Patterned Kimono + T-Shirt

Hi luvs! Happy New Year. I know! I know! I'm extremely late. But my January was SUPER hectic. For those that don't know (or follow me on my other social platforms: Facebook, Instagram) my family packed up our entire lives in Georgia, to trek 2100 miles to the west coast, in sunny CAL-I-FOR-NI-A! We've literally been here 3 1/2 weeks and I've loved every minute of it. Cali is absolutely beautiful. There is so much beautiful scenery, clear blue skies, sky - high palm trees, and amazing weather 95% of the time. The vibe is super chill and the people are really nice. 

Since the vibe out here is so chill, I wanted my first outfit post to reflect my surroundings. I chose to pair a high low kimono I scored from the Forever 21 [Red] (down the street from our new apartment) with a basic white t-shirt, a pair of leather pants, and leather ankle booties. I accessorized with a pair of knotted tassel earrings in a matching green, and a pair of green - tinted aviators in front of a beautiful array of boats in a Long Beach Marina. 

HIGH LOW KIMONO// via Forever 21 (different color, same color different pattern) - WHITE T-SHIRT// via Target ($6.50 option from Forever 21) - LEATHER PANTS// via "The Coolest Monkey in the Jungle" Retailer: that I'm currently taking a hiatus from (similar option here) - ANKLE BOOTIES//via Old Navy (similar suede option) - KNOTTED TASSEL EARRINGS//via Forever 21 - GREEN AVIATORS//via Charlotte Russe (similar here) - BLACK FEDORA//via Forever 21: old (similar here)

This look was easy - breezy to create and is even easier to replicate. With 3 simple pieces you can create this look over and over again and look flawless every-time. All you need to create this silhouette is a kimono (it can be solid, printed, patterned etc.) + a t-shirt (basic tee, graphic tee, lace tee etc.) + a pair of your favorite bottoms (leather pants, jeans, a skirt, joggers, leggings etc.). This outfit helps you look put together without even trying. As Grayson begins to become more and more active I need clothing that will allow me to get up and go without a fuss. This is one of those outfit options. This will definitely be one of my go - to outfit options when I need something quick, stylish, and effortless. 

I cannot wait to take you all on this journey of exploration of my new city and state. I look forward to exploring more cool locations to shoot blog pics (like this marina we found in Long Beach) and fine - tuning my wardrobe to fit my new Cali lifestyle. Here's to an amazing 2018! 

Xoxo,

Ali

Loving the Me I See

One thing I constantly tried to tell myself throughout my pregnancy and before Grayson's arrival was to not lose myself - my sense of style, my personality, my social life, my relationship with my husband etc. - or my identity because I added the new title of mommy to my resume. Because I've always prided myself on looking nice before Gray arrived I told myself I would try to maintain some sort of upkeep so I wouldn't let myself go (physically, mentally, spiritually, or through my fashion sense - you see what I did there lol).

Let me be candid: Dressing up makes me feel good. That is why I go through all the effort to look nice no matter if I'm having solo mommy - time, if I'm on date night with my hubby, or if I've got my main man Gray in my arms. I like to look my best. When I look my best, I feel my best! While looking nice is high on my priority list, I never want my outer appearance to overshadow my inner. I think it's equally important to beautify our inner woman as well. I try to do that by spending time with God, reading my word and other inspirational messages, speaking daily affirmations over my life, being inspired by researching positive influences, and listening to encouraging music. Bottom line, I try to make sure my inner [wo]man and outer [wo]man are both in tip top shape!! Because no amount of nice clothing can make up for a terrible attitude or negative mindset! 

VEST// via Forever 21 (similar) - DISTRESSED JEANS// via Charlotte Russe (similar) - WHITE TEE// via Target (similar) - LACE UP BOOTIES// via Charlotte Russe (similar), SUNGLASSES// via Windsor (similar)

Being confident in who I am and who I am becoming from the inside out is what allows me to "love the me I see!" No matter my job title (at the moment it is stay at home mommy), no matter what my bank account may read, no matter how many likes, comments, or subscribers I have on my various social media platforms...as long as the reflection of the girl staring back at me in the mirror can accept her imperfect imperfections that is what matters. 

Do you love the me you see everyday in the mirror? Self - love is the key to creating the life you've always wanted. When you know who and whose you are (I am a child of the King, created in the image of the Most High God), you can confidently hold your head up high and fearlessly conquer your day *cues I'm Every Woman Whitney Houston's version!* So on this Friday as we prep to kick off the weekend, it is my prayer that you practice the art of "loving the me you see!" Be kind to yourself this weekend. Be bold! Be fearless! Be unapologetic! BE YOU beautiful. 

Enjoy your weekend luvs! I'll see you bright and early Monday morning.

-Ali

Black Distressed Jeans + White Tee

Life sometimes throws you something unexpected. You can either roll with it or drag your feet to try to avoid it. I'm more of the roll with the punches kind of girl. So when I spotted this money green garage door, I knew I wanted to do a photo shoot in front of it. It turned out way better than I ever could've imagined.

I took a simple white tee + a pair of black distressed jeans that I D.I.Y'd myself and added tan elements (fringe booties, fedora, and leather jacket) to create an off - duty model look. The black and white in contrast with the green door was perfecto.

Outfit Details: White Tee (Old Navy), Black Jeans (Gap), Leather Jacket (TJ Maxx), Fedora (Forever 21), Fringe Booties (Charlotte Russe), Sunnies (Forever 21), Lippie (M.A.C. Candy Yum Yum), Chain Purse (Forever 21), Furry Accessories (Beauty Supply), Necklace (Forever 21)

I got a slew of compliments with this look Saturday running errands and hanging with the hubby, which made me think sometimes it's best to apply the K.I.S.S method. Keep it simple sweetheart! Like I always say you can never go wrong with black and white. What's your tried and true weekend outfit? Let me know in the comment section below.

Have an amazing weekend 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!

Blush Vest + White Tee + Denim Skirt

Do you remember back in the 90s when we watched shows like Clarissa Explains It All, Full House, Family Matters, Sister Sister and denim skirts among other fashion styles were a thing. Well I had a little moment of nostalgia when I was in Forever 21 back in June in Cali and I ran across a denim skirt. It brought back memories of my childhood for sure. 

I pulled out my denim skirt yesterday and paired it with my fav blush colored vest and a plain white tee  to create a sophisticated yet relaxed look. I finished the styling by pairing it with a pair of nude pumps, a broach, and some sunnies. The great thing about ALL denim is the fact that you can dress it up or down. A denim skirt is no different. You can pair it with a tee, baseball cap, and Converse, or you can pair it with a collared shirt and blazer. The possibilities are endless.

Outfit Details: Denim Skirt (Forever 21), White Tee (Forever 21), Blush Vest (Forever 21), 

Nude Pumps (Forever 21), Sunglasses (Forever 21)

Do you own a denim skirt? How would you style yours? Leave a comment in the comment section below. I'd love to hear your take on styling a denim skirt. Ali's Fashion Sense Tip: pairing denim with denim is a sure fire way to look chic. Pick denim shades that are in similar families and you will look put together in an instant. See how Rih - Rih pulled off a rocking a denim skirt here. I hope this gives you major inspiration on how to rock denim flawlessly!

Happy Monday Luvs,

-Ali

Leather Vest + Floral Jeans + White Tee

Last week I featured florals on the blog wearing my floral romper and blazer. Today, I am showing you how to style floral jeans. Flowers seem like something associated with spring time but the site of flowers can freshen up a home, decor, and even an outfit. Here is how I incorporated florals with a summertime twist. I chose cream and white tones to shape the outfit and made them all correlate using nude and gold accessories. Wearing leather in the summer can be a bit tricky if you're in a warm climate like GA, but it is NOT impossible. I paired my oversize leather vest (which I got on sale during the winter sale from Forever 21) with a lightweight tee. Having the lightweight tshirt underneath the leather vest helped me keep cool. When Fall and Winter come around I can use this same leather vest and pair it with a turtle neck or layer it over a full length duster coat. The options are endless. Check out the full OOTD below.

Outfit Details: Leather Vest (Forever 21), Floral Jeans (Charlotte Russe), White Tee (Old Navy), Sandals (Charlotte Russe), Sunnies (Forever 21)

I feel like a chic biker chick with this leather vest on. Pairing a leather vest with a more feminine silhouette (skinny jeans, midi skirt etc.) or fabric (lace silk etc.) can create a great contrast of hard and soft. Next time you decide to wear a leather vest try to add a more feminine touch with something less edgy to balance out the look and add an element of surprise.

Here are a few examples to get your fashion brain going:

Leather + Lace

Leather + Silk

Leather + Chiffon

Leather Jacket + Maxi

Leather Vest + Crop Top + High Waist Jeans

Leather Tee + Midi Skirt

Happy Monday lets make it a productive one,
-Ali

White Tee + Sweatpants + Heels

When I think about the weekend, I think about kicking up your feet, brunch, snuggling with the bae, late nights, early mornings, sleeping in, Netflixing (yes, I just made that a verb), etc. Basically, the weekend is for letting your hair down, kicking back, and enjoying life (at least in theory lol). This outfit truly exudes weekend vibes. I took the concept of sweats and a t- shirt and revamped it. In true Alis Fashion Sense style I switched out an old tee with a flowy tee, dingy sweats for moto detailed sweatpants (which are from the men's section at Forever 21: Ali's Fashion Sense Tip: Don't overlook the men's section, they sometimes have really good jewels), and sneakers for a cute pair of pumps. This look is simple, quick to throw on, yet comfortable enough to have brunch with your girls, hit up a movie with your kids, or shopping with your boo. It's versatile enough to be casual yet pull - together all in honor of the "weekend."

Outfit Details: Tee (Forever 21), Sweatpants (Forever 21 Men), Pumps (Forever 21), Sunnies (Forever 21), Clutch (Target), Broach (Forever 21), Watch (Charming Charlie's)

Who says you can't wear a t-shirt and sweatpants out and about? Grab your cutest pumps, a dope clutch, and sunnies and you're ready to go. Cheers to the freakin' weekend. What are you ladies and gents getting into this weekend? Let me know in the comment section below.

TGIF,
-Ali