Grateful

Over the Thanksgiving holiday we spent some time in Louisiana visiting my husband's paternal side of the family. It was such a nice break to be able to link up with family and friends whom we haven't seen in a couple years. I was especially excited to introduce Grayson to his great grandma (aka Gram). Just being surrounded by people we love and care about made my week. It also made me reflect on the things I'm most grateful for. Today's post is just a simple list of 10 things (out of many) that I am most thankful for.

TEN THINGS I'M MOST THANKFUL FOR

1. My amazing husband! He works tirelessly for me and my son! He gives us everything we want and need without any complaints. He is the most selfless human being I've ever met and I'm extremely blessed and thankful to have him in my life. 

2. My rainbow baby, Grayson! He lights up my life and the lives of all he comes into contact with. He teaches me the meaning of patience, unconditional love, and shows me the world through a new prism.

3. My angel baby, DJ! DJ taught me lessons through loss. He taught me to cherish each moment! He also taught me reliance on God that is much deeper than surface. I'm forever indebted to my angel (and I miss him constantly).

4. My health. The older I get the more I appreciate having a good bill of health. I appreciate the fact that I can wake up and use my 5 senses without thought. I can breathe on my own without assistance. I have activity of all my limbs. I'm just very appreciative of good health!

5. My family. Family means everything to me. Beyond my husband and son(s) my immediate and extended family are what keep me going. Whether I talk to them (or see them) everyday, once a week, once a month or even a couple times a year their presence makes my heart smile. I truly hit the jackpot when it comes to my family. I love each one of them for different reasons, but in no way shape or form could I imagine my life without them in it.

6. Writing. Writing is therapeutic for me. It allows me to express what I'm truly feeling without ever opening my mouth. I let the words on each page I write or type do the talking for me. Writing has been a huge part of my life since I can remember. It has gotten me through some of the happiest and toughest times in my life. I'm grateful for my passion of writing and excited about what God has in store with this particular passion of mine in due season.

7. New Opportunities! God is shifting some things around in my life, creating avenues for growth and expansion mentally, physically, emotionally, through my career, through my passion and purpose and much more. I appreciate Him giving me the chance to grow and become the woman I truly want to be through these new opportunities. 

8. Peace! Having peace of mind is so key in our noisy word. Being at peace with who you are meant to be, where you are in your journey and where you are headed is so underrated in today's social media driven world. I am grateful God has given me inner peace and helped me to learn to turn down the outside noise so I can connect with His still quiet voice. It is a feeling like none other. 

9. Authentic Friendships. Over the years God has placed some amazing friends in my life. I have been blessed with friends that are disbursed around the country. They have held my hand when needed, encouraged me when I felt I couldn't finish my race, cheered me on, lended a shoulder to cry on, been my sounding boards when I needed advice, or offered much needed laughter in my life. For all my friends who have rocked with me over the years...thank you so much. I love you more than words can explain.

10. You my Ali's Fashion Sense followers. Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to bypass a million and one blogs just to read mine. I know there are so many things you could be doing but you choose to come visit Ali's Fashion Sense faithfully. Please know I do not take your support lightly. I deeply appreciate your feedback, encouragement, and conversation. It truly fuels me. I cannot wait until you see what I have in store for us in 2018. 

STRIPED RUFFLE SHIRT// via H&M (similar) - TAN DUSTER VEST// via Target (similar in black) - LEATHER LEGGINGS// via JCPenney (similar) - TAN FEDORA// via Forever 21 similar) - GOLD OXFORDS// via Zara (similar) - YELLOW SUNNIES// via Windsor (similar) - D & J PENDANTS// via Charlotte Russe (similar)

These are just a few things of many that I am grateful for. I'd love to know what you are grateful for this season and pray that you had an amazing Thanksgiving spent with family and friends alike. Happy Monday luvs. Lets make this week GREAT and end November with a BANG!

Xoxo,
-Ali

Sweatshirt + Faux Leather Pants

"A" is for Ali. "A" is for awesome. "A" is also for academics. As some of you may know I am currently in school as an Apparel Textile Technology student majoring in Fashion Design & Product Development at Kennesaw State University - The Marietta Campus (formerly known as Southern Polytechnic State University). It is crazy to me that my 2 year journey as a fashion student is coming to an end in two short months. On Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at 3PM I will be walking across that stage (with Pomp and Circumstance playing in the background) obtaining my 2nd Bachelor's Degree. This time in a subject (FASHION) that I am immensely passionate about. While I have an idea of what I want to do post graduation I feel as lost as ever on what direction I will take. Should I move to Atlanta and start a fashion career there? Should I relocate from the state of GA into the fashion lion's dens of New York or LA? Should I entertain the idea of starting a family (for the 2nd time)? That old adage the chicken coming before the egg or vice versa sounds a bit like my life at the moment. Should I start a career and then try to expand my family once my career is established, or should I graduate, start a family, then go to work? Or can I have the best of both worlds and start a family all while starting a new career? 

Only God knows the answer. But in the meantime. I am working my butt off to soak up as much knowledge as I can about this industry that I am so passionate about, so I can confidently complete and defend my Senior Project, complete two major projects for each of my other classes (Ethics & Safety and Quality Assurance) and ultimately walk across the stage with my 4.0 in tact and the honors of Summa Cum Laude with my family cheering for me in the background (and my angel cheering me on from up above) #shorttermgoals. 

Today's outfit is one of many of my typical school girl outfits that I would wear to campus for a day of classes, meetings, and much more. 

Outfit Details: "A" Sweatshirt (Forever 21), Faux Leather Pants (JC Penny), Collared Button Up (JC Penny), Faux Fur Vest (Forever 21), Gold Oxfords (Zara) Sunnies (Forever 21), Statement Necklace (DSW), Polka Dot Planner (TJ Maxx), Black & White Journal (TJ Maxx)

Why must adulting be so hard lol! I guess "A" really stands for adventures! That is what I'm on and I'm strapped in, on the front row ready for the ride :) I'll catch you on the other side.

Happy Hump Day Luvs,
-Ali

We Rock Sequin During The Day

You guys know at Ali's Fashion Sense I'm all about breaking fashion rules. Typically sequin is not worn as a daytime garment. When you think sequin usually you think about New Years Eve, sparkly dresses, special occasion gowns etc. Not t - shirts. That's exactly why I wore my sequin shirt to class. To dress down my sequin shirt, I paired it with my denim overalls, pink blazer (with gold buttons), and my gold oxfords. I wore a similar outfit during my trip to Cali (you can check out that look here). Same concept, but a little more snazzy! I didn't notice until looking at back at the photos before I edited them, but the bump (Baby Anderson = BA) was on FULL display :) I guess BA wanted to say hi to you my readers. 

Outfit Details: Blazer (H&M), Sequin Top (H&M), Overalls (Macy's), Gold Oxfords (Zara), Sunnies (Forever 21)

Don't be afraid to shine bright in your sequin during the day. If you want to tone it done, just throw on a blazer and that will do the trick.

Happy Hump Day,

-Ali

Golden Oxfords

I'm finally back home from my mini vacay from the sunny skies of California. While in Cali I had a blast hanging with friends and exploring new sites. Thanks to my girl Maria (the photographer of this shoot) I was able to do a couple impromptu photo shoots to post for you my Ali's Fashion Sense family. We traveled down to the LACMA museum to shoot in the sea of lights. I think the pictures came out great and they truly complimented my structural look. I  chose to make these awesome golden oxfords that I scored from a Zara sale downtown Hollywood for $29.99 (what a freaking bargain) the focal point of the outfit. 

Overalls (Macy's), Denim Button Up (Target), Boyfriend Blazer (Forever 21), Golden Oxfords (Zara), Sunnies (Forever 21), Watch (Charming Charlie's), Earrings (Thrifted)

Oxfords are great shoes to polish up a look all while being comfortable. These metallic oxfords really help an outfit pop. If you are searching for them they are sold out online, but check your local Zara. You may find these and a plethora of other gems.

Happy Hump Day,

-Ali