White Maxi + Statement Necklace

With all the pressures from social media and print media in general to look a certain way, be a certain size, dress a certain way, and live a certain lifestyle it's no wonder men and women around the globe suffer from the feelings of inadequacy or bearing the title of low self - esteem. That is why I am so excited to partner with one of my childhood friends (we've been friends since kindergarten...25 years strong) Tene' Robinson, as she kicks off her new movement Selfie Connoisseur. I know you may be thinking how can selfies help combat low self - esteem or rid people of that gut feeling of feeling inadequate? She is using her love and the cultures love of selfies to help promote self love, self acceptance, motivation, and positive energy one selfie at a time! 

There is nothing more satisfying than finding that perfect place where you truly love the "me" you see (from the inside out) when you're looking in the mirror and you realize that there is NO ONE like you amongst the 7.125 Billion people dwelling on the Earth; and that you offer a unique perspective that no one else can duplicate. It's pretty mind blowing. Through her movement at http://www.selfieconnoisseur.com/ she will showcase various selfies of people around the globe using the hashtags: #fineselfiecollection #breathelovesmile #fineselfies. She will even do "self love giveaways" for those people who participate in submitting awesome selfies with positive messages (encompassing self love and positivity). 

I am happy to say I was one of the recipients of the self love giveaway. She gifted me with an amazing statement necklace. Since the necklace is very colorful and rather large I wanted to keep the rest of the outfit understated so that the necklace could get it's proper shine. I paired the necklace with one of my white maxi's (which you've seen plenty times before here on Ali's Fashion Sense). I then added my red tasseled sandals to accentuate the red in the statement necklace. The beauty of this necklace is the fact that you can dress it up or down (you can dress it up with a maxi and heels like me or with a white tee and jeans like Tene' did in her recent selfie). 

Outfit Details: Maxi (Express), Statement Necklace (Selfie Connoisseur Giveaway), Red Sandals (Charlotte Russe)

All in all this movement really excites me because it allows you to begin the road of self acceptance and love if you have not already arrived at your destination. And once you love yourself you are more capable of spreading love and positivity to others whom you encounter on a daily basis (whether you know them or not). Like the Notorious B.I.G said "spread love it's the [Brooklyn] way!" Let's use this movement to spread self love then extend love to all we meet. It will surely help make our world a better place. To learn more about the Selfie Connoisseur movement follow the journey via these social media platforms:

IG: @_selfieconnoisseur
Twitter: @selfconnoisseur
Webssite: www.selfieconnoisseur.com
Hashtags: #fineselfiecollection, #breathelovesmile, #fineselfies

Xoxo,

-Ali

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

Black & White Geometric A Line Dress

Sunday marked an amazing day. I've been rooting for Lebron James since he entered the league 13 years ago (2003) so I had the biggest smile on my face when the Cleveland Cavaliers (after 50+ years) won their first NBA championship! It did my heart proud to see Lebron hoist the trophy up in spite of all the doubters, critics, odds makers, statistics, the amazing competition on the other side, the hard fought road to get here etc. 

Through the Cavs victory it made me self reflect. I realized that sometimes the things we want most may be right in our grasp (Cleveland was in the finals last year against the same team, Golden State but lost 4 - 2, for me it was losing my first child abruptly after being 12 weeks away from the finish line) but for some reason God may not feel we're ready to handle them yet. At that moment you may want to give up. You may want to throw in the towel. You may say...why am I putting in all this hard work only to come up empty handed? This series reminded me, no matter how the situation may look in front of you, you can't give up on God or yourself. You have to simply trust the journey. If you work hard the Universe will reward you for your efforts whether that is immediately or down the line when you least expect it.  

Unlike my dress (scored from Old Navy) life is not always black and white. You may have some gray moments that you can't explain or that don't make sense but DON"T LOSE HOPE! Keep the faith accompanied by a smile :)

Outfit Details: Black & White Geometric A Line Dress (Old Navy: Seen here), Furry Pom Pom Headband (Charlotte Russe: Seen in white), Gladiator Sandals (Steve Madden Sandals), Necklace (DSW), Sunnies (Forever 21), Purse (Forever 21), Furry Key Chains (Beauty Supply Store)

After being a witness to Cleveland's greatness I am taking on this week with a restored focus on my goals. I am going to do it with belief in myself and in my abilities, with a spirit of gratitude for those things I already have, and tenacity to stick with it even if (or shall I say when) it gets tough! I hope you join me. And of course I hope you look your best while conquering your goals.

Happy Monday Luvs,
-Ali

Tan Blazer + Black Peplum & Pants

As I mentioned in my previous post my son's due date is tomorrow. I'm sorry to keep rehashing the topic, but honestly this is my new normal and my blog is my creative outlet where I am able to clear my mind. While I am saddened that I will not be bringing my son home or that I won't ever get to experience his smile, look into his chestnut eyes, hear him cry, or simply see him grow there are some lessons that I have learned throughout this entire ordeal. Today I will offer "7 Things I've Learned with the Passing of DJ" (I chose 7 because his original due date was supposed to be April 7, 2016). 

1.) Empathy - Prior to losing DJ I was quick to comment "RIP" on a social media post to someone who lost a loved one, or comment "I'm praying for you" in a heartbeat! While those sentiments were/are true, I now truly understand the pain of loss first hand, which allows for greater empathy towards others as they embark on this never ending journey called grief. 

2.) Peace - I've heard many seasoned saints express the joys of having the peace of God more times than I can count (I'm a PK...Pastor's/Preachers Kid, I practically grew up in church from my mother's womb to present day). But through my ordeal with DJ I truly learned what having the peace of God truly feels like. While I still cry, wonder why, question my decisions I made leading up to the delivery of my sleeping angel, I've encountered God's peace first hand. And there is NO other feeling like it. Philippians 4: 6 - 7 states it best: 

"Be anxious for nothing , but in everything by prayer and supplication (petition - NIV), with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4: 6 - 7

3.) Faith - Another lesson that I've had to learn during my journey of losing DJ is the lesson of faith. The scripture plainly states in 2 Corinthians 5:7:

"For we walk by faith, not by sight!" - 2 Corinthians 5:7 

Faith requires us to trust in God for the things we cannot see. While my heart was devastated and shattered into millions of pieces when I lost my son, my faith in God allowed me to compartmentalize the thought that God has something AMAZING in store for my hubby and I. DJ was the tool to usher in this next level of greatness that we are about to embark on. I truly feel like God is up to something and I'm exercising faith in Him and His Word to guide me through my darkest hour!!

4.) Embrace Grief - One thing I've definitely learned through this process is the stages of grief are fluid. Some days I'm sitting on top of the world, others I'm a bucket of tears. Some days I'm content, others I'm angry...but the thing that I've learned most is do not fight your feeling of grief. You just have to let them happen. They are not good nor bad, they just are! And parallel to life you will have your ups and downs but at the end of the day but rejoice in the fact that you are still here!

5.) Be Open & Honest - I did not go through this ordeal wanting to be a spokesperson for peace, faith, grief, or a survivor of stillbirth...but here I am sharing. The funny thing is my sharing was just one of my coping mechanisms to help me sort through this tragedy, but in doing so my openness and honesty about how I've been feeling (the good, bad, and the ugly) have been a testament to others who have experienced similar heartbreak or those who can simply empathize with the hardships of life. It truly has showed me that being transparent allows for a deeper human connection versus the appearance of having everything together.

6.) Cherish Each Moment - While I would give everything to have my son back, I can look back on the moments we shared together (while he was growing in my womb) to the first time I held him in my arms and I can cherish those quiet moments forever. No one can take the 7 months we had together away. Its a life reminder to live in the moment, and cherish each moment we're given because nothing  in life is guaranteed.

7.) Find The Silver Lining - Life will offer you some hardships. If you haven't experienced them yet...just keep living, they will occur. The most valuable thing I've learned through this circumstance is that in all things there is a silver lining. It is up to us to find the sliver of hope...I call it optimism!

Outfit Details: Blazer (Forever 21), Black Jeans (Gap), Wedge Heels (Forever 21), Sunnies (Forever 21), Statement Necklace (DSW)

Through all of this I've learned I just have to draw closer to my husband, family and friends for support, and rely on Jesus, the ultimate comforter to get us through this TOUGH time!!! 

I never ask you my readers for much but I will ask a favor of you tomorrow (April 7, 2016). Tomorrow I ask that you do one kind deed for someone else and use the hashtag #DoGood4DJ whether its offering a smile to a stranger, paying for the person's meal behind you in the drive through, or providing a homeless person with a survival kit. No matter how big or small the deed let's just do something nice for someone. This is my way of honoring my son's legacy to make the world a better place :) Are you willing to do that for me?

"Its Nice to Be Nice! - Ali Andy" 

Happy Hump Day Luvs,
-Ali

Floral Kimono + Gladiator Sandals

They say "comparison is the thief of joy," well technically "they" didn't say it all it was actually Theodore Rosevelt. But the truth still remains the same, if comparison is the thief of joy then why do we continuously do it? Why do we compare ourselves to others? To celebrities? To our "old" selves? You may be wondering what I mean. Well, the other day I got in a conversation about my weight. The key word is "my!" Something that is very personal to me. I've openly admitted here on Ali's Fashion Sense that I've put on some pounds (29 to be exact) and I've yet to drop those pounds since losing my munchkin. You want to know the truth? I'm self conscious about the extra pounds, especially being a fashion blogger where you can physically see the "extras" displayed on a weekly basis. I must admit I threw myself a pity party, went back and looked at my old pics and said..."I wish I was still that small."  But the other truth is that I've been working hard to jumpstart my journey back to fitness. I started drinking more water, working out (can we say Zumba, Gutts & Butts, Dancineration etc.), and I even signed on to get a personal trainer (which was a free service at my school). 

Outfit Details: Kimono (Amazon.com0, White Tee (Forever 21), Skirt (H&M:old), Gladiator Sandals (old), Sunnies (Forever 21), Necklace (Charming Charlie's: gift)

I said all of that to say this. You may not be where you want to be physically, financially, socially, educationally, professionally, spiritually, or any other word ending in ...ally. You may not "stack - up" to those you see around you. But the best thing you can do for you...is love the person you see staring back at you in the mirror. Tune out all the background noise and focus on the positive things. Instead of allowing others to shape how we feel, it's imperative that we write the narration of our own stories using words of positivity, affirmations, and self - love! While I may not be at the ideal weight I'm loving the me I see throughout this journey! I hope you will do the same. 

Peace and blessings to you all on this wonderful Wednesday,

-Ali

*P.S. Sorry to get so deep, I know this is a fashion blog so I wanted to offer some brief, lighthearted commentary about my outfit. I paired this lightweight floral kimono with a black body con skirt and white t - shirt. By adding my black fedora (fedora's have become one of my cornerstone accessories lately), sunnies, gladiator sandals, and statement necklace I was able to pull the look together. This is a perfect outfit to help usher in Spring!

Denim Jacket + Tulle Skirt

It's been extremely warm these past few days so I wanted to get out and enjoy some rays. What better way than "sitting by the dock of the bay..." It's nice to enjoy the simplicities of life sometimes (i.e. sun rays, calming water, swimming turtles etc.). It's also nice when simple pieces in your closet make a great outfit. I took 3 simple basics and put them together to make one fashionable trifecta. I started with my blush pink tulle skirt, added a gray long - sleeve T - Shirt and completed the look with my denim jacket. I accessorized the outfit with a silver statement necklace and a pair of silver sandals that I scored from DSW for less than $20 :) Talk about a bargain (my hubby would be proud)!

Outfit Details: Denim Jacket (Forever 21), Gray T - Shirt (Forever 21), Tulle Skirt (Charolette Russe), Sandals (DSW), Sunnies (Forever 21), Statement Necklace (Fancy Kouture)

Where do you go to find your tranquility? What simplicities in life do you like to enjoy? What simple items in your closet are you madly in love with? I'd love to know in the comments below.

Have an amazing weekend! See you Monday luvs.
-Ali