Friday, May 16, 2014

Vegas.com #MyVegasStyle Challenge


Have you heard the saying..."What Happens in Vegas...Ends on Facebook?" In lieu of our advances in technology there is no better way to share your wild and crazy vacation excursions with your family and friends via popular social media outlets. So when I was contacted by the Content Director from Vegas.com about joining in (along with other bloggers) on their upcoming #MyVegasStyle challenge I was ecstatic to join in on the fun. 

THE CHALLENGE
"We would love to see your take on a day at the Aria Resort & Casino, one of Las Vegas’ premier hotel properties. Whether it’s lunch at Lemongrass, dinner at Javier’s, or a night out at Haze Nightclub, show us how your outfit transitions throughout the day."

MY TAKE
With those guidelines given I quickly ran to Aria.com to see the space that I would be inspired by (you can check out their website here). The space is modern, clean, artistic, and puts me in a thrilling mood (I guess that's the Vegas effect). I've created three looks "Poolside at the Liquid Pool Lounge," "Brunch at Javier's," and "A Night Out at Gold Nightclub" to chronologically show how to stylishly conquer a jammed packed Vegas day. 



Poolside at the Liquid Pool Lounge







Brunch at Javier's







A Night Out at Gold Nightclub







As you can see no matter what you plan to tackle during your trip to Vegas, there is much to do, lots to take in, and plenty ways to look AMAZING! So next time you are planning your trip to Vegas don't forget to check out the Aria Resort & Casino to jump start your stay. TGIF luvs!

-Ali
xoxox

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Tribal Print Tank



Sometimes you just want to be COMFORTABLE. As I was going to talk business and catch up with a friend last week I wanted to look cute, yet feel comfortable. So I opted for a tribal print tank, my distressed jean shorts, fedora, lace up sandals, and unique accessories (3 tier earrings to match the triangle pattern on the shirt). This look turned out cuter than I imagined. I like the laid back vibe of it all. It reminds me of a festival look.








Outfit Details: Tribal Print Tank (Forever 21), Distressed Jeans (Forever 21), Laced - Up Booties (Charlotte Russe), Fedora (H&M), Sunnies (Thrifted), 3 Tier Triangle Earrings (PNK Elephant), Gold Watch (Charming Charlie's)

When you want to be cute and comfortable what do you throw on? Happy Hump Day luvs! Live today in full color :)

-Ali
xoxoxo

Monday, May 12, 2014

Art + Fashion

Today is officially the last day of my 1st semester as a Fashion Design & Product Development student at Southern Polytechnic State University (SPSU). So I wanted to take this time to reflect on my amazing semester. Like the fact that I received a 4.0 this semester!!! I'm still amazed that I am on the journey towards my dreams of working in the fashion industry. I sometimes have to pinch myself because this is something that I've worked really hard for for so long.

During the semester I was enrolled in Apparel Analysis, Intro to Marketing, Business Computers ands Intro to Art. In Intro to Art we were introduced to different mediums from charcoal, graphite pencils, vine, and even fine sharpie's. For my final I was asked to create two illustrations that interested me and correlated with my major. What girl doesn't LOVE shoes! I know this girl does :) With my idea at hand, I began creating compositions until I came up with the perfect two. Here's the end result...

THE MUSE
Here are my pictures that I drew inspiration from.



THE FINAL PIECES
Using all the techniques gained throughout the semester I came up with these two drawings. Before turning them in I framed them which added an extra element of class. I'm pretty proud I must say of how they turned out. I can't wait to find a space in my house to hang them up. 













I hope to continue to hone in on my drawing skills amongst other things this summer. #Summerbreak #Collegestudent (again). Here's to art + fashion!

Have a happy Monday luvs.

-Ali
xoxoxo

Friday, May 9, 2014

"Like a Boy"


You all know from time to time, I peruse magazines, online fashion sites, or use street style as personal inspiration. I do this to help challenge myself as well as a way to help stretch the items I already own in my closet (so I don't have to run out to the mall or jump on my computer to purchase something all the time). See, the way my bank account is set up lol *in my Kevin Hart voice*. So when I ran across this picture online I saved it on my iPad, and knew that this was a look I wanted to try to recreate.

THE INSPIRATION
This tomboy chic look piqued my interest. I knew I could remix this outfit with items I had in my closet. So here's what I came up with!





ALI'S FASHION SENSE REMIX
Here's my take on my tomboy chic look. When I put this outfit on my sassy attitude and swag went up to 1000 lol.









Outfit details: Flannel (Hubby's), Skirt (Forever 21), Cropped Faux Leather Top (Forever 21), Animal Print Booties (Belk), Leather Baseball Cap (Forever 21), Statement Necklace (Charlotte Russe), MK Watch (Macy's).

This outfit makes me want to cue Ciara's "Like a Boy." Maybe it's just me. Oh well, enjoy your weekend luvs. Be safe...have fun!!

-Ali
xoxoxoxo

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Bareface and Models Interview with Founder Renesha Johnson

I am a soul believer of spreading love, support, and encouragement to all! Especially females who are dream-chasers, like my muse for today's blog post. I met Renesha Johnson many years ago when we were little tykes at Ardis Elementary in our hometown of Ypsilanti, MI. Now she is an Atlanta - based entrepreneur of a beauty lifestyle brand: Bareface and Models. Check out her amazing interview below. I hope you are inspired, I know I was! :)

Founder of Bareface and Models, Renesha taking a #Selfie


Q: For my readers, where are you from?
I was born and raised in Ypsilanti, I which is right outside Detroit, MI. 

Q: How did you get to Atlanta?
I was chasing love and a dream. Good thing about it, its all been working out!

Q: How did you get involved in the beauty industry?
For me, it's not an industry at all. It's not a fashion statement. It's a lifestyle. Beauty is BOLD, beauty is BAREFACE!


Bareface and Models Lip Laquer (Picture obtained from Bareface and Models Instagram Page)


Q: What's the best things about being an entrepreneur?
Experiencing life, its ups and downs, and knowing that this was already predestined for you. It's a liberating feeling to have a creative mind and I give all thanks to God.

Q: Whats the hardest thing about starting your own business?
Staying focused is sometimes the hardest. Life throws so many curve balls. Despite the circumstance you gotta keep it moving! That's the only way you will see the finish line. 

Q: What's the go to lip color for Spring/Summer?
The go to color of the season is "What Lolita Wants (Lip Laquer - $14.00)" and "Viva La Orange (Lipstick - $12.00)." Mixed orange is this seasons new red. It's a fierce power color, displaying a free and brave soul!


Color swatches from Bareface and Models Website 


Q: What's your biggest beauty pet peeve?
I have several. Let me see... lack of confidence, bad eyebrows, and cheap looking eyelashes.

Q: What sets Bareface and Models apart from other beauty companies?
Bareface and Models is not just a cosmetic accessory. It allows one to make an impacting statement. It doesn't appeal to just one particular type of person. It is the girl next door, the one aspiring to be a model, or the woman in corporate America. It represents life for what its worth and what it can be. It's made from paraben free ingredients, promoting health first. Most importantly, Bareface and Models gives time and a portion of the proceeds from sales to Tiny's Alzheimer foundation "For The Love of Our Fathers" and other community outreach groups. 

Bareface is here to stay to make a difference and help people learn to appreciate the skin they are in, and pull out the true beauty in themselves. 


Renesha pictured here with Tiny and her mother at a "For The Love of Our Fathers" Alzheimer Event - (Picture obtained from Instagram) 

Q: Where can people follow you and your brand?
Bareface and Models is an Atlanta based beauty lifestyle company. You can visit our official website at: http://www.barefaceandmodels.com and follow us on: 
Instagram: @barefaceandmodels
Facebook: Bareface and Models

I just want to say thank you to Renesha for giving me this exclusive interview and sending me some of her highly pigmented products as well. I'm so excited to see where Bareface and Models is headed! If you haven't seen it, check out my OOTD where I used "What Lolita Wants" Lip Laquer (here) and don't forget to follow Renesha on all her social media outlets!

Happy Hump Day luvs. Let's go out and conquer the world together :)

-Ali
xoxoxo

Monday, May 5, 2014

Sunday Chill


Saturday Night I went to Buffalo Wild Wings to watch the NBA Playoffs and to catch the Floyd Mayweather Boxing Match. We got home really late (well, really late by my post FAMU late 20s standards lol). I usually pull my clothes out the night before church so I don't have to scramble in the morning looking for something to wear. However, I didn't get the chance to; so when Sunday morning rolled around I was fresh out of ideas on what to wear. I went to my handy dandy iPad where I save outfits for inspiration for moments like this. While I was scrolling through I ran across this outfit and knew immediately, that this was a winner.

THE INSPIRATION
This outfit is simple, chic, and easy to duplicate. 
Picture Screen - Shot from WhoWhatWear.com How To Pack for a Work Trip

ALI'S FASHION SENSE REMIX
I grabbed my Old Navy skinny jeans, my black tee, cream blazer, and black sandals to anchor the look. Then I put my Ali's Fashion Sense twist on the look by adding my fav statement necklace, gold accessories, and gold trimmed sunnies. 






Outfit Details: Black Skinnies (Old Navy), Black Tee (Forever 21), Cream Blazer (Forever 21), Sandals (Forever 21), Statement Necklace & Midi Rings (Charlotte Russe), Sunnies (Forever 21)

So this was my Sunday chill. How was your weekend? I hope it was great!
Happy Monday luvs,

-Ali
xoxoxoxo

Friday, May 2, 2014

Casual Friday


This post will show you how to get away with wearing denim to work. The key to pulling off this look is getting structured pieces. I chose my flared denim jeans, my fav denim button up (that you've seen a time or 20), a black blazer, statement necklace, and patent leather pumps. This look means "business" with a fun casual twist.








Outfit Details: Flared Jeans (New York & Co.), Denim Button Up (Target), Blazer (TJ Maxx), Patent Leather Jessica Simpson Pumps (DSW), Statement Necklace (Charlotte Russe), Gold Watch (Charming Charlie), Bag (Gifted), Sunnies (Forever 21)


Here's to being chic on causal Friday! Here's to the endless possibilities the weekend holds. Cheers to the freakin weekend :)

-Ali
xoxoxo