over my life, being inspired by researching positive influences, and listening to encouraging music. Bottom line, I try to make sure my inner [wo]man and outer [wo]man are both in tip top shape!! Because no amount of nice clothing can make up for a terrible attitude or negative mindset! 

VEST// via Forever 21 (similar) - DISTRESSED JEANS// via Charlotte Russe (similar) - WHITE TEE// via Target (similar) - LACE UP BOOTIES// via Charlotte Russe (similar), SUNGLASSES// via Windsor (similar)

Being confident in who I am and who I am becoming from the inside out is what allows me to "love the me I see!" No matter my job title (at the moment it is stay at home mommy), no matter what my bank account may read, no matter how many likes, comments, or subscribers I have on my various social media platforms...as long as the reflection of the girl staring back at me in the mirror can accept her imperfect imperfections that is what matters. 

Do you love the me you see everyday in the mirror? Self - love is the key to creating the life you've always wanted. When you know who and whose you are (I am a child of the King, created in the image of the Most High God), you can confidently hold your head up high and fearlessly conquer your day *cues I'm Every Woman Whitney Houston's version!* So on this Friday as we prep to kick off the weekend, it is my prayer that you practice the art of "loving the me you see!" Be kind to yourself this weekend. Be bold! Be fearless! Be unapologetic! BE YOU beautiful. 

Enjoy your weekend luvs! I'll see you bright and early Monday morning.

-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