Denim and Leather: OOTD

Hey luvs. Today I am coming to you with a quick OOTD. All these pieces you've seen before but I'm the queen of remixing outfits to make them seem new lol! The key to remixing an outfit is a few key pieces. Once you have some statement pieces you can create numerous outfits with a little bit of creativity. Today's outfit I will show you a couple ways to rock denim and leather.

The first look takes my cognac leather shorts that I picked up from Kohl's (The Lauren Conrad Collection) a couple summers ago. Paired with my denim button up (Target), and my burnt orange blazer (Forever 21). I completed the look with a few accessories like my cheetah scarf (turned into a turban from Charlotte Russe), knee high cutout gladiators (Makemechic.com), and gold jewelry from various places.

::Blazer: Forever 21::
::Denim Button Up: Target::
::Cognac Leather Shorts: Kohl's::
::Knee High Cutout Gladiators: Makemechic.com::
::Leopard Print Scarf: Charlotte Russe::

The second look I just removed the jacket and it gives off a slightly different vibe.

IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS
Here's an up close look at the gold accessories that I decided to wear.

L to R:
::Gold Bracelet: Forever 21::
::Gold Watch: Target::
::Gold Herringbone: Forever 21::
::Layered Gold Chain: Thrifted::

What are your favorite items to remix? A pair of leggings? A dress? Your favorite sandals? Let me know below in the comment section! Have a wonderful day luvs :)

-Ali

Weekend Recap: The Jacksonville Edition

Hey fashion sensers! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Mine was full of fun and adventure. Wanna see? Well, get ready because it's time for the weekend recap!

This weekend we (my husband, my youngest brother in - law, and I) went to Jacksonville, FL to celebrate with the baby bro (in - law) who was turning 20!!! He wanted to be by some water so he chose the Jacksonville scenery, and boy am I glad he did. For those that didn't know, I used to live in Florida for five years while attending the illustrious Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, FL. However, I would visit Jacksonville, FL often because one of my brothers (and his family) lived there at the time. So I'm no stranger to Jacksonville. But, I must admit I forgot the charm that the city provided with great shopping, beach views, and good ole' Florida sunshine :)

Friday we took off from GA, checked into our hotel, went to dinner at Bonefish restaurant (where I ordered chicken fingers and fries lol I don't like seafood) then headed bowling! I averaged 94.5 points (not too bad, although I messed up my manicure). I chose to sport my printed pants from, my neon cropped top, white denim vest, white studded sandals, and white feather statement necklace.

WE OWN THE NIGHT
Recap of the night.

Bowling Recap:
 "Me and the Hubster"
"Check the Footwork"
"Got Balls?"

OUTFIT OF THE DAY & NIGHT (OOTD/OOTN)
I tried out something new. What ya think?

Outfit of the Day: Crops & Prints
::Neon Cropped Top: Charlotte Russe::
::White Denim Vest: Forever 21::
::Printed Trousers: Forever 21::
::White Studded Sandals: Charming Charlie's::
::White Feather Necklace: Charlotte Russe::
::Michael Kors Watch::Macy's::

Saturday was jammed pack with fun. We started off the morning with a complimentary breakfast then I got to head to my favorite place of all...the mall. I only visited 1 store the entire 2 hour visit. Can you guess which one? If not, don't worry, I will be doing a "Mini Haul" video for you all. After the mall visit we hit up the movies to see Two Guns (with Denzel Washington and Mark Walberg). The movie was not what I expected but it was interesting. It definitely kept my attention. After our movie we hit up a beach side Mexican Restaurant called "The Pier" where I had a delicious burrito! We capped off the night soaking our feet in the sand while the water peacefully washed it away overlooking a beautiful sunswr at the beach! I even was able to get an awesome smoothie from one of the best smoothie places ever...Tropical Smoothie.

"THE PIER" MEXICAN FOOD & FUN
We ate at "The Pier" a Mexican restaurant with an awesome view of the beach and boardwalk!! The food was delicious.

L to R:
Derrius throwing the thumbs up, My Dinner (delicious)!, The view from the restaurant, The ambiance, Me and my boo 

BEACH LIFE
Life is but a beach!!! 

L to R:
Being calmed by the sound of the waves, Catching the sun set, Names in the sand (Derrek & Alishia), Footsies, Brotherly Love (my bro and hubby)

Sunday we got up, got our breakfast and hit the road! Once back in GA we chillaxed and watched a Netflix movie (Erased...I would definitely recommend it). I threw on my swagged out travel clothes.  My leather tee, distressed jeans, and colorblocked sandals...with my fav red lip!

TRAVEL CLOTHES
Nothing major, just a little light work.

OOTD: Leather Luxe
::Leather Tee with Sheer Back: Off The 5th::
::Distressed Jeans: TJ Maxx::
::Color Blocked Sandals: New York Boutique::
::Junk Necklace: Charming Charlie's::
::Michael Kors Watch: Macy's::
::Nars Mascate Matte Lipstick: Sephora::

All in all, I must say...this weekend was amazing. I was with great people, had good food (I pigged out...I gotta workout EXTRA HARD this week), did amazing things (went to the beach, the movies, bowling etc.) and got a chance to change scenery. Not too bad huh? What did you get into this weekend? Most importantly what did you wear?

Cocktails with Claire from Fashion Bomb Daily

Last night, I attended my second (ever) fashion networking event "Cocktails with Claire" at the W Hotel downtown Atlanta with the uber chic, fashion editor - in - chief, of the largest urban fashion blog site "Fashion Bomb Daily." Claire's refreshing savvy blog is one that fashionistas across the world (literally) flock to daily to gain fashion inspiration, site the hottest upcoming trends, and even research how to score big celebrity threads. So when she announced she was doing three networking events in the month of August and Atlanta was the first stop on the tour, I knew I had to be in the building!

Check out the Fashion Bomb Daily at www.fashionbombdaily.com

THE SCENE
The event was held at the urban chic W Hotel downtown Atlanta at the "Wet" (16th floor, poolside venue) outside oasis. A perfect fit for the crowd of Atlanta's sleek fashion forward fashionistas. 

The awesome ambiance of the elegant W Hotel

Poolside views of the "Wet" Outdoor Oasis

MY OOTN
I had NO clue what to wear to a fashion networking event. I wanted something that would be classy and chic, but would allow me to "stand out!" So my OOTN ("Outfit of the Night") consisted of all pieces you've seen before if you follow Ali's Fashion Sense. I wore my cream tuxedo blazer, black romper, glittery platform heels, and snakeskin clutch to round out my look for "Cocktails with Claire."

:: Cream Tuxedo Blazer: Forever 21::
:: Romper: Forever 21::
::Gianni Bini Platforms: Belk::
::Snakeskin Clutch: Target::

How cool are these abstract art pieces at the W Hotel?

 THE GUEST OF HONOR
Claire looked absolutely stunning with her golden locks, sun kissed skin, and her floral flowy dress! She was very sweet and was beautiful inside and out! I was honored to meet such an awesome, inspiring chick!!

ADDED BONUS
You never know who you will meet at these fashion networking events. Not only was I blessed to meet one of my favorite fashion bloggers (Claire - Fashion Bomb Daily), I was blessed to meet two :). I bumped into Mattie (from Mattieologie.com). I absolutely LOVE her blog and will be attending her second annual "Style Bloggers of Color" Conference in Miami, FL this October. She has such an inviting energy! Very petite yet super stylish. "Can we get into this turban for a minute?" (Yesssss honey)!!! My night was made after meeting her and Claire!

JUST THE EXTRAS
I had an amazing time at the event. And hope to add more events like this on my to - do - list as an up and coming blogger so I can meet and be inspired more by these awesome fashion blog icons (at least in my book)! SN: I must say thanks to the most amazing husband EVER! Not only was he my ride or die partner in crime last night (driving 1.5 hrs with me to Atlanta on a work night so I could meet my fav bloggers) he also was my photographer! So I just wanna say "Thanks honey, you're the absolute best!"

Me and my guy ; )

Just some extras: pool view, "W" napkin, logo, cocktail, Fashion Bomb Daily "Cocktails with Claire" sign

As a fashion blogger who's still trying to navigate and get my fashion view and voice out into the humongous fashion stratosphere, it's always nice to go to fashion networking events to see how other successful fashion bloggers have built brands on their shear creativity and personal visions of fashion and style. I said all of that to say, I look up to those women and men who have stepped out on a limb to follow their passion for fashion and have created mini empires in the process just by being themselves and voicing their opinions about style to the world! I too hope to get to a platform such as these great bloggers but until then I will continue to grow, learn, and evolve into the best fashion blogger I can be! Thanks for being on this continuous journey with me :) *Happy Thursday luvs*

-Ali

Fashion Violations & Citations

Have you ever been out and just saw someone who was indeed in an ultimate fashion violation and you wanted to call the Fashion Police? Well, today I am introducing a new post that is dedicated to avoiding these easy fashion traps so that you will always be on the "Best Dressed List" instead of the "Worst."

Let me make this very clear, I am not writing this post to bash or put anyone down. I just want all my subbies and readers to look your most "flawless" selves when you walk out the door everyday. So here are a couple fashion faux paus that we will discuss and how to do it the correct way!!! READY, SET, GO.

FASHION VIOLATION #1: LEGGINGS UNCENSORED 
These legging violations will have you holding your breath. Don't grab a legging citation by making the same mistakes (buttocks fully exposed, see through leggings, camel toe)  as these fashion victims. 

Leggings are like tights. Most are made out of thin material and can be see through. So you don't want to have your entire backside exposed because unfortunate situations such as the pictures shown above can occur.  Leggings are meant to be covered. Would you go out of your house in a pair of tights? Most would say no. So here are the correct ways to wear leggings!


LEGGINGS DONE RIGHT
Start with the thickest quality of leggings you can find. Then begin to layer!!! You can use a chic blouse and structured boyfriend blazer to give you a sophisticated look. Adding well polished accessories like over the knee boots, gold hoops, and a black clutch will complete the look to land you on the best dressed list :)

FASHION VIOLATION #2: WEARING A BODYSUIT/LEOTARD AS AN OUTFIT
I know Beyonce' killed it in her "Single Ladies" video with her slick choreography, beat face, and her leotard/bodysuit. But B gets a pass because she was "entertaining." Bodysuits can be cute when paired with a skirt, or jeans...but they aren't garments that are meant to stand alone. "Friends don't let friends wear bodysuits by themselves!"

Don't be that chick caught in the club rocking a leotard/bodysuit with tights and some booties and think you're "killing the game!" The only people who should be caught dead in leotards in public are ballerina's at a dance studio. All hope is not lost though. There are ways to pull off wearing a bodysuit/leotard with style and grace.

BANGING BODYSUITS
Grab your "dopest" bodysuit and dress it up to perfection using a leather skater skirt, studded platforms, and cool accessories (like the Mickey Mouse inspired sunglasses and bunny ear cross body bag). You will be sure to turn heads (in a good way)!

I won't overload you with fashion violations (because we could be here all day). But lets do a quick recap. If you wear leggings be sure to get a thick grade of material (leather or thick cotton), cover your bum (with a long jacket, tunic, or sweater), and DON'T wear bodysuits solo!!!! Got it? Great!!!! What are some fashion "no - no's" that you can't stand seeing in public? Let me know in the comment section below. And as always have a great day luvs!

-Ali

Weekend Recap

Good Morning luvs. How are you feeling this great Monday morning? I feel amazing, thankful, and ready to take on another Monday! But before I jump at crossing off the things on my to - do - list I wanted to give you a brief style weekend recap.

HOW TO DRESS DOWN A PAIR OF LEATHER SHORTS
This weekend was pretty jammed packed. Friday, Derrek and I ran some errands around town. Had some lunch at the hibachi grill, then went on an impromptu date at the $2.00 movie theatre to see "Fast 6." That movie was a - maz-ing!!! There was so much action and suspense until the very end. I wore a casual chic look taking a sheer rose colored blouse (with a white cami underneath - not pictured), paired with my cognac leather shorts, and tan cutout gladiators. I chose rose gold accessories to complete the look.

Rose Colored Blouse (Forever 21), Cognac Leather Shorts (Kohl's), Cutout Gladiators (Makemechic.com), Rose Gold Watch (Charming Charlie's), Rose Gold Necklace (Mall Kiosk)

What I love most about these leather shorts (besides the fact they I am leather obsessed and they are comfortable) is the fact that you can style them up or down. You could easily pair these shorts with some pumps and sequined top to get a look for a night on the town, or wear it as I did above to keep it casual and chic.

DENIM & WHITE "HOW TO STYLE A PLAIN MAXI DRESS"
Saturday, I knew I had a jammed pack day. I had a praise team rehearsal early on in the day, I had a dinner celebration for a friend that night (at a Japanese Steak House - Ichiban). So, I knew I wanted to wear something comfortable but also stylish that could transition from day to night seamlessly :) Here's what I came up with!

White Maxi Dress (New York & Co.), Denim Button Up (Target), Layered Statement Necklace (Forever 21), Silver Michael Kors Watch (Macy's), Silver Ring (Forever 21), Louis Vuitton Speedy (Gift)

From Day to Night: Daytime Shoe - White Jeweled Sandals (Charming Charlie's), Nighttime Shoe - Chocolate Gladiators (DSW)

If you're ever in doubt how to uniquely style your maxi dress, grab a structured denim button up (or any kind of button up, it doesn't have to be denim...it could be plaid or a solid color) and tie it in a knot. Then add a cool statement piece (like a necklace) to add some flavor to the simple silhouette. I chose to  add an awesome layered statement necklace to give the look a little more "va-va-voom." During the day, I paired the look with some white jeweled sandals (Charming Charlie's). For the evening look, I wore my chocolate gladiator sandals (DSW). I kept my hair in a simple top knot bun to keep the focus on the outfit, and accessorized it with a blue turban headband.


HOW TO TAME DOWN A BRIGHT COLORED SKIRT
My Sunday, was equally packed but I had a great time.  First, I had to sing at our 9:45AM church service (it was an amazing service by the way)! Following service I attended a brunch in honor of four senior girls (at our church...one was absent) who are in the Girl's Ministry that I'm apart of. We dined on wonderful food and had girl talk...giving the seniors words of encouragement and advice as they transition to the next phase of life (whether it be going to college or attending the military). After the brunch I came home snagged a nap, woke up and ate dinner while watching movies on Netflix (a great way to end the night). As with Saturday's OOTD/OOTN I wanted to ensure this outfit would be appropriate for church, but casual enough to transition to an informal brunch. It worked out perfectly. 

Multi - Colored Paint Stroke Skirt (Forever 21), Coral Solid Tee (Forever 21), Denim Jacket (Forever 21), Off White Sandals (Aldo), Statement Necklace (Charming Charlie's), Michael Kors Watch (Macy's)

If you have a skirt that is very busy (in my case, with an abundance of bright colors), the best way to tone it down is by keeping it simple up top (so your top and bottom aren't competing). I chose to pick one of the many colors in the skirt for my tee. I then topped off the outfit with a denim jacket to pull the look together. I added some off white sandals to give me some added height and fabulosity and added some silver accessories to complete the look.

Overall, I'm very pleased with my weekend looks and I had a ball spending quality time with the hubby, dining with friends, worshiping God, and even handing out some advice to the younger generation about growing up, making good decisions and transitioning into the next phase of life. I pray that I have a great upcoming week, and I hope you do the same! And hopefully you learned how to uniquely style a maxi and how to tone down a busy skirt. Will you try any of these trends? I sure hope so :) Let me know your favorite looks in the comments below!!

-Ali

Comic Relief

Who would have ever thought that cartoon comics and fashion would collide? Well, thanks to designers taping into their childhood memories of watching and reading comics they have seamlessly and brilliantly meshed fashion with animation.


COMIC GEEK
Let your inner geek shine, in this comfy comic crop top, boyfriend jeans, and classic converse. You can don this super fun outfit while having movie night with your beau (or hubby) as you watch your favorite comic brought to life (Iron Man, The Hulk, Spider Man, X - Men etc.).

Comic Geek by alifashionsense featuring graphic shirts

COMIC CHIC
Go from Clark Kent to Super"wo"man in this chic comic bodycon dress and extra cute "Pow" clutch and doorknockers. You can wear this for girls night out. You will be sure to turn heads!

Comic Chic by alifashionsense featuring a comic book

Are you bold enough to wear a story on your sleeve (literally)? Will you be willing to gain some comic relief (let me know in the comment bars below)? TGIF luvs :)

-Ali

Numbers Never Lie

We're now back to our regularly scheduled program lol. I hope you all enjoyed "Ali's 31 Days of Fresh." I know I had a great time. And I pray you all are having a productive day thus far. So, let's get into it, shall we?

Remember back in like 02 - 03 when oversized throwback jerseys and fitted jersey dresses hit the scene? Yea, well those days have come and gone. New "jerseys" have hit the scene and they've gotten total makeovers. You know how we used to find the coolest way to represent our favorite sports (basketball, football, baseball, hockey) team/favorite player and rock it fanatically? Well, now the new "jersey's 2.0" have ditched the player and the team and simply left the numbers!

...AIN'T NOTHING BUT A NUMBER
You know what they say. Women lie, men lie, but NUMBERS NEVER LIE. So check out the newest way to express your numerical pride :)

THROWBACK THURSDAY....VINTAGE NUMBERS

In honor of Throwback Thursday I decided to flashback to the early 2000's where fashion and sports collided to create an urban phenomenon...none other than JERSEY DRESSES! I had to go way back to the vaults of my Senior Memory Book to get this photo. Peep the Boston Celtics jersey dress (donning number 34) with the sleeves, the tube socks and the jellies. I was killin' em'. At least so I thought lol. Don't hold it against me, I was fly for the new millennium.

What's the verdict? Will you run out to find your favorite numbered jersey? I know I will!!! If you are looking for stores that sell these number jerseys check out my favs Forever 21, Asos.com, GoJane.com etc. Enjoy your Thursday luvs.

-Ali