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

Stylish In Paradise...

Hola,

Here we go again my loves! If you're reading this, I hope you've had or are having a super fabulous day or night!

So my last post (A Letter To My Father) was pretty intense, quite heartbreaking but so incredibly beautiful and liberating. If you haven't read it, finish reading this post then please go read the letter :). I promise you will like it. I'm extremely happy I wrote it, and that I received so much wonderful feedback and comments so thank you all!

This week let's lighten things up a little bit shall we? Since we're almost upon summer, I know many of us will be going on some type of vacation soon so it's only appropriate that I write about what to wear on vacation (as you can see in my picture below, I prefer vacationing on the beach). Plus, I was so flattered that I was asked by a reader to write about this topic. It means that there is interest arising in what I have to say so thank you! Now let's get started...

I was browsing the Internet the other day, and I found the most fabulous link on Elle Magazine's website which contains examples on what to wear on vacation to different places.  The options vary in price from affordable to expensive but nonetheless, you can get a general idea on what to wear if you're traveling to these cities or similar ones. I will post the link later in this blog because of course I want you to continue reading ;).

As for me, when I travel on vacation, I tend to pack what I know I will need with extras for emergencies, variety and unexpected activities. I'm not one who will take three suitcases full of clothes on a one week vacation. Does this surprise you? I bet it does but hey what can I say, I like simplicity. Plus I feel like it's a vacation for a reason. So traveling light is part of the whole rest and relaxation idea.

When I choose a vacation spot, I prefer the beach hands down. If a beach is not involved, there most definitely has to be a pool. To me, one or the other or both are essential for me to relax and have fun. I often wonder if it's because I'm from the Caribbean that I am partial to the ocean... I just love to swim, the smell of the water, the air and watching the sunrises and sunsets right on the beach. In any case, for me packing is pretty easy. Light airy clothing in bright beautiful colors are first on the list, prints are fantastic for the summer months especially dresses and long skirts, bikinis are a must (*smile*), beautiful sandals and cute summer hats as well. However, let's keep this post unbiased because some of us do travel to places where the weather is colder, and there are some pretty awesome outfits for this type of climate. A sexy leather jacket, super high heeled boots with comfy sweaters and scarves! Ahhh, scarves are so delightful aren't they?! So you see you can look amazing on vacation no matter what climate you're traveling to. I've included two lists. One for hot weather and another for cold, with the last being a list of accessories.

I feel that as long as you have the basics for the climate in question, you can then add extra pieces accordingly. So below you will find just a few of the items that I usually pack when I go on vacation. These are basic ideas and suggestions so of course, we will add as many items to this list as we think we will need for the entire trip:

If You're Traveling To Places With Hot Weather:

Shorts - Denim, cotton and anything in between.

Cotton Pants - White is a must, but bright colors are winners as well.

Tank Top - Cannot go wrong with tank tops in every color.

Dressy Top - Play up a skirt or pant for dinner or dancing.

Short Summer Dress - Great for sight-seeing, walking on the beach and shopping.

Maxi Dress - I love maxi dresses. They are especially great for a sexy evening stroll or a dinner date.

Swimsuit - Bikini, one piece, tankini... in all colors! Yes!

Flat Sandals - Great for sight-seeing, shopping or a late night stroll. Comfort is important.

Heeled Sandals - Play up a dress, skirt, shorts, etc. for a night out on the town. Fabulous!

Wedge Sandals - Great for a lot of walking even if they are several inches high.

Summer Hat - A floppy summer hat is a sexy accessory for a summer dress and any outfit.

Tote/Over-sized Bag - Great for the beach or sight-seeing. You can carry tons of items in them.

Sunglasses - Always carry a fabulous pair. I love over-sized sunglasses. They add style to an outfit.

I've added some style boards that I found on Pinterest to give you a visual idea for warm weather ensembles. Check them out:

I love these boards because they include a little bit of everything to make an entire outfit work right down to what color nail polish to wear. Awesome!

If You're Traveling To Places With Cold Weather:

Jeans - Perfect for colder climates and they go with absolutely everything.

Sweater - There's nothing like a snuggly, gorgeous sweater at a snowy ski resort.

Leggings - A great option to pair with sweaters and boots. Also, under jeans/pants to keep you warm.

Jacket/Coat - A stylish jacket or coat will play up any outfit while seeing the sights. Leather is great!

Sweater Dress - These dresses are stylish, cozy and great for an evening out.

Hoodie - I adore hoodies. Wear with jeans or pants for a more casual look.

Dress Pants - For those dinners out on the town if you don't want to wear a dress or skirt.

Dressy Blouse - You can pair with dress pants, skirt or jeans for an evening of fun.

Flat Shoes - Great if you’ll be doing a lot of walking. Again, comfort is important.

Heeled Boots - The sexiest cold weather shoe! The heeled boot can be paired with any outfit.

Sunglasses - Again, Do not go anywhere without a fabulous pair. Sunglasses are not just for summer.

Large Handbag - A tote is great for summer but for colder months, a large handbag is so stylish.

Check out this style board from Pinterest for cold weather outfits:

This board shows just how stylish and fabulous your winter outfit can be while on vacation. The leather jacket and boots complement the whole look. Oh yes!

Must-Have Accessories:

Hoop Earrings - You cannot go wrong with these. They play up every outfit, and the size can vary.

Bangle Bracelets/Cuffs - They are so pretty and stylish especially when stacked.

Over-Sized Ring - I adore these. They look fabulous coupled with an awesome manicure.

Over-Sized Watch - The “It” accessory. You can pair with a few stacked bracelets as well.

Clutch - Excellent for an evening out. You can choose a bright color to play up your outfit.

Wristlet - If you're going dancing, this would be the way to go rather than a large handbag or clutch.

Cute Socks - For cold climates there is nothing cuter than bright, colorful socks to stay warm.

Gloves - Leather gloves will complete your ensemble for day and night.

Scarf - Bright, patterned, colorful, solid... Whatever you choose, scarves are simply delightful.

Sunscreen - Especially if you'll be under the sun. Never forget your SPF.

Here is another style board with visuals for accessories:

Aren't these absolutely lovely? Note, for jewelry you can go with either gold or silver. It's your preference.

My last example is the link I mentioned at the beginning of the post from Elle magazine. This link has 13 examples of cities and what would be the best items to wear on your vacation. If your intended city is not listed, you can still get an idea on what to wear from these suggestions. I hope you find them as informative and fabulous as I did:

http://www.elle.com/fashion/spotlight/vacation-packing-list#slide-12

So there you have it my sexy fashionistas. I hope you were able to get some great options for your next trip. Remember, the items I listed are just the basics and some of the items that I would choose to bring. I hope they've given you an idea on what you would pack. You can add to this or change it up according to your tastes and what you'd like to wear on your fabulous getaway. Bring as many or as few (if you like traveling light) of your favorite items and make it work. Last, don't forget to take tons of pictures so you can have wonderful memories and proof that you looked super fabulous and stylish on your awesome vacation! Happy and safe travels my loves!

Please feel free to comment below with your ideas and choices. Add photos and links if you have pictures you'd like to share as examples. Let's make this fun! Go #engage!

Until next time!

Gracias,
AnnaCris <3