Cape + Printed Skirt

Whenever I throw on my cape it makes me hold my head a little bit higher, and makes me stand a little bit straighter. By adding the cape to an outfit, any outfit, it adds a bit more structure and sophistication to a simplistic look. I started this look with a printed skirt that my friend Renee brought me back from Africa. I love the vibrant colors in the skirt as well as how the skirt fits and flows. I had a blouse in my closet, that I scored from Goodwill by the way for under $2, that matches the skirt perfectly.

Outfit Details: Cape (Los Angeles Garment District), Skirt (Nigeria, Africa), Blouse (Goodwill), Sandals (Charolette Russe), Sunnies (Forever 21), Fedora (H&M)

If you want to look like a boss add a cape. I'm telling you, it will make you feel put together. You can wear a cape with a dress, jeans and a t- shirt, a skirt, and even shorts. I truly have to put on my cape and slay these 3 projects that are due within the next couple of weeks. What do you need to throw on your cape to slay? Let me know in the comment section below. Happy Hump Day!

-Ali

Faux Leather Peplum, Pants, & Fringe Belt

I'm such a fan of [faux] leather. So much so I created a full monochromatic look from head to toe featuring all black faux leather garments. Every time I put on my fringe belt it just makes me want to dance lol (hence the picture directly below). Whenever you are stumped at what to wear, grab a few pieces in the same color and wallah you have a chic, monochromatic look in a matter of minutes.

Outfit Details: Peplum Top (Online Boutique: Old), Faux Leather Pants (JC Penny), Fringe Belt (Windsor), Sunnies (Forever 21), Sandals (K&G), Geometric Necklace (Forever 21) 

What are your favorite monochromatic pieces to rock? Do you like to rock one color? Or one textile? Let me know in the comment section below. Enjoy your weekend. :)

Happy Friday Luvs, TGIF!
-Ali

Floral Kimono + Gladiator Sandals

They say "comparison is the thief of joy," well technically "they" didn't say it all it was actually Theodore Rosevelt. But the truth still remains the same, if comparison is the thief of joy then why do we continuously do it? Why do we compare ourselves to others? To celebrities? To our "old" selves? You may be wondering what I mean. Well, the other day I got in a conversation about my weight. The key word is "my!" Something that is very personal to me. I've openly admitted here on Ali's Fashion Sense that I've put on some pounds (29 to be exact) and I've yet to drop those pounds since losing my munchkin. You want to know the truth? I'm self conscious about the extra pounds, especially being a fashion blogger where you can physically see the "extras" displayed on a weekly basis. I must admit I threw myself a pity party, went back and looked at my old pics and said..."I wish I was still that small."  But the other truth is that I've been working hard to jumpstart my journey back to fitness. I started drinking more water, working out (can we say Zumba, Gutts & Butts, Dancineration etc.), and I even signed on to get a personal trainer (which was a free service at my school). 

Outfit Details: Kimono (Amazon.com0, White Tee (Forever 21), Skirt (H&M:old), Gladiator Sandals (old), Sunnies (Forever 21), Necklace (Charming Charlie's: gift)

I said all of that to say this. You may not be where you want to be physically, financially, socially, educationally, professionally, spiritually, or any other word ending in ...ally. You may not "stack - up" to those you see around you. But the best thing you can do for you...is love the person you see staring back at you in the mirror. Tune out all the background noise and focus on the positive things. Instead of allowing others to shape how we feel, it's imperative that we write the narration of our own stories using words of positivity, affirmations, and self - love! While I may not be at the ideal weight I'm loving the me I see throughout this journey! I hope you will do the same. 

Peace and blessings to you all on this wonderful Wednesday,

-Ali

*P.S. Sorry to get so deep, I know this is a fashion blog so I wanted to offer some brief, lighthearted commentary about my outfit. I paired this lightweight floral kimono with a black body con skirt and white t - shirt. By adding my black fedora (fedora's have become one of my cornerstone accessories lately), sunnies, gladiator sandals, and statement necklace I was able to pull the look together. This is a perfect outfit to help usher in Spring!

Denim Jacket + Tulle Skirt

It's been extremely warm these past few days so I wanted to get out and enjoy some rays. What better way than "sitting by the dock of the bay..." It's nice to enjoy the simplicities of life sometimes (i.e. sun rays, calming water, swimming turtles etc.). It's also nice when simple pieces in your closet make a great outfit. I took 3 simple basics and put them together to make one fashionable trifecta. I started with my blush pink tulle skirt, added a gray long - sleeve T - Shirt and completed the look with my denim jacket. I accessorized the outfit with a silver statement necklace and a pair of silver sandals that I scored from DSW for less than $20 :) Talk about a bargain (my hubby would be proud)!

Outfit Details: Denim Jacket (Forever 21), Gray T - Shirt (Forever 21), Tulle Skirt (Charolette Russe), Sandals (DSW), Sunnies (Forever 21), Statement Necklace (Fancy Kouture)

Where do you go to find your tranquility? What simplicities in life do you like to enjoy? What simple items in your closet are you madly in love with? I'd love to know in the comments below.

Have an amazing weekend! See you Monday luvs.
-Ali

Sweatshirt + Faux Leather Pants

"A" is for Ali. "A" is for awesome. "A" is also for academics. As some of you may know I am currently in school as an Apparel Textile Technology student majoring in Fashion Design & Product Development at Kennesaw State University - The Marietta Campus (formerly known as Southern Polytechnic State University). It is crazy to me that my 2 year journey as a fashion student is coming to an end in two short months. On Tuesday, May 10, 2016 at 3PM I will be walking across that stage (with Pomp and Circumstance playing in the background) obtaining my 2nd Bachelor's Degree. This time in a subject (FASHION) that I am immensely passionate about. While I have an idea of what I want to do post graduation I feel as lost as ever on what direction I will take. Should I move to Atlanta and start a fashion career there? Should I relocate from the state of GA into the fashion lion's dens of New York or LA? Should I entertain the idea of starting a family (for the 2nd time)? That old adage the chicken coming before the egg or vice versa sounds a bit like my life at the moment. Should I start a career and then try to expand my family once my career is established, or should I graduate, start a family, then go to work? Or can I have the best of both worlds and start a family all while starting a new career? 

Only God knows the answer. But in the meantime. I am working my butt off to soak up as much knowledge as I can about this industry that I am so passionate about, so I can confidently complete and defend my Senior Project, complete two major projects for each of my other classes (Ethics & Safety and Quality Assurance) and ultimately walk across the stage with my 4.0 in tact and the honors of Summa Cum Laude with my family cheering for me in the background (and my angel cheering me on from up above) #shorttermgoals. 

Today's outfit is one of many of my typical school girl outfits that I would wear to campus for a day of classes, meetings, and much more. 

Outfit Details: "A" Sweatshirt (Forever 21), Faux Leather Pants (JC Penny), Collared Button Up (JC Penny), Faux Fur Vest (Forever 21), Gold Oxfords (Zara) Sunnies (Forever 21), Statement Necklace (DSW), Polka Dot Planner (TJ Maxx), Black & White Journal (TJ Maxx)

Why must adulting be so hard lol! I guess "A" really stands for adventures! That is what I'm on and I'm strapped in, on the front row ready for the ride :) I'll catch you on the other side.

Happy Hump Day Luvs,
-Ali

Sporty Chic

There are days when I wake up I don't feel like getting all glam'ed up. When days like that occur I go to my sweatshirt section in my closet and grab one. They are super comfy and allow me to look put together with minimal effort. When I pair my sweatshirt with my sweatpants its like the perfect duo (like peanut butter and jelly or cereal and milk...they just go together).

Outfit Details: Mesh Pullover (Forever 21), Sweatpants (Forever 21), Cool Grays a.k.a. Jordan's (Gift), Mickey Mouse Hat (Choies.com), Statement Necklace (Fancy Kouture), Sunnies (Forever 21)

No matter whether you're rocking pumps or J's, shift dresses or sweatpants, as long as you rock them with confidence you can slay (in the words of Beyonce')! What's your favorite go - to sporty chic item in your closet at the moment? I'd love to hear in the comment section below.

Happy Hump Day,
-Ali