Black Distressed Jeans + White Tee

Life sometimes throws you something unexpected. You can either roll with it or drag your feet to try to avoid it. I'm more of the roll with the punches kind of girl. So when I spotted this money green garage door, I knew I wanted to do a photo shoot in front of it. It turned out way better than I ever could've imagined.

I took a simple white tee + a pair of black distressed jeans that I D.I.Y'd myself and added tan elements (fringe booties, fedora, and leather jacket) to create an off - duty model look. The black and white in contrast with the green door was perfecto.

Outfit Details: White Tee (Old Navy), Black Jeans (Gap), Leather Jacket (TJ Maxx), Fedora (Forever 21), Fringe Booties (Charlotte Russe), Sunnies (Forever 21), Lippie (M.A.C. Candy Yum Yum), Chain Purse (Forever 21), Furry Accessories (Beauty Supply), Necklace (Forever 21)

I got a slew of compliments with this look Saturday running errands and hanging with the hubby, which made me think sometimes it's best to apply the K.I.S.S method. Keep it simple sweetheart! Like I always say you can never go wrong with black and white. What's your tried and true weekend outfit? Let me know in the comment section below.

Have an amazing weekend luvs,

-Ali

White Maxi + Kimono

A couple years ago when floral headpieces were a thing for all festival goers I chose to D.I.Y a few. I misplaced them until one day, I was doing some spring cleaning and I found this white one. Since I have a short bob I thought it would be really cute to pair my floral headpiece with my white maxi. I know my floral headpiece isn't exactly white (more "Mother of Pearl") but I think it pulls the look together, along with my patterned kimono with black fringe. If I were to go to Coachelle, this is an outfit I would pack (at least in my head lol). 

Outfit Details: White Maxi (Express), Kimono (TJ Maxx), Floral Headpiece (D.I.Y), Sunnies (Forever 21), Layered Gold Necklace (Goodwill), Black Booties (JustFab.com) , Lippie (M.A.C. Candy Yum Yum)

I love the ease and fluidness of this outfit! It is the perfect outfit for a sunny day because it allows wind to flow through, keeping you cool and CUTE (nobody wants to be a sweaty mess during the summer so it's best to keep cool). What is your perfect spring/summer duo? Kimono + Maxi? Denim Cutoffs + Tank Top? I'd love to hear from you in the comment section below. 

Happy Wonderful Wednesday Luvs,

-Ali

Striped Crop Top + Striped Pencil Skirt

Last week, after 2 long years of blood, sweat, tears, and experiencing the most tragic semester of my life (with the loss of my munchkin) I graduated with my 2nd Bachelors Degree in Apparel Textile Technology. With a major in Fashion Design & Product Development and a minor in Business Administration, all while maintaining a 4.0 G.P.A and graduating Summa Cum Laude. I say all this not to brag but to say...DON'T BE AFRAID TO FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS. 

I've always been a creative person from my love of fashion, art, music, writing etc. But I was also very good in math and science so I chose to go a more "secure" route and pursue engineering as a career path. While engineering taught me many life lessons, provided me with lasting friendships (including an amazing husband), and offered an amazing salary trajectory, my heart was not fully in it. Fast forward 7 years and I can boldly say that I am truly happy that I went with my heart to follow a dream I've had for some time. FASHION. While I have not yet lined up a job, I am confident that I will succeed in the fashion industry because my gifts, talents, and passion all align (along with the education to back it up). Furthermore a couple of years ago I created a vision board and would you believe that 3 of the things I wrote on my vision board have come to pass this year (1.) Go back to school for fashion 2.) Maintain a 4.0 G.P.A 3.) Graduate Summa Cum Laude). I say that to say...WRITE DOWN YOUR VISIONS & GOALS (you'd be surprised what can accomplish with the help of God, tenacity, and focus)! 

*NOW BACK TO YOUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED BLOG POST*

For my graduation I searched high and low to find a cute, sophisticated, comfortable outfit. As I was running out of options 3 days prior to graduation I ran across the Eva Mendes Collection at New York and Company and found the PERFECT outfit that checked off all 3 items on my graduation checklist. I love the nautical stripes. They are bold yet sophisticated and the fabric is super soft. I paired the black and white stripe ensemble with red fringe sandals to add an element of surprise to a simplistic look underneath my jet black robe. 

Outfit Details: Striped Crop Top (Eva Mendes New York & Co. Collection: here), Striped Pencil Skirt (Eva Mendes New York & Co. Collection: here), Red Fringe Sandals (Charolette Russe: Taupe here, Red here), Sunnies (Forever 21: Similar here)

I hope this blog post could be an inspiration to help you go after something you've always wanted, whether it is going back to school, starting a blog, writing a book, traveling more, changing career paths, or even starting a family. Whatever it may be I hope you start your journey today, all while looking your best (this is a fashion blog lol...I had to add that in there). I'd love for you to share one of your dreams in the comment section below so I can cheer you on in your pursuit:) In the famous words of Queen Bey: " I Slay, You Slay, We Slay!" So I hope you slay your day, your week, and your dreams.

Happy Monday Luvs,

-Ali

Off The Shoulder Blouse + Flare Jeans

Hi! Long time no see. It's official. I finally am done with school (insert Dora The Explorer's "We Did It" song)! It's been a whirlwind the last couple of weeks with group presentations, exams, senior project, organization inductions, and of course GRADUATION! Now that I've crossed that bridge I can refocus on my blog along with jump starting my career in the fashion industry. 

While I was shopping for my graduation ensemble (I will do a post about what I wore next week) in New York & Co. (mind you this was the LAST store I looked in after being failed by my normal go - to stores) I ran across these amazing flare jeans and adorable off the shoulder lipstick blouse from Eva Mendes' new collection. While I hardly ever shop in New York & Co. because of the prices (I think they are way overpriced for the selection of clothes they offer) and lack of items I connect with, I was highly surprised at all the goodies I found that day. Not to mention all of the clothing was 50% off! You read that right...HALF OFF. I've been dying to get my hands on an off the shoulder dress or blouse and thought this top was the perfect purchase to fit my wish list. Not to mention the shirt couples well with the flare denim jeans I purchased...which gives a nod to the amazing 70s fashion scene

Outfit Details: Off The Shoulder Lipstick Blouse (New York & Co.: here), Denim Flare Jeans (New York & Co.: here), Fedora (H&M), Sunnies (Forever 21), Wedges (TJ Maxx), Necklace (Forever 21), Ring (Atlanta Apparel Mart), Ruby Woo  Lippie (M.A.C)

I absolutely love this look not to mention the fit. Eva Mendes had the curvy chick in mind when she made this collection (it comes in a large range of sizes).  Even better, they have a matching skirt (here) that matches the off the shoulder blouse (that I may go back and get to create a more flirty option). While New York & Co. is a little pricey they always have good sales and a bevy of coupons you can find floating around the Internet. 

If you are looking for a new trend to try this spring/summer season run and find an off the shoulder blouse (at places like New York & Co., Forever 21, H&M, Old Navy, Asos, Missguided etc.) and flare jeans. It is a silhouette that will look amazing on a multitude of body types. Trust me, you'll thank me later ;) Have a good weekend. I will see you bright and early Monday morning. 

TGIF Luvs,
-Ali