6 Month Blogging Hiatus

Hi, my name is Ali and I'm a [fashion] blogger lol! I felt like I needed to reintroduce myself since I've been on a 6 - month long hiatus. A lot has changed over these last six months.  I got a part - time job working retail at Charlotte Russe. I turned 31 on February 9th, and my husband received his Private Pilot License. But the biggest change of all is the size of my expanding belly. My husband and I are expecting Baby Anderson number two in 7 more weeks. Our due date is scheduled for April 14, 2017, so we'll see when my son wants to make his debut to the world. 

Mannequins I styled at work
Outfit Details: Faux Leather Baseball Cap: Forever 21 (Old), Blanket Poncho: Forever 21, White Button Up: H&M, Distressed Jeans: Charlotte Russe +

My positive affirmation that I said to myself on my birthday: The Best is YET to Come!!!

My hubby all smiles after passing his private pilot exam

The way my husband and I announced we were expecting to the world, along with his gender

All smiles in anticipation of our rainbow baby, Grayson
Outfit Details: Custom - Made Velvet Off The Shoulder Gown: AshleyMonique, Faux Fur Headpiece: AshleyMonique, Broach: Hobby Lobby

The smile on my face is indicative of God's love and promise to our family

After losing my first son DJ, I fell in love more with my husband because he has been my rock through the ups and downs this past year has presented us #TeamAnderson

Grayson at his 28 week ultrasound showing us his lovely profile

Grayson looking out at us during his 28 week ultrasound 

Grayson at his 31 week ultrasound appointment which also doubled as Valentine's Day! What a perfect gift

Initially I stopped blogging because I didn't want anyone to know I was pregnant because of the anxiety I was facing on a daily basis trying to grapple with the fact that I was going to be carrying another life into this world. I didn't want to announce prematurely and be met with the same fate that I was dealt last go round with my sleeping angel DJ. So my husband and I decided we would only share our pregnancy news with our immediate families. So that's exactly what we did! 

I found out I was expecting at the beginning of August but didn't share with others (family and friends alike) that I was expecting until December 2016! I partially told because I was starting to really show and could no longer hide my protruding baby bump.  Of course when I announced everyone was super excited for us as I've been very vocal about what pregnancy and loss looks like with our first pregnancy. So to be able to say I've walked THROUGH the valley and have now seen my rainbow on the other side means a lot. I couldn't have made it through the past year of darkness without my faith and my amazing support system! While I'm not fully in the clear I know, God will provide and deliver on His promise that I will be an Earthly mommy to a bouncing baby boy, Grayson Anderson, in a month and a half! I look forward to mommyhood and looking my baby in his eyes for the first time. I anticipate hearing his cry for the first time as I never got that intimate experience with my angel DJ who was born in a peaceful silence. 

So as I transition into preparing for my special arrival I want to document what's left of my pregnancy and transition my blog from a fashion - centered blog and expand it to a lifestyle blog where we can get candid about everything from love, fashion, marriage, mommyhood, health, and much more! I hope you're excited about this journey like I am! Hopefully you're still rocking with Ali. I missed you guys! Stayed tuned, Friday I will be chatting about my Rainbow Baby Shower that occurred last Saturday (February 25)! You won't want to miss it.

Birthday Selfie

Slight birthday slay
Outfit Details: Lace Kimono: Charlotte Russe, Graphic Tee: Charlotte Russe, Leggings: Kohl's, Faux Fur Jacket: Forever 21 (Old), Jessica Simpson Sandals: Ross, Rose Tinted Sunnies: Charlotte Russe, Faux Fur Purse: Charlotte Russe, Choker & Layered Necklaces: Charlotte Russe

Loving on my munchkin 

Running errands trying to look presentable with swollen feet #preggoproblems
Outfit Details: Floral Kimono: Charlotte Russe, Sleeveless Knit Bodycon: Charlotte Russe, Bow Sandals: Banana Republic Outlet, Rose Colored Sunnies: Charlotte Russe, Necklace (Old)

What's something you are committed to re-starting or jumpstarting TODAY? A health regimen? A new found mindset? A new hobby? Applying for a new job? Today marks the start of a new month, so why not use this clean slate to jump into the new found YOU!!! Here's to new beginnings.

Peace and love,

-Ali

Off The Shoulder Paisley Maxi

Hey luvs. Long time no see. I went on a 2 week hiatus from blogging as I went home to Michigan for two weeks to spend some much needed time with family and friends (it's been 2 years since I've been home so it was nice to be back at my original stomping grounds). While I missed you my readers and creating new looks tremendously it felt nice to have a mini break. But now it's time to get back to business!

While I was home I got a chance to score a few pieces. One of the pieces I purchased came from an unusual source. My mom and I went to an outlet mall in Howell, MI. Usually I am not one to shop at Rue 21 but I decided to stop in and to my amazement they had a nice selection of unique pieces. While perusing through the racks I found this off the shoulder paisley printed maxi. I love this dress because it combines two of my favorite elements: the off the shoulder trend and the ease of wearing a maxi. Not to mention the print is so 70s (which I absolutely love).

Outfit Details: Off The Shoulder Dress (Rue 21: here), Booties (Charlotte Russe), Necklace (Charlotte Russe), Sunnies (Forever 21), Louis Vuitton Speedy (Gift), Puff Balls (Beauty Supply Store)

Maxi's are the PERFECT item to have in your closet as we begin to transition from summer to fall. I love that this maxi has sleeves which will be a perfect piece for layering as Fall begins to overtake Summer's end. Once the weather breaks I will begin to layer this maxi with vests, moto jackets, boots and much more. The styling possibilities are endless.

Ali's Fashion Sense Tip: "Find a maxi dress with sleeves. It can be used as a staple piece to help you transition seamlessly from Summer into Fall."

Thanks for stopping by. I hope to see you back on Wednesday. I have some dope information to share with you so stay tuned. All I can say is it involves selfies, and who doesn't love a good selfie? So come back and see what it's all about. In the meantime have a marvelous Monday!

-Ali

Denim Off The Shoulder Dress + Gladiator Sandals

It's officially summer and the Georgia heat did not come to play. So it's imperative to find outfits that offer breathability. That is why I LOVE the off the shoulder trend.  It's cute on all body types plus nobody has ugly shoulders!

 I've been looking for an off the shoulder dress for a couple months now. So when I found this denim beauty looking through the racks at Express I leaped for joy (at least in my head). I wasn't too thrilled when I got to the register and saw a $60+ price tag, but I bit the bullet because this dress was so cute (plus I had gift cards to help reduce the price which softened the blow). 

Me and the bestie spreading L - O - V - E

Outfit Details: Denim Off The Shoulder Dress (Express: Similar Dress Here), Gladiator Sandals (DSW: Old), Sunnies (Forever 21), Layered Necklace (Charlotte Russe)

I think the dress was a great investment. I love the fit, the length, the material, the cut, and the endless styling opportunities it offers. Trust me when I say it will be in rotation all summer! As the awesome mural states (that we used for this photoshoot) "Try Love." I'm encouraging you to try loving yourself, your family, friends, and fellow man today! As the late great Notorious B.I.G would say... "Spread love it's the Brooklyn way!" Happy Hump Day luvs peace and blessing to you.

-Ali