The "What If" Game .... Q&A #1

Hola,

It's time to switch things up my fashionistas!

So... If you read my intro blog, you may recall me mentioning that from time to time I'd be posting non-fashion related posts as well as play a little game called "What If"... Well my loves, the time has come for us to play! The object of the game is for me to post a question (could be fashion related or anything in general; could be something relevant or something completely ridiculous - the point is to get creative and have a little fun), I give you my answers first within my blog, and then you all get to comment yours. Fellas, you can play too. I've decided, of course, to make the first Q&A related to non-other than "fashion.' Ready? Let's play:

... "What If" ...

You were offered to start fresh, somewhere new and faraway, you were handed some cash, airline tickets and the name of your destination. The catch... you can only take five articles of clothing (including shoes and/or accessories) and make it work. What would you choose and why?

AnnaCris: Dark (Indigo) Jeans, White T-Shirt, Black Long Sleeved Blouse, Neutral Colored Heels, Large Sunglasses.

Indigo Jeans: Jeans are a staple and go with everything. Plus, like I said in my latest blog, they are acceptable in the business world. I chose indigo because you can wash them plenty of times before they lose their beautiful color. I'd make them work! ;)

White T-Shirt: A must-have, extremely hip and versatile. Plus, what's more comfortable than a great fitting t-shirt! You can add accessories to play it up, wear it under a blazer/blouse or add it to any outfit for a more casual look.

Black Long Sleeved Blouse: Perfect for any business meetings that may arise, but also for a dinner date. Never know who I'll meet in this faraway destination so again, I'd make it work! ;)

Neutral Colored Heels: This color is a perfect match for any outfit. Plus, heels go from business to pleasure at the snap of a finger. Until I can get my hands on a new pair of shoes in this faraway land, neutral it is.

Large Sunglasses: Sexy, cool, attitude, stylish, incognito, hip and the best accessory!

So these are my choices. The business woman in me planned ahead because you all know I'd establish my fashion empire in this new and wonderful place *wink*. Now go ahead and play. Let me know what you would choose and why. Your answers do not have to be as long as mine. I just wanted to set the example. So join the game, have some fun and get creative! This could get very interesting... Go! #engage!

End Game. Your Turn!

Gracias,

AnnaCris <3

PS: Go on sexy ladies and gents don't just read, comment your answers! :)

All Biz or ...A Touch Of Fabulous?

Hola,

We meet again my fashionistas!

So with this post, I'd like to take a different route if I may. Let me begin with a question: Do you agree that the traditional office "business attire" has become less strict in today's society? If your answer is yes, then humor me and continue reading. If your answer is no or maybe, humor me anyway and please continue reading! Plus, I've added some really cute photos that you'll want see... :)

I'd like to share a little story with you first:

When I reached my senior year in high school, I had already accumulated most of my credits to graduate so during my first semester I was able to enroll in the co-op program where counselors worked as your recruiter, and placed you in corporate jobs so you could earn extra credit and some money. One of my placements was at a large reinsurance company as a part-time administrative assistant. Of course, still in high school, my fashion tastes were the usual teenage choices of jeans, t-shirts, sneakers, etc. The most casual but super hip attire, if I did say so myself ;). Needless to say, I had a rude awakening and quite a lot of shopping to do if I wanted to "fit in" with the strict dress code required at this company. Oh how I suffered having to wear knee length skirts, pantyhose *gasp*, dress blouses and the basic traditional suits! I felt mortified that any of my friends would see me (a very important issue to a kid in school). So every day I'd pack my "work clothes" then I'd go to school looking super cool and once I arrived at the office, I'd head straight to the rest room and changed into my office attire. Aside from the dress code, I loved the office and the friends I made, plus the work was pretty cool. I must have done something right because I graduated that June with a permanent part-time position at this company. Not bad! I endured the strict dress code for a few years, always trying to add my own personal touch to my outfits, and almost always got away with it. My next job was at an advertising agency where I had free reign of whatever I wanted to wear. No dress code whatsoever. I could wear whatever I wanted which almost always included a pair of jeans. During the summer, I'd wear fun dresses, capris and t-shirts. If I wanted to, I could wear sneakers and there was no issue. I was in complete heaven! What a difference in industries.

Now that I've told you a tiny bit about my story, it should explain my choice in blog this week. I would love to discuss and/or get your feedback on the different requirements of office attire in today's work environment. My own opinion is that these strict dress codes have definitely loosened up throughout the years. Let me tell you why...

First, I believe that the incorporation of "Casual Fridays" had a huge impact on how traditional office attire began to change. Thank you for that "Casual Fridays!" I will forever love you! The birth of the casual Friday led to the beginning of "business casual" for the remaining four days of the week. So again, thank you "Casual Fridays!"

I'd also like to believe that those industries that enforced a strict traditional wardrobe have come to realize that fashion is very important for today's woman. Also, factor in that more women are in leadership roles so they can very well call the shots. Today's woman wants to look professional but fabulous when we walk out of our homes each morning, not dreary and boring. We want to add a spark, our own sense of style to our work wardrobe that isn't set in one way: a traditional suit, pantyhose and plain pumps. Today's woman wants to add color, diversity, appeal and fun to her outfits. A sexy skirt with strappy high heeled sandals in the summer or fabulous boots in the winter, a well-tailored pant with a great blouse or sweater, a fabulous wrap dress, a red power suit with the sexiest stilettos, a pretty sundress in the summer with a cardigan and cute flat sandals, you get my drift... Even on a casual Friday, you can always wear a great pair of jeans and spice them up with sexy heels and a very cute top. Jeans have become a staple in every woman's wardrobe and if worn correctly, are just as good for the office. It's definitely a sign of the times.

This is not to say that all offices are down with the business casual wardrobe. The finance industry is one area that may still require a suit and tie for men, and women usually go with a skirt, blouse and blazer. Even so, I feel like choices are more open to discussion here as well. Do you agree or disagree?

With this being said, check out these photos below that I grabbed from one of my boards on Pinterest for some ideas on how today's woman can dress for the office looking professional but also fabulous, fun and sexy. You can also click this link to see my board directly on my Pinterest account: http://pinterest.com/crisanna6/for-the-office/ :

  

Aren't these absolutely lovely? I honestly want each outfit for myself. Those boots and those red shoes - I want ;)! ...But back to our topic, each of these outfits offers up an idea for spring/summer and fall/winter, and each is completely wearable at the office. For the sleeveless dresses, if you feel more comfortable adding a blazer or cardigan, go right ahead.

A note for my fashionistas who prefer not to topple over in 5+ inch heels, you can always pair your outfit with lower heeled shoes, kitten heels or a very cute pair of flats. It's all about being comfortable as well. Today's woman wants it all... They want to look spectacular but also have a sense of comfort. Most especially if you live in fast-paced cities where public transportation is a must. There are always great options. Play with your choices until you find the right look. 

Although all these photos are of skirts and dresses, please keep in mind that dress pants are also a great choice for the office. They can be plain or striped, dark colors or bright, paired with a great blouse, a t-shirt underneath a blazer (this look is also great with a skirt) or with a lovely sweater for the colder months. Nowadays, women have so much more freedom in how they can dress for work. Take advantage of it and go for it. By now, you all already know my motto: have fun and find what works for you.

So what do you think? Do you agree that the strict dress code has changed in almost all industries that preferred the traditional suit? Do you feel that some industries still enforce it and if so, which ones? I would love to hear your stories. How do you dress for work? How do you find the balance between dressing professional but also fabulous and fun? Share your ideas with your fellow fashionistas and comment below. Go... #engage!

Until our next encounter my loves!

Gracias,

AnnaCris <3

Prints Anyone? ...Oh Wait!

Hola,

What's new my fashionistas?

So... now that you've seen the title of this blog, can you guess what I've decided to chat about this week? If you guessed "printed fabric," you are correct. I figured since color was last week's theme, why not elaborate a bit on solid colors versus print and what is most popular. So let's go...

While I believe that solid colors are by far more popular than print, printed fabrics always seem to find their way onto our fashion runways. Some are quite beautiful and eye-catching. There is no denying that some designers use print in a lovely way. It all depends on your personal tastes and what type you prefer. Some of the more common prints are floral, polka dots, stripes, animal, plaid, geometric, paisley, hounds tooth and conversation print which is most often used on t-shirts. They can be bold, bright and busy or more subdued. Again, it all depends on your taste.

As for myself, I prefer solid colors. I actually went through my closet before writing this blog just to see what I had going on, and I admit I'm guilty of going pretty much "print-less." I have a pair of Hollister plaid shorts which I adore, and a few other prints but not too many. I do like a pretty, tasteful animal print, a hounds tooth coat or short dress is also very pretty. Hmm, I just may invest in a printed coat this winter ;).

Now then, if you are going to go the print route, I would ask you to keep it to just one article of clothing. Everything else you wear should be solid and subtle. Let the print speak for itself and stand out on its own. Mixing prints is hardly ever a good idea except on the runway or if you find prints that really work together which is very possible. Here are some "how to wear" suggestions by yours truly:

• Animal print goes perfect with black or dark brown, depending on which color is used on the fabric. Both of these solid colors will give the print an elegant look and will allow the print to shine.
• Floral goes well with neutrals (black, white, brown, gray), depending on the type and the colors on the design. You can also choose one of the stand out colors on the print and wear that shade as your solid color.
• Hounds Tooth looks great on a skirt, blazer or coat. I usually prefer this material for winter which makes it easy to pair with a dark solid color. Very lovely!
• Stripes and Plaid again, depending on the design you can match accordingly. A well designed plaid pant can be really cute (i.e.: my cute Hollister plaid shorts).

When I choose print, I usually go with a top, dress or skirt. It's kind of tricky finding a really cute pair of pants with a nice floral design, polka dots or animal print. I feel like it would be too much; too busy. I would, however, suggest a striped pair of pants in a subtle design with a gray, navy or black background. You cannot go wrong especially if you need to dress for business.

As far as body type, some printed fabrics can be tricky. Horizontal stripes are not a good choice if you are on the curvier or stocky side. Same goes with prints that are extremely busy (too much floral, polka dots). These prints can work against my curvier fashionistas. Definitely go with animal, a delicate hounds tooth or a very subtle geometric print. Remember you can tone these down by wearing a solid black. All in all, there are great choices for everybody but you just have to choose the right ones. Go ahead and try, work it!

So there you have it my loves. My take on print... Going back to my title and the reason I added "oh wait" is because I would prefer that you not go overboard or jump right in. Think it through first. I repeat, prints are very tricky but as long as they are worn correctly, anyone can wear them. Stop and make a wise decision when shopping. Make sure you have purchased or have a solid color in your closet that you can pair the item with. If you take these ideas into consideration, you will be one sexy, confident and fabulously dressed woman in print! I promise.

So what do you think? Are you a fan of any or all prints? How do you wear them? Do you agree with my point of view? Have you ever mixed prints and if so, did it work? Let us all know. Comment below and let's chat. Go... #engage!

Until we meet again! Hasta luego.

Gracias,

AnnaCris <3

ps: Thank you to the lovely "Gretchen" for her input. ;)

It's A "Colorful" Season

Hola,

How are all my fashionistas doing today?

So I've chosen my first official fashion blog to chat with you about "color." The obvious choice would have been to discuss the upcoming "clothing trends" for spring/summer, but I'm not an obvious person so "color" it is! :)

I personally think color is very important in a wardrobe. It's among the first choices we make with any ensemble. When we're shopping, we choose what color matches with what, what shade will draw attention, make us look sexy, elegant, classy and beautiful, what works best with our skin tone, etc. Some of us even color coordinate our closets. So yes, color is a major factor in the world of fashion. I believe that there is nothing more refreshing than a splash of something bright and eye catching in an outfit. While I am a fan of the basic neutral tones (whites, browns, tans, grays), I can't exclude lovely hues of yellows, blues, greens and yes, even orange from my closet. These shades go very well with your basic neutral tones as well as with the ever popular black.

For the spring/summer season of 2013, the prediction is looking quite colorful. The most popular fashion runways were a delicacy of delicious brilliant, dusky blues, emerald greens, poppy reds, gorgeous violets, vivid oranges and sunny yellows. The beauty of these colors is that they can be mixed and matched. Yellows, oranges and greens go very well with blues. You can also wear any of these shades with "white" which goes well with just about everything, and is a great option especially during the hot summer days when you want to stay cool. Other neutral tones can be played up with any of these gorgeous colors as well. Have fun and play with your outfit to see what works best together; you will be pleasantly surprised at the unlikely matches. Go with whatever makes you comfortable and happy. Just think of how lovely spring and summer will look if all of us beautiful women decided to add any or all of these lovely, bright colors to our wardrobes. It would be simply delightful! Go ahead... Give it a try.

Check out this cute summery, design by yours truly in green and yellow. This design will be a part of the dress collection that I plan to develop in the coming months so please stay tuned. This is the perfect example for you to see that unlikely colors can work well together:

With that being said, I'm not suggesting that you completely disregard darker tones such as black for the spring/summer months. However, if you are going to wear black, I would recommend keeping it at a minimum. Perhaps a cardigan or a jacket over a bright dress (you can always take it off during the day). Wear a black pair of slacks, a skirt or a dark pair of jeans (indigo is fabulous), but add a "splash" with a bright top. I know black is pretty much the "go to" shade for most women and is considered safe, but this season I would ask you to try something new and take a risk. These colors will stand out in a beautiful way, and they can make you feel so sexy and confident plus give you a "light and airy" feel during those breezy spring days and hazy days of summer. So go on and work it!

As for myself, I have to confess that yellow is one of my favorite colors. It is definitely a nice "splash" for most of my outfits, plus I really like how it compliments my skin tone. During the summer, I love wearing different shades of yellow either with a pair of jeans, a white skirt or pant. This works for me. Find what works for you, and have some fun.

So... what are YOUR favorite bright colors for this spring/summer? Are you excited to put away the dark hues of winter and bring on the lovely shades of the season? Comment below and let me know what colors you are most looking forward to adding to your wardrobe and how you will match them up. If you have to go on a little "shopping spree" before you comment, I encourage you to do so and then please come back and share ;). Otherwise, let's chat below and give each other fabulous ideas. Go... #engage!

Until next time!

Gracias,

Annacris <3

Allow Me To Introduce Myself

Hola!

Welcome to AnnaCris' blog,

My parents gave me the lovely name Anna Cristina Perez. I am of Hispanic origin; I grew up in New York City and am a fashion designer/blogger and an aspiring entrepreneur. For years I've wanted to unleash the creativity inside of me and launch my own business. I've always known that I was meant to be a fashion designer and the time has come to light the spark and get this moving. I studied fashion and love everything about it. I'm a quiet person in general but when I write, I feel this freedom to let go and speak my mind so why not mesh the two, and create something fun! My goal with this blog is to focus on fashion, but also write about lifestyles, travels, business, etc. I'd also like to make YOU a part of the blog by creating "what if"  scenarios (could be fashion related or anything in general), and asking you to engage - something fun and different. I may occasionally include a Spanish based blog, a video blog or just add some "Spanglish" to my writings (it's a Latin thing). I will post once or twice a week to start, and may expand to more depending on feedback.

My fashion tastes include just about everything. I love a cute little dress, a great fitting pair of jeans, mile high heels (especially boots) and wonderful accessories. I love the process of building an outfit right down to an awesome piece of jewelry. So if you're looking for cool fashion ideas, this is a place to visit. Some of my favorite designers are Oscar de la Renta, Ralph Lauren, Isabel Marant and Carlos Miele to name a few.

When I blog about other topics, they will be based on my experiences, however, please feel free to share your own. Once I launch my fashion website, I will also include blogging about the startup process, my struggles and successes so that my audience can find a resource should they be interested in entrepreneurship. By the same token, if you are already a business owner, please do not hesitate to share your experiences and any tips you feel will be helpful.

So I hope what you've read so far will peak your curiosity for the next blog. I strongly encourage you to comment, participate and offer ideas on topics you'd like to hear about.

I hope this is the beginning of us becoming fast friends and having many fun and exciting conversations. Thank you for stopping by.

Gracias!
AnnaCris