Work It - "9 to 5 Chicness"

Nowadays women are all over the work place. We serve as engineers, accountants, teachers, pharmacists, and in many more diverse capacities. You always want to put your best foot forward in the workplace showcasing your great work ethic, your honesty, your inner tiger, and your willingness to collaborate with others. But it's also great to look the part as well. This post will give you the confidence to "WORK IT!"  Show the world you mean business with these chic 9 to 5 office ready looks.

THE MODERN JOB INTERVIEW
This is for the power player who means business. Show them who's boss (or climbing the ladder one day to become the HWIC - Head Woman In Charge) in this subtle yet chic number. You will look sharp and feel assertive in this navy structured blazer and wide leg trousers. Incorporate your creative side with interesting accessories like a plum satchel or snakeskin pumps. But be sure to research the culture of the company you are applying to, it may require you to be a little more conservatively dressed at your interview.

THE BIG PRESENTATION
Although presentations can give you the jitters that doesn't mean you can't be cool and collected on the outside. I'm talking about wearing an outfit that projects confidence all while you are spitting the facts.

CASUAL FRIDAYS
Fridays have to be one of the best days of the week. Although your brain may be on a hiatus as the clock draws nearer to 5pm on a Friday, don't let your clothes read slacker. Here is a way to look savvy and well put together! TGIF

Hopefully this post opened your mind from the mundane black, navy, or gray business skirt suit to a world of color, fabulosity, and chicness all while staying in a business frame of mind. Who said you have to look stuffy in the workplace? And for an added tidbit ...pick your clothes out for the week on Saturday. Try them on from the accessories to the shoes so you are not scrambling come Monday morning asking yourself "what am I going to wear" after pushing the snooze button 3 times (I'm a witness lol). This adds one less piece of stress to your morning routine. If you're really good, your can iron all your clothes (that you've picked out) and have them hung up and ready to wear.

Riding In Style - Equestrian Inspired Lookbook

Growing up I always loved animals. Dogs, cats, birds, turtles, hamsters, horses, you name it. I thought I wanted to be a veterinarian in my younger days but we see how that turned out lol. Horses have always been fascinating creatures to me with their large frame, big eyes, long lashes, elongated snouts, and silky  mane; although I've only been horseback riding twice in my life (I need to add that to my ever growing bucket list). Not only am I mesmerized by the horses I am also taken aback by their riders. The riders wear timeless, classic fashion statements which can translate into great looks for the Fall. This post is an "Equestrian - esque Lookbook" to show you how you can pull off the equestrian look with a spin.

The main essentials to create a perfect riders replica are: some type of leggings (if you are not comfortable with leggings you can always replace it with dark wash denim jeans), soft girly blouses, structured jackets or blazers, cardigans, slim fit turtlenecks and most importantly RIDING BOOTS!!! Below I put together a montage of cute riding boots from stores I love to visit frequently.

1. South West - Bakers - $99.99
2. Thigh High Buckle Trim Boots - GoJane.com - $40.20
3. Tsunami (Red) - Steve Madden - $89.95
4. Intyce (Cognac) - Steve Madden - $139.99
5. Fanlant - Aldo - $170.00
6.  Unknown (I just thought they were really cute, I LOVE the color)
7. Suazo - Aldo - $80.00
8. Laverdiere - Aldo - $190.00
9. Fifty Fifty - Bakers - $199.99

BONUS: Here is a really cute way to creatively rock your riding boots. Add a pair of high knee chunky socks over a pair of leggings or tights. You will be sure to ride out gracefully.

Will you be "riding" in style this season? I know I will! :)

Pint Sized Fashionistas & Gents

I recently got married 3 months ago (I can't believe it's already been 3 months). Once we got engaged the first question people would ask is..."when and where are you getting married?" Now that I'm married, the next logical question people ask is..."when are you and your husband going to start having children?" I'm definitely not fully ready to have children yet, as I'm trying to get in the swing of being a newlywed. But, I do want children in the near future. So when I stumbled across this page "Fashionable Kids" on Instagram I was delighted to follow.  There's nothing better than seeing cute little kids dressed to a tee to bring a smile on your face and offer style inspiration. It helps me to daydream about how I will dress my little tykes on their arrival :) My hubby says he is going to have to put me on a budget when I shop for kids clothes because every time I walk in a store and see kids clothes I pick out stuff I would buy my future children (in my head of course).

So this post is specifically for all my Ali Fashion Sense hot mama's, mommies - to - be, and superhero dads to give you inspiration on how to dress your little angels in style!!!! All pictures were obtained from Instagram or the Internet. I do not own the rights to these pictures, nor do I know any of the children in the photos. I just love their individual styles.

DADDY'S LITTLE GIRLS
Girls are probably the easiest to shop for because they always have the cutest little dresses, coats, jeans, skirts, vest, hair accessories etc in any store you visit. Whether it's a high end or low end store you can ALWAYS find something cute for a little girl to wear. You name it and they likely have it! Here are a few stylish little divas in the making.

This is my absolute favorite pint sized outfit. Her mini faux fur vest is giving me life

This little diva is right on trend with the military inspired peacoat (tan leggings and ankle boots)

I love the denim with the colored jeans and the scarf for extra flare

You can never go wrong with a pair of converse and a cute khaki dress

This little tyke is giving you rocker chic with her mini leather jacket, leggings, and shiny shoes

I love these little leopard print leggings and her matching head band

I love the contrast of her outfit, but I absolutely love her navy  loafers ;)

She is killen 'em with her leather crocodile printed dress and her chain strapped bag 

Leopard leggings are in as you can see...how cute is she though, and this trench!!!!

I love her winged sneakers and her play on denim from head to toe

Here's another cutie with a chic faux fur vest, black leggings, a white button up, and shiny shoes

These chic little ladies are adorable in their white skirts, tees, cardigans, and fedoras

MOMMY'S TOUGH GUY
Boys are a little harder to shop for. Is it just me or do they always have little trucks and cars on EVERYTHING. I hate that. I am always wondering if other women with little boys like the designs for boys clothes. But, there are clothes out there to take you sons to the next level. Just check out these stylish little lads with major swag who's aesthetic you can borrow for your little one.

Now this is what you call coordinated: peep the leopard bow tie and leopard sneaks

I LOVE his socks, what a cool outfit with his sweater, the button up, dark wash jeans, and blue oxfords and contrasting socks

Colored jeans with denim are hot for boys and girls alike, he added an extra bonus with his cognac sweater and matching shoes

Major dose of swag in this pic, the tweed blazer, the newsboy cap, the sweater etc.

This trio is a very eclectic bunch with vibrant colors and major style

Here's a way to wear a bow tie but still dress it down

The boy on the right sweatshirt sums up this picture perfectly...SWAG

4 year old sneakerhead, his J's are crispy white

Little President in Training, how much more polished can you get than rocking a pint sized power suit

This was just a fun post, so I could post all the pics I've been accumulating of all these cute little ones. To achieve the looks seen here you may want to visit stores like: Target, Baby Gap, Macy's, Nordstrom's, Kids "R' Us, Stride Rite etc. Now you and your babies can step out in style, repping a fashionable family unit!!!

Maximizing your Maxi Dress

I know, I know! You can't get enough of your favorite summer maxi. I know I had a few maxi's in rotation this summer, that I absolutely loved. But don't be dismayed, although you have a few more days before Summer does a disappearing act, that doesn't mean you have to fully say goodbye to your summer wardrobe. This post will revive your maxi dresses, bringing them back to life, just in time to occupy your Fall rotation. There are things you can add to your Summer maxi to seamlessly camouflage it into your Fall line up. Here are are few tricks for maximizing your maxi!

GIRLS DAY OUT
Here are some essentials to create a cute day look (you are NOT limited to the items I have mentioned below, this is just a list to get your creative juices flowing):

• Maxi Dress (any color, any pattern)
• Denim Jacket
• T- Shirt
• Cropped/Chunky Sweater
• Ballet Slipper
• Scarf
• Belt
• Booties
• Simple Jewelry (Necklace, Watch, Bracelets etc.)
• Messenger Bag

Look 1 pairs a mustard colored maxi dress with a chunky belted sweater, a simple gold necklace, and platform heels

Look 2 takes a monochromatic approach pairing this brick red maxi with a oxblood red messenger bag, a denim cropped jacket, gold watch, and gold ballet flats to round out this casual look

Look 3 makes comfy cute by taking it up a notch; pairing this striped maxi with a cropped off the shoulder sweater, black wedged booties, and a thick gold lion chain

NIGHT ON THE TOWN
If you want to be a sexy mamacita, here are some fab ways to pull off a maxi at night:

• Maxi Dress
• Leather Motorcycle Jacket
• Boots
• White Button Up
• Chunky Necklace
• Structured Blazer
• Sequin Blazer
• Scarf

Look 4 takes an all black maxi and making it sleek for a perfect night on the town; it is paired with a textured pair of tie up peep toe booties, a fitted leather jacket, a colored oversized clutch, and a pair of diamond studs

For Look 5 I used the same black maxi from above and paired it with a classic white button up (which you can tie in the front), a chunky necklace, a chained black bag, and some red suede pumps to spruce up the classic look

Look 6, my last look, takes a neon pink maxi and tones it down with a white leather trimmed blazer, strappy stilettos, and a blinged out knuckle clutch for extra drama

As you can see there are endless possibilities when getting the maximum use out of your maxi dress this Fall. Don't be afraid to try different combinations to spruce up or dress down your look. You will be amazed at what you can come up with!

Outfits of the Week (OOTW) - A Glimpse Into My Worklife Wear

So I rarely showcase what I am wearing throughout the week partially because I don't have a photographer to take the pictures for me (and I don't want to have the same pose each time in the bathroom mirror lol). But this week, I wanted to give a recap of the outfits that I wore last week to church, to work, and throughout the weekend, so you can get a glimpse of my fashion sense. One thing about me, I don't like to be so...conventional when it comes to what to wear to work (or any other place for that matter). Although, I am an engineer and I work with tractors (in directly) I still like to bring my girly flare into the workplace. FYI: I will be doing a post about 9 to 5 chicness (sprucing up your work wardrobe) later on this week, so be on the lookout. So I don't want to come to work in just a pair of khakis and a button up polo (although, if that's what you wear to work there is nothing wrong with that). Here is a tiny glimpse of what I typically wear throughout the week!

Sunday - September 9, 2012
This look is very casual. My church doesn't require you to dress up so I just threw this on because I liked the color combination and the contrast between the florals, the mint jacket, and the chocolate brown.

• Mint Green Blazer - Forever 21
• Floral Jeans - Charlotte Russe
• Brown Tank - Unknown
• Gladiator Sandals - DSW
• Louis Vuitton Bag - Gift
• Fedora (not shown in first picture) - Target
• Michael Kor's Watch - Macy's
• Earring - Forever 21
• Heart Charm Bracelet - Mall Kiosk

Clothing Collage created in Touch Closet App on my iPhone

Another view of the entire outfit

Up close and personal...I love the color of this blazer

Bathroom Shot (I told you guys I need a photographer ASAP)

Full body length of the entire outfit put together

Just me....attempted to do a summer glow face 

Monday - September 10, 2012
This look is a definite contrast to the floral printed pants I wore the day before. It is much more dark almost vampy yet still polished enough for work.

• Blazer - Forever 21
• Oxblood Red Blazer with Lace Detailing - Forever 21
• Pin Stripped Trousers - H&M
• Black Peep Toe Booties - Unknown
• Silver Hobo - Gift
• Michael Kor's Watch - Macy's
• Silver Hoop Earrings - Charlotte Russe

Outfit Collage created using Touch Closet App

Full outfit

Close up on the details

Full shot of the entire outfit

Bottom half of the outfit

Used Dark Side Lipstick and Nightmoth Lip Liner to create this vampy makeup look

Me again

Another face shot

Tuesday - September 11, 2012
This look is fun and witty. Plus the orange and green blouse pays homage to my Alma Mater
Florida A&M University.

• Burnt Orange Blazer - Forever 21
• Orange & Green Blouse - Love Culture
• Charcoal Colored Trousers - Charlotte Russe
• Cognac Hobo Bag - Charming Charlie
• Cognac Sandals - Unknown Boutique in Miami, FL
• Gold Watch - Target
• Lock & Keys Charm Necklace - Mall Kiosk
• Aviator Shades - H&M

Touch Closet App Collage

Full Outfit

Up close view of the shirt, blazer, and necklace

Say Cheese

Full Body shot

Wednesday - September 12, 2012
This look is simple, yet sophisticated. I love ruffles so this black, long sleeve, sheer ruffled shirt paired with my fav blazer always makes a great foundation for an outfit.

• Blazer - H&M
• Ruffled Shirt - Burlington Coat Factory
• Gray & Black Trousers - Charlotte Russe
• Silver Hobo Purse - Gift
• Black Flats - Target
• Michael Kor's Watch - Macy's

Collage created with Touch Closet App

Entire outfit laid out

Details

Face shot

Thursday - September 13, 2012
I just did a post recently "Walk on the wild side" about wearing animal prints successfully. Here is an example of how to wear animal print without taking it overboard. I love to pair this zebra printed sheath with my denim jacket to avoid look over dressed for work.

• Denim Jacket - Forever 21
• Zebra Printed Sheath - TJ Maxx
• Black Flats - Target
• Satchel - Gift
• Silver Necklace - Forever 21
• Michael Kor's Watch - Macy's
• Diamond Studs - Gift

Entire Outfit laid out

Close up on the Zebra Printed dress

Bathroom shot (sorry for the quality of the picture)

Bathroom Shot sideways (sorry for the quality of the picture)

Friday - September 14, 2012 
This last outfit puts the casual in "Casual Friday." I love these denim jeans because they elongate my legs and make me look slimmer and taller. I like to call them my magic jeans :)

• Boyfriend Blazer - Forever 21
• Green & Black Belted Blouse - Forever 21
• Denim Trousers - New York & Co.
• Black Ankle Booties - DSW
• Satchel - Gift
• Studs - Forever 21
• Junk Necklace - Mall Kiosk

Collage created in Touch Closet App

Entire Outfit

Close Details of the outfit

Me, Myself, & I

I tried something new with my hair, I liked how it turned out

So as you can see, my style varies throughout the week. I don't really have a specific style, but I do like to play with patterns, shapes, colors, and push the envelope a little bit when it comes to the standard 9 to 5 gear. Hopefully, if you've gotten in a little rut when dressing for work this post will inspire you to think outside the box and be a little more daring!!!