Day 31: Blazers

It is the last and final day for "Ali's 31 Days of Fresh!" We have had 31 days of fashion, fun, and the ultimate freshness. For those of you who participated via email, through Facebook, or Instagram...I truly appreciate you rocking with me. I know 31 days is hard to keep up with anything, but you stuck it out with me. I hope this July Photo Challenge has inspired and challenged you to come up with new ideas on how to sport some of fashions hottest trends. So in honor of our last day, today...Day 31 the theme is Blazers!

BUNDLES OF BLAZERS IN BLACK & WHITE

I've shared with you all in countless posts that I have a slight obsession with blazers. And I'm going to be unapologetic about it lol! There is something about a blazer that screams sophistication, class, and somebody who is pulled together. So with all those positives, blazers are a great staple to have in your closet. They make any outfit look polished. So I recommend if you don't have a blazer...add one to your collection immediately so you can get ready for the fall!!! Check out my blazer in black and white below.

L to R: Black Boyfriend Blazer (Forever 21), White Blazer with Leather Lapel (Forever 21), Leather Cropped Blazer (Forever 21), Cream Tuxedo Blazer (Forever 21)

TASTE THE RAINBOW
Here is a sample size of the blazers I have in my closet, in an array of colors. I wanted to show that you can style them with anything. Dresses, skater skirts, jeans, leggings, and even [leather] sweatpants. Can you taste the rainbow?

L to R: Hot Pink Blazer (Love Culture), Red Blazer (Forever 21), Burnt Orange Blazer (Forever 21), Neon Yellow/Lime Blazer (Forever 21), Turquoise Blazer (Forever 21)

6 JEWEL - TONED BLAZERS UNDER $100
If my display of blazers (in black and white or color) aren't enough get inspired by "6 Jewel Toned Blazer Under $100." You can scroll through the cool lookbook (which I found just in time on Polyvore.com) by clicking the gray arrow on the right. 

6 Jewel-Toned Blazers Under $100 by polyvore-editorial on polyvore.com

Again, I'd just like to say thanks so much for participating with me for the last month! It's been a blast. Hopefully, you've been inspired in some shape or form :) Happy Hump Day luvs. I'll see you tomorrow. 

-Ali

Day 30: Patterned Skirt

Good Morning all. I hope you are having a wonderful start to this awesome Tuesday. Today is the eve of the last day of "Ali's 31 Days of Fresh!" For Day 30 we will discuss the fashion theme "Patterned Skirts" if you hadn't noticed already (from the title lol).

You may be asking yourself, what is a patterned skirt? Well, I'm glad you asked. A patterned skirt could be a skirt with a cool texture or an actual graphic pattern. Today, I will show you the later of the two.

TRIBAL PRINTED SKIRTS AKA PATTERNED SKIRTS
I like how tribal printed skirts project awesome, unique patterns. You can find these prints on shirts, shoes, and yes...even skirts! The collage below showcases a patterned skirt (that I've had in my closet for a couple of years now) that I picked up from Forever 21 (pictured center). I show you how to pair it with a neon cropped top (which I purchased from Charlotte Russe for $6.99). For styling purposes I've paired it with some blinged out door knocker earrings (from a beauty supply store), a blinged out ring (from Forever 21), my silver Michael Kors watch (from Macy's), and my laced up wedges (I can't remember where I purchased these). The two outside (dressing room) pics are from a trip I took to Charlotte Russe a couple of weeks ago. This trip is when I purchased the neon cropped top (hence, why I have it on). I tried it on with another printed skirt (which I didn't end up purchasing...but I still really like the skirt). I may have to go back and grab it. It was only $12.50 (I believe).

Are you a fan of patterned/printed skirts? If so, I want to see. So tag me on Instagram using the hashtag #Alis31daysoffresh and do me a favor. Have an awesome productive day :) Tomorrow is our last day of "Ali's 31 Days of Fresh" so we will go out with a bang with one of my favorite items. Stay tuned to see what it is.

-Ali

Weekend Recap & Day 29: Distressed Jeans

Hey Fashion Sensers, oh how I've missed you. Hopefully you had a great weekend. Mine was pretty chill. But I will say I was able to participate in my "Ali's 31 Days of Fresh" July Photo Challenge and hopefully so were you). So here's a little weekend recap. Saturday, Day 27 was "colorblocking" and Sunday, Day 28 was "red lips".

Saturday, I didn't do too much. I had a praise team rehearsal, I chilled with the hubby, watched Netflix movies and ordered pizza. I chose to colorblock using hues of pink, orange, and coral. This was my first time officially colorblocking so I think it turned out well. What are your thoughts?

PINK, CORAL, & ORANGE COLORBLOCKING

GET THE LOOK

:: Pink Blazer (I removed the gold buttons): Love Culture::

:: Coral Blouse: Charlotte Russe::

:: Coral Jeans: Charlotte Russe::

:: Orange & Pink Peep Toe Pumps: Charlotte Russe::

:: Multi - Colored Feather Earrings: Charlotte Russe::

:: Gold Watch: Target::

Sunday, Day 28's theme were red lips. So I knew I wanted to have a classic look to accompany my red pout. After trying on countless outfits that would highlight my red lips perfectly and be appropriate for church I settled on this classic glam outfit. What do you wear with your red hot lipstick?

VINTAGE GLAM

GET THE LOOK

:: Cream Peplum: Forever 21::

:: Black Pencil Skirt: Goodwill::

:: Black Steve Madden Peep Toe Pumps: Gift::

:: Snakeskin Clutch: Target::

:: Pearl Necklace: Forever 21::

:: Gold & Cream Watch: Target::

:: Headband: Forever 21::

:: Red Lips: Nars Matte Lipstick in "Mascate"::

Today, we will highlight "distressed jeans" in honor of Day 29 of "Ali's 31 Days of Fresh!" 

SHINE BRIGHT LIKE A DIAMOND

In true "Rihanna Fashion" Rihanna shows us how to effortlessly rock distressed denim jeans as she pairs them with a sequin crop (backless) top and iridescent accessories (clutch), and sandals. 

Day 29: Distressed Jeans by alifashionsense featuring blue nile

I hope you all are enjoying "Ali's 31 Days of Fresh!" We only have 2 more days. So show me your hottest distressed jeans (today: Day 29), your cutest patterned skirt (Day 30) and your chicest blazer (Day 31) to round out this July Photo Challenge. You can participate by using the hashtag #Alis31daysoffresh on Instagram :)

Have an awesome day luvs. I will see you at the same time, same place tomorrow.

-Ali

Day 26: Stripes

As you can see from the flyer, today marks Day 26 for "Ali's 31 Days of Fresh!" We will show off our "stripes" today!!!


LUCKY STRIPES
I like stripes! If worn correctly they can actually slim you down! Check out two of my favorite striped dresses. FYI: You can chop up the stripes and change the entire look by just adding or removing a simple blazer. You can snag the looks here:

TAN & BLACK BODYCON

• Tan & Black Striped Bodycon: H&M
• Black Boyfriend Blazer: Forever 21
• Tan Spiked Peep Toe Pumps: Baker's
• Gold Watch: Target
• Gold Heart Chain: Forever 21

CREAM & BLACK TULLE

• Cream & Black Striped Tulle Dress: Gift
• Cream Blazer: Forever 21
• Black Jessica Simpson Patent Leather Pumps: DSW
• Black Studded Watch: Wet Seal

Show me your lucky stripes on Instagram using the hashtag #Alis31daysoffresh. I won't be posting until Monday, but here are previews for this weekend's fashion themes: (Saturday) Day 27: Color Blocking and (Sunday) Day 28: Red Lips. I will see you all bright and early on Monday. TGIF luvs :)

-Ali

Day 25: Feather Earrings

Birds of a feather flock together. Well today there are many different flocks in my closet. How you ask?  Through "feather earrings" which is today's (Day 25's) fashion theme for "Ali's 31 Days of Fresh!" Feather earrings (through my experience) are great communication starters. They draw the eye directly to the ear. In my case, the bigger they are...the better!

LET ME SEE YA FEATHERS

I mentioned above that feather earrings have infiltrated my closet. I love the lightness of the feather earrings, the colors, the detailing and boost they give to any outfit. Here is a collage of my fav feather earrings. Most I obtained from Charlotte Russe, Charming Charlie's, or Aldo.

Do you have any cool feather earrings? What do you wear your earrings with? "Show me what ya got" using the infamous hashtag #Alis31daysoffresh on Instagram. FYI: This is our last week of "Ali's 31 Days of Fresh." There are six days left to participate (seven including today), so if you haven't joined in yet...hop on in with the fashion fun! Enjoy your Thursday luvs :)

-Ali

Day 24: Active Wear

Let's be honest, every time you turn on the TV you see countless commercials about exercising, dieting, eating healthy, eating clean, workout challenges, P90x, Insanity etc. and the list goes on and on. While I do want you to be active and live a healthy lifestyle today's post will focus on how to help you look stylish while going to the gym, working out in your own home, or just walking around your neighborhood to get your heart pumping. Day 24 covers "Active Wear" aka "Gym Wear" for
"Ali's 31 Days of Fresh!"

I must admit, when I hit the gym, the last thing I'm worried about is how I look. I want to get in there, get my heart rate up, get sweaty, and feel the burn. But I will say I would love to step up my "active wear" game a bit more. So here are some ideas for you (my subbies/readers) and for me to add on my active wear wish list.


ACTIVE WEAR & GYM ESSENTIALS
The items listed below will help you not only look the part, but will set you up to have the best workout possible!

Get It Right, Get It Tight by alifashionsense featuring nike activewear

GET THE LOOK
Here is a simple look that you can recreate when you're headed to the gym to run the treadmill, lift some weights, or shake your bum - bum in Zumba. Take a page out of the "body party" singer, Ciara's workout playbook.

Recreate Ciara's Gym Look by alifashionsense featuring a gym bag

WORKOUT FOR ME

Here's a little sneak peak into my active wear and things I do to get active!!!! When I'm at home working out I tend to workout in a sports bra, some running pants and tennis shoes (pic 1 on the left). When I go to the gym I usually throw my hair in a pony, add a hat, or throw it up in a messy bun and add a headband. I pair my running pants with a tank or tee shirt, tie my hoodie around my waist, lace up my Nike's, pull up my favorite playlist, and rock out while I'm doing my thing (which consists of either running around the track, cardio, or riding the stationary bike - pic 2 in the middle)! The right column shows things you can do to get your heart rate pumping. Do a workout challenge like "The 100 Workout," ride the bike at the gym, run, take a class offered at the gym (I do Zumba twice a week), or do a workout DVD at home (like "Black Girls Workout Too!"). 

There are many things you can do to get active, and plenty of pieces you can get to look stylish while working out. So show us your hottest "active wear" on Instagram using the hashtag #Alis31daysoffresh. I appreciate your participation and look forward to your posts. Have a great day luvs!!! 

-Ali

Day 23: Clutches

Hey there Fashion Sensers :) Today is Day 23 of "Ali's 31 Days of Fresh!" And we are showing off the "Clutches."

THAT'S SO CLUTCH
I love my snakeskin clutch from Target so much that I bought two. One in oxblood red and one in cream.

Oxblood Red Snakeskin Clutch (Target), Silver Studded Michael Kors Watch (Macy's), Oxblood Red Leather Panel Leggings (H&M), Black Booties (Target), Furry Vest (Forever 21), Long Sleeve Black Danceskin (Walmart)

CLUTCH THE RAINBOW
Clutches are an amazing way to spice up an outfit with a pop of color. They are tiny purses where you can pack in as much or little as needed. Don't forget your purse/clutch DOES NOT have to match your shoes. So live out loud, live bold, and rock your clutch!

"Ali's 31 Days of Fresh" Day 23: Clutches by alifashionsense featuring a leather purse

We have 8 days left of "Ali's 31 Days of Fresh!" So get involved and "show me what ya got" on  Instagram using the hashtag #Alis31daysoffresh.

Weekend Recap & Day 22: Rompers

It's a new day with new opportunities to be GREAT! So I hope you all are enjoying your Monday and that you had a wonderful weekend. Today's blog post will give you a brief weekend recap of my "Ali's 31 Days of Fresh" Day 20/Day 21 items and will introduce today's (Day 22) fashion item (Rompers)!

DAY 20: SPIKES
This weekend I enjoyed date night with the hubby. We went to see "The Conjuring" and went to dinner at Cheddar's. We watched a couple movies on Netflix, went to church, the gym, and chilled around the house! So it was a pretty good weekend for me. Saturday, Day 20's fashion item of the day was "Spikes." Spikes have been showing up on shoes, jackets, shorts, t - shirts, and even accessories. They definitely add an "edgy" element to any garment.

DAY 21: THRIFTED ITEM
Day 21 (Sunday) was a "Thrifted Item." Meaning something purchased from a thrift store or consignment shop. I chose to wear my lavender button up with tie - up bow detailing (which I purchased from Goodwill for less than $5). I paired it with my leather skater skirt (H&M), silk butterfly blazer (H&M), and Jessica Simpson patent leather pumps (gift). So as you can see thrifting can be a great way to add new pieces to your closet without breaking your budget.

DAY 22: ROMPERS
It's Day 22 and today's fashion item is a summer must - have. I'm talking about nothing other than "Rompers." Rompers are awesome one piece garments and are great pieces to have in your closet. They are super easy to throw on, they can be elegant, chic, or sporty and best of all you can dress them up or down and still look fly. So I would definitely suggest buying 1 (or 2 or 3) to add to your weekly summer rotation.

Rompers (from L to R): Gray Romper (TJ Maxx), Black Romper (Forever 21), Striped Romper (Forever 21), Geometric Patterned (Charlotte Russe)

We have 9 more days to celebrate "Ali's 31 Days of Fresh." So join in on the fashion fun and don't forget to post your pictures on Instagram using the hashtag #Alis31daysoffresh. Just in case you forgot here's a preview of the last 9 days to come.

Day 23: Clutch

Day 24: Active Wear

Day 25: Feather Earrings

Day 26: Stripes

Day 27: Color Blocking

Day 28: Red Lips

Day 29: Distressed Jeans

Day 30: Patterned Skirt

Day 31: Blazer

Now you can plan accordingly!!!! I hope to see your pictures the next 9 days. And I hope you enjoy the rest of your day :)

-Ali

Day 19: Neon

George Clinton said in his song "Flashlight" (musical interlude), Neon light." If you haven't picked up what today's fashion theme is today, it is NEON. Today is Day 19 of "Ali's 31 Days of Fresh!" And we want you to shine bright...in your neon.

NEON POPS

You can mix and match neon colors like you could black and white. As you can see from the pic below I was able to create a neon inspired ensemble using my lime blazer and lime tee (both from Forever 21), coral jeans (Charlotte Russe), and lime green sandals (Target). The scarf (which is used as a turban is from Charlotte Russe) has a plethora of neon colors to bring the look together. The neon items in the middle are not my own, but are there to display how you can use accessories to get your pop of color in bright, bold neon (whether it be through nail polish, sandals, jewelry, or purses)!!!

I would love for you to join me :) for Day 19 of "Ali's 31 Days of Fresh" on Instagram using the hashtag #Alis31daysoffresh. Since it's the weekend...I won't be doing another blog post until Monday. However, here's a sneak peak for Saturday and Sunday's themes for the July Photo Challenge. Day 20 is "Spikes" and Day 21 is a "Thirfted Item" you've purchased or have been eyeing. So hopefully you will join in! As always have a great weekend and be safe my luvs! See back here bright and early on Monday for the "Weekend Recap" and to reveal Day 22.

-Ali

Day 18: Gold Chain

Mimicking the profound words of Trinidad James... "Gold all in my chain, gold all in my ring, gold all in my watch, don't believe me just watch." Day 18 will highlight "Gold Chains" for "Ali's 31 Days of Fresh!" 

ALL GOLD EVERYTHING
Sporting gold chains has been around for decades. Everyone from entertainers, athletes, and even grandmothers can rock a gold chain. Here are some of your fav celebrities (Beyonce & Kelis) rocking out in their gold chains. And of course your favorite blogger (lol..me) showing off my gold herringbone chain from Forever 21.

I ordered this Gold Chain from my fav store Forever 21 online for less than $10!

We only have 13 days left of "Ali's 31 days of fresh" so come and join us in the fashion fun as we close out the month of July. Take a pic of your coolest gold chain and post it to Instagram using the hashtag #Alis31daysoffresh. And don't forget to enjoy your Thursday luvs :)

-Ali

Day 17: Vest

We are a little over half way through "Ali's 31 Days of Fresh!" I hope you all are enjoying it as much as I am. Today marks Day 17 where we will explore "vests."

VEST QUEST
Vests are the perfect essentials to spice up a plain outfit. You can wear them with dresses, jeans, shorts etc. Vests were absolute go - to's for me in the winter and they can also be worn during the warm months.

    FUR VESTS

    SUMMERTIME VEST

How do you rock vests? Let me see...use the hashtag #Alis31daysoffresh on Instagram.
Happy Hump Day luvs :)

-Ali

Day 16: Denim

Hey Fashion Sensers! I hope you all are having a great Tuesday :) Today is Day 16 of "Ali's 31 Days of Fresh." Today's Photo Challenge highlights Denim. Yep, denim. You know, your fav jeans, or that go to (denim) button up. So in the words of Jay - Z "Show me what you got" on Instagram using the hashtag (say it with me lol) #Alis31daysoffresh.

DENIM X DENIM
Rihanna may be a diva pop princess and self proclaimed bad girl. But one thing we know for sure, is that Rihanna gets it when it comes to fashion and style. Here she shows us how to effortlessly 
sport denim on denim (button ups, overalls, skater skirts, jeans etc.). Her casual chic spin on denim makes me want to go to my closet and create a dope ensemble. 

I hope you all rip a page out of Rihanna's style book and get inspired to create a great denim look. Don't forget to post your master pieces on Instagram :)

Weekend Recap & Day 15: Unique Rings

This weekend was pretty lax and disheartening (due to the verdict of the Zimmerman Trail...which we WILL NOT get into) but all in all, it was pretty chilled! I wanted to keep up with "Ali's 31 Days of Fresh" July Challenge so Saturday (Day 13) was Sneakers and Sunday (Day 14) were Leather Bottoms.

Here's a brief recap of my weekend!

COOL GRAYS

My Saturday was pretty chill. I had a praise team rehearsal and went to a house warming party. It's been raining almost everyday for 3 weeks continuously in GA, so I wanted something that would be casual, cute and something that I wouldn't mind getting wet. I grabbed some khaki bermuda shorts (Old Navy), a graphic multicolored tank (Old Navy), denim jacket (Forever 21), "Cool Grays" (Christmas Gift), BBW Earrings (Kiosk), and Michael Kors Watch (Macy's) to complete the look. 

LEATHER SWEATPANTS

I knew Day 14 was "Leather Bottoms" day . So I wanted to rock my leather sweatpants. I know it seems crazy to wear sweatpants to church, but I knew I would crank up the chicness by adding a leather peplum (online boutique), cream tuxedo blazer (Forever 21), feather necklace (Charlotte Russe), and Jessica Simpson Patent Leather Pumps (Gift). I think it came out pretty well (if I must say so myself)!!! I ombre'd my extensions a light brown (I wanted it to be a bit brighter, but after my second attempt I'm happy with the results) on Friday to give me that ultimate summer hair!

So now that we've captured my weekend fashions it's time to announce Day 15 of "Ali's 31 Days of Fresh." Day 15 covers "unique rings." Show us some of your favorite rings that you've collected :)

THE RING

Here are a few of my favorite "unique" rings that I've collected over the years. Most I've rounded up from Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, or Wet Seal and I topped it all off with my favorite manicure color...WHITE.

As always if you want o join in on the amazement use the special hashtag #Alis31daysoffresh. I love seeing your pictures :)

Enjoy your Monday luvs. Make it a productive one!

-Ali

Day 12: Cropped Tops

I know it may seem like a broken record going into Day 12 (which will highlight Cropped Tops) for "Ali's 31 Days of Fresh".

 But keep rocking with me. Cropped tops have popped up all around the fashion scene and even on this blog several times. I don't want to beat a dead horse. By now you probably know how to sport a cropped top (if you feel comfortable doing so). But here is a cool way to show off your mid-driff in a modest way!


SAME (CROP) TOP, DIFFERENT BOTTOM
Here is an example of how to take one crop top, in this case a "Balmain Cropped Underwired Leather Bustier," and get multiple looks simply by switching the bottom half using leggings, a pencil skirt, or patterned shorts etc. For an added bonus you can add a denim jacket  or blazer etc. to ramp up the look to an even higher degree.

Well as always if you want to join in on the "Ali's 31 Days of Fresh" movement use the hashtag #Alis31daysoffresh. I enjoy seeing your pictures of your personal style :) I hope you have a GREAT, FABULOUS, ADVENTUROUS weekend!

TGIF

-Ali

Day 11: Cutoffs

We have one more day until the weekend! Today marks Day 11 of "Ali's 31 Days of Fresh!" Today highlights one of this summers hottest trends...Cutoff Shorts.

CUTESY CUTOFFS
One of this summers hottest trends are cutoff shorts. Cutoffs can come with tie dye, spikes, distressed, or even painted with stars. You can really highlight your own personality with these cutesy denim bottoms.

THURSDAY FUNNY
So I went to Goodwill a couple weeks ago and purchased a pair of black vintage jeans and attempted to make my own DIY angled cutoffs. Let me tell you "fashion sensers" it was an EPIC FAIL lol! I'm going to try my attempt again very soon. If they turn out better I will post them here on Ali's Fashion Sense. Until then, just marvel at these perfect summer treats below!

Are you cooling off in cutoffs this summer? If so, let me see on Instagram for Day 11 using the hashtag #Alis31daysoffresh. *Happy Thursday luvs*

-Ali

Day 10: Swimwear

It's hump day (whoop whoop) and we're half way through the week! It's also Day 10 for "Ali's 31 Days of Fresh." Today we're focusing on swimwear!

SWIMWEAR

"She wore itsy bitsy teeny weeny....red floral bikini!" I purchased this inexpensive bikini set from Forever 21 for under $25. The bandeau top was $10.80 and the bikini bottoms were $9.80 for a grand total of $20.60 + tax. The fedora is from Target, the aviators are from Aldo, the flip flops are from Forever 21, the BBW inspired earrings are from a Beauty Supply Store, and my good ole' favorite gold watch is from Target.

What are you wearing to the beach this summer? Let us see using the hashtag #Alis31daysoffresh. Enjoy your day luvs!!!!