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

When Friends Become Family...

Hola,

How is everyone doing? I'm hoping that with my last post "Style Is What You Do With It," you all got to know the person behind this blog a little better. That you got to know my fashion style and tastes, and that perhaps some of us have something in common. I would love it if you went back to that post and shared yours with me. Give me some insight on your style and/or what you find is missing in the fashion world that could make you more fabulous than you already are. :)

So my loves, in this post I'd like to veer off of the subject of fashion and instead talk about FAMILY. Yes, that wonderful word that brings to mind unconditional love, loyalty, support, unity and so many other positive emotions. Family, and I'm of course referring to "blood relatives," are really some of the most important people in our lives. We learn to love because of them, we learn our core values, morals and principles because of them as well. Our parents teach us all these things in our early years. They are the key to how we are raised. Our first interactions when we're born are with our parents, grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles and cousins. They become some of the people we love the most throughout our lives. Our cousins can easily become our first best friends. We grow to cherish our family and turn to them in times of need, during happy and sad times. There is nothing sweeter than a family that is united.

Yes, the love of a family is incomparable. Whether the family is large or small, it does not matter. What matters is the bond. There are so many lovely families in the world that get along no matter what goes wrong. They know how to put differences aside and resolve their issues.  These are beautiful families that support each other in everything. When one needs help, they all unite and support, when one has a dream, the family pitches in and makes it come true. One of the most amazing things to me is hearing stories about a family-owned business and how the family got together and made it happen then passed it on from generation to generation; or how someone lost their job and the family got together to help out until the person was back on their feet. There are so many great stories of support and unity. If you have this connection with your blood relatives, I beg you to cherish it and maintain it no matter what. It is one of the most important and sought after relationships.

So what happens when that familial structure changes and not in a positive way? What happens when you grow up and you realize you have nothing in common with one of your siblings, one or both of your parents aren't all they should be (because let's face it, not everyone is cut out to be a parent), the fights begin within the family because of gossip, instigators and lies spread that can sometimes be irreparable? The once unified family as we saw it begins to deteriorate, breakdown and yes, it breaks up. What do you do then? Who becomes that loyal support system that we all need?...

FRIENDS!!

Yes, FRIENDS! Another wonderful word that brings to mind unconditional love, loyalty, support, unity and so many other positive emotions. There is a quote that I love that says:

...I believe this to be the absolute truth. There is no doubt that we all have that friend or friends who we consider part of our family, if not more than. Isn't this a wonderful thing? When we find those people that you know in your heart are the realest of the real, your heart soars and is at peace because you have made that special connection that will be everlasting. You've found that person you can count on, turn to, trust with your life, secrets, hopes and dreams and know that they support you and believe in you 100%, that person you can spend time with and just be yourself with, the one who you can completely let go with and just be crazy, those friends who you can laugh hysterically with over the silliest things... That, my dears is also called being "FAMILY." I mean, if not for that friend or friends, we'd be a bunch of lonely souls with nobody to turn to when we feel we've lost that primary family connection.

FRIENDS! We all have them. You just have to know which ones are real enough to call them family. Which ones will stand the test of time? Which ones can you ultimately trust with your feelings, emotions and best kept secrets? Which of these friends will be there for you no matter what, no matter how crazy you drive them or how many stupid things you do? Those that are willing to stick around regardless of your flaws are those friends that become your family.

Keep in mind that sometimes we out-grow some of our friends. This is not terribly bad because they can still be a part of your life just not as close as you were. This is sad but people change, their lives change (marriage, kids, careers, etc.) and you may no longer have much in common. When we out-grow certain friends, we are making room for the new ones that God is about to put in our paths. Haven't you ever met someone and instantly "clicked" with them? In a matter of minutes you've shared quite a lot about yourself with this "stranger" and before you know it, you exchange phone numbers, you start texting, you become Facebook and Twitter friends, and you invite each other to outings, the movies and OMG shopping! :)... Mmmhmm, I've just described what can be the beginning of a beautiful friendship. This could be something that may have been missing in your life without you knowing it. These are the little miracles we live for, and are so grateful and thankful for when they happen. Friends are blessings and angels in disguise that are sent to us to fill a void, to comfort, love, understand, support, laugh and cry with, to share our lives with and expand our horizons. They can teach us new things and see our problems in a different light and thereby, making us feel better. Friends are simply the best and that is why we come to consider some of them our "best friends" and then are considered our "family." 

It's happened to me a few times, and it is just the most wonderful occurrence. I never thought I'd have such amazing people in my life as I have now. Most of them are friends who I now see as my family. Most of them I haven't even known for that long and some I've known for years, but they are very important in my life. I just adore them to pieces and I thank God for sending each of them to me at just the right moments. They offer support, they help me and most important, they believe in me. I may not have many blood relatives that I can count on and share my life with, and I am thankful for the few that I do have because they are awesome (ahem, my mommy - lol), but my friends make up for that missing bond. My "girls" are amazing (and wow, I now have several amazing guy friends as well). I am so lucky to have all of them in my life and for that I say thank you. I am at a place in my life where I don't need a million friends just a bunch that I know are sincere and I know I can count on. They give me love and I give it right back, and I honestly feel like I've finally cultivated a "harvest of friends" who I can now call my "FAMILY."

So there you have it. This is my take on a very important subject in all of our lives. If you agree or disagree with my views, please feel absolutely free to comment respectfully below and share your opinions. This is really a lovely topic to discuss and it's even lovelier when you can say you have a little bit of both. So I encourage you to please comment your story. To end this post, I'd like for you to go ahead and reflect on those people in your lives, your family and your friends and think which ones fall into any of the positive descriptions above. I hope you'll need more than ten fingers to count because that would mean that you, my dear, are truly blessed!

Until next time...

Gracias,

AnnaCris <3