Covered Up In My Tan Poncho + Flare Jeans

It is getting cooler outside so I pulled out my camel - colored poncho that I snagged from H&M 7+ years ago, along with my white button up, and flare jeans to cover up and keep warm. While the temperatures aren’t frigid as the Michigan temperatures I’m used to, the chilled temps have finally caused me to grab my warmer clothing option as I get dressed each morning. 

Fall/Winter seasons are not just about covering your body in layers to keep warm, it is about doing it in style! You all know I love to look my best (and I’m sure you all do too), but the truth is, in today’s society we often cover up who we truly are (inside) because we may be different than what we see on TV, through different media mediums, or just different than those that surround us on a daily basis. 

I  have a news flash for you…one that I continuously try to internalize each day! God made all of us unique. We are not supposed to be carbon copies of one another with the same thoughts, ideas, style, mindsets, skin color, hair textures, body shapes, careers, hobbies, gifts etc. He created us to be a melting pot of beauty (the vision He saw of us when we were sculpted in our mother’s wombs). 

In this day and age of social media it is so hard to try to fight to be you when everything around us tells us to be like everyone else. This week, while we try to cover up to keep warm physically, I want us to try to uncover who we truly are. Dust off those gifts buried deep within. Try a new hobby that you’ve been putting on the back burner because it’s “weird” or different from the norm. Try something you’ve always wanted to do this week. Focus on only saying positive things to yourself instead of being overly critical of yourself. Begin learning to love your flaws in all. They are what make you distinctly YOU!

TAN PONCHO// via H&M old (similar) or  (here) - FLARE JEANS// via NY & CO. (similar) - WHITE BLOUSE// via H&M (similar) - VINCE CAMUTO LEOPARD PRINT BOOTIES// via Belk (similar) - TAN FEDORA// via Forever 21 (similar) - SUNNIES// via Charming Charlie’s (similar)

Here’s to uncovering and unlocking the REAL YOU; with style and grace. Have an amazing week. I’ll see you back here on Wednesday and Friday :)

Xoxo,

-Ali 

Tan Poncho + Denim Jeans

Sometimes when I get dressed I just want to be comfortable (especially when I wake up with a sore back or tense shoulders...typical side effects from being preggo). But, my fashionista side will not just let me go to the closet and throw on a pair of sweats... even having pregnancy as an excuse. 

With today's look I was able to tap into both worlds to create a look that is comfy enough yet chic enough to carry me through a typical weekend day (i.e. running errands, going out to lunch with friends, playdates with other mommies and babies etc.). I grabbed my tan poncho and layered it on top of my denim skinny's and my chambray shirt. Ali's Fashion Sense Tip: If ever in doubt pair denim on denim...it's the perfect way to look pulled together in a matter of seconds. Chambray top + denim shorts, pants, skirt, culottes etc. To add a little fierceness to my look I paired my simplistic palette with my animal print Vince Camuto booties. 

Outfit Details: Poncho (H&M), Skinny's (Forever 21 +), Chambray Shirt (Charlotte Russe), Vince Camuto Animal Print Booties (Belk),  Aviator Sunnies (Forever 21), Statement Necklace (Charlotte Russe). Tan Fedora (Forever 21)

This look is very casual yet I still feel very well put together. I imagine this poncho is something that can come in handy if I'm wearing a shirt and Baby Anderson decides to release some of his milk on me...I could always throw on the poncho to cover up the evidence. I'm told as a new mom you should always have a backup plan for clothes because babies LOVE to mess up your clothes when you least expect it. But nevertheless, this look is perfect to carry me into my busy day. I hope you all have an amazing day and a relaxing, productive weekend!

Tootles,

-Ali

Festival Vibes

From Coachella, Lollapalooza, or Made in America festivals are the new pastime to fill your Spring and Summer calendars. To get a chance to hear awesome music, experience great food, see new sites, and meet new people is like none other. Although I've never been to one of these major festivals, I imagine that if I were to attend this ensemble would be an appropriate outfit choice. I'm trying to get my wear and tare out of this poncho before the temperatures forbid me to wear it. I paired my native inspired poncho with a denim top and pair of shorts, my cognac gladiators, and sunnies. I feel pretty good in this outfit. The vibrant poncho just makes me want to do a little spin (hence picture number 3…seen below).

Outfit Details: Poncho (Forever 21), Denim Shirt (Target), Denim Shorts (Forever 21), Gladiator Sandals (GoJane), Belt (Target)

Hopefully, I will be able to cross off attending a festival on my bucket list sooner than later. When that time comes, I have no doubt that I will be prepared…at least in the style department. What is the ideal festival outfit for you?

Happy Hump Day luvs,

-Ali

Poncho Power

Have you ever stalked something online (and when I say something I'm talking about an article of clothing) and when you see it in the store you fall in love all over again? That's how I felt when I saw this tribal print [blanket] poncho from Forever 21. I had been eyeing this poncho for sometime at the beginning of December on Forever 21's online site. Everyday I would check to see if it was sold out. Then one day while having a special bff's day out with my bestie Jasmine we stopped into Forever 21 at Lenox Mall in Atlanta. The fashion angels sang that day when I saw the poncho hanging high on it's hanger. It's vibrant colors, eclectic tribal print pattern, and warm, comfy touch sold me from the first time my eyes met it. I have been wearing it non - stop ever since I purchased it. It is such a great buy for the mild Winter months here in the south. I threw on a long sleeve shirt (in this case it's my denim button up), black leggings, over the knee socks, black riding boots, fedora, and ribbon (used as a bow) to create this native inspired look. 

This Southwestern - Inspired Poncho can be spotted here for $32.90 (such a steal for a great quality - made garment).

Forever 21's look

Outfit Details: Poncho (Forever 21: Here), Leggings (Target: Similar Here), Over - The - Knee Socks (Target: Similar Here), Riding Boots (Forever 21: Here), Denim Button Up (Target: Similar Here), Fedora (H&M: Similar Here), Ribbon (Hobby Lobby: Similar Here - Don't forget to use this), Bangles (Macy's: Alternative Here)

This look has a low key Americana vibe and I'm here for it. I will be sure to have this poncho in heavy rotation for the remainder of the Winter months :)

Would you wear a poncho? If so, what you would you pair it with? Let me know in the comment section below!

Xoxo,

-Ali