Mommy & Me

I was skimming through a magazine today and the issue was geared around mother's, in lieu Mother's Day. After reviewing the magazine, I decided I wanted to write a post to help mommies look their absolute best :)

Although I'm not a mom, it warms my heart, as a fashionista to see a family (moms, child(ren), and even dads) look like a fashionable unit. It doesn't matter that they have busy bodies to look after...they choose to throw away the mom jeans and trade them in for their skinnies! You don't have to wear sweats to be comfortable, just like you don't have to wear stilettos to look fashionable. Take a page from these awesome moms on how to balance being a fashion forward mommy (aka a momanista) on a mission.


LALA & KIYAN
If you've ever seen LaLa's Full Court Life you know that she is one busy "momma!" She balances her love for her work along with the love for her husband, son, and friends. One thing I love about LaLa is her ability to dress casual while on mommy - duty. She brings a cool, hip edge to mommy hood!

JUNE AMBROSE & SUMMER
If you've read Ali's Fashion Sense over the last year, you know I love and truly admire Ms. June Ambrose! She is such an awesome inspiration. Not only is she a trendy fashion stylist to some of the hottest stars (Jay -Z, Michelle Williams, Mariah Carey etc.) she is also a self proclaimed "rockmom," who prides herself in the involvement of her children (daughter Summer and son Chance). I follow her on Instagram, and although her life couldn't get any busier as a stylist, shoe designer, and mother she always looks her best (even when she's dressed down) and even cooks healthy gourmet dinners every night and shares the delicious meals with her IG followers.

KOURTNEY KARDASHIAN, PENELOPE, & MASON
America has been "Keeping Up With the Kardashian's" over the years and have seen the eldest daughter of the Kardashian Klan go from a cute, preppy socialite to a fierce, fashionable mom! Kourtney's style has evolved over the years, but one that hasn't changed as she's traded in her single - life to mommy hood is her timeless, classic style. She's not afraid to play with prints, sheer garments, or even stilettos and leather.

SOLANGE & JUELZ; BEYONCE & BLUE IVY
The Knowles girls have been on top of their games for years. With Beyonce doing everything under the sun from the Super Bowl, singing at the inauguration, to endorsements from H&M and Pepsi to her sister Solange DJ'ing, and taking the fashion world by storm with her fearless natural fro and her funky style! These ladies sure know how to look A-M-A-Z-I-N-G while being mom's on the go. Plus their kids are always well dressed "accessories" to two of the hottest chicks in the game. 

JILL SCOTT & JETT; TOYA WRIGHT & REGINAE CARTER
Not only can Jill Scott belt out a smooth R&B tune but the mommy of one is the epitome of cool sassiness with her choice of bold hair statements down to the way she dresses. 

Toya Wright has grown with her daughter Reginae over the years. The pair looks more like sisters but the dynamic duo always are flawless in their trendy gear from Jordan's to Stilettos. Toya shows us how to juggle being a "hot momma" of a teenage daughter! 

All the mothers as you can see have a unique style but one thing they have in common is the fact that they are NOT confined by the status quo of classic comfort indicators (sweatpants and sneakers). They are able to channel the fierce women they are all while balancing the greatest honor of all...MOTHERHOOD!

Here are a few tips to get you on the path to being a stylish mom (if you aren't already)!

Shoes: Invest in cute flats and sandals (save the pumps for date night or a night out on the town...once you have a baby sitter of course)

Flats are a way to look fresh without wearing sneakers. All the flats above can be found at Aldo. 

Undergarments: You may have just had your baby not to long ago so invest in some undergarments that can give you a faux shape until you are able to shed the baby weight through diet and exercise!

Try a garment like this (Spanx) to help suck in those areas that you want to camouflage.

Purse: Use your cute oversized purse as a diaper bag. Who says your diaper bag can't be as stylish as you and your baby?

This Black Charlie Bag is a purse that doubles as a diaper bag. You can find it at Timi & Leslie for $159.99 (http://www.shoptimiandleslie.com/Charlie-black.aspx#.UW1_MI61N0o) 

Hair: Snag a new hair do just in time for spring to spruce up your look.

Viola Davis' hair transformation helps her to achieve a fresh "new" look

Alicia Keys chopped off her locks to achieve this chic bob

Body: Take time to keep it tight. It's okay to take time for yourself to make sure you are healthy. If you can't make it to the gym, take your kids to the park and incorporate them into your workout (i.e. play tag, or run around the track with your kids etc.).

This post is in homage to all the awesome moms out there. I especially want to give a shout out to the greatest mother of all, my mother!!!!! Hopefully this post will give you the boost, for all you mom's who've gotten stuck in a fashion rut. No, worries the fab you is down inside, you just have to resurrect her!!! :) Let your inner "Rockmom" shine through! You deserve it :)

I Love Lucite

"Lucite"(pronounced Lou - Site) according to Webster's Dictionary is "an acrylic resin or plastic consisting essentially of polymerized methyl methacrylate." 

In layman's terms lucite is simply a (colorless), highly transparent solid piece of plastic. Even though lucite is just a piece of plastic on paper, it is now finding its way into one of Springs hottest fashion trends. 

I've noticed lucite accessories floating around the internet and in some of your favorite stores on accessories such as sandals, purses, and even necklaces. I wanted to help you explore these unique pieces just in time for spring! Take a look below.

LUCITE LOVE
Check out these awesome lucite accessories:

1. Michael Kors Lucite Chronograph Watch - $225  

2. Super Crystal Sunglasses - $114

3. BCBGeneration "Cynthia" Pumps - $89

4. Vince Camuto Lucite Crisscross Bracelet - $108

5. Qupid Arctic 10x Lucite Strappy Platform Heels - $42.10 (makemechic.com)

6. CC Skye Bright Love Lucite Clutch - $250

7.  Forever 21 Studded Tote - $19.80

8. Kate Spade Transparent Bow Bangle - Price Unknown

9. Urban Outfitters "Wah Wah the Sol Cuff Bracelet" - $180

Check out more cool statement lucite pieces:

1. Briana Fano Necklace - Price Unknown

2. Juicy Couture Lucite Minaudiere - $148

3. Sergio Rossi Multicolored Sandals - Price Unknown 

4. Kenneth Jay Lane Clear Lucite Link Necklace -$135

5. Target Bubble Umbrella - $19.99

6. Nastygal "Ashsky Platform" - $132 

After checking out these lucite accessories are you simply in love yet? I know I am. This trend is a dream for the creative fashionista who wants a great "statement piece" to spice up a simple, plain outfit!

Ebony & Ivory Sunday Recap

There is nothing new about the pairing of black and white garments. Yet it is a timeless color duo that has withstood the times and trends in the fashion realm. So I channeled my best "ebony and ivory" to pull off my version of "Sunday's Best."

I chose a simple black skirt that I got for $3.50 from Goodwill, a black and white graphic blouse that I bought from Forever 21 a couple years ago and my cream blazer with leather detailing from Forever 21. I decided to add a pop of color with my neon Prabal Gurung sandals from Target to spice up the look and take it to the next level.

ITS ALL IN THE DETAILS
Here's an up close look at the accessories that I wore on Sunday. The lemon/lime colored shoes are from Target and the feather necklace is from Charlotte Russe. 

EBONY & IVORY
I really like this outfit! It is looks polished yet young and fresh. Plus the neon pop of color adds an unexpected bonus :)

WITH OR WITHOUT
I tried to see what the outfit would look like with or without the jacket. I like both looks. SN: Come here, let me let you in on a little secret. The black and white graphic blouse that I am wearing is worn backwards. Too me it dips to low (especially going to church...I don't want my cleavage showing) so I just turn it around and wear it backwards to avoid continuously pulling the shirt up!

I usually gather fashion inspiration from magazines and most importantly handy dandy Google lol. So if  my black and white looks did not get you scheming on your next ebony and ivory outfit, take a page from these sleek celebrities lookbooks.

BLACK & WHITE CELEBRITY LOOKBOOKS
I love to use celebrites as my fashion muses. It helps me to pull looks together to reinvent the wardrobe that I currently have in my closet. Hopefully these young, black, and fabulous women get you excited about wearing black and white.

Tracee Ellis Ross, Beyonce, Kelly Rowland, NeNe Leakes, and Taraji P. Henson all slayed in their black and white ensembles.

Leona Lewis, Brandy, Angela, June Ambrose, Ciara, and Janelle Monae in their black and white looking absolutely fab!!!

What black and white pieces will you be mixing and matching this spring *cues ebony and ivory by MJ!*

White Wash

I absolutely love Spring. Its brings about the transition of beautiful colors, flowers, rain, and sunshine! But more over than those things mentioned it brings about a new rotation of clothing options that you can begin to wear (and who's not happy about that). A few weeks ago I showed you some hot white options for sandals. Today, I will unleash some ideas for white, monochromatic wardrobe options that will leave you looking refreshing, polished, and powerful.

ALL WHITE EVERYTHING

I have gathered an array of Ali's Fashion Sense's most popular celebs to show you how to pull off the monochromatic "All White Everything" trend. As you can see from the celebs below (Kim K, LaLa, Kelly Rowland, Solange, Beyonce, Rihanna, and Lisa Raye), if you pick the right silhouette (and the right undergarments...don't forget about that ladies) you can "shine bright like a diamond" in white from head to toe. Whether its a dress, peplum, jeans, collared shirt, or all white suit you can bring the heat and look like the angel you are!

Kim Kardashian goes with a chic peplum, white skinny jeans, and nude pumps to create her casual white wash look
LaLa ramps up the sophistication in her white dress, nude pumps, and a gold statement necklace
LaLa's bestie Kelly Rowland keeps it classy in a white embellished sleeveless top, and white slacks, also notice she paired her ensemble with black shoes
Solange accompanies her wild and free afro with a sleek jacket, and mini shirt dress to show off her gorgeous legs, plus she topped off the look with her black ankle strap sandals
Beyonce appears polished in this fitted monochromatic white suit

DOUBLE DOSE OF WHITE
If the pictures above didn't give you enough inspiration allow these lovely ladies below to give you a double dose of white!

Rihanna is shown in an understated all white medley, she simply paired a crisp white collared shirt that has rib detailing with a white pencil skirt
Lisa Raye took the white suit concept with a playful spin, adding gold accessories to make it pop
Bey (again) during her NFL promo runs slayed in this white mini dress with cut - out back detailing (not seen above)
A pregnant Kim Kardashian killed in this architectural white jacket and white slacks

As you can see, all you need are a few white staple pieces to create a monochromatic white ensemble. To take your pieces to the next level try pairing them with nude, gold/silver, or a pop of color when it comes to your shoes and accessories. And for extra credit wear white polish on your nails and toes to really get the "white wash" point across. Will you be tapping into your fountain of white this Spring?

Easter Recap

Yesterday we celebrated the rising of Christ after spending 3 days in the grave! Which is why we crown the day Resurrection Sunday! This blog post is for those that get super fresh for Easter church service and for those that just chill at home. Check out my Easter recap!

I woke up early (6AM) to get my Easter dinner together. My hubby made a roast (in the crock pot...pictured below) the night before, then I made mac and cheese (pictured below), yams, greens, and a lemon dessert. Then me, my husband, and my younger brother (in - law) all went to get our praise on, in the house of the Lord.

Mac & Cheese is one of my favorite foods to eat :)

The roast my hubby made...it was delicious

RED, WHITE, & BLACK
I picked up a thrifted red skirt from Goodwill the other day for $3.50, and knew that this was going to be a part of my Easter ensemble. I went shirt by shirt (in my closet) until I found this striped red and white blouse. And paired it with a black Forever 21 blazer to pull the look together.

My Easter Ensemble:
I purchased NOTHING for this look except my skirt
which I  bought thrifted from Goodwill for  $3.50
Everything else was already in my closet:
Tweed Jacket with Metal Detail - Forever 21
Striped Red & White Puffed Sleeve - Forever 21
Red Pencil Skirt - Thrifted from Goodwill
Patent Leather Jessica Simpson Pumps - DSW
Silver Michael Kors Watch - Macy's
Junk Necklace - Mall Kiosk 

Check out my good side(s) lol

Here is the look without the jacket. I love the sleeve detail on the shirt

Extras: Me and my hubby color coordinated after Easter service :)

All in all, my Easter was great. Great church service, great food, great fellowship with my family, and great basketball (MARCH MADNESS: Let's go Blue)!!!!

"Easter" Sunday's Best

If you attend church like me on Easter you know that Easter is a big deal! We celebrate the rising of Christ after being dead for 3 days,  all while stepping out in Springs hottest fashions and trends. Are you stumped as to what you should wear to your Easter celebration? Well, if so...this is the post for you. I have put together a few options to get your creative juices following so you can get your "praise" on in style.

EASTER SORBET
Take this outfit as a blueprint for your "Easter" Sunday's Best look. Grab a bold printed dress and accessorize with silky smooth pastel sorbet colors, topping the outfit off with a structured jacket. 

Easter Sunday Sorbet by alifashionsense featuring diane von furstenberg dresses

Diane Von Furstenberg dress / Zara jacket / Accessorize color block handbag / Necklace / Kate Spade jewelry


MONOCHROMATIC PANTSUIT
If you're like me, sometime you don't want to wear a dress or skirt to church and that is perfectly fine. However, that doesn't mean you can't look your best! With the monochromatic pantsuit you will look like $1,000,000 bucks. Powerful with an effort of ease! If you can't find an actual suit, piece together similar colors to create a monochromatic look. 

If you are shopping for a colored suit check department stores Macy's, Bloomingdales or my faves like Target, Forever 21, H&M, or Charlotte Russe

FLORAL SKIRT COMBO
Nothing screams Spring louder than a floral print. For this look take a floral printed skirt and pair it with a cute blouse (or button up). OPTIONAL: grab a denim jacket or blazer to pull the look together and round out the look with a pair of streamline pumps.

Spring Florals by alifashionsense featuring gold heels

Givenchy shirt, $680 / Blazer, $33 / Stella McCartney / Yves Saint Laurent gold heels, $560 / Sophie Hulme envelope clutch, $635 / Juicy Couture bracelet watch / Kendra Scott earrings


Hopefully, this post has given you a vision board of inspiration for how to style your Easter Sunday outfit! I can't wait to see what you all come up with. Email me your Easter looks at AliFashionSense@gmail.com :)

Have an awesome weekend luvs!

Xoxoxoxo,
Ali

Set It Off

Spring is finally HERE (at least on paper lol). You may not have seen the side effects of Spring yet, but that doesn't mean you can't have fun getting your closet prepared. Spring offers beautiful color palettes, great silhouettes, and awesome duos that will help you set it off like a true fashionista.

I've mentioned short sets before here on Ali's Fashion Sense, but they have found their ways back to Springs center stage this year. Short sets are charming yet offer a hint of contradiction. But you know what I like to say....BREAK THE FASHION RULES! Short suits offer a chic look almost suitable for the office yet a playful twist that will allow you to enjoy a night on the town!

Check out these runway looks and affordable grabs.


2013 SPRING RUNWAY LOOKS
Designers across the US channeled Spring on the runway using the silhouette of a short suit. From the likes of Elie Saab, Tory Burch, Sally Lapointe, Michael Kors etc. You can choose a monochromatic look, prints or patterns to pull off this easy going trend.

(L to R)
1. All White Monochromatic Short Suit - Elie Saab
2. Blue Monochromatic Short Suit - Elie Saab
3. Feather Printed Short Suit - Tory Burch
4. Mustard Colored Monochromatic Short Suit - Sally Lapointe
5. Black & White Striped Short Suit - Michael Kors

(L to R)
1. Black Short Suit - Jason Wu
2. White Sheer Sleeved Short Suit -  Jason Wu
3. Cream Lined Short Suit (with matching vest) - Sass & Bide
4. Cream Cut - Out Short Suit - Sass & Bide

AFFORDABLE SHORT SUITS
Check out these affordable options from the likes of Forever 21 and Zara. Also check out places like Asos, NastyGal, Charlotte Russe etc. If you can't find an actual "set" create one. You can find a blazer and shorts (close enough to match) and create an awesome look. 

Outside Short Suits are from Forever 21
Middle Floral Short Set is from Zara

Don't ruin your classy short suit by wearing the wrong shoes. Try pairing your suit with streamlined footwear like sandals, wedges, pumps, flats etc.

All shoe examples shown above can be found at Zara.com

Are you ready to set it off in your short set? I know I am :)