Mommy Vs. Wifey

In all three of this week's posts (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) I am going to show you how to  style basic items in your closet for extended wearability and a more versatile wardrobe. Today's styling edition will focus on transforming a simple dress from "mommy - on - the - go" to a "hot mama" ready for date night with a few basic swaps. So let's get started shall we?

THE BASIC

Today's basic is a simple tank dress I scored from H&M in my favorite color at the moment, army green. The dress is simple enough to dress up or down depending on your itinerary. 

DRESS//via H&M (very similar), (long - sleeved version)

MOMMY

While I'm in mommy - mode the most important thing for me is comfort and practical usage out of my wardrobe. I have to be able to move quickly, carry a growing infant (who is upwards of 17+ lbs), a car seat, and/or maneuver a huge stroller...all while tugging a gigantic diaper bag. Needless to say, I don't need a restrictive or impractical outfit to slow me down. While I still love to dress up when I go out (as mentioned in my last post), I have to think more about what the day calls for. Flats are definitely the real MVPs these days (sneakers, boots, ballet flats, sandals etc.) as I have not been able to really rock stiletto heels as much or for extensive periods of time since giving birth to Grayson. Comfort is KING! That is why this simple army - green colored tank dress is the perfect item for any mommy - on - the - go to have in her closet. This dress is a must have because it can be easily paired with an array of items in your closet, but most of all, it is easy to throw on and is a great foundational piece. 

To achieve my mommy look, I opted to wear this simple dress and pair it with my camouflage jacket, Superstar Adidas, gold - rimmed glasses, and a red lip. This look is super simple, but fool - proof to create (jacket + dress + sneakers = simple outfit)!

DRESS//via H&M (very similar) - CAMOUFLAGE JACKET//via Charlotte Russe (similar) - SUPERSTAR ADIDAS//via Footlocker - GOLD - RIMMED GLASSES//via Charlotte Russe (similar) - BAWSE LADY LIQUID MATTE LIPSTICK// via The Lip Bar

WIFEY

While I love being a mom I have to constantly remember that before I was called mommy I was crowned with the title wifey aka Mrs. Anderson! My hubby put a ring on it (shout out to Queen Bey) 5 years ago, so I try to keep things right and tight to keep our marriage spicy! He knows I love to dress up and go on dates (which are a little harder to come by, since we don't have an official babysitter for Grayson at the moment). So when I get a chance to get fully glammed up, I jump at the opportunity!

To achieve the ultimate swap from mommy to wifey in a flash I kept the same tank dress as my foundational piece but I traded my camouflage jacket for my fuzzy blush coat, my Superstar Adidas for my fringe booties, my gold - rimmed frames with a dope pair of sunnies, and my red lip for a nude softer pout! 

DRESS//via H&M (very similar) - FUZZY BLUSH COAT//via Forever 21 (similar) or (also similar) - FRINGE BOOTIES //via Charlotte Russe (similar) - SUNNIES //old (similar) - PERSISTENCE MATTE LIPSTICK// via (M.A.C)

With a few simple tweaks to your outfit, you can go from day to night in a flash, and turn heads in the process. *Cue Beyonce's "I'm Feeling Myself!"* You don't have to make styling items in your closet rocket science. All you have to do is find simple complimentary items that can be used to dress your basics up or down...and wallah, you have the perfect outfit no matter if you're having a mommy and me play date in the park or going on a hot date with your partner!

I hope you slay your day! Happy Monday luvs!

-Ali

Summer Must Haves

What Ali's Fashion Sense readers want, they get. I received a message on my Facebook page a couple weeks ago from one of my close friends. 

So you know I had to deliver! With summer in full swing its always good to stretch your wardrobe and add summer staples. So here is a quick guide if you are in a styling rut to get your summer swag on fleek. Click through to see all items.

Ali's Summer Essentials by alifashionsense on polyvore.com

CHECKLIST:

Items with * next to them are the exact items in the slide show.

Outerwear:

*1. Long Vest: Here - comes in various colors

*2. Light Weight Jacket: Here - comes in various colors

Tops

*3. Crop Top: Here - comes in various colors

*4. Kimono: Here - comes in various colors

Bottoms

5. Pencil Skirt: Here - comes in various colors

6. White Jeans: Here

Rompers & Matching Sets

7. Romper/Jumpsuit: Here - comes in various colors and Here

8. Matching Striped Set: Here - comes in different prints

Shoes

*9. Sneakers: Nike Air Max 90 - comes in various colors and New Balance Gray W574

10. Classic Pumps: Here - comes in various colors

*11. Gladiator Sandals: Here - comes in various colors, Here - comes in various colors, and Here

Accessories

12. Sunglasses: Here

13. Bucket Bag: Here - comes in various colors

*14. Metallic Temporary Tattoos: Here

Hopefully, this list of items and styling options will help you be the "hottest" thing smoking this summer! If you're looking to purchase items with the * and similar ones to those in the slideshow check them out on my new Ali's Fashion Sense Amazon Store at http://astore.amazon.com/alisfassen-20 (or using the direct links above) just in time for Prime Day! The Amazon Store is a simple collection of curated items that I suggest for you my readers to add to your Amazon cart as normal. Disclaimer: If you purchase an item from my store I can get  a 4% commission from Amazon (you do NOT pay more because of this process). So I hope you will stop by my store, browse, and buy! Happy shopping to all you my fab readers. If there is something you want me to find let me know in the comment section below. Just think of me as your personal shopper!

-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