Monday, May 6, 2013

Ask Ali - "The Art Museum Mom"

When I started this blog, I did so more for my passion for fashion and my hidden love for writing. I didn't know that people would actually read the blog and enjoy it (WHICH I MUST SAY I AM GLAD THAT YOU DO LOL)!!!! But one of the coolest things about having my own fashion blog comes when I receive questions from subscribers, loyal fans, friends, and family about fashion trends, styles, or stores.

Over the past couple of weeks, I have been getting more and more requests and questions about different blog post ideas, fashion trends, and makeovers so I decided I would start a reoccurring post called "Ask Ali!" Where you can shoot me an email (text if you have my personal number) or hit me up on the Ali Fashion Sense Facebook page to have a fashion question answered.

Today's "Ask Ali" comes from a college buddy of mine. She reached out to me on my Facebook Fan Page and asked:

"Could u do a blog about business casual wardrobe staples? As a new mom, my wardrobe has suffered these last few months. I am returning to the job force again at an art museum!! I want to make sure I have all the right pieces still and that I'm not BORING! What would you wear if you worked at an art museum?"
-Amber P.

I've heard it can be tough transitioning back to work after having a baby, so I wanted to lend Amber (along with all other mothers transitioning back to work) some options to hopefully help her get her swag back as she goes back to work!!!

Working at an art museum you want to be fashionable but not over the top (think cute black dress...not Carrie in a tutu). I would say definitely hit up vintage shops, consignment shops, for unique accessories that will ramp up a simple dress or silhouette. Grab a pair of cute flats that are comfy but have pizazz.  Lastly, don't be afraid of prints (even mixing prints). Here are a few examples of work attire that you can adopt (hopefully)!

BLACK & WHITE WITH A TWIST
This look takes two simple colors (black and white) and adds a dash of color to give you an unexpected dose of sunshine. BONUS: The two - tone tuxedo trousers will help to shave a couple pounds by creating an optical illusion slimming effect (hows that for art)?  


Art Museum Look 1


Mossimo tank top
target.com



Dkny pants
$335 - farfetch.com



Astley Clarke silver earrings
$140 - astleyclarke.com


Dorothy perkin
dorothyperkins.com




COLORED TROUSERS 
Choose a bright colored pant to help you stand out amongst all the amazing art work. Pump up the volume by wearing sequin during the day (like this sequined blouse). Top off the look by wearing a pair of ballet flats in a nude color. Show your artsy side by finding a set of matching broaches to create embellishments for your flats.

All That Glitters Is Gold




BOLD PRINTS
Since you work at an art museum you have a little more leeway (I would imagine) than let's say a banker on Wall Street as far as dress code goes. So don't be afraid of bold prints, colors, and funky/quirky things that will help you stand out! It will show that not only are you creative, but you can be well put together.


Geometric Flow



Jewelry department
$31 - houseoffraser.co.uk


Manolo Blahnik peep toe shoes
bergdorfgoodman.com


Seiko gold watch
$350 - johnlewis.com


Kate Spade bow belt
katespade.com





Hopefully this post has given Amber along with all the rest of my readers some inspiration on how to dress fierce at work without being BORING or being overlooked. If you have any fashion questions email me at alifashionsense@gmail.com or hit me up on my facebook page at facebook.com/AliFashionSense

Have a great day!

-Ali

Friday, May 3, 2013

Graduation Style Files

Tis the season of spring, babies, weddings, birthdays, and graduation. For all those students who are scholastically ending one book of life and beginning a new chapter I absolutely salute you. Whether you are graduating from high school and about the enter college (or the services) or if you are graduating form a collegiate level about to head out in the real world, I am super proud of you! During this momentous occasion, you will have family and friends travel from near and far to celebrate with you. So you MUST put your best foot forward. Here are some ideas to wear for graduation so you can sit through countless speeches, turn your tassel, walk across that glorious stage, and take dozens of photos with family and friends in style.


WHITE WONDER
This outfit takes a plain white cotton dress and uses three bold colors to accessorize. I always like to have a bold shoe for graduation because that's what people will see while you are proudly rocking your cap and gown!

Graduation Gear



Christian louboutin sandals
christianlouboutin.com


Deux lux
shopbop.com


GUESS analog watch
guess.com


Yellow necklace
boticca.com



Nyx lipstick
nastygal.com


Essie nail polish
beauty.com




PAINT THE NIGHT BLACK
This outfit is super sleek! It takes very simple silhouettes and monochromatic textured pieces to create an amazing look for the graduate or a graduation attendee. Either way you will be sure to look fly!


Gorgeous Graduate


Sleeveless shirt
$14 - newlook.com


River Island vegan leather skirt
$23 - riverisland.com



Michael michael kors handbag
net-a-porter.com


Ben Amun chain link necklace
couturecandy.com


Yellow gold jewelry
karmaloop.com


Graduation hat
graduationsource.com


Opi nail lacquer
$18 - asos.com




LADY IN RED
This red sheath is a classic. It's bold, it's powerful, and it's cute! I've toned it down with nude accessories so that the dress is what grabs others attention (since all attention will be on you anyways as you cross that stage)!


Glamorous Graduate




Nude clutch
$20 - newlook.com



Stella Dot long necklace
stelladot.com


Butter London nail lacquer
$19 - johnlewis.com




Whether you are sporting the cap and gown or just a graduation spectator make sure you are looking your absolute best! If not you will look back at the pictures from this special moment and say..."what was I thinking?" and we know we don't want that to happen. Use this post as your inspiration and I know you all will look awesome!

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE CLASS OF 2013!!!!! I wish you all blessing and a prosperous future. To all else have a great weekend :)

Love,
Ali

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Ali Trend Alert: Ankle Cuffs



Ankle cuffs are a trend that I've seen on the rise the last few months. In my mind they pay homage to the old school "ankle bracelets" that we used to rock back when I was a little whippersnapper. Ankle cuffs are a piece of hardware, that can help to spruce up a pair of pumps, wedges, or flats. Usually coming in gold, ankle cuffs allow you to to bring an unexpected element to an simple outfit.

You can get ankle cuffs that are attached to the actual shoes or your can buy or create your own so that you are able to switch and swap the cuffs with an array of shoes. Here is some inspiration on how to rock the cuffs.


ANKLE CUFF LOOKBOOK

WEBSITES TO PURCHASE ANKLE CUFFS
If you are digging the trend, here are some websites where you can find them.

1. Beejewel.com (http://beejewel.bigcartel.com/product/gold-anklet-cuff): $35





2. Backstage.bigcartel.com (http://backstage.bigcartel.com/product/gold-silver-color-mirrors-metal-ankle-cuff-1-pairs): $42


If you are not sold 100% on the ankle cuffs, check out these sandals that already come with gold cuffs attached.

1. Jeffrey Campbell Congo Sandal, Beige/Gold: $150 (cusp.com)
2. Chinese Laundry Women's Lucky Charm Gold & Orange Sandals: $100 (vanmildert.com)
3. Guess by Marciano Arlene Pump: $208 (guessbymarciano.guess.com)
4. Jeffrey Campbell The Malice Shoe in Gold and Suede: $148 (karmaloop.com)
Hopefully, you are excited as me about this trend! Will be purchasing your own ankle cuffs? I know I will, just in time for summer! 

Happy Thursday luvs. Have a great day :)

-Ali