Swimsuit Shopping Part 1

Summer is coming! Summer is coming! And I can't wait to unveil two things: my revamped Ali 2.0 body (I've been hitting the gym to get summertime fine, I've lost 15lbs so far, but I still have to go hard to reach my goal), and my new (new as in, I didn't wear it last summer lol) bikini!

There is nothing more exciting or frightening than shopping for swimwear for your summer escapades. You've seen the racks and racks of swimwear in your favorite stores I know by now! Don't be afraid ladies! No matter what size you are...you can look FIERCE in a bathing suit. The rule of thumb is to...HAVE CONFIDENCE in the skin you're in :) and everything else will fall into place. Here are a few ideas to get your swimwear wheels turning, so you know what to look for when shopping!


BEACH BUM
I don't have the flattest tummy in the land (although I'm working on it) so I love to wear high waisted swimsuits. The look created below is not an actual set. Its actually two different pieces mixed together. If you are going to mix and match a monochromatic color make sure the fabrics/textures are similar. When going to the beach it's not just about the swimsuit, its about the extras. You know, the beach bag, towel, sandals, hater blockers, accessories etc. So make sure you not only feel the part, but look the part as well!

Beach Bum by alifashionsense featuring zebra wedges

Siwy short jean shorts
farfetch.com

Topshop black swimwear
topshop.com

Billabong fringe swimwear
buckle.com

Diane Von Furstenberg zebra wedge
ssense.com

Guess jewelry
guess.com

Jennifer Zeuner cross pendant necklace
shopbop.com

Black eyewear
80spurple.com

Billabong Land N See Beach Towel
pacsun.com

Lichtenstein Lichtenstein Canvas Beach Bag
barneys.com

CLASSIC COVERUP
Coverups are a summer must have! They are easy to throw on over your bikini or one piece and they allow you to look pulled together in a flash instead of walking around in your wet swimsuit! Add a fedora, some wedge sandals, and some oversized sunglasses to ramp up the look even more!

Classic Coverup by alifashionsense featuring ugg® australia shoes

Mara hoffman
my-wardrobe.com

Charlie by matthew zink
$255 - harrods.com

UGG Australia ugg® australia shoes
farfetch.com

Vera bradley tote
zappos.com

Dorothy Perkins bracelet bangle
dorothyperkins.com

Marni eyewear
theoutnet.com

Here are a few extra tips that help break down the type of swimwear you should get by the body type.

WIDE HIPS

If you have wide hips don't worry. There is a swimsuit out there for you! Some tricks to slim you out around your hips are trying a swimsuit constructed like a corset so it can strategically even out your top and bottom proportionally. Or try wearing a bikini that has a lot of details on the top (like a fringe bikini) so it can draw others eyes upward instead of your hips!

Swimwear for Wide Hips by alifashionsense featuring halter top one piece swimsuits

Willow
net-a-porter.com

Fringe bikini
$100 - nelly.com

Mara hoffman swimwear
my-wardrobe.com

Mara Hoffman halter top one piece swimsuit
net-a-porter.com

SHORT TORSO

If you have a short torso, here are a few swimsuit options that will help you look elongated. Try a one shoulder swimsuit (which can help to extend your frame), or a bandeau bikini which exposes as much as your middle section as possible. A high neckline gives you an appearance of extra length as well!

Swimwear for Short Torsos by alifashionsense featuring gottex bathing suits

Tory Burch maillot swimsuit
toryburch.com

Melissa Odabash bandeau top bikini
net-a-porter.com

Gottex bathing suit
$125 - zenggi.com

LONG TORSO

If you are a long torso fashionista try these trends to add coverage without hiding your sexy! Your go to swimwear will be high waisted bikinis and tankini's (which give the coverage of a one piece, but it won't ride up to expose your tummy). Also, explore wearing a longer top with shorter bottoms to minimize your torso in the right proportions.

Swimwear for Long Torsos by alifashionsense featuring a bikini swimwear

Michael Kors retro style bikini
shop.harpersbazaar.com

Jessica Simpson swimsuits bikini
lordandtaylor.com

H M h m
$28 - hm.com

Bikini swimwear
womanandhome.com

Hopefully you've gotten some ideas on how to start shopping for your summer swimwear. Since there are so many body types, I didn't want to OVERLOAD you with information. So, I've decided to make this a two part post. Tune in tomorrow to see more swimsuit types for those ladies who are conscious of your tummy, have a small or large bust-line, or just tricks of the trade for shopping for swimwear. Happy Tuesday fashionistas :)

-Love
Ali

Weekend Inspiration Style Log

So, over the weekend, I had an epiphany! I'm getting old lol. Okay, let me clarify. I don't feel old I just realized that if you put me in a room with say, a bunch of 18 year olds they may point out me as the old lady in the corner haha. Just kidding! I totally LOVE being 27 :)

But on Friday evening, my husband and I went to a Live Jazz Event. Yep that does say jazz if you're wondering lol. The same jazz music that I used to tell my mom to turn off or change the station immediately, while she was listening, driving me to school. The music with no words that put me to sleep... yep that jazz! But it was a pleasant surprise to vibe out to jazz and be around the grown and sexy crowd  for a change. Just some good music, good food, and good people.

After hitting up my Friday afternoon Zumba class, I had to rush home and get dressed for the (jazz) event. On my way home I began to mentally skim my virtual closet to figure out what I could wear. Then an image popped inside my mind. After aimlessly searching on Polyvore.com a few weeks ago, I found an outfit inspiration that I saved on my computer in my fashion inspiration rolodex. Most of the pieces in the outfit collage were in my closet so I was excited to put the outfit to use and recreate the look! I'm telling you, it's fun to play dress up and pull things out of your closet to create "new looks!" You gotta try it!!!

The basis of the outfit were some cognac colored leather shorts that I got from Kohl's for less than $40 (they look super luxe, but they didn't hurt my pocket to buy them). But before we discuss the outfit in detail check out the original below.

THE LOOKBOOK
As stated previously, I found this inspiration on Polyvore.com from Polyvore Member: Lilly - 2711 (I didn't create this initial collage FYI)! She was inspired by Eva Longoria in these camel colored leather shorts with an ivory blazer and shirt to match. I took Eva's initial look, coupled with Lilly's inspiration to create my own look. 

Whoever is happy will make others happy too!! by lilly-2711 featuring leather shorts

Soaked in Luxury transparent shirt, $91 / White blazer / Sass & Bide leather shorts / Sergio Rossi nude shoes / Yves Saint Laurent leather handbag / Retro jewelry / Ray-Ban ray ban sunglasses / Eyeshadow / Nearly Natural Silver King w/Wood Vase Silk Plant



THE ALI TWIST
After getting inspired from Eva's initial look, I knew I had the pieces to recreate this look, and that is exactly what I did! FYI: I have a pair of tan pumps like those pictured above for the inspiration but I decided to go with a pair of studded gladiator sandals because they matched the shorts and vibe of the outfit a little better in my opinion than the nude pumps. Here's what I came up with!

The key pieces:
Cream Blazer: Forever 21
Cream Ruffled Sleeve Shirt with Sheer Detail: Unknown
Cognac Leather "Lauren Conrad" Shorts: Kohl's
Gold Studded Gladiator Sandals: Aldo
Layered Key Necklace: Charlotte Russe
Gold Rimmed Aviators: H&M
Brown Clutch: Unknown

RIDING IN STYLE
Here are a few quick snaps, up close and personal, on my way to the jazz gig (sorry for the seat belt, but I gotta be safe)!!!

I decided to add some soft curls in my hair, to give it a different effect from the straight look

I think I did a pretty good job recreating the look. What do you think? Leave your comments below to give me your thoughts. My weekend was amazing, and I look forward to the unknown possibilities of this new week.

Happy Monday luvs :)

-Ali
xoxoxoxoxo

Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better: Forever 21 Inspiration Lookbook

So I was doing my usual weekend virtual window shopping when I ran across a title on Forever 21's website that read "The Style Closet!" This piqued my interest so I clicked on the link. And to my amazement they created a play by play lookbook using a few essential pieces, creating four different looks. I'm always down for gaining inspiration and I wanted to put myself to the challenge by trying to recreate all four looks with staples I had in my closet.

"Ali's Fashion Sense Service Announcement": If you have not tried this exercise yet...DO IT! Take a magazine or go to a fashion website/blog and look at inspiring photos of outfits you would like to try. Then see how many outfits you can recreate WITHOUT going out and buying anything. If you are missing staple pieces you can slowly add them to your closet without breaking the bank. This is another way to help stretch your wardrobe so that you have an infinite amount of options. For an added bonus take a picture of yourself in your favorite outfits and create your own personal lookbooks to draw from if you get stuck in an outfit rut. What's that you ask? An outfit rut is when you continue to wear the same outfits over and over again!

Here are my results from recreating the Forever 21 looks. Some were better than others as far as what I would actually wear. But it was fun playing dress up and putting my fashion creativity to the test. How do you think I did?

ESSENTIALS
Forever 21 created "The Style Closet: 4 Closet Staples to Wear Multiple Ways!"
Here are the 4 staple pieces they used to create the outfits.

• Faux Leather Moto Jacket
• Striped Knit Shirt
• The Skater Skirt (with leather detailing at the top)
• Chiffon Maxi

***THE LOOKBOOK***

LOOK 1 - BLACK & WHITE 
To create the first look, they paired the faux leather moto jacket, with the striped knit shirt, denim skinny jeans, and black faux leather moto booties. They accessorized the look with a pair of  square - shaped reader glasses. After seeing this look 1, I knew I had the perfect pieces (in my closet)  to reassemble the look with an Ali twist! 

My look:
Leather Jacket: H&M
Striped Shirt: Forever 21
Denim Jeans: Levi Outlet
Peep - Toe Booties: Unknown
Glasses: Forever 21
Feather Earrings: Arden B.

Here are the pieces that Forever 21 used to create Look 1:
*All items can be found on Forever 21's website*
The Faux Leather Moto: $49.80
Stretchy Skinny Jeans: $10.80
Striped Knit (Comes in a variety of colors): $9.80
Faux Leather Moto Booties: $34.80
Square - Shaped Readers (Glasses): $5.80

LOOK 2 - MAX(I)ED OUT
Forever 21 took a turquoise chiffon maxi dress and and reused the same faux leather moto jacket from Look 1 to create the second look. They topped off the look with a pair western - inspired high heel booties, and a lacquered arrowhead charm necklace. I didn't have the same colored dress, but remember the looks are there for inspiration not to be a carbon copy. I used a red dress that I bought at Forever 21 and the same moto jacket from the first look. I accessorized with multi - colored beaded doorknocker earrings, and the same peep - toe booties from the first look!

My Look:
Red One Shoulder Maxi Dress: Forever 21
Leather Moto Jacket: H&M
Peep - Toe Booties: Unknown
Doorknocker Earrings: Online Boutique

Here are the pieces that Forever 21 used to create Look 2:
*All items can be found on Forever 21's website*
Chiffon Maxi: $15.80
Faux Leather Moto Jacket: $49.80
Western - Inspired High Heel Booties: $39.80
Lacquered Arrowhead Charm Necklace: $6.80

LOOK 3 - SPORTY CHIC
Look 3 reused the striped knit shirt and faux leather moto jacket for the foundation of the look. They traded in the skinny jeans (used in Look 1) and swapped it for the skater skirt (with the faux leather detailing) and a pair of black and white high tops. I used the same top from Look 1, added my faux leather skirt from H&M, and topped it off with my fav sneaker wedges from the "Red Dot Boutique."

My look:
Striped Shirt: Forever 21
Faux Leather Skirt: H&M
Sneaker Wedges: Target
Leather Moto Jacket: H&M
Michael Kors Watch: Macy's
Bangle Set: Gift

Here are the pieces that Forever 21 used to create Look 3:
*All items can be found on Forever 21's website*
The Faux Leather Moto: $49.80
Studded High Tops: $24.80
Striped Knit (Comes in a variety of colors): $9.80
Coated Waist Skater Skirt: $15.80
Studded Rubber Bracelet Set: $4.80

LOOK 4 - RAMP IT UP
The last look (Look 4) is my favorite look of all! There is nothing I like better than throwing on a pair of heels and hitting the town. Forever 21 took the skater skirt from Look 3, ditched the striped knit shirt and exchanged it for a semi - sheer chiffon shirt (in lime). They also swapped the high tops for a pair of sexy studded gladiator sandals, the lacquered arrowhead charm (used from Look 2), and a studded tassel clutch to switch Look 3 from day to night! My items are not exactly the same. Clearly there are some minor differences (the shirt colors, the shoes, etc). However, I want to remind you, I was using the Forever 21 looks as a guideline not something etched in stone. Here is what I came up with.

My look:
Coral Chiffon Blouse: Charlotte Russe
Faux Leather Skirt: H&M
Multi - Sparkle Peep - Toe Platforms: Steve Madden
Michael Kors Watch: Macy's
Bangle Set: Gift

Here are the pieces that Forever 21 used to create Look 4:
*All items can be found on Forever 21's website*
Semi - Sheer Chiffon Shirt: $19.80
Studded Gladiator Sandals: $39.80
Lacquered Arrowhead Charm Necklace: $6.80 
Studded Tassel Clutch: $19.80
Coated Waist Skater Skirt: $15.80 

So as you can see. I was able to recreate the four looks and rock - em - out in a true Ali fashion. I hope this post has stirred up your creativity pot and has pumped you up to go and start recreating looks of your own. Who says you have to have a lot of money to look good? All you need is a few staple pieces and some creativity and you can have a closet full of options in no time :)

Sweats & High Heels

There is nothing I dislike more than someone who decides not to get dressed to go out in public. I'm not saying you have to wear a red carpet gown to the grocery store, but at least look presentable (ya feel me)? One of my pet peeves is any night time or home gear out in public. You know what I'm talking about the flannel pajama pants, the Tweety slippers, the head scarf, the doo - rag etc. One step above the pajama pants are oversized, ill fitting sweatpants.

I know sweatpants can be comfortable but they can also make you look way bigger, sloppier, and worst of all, like you just don't care if you're not careful. If you are an avid sweatpant lover don't log off yet. I may have the best (of both worlds) case scenario. Sweatpants and High Heels!!! Yep, you read that right. Sweatpants and High Heels. It sounds like an oxymoron I know, but just hear me out. If you get the right type of sweatpants (one's that have a slightly tighter fit and tapered at the ankle) and pair them with the right essentials you could look like a sporty, chic fashionista who's not trying too hard but still looks fashionable! Don't believe me? Check out these ladies rocking out in their sweat pants!


SWEAT IT OUT, IN HEELS!
These ladies show us that you can look pretty dope by purchasing the right sweats and pairing them with a sexy pair of heels. You don't have to bare your midriff like Rihanna and Keri Hilson are doing but you get my drift. You can look h-o-t in sweatpants :)

Now you are ready to DIY. Here are some essentials you will need to complete the look!!!

DO IT YOURSELF
To pull off this trend all you will need are:
1. ) A pair of sweatpants
2. ) A t - shirt (it could be a plain white tee or a graphic tee)
3. ) A fitted jacket (i.e. leather moto jacket, blazer, fur coat (for colder months), denim jacket etc.)
4. ) A pair of "bad" high heels or boots 
5. ) Arm Candy: Watch, Bangles (optional)

Sweatpants, High Heels, & High Hopes by alifashionsense featuring 5 preview

Zara v neck tee / DKNY , $520 / 5 Preview , $125 / Giuseppe Zanotti high heel shoes / Box clutch / Michael Kors pink gold jewelry / Black optical


So if you are into the "tomboy - chic" look then you have my permission to rock your sweatpants! ONLY, if you promise to swag it out with cute heels. Don't be afraid, just go for it. You won't' regret it :)

Weekend Recap: Printed Pants

Hi! My name is Alishia, and I LOVE WEEKENDS! I love weekends because I'm able to spend more time with my hubby, I get to dress up and go places (i.e. movies, dinner dates, bowling, shopping etc.), I get to praise the Lord, and I get to relax. This weekend was pretty chill as far as the itinerary went. However, I was able to catch up on some much needed R&R (rest and relaxation).

I wasn't feeling the best Saturday which put a big damper on our plans. We were supposed to go to a Strawberry Patch and pick strawberries and partake in their Spring kickoff, but I had a headache which put a halt in the plans. However, I was able to finally pull myself together and get "dressed" in something presentable. 

I chose a pair of printed tribal pants that I picked up from H&M a summer (or two) ago. The pants are really funky and fun. When I first bought them, my mom just looked at them like I was crazy lol. But I just liked the fact that the pants were colorful, playful, and artistic. Plus they are made out of cotton so they are very comfortable. I paired the pants with a solid purple tee, a hot pink blazer, and some black gladiator sandals. 

The look was pulled together nicely (I think). The rest of the day, I chilled with the hubby, cooked, and we watched the start of the NBA playoffs. Nothing too out of the ordinary, but it was cool. Sunday, I went to praise the Lord, got my gym fix in, and went to a college day fair at my church. The rest of the night I watched the NBA Playoffs (shoutout to my team the Miami Heat for getting the job done).  Check out my colorful OOTD below.

Pink Blazer - Love Culture (I removed all the gold buttons on the jacket to create a clean canvas)
Purple Tee - Forever 21
Tribal Pants - H&M
Black Gladiators - Target
Michael Kors Watch - Macy's
Silver Hoops - Charlotte Russe

What are your go to staples on the weekend? Send me pics of your cute Saturday/Sunday gear at alifashionsense@gmail.com. I'm so excited for the upcoming post this week, then are fun and exciting. Stay tuned!!!

HAPPY MONDAY luvs :)

-Ali

Crank It To The Max(i)

Spring is in full swing! Living here in Georgia, you might as well say that its Summer. The pollen has been in high gear, flaring my allergies to high stratospheres, and the sun is beaming down like it owns the land. I feel like cuing Will Smith's classic summer anthem "Summertime" on a day when the air is crisp, the sun is brightly shining, and the clouds are far, few, and in between. One spring/summer staple that should be in every fashionista's closet are maxi dresses or a maxi skirt.

Maxis are super comfy, easy to style, very chic, and they look great on all body types :) How can you go wrong with such a garment? Let me answer that, you really can't! Another thing I love about maxi's are the fact that you can dress them up or down for day or night! They are a super versatile piece. If you don't own a maxi here are some ways to sport them this spring/summer!

DAY TIME MAXI
Wearing a maxi during the day is a super ideal way to look chic and comfortable. Maybe for a stroll on beach (covering up your super cute bikini), a midday brunch with the honey, or a matinee movie. There are tons of ways to style a maxi dress. You can add a denim jacket, wedges, and an oversized boho bag. Or you can snag a maxi skirt with a vest and some cute sandals for a relaxed outfit.

Vest & Maxi Combo by alifashionsense featuring alexander wang

Topshop cami tank top / Alexander Wang / Paul & Joe silk maxi skirt, $590 / Strap sandals / Ralph Lauren Collection bohemian handbag / Salvatore Ferragamo leather jewelry / Michael Kors water resistant watch

NIGHT ON THE TOWN MAXI
When you're gearing up to go out for a night on the town, there is always one thing that boggles my mind, "What am I going to wear?" If you're like me, you want to be comfortable but you also want to put your best foot forward. Use a maxi dress or maxi skirt as your foundation and build from there to create a hot and sexy date night or night out OOTD. 

Maxi on the Town by alifashionsense featuring an orange dress

Orange dress, $380 / Le Silla strappy stiletto heels / White Leaf oversized envelope clutch, $53 / R.J. Graziano bracelets bangle / Friis & Company gold feather earrings, $18

The moral of this post are that maxi's, whether in dress or skirt form, create a great foundations for amazing outfits. The style possibilities are endless and at the end of the day, you know you will look awesome! So what are you waiting for? Go pick up your favorite maxi and and crank it to the max(i)!

Happy Friday luvs, enjoy your weekend! I will see you back here on Monday :)

The Gladiator

Way back in ancient Rome, gladiators were used as entertainment for thousands of spectators, fighting, often to the death! Besides the gruesome fighting one thing that stands out about gladiators are their fighting gear. It consisted of loincloths, helmets, chest armor, and who could forget the strappy "gladiator" sandals.

Nothing is new under the sun, so I'm not surprised that gladiators have swung back into rotation as one of this spring/summer's hottest shoe trends. I'm not saying you have to fight to your death in order to strap these multiple buckle flats but trust me when you wear these sandals they will get you noticed.

You can find gladiators aka "Jesus sandals" just about anywhere these days. Check out some of the  pairs I've seen.

GLADIATORS
You can find these high top gladiator sandals at Aldo (Canada, online). This multi - strap high top gladiator is super fly, has an back zip for easy access, and comes in two awesome colors: black and cognac. Its $150 price tag is a little steep for a fashionista on a budget, however, you will be sure to turn heads in these beauties.

CANADA DCS: 12-05-01in Black
http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/women/sandals/flats/95078467-canada/97

CANADA DCS: 12-05-01in Cognac
http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/women/sandals/flats/95078467-canada/97

Chinese Laundry provides a pair of gladiators in this bold scarlet color. The coolest part about these gladiator inspired sandals are not the fact that you can loop and tie them however you please, but that they are jelly sandals. They deem a modest price tag of $40 so they won't hurt your wallet.

Loop - O - Rama in Red
http://www.chineselaundry.com/products2.cfm/ID/1961/attr1/5775?utm_medium=Affiliate&utm_campaign=CJ&utm_source=CJ

These Kenneth Cole gladiator - style heels add a bit of flare with a 5" stacked heel and tie up detail. They can add any element of surprise to a cute skirt or flirty dress. They come in at a $160 price tag so you may have to save up for the purchase, but they will be well worth the wait.

Grand Stand Sandal in Black
http://www.kennethcole.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12242178&om=affiliate

Now that you've seen a few examples of the gladiator sandals you may be saying, they look nice but what should I wear with them? I'm glad you asked! Ali to the rescue! Here are a few ideas to create a vision board for your new gladiators sandals/heels.


GLADIATOR PREP PRINCESS
This gladiator prep princess look gives you a little glimpse of prep with this rose colored blazer, a bit of rock -n-roll with the graphic tank and leather shorts, and a little edge with the over the knee gladiator heels. You can wear this outfit during a night out on the town with your boo or to a concert with a group of friends! No matter where you decide you will be sure to look HOT!

Gladiator Prep by alifashionsense featuring t by alexander wang

Monki patterned shirt, $20 / Chloé , $1,835 / T By Alexander Wang , $630 / Tom Ford black high heel boots / Quilted handbag / Retro eyewear


CASUAL WEEKEND GLADIATOR
This is a casual look that you can throw on while running errands on the weekend. You can go shopping or attend weekend brunch with your girls all while looking put together! I love the how the pastel pants dress up the denim jacket and the metallic gladiators add a little extra bling!

Casual Weekend Gladiator by alifashionsense featuring quilted handbags

Mango shirt, $14 / AG Adriano Goldschmied vintage jean jacket, $420 / Chloé / Charlotte Russe gladiator sandals / ALDO quilted handbag / Essie nail polish


Hopefully these outfits have given you some ideas how to pair your gladiators. So get to it ladies :) I'm sure you will all look fly once you throw them on.