Pink Sweatshirt Dress + Lip Broach

Today is a day where the world celebrates LOVE. I know we tend to make a big deal about sharing LOVE particularly on this day from a boyfriend, crush, bae, or spouse...but today I want to tap into the concept of SELF LOVE! In this day and age, it is so easy to get caught up into the hype of social media and what other people are doing around us. We see people sharing their awesome jobs, vacations, weddings, pregnancies, children, wardrobes, cars, brunches, friendships, baes, crushes etc. And the list goes on and on and on and on!

Being infiltrated with all these images of peers (known and unknown) "perfect lifestyles" down our various social media timelines can begin to take a toll on us, causing us to look inward and feel like we need to speed up our timetables or worse...that we are not adequate enough because we are not where we think we SHOULD be in comparison to those we constantly consume. But I just wanted to stop by on this Valentine's Day (with an N for clarification lol) to let you know...YOU ARE ENOUGH! It is time to look in the mirror and LOVE the person whose reflection is staring back at you, flaws and all!

It is time to find parts of your life you LOVE. It is time to LOVE your journey, LOVE your path, LOVE your personal lane, LOVE your brilliant mind, LOVE your unique perspective, LOVE your scars, LOVE your failures, LOVE your wins, LOVE your successes, LOVE your entire being...because you were uniquely made in the image of God. There is literally NO ONE on this planet that can duplicate you. You are one - of - a - kind. A limited edition. You are a hot commodity! If no one told you today, you are special! You are beautiful! You matter! 

Once we realize how valuable we are (whether we are attached to someone or not) that is when we begin to shine the brightest! We must realize our inner light and shine bright for the world to see!

SWEATSHIRT DRESS//via H&M: similar here, plus size version here - LIP BROACH//via Hobby Lobby for only $2.99 - LIP PRINT SOCKS//via Forever 21: very similar here - RED TASSELED SANDALS//via Charlotte Russe: red chunky heeled option here - RED FRINGE EARRINGS//via Forever 21: similar here - PINK SUNGLASSES//via Charlotte Russe: similar with different frame shape - RED PEBBLED FAUX LEATHER CROSSBODY//via Forever 21

So as Valentine's Day commences and you go about your day, whether you're taken, single, or building your empire,  I want you to say (outlaid) these "Top 10 Self Love Affirmations" to yourself to remind you that YOU ARE LOVED (like this perfect mural I found on a random corner states), by the most important person: YOU! Repeat after me:

• I approve of myself and LOVE myself deeply.
• I am worthy of LOVE and joy.
• My life is a gift, I will use it with joy and exuberance.
• I will surround myself with positive people who will bring the best out of me.
• I release my negative thoughts, embracing positivity and optimism.
• I am healthy, well - groomed, and confident. My inner peace and harmony is matched by my outer well - being.
• I am worthy of LOVE.
• I do NOT need someone else to feel happiness [or to complete me].
• My imperfections make me unique and special.
• I take responsibility for who I am: the good and the bad.

With that being said, I want to wish each of you a HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY! I hope your day is filled with LOVE, joy, happiness, and positivity, whether you spend it with your bae, your girlfriends, or in the company of you, yourself, and I!

Xoxoxo,

Ali

Graphic Tee + Metallic Skirt

With the holiday season approaching, I wanted to do an outfit series that can span for a host of holiday occasions. We know as the Christmas and New Year's holidays roll around there are an endless amount of parties that we are invited too from family gatherings, work holiday parties, get - togethers at friends houses, late nights and early mornings on the town and much more. You want to look the part for all the different events you have to attend so I wanted to offer you some outfit inspiration/ideas to help you gear up for the most wonderful time of the year *cue Andy Williams!* 

When I think of the holiday's I think of metallic's, sequin, red, green, black, ugly sweaters, fur, tights, sparkles and more. For today's look, I wanted to create an outfit that offered a casual + dressy mix by pairing a [medium] "Rolling Stones" graphic tee (which I snubbed from the Men's Department at Target) with a metallic pleated skirt (from Target also). I added my cropped leather jacket on top to pull the look together and my red tasseled sandals to add an extra dash of holiday cheer! 

I love the juxtaposition of the casual tee paired with the metallic midi length skirt. It is an unexpected twist which offers a bit of edge plus feminine swag. You can wear this look to a friends holiday get together or out on a nice date. Either way, you'll be piping H-O-T!

ROLLING STONES TEE// via Target - METALLIC PLEATED SKIRT// via Target - CROPPED LEATHER JACKET// via H&M (similar here) - TASSEL RED SANDALS// via Charlotte Russe (similar here + exact shoe here sizes 5.5 - 6.5) - BAWSE LADY LIPPIE// via The Lip Bar - EARRINGS WITH TASSELS// via H&M (shown here in 5 different colors + same color different style)

What are some things you wear to your holiday get togethers? I'd love to hear in the comment section below. And stay tuned for more holiday inspired looks the rest of the week.

Xoxo,
Ali

Off The Shoulder Top + Denim Overalls

Showing off your shoulders is the hot thing this season. You've seen me wear my off the shoulder lipstick top from New York & Co (seen here) before with my flare denim jeans. This time, I've paired my off the shoulder top with my overalls. It gives the top a whole new feel! I pulled out the tan hue from the lipstick base (on the top) to accessorize the ensemble using my fedora and tan fringe booties. This outfit is perfect for a day of fun. You can wear it out to brunch, on an impromptu midday movie date with bae, or to simply run errands on a Saturday morning. This look will definitely stay in rotation (until the sun will not let me bare it any longer). Check out the full look below. 

Outfit Details: Denim Overalls (Macy's), Off The Shoulder Top (New York & Co.), Fringe Booties (Charolette Russe), Fedora (Forever 21) Sunnies (Forever 21), Louis Vuitton Speedy Bag (Graduation Gift), Ruby Woo Lippie (M.A.C.)

If you don't know what trend to adopt this spring I would definitely suggest trying the off the shoulder trend. 

"No matter what size you are, EVERYONE has awesome shoulders."

You can pair the off the shoulder trend with skirts, shorts, skinny jeans, denim flares, or even overalls. The possibilities are endless. So give it a try. I'm sure you won't be disappointed. I hope you have a wonderful Wednesday!

-Ali

Striped Crop Top + Striped Pencil Skirt

Last week, after 2 long years of blood, sweat, tears, and experiencing the most tragic semester of my life (with the loss of my munchkin) I graduated with my 2nd Bachelors Degree in Apparel Textile Technology. With a major in Fashion Design & Product Development and a minor in Business Administration, all while maintaining a 4.0 G.P.A and graduating Summa Cum Laude. I say all this not to brag but to say...DON'T BE AFRAID TO FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS. 

I've always been a creative person from my love of fashion, art, music, writing etc. But I was also very good in math and science so I chose to go a more "secure" route and pursue engineering as a career path. While engineering taught me many life lessons, provided me with lasting friendships (including an amazing husband), and offered an amazing salary trajectory, my heart was not fully in it. Fast forward 7 years and I can boldly say that I am truly happy that I went with my heart to follow a dream I've had for some time. FASHION. While I have not yet lined up a job, I am confident that I will succeed in the fashion industry because my gifts, talents, and passion all align (along with the education to back it up). Furthermore a couple of years ago I created a vision board and would you believe that 3 of the things I wrote on my vision board have come to pass this year (1.) Go back to school for fashion 2.) Maintain a 4.0 G.P.A 3.) Graduate Summa Cum Laude). I say that to say...WRITE DOWN YOUR VISIONS & GOALS (you'd be surprised what can accomplish with the help of God, tenacity, and focus)! 

*NOW BACK TO YOUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED BLOG POST*

For my graduation I searched high and low to find a cute, sophisticated, comfortable outfit. As I was running out of options 3 days prior to graduation I ran across the Eva Mendes Collection at New York and Company and found the PERFECT outfit that checked off all 3 items on my graduation checklist. I love the nautical stripes. They are bold yet sophisticated and the fabric is super soft. I paired the black and white stripe ensemble with red fringe sandals to add an element of surprise to a simplistic look underneath my jet black robe. 

Outfit Details: Striped Crop Top (Eva Mendes New York & Co. Collection: here), Striped Pencil Skirt (Eva Mendes New York & Co. Collection: here), Red Fringe Sandals (Charolette Russe: Taupe here, Red here), Sunnies (Forever 21: Similar here)

I hope this blog post could be an inspiration to help you go after something you've always wanted, whether it is going back to school, starting a blog, writing a book, traveling more, changing career paths, or even starting a family. Whatever it may be I hope you start your journey today, all while looking your best (this is a fashion blog lol...I had to add that in there). I'd love for you to share one of your dreams in the comment section below so I can cheer you on in your pursuit:) In the famous words of Queen Bey: " I Slay, You Slay, We Slay!" So I hope you slay your day, your week, and your dreams.

Happy Monday Luvs,

-Ali

Ruffled Blouse + Leather Shorts

This week I am spending time house/pet sitting for my brother, so I had to plan ahead to get my outfit of the day posts done. If you are a blogger of any kind, planning ahead is KEY to staying consistent with your content. I shot all three of this weeks outfits in one day. This black on black look of the day incorporates my ruffled blouse that I got from K&G many years ago as well as my black leather H&M shorts. The over the knee booties add an edgy element to the look while the accessories pull the look together. 

Outfit Details: Ruffle Blouse (K&G: Old), Leather Shorts (H&M), Over The Knee Booties (JustFab), Sunnies (Thrifted), Lipstick (M.A.C. Ruby Woo), Earrings (Charlotte Russe)

Wearing all black makes me feel confident and well put together. A way to liven up an all black ensemble is to select various fabric choices as well as items with different details. For instance, my blouse has ruffles and lace and my leather shorts have pleats. It breaks up the mundane of wearing the same colors. What's your favorite way to rock all black? Let me know in the comment section below.

Happy Hump Day luvs,

-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