Showing posts with label entrepreneur. Show all posts
Showing posts with label entrepreneur. Show all posts

Monday, September 23, 2013

Emmy Awards 2013 - My Favorites

Hola,

How goes it my fellow fashionistas? If you're reading this post, I hope life is treating you super fabulous.

So last night those of us who love to ask "who are you wearing" were in fashion heaven watching the red carpet for the 2013 Emmy awards. I figured why not write a short post on my top five favorite dresses from the night with a few runners up and of course my least favorites as well. After all, it's all about fashion and that's what I love. So these are the dresses that caught my eye because of their style, color, fit or all of the above...

Here we go:

#5 - Allison Williams in Ralph Lauren. This strapless dress is beautifully simple yet elegant. The color is gorgeous and I love the fit of the bodice and the flow and lines of the skirt.




#4 - Rose Byrne in Calvin Klein. This dress defines what minimal is. However, you cannot ignore that it is also sleek and very sexy. The crossed cropped top of the dress gives it that extra umph. The color is very pretty.




#3 - Tina Fey in Narciso Rodriguez. She looks amazing in this halter dress. The fit enhances her curves so beautifully and the color again, is gorgeous. 




#2 - Zooey Deschanel in J. Mendel. This light blue column dress looks amazing on her. I love that she chose this color because it plays up her eyes so well. I adore the style. She looks so elegant.




And my absolute favorite dress of the night was....


#1 - Kerry Washington in Marchesa! I thought she looked stunning in this dress. The white with gold embellishment enhances her skin tone. It was beautiful, romantic and wispy. Well done Ms. Pope!




Runners up in no particular order:

Sofia Vergara in Vera Wang. I just love her and yes, she wears the same style pretty much to every award show but she's got that body so go on Sofia! Flaunt it girl!




Kaley Cuoco in Vera Wang. I love the bodice/bustier of this dress with the sheer panels that give it a sexy look.




Now that I’ve picked my favorites, here are my least favorite dresses. I'm not going to say "worst dressed" because that's kind of mean. Everyone does have different tastes so let's not judge too much. Let’s allow everyone to wear what they like, what they feel comfortable in and what makes them happy. However, sometimes people do “miss” in their choices and so that’s where we come in ;)… Surprisingly, there were only two that did not wow me at all. Here they are:

Zosia Mamet in Honor. The print of the dress is not that bad, not good but not too bad. What really threw me off was that black and white piece in the bust area. Why add that? Had it been just the strapless print dress, it would have been a completely different look.





And my absolutely LEAST favorite dress was this...

Lena Dunham in Prada. Oh my gosh! Why? Why? Why? I'm sorry but everything about this is just wrong but hey if she loved it and was happy wearing it, more power to her.




There you have it my loves. I must say that I was very happy to see a whole lot of bright colors on the carpet this year. You all know my love for color so I was ecstatic to see bright blues, yellows, purples, greens, reds, etc. I hope this trend continues for the remainder of the award shows. Well, one show down and a few more to go... Let me know what you think of my favorites and not so favorites from the 2013 Emmy Awards. I'm sure everyone has their personal likes and dislikes, and may agree or disagree with my choices. So you all know the drill. If you'd like to chat with me, please feel free to comment below. Go! #engage

Until next time...

Gracias,
AnnaCris <3





Friday, August 23, 2013

Who Is This Blogger "AnnaCris?"...

Hola,

How are my lovely fashionistas doing? I'm back sooner than you thought... See I'm making progress on how often I post. I'm determined to make this work. :)

Now then, did everyone check out my last post "Pain In The Name Of Fashion?" If you did, I would love to know if you agree with me or disagree. Go ahead and comment your opinions. It's a great topic of conversation and I would love to know how far my fashionistas will or will not go in the name of fashion and beauty.

So today on the ride home from work I started thinking how some of the people that read my blog don't know me personally. All they see is a picture of me on my profile and read my opinions on whatever subject I choose to blog about. I figured why not write a post with random facts about me that may give you a better sense of who I am. Who is this person telling me what to wear and what not wear or letting me into her personal life experiences? So I decided to list some random things that may help you get to know my personality a bit better.  Who is AnnaCris? Here goes:




First and foremost, I laugh A LOT! I've even included this on my Twitter bio. I laugh often and I have different laughs as well. My friends think it's hilarious, and they also say my laugh is infectious (ahem... Miss Julisa). #bwahahaa :D

I speak, read and write Spanish fluently. As a kid, my mom made sure I never forgot how to read and write in Spanish. She would have me write letters to my grandparents in the Dominican Republic as practice. Good job mommy! #grateful

Sometimes I talk really fast, especially in Spanish or if I'm nervous. I guess it's that Latin thing. #slowdown

Continuing with the Latin theme, I have that infamous "Latin temper." However, it takes a lot for it to come out and slay you... ;) #fierylatina

I adore reading. My mom enrolled me in my school's book club as a kid and I've been hooked on books ever since. I've been known to finish a book in one day. I have no problem curling up with a good book on any given night. I'll read just about anything. Lately, I'm hooked on Forbes Magazine. #bookworm #nerd



When I was a kid and in my teens, I was super shy but I've outgrown that. Now I consider myself to be quiet and reserved, but if I feel comfortable around you, I'm super crazy and outgoing. However, if I'm in a group, I'm usually the quiet one just observing and taking it all in. Unless it's a group of close friends or family, then we're all just a bunch of nuts! #shhh

When I was born, my eyes were green (my grandfather on my mom's side had green eyes). It's a damn shame they didn't stay that way because hot damn with my skin color and all... Owww! LOL. Rumor is my dad used to call me "his lil pea eyed girl." #awww

This lady right here is naturally ambidextrous. As a child, I could always write with both my right and left hands. My right is the dominant hand, but my left writes almost as perfect. When I sketch, I tend to constantly switch hands... #howcoolisthat :)

I consider myself a "badass" but I'm TERRIFIED of certain bugs! I will scream like five girls if I see one. My "badassness" goes right out the window. Yep, total punk when it comes to those creepers. #eww

I dislike shopping in messy stores. When I open my first store, if any of you come in and make a mess, I will be a very angry fashionista. Please don't do it! :P #tidyup

I'm dying to fly a fighter jet! For realsies! OMG if I were given three wishes, this would be one of them. On that note, Top Gun is one of my all-time favorite movies. #dangerzone

I'm so NOT a morning person. Holy mother of God, I can't EVER wake up in the morning. Yet, I do live the vampire life. Never go to bed before midnight. Don't judge, I'm trying really hard to change that. #mornings #booo

Even though I'm NOT a morning person, I love sunrises. If I'm ever actually up at that ungodly hour, I'm amazed at how absolutely beautiful sunrises are. By the same token, I adore sunsets especially on the beach. I think they're simply breathtaking! #naturegirl



Switching it up, I bet you wouldn't ever think that I have my very own Craftsmen drill and I'm very handy with it. You all don't know about my skills... LOL mmhmm #handygirl

I love playing pranks on my friends and family. I've got jokes, I can be very sassy and I'm very playful. Except if I'm feeling moody. :P #justme

When I'm happy, I sing and when I'm alone, I sing at the top of my lungs without a care. #singitgirl

I do my own manicures and pedicures, and I do a perfect job. Lately mostly out of laziness, I have been going to the nail salon. One thing I never do though is match the colors of either. I love variety and the different bright colors on my hands and toes. #forjulisa [insider]

I took ballet, tap, pointe and modern dance from the age of five until the age of twelve and loved every second of it. I still have all my costumes from all the shows we did. Being Latin and all, I love to dance; I think it's in our blood. In my country, Dominican Republic, merengue is the music of choice, but I also love salsa and bachata which is the American equivalent of country music I guess. Salsa is my favorite to dance though. A man who can dance salsa, turns and all will have my heart! #movethatbody

I'm very sentimental. I mean VERY! I cry watching sad movies, over happy endings (real or make believe), while reading a book and even if I see someone else crying. Basically, I'm a sap! #totalmush

I love listening to the rain when I'm under the covers all cozy. On a rainy day if I don't have to go out, I will read a book or take long naps and let the sound lull me to sleep. So needless to say that I love naps! #dreamer

Because of terrible allergies, asthma and nasal polyps, I suffer from anosmia which is the loss of the sense of smell. Bummers... This happened in my late 20's and I regret not getting treatment for these polyps sooner. I've had two surgeries to remove them and they always come back (like that ex... LOL). The only way I can get my sense of smell back is if I stay on medication which I don't unless I really need it. #cantsmelltheroses :(

When I was a kid, I wanted to be three things when I grew up: A pilot, a ballet dancer or a fashion designer. None of the three have anything in common, yes I know. However, I think one of them is close to coming true! #itcanhappen

Let's continue with the pilot theme here... I love the feeling when a plane takes off! It's exhilarating and I swear I want to be right in the cockpit with the pilot. #sofly

I LOVE white roses. I think they're so pure, delicate, classy and romantic. #favoriteflower



When I was in elementary school, I was part of the school's chorus and dance group. In junior high school I was in the band and although it was not my instrument of choice, I played the clarinet. So see, I sing at the top of my lungs and sometimes it may not sound so bad. #hitthatnote

I'm in no way ashamed to say that I can curse like a trucker and sailor put together... dare I say one? Nah, you all can imagine it. Oh come on, sometimes you just have to add a curse to your vocabulary. It enhances and gets your point across so much better. #sothere haaa, bet you thought the hashtag would be a curse... :P

When I was in second grade, my teacher suggested that I should be skipped to the fourth grade because I was way ahead of the other students. My mom said she preferred I stayed put. When I was in junior high school, I won the school's spelling bee. Mmhmm, I was a very good student. #smartcookie 

I love pizza, McDonald's, pancakes, chocolate cake, snickers, hershey's caramel kisses and haagen daz ice cream. I adore the beach, swimming, dogs, wearing hoodies, boots, crossword puzzles, the color yellow and yes, a little bit of politics. #favorites

Although I like shopping with the girls I have to admit that when I shop for myself, I prefer to shop alone. I know exactly what I like and where I like to shop so it's pretty quick. #impatient #picky

One of my dreams is to someday meet designer Oscar de la Renta. His work is so amazing, elegant and classy. I would love to have a conversation with him, and it's wonderful that he's my fellow Dominican! #fashionwishes

Hands down, I prefer texting over talking on the phone. However, if a friend or family member really needs me, I'm there or if it's someone special *wink wink* I can talk for hours. Major props to the inventor of texting though! #antisocial :)

Thank the heavens that I never had to wear braces and not for nothing, but I have perfect teeth... How did that happen? #oowww #smile

My mom taught me how to cook at the age of 12. Oh yes I can cook a good ole home-cooked Latin meal like the best of them. Even better is that I can make pancakes from scratch. Truthfully though, I hardly cook these days. #lazy but #yumsies

I love to paint. When I sketch, I usually paint them instead of using colored pencils or markers. #artsy



I get so sad when I see someone eating alone for some reason. I feel like they're lonely and I just want to keep them company. #softy

I have two huge pet peeves: The first is nail biting. OMG it drives me crazy. I can't stand watching anyone do it. The second is repeating myself. Sheesh, can we say instant annoyance. #what #dislike

I remember the majority of my dreams. In my dreams I speak both English and Spanish depending on who’s in them. A few weeks ago for the first time, I had a dream in black and white. It was sad! #sandman

A few things on my bucket list: Riding a horse, learning how to play the drums, traveling to Italy and maybe living there, owning a ranch with animals, a lake and my own vegetable and flower garden and buying my mom a house. It's never too late to do anything. #mytodolist

I used to like to drive but now, not so much. I prefer watching the scenery... It's that whole "observing" thing. #smelltheroses

I never leave home without my iPod. I think music can be healing and soothes the soul although if I'm feeling down, I tend not to even listen, it makes me sadder. I know it's kind of contradicting but that's just me. #music

When people bombard me with tons of questions, it exasperates me. Like seriously, stop and take a deep breath. #relax

I have a sarcastic, dry sense of humor at times. No really, I do... #haaa

I listen to country music. So there! I said it... #heartbreakers

I can't for the life of me hide however I'm feeling. My facial expressions say it all... It's annoying because sometimes you just don't want to talk but my friends pick up on something being wrong. Darn those expressions! #pokerface

I'm pretty tech savvy. I know it's kind of nerdy, but I like to call it nerdy chic. #geek

I actually know how to crochet but haven't done it in forever. One of my cousins taught me when I was a teen. It's very relaxing. I really want to learn how to knit though. I'm thinking I can incorporate this into a clothing line or something. #creativity

I may be quiet, but I have a lot to say. This is another reason why I started this blog. I feel that I have so many thoughts in my head but I get nervous speaking in public. I definitely express myself better in writing. I tend to write as if I'm speaking to you. #conversations

I've met some really great people on Facebook. Some of my closest friends these days are my girls Melissa, Tori and Tracy - All three I've met via Facebook and have now formed an everlasting friendship. #mygirls #adore

I'm an old soul when it comes to certain things. I like tradition, sometimes a loner, I love talking to older people and listening to their wisdom from back in the day... Don't get me wrong, I love these times as well but I feel like I could probably make it just as well in another time period. #reflections

And last but not least, and a very important one I might add:


I still believe in romance and true love. Even though I've been really hurt and disappointed a few times, I still believe that true love does exist somewhere. But then again, I feel that real love, that love that comes from the heart, the soul and your spirit, that love that comes with respect and loyalty is lacking in the world these days and I think it's so sad. However, I still hope to find it one day. #believer


So there you have it my loves. I hope you've gotten to know a little bit more about the person behind this blog and that you've liked what you've learned. Maybe you will consider commenting more or emailing me and perhaps it will be the beginning of a new and wonderful friendship. I hope I've made you laugh, smile, chuckle, roll your eyes, snicker... LOL. Whatever the reaction, I wanted to give you a better picture of myself. If there's anything you'd like to know about me, you may certainly ask. As always, please feel free to comment below. Go! #engage

Once again, thank you for stopping by my "Open Closet."

Until next time my loves!

Gracias,
AnnaCris <3

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Pain... In The Name of Fashion

Hola,

What's going on my loves? How is everyone doing? I truly apologize for taking so long to post something new. Sometimes I just can't find the right words to finish my thoughts and make them click perfectly. I've been working on this post for a while, but the words weren't meshing the way I wanted them to so I left it alone until they did. It's a rather tricky subject so I wanted the words to flow in a certain way. Anyway, I'm hoping to find my groove so that I can post something new every week. Being a "newbie blogger," it may take me a while so please bear with me.

First, let me say that I hope you all found my last post "Look Book #1 - My Latest Finds" entertaining, cute and informative. I adore shopping and I can see the Look Book series will be fun for me to write but more importantly, finding new and cute things to buy will be fantastic for me *winks*. With that being said, did anyone click on the links and find anything they'd like to share? If you did, please feel free to comment your findings on that post and let us all know. We must keep each other looking fabulous because that is after all, my intended goal with this blog.

So as I've taken to people watching to get ideas on new posts as well as new designing ideas, I've noticed that many of us go to great lengths for fashion and beauty. So much so, that a few weeks ago I noticed a lady who was clearly in horrible pain walking down the NYC streets in six inch heels (yes I can usually tell how high the heel is just by looking - lol), and I felt so bad for her because I thought she was going to topple over. Her facial expression screamed "OMG these darn shoes hurt" but on she went barely able to take the next step yet she was definitely trying to work those gorgeous shoes, and I was really rooting for her. Poor Thing! I felt her pain. So this brought to mind the phrase "pain in the name of fashion" and let's add "beauty" to the phrase. Watching that scenario I had to chuckle to myself and at the lady in horrid pain because I was witnessing the perfect example of those words.




At that moment I wondered about the things we do to ourselves just to look amazing. I decided to blog about this topic, give you my point of view and maybe get your opinion on why we choose to go through pain and/or discomfort in whatever form, in order to look and/or feel good...

Is it really worth it? The question does not only pertain to shoes but to all the things we choose to wear or do to ourselves to look good. How many times do we buy one size smaller than we should whether it's a great pair of shoes or an article of clothing? How many of us will buy an outfit knowing the fit is uncomfortable but it's a fabulous outfit, and we have to have it so to hell with comfort. How often do we choose to wear uncomfortable contact lenses because we don't want to wear glasses (although glasses are very trendy now), we go on diets sometimes extreme, to lose a certain amount of weight because in our minds and eyes, that will make us look and feel better (however, in certain cases it will make a person feel better health wise). What about plastic surgery? To me, this is just about the ultimate extreme and some people choose it not once but several times. Yet, even in the smallest way, we will choose looking good or putting ourselves through physical pain as opposed to being comfortable and happy the way we are. Even when we accessorize we can choose appearance over comfort. For instance, I bought this wonderful handbag at T.J. Maxx that is absolutely beautiful but guess what, it's not very accommodating but I'm still using it because it's just a fabulous bag. So you see, there are many ways, big and small, in which we choose looking good over being comfortable and painless. Why is that? The answer to this question varies from one individual to another so I'm going to give you my point of view on how I perceive this subject. Check it:

I believe that we live in a society that is 100% focused on appearance, age and just looking young. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this when it's all in good fun, harmless or done to enhance an already confident personality. I mean who doesn't want to look great all the time? However, when it becomes an obsession, I think the person should take a few steps back and analyze why they're going to such extremes for fashion and/or beauty. I think today's society puts so much pressure on appearance and a select few have set the standards on what is "beautiful" and "acceptable." This makes some people feel like they have to go to whatever lengths to fit that standard. It's not only going to an extreme however, it could be in the smallest way. Whatever is in style or is trending at the moment, we all feel the need to follow that trend. Right now mile high heels are in demand so women are all for it. Which brings me back to the lady I watched suffering in her six inch heels... They're in style and they really do make us look sexy so why not? Again I ask, is it worth it?

Okay, so I may have just ruffled a few feathers, but what's a little controversy among friends... right? :)

Is it worth it? I ask. My answer, and this is solely in regards to myself and my choices, is yes and no. I say yes because there are times that I'm willing to go through a little pain and discomfort in the name of fashion. I will wear an uncomfortable outfit or two, I've been known to wear an ill-fitting pair of shoes because they are marvelous and as I mentioned in my example above, I will even accessorize uncomfortably if the piece is worth it. Seriously though, this handbag is really exquisite so I'm going to use it for a while whether it accommodates my needs or not. So There! ;)





Lately however, I'm noticing that I am choosing comfort more often. I still buy amazing pairs of shoes, mile high heels and all, but they have to fit just right. If they hurt my pretty little feet, I will not buy them. I'm leaning a lot towards flats these days as well. Same goes for clothing... If I try on an outfit and it does not feel comfortable, if I have to keep adjusting anything, I move on to the next one. There will always be another fabulous outfit or amazing pair of shoes in the next aisle or the next store. That's what we need to keep in mind when shopping. There's always another choice.

Now, my reasons for saying no are more related to extremes and not so much related to clothing, shoes or accessories. I don't think I would ever put myself through plastic surgery. I feel like eight times out of ten, you end up looking so different than what you did before going under the knife and it might end up not being a good look. Plus, I know the pain of post-surgery can be awful and let's face it, the less physical pain I have to endure in life, the better. Okay, I admit it I'm a punk when it comes to pain. Another thing I would not do for the sake of fashion or beauty is to starve myself. It's a very dangerous thing to do to your body that can have horrible consequences. That is a definite no for me. If you have to diet because it's necessary, that's an entirely different matter. Even if it is just to make you feel good and stay in shape, it is okay but never ever go the extreme of starving yourself for the sake of beauty or to meet some made up standard. You can very well put your life at risk. So basically, if it's something that will completely change you, hurt you or put your life in jeopardy, I say it is absolutely not worth it. Again, these are my answers as they relate to me, my body and my choices.

I'm not going to try and convince you to not do any of these things when it comes to this issue because I feel it is a personal decision, but I will say this: You were born looking a certain way for a reason. You are unique. You are one individual and there is nobody else like you on this earth. You are beautiful. You are YOU! Embrace your fabulous self. It's okay to wear shoes that cause your feet a little bit of pain, to wear an uncomfortable outfit or contact lenses in a different color... yes, all this is okay if it makes you feel fabulous regardless of the discomfort because at the end of the day, you can take all this off and say ahh... I made it through the day, in pain but I looked damn good today! However, please just think twice before going to certain extremes just to look good. Think about your "natural you" and if you really want to change it. Consider your health first and whether what you are about to do can affect it in any way.  If it will, please consider other options. Instead, search within yourself, your heart and your soul for something that will tell you that you are beautiful just the way you are. That YOU accept yourself and how you look, and who cares what the world thinks. If you're curvy, embrace your curves. If you're slim, show off that fit body. Love every feature on your face... your brown eyes, your full lips, those cheekbones... every part of your body is yours and only yours and nobody else on this earth has those features just so but YOU. If you can find that voice within, you will believe it and you will think twice before doing anything that will change you or hurt you. Be confident in yourself. Give yourself a pep talk to increase your self-esteem. You'll be surprised at what talking to yourself in a positive way can do... LOL, no really - I do it a lot and it works. There's a quote I love that says:





So go ahead and CELEBRATE yourself beautiful lady or man! Do not wait for the world to do it. I know it's definitely flattering when the world celebrates you but if you can encourage yourself and tell yourself that you are wonderful, gorgeous and lovely just the way you are, I think that counts so much more and it will build your confidence. Try it; you'll see it's true. Wear your painful shoes or those jeans that are way too tight if you feel great in them but always tell yourself first that YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL, YOU ARE FABULOUS no matter what you wear, regardless if you don’t fit the “standard,” feel great about YOU and then walk out that door full of confidence, with your head held high because you know it's true and work it!

I hope this post has enlightened you in some way, perhaps you were thinking of doing something extreme and this may change your mind. If it has, I'm happy my words helped. On the other hand, if I've offended you or you disagree with my point of view, as always, please feel free to comment respectfully below and let me know what your feelings and opinions are regarding this subject. This can make for great conversation and who knows who we can help with our positive input. So you all know the deal my loves... comment below and let's talk. Let's encourage each other. Go! #engage.

As always, thank you for stopping by my "Open Closet."

Until next time my loves...

Gracias,
AnnaCris <3













Sunday, July 14, 2013

Look Book #1 - My Latest Finds...

Hola,

Hey there beautiful! How's life treating you these days? Since you're reading this post, I'm going to assume that it's treating you super fabulous. I'm back sooner than you thought huh? Well I'm trying to improve my blogging habits to at least a weekly post so bear with me while I find my groove. ;)

So about three weekends ago I went into the city for an eye doctor appointment, and afterward decided to hang around. I did lots of walking, people watching and window browsing. I sat in Central Park for a while, I also found a small sitting area on 8th Avenue that had lots of shade (it was sweltering hot that day) so I hung out there for a bit and last, by the fountain over by Radio City Music Hall (See photo below). Wherever I sat, I worked on my previous blog post "When Friends become Family" from my smartphone. Now that I've posted it, and I hope you've already read it, I must admit that it took me over three weeks to find the right words to make it click. I loved the end result though and I hope you liked it as well. 


Fountain across the street from Radio City Music Hall

So when I came upon 50th Street where the fountain above is located, I found a street fair along 7th Avenue and it was like finding a little piece of heaven. Don't you just love street fairs? You can find the cutest things and if you're not afraid to bargain, you can get them at great prices. Plus, let's not forget the delicious food you can eat at every other kiosk! So anyway, while at the fair, I found some really adorable bracelets which I'll post below, and this gave me the idea to start a "Look Book" blog of all my cute finds. Which means that I now have to start doing more shopping so I can write more of these posts. Hey, it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make just for you my lovely reader ;).

So the idea is to post photos, descriptions, prices, brand names if any, and links to the brand's site if available, so you can go and perhaps do some shopping yourself... Now let's get started:



The fold over "Delpit Clutch" bag with magnetic closures as well as a top zipper closure from Aldo. It comes with a chain strap so you can switch and use it as a shoulder bag or cross-body. The extended version (top zipper) of the bag has more storage space. It's available in four colors, but I loved this turquoise shade which is actually called "light green" on their website. When using it as a clutch, you can stick your hand through the flap across the front which can make it easier to carry, and gives you a very stylish look. The price for this was $29. A good bargain for a super cute and versatile bag! I cannot wait to rock it! The link is below:

http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/handbags/clutches/product/93548496-delpit/98





Top Photo:
Remember the eye doctor appointment I mentioned earlier? So I picked up my new prescription glasses at Lenscrafters, and I am so completely, absolutely in love with them that I wore them to work the next day instead of my contact lenses. Haaa, so you know I love 'em... The frames are by Prada and I chose them in a kind of thick, not so wide black frame. I was going for that "nerdy chic" look and I got it! I feel like this style is trending these days so go ahead and give it a shot if you wear glasses. Just try to pick the right frame for the shape of your face. The price on these was $265 (and I say thank God for that flexible spending account through my medical insurance lol). I found the frames on Lenscrafters' website in a brownish/goldish color:

http://www.lenscrafters.com/lc-us/prada/679420443256

Bottom Photo:
SHOES! One of my major weaknesses... I bought the above sandals along with the clutch bag at Aldo. The moment I saw them, I had to have them. The "Kantimati" strappy sandal in black leather. The sizes run big, per the sales associate (who by the way, was pretty awesome. I want him to be my best shopping friend, but I'm digressing). Okay so as I was saying, the sizes do run big so you can try one size smaller than your usual and they should fit perfect. They also come in cognac if you don't want black. Also, I lucked out because they were on sale from $100 down to $69. Not a bad deal! Here is the link for a closer look:

http://www.aldoshoes.com/us/women/sandals/high-heels/94949494-kantimati/97




Top Photo:
So back to the street fair I spoke about earlier in this post and the really adorable bracelets I found. Here they are above... I paid $12 for the one with the stones and $10 for the other. I'm a little upset, however, that I did not buy at least one more to get that "stacked" look, but oh well maybe I'll find them at the next fair. These bracelets can be worn with a few more mixed or matched along with an over-sized watch for a stylish look. If you go back and check my post: http://www.annacrisblogs.blogspot.com/2013/05/stylish-in-paradise.html scroll to the accessories section, you can see the look I am referring to. Sorry my loves, no link is available for these cute bracelets but try looking for them at a street fair near you.

Center Photo:
OMG these have become my favorite hair ties! I heard about them on Good Morning America and placed an order that same day. These cute, adorable ties are by teen entrepreneurs Emily and Julianne, better known as "Emi-Jay." The ties are handmade and hand-dyed in the USA. They come in a large variety of colors and styles, as you can see above. The best thing is that they do not leave a mark on your hair when you remove them. The second best thing is that they can also be worn as bracelets! Yes! The price for a package of five solid colors is $10.99. Printed ties cost a little bit more. You can check for more information on the link to their website below:

http://www.emi-jay.com/index.php

Bottom Photo:
Last but not least is one of my favorite accessories... An over-sized watch. I actually did not buy this watch. One of my cousins gave it to me recently, and I think it's just the cutest thing. It's by XOXO and the stretchable band is leopard print. Can we say cuteness! Again, my apologies but I tried searching for it on the website, and it was not available. You may be able to find it at Burlington Coat Factory which is where my cousin works. However, the point is, is that over-sized watches are the coolest. You should invest in one or two or heck, three! :)

... The End ...

Now raise your hand if you think shopping is fun or just ask the lady in the picture below *smile*! Writing this blog was a lot of fun and I hope you enjoyed it. Stay tuned for "Look Book #2" coming in the next few weeks or the next time my budget allows. ;)




So there you have it my lovelies, my latest finds in the past few weeks. I'm in love with all of them and although they are all my favorites right now, I have to say again that I am so loving my new glasses! Lol. Feel free to go shopping, and let me know if you decided to buy anything or if you found anything else on these links I provided that may interest me or your fellow readers. You know the deal, please comment below and share your fabulousness with the rest of us. Go! #engage.

As always, thank you for stopping by my "Open Closet."

Until next time...

Gracias,
AnnaCris <3




Monday, June 17, 2013

Style... Is What You Do With It!

Hola,

How are my lovely fashionistas doing? I know it's been quite a while since I added a new post, but sometimes things come up, little setbacks that in the end help you to grow just a little bit stronger. I'm back though, and here's hoping that you are all relishing in the wonder that is your fabulousness... :)

So a few weekends ago two things happened. First, someone asked me on twitter what is my fashion style. I thought about it, and my answer was way too long for 140 characters so I responded by saying "anything that I feel good in" and "whatever catches my eye"... The reason I answered this way is because I really do not have one specific style when it comes to fashion. I love so many different aspects of it that I can never choose just one specific type. The second thing that happened was one of my girls sent me the picture below, and captioned it "Inspiration For Your Blog" ... I loved it! It amazed me that I was asked the fashion question and then received the photo both in a matter of minutes. It had to be fate because it instantly inspired and motivated me to write a post about personal style, mine to be exact.


I completely agree with the above quote! You can buy the most expensive outfit but if you don't add your own personal touch to it (even in the smallest way), it's just an article of clothing that you bought. Just think when you see two people wearing the same outfit. Usually one of them stands out because they're wearing it different. It could be the jewelry, the shoes, a scarf, a belt, an extra item of clothing that enhances the outfit, the bag they're carrying or even the way the person carries themselves. Are they strutting their stuff, and walking with the ultimate confidence? The one who went the extra mile stands out more than the other person because they've added their own personal style or touch to the ensemble to make it their own.  This example explains the second part of the above quote - "Style Is What You Do With It," and gives you an idea of what you can do to add your own personal touches to your fashion choices. Adding anything different or enhancing to what you're wearing is what defines your style. 

The question from my twitter friend was fantastic because it made me think, and so many answers came to mind. So I figured why not write a post about my own personal style so you can get to know me a little bit more. I'm just going to describe the different styles I like and what I do to enhance my outfits. So here goes:

I have to say that while thinking about my answer, I realized that I tend to go from one extreme to another. For example, I adore heels (boots are definitely my weakness), but I also love sneakers (I am obsessed with my two tone chucks)! In the summer I love to wear cute flat sandals with almost everything, but then I can switch it up to a pair of sexy heeled strappy sandals. Also, can we talk about flip flops? There are tons in my closet because I simply adore them, and they go great with shorts, jeans or a casual dress. When it comes to clothing, my absolute favorite item is a pair of jeans. However, I also love cute short dresses, especially in the summer. Also maxi dresses are high on my list because they can be dressed up or down, they outline your body beautifully and yet, they are also very comfortable. T-shirts are a must in my closet and these days you can dress them up with a blazer for work or with jeans, and a sexy pair of heels. In the winter, cozy sweaters paired with slacks, leggings or a skirt with high heel boots are heaven, but I can also live in my favorite pair of uggs with a pair of skinny jeans. I love a little black dress to go out on the town or a long slinky one if the occasion calls for it. So you see I can go from one extreme to the other, from all done up to super casual, to anything in between. It also depends on my mood. If I'm not feeling things or I'm feeling down, I tend to go the casual way. Whereas when I'm feeling fabulous inside and out, I love to dress accordingly starting with the heels.

I also add personal touches in the way of accessories. I think they are so important and often are what complete an outfit. I love hoop earrings (these are my staple hands down, ideally in gold), over-sized watches, tons of bracelets, a great necklace or two and over-sized rings. All these are essential for me. As long as you don't take the "gaudy" route, you can accessorize to your heart's desire. However, if "gaudy" is your thing, go on with your bad self and work it! :). I also love adding a scarf to my outfit because they add a touch of class and a pop of color. Even in the summer you can wear a scarf in the office because nine times out of ten, the office will be cold (mmhmm lol, you all know it's true). The last accessory I cannot live without these days is an over-sized handbag. Oh yes, I simply adore them. The bigger they are the better. I love them in neutral and bright colors as well. You can most definitely dress all in black and your personal touch can be a bright bag. Trust that it will draw attention to you. Large bags add elegance, they just make you feel confident and sexy, and let's not forget that you can carry the world in them.

So now that I've given you a description of what my fashion preferences are, I have added some photos of myself dressed in different outfits so you can get a better visual of my fashion style. Check it:


Winter Style - Leggings, Sweater and  High Heel Boots

My Favorite Pair of Chucks in Blue and Yellow

Summer Dress and Flat Sandals

My Favorite Pair of  Sandals

Jeans Paired With The Boots Below...

Oh How I Love These Boots!


Casual On A Weekend...


Self-Explanatory :) - Adore!

All Dressed Up At A Gala Event

So there you go my loves. A little bit of getting personal with yours truly. I added diverse photos that went from dressed up to casual so you can get a sense of what different styles I like. I'm hoping you learned a little bit more of the person behind this blog and that you liked it. As you can see, I was not joking when I said that I can go from one extreme to another (lol). Now it's your turn... Feel free to comment below because by now you all know how much I love feedback, and let me know what your fashion style is. What personal touches do you add to your outfits to make them your own? If you feel like you usually wear clothing exactly as you buy it, has this post given you any ideas to spice up your wardrobe? I hope so but in any case, let's compare and see how much we have in common or what we can learn from each other. Go! #engage!

Until next time.

Gracias,
AnnaCris <3