Psst... Yes You... Act Like A Lady!

Hola,

Wow yet another post in a matter of a few days. I'm on a roll my fashionistas! Are you all lovin' it? I sure am. I feel like I'm finding my "blogging" groove.

So did everyone read my last post "Who Is This Blogger... AnnaCris?" I hope you did because I wrote it with the intention of letting you get a closer glimpse at me, my personality, my likes and dislikes and a little bit of my history. If you haven't read it, go ahead and check it out. Feel free to comment and let me know what you think. Perhaps you and I have something or a lot in common. You never know... ;)

So I'd like to dedicate this post to all the young ladies everywhere. Kind of like a message or better yet, let's say it's an appeal maybe even a plea to all of you to please ACT LIKE A LADY! Yes, this came about because of the recent "performance" of a certain young woman at an award show. Let's not even recap or judge at this point. I'm sure we've all seen it or heard about it. What's done is done. I'm going to focus on all those young ladies that are NOT celebrities. Celebrities can get away with many of the things they do for whatever reason. However, for those of us living in the regular world, it's a whole different ball game and you must take that into consideration before doing anything that you will regret. Remember you have no publicists or managers to smooth things over for you. You're basically on your own.

Think about your future. From this day forward I would ask you to please think twice before doing anything that can embarrass you just for the sake of getting attention. With the explosion of so many social media networks, it becomes so easy to put everything out there without stopping to think that once it's "put out there," it will be really hard to take it back. From videos to pictures to statuses... it's like a bombardment of information. The thing is, is that putting it all out there is not necessary. Not every video or picture should be posted and not everything that happens in your life should be written as a status or a tweet. Moderation seems to be fleeting in this day and age.

I get that you're young right now, feeling free and without a care in the world. However, pretty soon you will become a full grown adult with responsibilities. You will be looking for your first job or perhaps you've already found it and are hoping for a promotion. It is so easy for employers today to research your every move online. Don't help them find something unpleasant about you that you posted years before. This will weigh heavy on whether they will hire you or promote you. Maybe you would like to start your own business (once you're a successful business owner, your history will be researched so easily online) or how about wanting to find that great guy to marry and start a family with? How about your parents, grandparents and immediate family? Think about the horror they would feel if anything inappropriate of you gets onto the internet and they have to see it. Even more important, how will YOU feel if once you've posted anything of the sort, millions of people see it and they start to judge and criticize you? All these examples I just listed can be impacted by your impulsive actions of clicking that little button called "send" and nine times out of ten that impulsive action will have negative consequences that I'm positive you do not want.

Whether it's a picture, a video or the way you act in public places, I ask you to please always act like a lady. It's okay to have fun with your friends, take all the pictures you want just choose wisely before posting them. Even when you're out in public, remember anyone these days can stop and take your picture or take a video of your actions unbeknownst to you. There's a difference between having a crazy fun time with friends and family and acting up in public. Again, I ask you to think first and be mindful of your actions.

We all want attention at some point or at many points in our lives, especially during our teenage years. I get that, but make sure the attention you get is because you are amazing, because you are beautiful and confident, smart and sexy and taking on the world to make it better for you and maybe for others. There are so many ways to make people want to be around you that is not acting like... well you know. Why would you want that kind of focus on you? Why would you want that label that people will immediately put on you because of something they saw of or about you? Nah, I don't think that's the type of behavior you want to be known for because ultimately, it's not worth it. That one little incident can haunt you for a very long time so be conscious of what put out there. Don't sell the whole farm in one shot! Leave some things to the imagination. It will make you more alluring to those that are curious about you. Rather than seeing racy photos or videos of you and be turned off, they will approach you and get to know the real you. That's so much better my loves. Look ahead to your future and you will agree that it would be best in the long run to avoid that kind of negative attention. 

Remember when it's all said and done, we all really want to be accepted, included and loved. Let's make it so that it comes to us in a good way. Let's make it so that we are remembered for being fabulous and classy not raunchy and.... well you know. It's never too late to act like a lady. Be confident, be respectful of yourself first and others will then respect you, be classy and tasteful. Trust me this is the kind of attention you should be looking for. It may not sound fun or exciting now because you're still growing and you want to be part of the crowd, but in your later years, this will matter. When you reach your late twenties and move onto your thirties, this will matter because then you will be certain that looking back there will be nothing online or anywhere of you that can embarrass you in the eyes of millions.

So there you have it my lovely young fashionistas, this in no way is a message telling you what you can and cannot do. Of course, you're free to do as you please. This is just a request, a plea from someone who sees how the lives of our young ladies are becoming so public in a damaging way by their own doing. Someone who would like all women to realize that the best attention they can get is the kind where someone looks at you and admires you for being fantastic, for handling your business, for acting with complete and total class regardless of how the people around you are conducting themselves, for being confident in yourself and what you have to offer, for being fabulous, for holding your head up high, having self-respect and for just acting like... A LADY!

As always, I ask you to join in the conversation. You all know the deal my darlings... please feel free to comment respectfully below with your agreements or disagreements. This has been THE topic of conversation everywhere this week so I would love your feedback. Let's talk. Go! #engage.

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

Until next time my loves...

Gracias,
AnnaCris <3

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

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