A is for Ambition

There are some things that I truly want in life! I've been reading a lot about tapping into and unlocking those deep seeded gifts God planted into us that we sometimes bury because they seem too outlandish to achieve. I know we're wrapping up the end of the year and we always look ahead to the new year to make New Year's resolutions. But, this year I want to do things a little differently. I want to focus on maximizing each day, hour, and moment I am given to the fullest! We always hear that tomorrow is NOT promised but sometimes we plan, dream, and fantasize about tomorrow so much that we forget to think about, enjoy, and take in today! I am totally guilty of it. I'm all about a plan, but A is not only for AMBITION...it also stands for ACTION!

It's time to let all those inner gifts loose! It's our time to shine! It's time to walk into our purpose! It's time to throw fear to the wayside and pick up fearlessness! There are sooo many things I want to accomplish and I will no longer stifle myself because it's unconventional, different from the norm, or goes against the things people "think" I should be doing. I will use my ambition, my persistence, my work ethic, and my faith in God to move to higher heights, and levels I'm can't even fathom yet. 

BLACK DENIM// via Gap (similar) - "A" SWEATSHIRT// via Forever 21: old (similar) - CROPPED LEATHER JACKET// via H&M (similar) - TAN FEDORA// via Forever 21 (similar)  - CHUNKY BOOTS// via online boutique: old (similar) - YELLOW TINTED SUNGLASSES// via Windsor (similar) - QUILTED CHAIN BAG// via Forever 21: old (similar) - FURRY BAG CHARM// via Beauty Supply Store (similar)

My prayer for you and I is that we begin to live out the lives and blueprints that God created for us while we were in our mother's wombs! I'll end with this scripture: 

13 

13 "For you created my inmost being;

    

you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

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14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

    your works are wonderful,

    

I know that full well."

- Psalm 139:13-14New International Version (NIV)

Let your ambition take you to new heights starting today! Happy friday luvs,

-Ali

How to Maintain Rockmom Status

Rockmom - A woman who seemingly has it all together on the outside; Well mannered children, a supportive partner, self - love, style, intelligence, a bomb social life, and total life balance. 

This is my personal definition of what most would think a rockmom should be. However, all  true rockmoms know that appearing to have it all together and truly having it all together are two different sentiments. While it is great to appear to have it all in a social media driven world, the truth is, if we are honest with ourselves and each other, we don't always have it all together! We don't always have the picture perfect lifestyle we try to convey (the great spouse, perfect children, amazing house, top of the line car, a satisfying career, amazing friendships, an endless budget to shop, dine out, and travel, debt - free, healthy lifestyle accompanied with a six pack - this may be wishful thinking lol). Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with striving to get to this place but a lot of us are faking the funk to our detriment. 

Truth is, sometimes we carry a load of self - doubt and fear, we are searching for the right partner to spend the rest of our lives with, our children are not perfect (they make messes, they cry, they don't behave all the time), we sometimes compare ourselves to our peers because we don't feel like we're making the necessary strides to be successful, or maybe we are in dead - end job that we hate while our dreams are festering inside of us. I want to ensure you, you are not alone in feeling this way! But the true testament comes from recognizing that you may not be who God truly wants you to be yet but you are constantly working towards being the woman that you picture so vividly in your dreams. 

I'm beginning to learn that a true rockmom is:

True Rockmom - One who is unapologetic for the person she truly is (underneath all the expectations and weights of the world), one who follows her heart no matter what, a woman who has self - love, one who acknowledges her faults and learns from each lesson thrown at her, one who has inner peace, who does the best she can with what she is given, and makes the best out of every situation, and cultivates every relationship she is in (marriage, partnership, motherhood, friendship etc.)

ROCKMOM SWEATSHIRT// via June Ambrose - COLLARD SHIRT// via H&M (similar) - FAUX LEATHER PANTS// via JC PENNEY (similar) - SNEAKER WEDGES// via Target: old (similar) - MICKEY MOUSE EARS// via Choies (similar)

I don't always exemplify the entire definition of a true rockmom on a daily basis, but I promise you this, I am continuously striving to be her in totality one day! Until then, as they say....[perfect] practice, makes perfect! So here is a salute to all my rockmoms - those of you who are entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers, teachers, stay - at - home moms, engineers, artists, business women, and beyond! Shine on, no matter what your situation may look like. Just know I see your [invisible] crown queen! From one rockmom to another: Happy Hump Day!

Rock on,

-Ali

Sweatshirt + Black Slacks

When I throw on blazers and slacks I feel like I am about to conduct business. As a graduating senior with 33 more days until I graduate (who's counting lol) I have to be about my business in the classroom, in my books, during my studies, writing my papers, presenting my presentations, and collaborating with my three different groups, spearheading organizational meetings, and planning for life outside of being a scholar at Kennesaw Student University. With all this seriousness taking place in the next 4 weeks its always good to switch things up and add elements of fun into my routine. 

To lessen the seriousness of this look I opted to wear a sweatshirt underneath my blazer, pairing it with my slacks for a little more laid back sporty - chic office edition. Ali's Fashion Sense Tip: "Whenever you want to create a more laid back approach to office wear try slightly dressing it down by swapping a structured piece for athleisure wear." Think swapping a pair of heels for a crisp, clean pair of white sneakers paired with white slacks and a crisp white shirt or swapping a blazer for a bomber jacket paired with a sheath dress and pumps. 

You don't always have to go with the obvious choices in life. Try the road less traveled for once...at least when it comes to your wardrobe. You'd be surprised how you can breathe new life into your mundane closet by thinking outside the box when it comes to your simple garments (i.e. a blazer + sweatshirt + slacks). 

Outfit Details: Blazer (H&M), Sweatshirt (Forever 21), Slacks (JC Penny), Sandals (Forever 21), Sunnies (Forever 21), Feather Necklace (Charlotte Russe//old)

Its time for me to return to my grind so I can walk across this stage with honors! But before I go to enjoy my weekend...what business are you taking care of at this stage in your life? Is it graduation? Taking your career to the next level? Changing directions in life? Starting a family. Whatever it is...do it with a sense of EXCELLENCE! 

"Why be good when you can be great!" - Unknown

Let's slay the weekend boos! #Workhard #Playhard
-Ali

Sweatshirt + Faux Leather Pants

"A" is for Ali. "A" is for awesome. "A" is also for academics. As some of you may know I am currently in school as an Apparel Textile Technology student majoring in Fashion Design & Product Development at Kennesaw State University - The Marietta Campus (formerly known as Southern Polytechnic State University). It is crazy to me that my 2 year journey as a fashion student is coming to an end in two short months. On Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at 3PM I will be walking across that stage (with Pomp and Circumstance playing in the background) obtaining my 2nd Bachelor's Degree. This time in a subject (FASHION) that I am immensely passionate about. While I have an idea of what I want to do post graduation I feel as lost as ever on what direction I will take. Should I move to Atlanta and start a fashion career there? Should I relocate from the state of GA into the fashion lion's dens of New York or LA? Should I entertain the idea of starting a family (for the 2nd time)? That old adage the chicken coming before the egg or vice versa sounds a bit like my life at the moment. Should I start a career and then try to expand my family once my career is established, or should I graduate, start a family, then go to work? Or can I have the best of both worlds and start a family all while starting a new career? 

Only God knows the answer. But in the meantime. I am working my butt off to soak up as much knowledge as I can about this industry that I am so passionate about, so I can confidently complete and defend my Senior Project, complete two major projects for each of my other classes (Ethics & Safety and Quality Assurance) and ultimately walk across the stage with my 4.0 in tact and the honors of Summa Cum Laude with my family cheering for me in the background (and my angel cheering me on from up above) #shorttermgoals. 

Today's outfit is one of many of my typical school girl outfits that I would wear to campus for a day of classes, meetings, and much more. 

Outfit Details: "A" Sweatshirt (Forever 21), Faux Leather Pants (JC Penny), Collared Button Up (JC Penny), Faux Fur Vest (Forever 21), Gold Oxfords (Zara) Sunnies (Forever 21), Statement Necklace (DSW), Polka Dot Planner (TJ Maxx), Black & White Journal (TJ Maxx)

Why must adulting be so hard lol! I guess "A" really stands for adventures! That is what I'm on and I'm strapped in, on the front row ready for the ride :) I'll catch you on the other side.

Happy Hump Day Luvs,
-Ali

Sporty Chic

There are days when I wake up I don't feel like getting all glam'ed up. When days like that occur I go to my sweatshirt section in my closet and grab one. They are super comfy and allow me to look put together with minimal effort. When I pair my sweatshirt with my sweatpants its like the perfect duo (like peanut butter and jelly or cereal and milk...they just go together).

Outfit Details: Mesh Pullover (Forever 21), Sweatpants (Forever 21), Cool Grays a.k.a. Jordan's (Gift), Mickey Mouse Hat (Choies.com), Statement Necklace (Fancy Kouture), Sunnies (Forever 21)

No matter whether you're rocking pumps or J's, shift dresses or sweatpants, as long as you rock them with confidence you can slay (in the words of Beyonce')! What's your favorite go - to sporty chic item in your closet at the moment? I'd love to hear in the comment section below.

Happy Hump Day,
-Ali

Easter Cool

There are a few things you should know about me, Ali. I love fashion (the innovation, the colors, the creativity, the freedom of expression through style), I love my family (shout out to my awesome village: my husband, my parents, my siblings, my brothers/sister - in - laws, my nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins etc.), I love my friends, I love to sing, I love to be creative, and most of all I love GOD. He is the reason for my existence, for my drive, for the passions embedded deep within. So as we reflect on the fact that yesterday was Easter I just wanted to publicly say that I appreciate the sacrifice that Jesus displayed just for me, dying for my sins along with the sins of the world! I know when we think of Easter the things that may pop into our minds are easter bunnies, candy, eggs, jellybeans, pastels, etc. but the ultimate meaning is the love of Jesus Christ. 

Here's how I celebrated my risen savior in style. In our church's celebration of Resurrection Sunday our Pastor always says come as you are. I wanted to dress in style but comfortably. So I opted for my dark wash skinny jeans, button up, geometric sweatshirt, blush vest, and light gray platform sandals. It turned out great. 

Outfit Details: Blush Vest (Forever 21), Skinny Jeans (Old Navy), Sweatshirt (Target), Denim Shirt (Target), Necklace (Fancy Kouture), Sunnies (Vintage), Sandals (Forever 21)

I looked great, I felt great, and I was able to celebrate my Lord and Savior with excitement. How did you spend your Easter? I'd love to hear about it in the comment section below. What did you do? What did you wear? How did you celebrate?

Happy Monday. Let's make today great!

-Ali

Mix It Up

I have a secret to tell you my readers…the past few weeks I have flooded Ali's Fashion Sense with posts that I've been wearing hats (mainly this black fedora or an array of various baseball caps). The secret is I want to get a new hair style but I haven't had the time to get my hair done, so I'm stuck rocking hats creating a "make - it work" moment (in the famous words of Tim Gunn). I really wanted to switch up the game to make my fedora look a little different so I looked through my closet and grabbed everything except the kitchen sink lol. This outfit of the day literally consists of 7 pieces (including my accessories).  Its the ultimate layering ensemble for this semi - frigid Georgia weather. If you live in places that have colder climates (you know that kind of weather that barely reaches the teens or is on the negative side of the spectrum) and want to duplicate this look I would suggest adding a leather motorcycle jacket on top of the sweatshirt and underneath the duster vest, adding a beanie or furry hat instead of the fedora (to keep your ears warm), swapping over the knee boots for the pumps (so you're not exposing any skin), and lastly wearing leather gloves and a scarf (to keep your hands and neck warm). 

Outfit Details: Gray Duster Vest (H&M), Maroon Leggings (H&M), Sweatshirt (Target), White Collared Button Up (Old Navy), Fedora (H&M), Jessica Simpson Pumps (DSW), Necklaces (Fancy Kouture)

I really like this outfit that I created because there are so many elements (colors, textures, shapes etc.) in the ensemble that is visually stimulating. I love the geometric pattern on the sweater that pulls out the gray in the furry duster vest, and the maroon in the leather - paneled leggings. The black bands around the sleeve and waist of the sweatshirt pull in the black accessories to complete the look. Ali's Fashion Sense Tip: Go into your closet and pull out 2 things you normally wouldn't wear together and try to have a "make it work" moment. You may not like what you put together but eventually you will find an odd pair that comes together in harmony! Don't be afraid to MIX IT UP!

Happy Hump Day Fashion Sensers,

-Ali