The Big 3-0!

As a kid when you describe the word old, anything over 25 seems ancient. While some may dread turning the "Big 3 - 0" I am embarking on this new chapter in my life with excitement, optimism, and full anticipation. It amuses me how as a child you dream, without borders, how your life will turn out. You know the big house, the great job, the nice car, the husband, and 2.5 children. Looking back I wanted to be a Sea World dolphin trainer, an artist living in New York City, a Disney Illustrator, oh yeah and a veterinarian. Talk about a smorgasbord of careers. While I do have the amazing husband and a decent house and car, along with many other wonderful blessings...I'm not fully where I want to be. Case and point: we tried to grow our family during the latter part of 2015 and were expecting the anticipation of our bundle of joy this year...but God had other plans. One great thing (among many others) that my angel baby, DJ has done even in his loss, he has fueled me not to take any moment, person, dream etc. for granted. So I have vowed to focus more on those visions and dreams I want to accomplish starting NOW, because life is too short (cliche' I know) to just let those things God has deposited within me (all of us for that matter) for granted.

My husband took me out of town last weekend to Amelia Island, FL to celebrate my bday. It was the perfect getaway (thanks honey)! This is us pictured at my pre - birthday dinner at an Italian Restaurant on the Island, Ciao.

Outfit Details: Shaggy Vest (Forever 21), Striped Dress (H&M), Black Skirt (H&M), Sandals (Charlotte Russe), Statement Necklace (DSW), Earrings (Charlotte Russe)

While my 30th year started a little shaky I am fully expecting an AMAZING year. I've already learned a great life lesson early on this year that in adversity I am being made stronger through my faith. So as I celebrate my 30th year on this earth I can write confidently knowing that I am moving in the right direction into the destiny of becoming my greatest self.

Happy Birthday to Me,
-Ali

P.S. Just know I am truly thankful to you my readers for allowing me to have a platform to showcase a sliver of my life through fashion! I appreciate you all more than you will ever know. This blog has been one of my greatest [birthday] presents to date ;)

Gray + Camel

I've discovered that camel goes with just about anything, especially other neutrals. Camel in collaboration with other basic color palettes comes together effortlessly. For today's look I decided to pair my camel duster vest and tan pumps with my favorite pair of sweatpants (which I scored from the men's section in Forever 21) and my gray long sleeve shirt. I threw on my faux fur stole that I snatched from H&M a few years ago for $5 to complete the look. The reason I love this look is the fact that it's so chill but yet still put together. The sweats are SUPER comfy along with the top, but the duster, stole, and pumps elevate the look to be a bit more polished. 

Outfit Detail: Duster Vest (Online Boutique), Gray Shirt (Forever 21), Gray Sweats (Forever 21), Tan Pumps (Forever 21), Sunnies (Forever 21), Statement Necklace (Fancy Kouture), Faux Fur Stole (H&M)

Which color combo are you willing to try? Camel + black, camel + navy, camel + brown, or camel + gray? Let me know in the comment section below. I hope you will incorporate camel into your wardrobe this season. It's the perfect neutral to compliment a bevy of colors.

P.S. I want to say thank you for the huge outpouring of support from my last post about my angel DJ. While, I was a bit hesitant to share my recent ordeal with you my readers, I knew it had to be done (you guys are like family). I'm glad I was able to open up about my experience and share my testimony from my greatest trial. Just know your kind words encouraged me beyond measure.

Happy Hump Day!
-Ali

Faux Leather Baseball Cap + Blush Duster Vest

Sometimes life shoots you a curve ball and all you can do is take a swing. The weekend of January 15th, my world got flipped, turned upside down. I went in for a routine ultrasound to check on Baby Anderson (at 28 weeks) when the nurse (later confirmed by my doctor) informed me and my husband that my baby had no heartbeat. 3 days later, January 18, 2016,  after having my labor induced I gave birth to Derrek Jerrell Anderson Jr. (aka DJ) at 6:48AM. My baby was the cutest sight I've ever seen. He literally was my sleeping angel! I wasn't able to blog let alone do much else last week trying to recover physically, emotionally, and spiritually. But this week I am trying to get back into the swing of things. 

Yesterday, while most of the east coast was recovering from the massive snowstorm that hit, the sun was out and shining brightly here in GA. Our pastor preached about finding the blessings in whatever situation you are going through. So I took his message and soaked up each ray that touched my melanin skin during this photo shoot after Sunday service. I used this moment to thank God for the blessing of shining on me even during one of the toughest moments in my life. For my first Sunday back post - delivery I chose to rock a casual yet comfortable look that was inspired by a look I saw on Pinterest. I paired my faux leather baseball cap with my faux leather pants, blush duster vest, gray sweater, and black wedges. I've worn this outfit before prior to seeing the Pinterest inspiration pic (simply swapping the faux leather baseball cap with my black fedora and adding a collared shirt underneath the sweater). I love how you can dress this look up or down by swapping just a few subtle accessories. 

My OOTD inspiration

Flexin'

Turn that frown upside down

Reflecting on life and this last week

Just enjoying the moment

Just me

Observing the beauty that God created

Soaking up the sun rays

Smiling in spite of the pain I may feel

Outfit Details: Faux Leather Baseball Cap (Forever 21), Faux Leather Pants (JC Penney), Sweater (Forever 21), Blush Duster Vest (Forever 21), Wedges (Target), Round Gold - Rimmed Sunnies (Forever 21), Feather Earrings (Charlotte Russe)

Today marks my new normal and I am trying to adjust to that. The only way I know how is by continuously finding the blessings (whether the blessings are front and center or hidden gems that are sometimes overlooked when we're so focused on the negativity) and pushing past the pain by smiling and soaking up the sun! I pray that whatever situation you're going through you're able to keep a smile on your face. I pray that your outer swag, matches your inner beauty and peace. And most of all I pray a blessing over you on this great Monday morning. No more "case of the Mondays!" We're going to celebrate life today and all the endless possibilities that we have to do exceptional things today. 

I hope you conquer your Monday with boldness :)

Luv,

-Ali

Tan Poncho + Denim Jeans

Sometimes when I get dressed I just want to be comfortable (especially when I wake up with a sore back or tense shoulders...typical side effects from being preggo). But, my fashionista side will not just let me go to the closet and throw on a pair of sweats... even having pregnancy as an excuse. 

With today's look I was able to tap into both worlds to create a look that is comfy enough yet chic enough to carry me through a typical weekend day (i.e. running errands, going out to lunch with friends, playdates with other mommies and babies etc.). I grabbed my tan poncho and layered it on top of my denim skinny's and my chambray shirt. Ali's Fashion Sense Tip: If ever in doubt pair denim on denim...it's the perfect way to look pulled together in a matter of seconds. Chambray top + denim shorts, pants, skirt, culottes etc. To add a little fierceness to my look I paired my simplistic palette with my animal print Vince Camuto booties. 

Outfit Details: Poncho (H&M), Skinny's (Forever 21 +), Chambray Shirt (Charlotte Russe), Vince Camuto Animal Print Booties (Belk),  Aviator Sunnies (Forever 21), Statement Necklace (Charlotte Russe). Tan Fedora (Forever 21)

This look is very casual yet I still feel very well put together. I imagine this poncho is something that can come in handy if I'm wearing a shirt and Baby Anderson decides to release some of his milk on me...I could always throw on the poncho to cover up the evidence. I'm told as a new mom you should always have a backup plan for clothes because babies LOVE to mess up your clothes when you least expect it. But nevertheless, this look is perfect to carry me into my busy day. I hope you all have an amazing day and a relaxing, productive weekend!

Tootles,

-Ali

Furry Gray Duster Vest + Black Skirt

"I've got sunshine, on a cloudy day! When it's cold outside, I've got the month of May! I guess, you say, what can make me feel this way? My boys...talking bout my boys, my boys (hubby and son of course)!" No seriously Sunday was a very cloudy and windy day in Central Georgia. It was also pretty chilly (hence why this song popped into my head). Whenever it is cold out I love to grab a faux fur vest to layer with. They are the perfect fashion accessory and they can definitely keep you warm. For Sunday's OOTD I opted for my long furry gray duster vest that I scored from H&M a couple seasons ago. I love this vest because it not only keeps me warm, but it has a cool texture, and is a great neutral to pair with jeans, slacks, a dress, or even a skirt. It's the perfect chilly weather accessory. As I mentioned a couple posts ago I am able to disguise or display my baby bump whenever I like. Sunday was one of those days that I contained the bump a little more by wearing my Express skirt (that has an elastic waistband...thank God for elastic lol) along with my white collared shirt, black tights, and black wedge booties. 

Outfit Details: Furry Gray Duster Vest (H&M), Skirt (Express), White Collared Shirt (JC Penny), Tights (Target), Booties (Target), Sunnies (Forever 21), Statement Necklace (FancyKouture.com)

The look really kept me warm even with the wind whipping and the clouds invading the sky. All I needed was a hot cup of cocoa and a fire place and I would have been in business. Whats your favorite chilly weather fashion accessory? A fur vest? Tights? Riding boots? Over the knee socks? I'd love to hear in the comment section below! 

Mickey Mouse Ear Hat + Tulle Skirt

Where's the most magical place on earth? Some say Disney World! The place where your imagination can run wild and your inner child can come out to play whether you're 2 or 92. When I saw the Mickey Mouse Ear Hat on Choies.com (a Chinese - Based online fast fashion website) I knew that I had to have it. Why? It's unique, it's fun, and playful just like me. You can't take yourself too seriously when you're wearing a Mickey Mouse Ear Hat. I wish I was in Orlando enjoying the atmosphere of Disney World, but nonetheless I had fun shooting this blog post :)

Outfit Details: Mickey Mouse Ear Hat (Choies.com), Tulle Skirt (AshleyMonique!), Snakeskin Patterned Sweatshirt (H&M), Booties (JustFab), Sunnies (Forever 21), Geometric Necklace (Forever 21), Gold Hoop Earrings (Charlotte Russe), Gold Watch (Charming Charlie's)

To "sophisticate" my look a little further I chose to grab my snakeskin patterned sweatshirt, tulle skirt, and caged booties to elevate the look. I chose to go monochromatic in all black to keep the look from looking to "kiddish!" But, I couldn't help to have fun during the photo shoot...I'm blaming it on the ears lol. I can't wait until my son gets old enough so we can take our first family trip to Disney World. Until then, I will have to rock my Mickey Mouse Ear Hat and imagine.

Happy Monday Luvs,
Go out and chase your wildest dreams today!

-Ali