White Maxi + Statement Necklace

With all the pressures from social media and print media in general to look a certain way, be a certain size, dress a certain way, and live a certain lifestyle it's no wonder men and women around the globe suffer from the feelings of inadequacy or bearing the title of low self - esteem. That is why I am so excited to partner with one of my childhood friends (we've been friends since kindergarten...25 years strong) Tene' Robinson, as she kicks off her new movement Selfie Connoisseur. I know you may be thinking how can selfies help combat low self - esteem or rid people of that gut feeling of feeling inadequate? She is using her love and the cultures love of selfies to help promote self love, self acceptance, motivation, and positive energy one selfie at a time! 

There is nothing more satisfying than finding that perfect place where you truly love the "me" you see (from the inside out) when you're looking in the mirror and you realize that there is NO ONE like you amongst the 7.125 Billion people dwelling on the Earth; and that you offer a unique perspective that no one else can duplicate. It's pretty mind blowing. Through her movement at http://www.selfieconnoisseur.com/ she will showcase various selfies of people around the globe using the hashtags: #fineselfiecollection #breathelovesmile #fineselfies. She will even do "self love giveaways" for those people who participate in submitting awesome selfies with positive messages (encompassing self love and positivity). 

I am happy to say I was one of the recipients of the self love giveaway. She gifted me with an amazing statement necklace. Since the necklace is very colorful and rather large I wanted to keep the rest of the outfit understated so that the necklace could get it's proper shine. I paired the necklace with one of my white maxi's (which you've seen plenty times before here on Ali's Fashion Sense). I then added my red tasseled sandals to accentuate the red in the statement necklace. The beauty of this necklace is the fact that you can dress it up or down (you can dress it up with a maxi and heels like me or with a white tee and jeans like Tene' did in her recent selfie). 

Outfit Details: Maxi (Express), Statement Necklace (Selfie Connoisseur Giveaway), Red Sandals (Charlotte Russe)

All in all this movement really excites me because it allows you to begin the road of self acceptance and love if you have not already arrived at your destination. And once you love yourself you are more capable of spreading love and positivity to others whom you encounter on a daily basis (whether you know them or not). Like the Notorious B.I.G said "spread love it's the [Brooklyn] way!" Let's use this movement to spread self love then extend love to all we meet. It will surely help make our world a better place. To learn more about the Selfie Connoisseur movement follow the journey via these social media platforms:

IG: @_selfieconnoisseur
Twitter: @selfconnoisseur
Webssite: www.selfieconnoisseur.com
Hashtags: #fineselfiecollection, #breathelovesmile, #fineselfies

Xoxo,

-Ali

Off The Shoulder Paisley Maxi

Hey luvs. Long time no see. I went on a 2 week hiatus from blogging as I went home to Michigan for two weeks to spend some much needed time with family and friends (it's been 2 years since I've been home so it was nice to be back at my original stomping grounds). While I missed you my readers and creating new looks tremendously it felt nice to have a mini break. But now it's time to get back to business!

While I was home I got a chance to score a few pieces. One of the pieces I purchased came from an unusual source. My mom and I went to an outlet mall in Howell, MI. Usually I am not one to shop at Rue 21 but I decided to stop in and to my amazement they had a nice selection of unique pieces. While perusing through the racks I found this off the shoulder paisley printed maxi. I love this dress because it combines two of my favorite elements: the off the shoulder trend and the ease of wearing a maxi. Not to mention the print is so 70s (which I absolutely love).

Outfit Details: Off The Shoulder Dress (Rue 21: here), Booties (Charlotte Russe), Necklace (Charlotte Russe), Sunnies (Forever 21), Louis Vuitton Speedy (Gift), Puff Balls (Beauty Supply Store)

Maxi's are the PERFECT item to have in your closet as we begin to transition from summer to fall. I love that this maxi has sleeves which will be a perfect piece for layering as Fall begins to overtake Summer's end. Once the weather breaks I will begin to layer this maxi with vests, moto jackets, boots and much more. The styling possibilities are endless.

Ali's Fashion Sense Tip: "Find a maxi dress with sleeves. It can be used as a staple piece to help you transition seamlessly from Summer into Fall."

Thanks for stopping by. I hope to see you back on Wednesday. I have some dope information to share with you so stay tuned. All I can say is it involves selfies, and who doesn't love a good selfie? So come back and see what it's all about. In the meantime have a marvelous Monday!

-Ali

The Hubby Edition: Cognac Joggers + Navy Tee

Very seldom can I get my husband, who doubles as my blog photographer to step in front of the camera. But for today's blog post I got him to step from behind the lens to center stage. One thing about my husband, he rarely shops for clothing for himself. Clothing is not on the top of his priority list when it comes to shopping. So when we traveled to Florida a couple weeks ago I told him to get dressed and I took him on a "surprise" trip to the mall. 

We found these cute cognac joggers from Forever 21 Men and the perfect hat to match that was navy with a cognac colored brim (also from Forever 21 Men). My husband does not like the fitted jogger style but I convinced him to give them a try. Once he slipped them on he was pleasantly surprised how well they looked (see, it pays to listen to your wife....at least sometimes). Since we went to the fashion show Sunday, I thought it would be the perfect debut for his joggers. I paired the joggers with a navy and white shirt he had in the closet from Old Navy and his white cloth Polo shoes to round out the ensemble. It turned out way better than even I could've ever imagined. 

Outfit Details: Navy Tee (Old Navy), Cognac Joggers (Forever 21 Men), Hat (Forever 21 Men), Polo Shoes (Macy's)

It was fun to switch roles for this photoshoot. I may have to do this more often with the hubby! I hope you guys have a wonderful Wednesday! Happy Hump Day.

Xoxo,

Ali

Midi Dress + Duster Vest

Last week was a WHIRLWIND of a week. I started off Monday getting news that I was requested to intern for a couple designers from New York City in their showroom at the Atlanta Apparel Mart (AmericasMart) for Market Week. I showed up Wednesday to meet the designers and their awesome assistant and learn about my assignment the next few days. The designers I worked with have a fashion line that they created 4+ years ago called Full Figured Fashionista aka F3. They specialize in true plus size clothing. Their pieces look amazing on and feel just as good on and off the body. I had such an amazing time working with them the entire week. It was an experience that I will NEVER forget. 

Then yesterday (Sunday August 7, 2016) I helped out my dear friend/fashion twin get ready to launch her new lines (GloungE',  Skirts & Clutches, and Cotton Candy Skies) in a fashion show that highlighted Middle Georgia designers, entrepreneurs, and boutique owners. The show was an absolute success (be on the lookout for more information about that)! I was helping behind the scenes, but my friend graciously made a piece for me to wear during the show. Between helping backstage and being in charge of the photoshoot with all her models in the show I was able to sneak away and snap a few pics for Ali's Fashion Sense. I was sweating BULLETS. The Georgia heat was in FULL effect....but I made it through and found some cool spots to shoot!

The piece AshleyMonique! made for me was a simple midi dress (with a lot of generous give and stretch) in an awesome print. I paired it with an army green vest that I scored from Target for less than $30 and some taupe booties I purchased on my trip to Florida a couple weeks ago (from Forever 21). The accessories: the "Slay" heart pin and my layered "DJ" necklaces were purchased from Charlotte Russe and my inexpensive sunnies were purchased at Forever 21.

Outfit Details: Midi Dress (AshleyMonique), Army Green Duster Vest (Target), Booties and Sunnies (Forever 21), Layered Necklaces "DJ" and Slay Heart Pin (Charlotte Russe)

This past week showed me, that when you're working in your purpose and doing something you're truly passionate about, it doesn't even feel like work!!!! I had such a great time working as a merchandiser, interacting with buyers, dressing models backstage for a Prom inspired fashion show, becoming a stage manager for a fashion show, and even helping direct a photoshoot for various models. Fashion is not just what I (we) wear, it is a way of life. And I hope to stay submerged in it! 

I pray this week you are able to operate in your passion, in whatever capacity you can. I pray that you have a productive week, and accomplish EVERYTHING you set your mind on. Have a marvelous Monday luvs, I plan to do the same!

Xoxo,

Ali

Reflections

This past week I accompanied my husband on a work trip to Fort Walton Beach/Destin, FL. The hotel we stayed at was literally on the beach and the view was simply impeccable. I literally woke up to the scenery, the sounds, and the smells of the Florida Straits daily. Just being around the beach made me begin to reflect on God's glorious wonders. I would wake up in the morning go sit on the balcony and just take in the beautiful sights of the Gulf of Mexico. I would hear the rolling of the waves crashing on the white sands. I would hear and see the seagulls flying around the clear blue sky. I would admire the endless supply of water that ran beyond my eyes reach. Taking in all the natural beauty made me begin to reflect on the 1st half of 2016.

It's been 6 months since my son gained his angel wings (I can't believe we are already halfway done with 2016, one thing is for sure, time does sure fly). From the day I found out I was pregnant with Derrek Jerrell Anderson Jr. (DJ) until the day he left this earth (and hereafter) he has had a permanent place within my heart (and the heart of my husband). I cannot sit here and say that the journey has been smooth sailing. Some days I feel like the weight of the world is crashing on me and I can't take another step while others I am simply grateful that a 1 lb 5 oz bundle of joy chose me and my husband as his parents, what an honor. While we never got to experience him "alive" he has given us life in so many ways. As time moves on and the days, months, and eventually years rack up his memory will forever be imprinted on our minds, hearts, and souls. He has forever changed my husband and I for the better. He taught me to appreciate the little things... the sound of the waves, the site of fluffy white clouds in the sky, the smell of salt by the sea, the feeling of sand between my toes, the continuous breaths I take, and the love and support I receive on a daily basis from my husband, family, friends, and even you, the readers of my blog. He also taught me to stay connected with God because He ultimately is the one who will see you through on your darkest days! Lastly, he taught me to cherish the life I was given. There are so many things that go unnoticed that  we can be grateful for but it's truly all about our perception of the situation. It's all about seeing life through an optimistic lens. 

While I miss my baby EVERY SINGLE DAY (there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of him) I cherish the time we were able to spend together and look forward to the day I will see his face again. Until then I plan to live my life with purpose. I WILL chase after all my wildest dreams. I WILL spread love and joy to this dark world, and I WILL make my son proud by being the BEST version of me that I can be! I will always love you DJ.

*As we embark on the second half of this year my prayer for you today is that your second leg of 2016 will be filled with an increase of love, joy, accomplishments of goals, friendship, and sunshine. I pray that your good days outnumber your bad ones. I decree that we will finish the year on top! It's your time to go out and be great starting today! #Finishstrong

Xoxo,

Ali