Off The Shoulder Paisley Maxi

Hey luvs. Long time no see. I went on a 2 week hiatus from blogging as I went home to Michigan for two weeks to spend some much needed time with family and friends (it's been 2 years since I've been home so it was nice to be back at my original stomping grounds). While I missed you my readers and creating new looks tremendously it felt nice to have a mini break. But now it's time to get back to business!

While I was home I got a chance to score a few pieces. One of the pieces I purchased came from an unusual source. My mom and I went to an outlet mall in Howell, MI. Usually I am not one to shop at Rue 21 but I decided to stop in and to my amazement they had a nice selection of unique pieces. While perusing through the racks I found this off the shoulder paisley printed maxi. I love this dress because it combines two of my favorite elements: the off the shoulder trend and the ease of wearing a maxi. Not to mention the print is so 70s (which I absolutely love).

Outfit Details: Off The Shoulder Dress (Rue 21: here), Booties (Charlotte Russe), Necklace (Charlotte Russe), Sunnies (Forever 21), Louis Vuitton Speedy (Gift), Puff Balls (Beauty Supply Store)

Maxi's are the PERFECT item to have in your closet as we begin to transition from summer to fall. I love that this maxi has sleeves which will be a perfect piece for layering as Fall begins to overtake Summer's end. Once the weather breaks I will begin to layer this maxi with vests, moto jackets, boots and much more. The styling possibilities are endless.

Ali's Fashion Sense Tip: "Find a maxi dress with sleeves. It can be used as a staple piece to help you transition seamlessly from Summer into Fall."

Thanks for stopping by. I hope to see you back on Wednesday. I have some dope information to share with you so stay tuned. All I can say is it involves selfies, and who doesn't love a good selfie? So come back and see what it's all about. In the meantime have a marvelous Monday!

-Ali

Chambray Top + Denim Flares

Yesterday I had a daytime date with me, myself, and I. While I love the company of my husband, sometimes it's good to just go out solo, enjoy some me time, and treat yourself. I went to see Free State of Jones. It was an interesting movie. I'd recommend it. Once I left the movies I went to Stevie B's for a late afternoon meal. I haven't been to Stevie B's in a long time...it's literally been at least 7 years. This outfit has the ultimate cool factor. It's easy breezy without trying too hard and the perfect daytime ensemble whether you're solo or accompanied by your partner or a group of your favorite girls. 

Outfit Details: Chambray Top (Charlotte Russe), Denim Flares (New York & Co.), Vince Camuto Leopard Booties (Belk), Fedora (Forever 21), Broach (Hobby Lobby), Louis Vuitton (Gift), Max Mara Frames (Primary Eyecare)

Denim on denim is always a good idea. While this is a bit covered up for the summer, it was perfect for the blasting AC in the movie theatre. I even got a compliment about my outfit from a guy in the grocery store how put together I looked. This is an outfit most of us probably have in our closets. Sometimes fashion is best served when you go back to basics. 

Happy hump day!
-Ali

Polka Dot Peplum + Denim Flares

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY! I hope you are having a safe, fun - filled, day with family, good food, great conversation, and good vibes. Today I am going to spend the day enjoying the company of my husband, admiring the sunshine (from the coolness of my home), doing some house cleaning, work on job applications, and catch up on some reading. So I have a pretty full day ahead of me. Of course I will enjoy some good food at some point in the day and even go for a walk with the hubby at some point during the day. Before I jumpstart my holiday festivities I wanted to show you my patriotic take on red, white, and blue. 

I wanted to show my patriotic pride going to church yesterday...but I also wanted to be casual chic. So I pulled out this cute white and powder blue polka dot top (with peplum detail) that my aunt purchased for me (back in Michigan) and paired it with my New York and Co. Eva Mendes Denim Flare jeans. I love silhouette that the peplum top and denim flares creates. They jeans make my legs look super long and the peplum adds a dramatic effect. I took my red pom - pom key chain and turned it into a cute broach for added detail. I also wore my red fringe sandals to further tie in the red element into my red, white, and blue ensemble and to help keep my pants from dragging on the floor. 

Outfit Details (Ali): Polka Dot Top (Gift), Denim Flares (New York & Co.), Red Fringe Sandals (Charlotte Russe), Louis Vuitton Bag (Graduation Gift), Red, White, & Blue Pom - Pom Ball Key Chains (Beauty Supply Store), Sunnies (Forever 21), Clip - On Earrings (Thrifted)

Outfit Details (Derrek): Button Down (Old Navy), White Pants (Macy's), Polka Dot Socks (Not seen: TJ Maxx), Denim Boat Shoes (Forever 21 Men)

I was able to drag my husband who also doubles as my blog photographer from behind the camera to snap a couple of photos of him before our holiday photoshoot ended. I was able to even get a couple smiles out of him for once. It was a great shoot with the perfect outfit to accompany the essence of the 4th of July in an elevated casual way. I will definitely be putting this shirt into the summer rotation for sure. Plus these pants have become my new favorite summer bottoms. So don't be shocked if you see them multiple times on the blog in the upcoming weeks. 

Well, I know you gotta go get to your BBQ's so I will let you go. Until them I'll check you later fashionistas. Happy holidays!

-Ali