I Smile

"I smile, even though I hurt see I smile, I know God is working so I smile, Even though I've been here for a while. I smile, smile." This song just popped in my head while I was writing this blog post. Have you ever had a day where you just felt a little down? Within the past couple of days, I've experienced this feeling more times than not. While I'm not doing terrible, I can't say that every day has been peaches and cream. The thought of my son makes me happy and sad all at the same time. I'm happy because I'm honored I got to spend 7 months with DJ (while he was in my tummy) and even time with him after delivery when  I saw his angelic face ;) But I'm also sad because the first time was the last time I would get to see (hold, kiss, hug, look at etc.) him. On that day I lost my baby, my toddler, my preteen, my teenager, and my adult son. But even with this tragedy I can still find solace and something to smile about knowing that my son is in the care of the Master up above. 

You know what else makes me smile besides my relationship with God, the love of my husband, family, friends, music, pizza, this blog, and fashion? This outfit! The brightness, boldness, and colorfulness really picks up my spirit. While the top and duster vest are neutrals the added pops of color (with my turquoise statement necklace and skirt) change the entire dynamic of the outfit. 

Outfit Details: Duster Vest (Forever 21),  Skirt (Forever 21), Blouse (H&M), Booties (Just Fab, Statement Necklace (Gifted), Sunnies (Thrifted)

I know it may be difficult at times but even in your lowest of moments learn how to smile. Just the simple gesture of putting on a smile can truly make you feel better. As the song says "gray skies are going to clear up, put on a happy face" (and an awesome outfit lol) and rock the day!!!! Before you depart, push play and let the lyrics of Kirk Franklin's "Smile" warm your heart.

Happy Hump Day luvs,
-Ali

Furry Gray Duster Vest + Black Skirt

"I've got sunshine, on a cloudy day! When it's cold outside, I've got the month of May! I guess, you say, what can make me feel this way? My boys...talking bout my boys, my boys (hubby and son of course)!" No seriously Sunday was a very cloudy and windy day in Central Georgia. It was also pretty chilly (hence why this song popped into my head). Whenever it is cold out I love to grab a faux fur vest to layer with. They are the perfect fashion accessory and they can definitely keep you warm. For Sunday's OOTD I opted for my long furry gray duster vest that I scored from H&M a couple seasons ago. I love this vest because it not only keeps me warm, but it has a cool texture, and is a great neutral to pair with jeans, slacks, a dress, or even a skirt. It's the perfect chilly weather accessory. As I mentioned a couple posts ago I am able to disguise or display my baby bump whenever I like. Sunday was one of those days that I contained the bump a little more by wearing my Express skirt (that has an elastic waistband...thank God for elastic lol) along with my white collared shirt, black tights, and black wedge booties. 

Outfit Details: Furry Gray Duster Vest (H&M), Skirt (Express), White Collared Shirt (JC Penny), Tights (Target), Booties (Target), Sunnies (Forever 21), Statement Necklace (FancyKouture.com)

The look really kept me warm even with the wind whipping and the clouds invading the sky. All I needed was a hot cup of cocoa and a fire place and I would have been in business. Whats your favorite chilly weather fashion accessory? A fur vest? Tights? Riding boots? Over the knee socks? I'd love to hear in the comment section below! 

Back To Basics

Sometimes combining a look using just the basics (white collared shirt, black blazer etc.) is key to creating a masterpiece . I figured that out on Sunday when I was rummaging through my closet trying to figure out what I was going to wear. I knew I wanted to wear my new favorite necklace so I started with my heather gray leather skirt (that looks like a skort), then I grabbed a white button up to create the  foundation for this look. To pull the look together I topped it with my black boyfriend blazer, a pair of opaque black tights, and over - the - knee suede boots. My snakeskin envelope clutch pulled all the colors together.  

Outfit Details: Boyfriend Blazer - Old (Forever 21: Similar Here), White Button Up (Old Navy: Similar Here), Envelope Leather Skirt (Topshop: Similar Here), Boots (Forever 21: Similar Here), Necklace (Fancy Kouture: Close 2nd)

I love this black, white, and gray combo. I feel like a powerful intern lol. I will be sure to rock this look (at least the basic concept ) again.

HAPPY MLK DAY! Let's reflect on the awesome strides that Dr. King along with the many other unsung heros from the civil rights era did for people of color all over the US.

-Ali

I'm Coming Home - FAMU 2014 Homecoming

"I'm coming home, I'm coming home

Tell the world I'm coming home

Let the rain wash away

I know my kingdom awaits

All the pain of yesterday

And they've forgiven my mistakes

I'm coming home, I'm coming home

Tell the world that I'm coming"

I went to my back to a place that I called home for 5 precious years of my life; Tallahassee, FL over the weekend. I went back to celebrate my Alma Mater's: Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University's (FAMU's) 127th homecoming. During my stint in Tallahassee FAMU enriched my life in so many ways. I learned so many valuable life lessons and I can NEVER replace those memories! My walk down memory lane as a proud alumni was awesome. I got to catch up with old friends FAMUly, see the upgrades they've done to campus, and of course I celebrated with good ole' rattler fun. Check out some of the snapshots from the weekend.

Me and roommate!!!

FAMU Alumni in the building

Multitasking - Cakin' + Taking bathroom pics

Pre-game shenanigans 

LC hits the scene - we miss you Kita & Dee

4/6 of the LC Engineering crew

The 3 emotions of saying goodbye

My riding partner, personal homecoming photographer, fashion sister, honorary rattler: Ash

Feeling myself!

Who is that in all that black?

Pardon my back

Late night bathroom #selfie's with my boo Ash

Outfit Details

CIROC PARTY

1. Black Faux Leather Crop Jacket (Forever 21), Basic Black Tee (H&M), Full Skirt (Express), Booties (JustFab), Mini Chain Purse (Forever 21), Jewel - Toned Necklace (Forever 21)

CROWN ROYAL DAY PARTY

2. Black Blazer with Chain Detail (Forever 21), Faux Leather Tee (Off the 5th), Gray Sweatpants (Forever 21 Men's Department), Laced - up Booties (Charlotte Russe)

CROWN ROYAL PARTY

3. Black Kardashian Kollection Jumpsuit (Sears), Black Blazer with Chain Detail (Forever 21), Laced - up Booties (Charlotte Russe), Statement Necklace (Forever 21), Snakeskin Clutch (Target)

GAME DAY

4. White Ruffled Button Up (K&G), Black Skinny Jeans (Old Navy), Faux Fur Vest (Forever 21), Black Faux Leather Crop Jacket (Forever 21), Boots (Target), Statement Necklace (TJ Maxx), Sunnies (Thrifted)

This is just a brief synopsis of my weekend, I had a ton of fun. I truly do bleed orange and green!! Happy Homecoming FAMU. Do you go back to your homecoming celebrations? If so (or if not) shout out your school in the comment section below.

Happy Monday Luvs,

-Ali