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

Cognac & Cream

I'm always looking for ways to remix, reuse, and reinvent the articles of clothing within my closet. Why you ask? Well, for starters I'm a college student living on a college student budget lol. Secondly, it's fun to challenge myself to try to breathe new life into the hanging garments in my closet. I think I achieved a great feat on Sunday morning because my husband asked "when did I buy this outfit"…even though all of the items I have on have all been purchased (minus the statement necklace) at least 6 months ago or further (and by further I mean last year). I wanted to wear some flats to church so I started the outfit foundation by selecting my cognac riding boots. Then I grabbed my cream peplum dress. To add a different flavor I through on my chambray (aka denim) button up to add a little contrast and topped off the look with my cognac colored leather moto jacket. The final look came out a lot better than I imagined in my mind when I came up with the initial concept. Don't you just love when that happens? 

Outfit Details: Peplum Dress (H&M), Riding Boots (Charming Charlie's), Chambray Denim Shirt (Target), Aviators (H&M), Statement Necklace (Forever 21), Belt (Target), Gold Watch (Charming Charlie's)

Cognac & Cream sounds like a delectable dessert but really it's just a delectable outfit I put together lol. Do you have clothes in your closet that you remix constantly to give them new life? If so let me know in the comment section below!

Xo,

-Ali