Covered Up In My Tan Poncho + Flare Jeans

It is getting cooler outside so I pulled out my camel - colored poncho that I snagged from H&M 7+ years ago, along with my white button up, and flare jeans to cover up and keep warm. While the temperatures aren’t frigid as the Michigan temperatures I’m used to, the chilled temps have finally caused me to grab my warmer clothing option as I get dressed each morning. 

Fall/Winter seasons are not just about covering your body in layers to keep warm, it is about doing it in style! You all know I love to look my best (and I’m sure you all do too), but the truth is, in today’s society we often cover up who we truly are (inside) because we may be different than what we see on TV, through different media mediums, or just different than those that surround us on a daily basis. 

I  have a news flash for you…one that I continuously try to internalize each day! God made all of us unique. We are not supposed to be carbon copies of one another with the same thoughts, ideas, style, mindsets, skin color, hair textures, body shapes, careers, hobbies, gifts etc. He created us to be a melting pot of beauty (the vision He saw of us when we were sculpted in our mother’s wombs). 

In this day and age of social media it is so hard to try to fight to be you when everything around us tells us to be like everyone else. This week, while we try to cover up to keep warm physically, I want us to try to uncover who we truly are. Dust off those gifts buried deep within. Try a new hobby that you’ve been putting on the back burner because it’s “weird” or different from the norm. Try something you’ve always wanted to do this week. Focus on only saying positive things to yourself instead of being overly critical of yourself. Begin learning to love your flaws in all. They are what make you distinctly YOU!

TAN PONCHO// via H&M old (similar) or  (here) - FLARE JEANS// via NY & CO. (similar) - WHITE BLOUSE// via H&M (similar) - VINCE CAMUTO LEOPARD PRINT BOOTIES// via Belk (similar) - TAN FEDORA// via Forever 21 (similar) - SUNNIES// via Charming Charlie’s (similar)

Here’s to uncovering and unlocking the REAL YOU; with style and grace. Have an amazing week. I’ll see you back here on Wednesday and Friday :)

Xoxo,

-Ali 

Chambray Top + Denim Flares

Yesterday I had a daytime date with me, myself, and I. While I love the company of my husband, sometimes it's good to just go out solo, enjoy some me time, and treat yourself. I went to see Free State of Jones. It was an interesting movie. I'd recommend it. Once I left the movies I went to Stevie B's for a late afternoon meal. I haven't been to Stevie B's in a long time...it's literally been at least 7 years. This outfit has the ultimate cool factor. It's easy breezy without trying too hard and the perfect daytime ensemble whether you're solo or accompanied by your partner or a group of your favorite girls. 

Outfit Details: Chambray Top (Charlotte Russe), Denim Flares (New York & Co.), Vince Camuto Leopard Booties (Belk), Fedora (Forever 21), Broach (Hobby Lobby), Louis Vuitton (Gift), Max Mara Frames (Primary Eyecare)

Denim on denim is always a good idea. While this is a bit covered up for the summer, it was perfect for the blasting AC in the movie theatre. I even got a compliment about my outfit from a guy in the grocery store how put together I looked. This is an outfit most of us probably have in our closets. Sometimes fashion is best served when you go back to basics. 

Happy hump day!
-Ali

Leopard & Chains

So the way my closet is set up, I like to utilize the things within it. I know sounds crazy right (lol)? Hence the reason you see the same chain blazer that I wore in last week's blog post "At Play on Black Friday" (which can be seen here) on today's post "Leopards & Chains." The fun and challenging thing about being a blogger (and just a girl in general that likes to play real life dress up) is to see how many combinations that I can create using the same items but styling them completely different. This look starts off with my black chain blazer, which I love by the way. It gives me a Chanel vibe. Then I added my white collared button up, denim jeans, leopard booties, and statement necklace to differentiate this look from the previous time I wore the blazer. 

Outfit Details: Chain Blazer (Forever 21), Collared Shirt (Old Navy), Denim Jeans (Old Navy), Booties (Belk), Statement Necklace (TJ Maxx)

This look is pretty simple. Very classic with a twist. Business on the top, party on the bottom lol. No, but seriously the chain detail "dresses up" the blazer to be a little more sophisticated along with the collard shirt and statement necklace, but the denim and leopard booties give the look a little more playful vibe. Overall, I think the balance works well. The red signature just gives the look a new element of color and texture.

Is there a classic item that defines your signature look? A certain blazer? Moto Jacket? Pink Lip? I'd love to know what elements make up your favorite look.

Happy Hump Day!

-Ali