Tan Poncho + Denim Jeans

Sometimes when I get dressed I just want to be comfortable (especially when I wake up with a sore back or tense shoulders...typical side effects from being preggo). But, my fashionista side will not just let me go to the closet and throw on a pair of sweats... even having pregnancy as an excuse. 

With today's look I was able to tap into both worlds to create a look that is comfy enough yet chic enough to carry me through a typical weekend day (i.e. running errands, going out to lunch with friends, playdates with other mommies and babies etc.). I grabbed my tan poncho and layered it on top of my denim skinny's and my chambray shirt. Ali's Fashion Sense Tip: If ever in doubt pair denim on denim...it's the perfect way to look pulled together in a matter of seconds. Chambray top + denim shorts, pants, skirt, culottes etc. To add a little fierceness to my look I paired my simplistic palette with my animal print Vince Camuto booties. 

Outfit Details: Poncho (H&M), Skinny's (Forever 21 +), Chambray Shirt (Charlotte Russe), Vince Camuto Animal Print Booties (Belk),  Aviator Sunnies (Forever 21), Statement Necklace (Charlotte Russe). Tan Fedora (Forever 21)

This look is very casual yet I still feel very well put together. I imagine this poncho is something that can come in handy if I'm wearing a shirt and Baby Anderson decides to release some of his milk on me...I could always throw on the poncho to cover up the evidence. I'm told as a new mom you should always have a backup plan for clothes because babies LOVE to mess up your clothes when you least expect it. But nevertheless, this look is perfect to carry me into my busy day. I hope you all have an amazing day and a relaxing, productive weekend!

Tootles,

-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! 

Mickey Mouse Ear Hat + Tulle Skirt

Where's the most magical place on earth? Some say Disney World! The place where your imagination can run wild and your inner child can come out to play whether you're 2 or 92. When I saw the Mickey Mouse Ear Hat on Choies.com (a Chinese - Based online fast fashion website) I knew that I had to have it. Why? It's unique, it's fun, and playful just like me. You can't take yourself too seriously when you're wearing a Mickey Mouse Ear Hat. I wish I was in Orlando enjoying the atmosphere of Disney World, but nonetheless I had fun shooting this blog post :)

Outfit Details: Mickey Mouse Ear Hat (Choies.com), Tulle Skirt (AshleyMonique!), Snakeskin Patterned Sweatshirt (H&M), Booties (JustFab), Sunnies (Forever 21), Geometric Necklace (Forever 21), Gold Hoop Earrings (Charlotte Russe), Gold Watch (Charming Charlie's)

To "sophisticate" my look a little further I chose to grab my snakeskin patterned sweatshirt, tulle skirt, and caged booties to elevate the look. I chose to go monochromatic in all black to keep the look from looking to "kiddish!" But, I couldn't help to have fun during the photo shoot...I'm blaming it on the ears lol. I can't wait until my son gets old enough so we can take our first family trip to Disney World. Until then, I will have to rock my Mickey Mouse Ear Hat and imagine.

Happy Monday Luvs,
Go out and chase your wildest dreams today!

-Ali

Camel + Black

Being pregnant causes your body to go through many changes. Some of the challenges that I face are the mundane pregnancy clothes they offer in stores and online. Mostly they use garments that aid in disguising your bump rather than celebrating it offering boring colors and hideous patterns. Even though I'm with child I still want to look great, feel sexy, and celebrate the fact that I have an amazing life growing inside me. I wanted to challenge myself to create a more dressed up look that accentuated my bump, was comfy, and high fashion. While I LOVE to experiment with color you can't go wrong using a simplistic color palette like camel and black. I paired a ruffled black cami with a black pencil midi skirt and topped it with my camel duster coat and camel pumps to create this two - toned masterpiece. It turned out really well. My bump is displayed in it's full glory! Baby Anderson is the focal point...and while some days I'm more subconscious than others about displaying him in such a light...I decided to just go for it and rock the bump!!!!

Outfit Details: Camel Duster (Forever 21), Ruffled Cami (Forever 21), Black Pencil Midi Skirt (H&M), Tan Pumps (Forever 21), Sunnies (Forever 21), Gold Hoops (Charlotte Russe)

I found this really quaint courtyard that aided in the grown and sexy vibe of the photoshoot. I will have to recreate this look for a night out with the hubby. He really liked the look :)

TGIF! Have an awesome weekend.
-Ali (and Baby Anderson)

Blanket Poncho + Fringe Booties

Is there that one item in your closet that every time you put it on you just instantly love your outfit? That is how I feel about my blanket poncho. It's something about the poncho that offers a nonchalant cool factor all while keeping you warm, and offering an intriguing pattern to look at. It's bold colors pop out amongst the simplest backdrop. 

I was able to pair it with my Lauren Conrad skinny jeans (don't shoot me they are my most comfortable pants at the moment...blame it on the bump lol), my chambray button up, fringe booties, tan fedora, and gold statement necklace. For an added effect I pulled out my nude framed sunnies. I really love how the look came together. This is the perfect outfit for a nice daytime date with the boo or brunch with the girls. I wouldn't suggest wearing the shoes for a long period of time. But they are cute at least for shoe - cam purposes. Don't judge me ladies...we know sometimes beauty is pain.

Outfit Details: Blanket Poncho (Forever 21), Chambray Shirt (Charlotte Russe), Black Lauren Conrad Skinny Jeans (Kohl's), Tan Fringe Booties (Charlotte Russe), Tan Fedora (Forever 21), Sunnies (Forever 21), Statement Necklace (DSW)

Ali's Fashion Sense Styling Tip: Ponchos are a great way to add a dash of style immediately without thinking too hard. You can pair them with a button up, pencil skirt, and pumps for a more office appropriate look or a pair of jeans, riding boots, and a turtle neck for an airport chic look! The possibilities are endless. This poncho allows me to push the boundaries of potential within my own closet. If you don't have a poncho...I suggest you put that on your 2016 shopping list ASAP.

Happy Hump Day Luvs,

-Ali

Gray Coat + 574 New Balances

First things first, Happy New Year! I cannot believe that it is 2016. Like it is a new year. 2015 flew right by. I hope that you all have a great year and that all the things you desire come to pass this new year. Now back to our regularly scheduled program....This past weekend was super chill. On New Year's Eve (12.31.15) the hubby did a half day at work and took me to see Creed and to my favorite burger joint "Five Guys." It was the perfect impromptu date. I try to enjoy the little moments with the hubby since we only have approximately four more months left with just the two of us. Once we got home we watched football, chilled out, took naps, then we prayed, did a Sparkling Grape Juice toast, and captured a kiss before seeing the ball drop at midnight. It's amazing how when you're younger the fanfare that comes along with New Year's Eve. You know the sparkly dresses, the perfect makeup, the toast, who to kiss. But I was perfectly content snuggling with the hubster in our quiet space. It was absolutely perfect.

I had a pretty chill day Saturday, so I wanted my wardrobe to reflect it. The temperatures have been constantly dropping over the past week with a bunch of rain but Saturday we had a chilly yet sunny, day (I'd take the sunny and cold over the rain any day). I wanted to bundle up, be comfortable, and of course look "cute." The outfit I came up with was very simple, but I centered it around my 574 New Balances that I purchased in New Orleans a couple months ago. These are the most comfortable sneakers that I've ever owned, plus I love the unexpected pop of Neon in the N. I paired them with my faux fur gray coat that I scored from H&M a few years ago, a simple gray long sleeve shirt, and my stretchy Lauren Conrad skinny jeans that I recently purchased from Kohl's. To make the look more athletic I paired it with my suede baseball cap that I bought from Forever 21 and a pair of Google Sunnies that I got as a freebie from church that match the neon N on my 574s. 

Outfit Details: 574's (New Balance Outlet), Black Lauren Conrad Skinny Jeans (Kohl's), Gray Long - Sleeve Shirt (H&M), Faux Fur Coat (H&M), Suede Baseball Cap (Forever 21), Google Neon Sunnies (Received as Gift)

I really like the look. And it did its job of keeping me warm, comfortable, and cute. What's your go - to look that keeps you warm (for my Ali Fashion Senser's that live in cooler temperatures) yet stylish? Are you a lover of sneakers or do you like a more dressed up approach?  I'd love to know in the comment section below. 

Do me a favor and lets make today AMAZING!!!!!
Smooches,
-Ali