My Rainbow Baby Shower

Genesis 9:13: "I have set my rainbow in the clouds and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth."

Last Saturday, February 25 I had my baby shower. It was such a nice event especially since I was robbed of having that experience with my first born DJ. I knew early on that I wanted to have a Rainbow Shower as the theme of my baby shower. I chose the rainbow theme because it allowed me to celebrate the awaited arrival of my new bundle of joy, Grayson, while paying respect and honoring my first born son I tragically lost, DJ! A rainbow shower represents the yin and the yang of life. No matter what, life will always provide you ups and downs. It will throw at you highs and lows. But how you react to those situations truly garner your peace of mind. I've learned through my tragic storm of losing DJ that no matter how bad it gets, God is ALWAYS there with you. He promised never to leave us nor forsake us. I am a living testament of what it looks like when God is walking right besides you even in the midst of the eye of the storm. He is why I can have a genuine smile on my face even with a loss looming over me!

Planning my shower was fun. I gathered my inspiration from an Instagram page that I ran across called Oh Happy Day, where they put on a rainbow shower. I loved the concept, the bright colors, and the lightness and the ambience that the amazing decorations created. I knew I wanted something similar, so I showed my handy dandy, right hand man, Ashley my vision and we collaborated to bring everything to life, adding our own touches to make it more personal. I knew I wanted a brunch theme for the menu, a "virgin" mimosa bar, a Polaroid picture frame to take pictures with guests, building blocks that spelled my sons name, and bright colors used to lift the event space to even higher heights. I got all of that and then some! The shower was absolutely, positively beautiful!!! I even had guests come in solid colors like the rainbow ROYGBIV (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet), while I donned all white with rainbow accessories to stay on par with the theme of the shower and show solidarity for what the rainbow truly represents. EVERYTHING turned out magnificent.

Rainbow necklace custom - made by my event planner AshleyMonique

Sandals laid out with Pom-Poms before my DIY project began

The finished product
DIY Details: Sandals: Rue 21, Bag of Assorted Pom Poms: Amazon, Hot Glue Gun & Glue Sticks: Hobby Lobby

Pre-shower selfie after getting a subtle beat by M.A.C

"Follow the Rainbow" signs to direct guests to the venue

The "virgin" mimosa bar

Grayson's Goodie Bar aka the ROYGBIV candy station

Rainbow Candy Bags for Grayson's Goodie Bar

Grayson and I showing off next to his building blocks

I absolutely loved these blocks, so much so they are going into his nursery as part of the decor

Mommy - To - Be all smiles under the rainbow

Posing with my DIY Polaroid Picture Frame

Alishia & Derrek sitting in the tree...K-I-S-S-I-N-G; First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes Grayson in the baby carriage

My event planner and fashion twin, AshleyMonique

Grayson's Grandma Valarie

Grayson's Grandma Kim

At the head table with my main squeeze

About to do the balloon release for DJ 

An assortment of balloons about to be delivered to my sleeping angel in heaven

The party was an absolute success. We ate, fellowshipped, played games, opened gifts, and took plenty of pictures. When all the commotion died down, my husband and I along with a few of our family members and friends went outside and used all the balloons that were decorations at the party, so we could release them up to my sleeping angel in heaven, DJ! This little gesture (along with having a designated table where guests could write their well wishes to DJ as a big brother, Grayson and us as parents) really warmed my heart. It showed that even though DJ is not here physically, we could still honor his presence in our lives while awaiting our second bundle of joy with great anticipation.  

A "Rainbow Baby" is the understanding that the beauty of a rainbow does not negate the ravages of the storm. When a rainbow appears it doesn't mean the storm never happened or that the family is not still dealing with its aftermath. What it means is that something beautiful and full of light has appeared in the midst of the darkness and clouds. Storm clouds may still hover but the rainbow provides a counterbalance of color, energy and hope. 

 - Anonymous Author 

Thanks for taking a sneak peak into my awesome rainbow shower! What's waiting for you at the end of YOUR rainbow? Is it love? Is it money? Is it new found self confidence? Don't be afraid to go after it starting today! It's waiting for you if you just take action. 

TGIF Luvs,

-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

Tan Duster Vest + Black Jeans

Those that truly know me know I love animals (almost as much as I love fashion). When I was a kid I wanted to be a veterinarian or a Sea World whale trainer. Who would've thought right? Very different from fashion I know. So when I spotted this awesome mural outside the Atlanta Humane Society I thought it was a great backdrop for a photoshoot. The puppies (and doggies) inside didn't hurt either. This is an awesome way to rep ATL while showing off a casual ensemble that you can wear during the weekend. 

Outfit Details: Tan Duster Vest (Amazon.com), Black Tee (H&M), Distressed Jeans (DIY purchased from GAP), Booties (JustFab.com), Fedora (Forever 21), Choker (Charlotte Russe), Layered Necklace (Charlotte Russe), Watch (DSW), Earrings (Charlotte Russe)

This outfit is a perfect fit ushering the weekend. You can wear it almost anywhere as you celebrate making it through another week!!! Before you TGIF check out some of the cute pups that I discovered inside the humane society along with my some of my other snaps from Snapchat yesterday. I'm new to Snapchat so follow me at "AliFashionSense" (I follow back).

Have a good weekend. See you Monday!
-Ali

Denim Off The Shoulder Dress + Gladiator Sandals

It's officially summer and the Georgia heat did not come to play. So it's imperative to find outfits that offer breathability. That is why I LOVE the off the shoulder trend.  It's cute on all body types plus nobody has ugly shoulders!

 I've been looking for an off the shoulder dress for a couple months now. So when I found this denim beauty looking through the racks at Express I leaped for joy (at least in my head). I wasn't too thrilled when I got to the register and saw a $60+ price tag, but I bit the bullet because this dress was so cute (plus I had gift cards to help reduce the price which softened the blow). 

Me and the bestie spreading L - O - V - E

Outfit Details: Denim Off The Shoulder Dress (Express: Similar Dress Here), Gladiator Sandals (DSW: Old), Sunnies (Forever 21), Layered Necklace (Charlotte Russe)

I think the dress was a great investment. I love the fit, the length, the material, the cut, and the endless styling opportunities it offers. Trust me when I say it will be in rotation all summer! As the awesome mural states (that we used for this photoshoot) "Try Love." I'm encouraging you to try loving yourself, your family, friends, and fellow man today! As the late great Notorious B.I.G would say... "Spread love it's the Brooklyn way!" Happy Hump Day luvs peace and blessing to you.

-Ali