Stripes and a Lumberjack

Hi Luvs,
It's been a hectic start to this wonderful month. Two weeks into February and school is starting to pick up (exams, group projects, papers due etc.), and I celebrated my 28th birthday on Sunday. So I've been pretty busy, to say the least. But I wanted to give you all a quick look at a style I rocked last week. I joined a Fashion Organization at my school called Fashion Designers Outspoken. We are hosting a fashion show this upcoming Wednesday to teach high school students how to dress professionally once they get to the next level which was cancelled due to the extreme weather conditions in Atlanta. I volunteered to help style models for the upcoming fashion show. It was an all day affair so I wanted to wear something comfortable since I knew I would be on my feet for a few hours.

WITH THE LUMBERJACK TO MATCH
I love the clash of the lumberjack print versus the stripes. It brings out a cool "punk - rockish" element. The gold accents on my boots as well as my jewelry help to elevate this edgy look even more. And my newest favorite piece, my fedora hat is the perfect piece to bring the entire look together. 

Outfit Rundown: Leather Jacket: H&M, Fedora: H&M, Striped Sweater: Forever 21, Lumberjack Button - Up: Husband's, Black Skinny Jeans: Old Navy, Gold - Accented Boots: Target, Rings: Forever 21, ID Necklace: Rainbow, Gold Watch: Target, Aviator Sunnies: H&M, NYX Matte Lip Cream: Ulta

Have a great day! Be safe out there.
-Ali

Birthday Girl

"Happy birthday to ME; Happy birthday to ME; Happy Birthday dear Ali....Happy birthday to ME!"

Don't mean to gloat, just excited and blessed to have reached another year to celebrate my life on this earth. I mentioned that I have been/will be celebrating my birthday for the entire 28 days of February, but Sunday, February 9 was my actual birthday. 

It was the perfect setting for a birthday, sunny skies, a cute dress, and a thankful 28 year old woman! Every day for the past 9 days I've been writing something I'm thankful for...and I must say 2014 has started off great. I'm back in school studying something I love, FASHION, I have a blog that's doing well (I have so much more in store for Ali's Fashion Sense), I have an awesome husband, a great family, and supportive friends. Even though I'm closer to my 30's, and my 20's are coming to an end I am nothing but SMILES.

BIRTHDAY GIRL

I didn't have a clue what I would wear on my bday, but on my last trip to MI my aunt gifted me with this perfect Betsey Johnson Leather & Lace LBD (Little Black Dress). I paired it with some lace - up booties, and some gold accessories and wallah this sophisticated number came together. 

Outfit Details: Betsey Johnson Leather & Lace Dress: Marshall's, Lace - Up Booties: Charlotte Russe, Black Leather Clutch: Forever 21, Gold Watch: Charming Charlie's, Statement Necklace: Charlotte Russe, Cream Blazer: Forever 21, Sunnies: Aldo

As I reflect on these last 28 years, one last thing I am particularly thankful for is my Ali's Fashion Sense readers. I appreciate you all stopping by reading my post, and checking out my pictures. It means a lot to me :) I love you all more than you know!

-Ali

xoxoxoxo

Flower Power

For those of you that don't know, my birthday is six days away (woo - hoo)! So in honor of my 28 years on Earth I've decided to celebrate EVERYDAY this month as a way to commemorate getting older. Sunday, was a great day. I got my praise on at church, I got some homework done, and I watched the Super Bowl (Go Seahawks)! I channeled my inner Rachel Zoe and came up with this 60s inspired flower child look.

FLOWER CHILD
I typically don't like pairing black with navy or black with brown. But rules are meant to be broken right? Sunday, I pulled out my navy floral dress, navy tights, brown riding boots, faux fur vest, and my black fedora. It sounds off, but...hey once I pulled the look together I loved it! The weather was absolutely amazing and I think the pictures turned out great.

Outfit Details: Navy Floral Dress: Forever 21, Navy Tights: Target, Faux Fur Vest: Forever 21, Riding Boots: Forever 21, Fedora: H&M, Gold Watch: Charming Charlie's, Lock & Key Necklace: Kiosk in the Mall

How about that Super Bowl last night? Did you watch? Did your team win? How'd you like Bruno Mars? Hopefully you can enjoy your day today. Make it the best day of your life!

-Ali
xoxoxo

(GA) Snow Day

"Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful. And since there's no place to go...Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!!"

I went home to Michigan over the weekend and it was freezing cold (below zero temperatures). But when I returned to Georgia I got wind that it would snow, and boy were they right. The thing about snowy southern days is the fact that southerners aren't used to the snowy, frigid, icy conditions so it causes havoc on the roadways. I thank God I was able to make it home safely yesterday before the snow really started coming down.

COZY SNOWY DAYS
When it comes to snow, it's all about the art of layering. You want to look great, but most importantly you want to stay WARM. Since I'm not going out into the elements today I wanted to wear something cozy. I picked out a pair of skinny jeans, my flannel sleeved sweatshirt, Jordan's, faux fur mittens, and my Jessica Simpson overcoat. 

OUTFIT DETAILS: Overcoat: Jessica Simpson, Skinny Jeans: Forever 21, Flannel Sleeved "82" Sweatshirt: Forever 21, Jordan's: Foot Locker, Junk Necklace: Kiosk at Fairlane Mall (in Detroit), Faux Fur Mittens: H&M, MK Watch: Macy's


To all those who have been trapped in this snow be safe and careful out there. Happy Snow Day :)

xoxoxox
-Ali

All Aboard

My readers have seen this Forever 21 Utilitarian Vest on my blog a few times now.  I like the color, the unique symbols, and the gold details on the vest. But the thing I love most about this vest is its versatility. I've worn it with a dress and combat boots (here) and paired it with jeans and platform boots (here). I simply keep finding ways to remix this vest creating fresh new looks (and I'm not stopping here).

1 VEST, 3 WAYS
When shopping the best tip I can give is to find items that have longevity and versatility. You want garments that will stretch your wardrobe to the max, like I've done with this vest!

ALL ABOARD
On Sunday I visited the Warner Robins, GA Welcome Center for the first time since I've lived here and got some pretty cool shots in my utilitarian vest.

Outfit Details: Utilitarian Vest (Forever 21), Skirt (Target), White Button Up (Old Navy), Platforms (Forever 21), Aviators (Aldo), Gold Watch (Charming Charlie's)

Happy MLK Day! Let's take some time to reflect on the awesome strides Dr. King took to create a globe of peace, inclusion, and love. Thanks for your contributions Dr. King. Gone but NEVER forgotten.

-Ali
xoxoxo

Lupita Nyong'o's Top 5 Red Carpet Looks

Hollywood has been infiltrated with a new starlet who came on the scene from nowhere. Her chocolatety smooth skin is to die for, and her regal presence makes you stop and take notice. I'm speaking of none other than the Kenyan born actress Lupita Nyong'o who made her silver screen debut in Steve McQueen's "12 Years A Slave" as Patsey. Since Lupita has been circulating the red carpets this award season she has stunned fashion critiques and fashionistas alike with her simplistic, clean, classy style. Here are some of my favorite looks Ms. Nyong'o has worn! Check out my "Top 5 Red Carpet Looks" for Lupita. I'm sure you will be inspired.


1. LBJ - Little Black Jumpsuit
Lupita donned this simplistic black number at an Instyle Magazine soiree. 

Jumpsuit: Veronica Beard, Pumps: Paul Andrew, Clutch: Calvin Klein

2. White & Cream Goddess

Lupita came and floated on the red carpet at the Toronto Film Festival in this breathtaking Grecian Goddess-esque number!

Lupita in head to toe Prada

3. Cut - Outs

Lupita's latest slaying occurred at the 2014 Critic's Choice Awards where Lupita received a standing ovation lead by the one and only Oprah Winfrey for her success and inspirational role as a new actress in this stunning white number.

Athletic Cut - Out Dress: Calvin Klein

4. Lady in Red

Usually it's a no - no to wear red on the "red" carpet. But Lupita broke all fashion rules when she showed up in this gorgeous off the shoulder caped dress by the American classic designer Ralph Lauren. 

Ralph Lauren Off the Shoulder Gown

5. Bright Blue Cocktails

This beautiful blue cocktail dress is amazing on the svelte frame of Lupita.

Sleeveless Cocktail Dress: Rowland Mouret

BONUS: I couldn't just pick 5 looks because Lupita nails it every time. Here's a bonus look.

6.  Canary Yellow
Lupita is screaming glamorous in this canary yellow gown. Can we just say this color against her skin...MAJOR!

Canary Yellow J. Mendel Gown

As you can see Lupita's beauty is absolutely breathtaking. And her wise fashion choices elevate her to one of Hollywoods "IT" girls!!! I can't wait to see more from Ms. Lupita Nyong'o and I'm wishing her the best of luck as she is nominated for "Best Actress" at the Oscars :)

Have a good weekend luvs.

-Ali
xoxoxoxo

Another Black & White Day

I've alluded on many occasions here on Ali's Fashion Sense how much I love the color combination of Black and White. I've shown countless looks just in the last year of black and white combos. Yet and still I'm able to remix the items in my closet to come up with fresh takes on this ebony and ivory classic.

A STROLL DOWN MEMORY LANE
Here are a few of my favorite black and white looks that I put together last year.

The beauty of rocking black and white is the fact that you can dress it up or down and still look well put together. Today's outfit post is no different.

ANOTHER BLACK AND WHITE DAY
The temperatures in Georgia have been as low as 20 degrees to highs well in the 60's. To say we've had a spectrum of weather changes in the last few weeks is an understatement.  So when I put this ensemble together I had the mixed weather signals at the forefront of my mind hence the faux fur vest and lace up sandals.

Ensemble Specs: Faux Fur Vest (Forever 21), White Button Up (Old Navy), Curvy Skinny Jeans (Levi), Leather Clutch (Forever 21), Gold Watch (Charming Charlie's), Statement Necklace (Charlotte Russe), Lace - Up Sandals (Charlotte Russe), Midi Rings (Charlotte Russe)

Happy Hump Day! Make the rest of your day fabulous and don't forget to explore in the world of black and white ensembles.

-Ali