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

Faux Leather Baseball Cap + Blush Duster Vest

Sometimes life shoots you a curve ball and all you can do is take a swing. The weekend of January 15th, my world got flipped, turned upside down. I went in for a routine ultrasound to check on Baby Anderson (at 28 weeks) when the nurse (later confirmed by my doctor) informed me and my husband that my baby had no heartbeat. 3 days later, January 18, 2016,  after having my labor induced I gave birth to Derrek Jerrell Anderson Jr. (aka DJ) at 6:48AM. My baby was the cutest sight I've ever seen. He literally was my sleeping angel! I wasn't able to blog let alone do much else last week trying to recover physically, emotionally, and spiritually. But this week I am trying to get back into the swing of things. 

Yesterday, while most of the east coast was recovering from the massive snowstorm that hit, the sun was out and shining brightly here in GA. Our pastor preached about finding the blessings in whatever situation you are going through. So I took his message and soaked up each ray that touched my melanin skin during this photo shoot after Sunday service. I used this moment to thank God for the blessing of shining on me even during one of the toughest moments in my life. For my first Sunday back post - delivery I chose to rock a casual yet comfortable look that was inspired by a look I saw on Pinterest. I paired my faux leather baseball cap with my faux leather pants, blush duster vest, gray sweater, and black wedges. I've worn this outfit before prior to seeing the Pinterest inspiration pic (simply swapping the faux leather baseball cap with my black fedora and adding a collared shirt underneath the sweater). I love how you can dress this look up or down by swapping just a few subtle accessories. 

My OOTD inspiration

Flexin'

Turn that frown upside down

Reflecting on life and this last week

Just enjoying the moment

Just me

Observing the beauty that God created

Soaking up the sun rays

Smiling in spite of the pain I may feel

Outfit Details: Faux Leather Baseball Cap (Forever 21), Faux Leather Pants (JC Penney), Sweater (Forever 21), Blush Duster Vest (Forever 21), Wedges (Target), Round Gold - Rimmed Sunnies (Forever 21), Feather Earrings (Charlotte Russe)

Today marks my new normal and I am trying to adjust to that. The only way I know how is by continuously finding the blessings (whether the blessings are front and center or hidden gems that are sometimes overlooked when we're so focused on the negativity) and pushing past the pain by smiling and soaking up the sun! I pray that whatever situation you're going through you're able to keep a smile on your face. I pray that your outer swag, matches your inner beauty and peace. And most of all I pray a blessing over you on this great Monday morning. No more "case of the Mondays!" We're going to celebrate life today and all the endless possibilities that we have to do exceptional things today. 

I hope you conquer your Monday with boldness :)

Luv,

-Ali

Black Cape + Black Leather Pants

Although I'm pregnant, it doesn't negate the fact that I still want to dress stylish. While style has always been a great concern, I now have to think about comfort for my new baby - growing vessel. At times it can be challenging to find cute pieces, especially bottoms, that fit correctly, are stylish, AND comfortable. So when I scored these [p]leather pants from JC Penny a couple months back I was ecstatic. They have an elastic band so they stretch with my tummy and they don't have any buttons or zippers up top, which you would never know bugged you so much until you have an expanding belly. While scrolling through a fashion blog I found a picture that inspired me to go to my closet and remix the outfit with a mom - to - be spin. I think I got pretty close. What do you think?

The Inspiration

Outfit Details: Cape (CA Garment District), Black Tee (H&M), Pleather Pants (JC Penny), Black Wedges (Target), Fedora (H&M), Charm Bracelet (Juicy Couture), Sunnies (Forever 21), Red Lip (M.A.C Ruby Woo)

This cape makes me feel like a super hero... or maybe a super - mom; like a I can conquer the world. It's such a fun piece to have in your closet. I'm excited to explore new styles and do more Ali Fashion Sense Remixes in my preggo state. Stay tuned.

-Ali

Bad Hair Days = Turbans

Have you ever had a bad hair day? Bad hair week? Well, that week is this week for me. Having natural hair in the 100 degree heat of GA all while trying to work out is not the best recipe for having hair on fleek (as the kids would say). But seriously, I've been having some tough times with my hair, hence the turbans this week on the blog. I just purchased a new scarf from Target and wanted to sport it as a turban. Since the scarf has cool coral and golden tones I thought it would go great with this LBD (Little Black Dress). The thing I love most about this dress is the unexpected coral bands and the POCKETS. It adds an element of coolness.

Outfit Details: Dress (Forever 21), Earrings (Charlotte Russe), Turban (Target), Wedges (TJ Maxx), Aviators (H&M)

Who says you can't be fly while having a bad hair day. Not me! What is your trick for a bad hair day? A turban? A hat? Share your hair secrets in the comment section below.

Have an awesome weekend!

-Ali

Maxi Dress Revamped for Winter

I'm am a huge advocate for recreating, remixing, and reusing items in my closet. It's like a fun game for me to see how many ways I can reinvent a look. So as I was rummaging through my closet to figure out what I would wear on Sunday, I ran across my fuchsia one - shoulder maxi dress. I have a vintage boyfriend blazer that has floral print with that same fuchsia color as an accent color. To winterize my look I added my cream faux fur vest and tied the belt that came with the dress around the vest and blazer to create a more cinched - in waist.

Outfit Details: Maxi Dress (Forever 21), Boyfriend Blazer (Vintage), Faux Fur Vest (Forever 21), Fedora (H&M), Aviators (H&M), Wedges (Forever 21)

This look shows us how you can simply take a garment that is deemed for a specific time of year (i.e. a maxi is only used in Spring and Summer) and break all rules, but finding a way to revamp it no matter what season you are in. Since I'm down south and the weather isn't so bad (mid 50s) I can get away with wearing no tights even though the material on the maxi is very light. If you live in a colder state add a leather jacket underneath your faux fur vest (instead of a boyfriend blazer). You can even add some opaque tights and a pair of boots or booties to provide more warmth. Everything about this outfit is unconventional for this time of year (the colors, the maxi etc.) but I would have it no other way.

It's a new week with a fresh start and I pray you took full advantage of all the opportunities that come your way. Have a magnificent Monday and a wonderful week. See ya back on Wednesday with an all new outfit post!

Kisses,

-Ali

Black & Yellow

"Black and yellow, black and yellow, black and yellow!" Cue Wiz Khalifa stat lol. Ok this isn't technically yellow, but you get my drift right. The funny thing is when I was back in high school, I used to always tease my Debate teacher because she wore all black everyday. I always told her she was allergic to color and she should incorporate more into her daily wardrobe. Now that I'm older I totally understand why she donned all black. It is so easy to dress up or down, and it makes you look like a million bucks. The all black with gold accents helps to "richen" up the look. 

Outfit Detail: Blazer (H&M), Black Tee (H&M), Tulle Skirt (AshleyMonique!), Black Tights (Target), Wedges (Forever 21), Fedora (H&M), Earrings (Beauty Supply), Clutch (Forever 21)

This is ensemble was really fun. The tulle skirt always makes me feel like I'm Carrie Bradshaw from Sex in the City :) Speaking of such, if you're a fan of the Sex in the City franchise then you should definitely binge - watch "The Carrie Diaries" on Netflix (which is the prequel to SITC). It's very witty, their take on 80s fashion is very refreshing. Take my word for it…check it out! 

Happy Monday,

-Ali