Pretty 'N' Pink

This past Sunday, it was "Pink Sunday" at our church in honor of "Breast Cancer Awareness" month! It was such an inspiration to see a sea of blush, raspberry, fuchsia, hot pink, and an array of other pink hues as I looked out into the congregation. Even the men were "tough guys" and wore pink in celebration of the strong women who have overcome the battle of such a crippling disease. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness I thought I would show my support by rocking my pink as well.

PRETTY 'N' PINK
Pink is one of my favorite colors. I'm such a girly girl, so it fits! I chose to take two hues of pink and color block them to create my look for Pink Sunday.

The Details
:: Pink Blazer: H&M::
:: Coral Baby Doll Dress: H&M::
:: Nude Pumps: Forever 21::
:: Feather Earrings: Charlotte Russe::
:: Pop Phone: Online Boutique::

Abstract

Pretty 'N' Pink

Hey y'all 

Posing in the streets

Fresh Flowers

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
Don't forget to do monthly self breast exams to ensure you don't have any lumps in your breasts. If you do, go to your doctor immediately. We can preserve our lives if we are able to detect cancer early enough to nip in the bud! So, don't wait until it's too late. Get tested today.

Happy Hump Day!

-Ali

Fall Tribal Print

It's finally been getting a little more chilly here in GA. Mother Nature has not fully committed to this Fall life yet. She's still having an affair with Summer. So that means it's freezing in the morning but by noon your stripping out of all your layers because the sun is beaming down. TRANSLATION: You have to dress in layers because you're hot then you're cold *in my Katy Perry voice.* Since the temperatures have been fluctuating I thought it would be the perfect time to pull out my tribal print cardigan that I snagged from H&M a couple years ago. It's warm, comfy, and cute! Check out the rest of the post to see how I styled it.

STYLE INSPIRATION
My readers know that I am always getting inspired while flipping through magazines, browsing online, or even witnessing real life street style. This look was inspired by a look that I saw on Forever 21's website. You know I had to put my own Ali twist on it though!

The original look

ME AND MY SHADOW
Here's my interpretation of the style inspiration. I found the perfect spot to shoot for this cream and black Fall getup. Right next to the garage door (the perfect color coordination). I know it's matchy matchy, but who cares :) 

Channeling my inner MJ
"Doesn't matter if your black or white!"

The Rundown:
::Cream & Black Tribal Cardigan: H&M::
::Gray Tank: Forever 21::
::Distressed Denim Shorts: Forever 21::
::Black Tights: Target::
::Black Booties: Target::
::Sunnies: Forever 21::
::Junk Necklace: Kiosk in the Mall::

THE DETAILS
Here's the up close and personal shot, so you can get a little closer to the deets.

FUN TIP
If you're not quite ready to put up your shorts from the Summer layer them with a pair of thick tights. That way your legs will be warm and you can still get away with rocking shorts!

Do you have any tribal prints in your closet? Have you pulled them out yet for the Fall season?

Read All About It: Library Chic

I've always loved to read since I was a little girl. I would grab a stack of books, hide away in the bathroom (don't judge me) and read away. I went from reading Dr. Seuss and Corduroy to the Baby Sitters Club and Goosebumps. Then I graduated to books like the Coldest Winter Ever. The point I'm trying to make is that reading has been a huge part of my life since I can remember. So what better way to commemorate one of my first loves than shooting at a library.

READ ALL ABOUT IT
I did an impromptu shoot at one of my favorite places to go...THE LIBRARY! Shoutout to my awesome husband for capturing some great shots! I chose a comfortable, library chic outfit so that I could get comfy while snuggling up to my favorite books. 

Reaching for knowledge

Serving you library realness ;)

Stacked

Library Chic
:: Flannel: Stole from Hubby's Closet::
:: Leggings: Target::
:: Wedge Boots: Target::
:: Black Tee: Forever 21::
:: Denim Jacket: Forever 21::
:: Gold Chain: Forever 21::
:: Gold Watch: Target::

Perusing the aisles

Lost in a sea of books

S.K.I.M.M.I.N.G

Up close and personal
SN: I love the chain detailing on the bag beside the fab drawing on the side

The Details
A Limited Edition Tote I scored from DSW. Isn't it adorable?
Some fashion books that are amazing to get inspiration from.
My nerdy glasses.

What are some of your favorite books that you love to snuggle up to on a rainy, cold, or quiet day? What is your go - to outfit when you're headed to the library?

Happy Scandal Day!

-Ali

Feminine Flights: An Impromptu Date at the Museum of Aviation

 I love when I can spend time with the Mr! So, I was super geeked when we decided to go on an  impromptu date at the "Museum of Aviation after church on Sunday.

UP, UP, & AWAY
My husband has a love for planes like I have a love for fashion. He is so fascinated with them. So I thought it would be cool to check out one of the local museums that cover nothing but planes; the "Museum of Aviation." We saw some humongous planes and had an awesome time learning about the history of Air Force planes all for free :) You can't beat a creative, free, date!

My Look
:: Sweater: TJ Maxx::
:: Dress: Forever 21::
:: Jessica Simpson Patent Leather Pumps: DSW::
:: Snakeskin Clutch: Target::
:: MK Watch: Macy's::
:: Statement Necklace: Charlotte Russe::

Exploring in the Museum of Aviation

Mr. Anderson :)

Awesome Plane Mural

Vintage Planes

What museums do you like to visit? What do you wear when you're exploring on an unconventional date?

Switch & Swap: How to Create a Daytime to Nighttime Look

When transitioning from day to night you don't have to change your entire outfit. By switching and swapping a few accessories (changing your shoes, and adding a different lip color) it can take your outfit to the next level.

Today's post will show you how to take a basic outfit and transition it from sunset to sunrise!

LEATHER, DENIM, FUR, AND GOLD
If you've followed my blog for a while you know I have a love affair with leather. There is nothing better than sporting luxe leather pieces then adding denim, fur, and/or gold. It's the perfect balance of pulling off a daytime sleek to nighttime chic look seamlessly! 

Daytime Look:
:: Denim Jacket: Forever 21::
:: Leather Tee with Sheer Back: Off the 5th::
:: Cognac "Lauren Conrad" Leather Shorts: Kohl's::
:: Sneaker Wedges: Target::
:: Layered Lock & Key Necklace: Forever 21::

FYI: I used the same leather tee and leather shorts as the foundation for the day to night look.

Nighttime Look:
::Black Fur Vest: Forever 21::
:: Leather Tee with Sheer Back: Off the 5th::
:: Cognac "Lauren Conrad" Leather Shorts: Kohl's::
:: Wedges with Gold Details: Forever 21::
:: Small Chain Purse: Forever 21

THE DETAILS
Check out the details of these amazing looks up close and personal!

MASTERING TRANSITIONING FROM DAY TO NIGHT: THE RECAP
When you're going from morning to evening looks remember these simple tips to ramp up your look:
1. Pick a clean base palette (Ex: Blouse and skirt, jeans and tee, leather shirt and shorts etc.)
2. Add or swap your top layer (Ex: Exchange a denim jacket for a blazer, or a cardigan to a moto jacket)
3. Switch up your accessories (Ex: Swap out a layered necklace for a bold statement piece)
4. Swap the shoes to distinguish between the daytime look and nighttime outfit (Ex: Exchange your sneakers or ballet flats for a pair of sexy pumps or booties)
5. Change the lip color (Ex: Go from a soft nude to a bold red lip)

If you follow these simple tips you will be sure to turn heads during the daytime and night!
Are your going to create your own daytime to nighttime look? If so, I want to hear about it :)

Xoxo Luvs,
-Ali

Military Motivation

Whenever I see olive green, tans, blacks, and grays *basic neutrals* it reminds me of the military in a random way. So when I got my hands on this utility olive green vest from Forever 21 this summer I knew I had a hit on my hands. When I purchased the vest I had a vision for the styling. However before styling it, I had to get it tailored to fit me. I bought it a couple sizes too big...but I couldn't leave it on the rack. So, I bought it with the intention of getting it altered to fit my frame. BEST DECISION OF MY LIFE!

**ALI'S TIP: If you fall in love with something at the store but it doesn't fit you properly (especially if it's too big) take it to a tailor to fit your specific body type. Spending the extra cash is worth it!**

I paired the vest with a light gray hi - low long sleeve dress to give it a fresh, blank, foundation. I then played up on the military theme and grabbed some black combat boots with amazing gold detailing, a gold ID tag necklace, gold stacked midi rings, my fav gold watch, and new fav pair of round sunnies (with gold trim).

G.I. JANE 

Serving you G.I. Jane realness!
:: Hi - Low Dress: Forever 21::
:: Utility Vest: Forever 21::
:: Black Combat Boots with Gold Detailing: Target::
:: Gold Midi Rings: Charlotte Russe::
:: Gold Watch: Target::
:: Gold ID Necklace: Rainbow::
:: Round Sunnies with Gold Trim: H&M::

What did you like about the look? What pieces would you pair the utility vest with from your own closet?

I just want to send a special thanks to all those men and women who serve tirelessly for our freedoms everyday. Your service does not go unnoticed!!! I (we my readers) salute you :)

TGIF!

-Ali

School Spirit

"We've got spirit, yes we do; we've got spirit how 'bout you?" In lieu of my alma mater's Homecoming this weekend (shot out to all my Rattlers headed back home to the highest of seven hills, Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University, in Tallahassee, FL) I wanted to celebrate on my blog since I can't be there in person *sad face*! Here's to paying homage to the ORANGE and GREEN! The mighty Rattlers!

I BLEED ORANGE & GREEN

Our school colors are like peas and carrots but after being an alumnus of FAMU no two colors bring better joy than that of orange and green. Not to mention the amount of friends that I met, the experiences I obtained, and the degree I received from such an illustrious university.

Go Rattlers! Go! OOTD:
:: Orange & Green Blouse: Love Culture::
:: Distressed Cutoff Shorts: Forever 21::
:: Fringe Boots: Kmart::
:: FAMU Scarf: FAMU SGA::
:: Sunnies: Forever 21::
:: Earrings: Beauty Supply Store::
:: FAMU Alumnus Sign: Gifted by college roommate Shari::

Game day essentials 

Reminiscing on the good ole' days at FAMU

Its all in the details

#TBT: FROM THE HOMECOMING VAULTS

Here's a quick photo blast from the past showing the epicness of HC at an HBCU (Historically Black College or University for all that have never heard of such)! Its always friends, fun, football, and foolishness (in a good way)!

Oh the fun that Homecoming brings :)

What team do you go gaga for? Is it your high school, college, or a pro team that you have to route for? Are you attending your school's homecoming festivities this year? I would love to hear from you my loves!

-Ali

SBOC 2013 Recap

Over this weekend I went down to Sunny Miami, FL for the Style Bloggers of Color (SBOC) 2013 Conference. I had an absolute blast. I met some awesome up - and - coming bloggers, as well as popular bloggers of color from around the country. I gained a wealth of information on how to better serve you (my readers) in taking my blog to the next level with better content, photos, and reaching out to you through multiple social media outlets.

Here is a photo recap of my weekend!

ROAD TRIP READY
Being that the drive to Miami is 8 hours, I wanted to be cute but casual. Here's what I came up with.

:: Jacket: DIY Project::
:: Notorious BIG Tee: Urban Outfitters::
:: Distressed Jeans: Forever 21::
:: Jordan's: Foot Locker::
:: Gold Chain: Forever 21::
:: Sunnies: Aldo::

DAY 1 - AMP'D UP & READY TO GO
Day 1 was full of several break out sessions from really awesome bloggers of color like Ria Michelle, Natalie from "The Tiny Closet," and Miami's own Anais from "Down To Stars." 

On the MetroRail headed to the SBOC
Sporty - Chic
:: 82 Sweatshirt: Forever 21::
:: Leather Skater Skirt: H&M::
:: Sneaker Wedges: Target::
:: Fur Stole: H&M::
:: BBW Earrings: Online Boutique::
:: MK Watch: Macy's::

Myself and @RiaMichelle

A fellow blogger, Heather (@heather_hightowermiami) that I met! Get into our red lips ;)

A handful of the beauties (and gent) from SBOC 2013!  

DAY 2 - IT'S ALL BLACK & WHITE
Day 2 was all about gaining a wealth of knowledge. There were plenty of panels on topics from Content to being a Social Media Butterfly. Here are some snapshots from Saturday.

It's All Black & White OOTD
:: Leather Crop Top: Forever 21::
:: Leather Joggers: Online Boutique::
:: Gold - Detailed Wedges: Forever 21::
:: Cream Blazer: Forever 21::

Three bloggers that I follow: Ariel from @FashionDevotee, Blake from @BlakeVonD, and Inez (a fellow Michigander) @StyleChic360, all who which were VERY Sweet and down to earth!!!

Day 2 Wrap - Up with some of the Bloggers

So as you can see the weekend was action packed with fun, sun, information, and amazing women/bloggers of color :) I will be sure to snag my ticket for next years conference! How was your weekend? I hope it was amazing. Happy Tuesday luvs.

-Ali