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

Mix It Up

I have a secret to tell you my readers…the past few weeks I have flooded Ali's Fashion Sense with posts that I've been wearing hats (mainly this black fedora or an array of various baseball caps). The secret is I want to get a new hair style but I haven't had the time to get my hair done, so I'm stuck rocking hats creating a "make - it work" moment (in the famous words of Tim Gunn). I really wanted to switch up the game to make my fedora look a little different so I looked through my closet and grabbed everything except the kitchen sink lol. This outfit of the day literally consists of 7 pieces (including my accessories).  Its the ultimate layering ensemble for this semi - frigid Georgia weather. If you live in places that have colder climates (you know that kind of weather that barely reaches the teens or is on the negative side of the spectrum) and want to duplicate this look I would suggest adding a leather motorcycle jacket on top of the sweatshirt and underneath the duster vest, adding a beanie or furry hat instead of the fedora (to keep your ears warm), swapping over the knee boots for the pumps (so you're not exposing any skin), and lastly wearing leather gloves and a scarf (to keep your hands and neck warm). 

Outfit Details: Gray Duster Vest (H&M), Maroon Leggings (H&M), Sweatshirt (Target), White Collared Button Up (Old Navy), Fedora (H&M), Jessica Simpson Pumps (DSW), Necklaces (Fancy Kouture)

I really like this outfit that I created because there are so many elements (colors, textures, shapes etc.) in the ensemble that is visually stimulating. I love the geometric pattern on the sweater that pulls out the gray in the furry duster vest, and the maroon in the leather - paneled leggings. The black bands around the sleeve and waist of the sweatshirt pull in the black accessories to complete the look. Ali's Fashion Sense Tip: Go into your closet and pull out 2 things you normally wouldn't wear together and try to have a "make it work" moment. You may not like what you put together but eventually you will find an odd pair that comes together in harmony! Don't be afraid to MIX IT UP!

Happy Hump Day Fashion Sensers,

-Ali

Back To Basics

Sometimes combining a look using just the basics (white collared shirt, black blazer etc.) is key to creating a masterpiece . I figured that out on Sunday when I was rummaging through my closet trying to figure out what I was going to wear. I knew I wanted to wear my new favorite necklace so I started with my heather gray leather skirt (that looks like a skort), then I grabbed a white button up to create the  foundation for this look. To pull the look together I topped it with my black boyfriend blazer, a pair of opaque black tights, and over - the - knee suede boots. My snakeskin envelope clutch pulled all the colors together.  

Outfit Details: Boyfriend Blazer - Old (Forever 21: Similar Here), White Button Up (Old Navy: Similar Here), Envelope Leather Skirt (Topshop: Similar Here), Boots (Forever 21: Similar Here), Necklace (Fancy Kouture: Close 2nd)

I love this black, white, and gray combo. I feel like a powerful intern lol. I will be sure to rock this look (at least the basic concept ) again.

HAPPY MLK DAY! Let's reflect on the awesome strides that Dr. King along with the many other unsung heros from the civil rights era did for people of color all over the US.

-Ali

My Top 5 2014 Fall Picks

From boots, to leather, to gorgeous printed coats Fall allows you to stay covered in the most trendy, chic pieces. Before fall truly gets underway in a couple weeks I wanted to share with you my "Top 5 2014 Fall Trends" I'm excited to try. So in no particular order here they are:

1. Capes 
Capes are the perfect way to instantly pull together a simple look. Take the cape below for example. She dressed up a simple t - shirt and pair of distressed jeans by adding this classic cape silhouette, not to mention it's in white (who says you can't wear white after Labor Day)? You can find this Nasty Gal cape here for $68.

2. Leather
I'm always here for leather (or faux/imitation leather) no matter the season. So any leather you can add in your fall lineup is a plus. Like these Imitation Leather Pants from H&M. Get them here for $35.

3. Boots
Fall always calls for a great pair of boots. Whether you're a thigh - high girl, a riding boot lover, or would rather opt for a buckle - decorated pair of booties it's imperative to grab a statement pair of boots to trek through the mild fall days/nights. Try a pair like these Target Altuzarra boots (which will be on sale in stores and online starting September 14 for Target's designer partnership with Altuzarra). 

4. Hat
Some days you may not be having the best hair day but that doesn't mean you can't be stylish. Throw on a wool hat a pair of shades and you'll be ready to conquer fall to the fullest. Get this hat at H&M here for $25.

5. Bold Lips

Summer is all about bold, bright lips. As summer transitions into fall it is your chance to explore deeper, darker lip hues in sheer, shiny, or a matte finishes. I love the  berry - colored, deep wine - colored lippes like this Lancome L'Absolu Rouge in Jezebel here for $30.

As you can see I already have a starting line up of garments and beauty products I want in my fall arsenal. What trend are you most excited to try? Do you already own any of these garments or beauty products?

I hope you have a wonderful, productive Monday!

-Ali

Summer Booties

I took two courses in Summer School this summer. One of the classes I took was a technical writing course. For our final report I was asked to write a proposal comparing similar items, so I decided to write a report comparing the top three online shoe clubs: JustFab, ShoeDazzle, and ShoeMint. While doing research for my 20+ page paper I stumbled across these beauties called "Bellona" on Just Fab, where I ended up becoming a member...you know for research purposes lol. This was my first time purchasing from JustFab so instead of being $39.95 (the normal price for VIP members) or $69.95 (the price for non - VIP members) I received these gorgeous cutout booties for $9.95 with free shipping included!!!! You can't beat that. These boots will definitely be a staple as we transition into the fall season. I rocked them with an all black ensemble to bump up the edge factor. Ali's Fashion Sense PSA: If you wear an 5.5 - 8.5 (sorry 9 - 11 are sold out) and are interested in purchasing the Bellona style knee - high bootie order them here. 

Outfit Details: Leather & Lace Dress (TJ Maxx), Bellona Booties (JustFab), Leather Clutch (Forever 21), Fedora (H&M), Belt (TJ Maxx...Came on a gray jumper), Statement Necklace (Kiosk in Detroit Mall), Bracelets (Macy's) 

I hope you all had a great weekend. Let's make this a magnificent Monday! Do something to get you one step closer to your dreams...and while you're at it...wear your favorite shoes (heels, pumps, sandals, or summer booties)! 

Smooches dolls,

-Ali