Party Like It's 1986: DIY Glittered Fitted Hat

Since it's "Throwback Thursday" I thought I would throw it back to where it all began. The year was 1986, on a cold Sunday afternoon in February (February 9 to be exact) when a little diva was born :) Yep, you're right, if you guessed that the little diva I'm speaking of is the person who's blog you are reading right now! So to commemorate that fabulous year, I found an awesome DIY project that I felt I could tackle. (I told you gals I got bitten by the DIY bug this week)!

 The cool thing about the Glittered Fitted Hat DIY is that it's simple to create and you can make the hat say anything you want it too! So here's how to create this awesome look (stay tuned aka...keep reading). 

THE ITEMS YOU WILL NEED

1. Fitted Sports Cap: Walmart - $2.50

2. Chalk: Michael's - $1.49

3. Triple Pack of Tack Glue: Michael's - $2.79
*You don't really need a triple pack, but it was the best economic choice

4. Mini Sponge Brushes: Michael's - $0.49 each

5. 4oz Glitter: Michael's - $2.99

6. Duck or Painter's Tape: Michael's - $2.99 

A recap of all the supplies you will need

Like the last DIY project, the price of all the items totaled under $20. 

HOW TO CREATE THE LOOK

1. Put down newspaper on the area where you are working (this can get a little messy).

2. Tape off the area where you want the top of your numbers (or whatever you want it to say) to hit.

3. Take your chalk and write the letters on your hat. If you mess up, don't worry...take your sponge and dip it in water (the chalk will disappear) then you can rewrite the letters. FYI: The numbers/letters don't have to be in 3D, that's just the type of lettering I chose.

4. Outline the numbers in tacky glue (I used the sponge to spread the glue thinly on eat of the numbers).

5. Sprinkle a generous amount of glitter on top of the numbers and shake it off.

6. Let the hat dry for approximately 20 minutes to make sure the glue and glitter has set in.

NOW ITS TIME TO ROCK IT

"I wanna rock right now, I'm Ali and I came to get down. I'm not internationally known (yet) but I'm known to rock the..." Now it's time to show you the look all pulled together. Let's party like it's 1986!!! Here's one of many ways to style this blinged out hat. I chose a graphic "cross" tank, my leather sweatpants, a boyfriend blazer, and my black and glitter platforms.

:: Cross Tank: Forever 21::
::Leather Track Pants: Online::
::Boyfriend Blazer: Forever 21::
::Glitter Platforms: Belk::

I can't take the inspiration for this DIY. I got the idea from an awesome blogger/vlogger Kristen Turner, from www. glitternglue.com. Check out her take on the "Janet Jackson Rhythm Nation inspired Glitter Hat" Here. I really like how the hat turned out. Do you? If you were to make your own glitter hat, what would you want the hat to say? 

-Ali

DIY: Floral Headbands

Yesterday, I got hit with the "Do It Yourself" bug. I've been wanting to do some DIY projects for a while but I haven't' got around to it. So, I put on my daily "to - do - list" that I would go by Michael's and get the correct items I needed to do some arts and crafts projects. Today's post will be about my first DIY: Floral Headbands.

WHAT YOU'LL NEED
Here are the items needed to create a floral headband:

1. Headband(s) - Walmart (Pack of 3 for $3.88)

2. Hot Glue Gun - Michael's ($3.99)

3. Hot Glue Sticks - Michael's (Pack of 18 Glue Sticks for $3.99)

4. Faux Flowers (Peonies and Mums) - Dollar Tree (Each bundle: red, white, and peach for $1.00 each)

I obtained the items all from under $20. 

This is the most simple DIY I've attempted. There are literally four steps involved to create this cool statement piece.


STEPS TO CREATE FLORAL HEADBAND
1. Take headband

2. Pull the floral base off the flower

Remove the green base petal from the bottom of the flower

3. Hot glue gun the individual flower petals onto the headband

4. Let the flowers dry on the headband for about 3 minutes

THE RESULTS

The finished products! I was really proud of these headbands because the last DIY project I tackled was an epic fail lol

So, I know your next logical question is..."what should I wear with this headband?" I'm glad you asked! You know I got you. I created three different looks to go with each of the floral bands so you could get a visual idea of how to style them. 

BEIGE BABY

I wanted a soft, casual, girly look for the beige floral headband so I chose a sheer button up, distressed jeans, and my tan studded peep toe pumps.

:: Sheer Button Up: Forever 21::

:: Distressed Jeans: TJ Maxx::

:: Studded Peep Toe Pumps: Bakers::

::Gold Watch: Target::

GRECIAN GODDESS 
For the white floral headband, I knew I wanted the look to be light and airy. So I went with an off the shoulder dress (that has a bit of a Grecian feel) along with my gladiator sandals, and a cognac colored belt (that came along with the dress) to pull the look together. 

::White Grecian Dress with cognac belt: TJ Maxx::
::Gladiator Sandals: Makemechic.com::
::Gold Bangle: Forever 21::

FLORAL FRIDA
The red floral headband reminds me a bit of Frida Kahlo. With her goddess braid, unibrow, and red floral statement head piece. I chose to pick an all black ensemble with a red lip to let the headband be the statement piece of the look!

:: Leather Paneled Leggings: Off the Fifth Outlet:
::Leather Peplum: Online Boutique::
::Patent Leather Jessica Simpson Pumps: DSW::
::BBW Earrings: Walmart::

As you can see, there are a plethora of ways to style these floral headbands. So will you be making a floral headband in the near future? I sure hope so :)

-Ali

Find Your Muse - How To Get Inspired By Fashion

Some days I get sooo uninspired about my wardrobe. I go to my closet, stand there for minutes and come up completely blank. Those voices in my head say "you just wore that" or "you always wear this" etc. as I peruse through my clothing. Sometimes you need a fashion muse to get you out of your fashion rut. At times like these I look through some of my favorite magazines, read my favorite blogs, or hop on YouTube and find my fav fashionista's to help find ways I can remix items I ALREADY have in my closet.

Here are a few key things to remember when you are selecting your own fashion muse/inspiration and remixing a look to fit your own style and personality.
1. ) Find a fashion muse who's style is similar to yours or (to challenge yourself) find someone who will totally push you out of your comfort zone.
2. ) Find one picture that will inspire you to create an outfit (it could be a color, a pattern, a specific item etc.).
3.) Search your closet for similar pieces that your fashion muse is wearing.
4.) Create the look putting your own fashionable stamp on it!

Here's an example of how I was able to take a look from an email I received from the Rachel Zoe Report (a daily fashion report that give you tips on everything from fashion, accessories, and beauty products) as inspiration to create two looks starring a leather tee for work and play. As Rachel states in the excerpt below these looks can be used to transition into fall seamlessly.

WORK HARD
As you can see from the Rachel Zoe (RZ) inspiration board, I took my black leather tee (with a sheer back) and paired it with a white long sleeve button up, and a red pencil skirt (remixing the look a little to fit my taste and items I already had in my closet). I added my black leather bag, a black patent leather skinny belt, a long twisted silver necklace, and my black Steve Madden booties. The nerdy "Clark Kent" glasses give off the illusion that I'm ALL about business.

::Black Leather Tee (with Sheer Back): Off the 5th Outlet::
::Red Pencil Skirt: Thrifted::
::White Button Up: Target::
::Black Booties: Steve Madden::
::Clark Kent Glasses: Forever 21::
::Necklace: Gifted::
::Leather Bag: Gifted::

PLAY HARD
For this look I took the same black leather tee and instead of pairing it with leather jeans (like RZ did) I paired it with my oxblood leggings with leather panel detailing, my tie up wedge booties, my gold ID name plate, gold watch, and my oxblood red snakeskin clutch (it's not the same as the leopard print clutch shown above, but it's still in the animal print family and works perfectly for this outfit). 

::Black Leather Tee (with Sheer Back): Off the 5th Outlet::
::Oxblood Red Leather Panel Leggings: H&M::
::Gold ID Name Plate Necklace: Rainbow::
::Lace Up Wedges: DSW::
::Gold Watch: Target::
::Oxblood Red Clutch: Target::

I was able to take one staple item (my leather tee) and create two separate looks by just swapping components like a pencil skirt for leather paneled leggings or booties for lace up wedges. It's really simple to recreate looks. And the more you do it, the more easier it becomes. Here's a recap for using fashion inspiration to create applicable wardrobe items that you can steal from the pages of magazines (Instagram, TV etc.) and wear in real life. FIND a muse, LOOK in your closet to see what you currently have (or shop for the items of inspiration), then lastly, (re)CREATE the look. And always remember the look is there as mere inspiration. You don't have to get the exact same items or even the same colors as the inspiration. It's merely there to guide you into a look that you can tweak to call your own!

Hopefully, this post will help you go out and look around you for inspiration to recreate looks and get inspired. When you look at the world around you as your fashion "vision board" things get really fun!! So try it out. I promise you once you do, you will be HOOKED!

-Ali

Biggie 'N' Me : OOTD

Have you ever had one of those days that you just didn't feel like "dressing up" but you still wanted to look fab. Well, that's how I felt yesterday. I always want to put my best foot forward when getting dressed, but depending on my mood, my schedule, and my inspiration I will switch up my look. When I woke up I was in chill mode so I wanted to wear something that was casual with a little edge.

I opted for my Notorious BIG "Ready to Die" tee, my leather skater skirt, plaid button up, and my all black sneaker wedges. I topped off the look with my gold herringbone and gold watch, and was on my New York state of mind with my hubby's NY Yankee fitted (if you know me, you know I absolutely LOVE New York City).

Biggie set the fashion scene ablaze back in the 90s with his Coogi sweaters, Timbs, and Versace shades

BIGGIE 'N' ME

The look is pretty much self explanatory. I had an improtu photoshoot (thanks honey :) ) with the "Ready to Die" Biggie Tee. It made me feel a lil' thuggish so I wanted to grunge out the look a little bit. (I wish I had a gold bottom grill, I would've thrown it in for a more "gangsta" effect lol).

::Notorious BIG "Ready To Die" Tee: Urban Outfitters::
::Leather Skater Skirt: H&M::
::Black Sneaker Wedges: Target::
::Plaid Button Up: Forever 21::
::New York Yankees Fitted: Husband's Closet::
::Gold Chain: Forever 21::
::Gold Watch: Target::
::Doorknockers: Beauty Supply Store::

DUCK LIPS
Earlier in the day I rocked my go - to nude lip color in Butter (by NYX), I opted for a more edgy, darker, red pout for the evening with my Nars Mascate Matte Lipstick.

Since it is Thursday, I figured I'd hit you with a little throwback before you go on your way. To pay homage to Biggie check out one of his biggest hits "Hypnotize." It still bangs to this day when you hear the first couple guitar licks and him say "uh"!!!




Hopefully, that song got you bobbing your head a little bit before you leave my blog page. Whats your go to "I wanna chill but look fab" outfit? Let me know in the comment section below!!! I'd love to hear from ya.  Happy Thursday luvs :)

-Ali

Summer Wrap Up

There is exactly one month, 31 days, 744 Hours, 44,640 Minutes, and 2,678,400 seconds left of Summer. I know it has come and (almost) gone so swiftly. Hopefully, you have had an amazing summer with good friends, family, fun, fashion, and sunshine. In honor of this great season's transition
into Fall, I wanted to provide a "Summer Wrap Up" where we look back at this summer's hottest trends, and where I showcase some of my favorite looks of the summer :)


TOP SUMMER 2013 TRENDS
From Crop Tops, Cut - Off Shorts, Gladiators, White Nail Polish, Luxe Leather, Stripes, Circular Sunnies, Ombre Hair, Statement Necklaces, Sunkissed Skin - Illuminators, Distressed Boyfriend Jeans and Bright Lipstick. Summer of 2013 offered us some comfort, glam, and swag! 

Summer 2013 Trends by alifashionsense featuring a nail polish

THE RECAP: MY TOP SUMMER PICKS
Here are some of my fav looks that I've created this summer! Whether it was denim, leather, a turban, or rocking a top knot this summer I really loved the major trends. But as always I had to put my "Ali twist" on it!

Here are six of my favorite looks from this summer! As you can see some of the biggest themes were leather, denim, maxi's, gladiators, and top knot buns :)

What trends have you crossed off your summer checklist? What are your favorites go - to pieces and trends? If there is something you want to try you have a month to do it. There are tons of summer sales as the stores are ushering in Fall items so snag your favorite pieces and show me your looks :) Stay tuned to Ali's Fashion Sense as I will show you how to get the best bang for your buck, helping you transition your summer wardrobe into fall seamlessly!

Happy Hump Day luvs!

-Ali

Monday on Chill

Hey luvs. I hope you had a great weekend. I wanted to blog something today, but I must be honest I have a small dosage of the "case of the Mondays" mixed with a sprinkle of writers block! But you know I luv you gals/guys so I have to give you at least some content :) So today's blog post will be short and sweet. It's called "Monday on Chill." It's been hella rainy in Central GA the ENTIRE summer...but over the weekend and even this morning as I type...it has been pouring down raining, and gloomy.

I always want to put my best foot forward, but somedays I'm in a sweatshirt and sneakers type of mood instead of skirt and stilettos mood. So here's what I came up with for this gloomy weather.


MY CHILL
I wanted to be chill since it's so gloomy and rainy out so here's what I came up with.
::Prabal Gurung Symmetric Sweatshirt: Target::
::Distressed Jeans: TJ Maxx::
::Neon Air Max 95: Dr. Jays::
::Gold Herringbone Chain: Forever 21::
::Gold Watch: Target::

The entire look: Sweatshirt, Distressed Jeans, Sneakers

Prabal Grurang Sweatshirt with Gold Accessories

Check my footwork: Neon Air Max 95's

STYLIN IN THE RAIN
Here are some simple items that are chill but still fab enough to rock, even in the rain!

Stylin' In The Rain by alifashionsense featuring silver jewelry

What is your go - to pieces when it rains?

Mini Haul

Hey luvs!!! Happy Friday. As you all know (via my Weekend Recap from last week) I recently went to Jacksonville, FL to chill for the weekend. During that weekend trip I was able to make a trip to one of my favorite places...the mall. There is good and bad news to the story. The good news is that I was able to shop at Forever 21. The bad news is that I stayed in Forever 21 so long (2 hours to be exact) I was unable to see the rest of the mall :( But there is a bright side to the story, I was able to get a few pieces and I would like to share them with you in a Mini Haul video. So check it out below.




I know when I gave out my survey monkey a lot of you asked for a lot more video content, so I am trying to give you what you want. Please bear with me as I try to get better video content and better editing!!! If you have any other suggestions as far as what you would like to see on my blog please don't hesitate to ask me (you can email me at AlisFashionSense@gmail.com). And don't forget to subscribe to my new YouTube Channel: AlisFashionSense

I hope you have been inspired to shop at Forever 21 for the fall season. What was your favorite piece I purchased? Would you like to retrieve the items for your own personal closet? If so, here are the links below to get them.

FOREVER  21 MINI HAUL LOOK BOOK
Here is a list of the items I purchased and the links to where you can find them. (Click on the name of the item to redirect you to the link on Forever 21).


1. Laid Back Distressed Skinny Jeans

2. 80s Geo Utility Vest

3. Faux Leather Trimmed Tunic

4. Long Sleeve High Low Dress

5. Sleek Asymmetrical Stiletto Pumps

MY LOOK
Here's a rundown of my look in the video (in case you were wondering). 

:: Animal Print Scarf (worn as a turban): Charlotte Russe::

::Floral Printed Dress: Forever 21::

::Gold Herringbone Chain: Forever 21::

:: Lipstick: Kate (Rimmel) in the color "Rossetto - 04 ": CVS::

Kisses to you all *muah*

Well, that will do it for me today luvs. Have a wonderful (safe) weekend. Oh, one more thing, I have to give a quick shout out to my wonderful godmother (Cassandra) who was so kind that while thinking about me picked me up a $25 Forever 21 gift card :) It was definitely put to use as you can see. Thanks! You rock (and so do all of you to my wonderful readers and AFS subscribers)!

-Ali