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

Midi Dress + Duster Vest

Last week was a WHIRLWIND of a week. I started off Monday getting news that I was requested to intern for a couple designers from New York City in their showroom at the Atlanta Apparel Mart (AmericasMart) for Market Week. I showed up Wednesday to meet the designers and their awesome assistant and learn about my assignment the next few days. The designers I worked with have a fashion line that they created 4+ years ago called Full Figured Fashionista aka F3. They specialize in true plus size clothing. Their pieces look amazing on and feel just as good on and off the body. I had such an amazing time working with them the entire week. It was an experience that I will NEVER forget. 

Then yesterday (Sunday August 7, 2016) I helped out my dear friend/fashion twin get ready to launch her new lines (GloungE',  Skirts & Clutches, and Cotton Candy Skies) in a fashion show that highlighted Middle Georgia designers, entrepreneurs, and boutique owners. The show was an absolute success (be on the lookout for more information about that)! I was helping behind the scenes, but my friend graciously made a piece for me to wear during the show. Between helping backstage and being in charge of the photoshoot with all her models in the show I was able to sneak away and snap a few pics for Ali's Fashion Sense. I was sweating BULLETS. The Georgia heat was in FULL effect....but I made it through and found some cool spots to shoot!

The piece AshleyMonique! made for me was a simple midi dress (with a lot of generous give and stretch) in an awesome print. I paired it with an army green vest that I scored from Target for less than $30 and some taupe booties I purchased on my trip to Florida a couple weeks ago (from Forever 21). The accessories: the "Slay" heart pin and my layered "DJ" necklaces were purchased from Charlotte Russe and my inexpensive sunnies were purchased at Forever 21.

Outfit Details: Midi Dress (AshleyMonique), Army Green Duster Vest (Target), Booties and Sunnies (Forever 21), Layered Necklaces "DJ" and Slay Heart Pin (Charlotte Russe)

This past week showed me, that when you're working in your purpose and doing something you're truly passionate about, it doesn't even feel like work!!!! I had such a great time working as a merchandiser, interacting with buyers, dressing models backstage for a Prom inspired fashion show, becoming a stage manager for a fashion show, and even helping direct a photoshoot for various models. Fashion is not just what I (we) wear, it is a way of life. And I hope to stay submerged in it! 

I pray this week you are able to operate in your passion, in whatever capacity you can. I pray that you have a productive week, and accomplish EVERYTHING you set your mind on. Have a marvelous Monday luvs, I plan to do the same!

Xoxo,

Ali

White Maxi + Lace Kimono

One of the reasons (among many others) I started my blog was to show real women, like you, how to take your wardrobe and remix, reuse, and revamp looks with simple items that you already have in your closet that are readily accessible. I don't have an endless supply of money or clothes so I reuse a lot of the pieces in my closet and make them appear different simply by mixing and matching, and switching and swapping different foundational pieces to create new looks.

I took that same lace kimono that I wore last week here and revamped it by swapping my floral crop top, distressed jeans, and fedora with my white maxi dress and floral headband. By simply exchanging my crop top and jeans for this maxi it gives the look a whole different personality. I truly felt like a little "Flower Child" or "Hippie!"

I am not one of those bloggers who wears something once and lets it sit in my closet. If I love a piece I will wear it over and over., with NO shame. I try to challenge myself to change up a look by switching up my styling methods each time I wear it! If you are one of those people that wear the same thing again and again try challenging yourself to see how you can remix your current pieces by styling them differently the next time you wear them. 

Outfit Details: Lace Kimono (Charlotte Russe), Maxi Dress (gift: Express), Floral Headband (DIY), Aviators (H&M), Necklace (Forever 21), Earrings (Charlotte Russe), Charm Bracelet (Juicy Couture), Sandals (old)

This look made me want to just throw up the peace sign and twirl around in a meadow of sunflowers! I received a ton of compliments on this look (even one that made me blush from one of my nephews who told me...."Auntie Lish you look beautiful!"). Talk about a confidence booster. All you need to accomplish this look is a simple kimono (which you can score from stores like TJ Maxx, Marshall's, Forever 21, H&M etc.) and a simple maxi and wallah, you have the look. I truly love the look because it has ease, comfort, and most importantly...I didn't have to iron it (that's a BONUS)! 

I hope you have a wonderful, productive, positive Monday! I will see you later on this week. Have a great day!

-Ali

Printed Maxi + Flannel Shirt

Some days, no matter how hard you try to be grateful for all the blessings, life gets cloudy. Yesterday was one of those days. It just seemed that from the moment I woke up (carrying over from the night before) that a cloud was hovering over me. While I usually try to look on the bright side of things yesterday just got the best of me. But then I realized in order to truly enjoy the sunshine you have to endure a few clouds and rain. Whenever I'm feeling bad I try to do something for ME. So I got dressed, put on some makeup and went to soak up some vitamin D before the clouds rolled in. 

I wanted something that was comfy while I went to run a few errands and get some work done at a coffee shop. I landed on this hi/lo printed maxi dress and paired it with a black and red lumberjack flannel (which I stole from my hubby's side of the closet). I then added my denim jacket, fedora, booties, and gold accessories (+ my new favorite choker) to round out the look.

Outfit Details: Printed Maxi (Target), Lumberjack Flannel (Hubby's: Old Navy), Booties (JustFab), Denim Jacket (Forever 21), Fedora (H&M), Aviators (Forever 21), Earrings (Charlotte Russe), Choker & Layered Necklace (Charlotte Russe), Chain Purse (Gift: Charming Charlie's), Pom - Pom (Beauty Supply Store)

Even when I experience rough days I always end the night by journaling. I have made it a habit now to end my journaling post each night with "3 Things I'm Grateful For..." it is a way to keep things balanced and in perspective. While I may have been sucking on lemons yesterday, there are still some things I can use to make lemonade today! I said all of that to say, don't beat yourself up when you have a less - than stellar day, just regroup, look yourself in the mirror and say..."hey, tomorrow will be MUCH better!" I hope your day today is filled with love, sunshine, faith, and fun! Have a great weekend luvs, see ya Monday!

-Ali

Chambray Top + Denim Flares

Yesterday I had a daytime date with me, myself, and I. While I love the company of my husband, sometimes it's good to just go out solo, enjoy some me time, and treat yourself. I went to see Free State of Jones. It was an interesting movie. I'd recommend it. Once I left the movies I went to Stevie B's for a late afternoon meal. I haven't been to Stevie B's in a long time...it's literally been at least 7 years. This outfit has the ultimate cool factor. It's easy breezy without trying too hard and the perfect daytime ensemble whether you're solo or accompanied by your partner or a group of your favorite girls. 

Outfit Details: Chambray Top (Charlotte Russe), Denim Flares (New York & Co.), Vince Camuto Leopard Booties (Belk), Fedora (Forever 21), Broach (Hobby Lobby), Louis Vuitton (Gift), Max Mara Frames (Primary Eyecare)

Denim on denim is always a good idea. While this is a bit covered up for the summer, it was perfect for the blasting AC in the movie theatre. I even got a compliment about my outfit from a guy in the grocery store how put together I looked. This is an outfit most of us probably have in our closets. Sometimes fashion is best served when you go back to basics. 

Happy hump day!
-Ali