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 ;)

Leather Vest + Floral Jeans + White Tee

Last week I featured florals on the blog wearing my floral romper and blazer. Today, I am showing you how to style floral jeans. Flowers seem like something associated with spring time but the site of flowers can freshen up a home, decor, and even an outfit. Here is how I incorporated florals with a summertime twist. I chose cream and white tones to shape the outfit and made them all correlate using nude and gold accessories. Wearing leather in the summer can be a bit tricky if you're in a warm climate like GA, but it is NOT impossible. I paired my oversize leather vest (which I got on sale during the winter sale from Forever 21) with a lightweight tee. Having the lightweight tshirt underneath the leather vest helped me keep cool. When Fall and Winter come around I can use this same leather vest and pair it with a turtle neck or layer it over a full length duster coat. The options are endless. Check out the full OOTD below.

Outfit Details: Leather Vest (Forever 21), Floral Jeans (Charlotte Russe), White Tee (Old Navy), Sandals (Charlotte Russe), Sunnies (Forever 21)

I feel like a chic biker chick with this leather vest on. Pairing a leather vest with a more feminine silhouette (skinny jeans, midi skirt etc.) or fabric (lace silk etc.) can create a great contrast of hard and soft. Next time you decide to wear a leather vest try to add a more feminine touch with something less edgy to balance out the look and add an element of surprise.

Here are a few examples to get your fashion brain going:

Leather + Lace

Leather + Silk

Leather + Chiffon

Leather Jacket + Maxi

Leather Vest + Crop Top + High Waist Jeans

Leather Tee + Midi Skirt

Happy Monday lets make it a productive one,
-Ali