Long Bomber + Suede Boots

It's been almost two weeks (tomorrow) since I've had my rainbow baby Grayson. Motherhood is such a magical, scary, exciting journey. You are literally responsible for another human being that can do NOTHING for themselves. It's amazing to look at my son and see him, his personality, his facial expressions, and even his hue change on a daily basis. Along with him changing I also am doing some changing as well. My body is trying to get back to "normal." I can actually wear heels again (thanks to the swelling in my feet and ankles decreasing). I can put on a pair of jeans and actually button them (I never knew I would miss jeans...although leggings have a new found place in my heart). And my  newly decorated protruding belly is starting to deflate (slowly). 

While all these changes are taking place, I'm still trying to navigate my life post - pregnancy physically, emotionally, and mentally. I'm definitely not where I want it to be, but I am trying to keep up with my "fashion sense" of who I was before I was a mommy. Just because you become a mom doesn't mean you still can't put your best foot forward. It doesn't mean you're sentenced to a life of sweatpants and throw up stained tops [while writing this my son ironically spit up on me...oh the joys of motherhood]. You can still feel and look your best even though your body may not be in tip - top shape. Even if you're not a mom don't get so caught up in the mundane that you forget to take care of yourself!

Outfit Details: Army Green Bomber (Charlotte Russe), Leggings (Charlotte Russe), Turtle Neck (Target), Suede Boots (Forever 21: old), Faux Fur Stole (Forever 21: old), Sunglasses (Charlotte Russe), Bullet Earrings (Online Boutique: old), Charm Bracelet (Juicy Couture)

After being cooped in the house since last Saturday I wanted to get dressed, throw on some makeup, curl my hair, and just look good! I wasn't headed anywhere in particular, but I just wanted to do something for me :) So here's to looking and feeling our best mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually! Happy Friday and St. Patty's Day. Enjoy your weekend and I will see you back on Monday.

-Ali

Two - Toned

Life is all about duality. Good and evil. Black and white. Peanut Butter & Jelly. And the list can go on and on. So on Sunday when I was searching for something to wear to church I pulled out my hi/lo two-toned blouse (it's black in the front and tan in the back) as the foundation of my look. Don't worry I did NOT wear this outfit to church. I wore this blouse with a nude blazer (with leather sleeves, shown here), a black midi skirt (seen here), and sandals (shown here). I switched out the blazer, skirt, and sandals and added my leggings and suede wedge booties to complete this look. I was able to create a whole new look by just switching my bottoms and shoes.

Outfit Details: Hi/Lo Blouse (Love Culture), Leggings (Target), Tank Top (Forever 21), Suede Wedge Booties (Aldo: Old), Sunnies (Thrifted), Bangles (Macy's), Statement Necklace (Fancy Kouture)

Even though this blouse is a few years old, I still like the fact that it can be worn with jeans, leggings, skirts, shorts etc… pretty much anything. The two - toned front and back adds an element of surprise , and the hi/lo length adds a bit of drama to a simple tank top concept. It's the perfect blouse for summer. What in your closet is two - toned? How do you style it? Let me know in the comment section below.

Happy Monday Luvs! I hope you have an excellent day.

-Ali

Tough Girl

If you've come to blog more than once you know I am a leather, faux fur, and black junkie. I literally love each of those trends separately. But when they all come together it's magical. I recently ordered this nude blazer with leather sleeve details from Forever 21. It doesn't have any buttons or any closures, but I really like how it fits and looks. Due to this ever changing weather here in GA I never know what to wear (without being too hot or too cold). I decided to layer my latest blazer with my fav faux fur vest, a pair of black leggings and a simple black tee. The nude pumps help tie the look together. 

Outfit Details: Faux Fur Vest (Forever 21), Blazer with Leather Detail (Forever 21), Leggings (Target), Black Tee (H&M), Nude Pumps (Forever 21), Necklace (Fancy Kouture), Aviators (H&M)

This look truly makes me feel like a tough girl who can conquer the world, but who is not afraid to roll up her [leather] sleeves and get things done. I hope you all have an outfit like that in your closet. Lets make this Monday the best one yet luvs!

-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

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