A is for Awesome

There is nothing I love more than dressing up, wearing black and white, and tulle :) So you can see why I say "A is for Awesome!" This outfit...in my mere opinion is awesome because it has great elements. Since I have a soft girly tulle skirt on bottom, I wanted to pair it with structured crisp pieces on top. I grabbed my "A" sweatshirt, a white collared shirt, and my black blazer with white lapel to complete the look. To add dramatics to the look I draped the blazer around me like a cape instead of putting my arms through the sleeves. It gives off another dimension of chic.

Outfit Details: A Sweatshirt (Forever 21), Collared Shirt (Old Navy), Black Blazer with White Lapel (New York & Co.), Tulle Skirt (AshleyMonique! Styles), Jessica Simpson Patent Leather Pumps (DSW), Statement Necklace (TJ Maxx), Sunnies (Forever 21)

What's awesome to you? Black and white combos? Weekends? Fridays? Shopping? Reading your favorite book? Spending time with your friends and loved ones? Whatever is your awesome, I pray that on this day you will experience it. 

I hope you have an amazing weekend! See ya back here bright and early Monday. Don't forget to leave a comment in the comment section below if you like what you see...and don't be stingy, share Ali's Fashion Sense with a friend ;) 

TGIF luvs,

-Ali

"Fringe"iana Jones

 I was cleaning out my closet yesterday and stumbled upon this black, suede fringe vest that I bought at H&M a couple years ago. I haven't worn it too often because I never figured out how to style it. So when I remembered I had suede boots with fringe on them, I  decided I would pair the two together. Since I've been on this black and white kick lately, I created a chic western - inspired look with a fringe vest, white collared shirt, gray & black patterned skinnies, fringe boots, black fedora, and black and silver accessories. Check out the full look below!

Outfit Details: Fringe Vest (H&M), Collared Shirt (Old Navy), Skinny Jeans (Old Navy), Fringe Boots (DSW), Necklace (Gifted), Fedora Hat (H&M), Sunnies (Forever 21)

How do you feel about fringe? Is it something you have in your closet? Will it be a fall staple for you? Let me know what you think in the comment section below :)

Happy Hump Day

XO
-Ali

Over [it] All

On Saturday, I had a pretty chill day. I kicked back watched a movie, caught some football, started studying for a test, and even brainstormed outfits for my blog. Through all of that, I wanted to be comfortable yet cute for the day, so I decided to throw on my overalls! I tried to style the overalls differently than I did when you 1st saw them so I paired it with my favorite go to piece in my closet at the moment: my army green hieroglyphic print vest, and a tee with faux leather on the sleeves. Then I threw on my sneaker wedges, statement necklace, and sunnies  and the look was complete. 

As I was studying for my Fashion Forecasting Exam 2 (which I have today...wish me luck) I stumbled upon something interesting. The question was..."How do consumers become fashion stylists?" The answer: "When they take available clothing resources and mix, restyle, and customize items in individualistic and expressive ways." This definition is the perfect example of what I'm trying to do here on Ali's Fashion Sense. I want to show you (my loyal readers) that it's okay to love the items in your closet, and to wear items over and over again (isn't that the reason you bought them in the first place?)! The key to successfully stretching your wardrobe is finding innovative ways to style your pieces so they look fresh, hip, and new (even though you may be wearing the same things).  So check out today's look Over [it] all. See what I did there lol?

Outfit Details: Vest (Forever 21), Overalls (Macy's), Shirt with Faux Leather Sleeves (Forever 21), Sneaker Wedges (Target), Statement Necklace (TJ Maxx), Sunnies (Aldo), Charm Bracelet (Juicy Couture), Watch (Charming Charlie's)

As you can see. This outfit is super comfy but still gives off a fun, sporty, vibe! I hope my Monday is just as chill, cool, and fun as this outfit (even though I have a FULL schedule). I'm sending out positive vibes in the atmosphere. In my Ice Cube voice...today WILL BE a good day!

Happy Monday

-Ali

Diner En Blanc Atlanta Recap

Our table set up

As I was searching the wonderful world wide web one day, I ran across a fellow blogger Simply Cyn's (an NYC fashion and lifestyle blogger) post about an event called "Diner En Blanc." I was curious as to what Diner En Blanc was and was totally intrigued by the pictures and description that Simply Cyn painted. You can see her original post here. So when I heard the Diner En Blanc which literally translates to Dinner in White was coming to Atlanta I was excited to see what all the hoopla was about. 

Diner En Blanc started as a social gathering 25 years ago in Paris, France for friends to come together, picnic - style, dressed in all white to enjoy food, friendship, and fun. 25 years later after countless Diner En Blanc's popping up across the globe I was excited to take part in Atlanta's first - ever Diner En Blanc. I signed up on the wait-list and was contacted approximately two weeks prior to the event to be informed that I was able to attend. Diner En Blanc has a very strict set of rules. They don't tell you the location of the event until the day of the event when you gather at the "meet - up location." You MUST wear white, bring your own table, chairs, white linen (tablecloth and napkins), picnic basket, 3 course meal, cutlery (no plastic allowed), place settings (again no plastic allowed), and a decorations to accommodate your spread. This is an elegant event so they want you to treat it as such. When we first arrived to the meet - up spot it was a bit chaotic. But once everyone got settled in with their group leaders, and we were directed to the final location which happened to be in the middle of Atlantic Station downtown Atlanta...the fun began!

Dinner in mason jars

Aren't these centerpieces just gorgeous? *Jots down ideas for next year*

Me in my all white...I know you've seen this maxi a time or two, but it's all good

My hubby in his all white looking dapper

#Usie

My Mr!

Snapping pics at the table

Random guests at Diner En Blanc

Lighting the sparklers before hitting the dance floor

The scene on the dance floor

Outfit Details: White Maxi (New York & Co.), Blazer (H&M), White Sandals (Charming Charlie's), Feather Earrings (Charlotte Russe), Necklace Converted into a Headpiece (TJ Maxx)

I won't go into to too many details, but I will say...it was worth every penny, especially being Atlanta's first time throwing the event. I met some awesome people, had great food, spent the night with my awesome husband, and danced the night away in all white (AFTER LABOR DAY may I add, can you say #rulebreakers) with a group of strangers...and it was amazing! I can't wait until next year's Diner En Blanc 2015. Count me in! 

I would highly suggest you researching if this event comes to your city (next year). You should at least try it once...I promise, it's an experience like no other!

TGIF luvs!

XO,

-Ali

The Wrap - Up

Over the last couple of weeks I told you all I would create a series showing you the versatility of black and white garments...as black and white is one of my fav color combinations. Although this color combination is a classic there is soooo much you can do with it. You can wear prints, solids, alternative textiles and textures, various silhouettes, and you can even add pops of color to create a new, unique take on this classic color duo. The best part is you can mix - and - match items that you wear within the 7 days to create an infinite amount of looks. Just by swapping a shoe or changing a blazer with a look can add a total different element to a look. So don't be afraid to get in your closet and get dirty! Roll up your sleeves, try new looks, and look FABULOUS!!!!

What I wore:

MONDAY

• Black Blazer with White Lapel: New York & CO. (Similar Here)
• Black & White Patterned Blouse: Forever 21 (Similar Here)
• MK White Trousers: TJ Maxx (Similar Here)
• Lace - Up Booties: Charlotte Russe (Similar Here)
• Statement Necklace: TJ Maxx (Similar Here)

TUESDAY

• Black & White Striped Dress with Tulle: Cie La Vie (Similar Here)
• Black Leggings: Target (Similar Here)
• Black Boots with Gold - Detailed Buckles: Target (Similar Here)
• Striped Flannel: [Hubby's] Old Navy (Similar Here)
• Floral Headband: DIY (Similar Here)
• Gold - Rimmed Sunnies: Forever 21 (Similar Here)
• Gold Chain: Forever 21 (Similar Here)

WEDNESDAY

• Studded Jacket: Online Boutique (Similar Here)
• Cream Bodycon: Charlotte Russe (Similar Here)
• Over - the - Knee Boots: Forever 21 (Here)
• Sunnies: Forever 21 (Similar Here)

THURSDAY

• Black & White Patterned Trench: Forever 21 (Similar Here)
• Black Skinny Jeans: Old Navy (Similar Here)
• Black Patent Leather Jessica Simpson Pumps: DSW (Similar Here)
• Statement Necklace with Crystals: Charlotte Russe (Similar Here)

FRIDAY

• Oversized Cream Leather Vest: Forever 21(Similar Here)
• Black Leather Tee: Off the 5th (Similar Here)
• Black Shorts: New York & CO. (Similar Here)
• Black Wedge Platforms with Gold Ankle Strap: Forever 21 (Similar Here)

SATURDAY

• White Maxi: New York & CO. (Similar Here)
• Black Blazer: H&M (Similar Here)
• Black Strappy Sandals with Glitter Platforms: Dillard's (Similar Here)
• Brown Sunnies: Forever 21 (Similar Here)
• Silver Necklace: Macy's (Similar Here)

SUNDAY

• White Collared Shirt with Billowy Sleeves: K&G (Similar Here)
• Black Strapless Dress: Forever 21 (Similar Here)
• Black, White, & Gold Statement Necklace: Forever 21 (Similar Here)
• Sunnies: H&M (Similar Here)

What was your favorite look of the series? Are you excited to try some new black and white looks? I sure hope so! Happy hump day luvs!

Xo,
-Ali

Oh You Fancy Huh!?

Hey y'all! How have you been doing? I've missed you all...hopefully you've missed me too ;) Sunday, I wanted to round out the black and white series with my last installment. When I see this look Drake's song "Fancy" pops into my head lol.  I paired my strapless black dress with my white collared shirt (with the dramatic sleeves). I wanted to continue with the classic silhouette so I grabbed my patent leather pumps, a statement necklace, and added a pop of color with my cherry lips, and wallah...my look was complete!

Outfit Details: White Collared Shirt (K&G), Strapless Dress (Forever 21), Jessica Simpson Patent Leather Pumps (DSW), Statement Necklace (Forever 21), Sunnies (H&M)

I like this look because it gives you a classic color combination with classic silhouettes: a LBD (little black dress), crisp white collared shirt, and black pumps. You can recreate this look over and over again using any color combination as long as you have a strapless dress and collared shirt. I promise you it will look sleek and chic every time. You can even drape a blazer or [outerwear] coat over your shoulder to heighten the dramatics of the look. 

Would you wear a look similar to this? Let me know how you would rock it in the comment section below! 

I hope you have a marvelous Monday! Lets make it productive :)

XO,

-Ali

White Maxi, Black Blazer

Hola Senoritas! I hope you all had a fabulous weekend. Mine was pretty chill. I took out my box braids, did some homework, cleaned up the house, went to the movies to see "The Equalizer" (which was great by the way...Denzel did his thing), went to church, and watched some football. You know nothing too out of the ordinary. My apologies for missing our 6th installment of the "Black and White" series on Friday. I had a lot going on last week. Time just got away from me. So I promise I will not falter on my end of the bargain. You will be getting 1 more black and white ensemble after today's post to complete a seven day series of black and white looks. 

Today's look is a simple lily white floor - length maxi dress with a structured black blazer on top. This is the perfect look to try transitioning from summer to fall. Ali's Fashion Sense Tip: For a smooth summer - to - fall - transition grab a maxi dress and pair it with a blazer or cardigan. It's a great look for church or even a night out. You can wear sandals (if it's not too cold out yet), booties, or even flats. It's all up to you. 

Outfit Details: White Maxi (New York & Co.), Blazer (H&M), Clutch (Target), Platforms (Dillard's), Necklace (Macy's), Sunnies (Forever 21)

This look is super comfy, yet pulled together with a few simple garments. Maxi - check. Blazer - check. Neutral accessories - check. And there you have it. Installment 6 of the "Black & White" series. Check me out on Wednesday for the final installment. I'm going to throw in a twist. I hope you have a marvelous Monday!!!!

Xo,

-Ali

Ebony & Ivory

Today marks the 5th installment of my black and white series. I took a trip off the beaten path of black and white today to sport "Ebony & Ivory." I love this look because it has some of my favorite elements: black and white, [faux] leather, heels etc. This outfit would be perfect for a simple, chill girls night out. You're giving a little leg...wearing some faux leather and keeping it cute. SN: I scored this off - white faux leather vest at Forever 21 at the end of their summer sale for $14.99. I just couldn't pass it up with a price like that. 

Ali's Fashion Sense Tip: Always go to your favorite store's "End of the season sales." You never know what jewels you will stumble upon for great prices.

Outfit Details: Ivory Faux Leather Vest (Forever 21), Faux Leather T - Shirt (Off the 5th), Shorts (NY & Co.), Wedges (Forever 21), Scarf (Instyle Magazine)

I truly hope you are enjoying this series and you aren't getting bored with my black and white ensembles. Like I mentioned before, by adding different silhouettes, textures, and styles you can recreate black and white again and again without looking mundane or basic. Join in on the fun.

I hope you have an awesome hump day...and a GREAT start to a new month. Happy October 1.

Xo,
-Ali