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

At Play on Black Friday

Black Friday was very chill for me. I didn't go out and brave the cold or stand in long lines for special "deals." However, after spending my thanksgiving day practically in my PJ's (eating good food, spending time with family, watching football, playing spades) I decided I wanted to get dolled up and spend some QT with my hubby! I chose this black and white ensemble with a lot of little elements and details as my outfit of choice. We headed to this chic little park a few miles from my brothers house to take pics. Once we finished taking pics we left the park and went to see "Gone Girl" (which was excellent by the way…minus the ending…very suspenseful with an abundance of twist and turns).

*Confession: While packing for my trip to ATL I forgot all my lipstick at home, so I had to come up with a quick solution to add color to my lips without looking out of place. So I grabbed a metallic cream eyeshadow (after priming my lips with concealer) and used it as my lip color. Shhhhh….don't tell anyone lol.

Outfit Details: Chain Blazer (Forever 21), Leather Tee (Off The 5th), Billowed Sleeve Button - Up (K&G), Tulip Skirt (Express), Bow (Ribbon), Suede & Leather Boots (Aldo), Bangles (Macy's)

I really like this look. Of course since it's black and white it's already a fav of mine. Plus the bow with the chain detailed blazer just sets the outfit apart. It made for the perfect Black Friday getup. What did you wear while enjoying Black Friday? Did you purchase anything? I'd love to hear from you in the comment section below.

Smooches,

-Ali

Last Minute Thanksgiving Style Guide

It's the eve of Thanksgiving. Tomorrow is the official day we set aside to give thanks for all the wonderful blessings that God has bestowed upon us this year. As we wind down to another year's end it's a chance to reflect on those quiet precious moments that you've witnessed throughout the previous 10 months. It's a time where you get to partake in a delicious spread of turkey, macaroni and cheese, yams, greens, dressing and many more delectable items (Is your mouth watering yet? I know mine is). You get the chance to enjoy fun with your loved ones, and take in America's favorite pastime…watching football (at least according to my husband, dad, grandparents, and brothers). 

Even with all of these awesome things occurring you may be panicking because you can't find the perfect outfit to give thanks in. Well, Ali's Fashion Sense is here with a last - minute fashion rescue. I've curated three different looks that you can sift through to match your personal thanksgiving aesthetics.

DRESSY

This is the perfect outfit if you have a family that dresses up for Thanksgiving or if you're meeting your significant others family for the first time. This outfit will definitely help you put your best foot forward!

Dressy Thanksgiving Style Guide by alifashionsense featuring button down shirts

Outfit Details: Collared Shirt: Barbour button down shirt /Cape:  Zara coat /Tights: Falke wet look stocking /Booties: Zara shoes /Furry Clutch: Zara yellow purse /Bow Tie: ASOS Oversized Bow Tie,/Skirt: Activewear

CHILL & CHIC
This outfit is a little less stuffy, but still gives you that "dressed - up" feeling. The stretchy leggings will allow you to look amazing but still have room to "pig - out" on your favorite Thanksgiving day foods!

Chill & Chic Thanksgiving Style Guide by alifashionsense featuring slip on shoes

Outfit Details: White Tee: White Stuff white tee/Black Sleeveless Duster: Topshop coat /Leggings: BCBGMAXAZRIA legging /Sneakers: Zara slip on shoes /Backpack: Forever 21 backpacks bag /Layered Necklace: Forever 21 jewelry /Matte NYX Lip Cream: NYX lips makeup

CASUAL COMFY
If you're family's like mine, you like to just chill out and have a great time on Thanksgiving. Eat, laugh, watch TV, eat a little more, nap, and relax. This is the perfect outfit to enjoy a casual Thanksgiving dinner in!

Casual Comfy Thanksgiving Style Guide by alifashionsense featuring cotton t shirts

Outfit Details: White Tee: J Crew cotton t shirt /Navy Blue Cardigan:Long sleeve open front cardigan/Dark Wash Denim: Abercrombie & Fitch dark-wash jeans /Fringe Bag: Aldo handbag /Plaid Scarf: Abercrombie Fitch navy blue shawl /Lipstick: Barry M lipstick/Red Nail Polish: NARS Cosmetics red nail polish/JC Boots: Jeffrey Campbell Remixes The Timberland Boot And We Don't Know How To…

Hopefully this post has given you a few quick ideas if you are having a fashion outfit block. I'm sure whatever you decide to wear tomorrow you will look fabulous in it!!! 

Before I let you go I just want to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and say a huge thank you to you my Fashion Sensers. You all come back day after day to read the posts that I put together and even leave your well wishes in the comment section. I appreciate your support more than you'll ever know! I pray your day is filled with love, laughter, joy, and great food and don't forget to cherish these special times with your loved ones! 

Happy Turkey Day [Eve],

Xoxo,
-Ali

Overalls

I've been wanting a pair of overalls for a while now. If you saw my summer wishlist you would know that they were at the top of my list. When I went to Alabama last month for my family reunion my aunt gifted me with this unique pair of overalls...although they're not denim they bring a structured element to the outfit. Plus the leather accents are to die for. Of course I love a black and white combo, so I paired my overalls with a white blouse, and a gold statement necklace with black and white details. This look can be carried over from the boardroom to the bar...just by adding different elements to the look.

 

Outfit Details: Overalls (TJ Maxx), Blouse with Pearl Buttons (H&M), Sunnies (Forever 21), Statement Necklace (Forever 21), Sandals - Not Shown (Forever 21), Clutch (Forever 21)

As we transition into the Fall what are your top items on your wish list? Does your wish list contain black and white? Any Overalls? Have a marvelous Monday luvs!

-Ali