Crank It To The Max(i)

Spring is in full swing! Living here in Georgia, you might as well say that its Summer. The pollen has been in high gear, flaring my allergies to high stratospheres, and the sun is beaming down like it owns the land. I feel like cuing Will Smith's classic summer anthem "Summertime" on a day when the air is crisp, the sun is brightly shining, and the clouds are far, few, and in between. One spring/summer staple that should be in every fashionista's closet are maxi dresses or a maxi skirt.

Maxis are super comfy, easy to style, very chic, and they look great on all body types :) How can you go wrong with such a garment? Let me answer that, you really can't! Another thing I love about maxi's are the fact that you can dress them up or down for day or night! They are a super versatile piece. If you don't own a maxi here are some ways to sport them this spring/summer!

DAY TIME MAXI
Wearing a maxi during the day is a super ideal way to look chic and comfortable. Maybe for a stroll on beach (covering up your super cute bikini), a midday brunch with the honey, or a matinee movie. There are tons of ways to style a maxi dress. You can add a denim jacket, wedges, and an oversized boho bag. Or you can snag a maxi skirt with a vest and some cute sandals for a relaxed outfit.

Vest & Maxi Combo by alifashionsense featuring alexander wang

Topshop cami tank top / Alexander Wang / Paul & Joe silk maxi skirt, $590 / Strap sandals / Ralph Lauren Collection bohemian handbag / Salvatore Ferragamo leather jewelry / Michael Kors water resistant watch

NIGHT ON THE TOWN MAXI
When you're gearing up to go out for a night on the town, there is always one thing that boggles my mind, "What am I going to wear?" If you're like me, you want to be comfortable but you also want to put your best foot forward. Use a maxi dress or maxi skirt as your foundation and build from there to create a hot and sexy date night or night out OOTD. 

Maxi on the Town by alifashionsense featuring an orange dress

Orange dress, $380 / Le Silla strappy stiletto heels / White Leaf oversized envelope clutch, $53 / R.J. Graziano bracelets bangle / Friis & Company gold feather earrings, $18

The moral of this post are that maxi's, whether in dress or skirt form, create a great foundations for amazing outfits. The style possibilities are endless and at the end of the day, you know you will look awesome! So what are you waiting for? Go pick up your favorite maxi and and crank it to the max(i)!

Happy Friday luvs, enjoy your weekend! I will see you back here on Monday :)

The Gladiator

Way back in ancient Rome, gladiators were used as entertainment for thousands of spectators, fighting, often to the death! Besides the gruesome fighting one thing that stands out about gladiators are their fighting gear. It consisted of loincloths, helmets, chest armor, and who could forget the strappy "gladiator" sandals.

Nothing is new under the sun, so I'm not surprised that gladiators have swung back into rotation as one of this spring/summer's hottest shoe trends. I'm not saying you have to fight to your death in order to strap these multiple buckle flats but trust me when you wear these sandals they will get you noticed.

You can find gladiators aka "Jesus sandals" just about anywhere these days. Check out some of the  pairs I've seen.

GLADIATORS
You can find these high top gladiator sandals at Aldo (Canada, online). This multi - strap high top gladiator is super fly, has an back zip for easy access, and comes in two awesome colors: black and cognac. Its $150 price tag is a little steep for a fashionista on a budget, however, you will be sure to turn heads in these beauties.

CANADA DCS: 12-05-01in Black
http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/women/sandals/flats/95078467-canada/97

CANADA DCS: 12-05-01in Cognac
http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/women/sandals/flats/95078467-canada/97

Chinese Laundry provides a pair of gladiators in this bold scarlet color. The coolest part about these gladiator inspired sandals are not the fact that you can loop and tie them however you please, but that they are jelly sandals. They deem a modest price tag of $40 so they won't hurt your wallet.

Loop - O - Rama in Red
http://www.chineselaundry.com/products2.cfm/ID/1961/attr1/5775?utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CJ&utm_source=CJ

These Kenneth Cole gladiator - style heels add a bit of flare with a 5" stacked heel and tie up detail. They can add any element of surprise to a cute skirt or flirty dress. They come in at a $160 price tag so you may have to save up for the purchase, but they will be well worth the wait.

Grand Stand Sandal in Black
http://www.kennethcole.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12242178&om=affiliate

Now that you've seen a few examples of the gladiator sandals you may be saying, they look nice but what should I wear with them? I'm glad you asked! Ali to the rescue! Here are a few ideas to create a vision board for your new gladiators sandals/heels.


GLADIATOR PREP PRINCESS
This gladiator prep princess look gives you a little glimpse of prep with this rose colored blazer, a bit of rock -n-roll with the graphic tank and leather shorts, and a little edge with the over the knee gladiator heels. You can wear this outfit during a night out on the town with your boo or to a concert with a group of friends! No matter where you decide you will be sure to look HOT!

Gladiator Prep by alifashionsense featuring t by alexander wang

Monki patterned shirt, $20 / Chloé , $1,835 / T By Alexander Wang , $630 / Tom Ford black high heel boots / Quilted handbag / Retro eyewear


CASUAL WEEKEND GLADIATOR
This is a casual look that you can throw on while running errands on the weekend. You can go shopping or attend weekend brunch with your girls all while looking put together! I love the how the pastel pants dress up the denim jacket and the metallic gladiators add a little extra bling!

Casual Weekend Gladiator by alifashionsense featuring quilted handbags

Mango shirt, $14 / AG Adriano Goldschmied vintage jean jacket, $420 / Chloé / Charlotte Russe gladiator sandals / ALDO quilted handbag / Essie nail polish


Hopefully these outfits have given you some ideas how to pair your gladiators. So get to it ladies :) I'm sure you will all look fly once you throw them on.

Mommy & Me

I was skimming through a magazine today and the issue was geared around mother's, in lieu Mother's Day. After reviewing the magazine, I decided I wanted to write a post to help mommies look their absolute best :)

Although I'm not a mom, it warms my heart, as a fashionista to see a family (moms, child(ren), and even dads) look like a fashionable unit. It doesn't matter that they have busy bodies to look after...they choose to throw away the mom jeans and trade them in for their skinnies! You don't have to wear sweats to be comfortable, just like you don't have to wear stilettos to look fashionable. Take a page from these awesome moms on how to balance being a fashion forward mommy (aka a momanista) on a mission.


LALA & KIYAN
If you've ever seen LaLa's Full Court Life you know that she is one busy "momma!" She balances her love for her work along with the love for her husband, son, and friends. One thing I love about LaLa is her ability to dress casual while on mommy - duty. She brings a cool, hip edge to mommy hood!

JUNE AMBROSE & SUMMER
If you've read Ali's Fashion Sense over the last year, you know I love and truly admire Ms. June Ambrose! She is such an awesome inspiration. Not only is she a trendy fashion stylist to some of the hottest stars (Jay -Z, Michelle Williams, Mariah Carey etc.) she is also a self proclaimed "rockmom," who prides herself in the involvement of her children (daughter Summer and son Chance). I follow her on Instagram, and although her life couldn't get any busier as a stylist, shoe designer, and mother she always looks her best (even when she's dressed down) and even cooks healthy gourmet dinners every night and shares the delicious meals with her IG followers.

KOURTNEY KARDASHIAN, PENELOPE, & MASON
America has been "Keeping Up With the Kardashian's" over the years and have seen the eldest daughter of the Kardashian Klan go from a cute, preppy socialite to a fierce, fashionable mom! Kourtney's style has evolved over the years, but one that hasn't changed as she's traded in her single - life to mommy hood is her timeless, classic style. She's not afraid to play with prints, sheer garments, or even stilettos and leather.

SOLANGE & JUELZ; BEYONCE & BLUE IVY
The Knowles girls have been on top of their games for years. With Beyonce doing everything under the sun from the Super Bowl, singing at the inauguration, to endorsements from H&M and Pepsi to her sister Solange DJ'ing, and taking the fashion world by storm with her fearless natural fro and her funky style! These ladies sure know how to look A-M-A-Z-I-N-G while being mom's on the go. Plus their kids are always well dressed "accessories" to two of the hottest chicks in the game. 

JILL SCOTT & JETT; TOYA WRIGHT & REGINAE CARTER
Not only can Jill Scott belt out a smooth R&B tune but the mommy of one is the epitome of cool sassiness with her choice of bold hair statements down to the way she dresses. 

Toya Wright has grown with her daughter Reginae over the years. The pair looks more like sisters but the dynamic duo always are flawless in their trendy gear from Jordan's to Stilettos. Toya shows us how to juggle being a "hot momma" of a teenage daughter! 

All the mothers as you can see have a unique style but one thing they have in common is the fact that they are NOT confined by the status quo of classic comfort indicators (sweatpants and sneakers). They are able to channel the fierce women they are all while balancing the greatest honor of all...MOTHERHOOD!

Here are a few tips to get you on the path to being a stylish mom (if you aren't already)!

Shoes: Invest in cute flats and sandals (save the pumps for date night or a night out on the town...once you have a baby sitter of course)

Flats are a way to look fresh without wearing sneakers. All the flats above can be found at Aldo. 

Undergarments: You may have just had your baby not to long ago so invest in some undergarments that can give you a faux shape until you are able to shed the baby weight through diet and exercise!

Try a garment like this (Spanx) to help suck in those areas that you want to camouflage.

Purse: Use your cute oversized purse as a diaper bag. Who says your diaper bag can't be as stylish as you and your baby?

This Black Charlie Bag is a purse that doubles as a diaper bag. You can find it at Timi & Leslie for $159.99 (http://www.shoptimiandleslie.com/Charlie-black.aspx#.UW1_MI61N0o) 

Hair: Snag a new hair do just in time for spring to spruce up your look.

Viola Davis' hair transformation helps her to achieve a fresh "new" look

Alicia Keys chopped off her locks to achieve this chic bob

Body: Take time to keep it tight. It's okay to take time for yourself to make sure you are healthy. If you can't make it to the gym, take your kids to the park and incorporate them into your workout (i.e. play tag, or run around the track with your kids etc.).

This post is in homage to all the awesome moms out there. I especially want to give a shout out to the greatest mother of all, my mother!!!!! Hopefully this post will give you the boost, for all you mom's who've gotten stuck in a fashion rut. No, worries the fab you is down inside, you just have to resurrect her!!! :) Let your inner "Rockmom" shine through! You deserve it :)

I Love Lucite

"Lucite"(pronounced Lou - Site) according to Webster's Dictionary is "an acrylic resin or plastic consisting essentially of polymerized methyl methacrylate." 

In layman's terms lucite is simply a (colorless), highly transparent solid piece of plastic. Even though lucite is just a piece of plastic on paper, it is now finding its way into one of Springs hottest fashion trends. 

I've noticed lucite accessories floating around the internet and in some of your favorite stores on accessories such as sandals, purses, and even necklaces. I wanted to help you explore these unique pieces just in time for spring! Take a look below.

LUCITE LOVE
Check out these awesome lucite accessories:

1. Michael Kors Lucite Chronograph Watch - $225  

2. Super Crystal Sunglasses - $114

3. BCBGeneration "Cynthia" Pumps - $89

4. Vince Camuto Lucite Crisscross Bracelet - $108

5. Qupid Arctic 10x Lucite Strappy Platform Heels - $42.10 (makemechic.com)

6. CC Skye Bright Love Lucite Clutch - $250

7.  Forever 21 Studded Tote - $19.80

8. Kate Spade Transparent Bow Bangle - Price Unknown

9. Urban Outfitters "Wah Wah the Sol Cuff Bracelet" - $180

Check out more cool statement lucite pieces:

1. Briana Fano Necklace - Price Unknown

2. Juicy Couture Lucite Minaudiere - $148

3. Sergio Rossi Multicolored Sandals - Price Unknown 

4. Kenneth Jay Lane Clear Lucite Link Necklace -$135

5. Target Bubble Umbrella - $19.99

6. Nastygal "Ashsky Platform" - $132 

After checking out these lucite accessories are you simply in love yet? I know I am. This trend is a dream for the creative fashionista who wants a great "statement piece" to spice up a simple, plain outfit!

Ebony & Ivory Sunday Recap

There is nothing new about the pairing of black and white garments. Yet it is a timeless color duo that has withstood the times and trends in the fashion realm. So I channeled my best "ebony and ivory" to pull off my version of "Sunday's Best."

I chose a simple black skirt that I got for $3.50 from Goodwill, a black and white graphic blouse that I bought from Forever 21 a couple years ago and my cream blazer with leather detailing from Forever 21. I decided to add a pop of color with my neon Prabal Gurung sandals from Target to spice up the look and take it to the next level.

ITS ALL IN THE DETAILS
Here's an up close look at the accessories that I wore on Sunday. The lemon/lime colored shoes are from Target and the feather necklace is from Charlotte Russe. 

EBONY & IVORY
I really like this outfit! It is looks polished yet young and fresh. Plus the neon pop of color adds an unexpected bonus :)

WITH OR WITHOUT
I tried to see what the outfit would look like with or without the jacket. I like both looks. SN: Come here, let me let you in on a little secret. The black and white graphic blouse that I am wearing is worn backwards. Too me it dips to low (especially going to church...I don't want my cleavage showing) so I just turn it around and wear it backwards to avoid continuously pulling the shirt up!

I usually gather fashion inspiration from magazines and most importantly handy dandy Google lol. So if  my black and white looks did not get you scheming on your next ebony and ivory outfit, take a page from these sleek celebrities lookbooks.

BLACK & WHITE CELEBRITY LOOKBOOKS
I love to use celebrites as my fashion muses. It helps me to pull looks together to reinvent the wardrobe that I currently have in my closet. Hopefully these young, black, and fabulous women get you excited about wearing black and white.

Tracee Ellis Ross, Beyonce, Kelly Rowland, NeNe Leakes, and Taraji P. Henson all slayed in their black and white ensembles.

Leona Lewis, Brandy, Angela, June Ambrose, Ciara, and Janelle Monae in their black and white looking absolutely fab!!!

What black and white pieces will you be mixing and matching this spring *cues ebony and ivory by MJ!*

White Wash

I absolutely love Spring. Its brings about the transition of beautiful colors, flowers, rain, and sunshine! But more over than those things mentioned it brings about a new rotation of clothing options that you can begin to wear (and who's not happy about that). A few weeks ago I showed you some hot white options for sandals. Today, I will unleash some ideas for white, monochromatic wardrobe options that will leave you looking refreshing, polished, and powerful.

ALL WHITE EVERYTHING

I have gathered an array of Ali's Fashion Sense's most popular celebs to show you how to pull off the monochromatic "All White Everything" trend. As you can see from the celebs below (Kim K, LaLa, Kelly Rowland, Solange, Beyonce, Rihanna, and Lisa Raye), if you pick the right silhouette (and the right undergarments...don't forget about that ladies) you can "shine bright like a diamond" in white from head to toe. Whether its a dress, peplum, jeans, collared shirt, or all white suit you can bring the heat and look like the angel you are!

Kim Kardashian goes with a chic peplum, white skinny jeans, and nude pumps to create her casual white wash look
LaLa ramps up the sophistication in her white dress, nude pumps, and a gold statement necklace
LaLa's bestie Kelly Rowland keeps it classy in a white embellished sleeveless top, and white slacks, also notice she paired her ensemble with black shoes
Solange accompanies her wild and free afro with a sleek jacket, and mini shirt dress to show off her gorgeous legs, plus she topped off the look with her black ankle strap sandals
Beyonce appears polished in this fitted monochromatic white suit

DOUBLE DOSE OF WHITE
If the pictures above didn't give you enough inspiration allow these lovely ladies below to give you a double dose of white!

Rihanna is shown in an understated all white medley, she simply paired a crisp white collared shirt that has rib detailing with a white pencil skirt
Lisa Raye took the white suit concept with a playful spin, adding gold accessories to make it pop
Bey (again) during her NFL promo runs slayed in this white mini dress with cut - out back detailing (not seen above)
A pregnant Kim Kardashian killed in this architectural white jacket and white slacks

As you can see, all you need are a few white staple pieces to create a monochromatic white ensemble. To take your pieces to the next level try pairing them with nude, gold/silver, or a pop of color when it comes to your shoes and accessories. And for extra credit wear white polish on your nails and toes to really get the "white wash" point across. Will you be tapping into your fountain of white this Spring?

Easter Recap

Yesterday we celebrated the rising of Christ after spending 3 days in the grave! Which is why we crown the day Resurrection Sunday! This blog post is for those that get super fresh for Easter church service and for those that just chill at home. Check out my Easter recap!

I woke up early (6AM) to get my Easter dinner together. My hubby made a roast (in the crock pot...pictured below) the night before, then I made mac and cheese (pictured below), yams, greens, and a lemon dessert. Then me, my husband, and my younger brother (in - law) all went to get our praise on, in the house of the Lord.

Mac & Cheese is one of my favorite foods to eat :)

The roast my hubby made...it was delicious

RED, WHITE, & BLACK
I picked up a thrifted red skirt from Goodwill the other day for $3.50, and knew that this was going to be a part of my Easter ensemble. I went shirt by shirt (in my closet) until I found this striped red and white blouse. And paired it with a black Forever 21 blazer to pull the look together.

My Easter Ensemble:
I purchased NOTHING for this look except my skirt
which I  bought thrifted from Goodwill for  $3.50
Everything else was already in my closet:
Tweed Jacket with Metal Detail - Forever 21
Striped Red & White Puffed Sleeve - Forever 21
Red Pencil Skirt - Thrifted from Goodwill
Patent Leather Jessica Simpson Pumps - DSW
Silver Michael Kors Watch - Macy's
Junk Necklace - Mall Kiosk 

Check out my good side(s) lol

Here is the look without the jacket. I love the sleeve detail on the shirt

Extras: Me and my hubby color coordinated after Easter service :)

All in all, my Easter was great. Great church service, great food, great fellowship with my family, and great basketball (MARCH MADNESS: Let's go Blue)!!!!