Denim x Denim x Denim

Rihanna always brings it when she steps foot on the scene. Whether she's rocking "Ariel" red tresses or a blinged out crop top. She knows how to turn heads.

DENIM x DENIM x DENIM
The island songstress is an expert in mixing and matching head to toe denim. She knows how to keep denim light, fun, and flirty. Watch her work.

When I ran across these all denim looks I was super inspired. I knew (at some point) I wanted to attempt to recreate the looks. Here's my stab at tackling denim on top of denim.


STARTED FROM THE BOTTOM
Here's a synopsis of my denim from the bottom up. 

SELFIES

In the mirror taking selfies ;) 

OUTSIDE DENIM

The complete outfit. The top is from Target, the distressed jeans are from Forever 21, and the tan pumps are from Forever 21 as well. 

THE WRAP UP

Just me feeling my denim and my natural hair (it's been a minute since we've been acquainted). I'm rocking MAC's Snob lipstick and lipgloss (in case you were wondering). 

I hope you got inspired to try denim x denim. The denim does NOT have to match! Try denim skirts, vests, coats, shirts, jeans, or even accessories from head to toe. You will look great trust me!!!! TGIF luvs.

-Ali

Road Trippin' OOTD

Happy Hump Day to all my luvs this morning. I hope you are having a great start to your day! You're already half way through the week, so make it a good one :) The hubby and I are on our way out the door, to jump on the road to Tampa, FL. My husband is heading to USF to recruit for his job tomorrow and he asked me to tag along. But, I had to jump in and give you a quick blog. Whenever I'm heading on a (road) trip I always try everything on I pack (including shoes and jewelry) to make sure I like how the looks come together. Today's outfit of the day was no different. I tried it on to make sure it was comfy enough for the 4.5 hour ride to Tampa but also cute enough to get noticed ;)

Here's my OOTD that has me road tripping!

RED LIPS, CUTOFFS, & TRIBAL PRINT
These cutoffs were the basis of the outfit. I tried on several tops before committing to this tribal print (sheer back) top. I paired it with a black boyfriend blazer, some suede open toe booties, and a gold ID chain. The red lips bring the outfit together brilliantly. 

::Boyfriend Blazer: Forever 21::
::Tribal Print Tee: Forever 21::
::Cutoff Shorts: Forever 21::
::Gold ID Chain: Rainbow::
::Suede Open Toe Booties:: Aldo::
::Gold Watch: Target:: 

What is your go - to outfit when you're ready to hit the road? Let me know in the comment section below!

-Ali

Weekend Recap: Bad Hair Days

Hey everyone. I hope you had a wonderful weekend. I will title this weekend BAD HAIR DAYS!!! So on Saturday, I had a nice day. I woke up, ran some errands with the hubster, then went to an awesome (praise team) rehearsal for church. Me and the hubby went to Cheddar's for a delicious early dinner and then the nightmare began. I came home popped on some college football and my awesome husband helped me take down my sew - in. I got the sew - in out in no time. Then I combed out my hair, and washed it. With a head full of soaking wet natural glory I realized I had tons of tangles and knots in my hair. Here's where the drama began. I couldn't comb it, finger through my hair or anything else. I felt sooo hopeless. So I just decided to call it a night and reconvene in the morning with a clear head, and a load full of patience.

The calm before the storm. Right after taking my sew - in out

 Fast forward to Sunday morning (5 AM to be exact).  I got up to start tackling the monster knots that were in my hair. 3 hours later I had put a dent into the knots but not enough to go out of the house looking a mess. Thank God for alternative solutions :) I was able to grab my leopard print scarf (that you all have seen countless times here at AFS) and hide my untamely mane under a fashionable turban. My bad hair day turned into a chic casual Sunday OOTD. Check it out below.

JESUS LOVES YOU
I wanted to wear something a little more casual to church so I immediately went for the perfect graphic tee with a picture of Jesus' face with a slogan that reads "Jesus Loves You!" The black tee with it's creams and golden bronze accents tied in perfectly with my leopard print turban. I then grabbed a pair of skinny jeans, my black blazer, and my gold accented wedges to round out the look.

The outfit is shown with and without the blazer.
:: "Jesus Loves You" Graphic Tee: Forever 21::
:: Studded Pocket Skinny Jeans: Forever 21::
:: Black Blazer: H&M::
:: Wedges with Gold Accents: Forever 21::
:: Animal Print Scarf: Charlotte Russe::
:: Gold Earrings: MD Beauty Supply Store::

Luckily I was able to play off my "bad hair day(s)" with a fashionable turban. What fashionable tactics do you resort to when you have a horrible, no good, bad (hair) day?

I've Got the Blues

Fall is all about neutral, rich, vampy colors. But make way for a new hue to take over the fall season. What you ask? Hues of blue! While everyone is walking around in their camel capes, brown booties, and toting their black bags you can shatter the mold and walk boldly onto the Fall fashion scene with the rich tones of blue. Literally! Pick out your coolest shades of cobalt, royal, or navy blue and show them what ya got!

Here are a few ideas to kick your blue rage into high gear.

I've Got the Blues by alifashionsense featuring GUESS by Marciano

The great thing about this bold shade of blue is you can wear it head to toe or just do small doses with interesting blue accessories. I must admit, my closet it pretty void of blue hues...but I will make it a priority to catch the blues. Do you have the blues? No? Get it by snagging a beautiful blue blazer or peplum sheath dress. Happy Hump Day luvs!

-Ali

Eyes on the Target

I recently went to the red dot boutique aka Target to peruse the aisles, and I must say I was completely blown away by the awesome pieces that I spotted. So here are the top 10 items that are must haves for the Fall season.

1. Mossimo Women's Faux Leather w/ Chain Detail Ponte Jacket - $34.99
This little black numbers is a mixture of two of my favorite things blazers and leather. How could you go wrong with that?

2. Mossimo Women's Tailored Stretch Ankle Pant - $27.99
These are the perfect set of trousers with the tuxedo stripe on the side. The rare olive green give the pants a fresh new vibe.

3. Mossimo Women's Sheath Dress Green Print - $29.99
This bold sheath dress adds an element of sophistication and fun. Perfect for the office, a morning of worship, or an early brunch.

4. Mossimo Supply CO. Fedora Hat - $16.99
This fedora exudes Rachel Zoe to me. It could be gorgeous with a long maxi and fur vest, or a more simple silhouette.

5. Mossimo Gradient Smoke Lens Sunglasses Black Frame - $16.99
Block out the sun, the haters, and all other distractions with these oversized black circular sunglasses.

6. Bib Cluster Stone Necklace Silver - $29.99
This is the perfect statement piece to pair with your LBD or underneath your crisp white button up.

7. Women's Mossimo Kyla Buckle Boot - $24.49
This is the perfect casual boot with the right amount of hardware to get a second glance. 

8. Merona Women's Herringbone Favorite Shirt - $15.00
Plaid is the new black this Fall. OK maybe not the new black, but it is right on trend, and  just in time for the Fall season. Tie it around your waist, where it open with a cami underneath, or wear it as is, underneath a blazer. There are major options.

9. Xhilaration Juniors Collarless Faux Leather Jacket Mauve - $13.98
(Faux) Leather Jackets are one of Fall's reoccurring essentials. You can never go wrong with a leather jacket. Add an element of surprise with an unexpected color like mauve.

10. Xhilaration Juniors Lace Pencil Skirt Wine - $19.99
This wine colored pencil skirt with lace detailing is the perfect way to take your button up to the next level. Add a pair of riding boots and a cardigan and it's an easy way to create a polished office look.

There are plenty more amazing pieces that you can find browsing Target's aisles in person or virtually. This is just a sneak peak of all the jewels they have stocked for this Fall season. And don't forget the launch of 3.1 Phillip Lim's collection which just hit Target stores on 9.15.13! Preview the look book here.

-Ali

Weekend Recap: Saturday Soiree

I must first start off this post by saying, Sorry! Sorry for the sparse number of blog posts I did last week. I started substitute teaching a couple weeks ago, and I'm trying to get the balance of working and coming home being productive blogging. I will try to do my best to get you five blogs a week :) But let's get to this Weekend Recap shall we?

This weekend was OK. I didn't do too much on Friday or Sunday (besides the usual), so I'm just going to discuss my Saturday. The start of Saturday was pretty chill. When I say chill, picture me in my pajamas from 8AM until 7PM. Yea, one of those Saturdays. The hubby and I literally lounged for about 70% of the day reading, taking naps, and watching football. We'd gotten invited to a Frat Party for the Que's Grad Chapter here in Central GA but we weren't quite sure if we were going to go because of the Mayweather vs. Canelo fight. We were going to go catch the fight at BBW, but we chose to hit up the party instead. I told you all I was in my PJ's for most of the day, so I was happy to get dressed and put on some "real" clothes. BTW I think I cleaned up pretty nicely. What do you think?

BLACK & GOLD

I just got my wedges in the mail this week from Forever 21 online. They have gold metal detailing on the ankle strap. I knew I wanted to wear them to the party because they make you tall, they are more comfortable than stilettos (because wedges distribute and support your foot more evenly), and they are super sexy. The shoes were the start of my black and gold ensemble. I then found a dress that was gifted to me from my aunt a few years ago. I've never worn it, but I felt it would be the perfect fit with the shoes. Here's how the final look turned out.

:: Satin Dress: Ce La Vie::
:: Wedges with Gold Ankle Strap: Forever 21 (online)::
:: Gold Bangle: Forever 21::
:: Gold ID Necklace: Rainbow::

I love the subtle details of this dress. Whether it's the mess straps up top or the high split.

Pardon my back. The back view with the mesh racer back and exposed zipper. 

How great are these wedges? I'm in love with them!

What did you do this weekend? Did you have an amazing weekend? Did you work? Did you party? Let me know what you did and what you wore! Happy Monday luvs :)

-Ali

OOTD: Denim and Leather

Have you ever woke up and your hair was an absolute mess? Welcome to my world. Yesterday, I woke up and my hair just would not act right. I tried on a head band but it wouldn't cooperate either, so I decided to go with a turban :) (my leopard print scarf converted into a turban of course). This was the basis of my Outfit of the Day (OOTD).

I wanted to wear something a little more edgy so I pulled out my black leather tee (which you've seen a time or two on my blog), distressed cutoffs, and black wedges. I added my leopard turban, gold accessories, and a red lip and wa-lah my outfit was complete . FYI: The combination of denim and leather is the perfect duo to spice up your look, as we transition into the Fall. And I must tell you, I got really positive reactions from this look. While running all my errands yesterday, people were super friendly, very willing to help, and complimented me on my shoes and top. I'd like to think because I was well put together. One thing that we must always remember is the key to pulling off any outfit is not the labels, or if its "trendy" or not, but CONFIDENCE. OK I'll get off my Dr. Phil so you can see the OOTD. Check it out below.

DENIM & LEATHER
Leather Tee (Off The 5th Outlet), Distressed Cutoffs (Forever 21), Leopard Scarf/Turban (Charlotte Russe), Black Wedges (Aldo), Louis Vuitton Speedy (Gift), Gold Chain (Forever 21), Shades (Forever 21), and Gold Earrings (Charlotte Russe).  

I really like this look. I think it's a little rocker chic, with an urban twist!

Car Selfie! Hey y'all

Are you ready to ride on the leather (and denim) train? I hope so! Happy Thursday luvs :)

-Ali

Dressing Room Diaries

Whenever I go shopping I make sure I try EVERYTHING on! When I say everything, I mean everything. I would definitely recommend trying things on, not to annoy you, but as an encouragement. Sometimes, things look hideous on the rack, but once you try it on it fits magically. And sometimes things look amazing on the mannequin but once it hits the dressing room...not so much.

The point to this whole rant is that I've kind of made a game out of trying on clothes. I'm going to introduce a new series of posts called the "Dressing Room Diaries" (DRD) where I will chronicle the items I try on so you can see what things look like in their infantry (before I put my Ali's touch on it). So check out my first installment of DRD, where I went to Forever 21 (my fav) at Lenox Mall in ATL (about a week ago) and found some really cute pieces.

VARSITY BLUES
While I was perusing the store something made me gravitate to this unique sweatshirt. I don't know if it was the bold numbers or the plaid sleeves, but once I tried it on I knew it was a winner. I did however have to change the size from L to a M after trying it on because it was a little too big for my liking (that's why it's so important to try things on).  The distressed shorts (which I picked up from the plus size section) were very roomy (a little big, but that's ok) and chill! I really like the pieces separate but I could pull them off together as well. 

The 82 Sweatshirt and Distressed Denim Shorts make for a very comfy, sporty look. 

The next look is totally different but I love the pieces just as equally as much!

HIGH WAISTED SKIRT & CROP TOP COMBO
I've been secretly admiring the crop top trend for some time now. I did purchase one (neon crop top) over the summer but I wanted to add more in my closet. So when I spotted this faux leather crop top with a gold exposed zipper hidden away on a random rack in Forever 21 I knew I had to get it (after trying it on of course). I found the perfect high waisted striped maxi skirt to compliment this gorgeous cropped number. They are the perfect duo but, I can still separate the pieces and wear them with multiple things in my closet, which offers longevity for both garments just in time to put them into my Fall rotation.

You can tell by my facial expressions that I was really feeling this outfit. On the right hand side you can see the front and back of the crop top on a F21 model (the picture was taken from the Forever 21 website)

SOMETHING TO REMEMBER
If you find something in a store that you have fallen in love with but they don't have your size...don't fret. Just jot down (or take a photo) the name and reference number on the tag, and you may be able to find the garment online. Just like I did with a pair of wedges I found. I fell in love with them in the store but they only had a size 7, so I took a picture of the tag, located them online (in my size), and ordered them the day after. I can't wait for them to come in!

Hopefully, this post motivated you to try things on and get comfortable in the dressing room. Stay tuned for my next Dressing Room Diaries post :) Happy Monday luvs!

-Ali

Fall Lippies

The first day of Autumn is vastly approaching us. Although the weather may or may not reflect the changes in seasons yet, it is always best to be prepared *in my Lion King Scar voice!* We will discuss in a later post how to transition your summer staples into Fall must haves, but today we will focus on something that I can't leave home without and that is a bold lip color! With the change of seasons comes new trends, new closet staples, and new color palettes. This doesn't just apply to clothing it applies to makeup as well. Today I will show you how to get your lips ready to take on all the fun Fall colors that are offered.

While I was out and about yesterday I picked up four new lipsticks from Walgreen's. The Maybelline lipstick was buy one get one 50% off (for this entire week, so if you like what you see go grab them quickly)! I also purchased a Wet 'N' Wild lipstick and those were 25% off. Let's take a look at my purchases shall we.

Here is the line up for the new "Maybelline Fall 2013 On the Runway Limited Edition Collection"

I purchased three out of the four lip colors from the "Maybelline Fall 2013 On the Runway Limited Edition" Collection. I only got three because the fourth was a very similar color that I own in my makeup bag already. No need to be redundant right? The colors in the collection are Fuchsia Fierce (990), Violet Intrigue (995), Lavender Voltage (1000), and Midnight Plum (1005). I absolutely love the deep purple hues. They are right in time for the fall to add a little spice to your lipstick game! Check out the swatches below:

VIOLET INTRIGUE - 995

LAVENDER VOLTAGE - 1000

MIDNIGHT PLUM - 1005

Besides these three beauties I picked up another red (you can never have too many red lipsticks) from one of my fav inexpensive cosmetic companies: Wet 'N' Wild (WNW). I like their lipsticks because they have a creme finish, and they last quite a long time. The color I picked up from the WNW display is Saraghina - A038.

SARAGHINA - A038

All in all I think I'm ready for Fall so I can break out my awesome new lippies! Are you going to try any new lip colors for the Fall? If so, what? If not, what are your go - to staples in your makeup bag as far as lipstick or gloss/chapstick is concerned?

Happy Hump Day beauties :)

-Ali

White After Labor Day

Here's a little humor to lead us into our topic for the day, wearing white "after" Labor Day. I know back in the days of old white garments were forbidden once September approached (specifically after Labor Day). Well, a day removed from Labor Day, I am here to announce..."it's time to break the rules!" To all my Fashion Sensors out there I want you to know it is OK to wear white today, a week from now, or even a couple months from now. So check out these items below to give you some inspiration to white out your Fall season.

WHITE OUT

If you're not quite sure how to incorporate white into your Fall wardrobe check out the pieces below to give you some inspiration. These items, if worn correctly, can be rocked confidently even though September 1st has come and gone! 

White After Labor Day by alifashionsense featuring a raglan sweatshirt

So as you can see, there are many ways to slide white into your Fall rotation. You don't have to be self conscious anymore about expressing your style in white beyond the Labor Day threshold. If you aren't comfortable wearing a bright white, ease into the trend with cream, off white, or pearl hues. Rock your white boldly and proudly with the utmost confidence and you will turn heads for all the "white" reasons :)

Happy Tuesday luvs!

-Ali

Weekend Recap

Happy Monday luvs! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend, and are enjoying this great Labor Day morning. Hopefully, you have today off and are able to chill and enjoy your family, friends, food, and fun. However, if you do have to work today, have a great productive day. Before you go, let me give you a rundown on what I did over the weekend.

So this weekend, was pretty cool. Friday, I had a date night with my love (the hubby). We went to dinner (Olive Garden), followed by a movie (Get Away). It was a great start to an awesome weekend. I chose to wear a sexy leopard jumpsuit, bringing out my inner animal. I paired it with my lace up wedges,  oversized earrings, and denim jacket.

BORN TO BE WILD 
This jumpsuit helps me a take a walk on the "wild side" with it's BOLD animal print! I suggest if you wear a print all over keep the accessories minimalistic and simple. 

:: Animal Printed Jumpsuit: H&M::
:: Lace - Up Wedges: DSW::
:: Denim Jacket: Forever 21::
:: Artistic Circular Drop Down Earrings: MD Beauty Supply Store::

Saturday was a bit more relaxed. We pretty much chilled the entire day (besides me having to go to a choir rehearsal for Sunday's 9:45AM service). We watched football, ate pizza, and ended the night watching a crazy 90's movie on Netflix (Asunder with Blaire Underwood). My outfit reflected the type of day I had. It was very chill, and super comfy.


COOLIN' IN MY J's
My shoes were my starting point for this outfit. The simple colors in the shoes: navy, red, silver, and gold were my guidelines for choosing the rest of this comfy outfit.

:: Air Jordan 7's: Foot Locker::
:: Oversized Cardigan: T J Maxx::
:: Distressed Jeans: T J Maxx::
:: Navy Laced Back Cardigan: Charlotte Russe::
:: Navy Cami: Forever 21::
:: Layered Silver Chain: Forever 21::
:: Michael Kors Watch: Macy's::

Just Me!!!

Sunday was cool. After church we rode up to ATL to meet up with my bro - in - law and mother - in - law (who passing through ATL coming back from an awesome vacay). We all met up at the Atlanta Airport to do lunch! It was great to spend some time with her before she flew back to the West Coast. After leaving the airport, my hubby and I headed over to Lenox Mall to do a little shopping, before we headed back down to WR. Unfortunately, I didn't take any pics on Sunday. But trust me it was a great time.

The thing I love most about personal style is that you can switch it up at anytime. As you can see, I'm all for putting on your heels and getting sexy, but I'm just as comfortable lacing up the J's and wearing a pair of jeans. It's all about my mood of the day! All in all, this was a fun weekend and I loved the clothing choices I made. What did you do over the weekend? What did you wear? Hopefully, you did something fun. If not...don't worry! Enjoy today :) HAPPY LABOR DAY luvs!

-Ali