Pink Sweatshirt Dress + Lip Broach

Today is a day where the world celebrates LOVE. I know we tend to make a big deal about sharing LOVE particularly on this day from a boyfriend, crush, bae, or spouse...but today I want to tap into the concept of SELF LOVE! In this day and age, it is so easy to get caught up into the hype of social media and what other people are doing around us. We see people sharing their awesome jobs, vacations, weddings, pregnancies, children, wardrobes, cars, brunches, friendships, baes, crushes etc. And the list goes on and on and on and on!

Being infiltrated with all these images of peers (known and unknown) "perfect lifestyles" down our various social media timelines can begin to take a toll on us, causing us to look inward and feel like we need to speed up our timetables or worse...that we are not adequate enough because we are not where we think we SHOULD be in comparison to those we constantly consume. But I just wanted to stop by on this Valentine's Day (with an N for clarification lol) to let you know...YOU ARE ENOUGH! It is time to look in the mirror and LOVE the person whose reflection is staring back at you, flaws and all!

It is time to find parts of your life you LOVE. It is time to LOVE your journey, LOVE your path, LOVE your personal lane, LOVE your brilliant mind, LOVE your unique perspective, LOVE your scars, LOVE your failures, LOVE your wins, LOVE your successes, LOVE your entire being...because you were uniquely made in the image of God. There is literally NO ONE on this planet that can duplicate you. You are one - of - a - kind. A limited edition. You are a hot commodity! If no one told you today, you are special! You are beautiful! You matter! 

Once we realize how valuable we are (whether we are attached to someone or not) that is when we begin to shine the brightest! We must realize our inner light and shine bright for the world to see!

SWEATSHIRT DRESS//via H&M: similar here, plus size version here - LIP BROACH//via Hobby Lobby for only $2.99 - LIP PRINT SOCKS//via Forever 21: very similar here - RED TASSELED SANDALS//via Charlotte Russe: red chunky heeled option here - RED FRINGE EARRINGS//via Forever 21: similar here - PINK SUNGLASSES//via Charlotte Russe: similar with different frame shape - RED PEBBLED FAUX LEATHER CROSSBODY//via Forever 21

So as Valentine's Day commences and you go about your day, whether you're taken, single, or building your empire,  I want you to say (outlaid) these "Top 10 Self Love Affirmations" to yourself to remind you that YOU ARE LOVED (like this perfect mural I found on a random corner states), by the most important person: YOU! Repeat after me:

• I approve of myself and LOVE myself deeply.
• I am worthy of LOVE and joy.
• My life is a gift, I will use it with joy and exuberance.
• I will surround myself with positive people who will bring the best out of me.
• I release my negative thoughts, embracing positivity and optimism.
• I am healthy, well - groomed, and confident. My inner peace and harmony is matched by my outer well - being.
• I am worthy of LOVE.
• I do NOT need someone else to feel happiness [or to complete me].
• My imperfections make me unique and special.
• I take responsibility for who I am: the good and the bad.

With that being said, I want to wish each of you a HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! I hope your day is filled with LOVE, joy, happiness, and positivity, whether you spend it with your bae, your girlfriends, or in the company of you, yourself, and I!

Xoxoxo,

Ali

Graphic Tee + Metallic Skirt

With the holiday season approaching, I wanted to do an outfit series that can span for a host of holiday occasions. We know as the Christmas and New Year's holidays roll around there are an endless amount of parties that we are invited too from family gatherings, work holiday parties, get - togethers at friends houses, late nights and early mornings on the town and much more. You want to look the part for all the different events you have to attend so I wanted to offer you some outfit inspiration/ideas to help you gear up for the most wonderful time of the year *cue Andy Williams!* 

When I think of the holiday's I think of metallic's, sequin, red, green, black, ugly sweaters, fur, tights, sparkles and more. For today's look, I wanted to create an outfit that offered a casual + dressy mix by pairing a [medium] "Rolling Stones" graphic tee (which I snubbed from the Men's Department at Target) with a metallic pleated skirt (from Target also). I added my cropped leather jacket on top to pull the look together and my red tasseled sandals to add an extra dash of holiday cheer! 

I love the juxtaposition of the casual tee paired with the metallic midi length skirt. It is an unexpected twist which offers a bit of edge plus feminine swag. You can wear this look to a friends holiday get together or out on a nice date. Either way, you'll be piping H-O-T!

ROLLING STONES TEE// via Target - METALLIC PLEATED SKIRT// via Target - CROPPED LEATHER JACKET// via H&M (similar here) - TASSEL RED SANDALS// via Charlotte Russe (similar here + exact shoe here sizes 5.5 - 6.5) - BAWSE LADY LIPPIE// via The Lip Bar - EARRINGS WITH TASSELS// via H&M (shown here in 5 different colors + same color different style)

What are some things you wear to your holiday get togethers? I'd love to hear in the comment section below. And stay tuned for more holiday inspired looks the rest of the week.

Xoxo,
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

Striped Crop Top + Striped Pencil Skirt

Last week, after 2 long years of blood, sweat, tears, and experiencing the most tragic semester of my life (with the loss of my munchkin) I graduated with my 2nd Bachelors Degree in Apparel Textile Technology. With a major in Fashion Design & Product Development and a minor in Business Administration, all while maintaining a 4.0 G.P.A and graduating Summa Cum Laude. I say all this not to brag but to say...DON'T BE AFRAID TO FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS. 

I've always been a creative person from my love of fashion, art, music, writing etc. But I was also very good in math and science so I chose to go a more "secure" route and pursue engineering as a career path. While engineering taught me many life lessons, provided me with lasting friendships (including an amazing husband), and offered an amazing salary trajectory, my heart was not fully in it. Fast forward 7 years and I can boldly say that I am truly happy that I went with my heart to follow a dream I've had for some time. FASHION. While I have not yet lined up a job, I am confident that I will succeed in the fashion industry because my gifts, talents, and passion all align (along with the education to back it up). Furthermore a couple of years ago I created a vision board and would you believe that 3 of the things I wrote on my vision board have come to pass this year (1.) Go back to school for fashion 2.) Maintain a 4.0 G.P.A 3.) Graduate Summa Cum Laude). I say that to say...WRITE DOWN YOUR VISIONS & GOALS (you'd be surprised what can accomplish with the help of God, tenacity, and focus)! 

*NOW BACK TO YOUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED BLOG POST*

For my graduation I searched high and low to find a cute, sophisticated, comfortable outfit. As I was running out of options 3 days prior to graduation I ran across the Eva Mendes Collection at New York and Company and found the PERFECT outfit that checked off all 3 items on my graduation checklist. I love the nautical stripes. They are bold yet sophisticated and the fabric is super soft. I paired the black and white stripe ensemble with red fringe sandals to add an element of surprise to a simplistic look underneath my jet black robe. 

Outfit Details: Striped Crop Top (Eva Mendes New York & Co. Collection: here), Striped Pencil Skirt (Eva Mendes New York & Co. Collection: here), Red Fringe Sandals (Charolette Russe: Taupe here, Red here), Sunnies (Forever 21: Similar here)

I hope this blog post could be an inspiration to help you go after something you've always wanted, whether it is going back to school, starting a blog, writing a book, traveling more, changing career paths, or even starting a family. Whatever it may be I hope you start your journey today, all while looking your best (this is a fashion blog lol...I had to add that in there). I'd love for you to share one of your dreams in the comment section below so I can cheer you on in your pursuit:) In the famous words of Queen Bey: " I Slay, You Slay, We Slay!" So I hope you slay your day, your week, and your dreams.

Happy Monday Luvs,

-Ali