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

Shaggy Vest + Striped Dress

We made it to another Monday. New day! New possibilities! New blessings bestowed upon us :) This weekend was pretty packed for me. I went and got a tattoo to commemorate my angel DJ on Friday. It was a little more painful than I remember (I have two other tattoos) but I took it like a G in honor of my little guy! My hubby was there to support me. One of my really good friend packed up her stuff and moved 1.5 hours away for a new job, so I went to say my goodbyes. Then Saturday after I had rehearsal (for Praise Team) the hubby and I chilled around the house for a little bit, before going to see the movie Race (I definitely recommend going to see it...I learned a lot about Jesse Owens) then we capped off our night with dinner at a Mexican restaurant, Margaritas.

I decided to wear my shaggy vest (which you've seen a couple of times on the blog now), my striped shift dress, navy tights, and chocolate booties to create my weekend outfit. I paired it with my white collared shirt, a statement necklace, and my glasses to take the look to the next level. The simple combo of a shift dress + vest + collared shirt = flawless foundation to an amazing outfit. Check out the pictures below to see the full look.

Outfit Details: Shaggy Vest (Forever 21), Striped Dress (JC Penny), Collared Shirt (JC Penny), Navy Tights (Target), Chocolate Booties (Forever 21), Statement Necklace (Charlotte Russe), Opticals (Forever 21)

This outfit was very comfy and still is put together enough to run errands or even go on a date with hubby! What did you do/wear this weekend? I'd love to hear about it in the comment section below.

Here's a glimpse of my tattoo (keep in mind I just got it done so it looks a little abnormal). I am in love with it. I think my tattoo artist did an amazing job capturing exactly what I wanted.

I hope you have a great day and a stellar rest of your week! Happy Monday luvs. Lets make it a great one.

-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

Chambray Shirt + Denim Overalls

Can I be totally honest with you? We're family right? Almost one month postpartum and I still can't fit into a lot of my jeans :( While I mostly revert to stretchy pants (and dare I say leggings...but I always make sure my bum is covered) my overalls are one pair of denim that I can actually get into. They aren't at the ideal fit at my current weight however, I think they still get the job done. I've said countless times here on Ali's Fashion Sense that pairing denim on denim is an instant way to look fabulous. So I grabbed my denim overalls and paired them with my chambray shirt. Since camel looks amazing alongside chocolate brown and denim I decided to pair my camel cape, camel fedora, and chocolate booties (with gold chains) and gold statement necklace with my denim duo. To up the studious factor I added a pair of animal print frames that I scored from Forever 21 for $5. I love how the look came together seamlessly! Check out the full look below.

  

Outfit Details: Overalls (Macy's), Chambray Shirt (Charlotte Russe), Cape (TJ Maxx), Fedora (Forever 21), Chocolate Booties (Forever 21), Animal Print Frames (Forever 21), Statement Necklace (Birthday Gift from AshleyMonique! from Charming Charlie's)

If you stand in your closet and have absolutely nothing to wear grab two denim pieces and I promise you, you will look polished in no time! You'll thank me later (I hope lol). Happy Hump Day luvs.

-Ali

P.S. Since I won't be blogging tomorrow happy pre one - month to my little angel in heaven, Derrek Jerrell Anderson Jr. Mommy loves you and I think about you everyday!

Fuzzy Jacket + Tulle Skirt

Yesterday, a day we call Valentine's Day, was a day we set aside to celebrate love. People are usually in a frenzy the days leading up to Valentine's Day trying to find the perfect gift(s), perfect card, perfect date/experience etc. If you are one of those people, I pray that you had the perfect day. My Valentine's Day was pretty chill. I went to church, came home took a nap (Sunday naps are a must), caught up on some TV shows, took blog pics for the week, and enjoyed a nice dinner with my #1 Valentine, my hubby!!! Since we know that Valentine's Day is usually synonymous with reds and pinks I chose to pair my blush pink tulle skirt with a plain black tee, my fuzzy blush pink jacket, opaque tights, patent leather pumps, and complimentary accessories. I know wearing pink for V - Day is a tad bit cliche but I really liked how my outfit came together and I received tons of compliments on this pink creation. 

On our way to my photoshoot location I asked my hubby could we stop and purchase some balloons to add dimension to the ambiance for my shoot. Since this shoot was all about the essence of love and showcasing the joys of Valentine's Day I wanted to add a special personal element of LOVE. My husband and I both wrote little notes to our angel DJ on a couple of balloons. It was our way of sending a special note of love to our heavenly valentine. Once the shoot was over I released the balloons and watched them ascend towards the sky. Those balloons took a little piece of my heart to heaven with them. 

Outfit Details: Fuzzy Jacket (Forever 21), Black Tee (H&M), Blush Tulle Skirt (Charlotte Russe),  Patent Leather Pumps (DSW), Black Opaque Tights (Target), Statement Necklace (Forever 21), Earrings (Charlotte Russe), Sunnies (Forever 21)

No matter how you spent your Valentine's Day...alone, with a group of friends, with your bae, boo, or your closest loved ones I hope your day was filled with L-O-V-E and happiness. Happy belated Valentine's Day luvs. I pray you have a magnificent Monday!

Xoxoxo,
-Ali

The Big 3-0!

As a kid when you describe the word old, anything over 25 seems ancient. While some may dread turning the "Big 3 - 0" I am embarking on this new chapter in my life with excitement, optimism, and full anticipation. It amuses me how as a child you dream, without borders, how your life will turn out. You know the big house, the great job, the nice car, the husband, and 2.5 children. Looking back I wanted to be a Sea World dolphin trainer, an artist living in New York City, a Disney Illustrator, oh yeah and a veterinarian. Talk about a smorgasbord of careers. While I do have the amazing husband and a decent house and car, along with many other wonderful blessings...I'm not fully where I want to be. Case and point: we tried to grow our family during the latter part of 2015 and were expecting the anticipation of our bundle of joy this year...but God had other plans. One great thing (among many others) that my angel baby, DJ has done even in his loss, he has fueled me not to take any moment, person, dream etc. for granted. So I have vowed to focus more on those visions and dreams I want to accomplish starting NOW, because life is too short (cliche' I know) to just let those things God has deposited within me (all of us for that matter) for granted.

My husband took me out of town last weekend to Amelia Island, FL to celebrate my bday. It was the perfect getaway (thanks honey)! This is us pictured at my pre - birthday dinner at an Italian Restaurant on the Island, Ciao.

Outfit Details: Shaggy Vest (Forever 21), Striped Dress (H&M), Black Skirt (H&M), Sandals (Charlotte Russe), Statement Necklace (DSW), Earrings (Charlotte Russe)

While my 30th year started a little shaky I am fully expecting an AMAZING year. I've already learned a great life lesson early on this year that in adversity I am being made stronger through my faith. So as I celebrate my 30th year on this earth I can write confidently knowing that I am moving in the right direction into the destiny of becoming my greatest self.

Happy Birthday to Me,
-Ali

P.S. Just know I am truly thankful to you my readers for allowing me to have a platform to showcase a sliver of my life through fashion! I appreciate you all more than you will ever know. This blog has been one of my greatest [birthday] presents to date ;)