Printed Maxi + Flannel Shirt

Some days, no matter how hard you try to be grateful for all the blessings, life gets cloudy. Yesterday was one of those days. It just seemed that from the moment I woke up (carrying over from the night before) that a cloud was hovering over me. While I usually try to look on the bright side of things yesterday just got the best of me. But then I realized in order to truly enjoy the sunshine you have to endure a few clouds and rain. Whenever I'm feeling bad I try to do something for ME. So I got dressed, put on some makeup and went to soak up some vitamin D before the clouds rolled in. 

I wanted something that was comfy while I went to run a few errands and get some work done at a coffee shop. I landed on this hi/lo printed maxi dress and paired it with a black and red lumberjack flannel (which I stole from my hubby's side of the closet). I then added my denim jacket, fedora, booties, and gold accessories (+ my new favorite choker) to round out the look.

Outfit Details: Printed Maxi (Target), Lumberjack Flannel (Hubby's: Old Navy), Booties (JustFab), Denim Jacket (Forever 21), Fedora (H&M), Aviators (Forever 21), Earrings (Charlotte Russe), Choker & Layered Necklace (Charlotte Russe), Chain Purse (Gift: Charming Charlie's), Pom - Pom (Beauty Supply Store)

Even when I experience rough days I always end the night by journaling. I have made it a habit now to end my journaling post each night with "3 Things I'm Grateful For..." it is a way to keep things balanced and in perspective. While I may have been sucking on lemons yesterday, there are still some things I can use to make lemonade today! I said all of that to say, don't beat yourself up when you have a less - than stellar day, just regroup, look yourself in the mirror and say..."hey, tomorrow will be MUCH better!" I hope your day today is filled with love, sunshine, faith, and fun! Have a great weekend luvs, see ya Monday!

-Ali

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

Land of the Free?

This past Saturday we as a nation celebrated the 4th of July. With all the displays of flags, fireworks, red, white, and blue, BBQs, good food, talks of Independence, spending time with family and friends, parades etc. I must admit I felt a bit conflicted. Don't get me wrong I had a nice time just relaxing and sharing the holiday with my husband and Facetiming with my family back home in Michigan. But the climate in the US within the last couple years has made it hard to think we are truly in the Land of the Free. I mean, as a black/African American female here in America it really disturbs me to see so many attacks on the black family, education, police brutality against young black males (and females for that matter) with names like Trayvon Martin, Mike Brown, Tamir Rice, Eric Garner casually strolling across news headlines weekly (as it seems). And with the most recent killing of 9 innocent black victims in a church of all places this country seems to be at a stand still (or moving backwards) in the race relations category. As my husband and I discuss bringing a child into the world within the next year or two it is hard to fathom what the world (specifically the USA) will look like. Will he/she [my unborn child] have a true fair chance to chase after the "American Dream" we always brag about or will the color of his/her skin dictate the ceiling they can tell him/her they can reach? It is a complex situation that I think about quite often. With the phrases like #BlackLivesMatter plastered all over social media I think its easy to think of it as just a phrase. But in the words of our ancestors, I hope and truly believe that one day "we shall overcome!" Until that time of awakening and overcoming takes place we must do our part to truly change the landscape of the dark past in which we cannot escape the shadows. 

Outfit Details: Denim Jacket (Forever 21), White T - Shirt (Old Navy), Sailboat Print Shorts (Old Navy), Sandals (DSW), Statement Necklace (FancyKouture.com), Sunnies (Google: Received for Free), Earrings (Charlotte Russe), Lipstick (M.A.C Ruby Woo)

I know this is a supposed to be a fashion blog, but the reality is, with all that is going on in the "Land of the Free" I could not just sit back and remain silent about these injustices I have witnessed. Although I don a smile in these blog photos, and wear the coveted red, white, and blue my heart is heavy for all those families that have unjustly had to deal with death of loved ones for no apparent reason other than the color of their skin being the common denominator. 

I am black woman living in a country where the odds are stacked against me everyday. I do what I can to make a difference in my small bubble, but is that enough? My mission here on Ali's Fashion Sense is to help women (and even men if they read) feel their best and look their best (no matter what creed or color) through expressing themselves through fashion and style.  I know it may not change the world. But it is my hope that we can all feel a little joy in the way we look and one day the world will be just as happy to see us as we are when we look into the mirror while getting dressed. 

Thanks for stopping by Ali's Fashion Sense today. Let me know how you feel about the climate of the US currently and what you did (and wore) for the 4th of July. Lastly, I ask you to do a favor for me today…share a smile. The world has been filled with so much hatred that we need to spread a little bit more love!

Peace, Happy Monday luvs!
-Ali

White + Denim + Chocolate

Hi guys! I've missed you. I know I haven't been blogging lately but life has truly caught up with me the past couple of weeks. From school work, exams, baby showers, rehearsals, fashion show prep etc. it's been a little crazy. But, I'm back now in tow, ready for springs sunshine, flowers, and fun and to post for you my fellow subbies and loyal readers. As spring has officially claimed its stake (at least via the calendars standards) it has prompted me to pull out my white + denim + chocolate. This color combination is such a classic palette but it never disappoints. The crisp white against the rugged denim is such a great contrast, and the warm chocolate accessories compliment the entire look. 

Outfit Details: White Dress (TJ Maxx), Denim Jacket (Forever 21), Gladiator Sandals:: old (Aldo), Aviators (H&M), Belt:: old (unknown)

The detail on this dress (with the lace and sheer) gives this simple white dress a bit of oomph. Are you and your wardrobe ready for spring? What are your top spring trends that you can't wait to try? Let me know in the comment section below.

Happy Monday Luvs,

-Ali

Triple Denim

This outfit was conceived in my mind when I thought…what would it look like if I put my denim shirt under my denim overalls, and topped it off with my denim jacket. I have to admit none of the denim is the same shade, but I think that adds a bit of character to the outfit. Again my theme these last few posts has been about layering. Today's minimal layering efforts takes denim and multiplies it by 3. 

Outfit Details: Denim Overalls (Macy's), Denim Shirt (Target), Denim Jacket (Forever 21), Leather Vest (Forever 21), Pumps (Forever 21), Aviators (H&M)

This look is very comfy, very chill, very denim. And I love it! Would you rock triple denim? It's a great option for a weekend getup. Try it! Simply take 3 different items of denim (i.e. a denim skirt, a denim shirt, and a denim vest etc.) and layer them and wallah you have the perfect ensemble.

Have a great weekend luvs. I will see you Monday.

-Ali

Ali From The Block

"Don't be fooled by the rocks that I got

I'm still, I'm still [Ali] from the block

Used to have a little now I have a lot

No matter where I go I know where I came from"

I can't take credit for these genius lyrics from J - Lo's 2002 hit "Jenny From the Block" but the outfit that I wore on Saturday made me think of these down to earth lyrics and took me back to my days of blasting songs from the radio through my boom-box in my room. 

Sometimes you don't want to go all glam'd up on the weekends but you want to still look cute.  This past weekends were one of those weekends where I wasn't feeling throwing on some tight skinny jeans  so I opted for my favorite sweatpants, a simple white tee, and my denim jacket. I added some of my favorite accessories like my gold watch, faux Jeffrey Campbell platform boots, faux fur stole, and my patriotic Ralph Lauren Polo fitted to round out the look. I found an abandoned work space with graffiti and thought it would be the perfect backdrop for my laxed look.

Outfit Details: Sweatpants (Forever 21), White Tee (4imprint), Denim Jacket (Forever 21), Polo Hat (Ralph Lauren), Booties (Online Boutique), Gold Watch (Charming Charlie's), Faux Fur Stole (H&M), Earrings (Beauty Supply)

To get your Monday started right let me leave you with this little jewel lol. I hope you have a marvelous Monday! 

-Ali