Work Vs. Werk

As I mentioned on Monday's post, this week is all about remixing items you already own to refresh and expand your wardrobe. Today's post we will focus on a suit. While suits are meant to be worn together...it is in the separating of the pieces where I find the most wiggle - room for creativity.

THE BASIC
Today's focus item is a plaid suit. Plaid is super on trend for the Fall/Winter season, but plaid is also a classic print that it will never go out of style! I purchased this particular suit from Target's new private label, "New Day." Sidebar: Target has some really dope new in- house private labels for women, men, and children's apparel. They even have a new home goods private label as well. One more way to get my coins, as if we don't already spend our hard - earned money in Target  *inserts emoji with hand covering forehead!* I love this suit because it was made with quality in mind and the silhouette is fresh and new (oversized top, slim bottom...I can dig it). This suit is composed of a Boyfriend blazer + a pair of Slim Fit Ankle Trousers.

WOMEN'S PLAID BOYFRIEND BLAZER// via Target - 
SLIM FIT STRAIGHT LEG PLAID ANKLE PANT// via Target

WORK

When I envision the traditional word "work" it makes me think of cubicles, briefcases, and dark boring [skirt] suits. Not every job requires you to put on your most snatched threads to make deals and call shots. But if it does, I would highly recommend adding this suit to your wardrobe arsenal. I like this suit because it allows me to look polished when I wear both pieces in an instant. But the thing I love most about the suit is my ability to wear the separates separately to create different moods and outfits to help expand my wardrobe. You can dress this suit up or down, depending on where you are going. You could pair it with flats, sneakers, heels, boots etc. (and that's just the various shoe options you have...let's not even mention the numerous top combinations you could come up with like how I "werked" it below)!

PLAID JACKET// via Target - PLAID TROUSERS// via Target - MAROON PUSSY BOW BLOUSE// via Forever 21: old (similar here) - SANDALS// via Target - BROACH// via Hobby Lobby - CLEAR FRAMES// via Windsor (similar here)

WERK

Many times after work we have engagements set up where we don't have much time to transition from work to play. We have to slay in seconds. That is why creating a suit of separates is genius and a fool - proof way to have snazzy outfits on deck. I took the same suit from above but I ditched the trousers, sandals, and blouse, and swapped them for a leather crop top, black midi skirt, and some lace - up booties, while keeping the blazer on to anchor the outfit and create a more "edgy" look and feel. With just a few key swaps you can take your blazer from boardroom to... baddie!

PLAID BLAZER: // via Target - LEATHER CROP TOP// via Forever 21 (similar top here) - MIDI SKIRT// via H&M (similar here) - LACE - UP BOOTIES// via Charlotte Russe: old (similar) - CHOKER// via Charlotte Russe (similar here)

I hope these two posts to date are beginning to help you see that fashion doesn't have to be super complicated! All you need are a few key staples to help do the heavy - lifting for your wardrobe, then you can mix and match items to make your pieces seem fresh, new, and of course stylish!! We have one more installment of this series. I will be showing you how to rock distressed jeans two different ways! So stay tuned. Until then...

Happy Hump Day luvs, 

-Ali

Ruffled Blouse + Midi Skirt

Sometimes there are times when I want to get dolled up and dressed to the nines for no apparent rhyme or reason. This is one of those times. I love to find ways to spruce up items I've had in my closet over extensive periods and breathe new life into them. This is one of those instances. I took a ruffled blouse that I bought from TJ Maxx well over 7 years ago and revamped it by layering it with a black tank, tucking it into a midi skirt, and accessorizing with my favorite black fringe belt (with gold accents). 

Outfit Details: Ruffled Blouse (TJ Maxx: Old), Midi Skirt (H&M), Ruffled Belt (Windsor), Black Tank (Forever 21), Strappy Heels (Gift), Earrings (Beauty Supply Store)

This ensemble makes me want to shimmy and shake and would be the perfect outfit for a night out with my hubby! I love that the midi skirt can still be a sexy piece to show off my curves while still keeping me covered. 

Ali's Fashion Sense Tip: "Midi Skirts are perfect pieces to add in your closet if you are 30+. They give you the coverage you need, while still showing off your curves in the right spots."

What is your go - to date - night outfit? What pieces keep your look sexy yet refined? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comment section below.

Happy Monday Luvs,
-Ali

The Big 3-0!

As a kid when you describe the word old, anything over 25 seems ancient. While some may dread turning the "Big 3 - 0" I am embarking on this new chapter in my life with excitement, optimism, and full anticipation. It amuses me how as a child you dream, without borders, how your life will turn out. You know the big house, the great job, the nice car, the husband, and 2.5 children. Looking back I wanted to be a Sea World dolphin trainer, an artist living in New York City, a Disney Illustrator, oh yeah and a veterinarian. Talk about a smorgasbord of careers. While I do have the amazing husband and a decent house and car, along with many other wonderful blessings...I'm not fully where I want to be. Case and point: we tried to grow our family during the latter part of 2015 and were expecting the anticipation of our bundle of joy this year...but God had other plans. One great thing (among many others) that my angel baby, DJ has done even in his loss, he has fueled me not to take any moment, person, dream etc. for granted. So I have vowed to focus more on those visions and dreams I want to accomplish starting NOW, because life is too short (cliche' I know) to just let those things God has deposited within me (all of us for that matter) for granted.

My husband took me out of town last weekend to Amelia Island, FL to celebrate my bday. It was the perfect getaway (thanks honey)! This is us pictured at my pre - birthday dinner at an Italian Restaurant on the Island, Ciao.

Outfit Details: Shaggy Vest (Forever 21), Striped Dress (H&M), Black Skirt (H&M), Sandals (Charlotte Russe), Statement Necklace (DSW), Earrings (Charlotte Russe)

While my 30th year started a little shaky I am fully expecting an AMAZING year. I've already learned a great life lesson early on this year that in adversity I am being made stronger through my faith. So as I celebrate my 30th year on this earth I can write confidently knowing that I am moving in the right direction into the destiny of becoming my greatest self.

Happy Birthday to Me,
-Ali

P.S. Just know I am truly thankful to you my readers for allowing me to have a platform to showcase a sliver of my life through fashion! I appreciate you all more than you will ever know. This blog has been one of my greatest [birthday] presents to date ;)

Superwoman

While I was in Cali my friend took me to the Garment District. On our stroll through countless vendors we stumbled upon a shop that had hot trendy items. As I was searching through the racks I came across a gem. I've been coveting a cape for some time now, but I was never able to find one that I liked, in my price range (I'm a fashion blogger on a budget lol). So when I saw a black cape I knew I had to get it. Plus it was only $32 (win, win)! 

When I put the cape on yesterday for church I felt like a real - life super hero…more like Superwoman.

Outfit Details: Cape (Garment District), Ruffle Tank (Forever 21), Midi Skirt (H&M), Earrings (Forever 21), Sandals (Forever 21), Aviators (H&M)

Sometimes life throws curve balls at you. You feel like its too much to bear, but when you feel super overwhelmed, throw on your cape, dig deep, and rule the world!!! #GirlsRule #WhoRunTheWorld

Let's grab this Monday by the horns and make something happen today! Cape or not, we all are superwomen. Besides a cape, what makes you feel like superwoman? Let me know in the comment section below.

Happy Monday luvs,
-Ali

How To Master Wearing All Black

Georgia's weather is an indecisive as me in my closet trying to decide what I want to wear. Last week there were frigid temperatures barely making it out of the teens while yesterday it was in the low 70s. I mean really…"where they do that at?" But make no mistake, I am NOT complaining. It's just very tricky to dress for weather that insists on being on a roller - coaster ride. So I opted to wear one of my favorite trends, wearing an all black monochromatic look from head to toe.

The way to master wearing all black or any monochromatic color you choose is by adding different elements and textures of that color, which offer dimension and depth to the outfit. With this particular outfit you can see how I was able to use lace, faux fur, leather, and suede to create simple, subtle nuances resulting in an interesting visual. For the foundation of my look I took a lace dress (yes a dress) and converted it into a shirt by tucking it into my new midi skirt. Once I had a top and bottom for my look it was time to accessorize by incorporating my favorite faux fur vest, tights, a pair of booties, and a leather baseball cap.

Outfit Details: Faux Fur Vest (Forever 21), Midi Skirt (H&M), Lace Dress (TJ Maxx), Leather Baseball Cap (Forever 21),  Suede & Leather Booties (Target), Chain (Forever 21)

I really love how this look came together. The lace peeping out from underneath the furry faux fur vest adds a unique dimension to my ebony ensemble. I will definitely rock this look again but with an Ali's Fashion Sense twist. I may swap out the skirt for a pair of wide leg trousers in a dark denim or a pair of black skinny jeans. The possibilities are endless.

Happy Monday Chicas!

-Ali