Color On Crenshaw

On my last day in Cali my friend Maria aka my photographer/visual director for the shoot took me to an awesome spot on Crenshaw Blvd. The mural is called "The Mural of African American Progress." The amazing murals were done by various artists and give a glimpse into the African Americans journey from queens and kings in Africa to the works of influential leaders like Fredrick Douglas, MLK, and Malcolm X. The bright and bold colors in the mural help to highlight the colors in my thrifted blazer. 

One simple way to dress up a pair of denim shorts this summer is to add structure on the top by adding a collared shirt and any blazer (whether its printed, a solid, or a cool textile like [faux] leather or [faux] snakeskin). 

Outfit Details: Blazer (Thrifted), Denim Shorts (Forever 21: Similar Here), White Collared Shirt (Old Navy: Similar Here), Sam & Libby Sandals (Target: Here), Gold Watch (Charming Charlie's), Sunnies (Thrifted), Necklace (Forever 21: Similar Here)

If you're ever in Cali I would definitely suggest checking out this mural. Its pretty cool. It stretches 2 blocks on the famous Crenshaw Blvd (from 50th - 52nd Street). Where are your favorite murals located? How do you dress up your denim shorts in the summer? Let's chat in my comment section below! 

TGIF Luvs and I hope you have a safe and fun holiday weekend,

-Ali

Photo Credit: Maria Katre

Golden Oxfords

I'm finally back home from my mini vacay from the sunny skies of California. While in Cali I had a blast hanging with friends and exploring new sites. Thanks to my girl Maria (the photographer of this shoot) I was able to do a couple impromptu photo shoots to post for you my Ali's Fashion Sense family. We traveled down to the LACMA museum to shoot in the sea of lights. I think the pictures came out great and they truly complimented my structural look. I  chose to make these awesome golden oxfords that I scored from a Zara sale downtown Hollywood for $29.99 (what a freaking bargain) the focal point of the outfit. 

Overalls (Macy's), Denim Button Up (Target), Boyfriend Blazer (Forever 21), Golden Oxfords (Zara), Sunnies (Forever 21), Watch (Charming Charlie's), Earrings (Thrifted)

Oxfords are great shoes to polish up a look all while being comfortable. These metallic oxfords really help an outfit pop. If you are searching for them they are sold out online, but check your local Zara. You may find these and a plethora of other gems.

Happy Hump Day,

-Ali

California Love

The last six days I have been chillaxing on the west coast in Los Angeles, CA. It is true what they say; the skies are always crystal blue and the sun is almost always shining. I came to Cali to visit one of my closest friends who is about to embark on her own marriage journey in 12 days. She is getting married in Hawaii and unfortunately I will not be able to attend. So I decided along with two of my other great friends to come out and kick it in the city of angels with the bride - to - be. 

I've had a blast since being out here. I saw the Hollywood sign after an hour hike up Runyon Canon, I went to the world famous Saddle Ranch, saw the walk of stars, and even attended a Carnival (think Toronto celebration of the different carribean cultures and not so much a Ferris wheel) Downtown Hollywood. I also learned that local citizens spend a ton of time in their cars. I also learned that you should always strap up in your seatbelt because LA drivers drive CRAZY!!! 

I visited the Valley, Hollywood, Malibu, Santa Monica, and Pasadena and had a blast at every stop. I visited the fashion district where I purchased my very own selfie stick (which I'm in love with by the way), and a cute cape (which I can't wait to post on the blog). I also bought a few goodies from Forever 21 and Zara which you will get a sneak peak of very soon. Overall out of all the things I got to do, see, eat, or purchase none compare to the priceless amount of time I got to spend with friends from my old stomping grounds, whom I haven't seen in over a year. Hopefully I will be able to catch up with them more often since our 30 Bday's are approaching in 6 months or less! But for now, check out some of my pics, from last six days as I show my California Love *in my Dr. Dre voice*

My view of the clouds

The LA skies from the plane

Fashion District Selfies

1st time using my selfie stick :)

The look when you conquer Runyon Canyon

A slight glance at the Hollywood sign

A brief gorgeous view of The City of Angels from the top of Runyon Canyon

At the Carnival Hollywood parade posing with a girl dressed in native garb

Selfies with my girl at Saddle Ranch

Admiring houses in Malibu

Selfies with the flower child and bride - to - be

Impromptu mountainside photoshoot 

As you can see from brief photo montage I got into a lot while in Cali. Have you ever been to Cali? Do you live here now? Where do you visit when you come? What are your favorite sites to see and food places to eat. Let me know in the comment section below and have an awesome Monday!

Peace, love, and soul,
-Ali

Going Up On A Wednesday

Friends, how many of us have them? I'm so excited because today I get to travel to LA for 6 days to spend time with some of my closest friends as we "pre" celebrate our friend who is about to tie the knot (shout out to my girl Maria)! This trip is much needed. Since coming back from my cruise at the end of May I've been busy with my nose in the books taking two classes for summer school. To be able to chill with my girls, in nice weather, with nice scenery is just what the doctor prescribed! I can't wait to blog about all (maybe not all lol) of our Cali adventures. Stay tuned :) In the meantime check out my OOTD. 

I chose to pair my flare denim jeans that hug me in all the right places, with a sheer blouse, silky burnt orange cardigan, strappy nude sandals, and colorful feather earrings to pull the look together.  

Outfit Details: Cardigan (Forever 21), Blouse (Forever 21), Denim (TJ Maxx), Sandals (Charlotte Russe), Feather Earrings (Charlotte Russe), Aviators (H&M)

This outfit is fun and playful and is perfect for a casual date night, or fun night out with the girls! I hope you all have a very happy hump day. I know I plan too.

-Ali

Bad Hair Days = Turbans

Have you ever had a bad hair day? Bad hair week? Well, that week is this week for me. Having natural hair in the 100 degree heat of GA all while trying to work out is not the best recipe for having hair on fleek (as the kids would say). But seriously, I've been having some tough times with my hair, hence the turbans this week on the blog. I just purchased a new scarf from Target and wanted to sport it as a turban. Since the scarf has cool coral and golden tones I thought it would go great with this LBD (Little Black Dress). The thing I love most about this dress is the unexpected coral bands and the POCKETS. It adds an element of coolness.

Outfit Details: Dress (Forever 21), Earrings (Charlotte Russe), Turban (Target), Wedges (TJ Maxx), Aviators (H&M)

Who says you can't be fly while having a bad hair day. Not me! What is your trick for a bad hair day? A turban? A hat? Share your hair secrets in the comment section below.

Have an awesome weekend!

-Ali

The Real MVP

Have you ever had an item in your closet that is a staple? An item that you continuously go to whenever you don't know what to wear? Well, for me this summer that item would have to be my blush vest that I scored for under $30 at Forever 21 at the tail end of Winter (preparing for Spring). This vest has truly gotten its full use. The reason this vest is my go - to piece this summer is because of its versatility. The color is refreshing, it's lightweight (so I won't sweat to death down in the GA heat. It also allows me to dress up items that are not super dressy like I did in my last post with my gray jumpsuit (check it out here) or amp up an already polished look like I did in my Blush, Black, & Mint post (check it out here). For other ideas on how I styled my blush vest check out my other 2 posts Easter Cool & Muted Spring Palette (here& here). So as you can see my blush vest is truly "the real MVP" this Spring and Summer. Check out how I styled my vest this time.

Outfit Details: Faux Leather Shorts (Kohl's), Tank (Forever 21), Vest (Forever 21), Gladiators (GoJane.com), Scarf (Charlotte Russe), Sunnies (H&M)

I know you may be tired of me sharing this vest. But I want to be as candid with you my readers as possible. I'm not one of those fashion bloggers that just wears an item once and tosses it to the back of my closet. I get wear out of what I truly like. And this vest is no different.

What item in your closet is your real MVP? Is it a favorite pair of jeans? A dress, skirt, or blouse? No matter what it may be keep rocking it with pride! Challenge yourself to recreate different looks for your special item so you can get the most out of your closet. Let me know in the comment section below what item is your MVP.

Happy Hump Day,

-Ali

Jumper

Jumpers/rompers have to be one of my favorite things to wear in the summer. They are super easy to throw on when you have nothing to wear. You can dress them up or down and you can revamp, remix and reuse them over and over and make them look differently each time. I dug this romper out of the bottom pile of my summer clothes and decided to dress it up by throwing on my blush vest, and gray sandals. It updated the simple heather gray jumper and took it to the next level. Check out the entire outfit below.

Gray Jumper (Papaya: old), Blush Vest (Forever 21), Gray Platforms (Forever 21), Statement Necklace (Fancy Kouture), Bangles (Macy's), Aviators (H&M)

Its always a good idea to rummage through your closet and remix some oldies but goodies. You will be amazed at how you can make old pieces come to life, like I did this heather gray jumper.  What's something in your closet that you can revamp this summer? Let me know in the comment section below.

Happy Hump Day,
-Ali