In Living Color

"You can do what you want to do...in living color!!!" As the summer draws to a close I want to just throw on the brightest garments I have and live boldly! I want to live in color. Live fearlessly! Live with nothing holding me back! I have started to implement a new mindset where I only am thinking positive thoughts with a spirit of gratitude and you would be surprised how a little tweak of the mind can change your outlook. I try to see the beauty in all things (just as God intended). 

This outfits makes me want to go dance to my favorite tune, or run down the street singing my favorite song. It's playful, sporty chic, and most of all comfy. I tried two different hairstyles in this photo session so don't mind me :) Girls just wanna have fun.

Outfit Details: Prabal Gurung Sweatshirt (Target), Neon Skinnies (Charlotte Russe), Neon Air Max 95's (Jimmy Jazz), Silver Chain (Charlotte Russe), Door-knocker Earrings (Beauty Supply)

Photo Credit: Derrek Anderson 

What makes you want to live in color? A certain outfit? A certain color? A certain person? Whatever it may be, I hope it continues to keep a smile on your face. Never let anyone steal ya shine. 

Happy Hump Day Luvs,

-Ali

Black Swan

As a kid I was a ballerina from the ages of 5 to 12. I quit once I got to toe shoes (because I was going through that I don't want to do this anymore phase...as a middle schooler) :(  I always loved ballet as a kid. You got to dance, dress up in amazing costumes for recitals, you could wear makeup, and you got to perform in front of a room full of people! Right up my alley. Whenever I see a tutu/tulle skirt it puts me back into the mind frame of my time as a ballerina at Randazzo Studio. I wanted to do a play off of my ballerina roots so I took the tulle skirt that I wore to the "On The Run" tour (which can be seen here) and dressed it up a little more to create the "black swan." I paired my tulle skirt with a black ruffled cami for simplicity. I then added my laced - up booties (that put me in the mind frame of toe shoes with the strings laced up around the ankle), sunnies, some dangly earrings. I put my hair into a bun because as a ballerina they want your hair off your face and pulled up. I think the look turned out great. For the sake of the photoshoot I dusted off some of my basic moves to incorporate my interpretation of the "black swan." Enjoy!

Outfit Details: Tulle Skirt (AshleyMonique!), Ruffled Cami (Forever 21), Laced - Up Booties (Charlotte Russe), Earrings (Forever 21), Sunnies (Thrifted)

I know it's not Throwback Thursday but here is little Ali at my first recital dressed up as a "Baby Duck"

The thing I love most about tulle skirts is the fact that you can dress them up or down. You can put on your favorite pumps and a blazer for a more classic fit or you can slap on a pair of sneakers and a tee to make it a more casual outfit. No matter what just rock it with confidence and the skirt will do the rest. Are you a fan of tulle skirts?  

Happy Monday I hope you have an awesome start to your new week,

-Ali

30 for 30

 Going to college is a special time. You learn how to balance your education (on your own), make "adult" decisions (like paying bills, figuring out your career moves, time management etc.) maneuver the ups and downs of relationships, and make lifelong friends. While attending Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in Tallahassee, FL I met some AMAZING people who I call friends! One of which is Jamaris G.,  an incredible, intelligent, ride – or – die friend who truly made an impact on my life. On August 9, 2014 Jamaris held an epic 2 part  30^th birthday extravaganza in Tampa, FL. So of course you know I had to go down to celebrate with my big bro during this special occasion. I am only going to cover part 1 of the festivities the "30 for 30 luncheon." 

Jamaris invited 30 of his closest friends to celebrate with him at a swanky, artsy venue called the "Oxford Exchange" downtown Tampa, FL. The vibe was incredible, the food was delicious food, the conversation was great, and the entertainment was 1 - of - a - kind ( I along with Trumaine and Shannon sang background vocals for the talented Tamara Chauniece a Top 20 finalist on Season 5’s “The Voice” accompanied by Jabari on the guitar). Everyone dressed up (per request of our host) in their best interpretation of “Boardroom Chic” and we all looked great! The experience was one I will never forget. I'm so honored that Jamaris thought of me during his special day. Here are a few pics from the event (Photo Credit: Some of the photos seen below were taken by the official photographer of the weekend: Christopher "Visuals" Garofalo while others were by my awesome Ali's Fashion Sense photographer - my hubby). 

Photo Credit: Christopher "Visuals" Garofalo

Photo Credit: Christopher "Visuals" Garofalo

Photo Credit: Christopher "Visuals" Garofalo

Photo Credit: Christopher "Visuals" Garofalo

Photo Credit: Christopher "Visuals" Garofalo

"The Birthday Boy"
Photo Credit: Christopher "Visuals" Garofalo

Photo Credit: Derrek Anderson

Photo Credit: Derrek Anderson

Photo Credit: Christopher "Visuals" Garofalo

Photo Credit: Christopher "Visuals" Garofalo

Me and The Birthday Boy...Fashion Killas!
Photo Credit: Derrek Anderson

Photo Credit: Derrek Anderson 

Photo Credit: Derrek Anderson 

The Entertainment for the Afternoon
L to R: Trumaine, Me, Tamara Chauniece, Shannon, Jabari
Photo Credit: Derrek Anderson

Photo Credit: Christopher "Visuals" Garofalo 

The Entire "30 for 30" Crew
Photo Credit: Christopher "Visuals" Garofalo

Here's a special treat. Tamara Chauniece accompanied by Jabari on guitar and background vocals from Me - Soprano, Shannon - Alto, Trumaine - Tenor, singing Interested Cover by India Arie. 

*Outfit Details: Jumpsuit (Forever 21), Cream Blazer (Forever 21), Sandals (Forever21), Statement Necklace (Forever 21), Gold Bangles (Forever 21)*

This was such an awesome experience. It had my wheels turning on how I would celebrate my own 30th birthday in 2 years! Let the planning commence lol. Do you go all out for your birthday celebrations like Jamaris did or do you keep it chill? Let me know in the comment section below.

TGIF,
-Ali

Monochromatic Neon

Somedays I just want to be a girly girl and throw on pink from head to toe! During my trip home to Michigan last weekend my aunt gifted me a couple goodies and this dress was one of the items. I knew I had the perfect accessories to pair with this beautiful hot pink dress immediately when I saw the dress. I found a pair of hot pink studs (in my closet...might I add) that matched the dress perfectly. (ALI'S FASHION TIP: When you go out shopping check the items you have in your closet (even photograph them) so you can buy items that compliment what you already own). I even "matched" my makeup using all pink (lipstick, blush, and even eye shadow) to take the monochromatic theme to the next level. I truly love this look. It's very simple yet creates a bold statement! I received a plethora of compliments in this dress...which means I guess I have to wear it again lol (before it cools down)! Check out more pics of this electrifying maxi below. 

Outfit Details: Neon Pink Maxi (TJ Maxx), Sandals (Steve Madden), Studs (Forever 21), Sunnies (Forever 21), Gold Watch (Charming Charlie's), Charm Bracelet (Juicy Couture), Layered Necklace (Thrifted)

 This dress allowed me to be pretty in [hot] pink (rocking the same color from top to bottom) before the end of summer draws near. What color would you wear monochromatically from head to toe (hot pink, white, orange, blue, black)?

Happy Hump Day,

-Ali

Touring Ann Arbor

Over the weekend I went back home to celebrate my 10 - year class reunion. I can't believe I've been out of high school for 10 years. Oh how time flies, when you're having fun. Friday, I went around my moms hometown of Ann Arbor, MI (home of the maize and blue University of Michigan wolverines) for a little impromptu photoshoot. With my 90s inspired grunge look, my intricately placed box braids, and my interesting back drops (sculptures, a mural of shoes, or a vintage school bus) I trekked around Ann Arbor for this eclectic mix of photos.

Outfit Details: Tunic (Forever 21), 82 Sweatshirt with Flannel Sleeves (Forever 21), Faux Leather Skater Skirt (H&M), Jordan's (Nike Outlet), Ear Cuff (H&M), Gold Watch (Charming Charlie's), Gold Trimmed Sunnies (H&M), Gold Necklace (Forever 21)

I really liked this look. The different elements, colors, and patterns came together to make a masterpiece. It was fun touring around Ann Arbor to get great shots. Thanks to my mother for the awesome photos. I hope you have a great Monday!

Xo,

-Ali

Overalls

I've been wanting a pair of overalls for a while now. If you saw my summer wishlist you would know that they were at the top of my list. When I went to Alabama last month for my family reunion my aunt gifted me with this unique pair of overalls...although they're not denim they bring a structured element to the outfit. Plus the leather accents are to die for. Of course I love a black and white combo, so I paired my overalls with a white blouse, and a gold statement necklace with black and white details. This look can be carried over from the boardroom to the bar...just by adding different elements to the look.

 

Outfit Details: Overalls (TJ Maxx), Blouse with Pearl Buttons (H&M), Sunnies (Forever 21), Statement Necklace (Forever 21), Sandals - Not Shown (Forever 21), Clutch (Forever 21)

As we transition into the Fall what are your top items on your wish list? Does your wish list contain black and white? Any Overalls? Have a marvelous Monday luvs!

-Ali