90s Groove

Although I was born in the 80s (1986 to be exact) I grew up in the 90s. The 90s raised me. With shows like All That, Kenan & Kel, Blossom, Clarissa Explains It All, Family Matters, Step By Step and countless others I learned what it was like to be a kid/preteen from these shows on Nickelodeon and on Fridays during ABC's TGIF. The fashions that I took in as a kid from denim, floral print, timberlands, box braids, and more are all but being recycled and brought back to fit modern styles. Like the old saying goes…there's nothing new under the sun! The outfit I'm wearing brings me back to those old school days. I opted for my floral dress, denim vest, and platform timberland inspired boots to bring back the 90s Groove. 

Outfit Details: Dress (Forever 21), Denim Vest (Forever 21), Boots (Online Boutique), Headband (Dollar Tree), Earrings (Charlotte Russe), Sunnies (H&M)

Speaking of the 90s you know what will make you feel old. Kids born in the 90s listening to some of the hottest 90s classics from all genres that we grew up on. After watching this video it made me feel like my mom when she used to hear an old school song (on our way to school) and she would utter those same four words…"now that is music!" I'm moving into that territory lol. In honor of Flashback Friday check out the video yourself here and see if it doesn't make you reminisce about the good ole days. Hopefully these old school jams will get you pumped for the weekend!

TGIF
-Ali

Festival Vibes

From Coachella, Lollapalooza, or Made in America festivals are the new pastime to fill your Spring and Summer calendars. To get a chance to hear awesome music, experience great food, see new sites, and meet new people is like none other. Although I've never been to one of these major festivals, I imagine that if I were to attend this ensemble would be an appropriate outfit choice. I'm trying to get my wear and tare out of this poncho before the temperatures forbid me to wear it. I paired my native inspired poncho with a denim top and pair of shorts, my cognac gladiators, and sunnies. I feel pretty good in this outfit. The vibrant poncho just makes me want to do a little spin (hence picture number 3…seen below).

Outfit Details: Poncho (Forever 21), Denim Shirt (Target), Denim Shorts (Forever 21), Gladiator Sandals (GoJane), Belt (Target)

Hopefully, I will be able to cross off attending a festival on my bucket list sooner than later. When that time comes, I have no doubt that I will be prepared…at least in the style department. What is the ideal festival outfit for you?

Happy Hump Day luvs,

-Ali

Easter Cool

There are a few things you should know about me, Ali. I love fashion (the innovation, the colors, the creativity, the freedom of expression through style), I love my family (shout out to my awesome village: my husband, my parents, my siblings, my brothers/sister - in - laws, my nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins etc.), I love my friends, I love to sing, I love to be creative, and most of all I love GOD. He is the reason for my existence, for my drive, for the passions embedded deep within. So as we reflect on the fact that yesterday was Easter I just wanted to publicly say that I appreciate the sacrifice that Jesus displayed just for me, dying for my sins along with the sins of the world! I know when we think of Easter the things that may pop into our minds are easter bunnies, candy, eggs, jellybeans, pastels, etc. but the ultimate meaning is the love of Jesus Christ. 

Here's how I celebrated my risen savior in style. In our church's celebration of Resurrection Sunday our Pastor always says come as you are. I wanted to dress in style but comfortably. So I opted for my dark wash skinny jeans, button up, geometric sweatshirt, blush vest, and light gray platform sandals. It turned out great. 

Outfit Details: Blush Vest (Forever 21), Skinny Jeans (Old Navy), Sweatshirt (Target), Denim Shirt (Target), Necklace (Fancy Kouture), Sunnies (Vintage), Sandals (Forever 21)

I looked great, I felt great, and I was able to celebrate my Lord and Savior with excitement. How did you spend your Easter? I'd love to hear about it in the comment section below. What did you do? What did you wear? How did you celebrate?

Happy Monday. Let's make today great!

-Ali

Tough Girl

If you've come to blog more than once you know I am a leather, faux fur, and black junkie. I literally love each of those trends separately. But when they all come together it's magical. I recently ordered this nude blazer with leather sleeve details from Forever 21. It doesn't have any buttons or any closures, but I really like how it fits and looks. Due to this ever changing weather here in GA I never know what to wear (without being too hot or too cold). I decided to layer my latest blazer with my fav faux fur vest, a pair of black leggings and a simple black tee. The nude pumps help tie the look together. 

Outfit Details: Faux Fur Vest (Forever 21), Blazer with Leather Detail (Forever 21), Leggings (Target), Black Tee (H&M), Nude Pumps (Forever 21), Necklace (Fancy Kouture), Aviators (H&M)

This look truly makes me feel like a tough girl who can conquer the world, but who is not afraid to roll up her [leather] sleeves and get things done. I hope you all have an outfit like that in your closet. Lets make this Monday the best one yet luvs!

-Ali

Mix It Up

Solange is one of my style hero's. Her ability to take two prints and make them cohesive, EFFORTLESSLY is truly a gift and quite mind blowing if you think about it. She has truly come into her own. I love to see what two wild and crazy prints she will pull off next with her crazy, sexy, cool vibe!

In honor of Mrs. Solange Knowles I tried my own version of mixing prints, the lite 2.0 version. I took my army green hieroglyphic vest and paired it with my black and white paint - splattered blouse. For a more casual look I paired my denim shorts and caged booties sandals. To play up the military theme (think army green) I grabbed my cognac and black belt (which helps suck me in at the waist, creating the illusion of an hour - glass), gold earrings, a broach, and an "I Believe in FAMU" button.

Outfit Details: Denim Shorts (Forever 21), Hieroglyphic Vest (Forever 21), Paint - Splattered Printed Blouse (Forever 21), Booties (JustFab), Belt (Forever 21), Aviators (H&M)

Mixing prints doesn't have to be a daunting task if you choose correctly. Two of the oddest pairs can become a masterpiece in the right hands. The Mixologist's Guide for Beginners: Try these 3 mixes to jump start your hand at mixing it up. 

1.) Floral Prints + Polka Dots

2.) Stripes + Stripes

3.) Print + Print 

TGIF my luvs. I hope that you try mixing  up your wardrobe this weekend!

-Ali

Muted Spring Palette

When I think of spring I think of pastels, Easter, rain, sunshine, and flowers. I am finding myself fall into these muted, pale tones when I shop for spring items like the items on today's blog post. If you are nervous to rock mint green or robins egg blue then you can go for a more subtle, softer palette that includes soft grays, pale pinks, nude camel - tones etc. My look is comprised of a pale pink duster vest, faux heather gray skirt, gray blouse, gray strappy platform sandals, my white leather lunch-bag clutch, and of course my favorite accessory to date…my statement necklace. 

Outfit Details: Strappy Gray Sandals: Forever 21 (here in black & gray), White Lunch - Bag Clutch: Forever 21 (similar here), Blush Vest: Forever 21 (here), Leather Skirt: Topshop (similar here)

The soft muted tones make me feel warm, happy, and ready to take on all the fun and adventure that spring has to offer!

Happy Hump Day,

-Ali

White + Denim + Chocolate

Hi guys! I've missed you. I know I haven't been blogging lately but life has truly caught up with me the past couple of weeks. From school work, exams, baby showers, rehearsals, fashion show prep etc. it's been a little crazy. But, I'm back now in tow, ready for springs sunshine, flowers, and fun and to post for you my fellow subbies and loyal readers. As spring has officially claimed its stake (at least via the calendars standards) it has prompted me to pull out my white + denim + chocolate. This color combination is such a classic palette but it never disappoints. The crisp white against the rugged denim is such a great contrast, and the warm chocolate accessories compliment the entire look. 

Outfit Details: White Dress (TJ Maxx), Denim Jacket (Forever 21), Gladiator Sandals:: old (Aldo), Aviators (H&M), Belt:: old (unknown)

The detail on this dress (with the lace and sheer) gives this simple white dress a bit of oomph. Are you and your wardrobe ready for spring? What are your top spring trends that you can't wait to try? Let me know in the comment section below.

Happy Monday Luvs,

-Ali