Athleisure Pants + Blazer

Let's face it. People are always on the go. There are so many busy bees flying around going from one place to the next, the clothes you wear MUST be as fluid as you. I've tried to pick up my gym involvement to shed these unwanted pounds which means my clothes must reflect my "active" lifestyle. Long gone are the days of a dingy, baggy t  shirts and old holy sweatpants. Its all about athleisure. What is athleisure? It's exactly what it sounds like: athletic wear + leisure wear that you can wear from work to the gym to the grocery store. It's cute enough to wear outside of the gym but functional enough to workout in.

I purchased a sports bra and matching leggings to workout in. The pattern is so intriguing that is takes my workout gear up a notch. Although the pattern is a little dramatic the neutral color palette creates the perfect backdrop for a sleek outfit.

I paired my athleisure leggings with a crisp button down, blazer, Mickey Mouse ears, and booties to create a fun, spirited look.

Outfit Details: Mickey Mouse Ears (Choies.com), White Button Down (JC Penny), Boyfriend Blazer (Forever 21), Athleisure Leggings (Target you can find them here: matching sports bra here), Booties (JustFab.com), Statement Necklace (Forever 21), Sunnies (Forever 21)

Do you own any athleisure wear? Where do you wear it to? I'd love to hear from you. Hopefully we can all put it to use this weekend ;)

-Ali

Vest + Floral Top + Tulle Skirt

School has been kicking my butt this past week, hence my lack of blog posts. I literally have 9 days left of school and 21 days left before graduation *cue Pharrell's song "Happy".* I had a Safety presentation last Tuesday, a Safety paper due next Tuesday, a Quality Assurance paper and presentation & Senior Project paper and presentation due next Thursday and then I'm done. 

One common theme I've heard from my classmates these last couple weeks is the theme of being stressed, overwhelmed, or super anxious about deadlines, projects due, or things that just need to be completed ASAP. I want to offer you my dear readers 

5 ways that help me to eliminate stress from my life

1.) Organization - One way to eliminate stress is ORGANIZATION. Organization is king in my life. It allows me to know where everything is and when things are occurring. I check my calendar multiple times per day to see what is coming up within the week. I set notifications on my phone. I use my digital calendar as well as a daily planner. I also write myself notes! All these reminders help me stay on track and well organized.

2.) Pre - plan - Pre - planning is the sibling to organization. Anything you can pre - plan the day before, do it! That goes from picking out your outfit of the day, packing your gym bag, prepping your lunch for the week, packing up your school materials into your school bag, gassing up before a road trip etc. Anything you can do prior to help eliminate chaos can help alleviate stress.

3.) Prayer/Meditation - This is pretty self explanatory. Whenever I get really overwhelmed I take a minute to ask God for strength. While you don't have to say a long drown out prayer, be SPECIFIC in your request. Prayer along with quiet reflection/meditation help me center myself and block out the outside distractions of being overwhelmed, anxious, or stressed.

4.) Workout - Working out can help you rid yourself of stress. Try creating an uplifting playlist and workout for 30 minutes - 1 hour doing your favorite exercise reps a few times per week to help you clear your head and get fit in the process. 

5.) Me Time - My personal philosophy is grind hard, play hard. After you work hard you should always carve out time whether it's daily, weekly, or monthly to reward yourself. Your reward could be big or small: taking yourself on a movie and dinner date, buying your favorite cup of ice cream or frozen yogurt, or even traveling with a significant other to a peaceful location. Whatever you do treat yourself. It is a definite way to rid yourself of stress.

Outfit Details: Faux Leather Vest (Forever 21), Floral LC (Lauren Conrad) Top (Kohl's), Tulle Skirt (Charlotte Russe), Nude Pumps (Forever 21), Gold - Rimmed Sunnies (Forever 21)

Blogging is one of my personal ways I engage in "Me Time!" I love picking out and remixing outfits, dressing up, and taking pictures so this is the perfect way to decompress from a moment of stress. This particular outfit I paired my faux leather vest, tulle skirt, and floral LC top to create a feminine romantic look with a slight hard edge. I pulled the look together with gold and nude accessories.

When you organize, pre - plan, pray, workout, and create a system of "me time" you are BOUND to get things accomplished (crossing off items from your to do list) and eventually you start to reduce or eliminate stress altogether. I hope you will use the tips in this post to help you further dismiss stress in your life no matter who or what is the cause!!!

Happy Hump Day luvs.

-Ali

Sweatshirt + Black Slacks

When I throw on blazers and slacks I feel like I am about to conduct business. As a graduating senior with 33 more days until I graduate (who's counting lol) I have to be about my business in the classroom, in my books, during my studies, writing my papers, presenting my presentations, and collaborating with my three different groups, spearheading organizational meetings, and planning for life outside of being a scholar at Kennesaw Student University. With all this seriousness taking place in the next 4 weeks its always good to switch things up and add elements of fun into my routine. 

To lessen the seriousness of this look I opted to wear a sweatshirt underneath my blazer, pairing it with my slacks for a little more laid back sporty - chic office edition. Ali's Fashion Sense Tip: "Whenever you want to create a more laid back approach to office wear try slightly dressing it down by swapping a structured piece for athleisure wear." Think swapping a pair of heels for a crisp, clean pair of white sneakers paired with white slacks and a crisp white shirt or swapping a blazer for a bomber jacket paired with a sheath dress and pumps. 

You don't always have to go with the obvious choices in life. Try the road less traveled for once...at least when it comes to your wardrobe. You'd be surprised how you can breathe new life into your mundane closet by thinking outside the box when it comes to your simple garments (i.e. a blazer + sweatshirt + slacks). 

Outfit Details: Blazer (H&M), Sweatshirt (Forever 21), Slacks (JC Penny), Sandals (Forever 21), Sunnies (Forever 21), Feather Necklace (Charlotte Russe//old)

Its time for me to return to my grind so I can walk across this stage with honors! But before I go to enjoy my weekend...what business are you taking care of at this stage in your life? Is it graduation? Taking your career to the next level? Changing directions in life? Starting a family. Whatever it is...do it with a sense of EXCELLENCE! 

"Why be good when you can be great!" - Unknown

Let's slay the weekend boos! #Workhard #Playhard
-Ali

Tan Blazer + Black Peplum & Pants

As I mentioned in my previous post my son's due date is tomorrow. I'm sorry to keep rehashing the topic, but honestly this is my new normal and my blog is my creative outlet where I am able to clear my mind. While I am saddened that I will not be bringing my son home or that I won't ever get to experience his smile, look into his chestnut eyes, hear him cry, or simply see him grow there are some lessons that I have learned throughout this entire ordeal. Today I will offer "7 Things I've Learned with the Passing of DJ" (I chose 7 because his original due date was supposed to be April 7, 2016). 

1.) Empathy - Prior to losing DJ I was quick to comment "RIP" on a social media post to someone who lost a loved one, or comment "I'm praying for you" in a heartbeat! While those sentiments were/are true, I now truly understand the pain of loss first hand, which allows for greater empathy towards others as they embark on this never ending journey called grief. 

2.) Peace - I've heard many seasoned saints express the joys of having the peace of God more times than I can count (I'm a PK...Pastor's/Preachers Kid, I practically grew up in church from my mother's womb to present day). But through my ordeal with DJ I truly learned what having the peace of God truly feels like. While I still cry, wonder why, question my decisions I made leading up to the delivery of my sleeping angel, I've encountered God's peace first hand. And there is NO other feeling like it. Philippians 4: 6 - 7 states it best: 

"Be anxious for nothing , but in everything by prayer and supplication (petition - NIV), with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4: 6 - 7

3.) Faith - Another lesson that I've had to learn during my journey of losing DJ is the lesson of faith. The scripture plainly states in 2 Corinthians 5:7:

"For we walk by faith, not by sight!" - 2 Corinthians 5:7 

Faith requires us to trust in God for the things we cannot see. While my heart was devastated and shattered into millions of pieces when I lost my son, my faith in God allowed me to compartmentalize the thought that God has something AMAZING in store for my hubby and I. DJ was the tool to usher in this next level of greatness that we are about to embark on. I truly feel like God is up to something and I'm exercising faith in Him and His Word to guide me through my darkest hour!!

4.) Embrace Grief - One thing I've definitely learned through this process is the stages of grief are fluid. Some days I'm sitting on top of the world, others I'm a bucket of tears. Some days I'm content, others I'm angry...but the thing that I've learned most is do not fight your feeling of grief. You just have to let them happen. They are not good nor bad, they just are! And parallel to life you will have your ups and downs but at the end of the day but rejoice in the fact that you are still here!

5.) Be Open & Honest - I did not go through this ordeal wanting to be a spokesperson for peace, faith, grief, or a survivor of stillbirth...but here I am sharing. The funny thing is my sharing was just one of my coping mechanisms to help me sort through this tragedy, but in doing so my openness and honesty about how I've been feeling (the good, bad, and the ugly) have been a testament to others who have experienced similar heartbreak or those who can simply empathize with the hardships of life. It truly has showed me that being transparent allows for a deeper human connection versus the appearance of having everything together.

6.) Cherish Each Moment - While I would give everything to have my son back, I can look back on the moments we shared together (while he was growing in my womb) to the first time I held him in my arms and I can cherish those quiet moments forever. No one can take the 7 months we had together away. Its a life reminder to live in the moment, and cherish each moment we're given because nothing  in life is guaranteed.

7.) Find The Silver Lining - Life will offer you some hardships. If you haven't experienced them yet...just keep living, they will occur. The most valuable thing I've learned through this circumstance is that in all things there is a silver lining. It is up to us to find the sliver of hope...I call it optimism!

Outfit Details: Blazer (Forever 21), Black Jeans (Gap), Wedge Heels (Forever 21), Sunnies (Forever 21), Statement Necklace (DSW)

Through all of this I've learned I just have to draw closer to my husband, family and friends for support, and rely on Jesus, the ultimate comforter to get us through this TOUGH time!!! 

I never ask you my readers for much but I will ask a favor of you tomorrow (April 7, 2016). Tomorrow I ask that you do one kind deed for someone else and use the hashtag #DoGood4DJ whether its offering a smile to a stranger, paying for the person's meal behind you in the drive through, or providing a homeless person with a survival kit. No matter how big or small the deed let's just do something nice for someone. This is my way of honoring my son's legacy to make the world a better place :) Are you willing to do that for me?

"Its Nice to Be Nice! - Ali Andy" 

Happy Hump Day Luvs,
-Ali

Elephant Print Kimono + Black Pants

It is said that elephants are highly sensitive and caring animals. Elephants express grief, compassion, self - awareness altruism, and play. It is also said that elephants cry and laugh and have incredible memories. Who knew these massive animals had so much in common with us humans. In my research about elephants it dawned on me how much more like animals [elephants] we are than we'd probably like to admit. This week will probably be one of the toughest weeks I will have to face. This week...in three days to be exact, was supposed to be the week my son was scheduled to be delivered. It truly puts a concrete bookend on my first pregnancy experience. 

It's funny how life doesn't always go as planned. As I walk around seeing protruding bellies I silently long to turn back the hands of time when my son was healthily growing inside. To experience such a devastating halt in your pregnancy is one that most can't fathom.  Like the elephants, I have been filled with a bevy of wide - spread emotions from various stages of grief, gratefulness and contentment, life post DJ. I try to find outlets of joy that I can plug into to get me through the day like absorbing the sunlight, finding change on the ground, indulging in my favorite treat etc. When I saw this elephant print kimono hanging up at the store I had an instant feeling of joy and I knew I had to have it (the $14.90 price tag also helped to sway my purchase).  The kimono exuded playfulness, ease, and simplicity. I knew I could create a cool, easy breezy outfit with the kimono as the centerpiece.

This particular instance I chose to pair the kimono with basics: a black t - shirt, black pants, and black booties. I accessorized using my tan fedora, new gold rimmed sunnies, and an awesome nude lippie I picked up from Ulta.  

Outfit Details: Elephant Print Kimono (Forever 21//here), Black T- Shirt (H&M), Black Pants (Kohl's), Booties (JustFab), Gold Rimmed Sunnies (Forever 21), Lippie (NYC Soft Matte Cream in Rome//here) 

While I am gearing up for an interesting week, I know the one awesome thing that no one can strip from me is the amazing memories I have of my son. Like the elephants those once in a lifetime memories can never be erased. So here's to cherishing the priceless moments and to having a marvelous Monday!

-Ali

Floral Maxi + Blazer

It' officially spring and nothing screams spring more than flowers. As I was searching for a new location to shoot some blog pics I spotted this gorgeous bed of fuchsia and pink flowers. They were the perfect backdrop for my floral maxi dress and pink blazer that I scored from H&M. Just like the flowers caught my attention, so did the dress when  I saw it hanging in all its glory 4 years ago. I purchased the dress for my honeymoon. I can't believe its almost been 4 years since the hubby and I have been married. There have been many ups and very few downs, but I wouldn't trade the experience for anything.

Outfit Details: Floral Maxi Dress (H&M), Pink Blazer (H&M), Tan Fedora (Forever 21), Sunnies (Forever 21), Charm Bracelet (Juicy Couture), Sandals (Target), Necklace (Forever 21)

Marriage is a mirror into your inner most self. It shows you who you are underneath all. It has truly help me blossom into the woman I am today.

TGIF!
-Ali