Coral

There is one color that I wish I had more of in my closet, and that is orange/coral. It's such a pretty color and once you put it on it's an instant mood lifter! I was gifted 2 lip laquers ("What Lolita Wants" what I'm wearing now...as well as "Too Sweet" not pictured) by a new cosmetic company, Bareface and Models (you will hear more about this company very soon). Since orange is on trend for the spring, I wanted to create an outfit that would accentuate my bold lip.

Outfit Details: Open - Back Blouse (TJ Maxx), White Distressed Shorts (Forever 21), Spiked Wedges (GoJane.com), Ring (Forever 21), Watch (Target), Necklace (Target), Sunnies (Thrifted), Lip Laquer (Bareface and Models)

What color is calling your name this spring?

-Ali

Gladiators in the Spring

GLADIATORS: No...I'm not talking about Olivia Pope and Associates or avid Scandal watchers (Sidebar: is anyone else having Thursday night Scandal withdraws? Oh, me neither lol). I'm referring to the popular trend that has made an appearance for yet another season. Gladiator sandals are a hot trend that I recommend all my lovely readers try if you haven't already. If you're in search for a good pair check out shoe stores like: Steve Madden (KC - Maven), Asos.com (Report Signature Lastro Gladiator Flat Sandals), GoJane.com (Cutthroat Reptile Gladiator Sandals), or just browse handy dandy Google.

STYLING MY GLADIATORS
I decided I wanted to be cute, casual, and comfy heading to church yesterday. So I started the look off selecting my flat cognac colored lace - up gladiators. I then chose to wear my white ruffled one shoulder dress (as a skirt), and my fav denim button up on top to create the look. I love how denim, white, and brown flows together so nicely. It's a match made in heaven :)

Outfit details: Denim Shirt (Target), One Shoulder Dress (Marshall's), Gladiator Sandals (GoJane.com), Watch (Charming Charlie's), Juicy Couture Charm Bracelet (Juicy Couture Outlet...Charms Sold Individually), Floral Hair Clip (Bridal Shop), Aviators (H&M)

Do you own a pair of gladiators? How do you style them? Drop a line in the comment section below. I'd love to hear from you on this glorious Monday :)

-Ali

xoxoxo

Easter Recap

Happy Monday luvs. I hope you had a great weekend and a fun Easter holiday. I had a pretty hectic weekend getting ready for Easter (rehearsals, attending a play, prepping food for Sunday dinner etc.). We went to church on Sunday where we were able to celebrate Christ, our Risen King! Service was very beautiful :) I was able to minister through song. Then I came home and cooked Easter dinner (with the assistance of my hubby, after this photoshoot lol). We made a roast, some collard greens, mac and cheese, and we bought an apple pie for dessert! Boy was it delicious. After stuffing our face we watched some NBA playoff games (GO MIAMI HEAT) before I got on some homework, preparing for my last week of school. In honor of the Easter holiday, I pulled out my softest pastels to create this floral masterpiece.

Outfit Details: Mint Green Bodycon Skirt (H&M), Pink Belt (H&M), Blush Pink Floral Shirt (H&M), Neon Blazer (Forever 21), Sandals (Charlotte Russe), Floral Headband (DIY), Necklaces (both from Charlotte Russe)

What did you do for your Easter holiday? What did you wear? Whatever it is that you did to celebrate I hope you enjoyed yourself, and I hope you looked fabulous! Have a wonderful day :)

-Ali
Xoxo

Ali's Spring Wishlist

Every time a new season rolls around there are new trends. new silhouettes, and new color pallets to try. So in honor of Spring and it's new fashion trends, I've put together my top Spring Essentials including denim overalls, white sandals, pastel moto jackets and much more!

Spring Essentials by alifashionsense featuring a zara jacket

WISHLIST ITEMS
1. AE Denim Overalls - American Eagle: $59.99 (here)
Who knew we would be sporting overalls in our 20s? I thought we got rid of them in our childhood. Guess not!

2. Stacked Stoned Necklace - J. Crew: $138.00 (here)
A statement necklace can do wonders jazzing up a plain outfit.

3. Eunice by Beau + Ashe - Shoedazzle.com: $59.95 (here)
I have NEVER been a fan of white shoes (besides sneakers). But I told myself this season I will step out of my fashion comfort zone and  "GO FOR IT!" I'm looking to cop some dope white heels just in time for Sping/Summer.

4. Cropped Jacket with Zips - Zara: $159.00 (here)
Leather Moto Jackets have been on trend for a while now. Like the old saying goes "If it's not broke don't fix it." You can still carry your love for moto jackets into Spring, by simply wearing the style in a soft pastel like the blush pink or baby blue.

6. Lucite the Way Clear Lucite Clutch - Lulus.com: $44.00 (here)
Lucite clutches are a hot commodity this Spring. Even though it's "see - through" it adds a cool element to any outfit. Just be sure to keep a small decorative change purse to hide your money (safety first ladies)!

7. Morange Lipstick - M.A.C Cosmetics: $16.00 (here)
Orange is the "it" lip color of Spring. I love it because it looks great on all skin complexions. Try out this vibrant, vivid orange lippie at M.A.C. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.

8. Deborah Lippman "Tiptoe Through Tulips" Nail Polish - Neiman Marcus: $19.00 (here)
White nail polish is my all time favorite. But I decided for Spring I would explore different color pallets. I love this warm coral color it compliments my chocolate skin perfectly.

9. Tropic Muse Short Set - Pixie Market: $65.00 (here)
Move over suits, a new sheriff is in town. I love the idea of the matching a top and short with an interesting print. It looks very polished and you're able to dress it up or down. Oh what versatility!

10. Melody Ehsani x Reebok Classic Pump Omni Lite "Love Me or Hate Me" Sneakers - Ebay: Prices Vary (here) 
A dope sneaker is essential for the Spring. These beauties have a ton of details and are great conversation starters. They have larger than life swag but the coolest thing is they were designed by a female. #Girlpower

What's on your Spring wishlist?

-Ali

Shedding Layers

There's nothing cooler than being able to create a ton of looks from a few garments. Whats even cooler? Layering all the items at once, and shedding the layers to create totally different looks. I wanted to show you my readers just how easy it is to shed layers and look FABULOUS with each garment removed!

KEY PLAYERS

• Black & White Striped Maxi (Forever 21)
• Off White Bodycon Dress (Charlotte Russe) 
• White Short Sleeved Blazer (Forever 21)
• Cropped Faux Leather Jacket (Forever 21)

LOOK #1
Layer 1: Off White Bodycon Dress *worn as a shirt*
Layer 2: Black & White Striped Maxi
Layer 3: Cropped Faux Leather Jacket
Layer 4: White Short Sleeved Blazer

LOOK #2

Layer 1: Off White Bodycon Dress *worn as shirt*

Layer 2: Black & White Striped Maxi

Layer 3: White Short Sleeved Blazer

LOOK #3

Layer 1: Off White Bodycon Dress

Layer 2: White Short Sleeved Blazer

As you can see each look, I shed a layer to create a total new look. It's just that simple. I went from a church look to a night out on the town in a matter of minutes! Trust me when I say, you have unlimited potential in your closet you just have to be able to unlock it!

-Ali

Holey Date Night

Since we were super busy on my hubby's actual bday we decided we would wait until Saturday to go out to dinner to celebrate. We woke up Saturday morning, cooked breakfast (homemade breakfast sandwiches and potatoes), rented "Wolf on Wall Street" (crazy movie btw, if you haven't seen it check it out) from Red Box, then went to Olive Garden to celebrate the Mr. turning 29!!! We decided to go somewhere local and informal so I didn't want to be too dressy (if there's even such a thing). I grabbed my faux leather tee, distressed (holey) jeans, strappy sandals, and black clutch. Then I threw on some colorful jewelry with gold accents, and donned my lips with my fave new color for spring "Heroine" from M.A.C to spruce up my look and incorporate some color.

Outfit Details: Faux Leather Tee (Off the 5th Outlet), Distressed Jeans (Forever 21), Sunnies (Forever 21), Sandals (Forever 21), 3 Tiered Earrings (PNK Elephant), Clutch (Forever 21), "Heroine" Lipstick (M.A.C), Ring (Forever 21)

I hope you all had a great weekend and I hope even more that you have a positive, productive  Monday!!!

-Ali
xoxoxo

HAPPY BIRTHDAY HUNNY

I know I don't usually blog on Thursdays, but I had to take the time out to say HAPPY 29TH BIRTHDAY to my hubby aka my "photographer" for Ali's Fashion Sense. All the great pictures that you've seen are because of this guy. He is my #1 cheerleader, and I couldn't bring you the great posts I do without him. So join me in wishing him a happy bday :)

Love ya Bay,

-Ali
xoxoxo

1 Dress, 3 Looks

My mission here on Ali's Fashion Sense is to inspire you, my readers, to understand that the items in your closet can go a long way with the right pairing of accessories and "role player" pieces. Today, I will show you how I took 1 dress (which I've had in my closet for years, and never worn), and styled it 3 ways! Lets get to it shall we?

LOOK #1: THE DRESS
Outfit Details: One - Shoulder Dress (TJ Maxx), Barely There Sandals (Charlotte Russe), Moto Jacket (Wet Seal), Statement Necklace (Charlotte Russe), MK Watch (Macy's)

LOOK #2: ONE SHOULDER SHIRT + SKATER SKIRT
Outfit Details: One - Shoulder Dress as a shirt (TJ Maxx), Skater Skirt (H&M), Over the Knee Boots (Forever 21), Earrings (MD Beauty Supply Store)

LOOK #3: TUNIC, BLAZER, & SKINNY JEANS
Outfit Details: One - Shoulder Dress as tunic (TJ Maxx), Neon Blazer (Forever 21), Skinny Jeans (Old Navy), Booties (Gifted), Layered Necklace (Forever 21)

So as you can see if you have a little imagination and "role player" garments (i.e. blazers, skinny jeans, or even over the knee boots) you can mix and match them to recreate new looks; using the foundation of one simple piece! It definitely gives you the opportunity to stretch your closet to unforeseen heights as well as get your bang for your buck from the clothing you purchase. CHALLENGE: Take one item in your closet and transform it three ways using the hashtag #afs3looks1dress or email your pics to alifashionsense@gmail.com! I'd love to see what you come up with. Happy Hump Day luvs :)

-Ali
xoxoxo