Covered Up In My Tan Poncho + Flare Jeans

It is getting cooler outside so I pulled out my camel - colored poncho that I snagged from H&M 7+ years ago, along with my white button up, and flare jeans to cover up and keep warm. While the temperatures aren’t frigid as the Michigan temperatures I’m used to, the chilled temps have finally caused me to grab my warmer clothing option as I get dressed each morning. 

Fall/Winter seasons are not just about covering your body in layers to keep warm, it is about doing it in style! You all know I love to look my best (and I’m sure you all do too), but the truth is, in today’s society we often cover up who we truly are (inside) because we may be different than what we see on TV, through different media mediums, or just different than those that surround us on a daily basis. 

I  have a news flash for you…one that I continuously try to internalize each day! God made all of us unique. We are not supposed to be carbon copies of one another with the same thoughts, ideas, style, mindsets, skin color, hair textures, body shapes, careers, hobbies, gifts etc. He created us to be a melting pot of beauty (the vision He saw of us when we were sculpted in our mother’s wombs). 

In this day and age of social media it is so hard to try to fight to be you when everything around us tells us to be like everyone else. This week, while we try to cover up to keep warm physically, I want us to try to uncover who we truly are. Dust off those gifts buried deep within. Try a new hobby that you’ve been putting on the back burner because it’s “weird” or different from the norm. Try something you’ve always wanted to do this week. Focus on only saying positive things to yourself instead of being overly critical of yourself. Begin learning to love your flaws in all. They are what make you distinctly YOU!

TAN PONCHO// via H&M old (similar) or  (here) - FLARE JEANS// via NY & CO. (similar) - WHITE BLOUSE// via H&M (similar) - VINCE CAMUTO LEOPARD PRINT BOOTIES// via Belk (similar) - TAN FEDORA// via Forever 21 (similar) - SUNNIES// via Charming Charlie’s (similar)

Here’s to uncovering and unlocking the REAL YOU; with style and grace. Have an amazing week. I’ll see you back here on Wednesday and Friday :)

Xoxo,

-Ali 

How to Maintain Rockmom Status

Rockmom - A woman who seemingly has it all together on the outside; Well mannered children, a supportive partner, self - love, style, intelligence, a bomb social life, and total life balance. 

This is my personal definition of what most would think a rockmom should be. However, all  true rockmoms know that appearing to have it all together and truly having it all together are two different sentiments. While it is great to appear to have it all in a social media driven world, the truth is, if we are honest with ourselves and each other, we don't always have it all together! We don't always have the picture perfect lifestyle we try to convey (the great spouse, perfect children, amazing house, top of the line car, a satisfying career, amazing friendships, an endless budget to shop, dine out, and travel, debt - free, healthy lifestyle accompanied with a six pack - this may be wishful thinking lol). Don't get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with striving to get to this place but a lot of us are faking the funk to our detriment. 

Truth is, sometimes we carry a load of self - doubt and fear, we are searching for the right partner to spend the rest of our lives with, our children are not perfect (they make messes, they cry, they don't behave all the time), we sometimes compare ourselves to our peers because we don't feel like we're making the necessary strides to be successful, or maybe we are in dead - end job that we hate while our dreams are festering inside of us. I want to ensure you, you are not alone in feeling this way! But the true testament comes from recognizing that you may not be who God truly wants you to be yet but you are constantly working towards being the woman that you picture so vividly in your dreams. 

I'm beginning to learn that a true rockmom is:

True Rockmom - One who is unapologetic for the person she truly is (underneath all the expectations and weights of the world), one who follows her heart no matter what, a woman who has self - love, one who acknowledges her faults and learns from each lesson thrown at her, one who has inner peace, who does the best she can with what she is given, and makes the best out of every situation, and cultivates every relationship she is in (marriage, partnership, motherhood, friendship etc.)

ROCKMOM SWEATSHIRT// via June Ambrose - COLLARD SHIRT// via H&M (similar) - FAUX LEATHER PANTS// via JC PENNEY (similar) - SNEAKER WEDGES// via Target: old (similar) - MICKEY MOUSE EARS// via Choies (similar)

I don't always exemplify the entire definition of a true rockmom on a daily basis, but I promise you this, I am continuously striving to be her in totality one day! Until then, as they say....[perfect] practice, makes perfect! So here is a salute to all my rockmoms - those of you who are entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers, teachers, stay - at - home moms, engineers, artists, business women, and beyond! Shine on, no matter what your situation may look like. Just know I see your [invisible] crown queen! From one rockmom to another: Happy Hump Day!

Rock on,

-Ali

Fringe + Faux Leather Pants

As I sit here editing my blog pictures and listening to 90s R&B (the likes of Blackstreet, Envogue, TLC, Montell Jordan etc.) I am getting pumped about the weekend. You know, when you get the chance to sleep in, catch up with friends, go on a date with bae, or just stay at home in your PJ's and catch up on Netflix; oh yeah and did I mention, sleep! This simple black and white ensemble reminds me of a sophisticated weekend outfit. You know one you can wear for a dinner date or a night out with the girls. 

I took some classics that you probably have in your closet currently and threw them together. I started with a simple white collared button down, and a pair of my favorite (stretchy) black faux leather pants. Then I began to accessorize by adding my black boyfriend blazer, my flirty fringe belt, fedora, sandals, statement necklace, and gold rimmed cat - eye sunnies. The fringe takes this simple black and white silhouette to a fool - proof, weekend - ready ensemble. 

Outfit Details: Boyfriend Blazer (Forever 21), White Collared Button Down (JC Penny), Faux Leather Pants (JC Penny), Fedora (H&M), Fringe Belt (Windsor), Statement Necklace (DSW), Cat - Eye Sunnies (Forever 21), Sandals (Forever 21)

I showed you how you can take this outfit from business meeting to happy hour by simply removing the boyfriend blazer. It's just that simple. I hope you are as ready for the weekend (and NOT the singer lol) that I am. I have a pretty chill weekend ahead but I am excited about getting a tattoo today in memory of my little munchkin!!! What's on your weekend agenda? Better yet, what are you wearing? Let me know in the comment section below. In the meantime, may your weekend be lit ;) and full of fun (whatever your definition of fun may be).

Xoxoxo,
-Ali

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

Poncho Power

Have you ever stalked something online (and when I say something I'm talking about an article of clothing) and when you see it in the store you fall in love all over again? That's how I felt when I saw this tribal print [blanket] poncho from Forever 21. I had been eyeing this poncho for sometime at the beginning of December on Forever 21's online site. Everyday I would check to see if it was sold out. Then one day while having a special bff's day out with my bestie Jasmine we stopped into Forever 21 at Lenox Mall in Atlanta. The fashion angels sang that day when I saw the poncho hanging high on it's hanger. It's vibrant colors, eclectic tribal print pattern, and warm, comfy touch sold me from the first time my eyes met it. I have been wearing it non - stop ever since I purchased it. It is such a great buy for the mild Winter months here in the south. I threw on a long sleeve shirt (in this case it's my denim button up), black leggings, over the knee socks, black riding boots, fedora, and ribbon (used as a bow) to create this native inspired look. 

This Southwestern - Inspired Poncho can be spotted here for $32.90 (such a steal for a great quality - made garment).

Forever 21's look

Outfit Details: Poncho (Forever 21: Here), Leggings (Target: Similar Here), Over - The - Knee Socks (Target: Similar Here), Riding Boots (Forever 21: Here), Denim Button Up (Target: Similar Here), Fedora (H&M: Similar Here), Ribbon (Hobby Lobby: Similar Here - Don't forget to use this), Bangles (Macy's: Alternative Here)

This look has a low key Americana vibe and I'm here for it. I will be sure to have this poncho in heavy rotation for the remainder of the Winter months :)

Would you wear a poncho? If so, what you would you pair it with? Let me know in the comment section below!

Xoxo,

-Ali

Last Minute Thanksgiving Style Guide

It's the eve of Thanksgiving. Tomorrow is the official day we set aside to give thanks for all the wonderful blessings that God has bestowed upon us this year. As we wind down to another year's end it's a chance to reflect on those quiet precious moments that you've witnessed throughout the previous 10 months. It's a time where you get to partake in a delicious spread of turkey, macaroni and cheese, yams, greens, dressing and many more delectable items (Is your mouth watering yet? I know mine is). You get the chance to enjoy fun with your loved ones, and take in America's favorite pastime…watching football (at least according to my husband, dad, grandparents, and brothers). 

Even with all of these awesome things occurring you may be panicking because you can't find the perfect outfit to give thanks in. Well, Ali's Fashion Sense is here with a last - minute fashion rescue. I've curated three different looks that you can sift through to match your personal thanksgiving aesthetics.

DRESSY

This is the perfect outfit if you have a family that dresses up for Thanksgiving or if you're meeting your significant others family for the first time. This outfit will definitely help you put your best foot forward!

Dressy Thanksgiving Style Guide by alifashionsense featuring button down shirts

Outfit Details: Collared Shirt: Barbour button down shirt /Cape:  Zara coat /Tights: Falke wet look stocking /Booties: Zara shoes /Furry Clutch: Zara yellow purse /Bow Tie: ASOS Oversized Bow Tie,/Skirt: Activewear

CHILL & CHIC
This outfit is a little less stuffy, but still gives you that "dressed - up" feeling. The stretchy leggings will allow you to look amazing but still have room to "pig - out" on your favorite Thanksgiving day foods!

Chill & Chic Thanksgiving Style Guide by alifashionsense featuring slip on shoes

Outfit Details: White Tee: White Stuff white tee/Black Sleeveless Duster: Topshop coat /Leggings: BCBGMAXAZRIA legging /Sneakers: Zara slip on shoes /Backpack: Forever 21 backpacks bag /Layered Necklace: Forever 21 jewelry /Matte NYX Lip Cream: NYX lips makeup

CASUAL COMFY
If you're family's like mine, you like to just chill out and have a great time on Thanksgiving. Eat, laugh, watch TV, eat a little more, nap, and relax. This is the perfect outfit to enjoy a casual Thanksgiving dinner in!

Casual Comfy Thanksgiving Style Guide by alifashionsense featuring cotton t shirts

Outfit Details: White Tee: J Crew cotton t shirt /Navy Blue Cardigan:Long sleeve open front cardigan/Dark Wash Denim: Abercrombie & Fitch dark-wash jeans /Fringe Bag: Aldo handbag /Plaid Scarf: Abercrombie Fitch navy blue shawl /Lipstick: Barry M lipstick/Red Nail Polish: NARS Cosmetics red nail polish/JC Boots: Jeffrey Campbell Remixes The Timberland Boot And We Don't Know How To…

Hopefully this post has given you a few quick ideas if you are having a fashion outfit block. I'm sure whatever you decide to wear tomorrow you will look fabulous in it!!! 

Before I let you go I just want to wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving and say a huge thank you to you my Fashion Sensers. You all come back day after day to read the posts that I put together and even leave your well wishes in the comment section. I appreciate your support more than you'll ever know! I pray your day is filled with love, laughter, joy, and great food and don't forget to cherish these special times with your loved ones! 

Happy Turkey Day [Eve],

Xoxo,
-Ali