I Discovered SNS Nail Powder & Love It!

Hola,

Hey there my loves! How is everyone doing? I’m feeling pretty good. Today was a holiday in the US and y’all know it’s ALWAYS great to be off on a Monday. 😉 In keeping with my “hello, I’m back” theme from last week, I wanted to publish something official this week.

So for my first comeback post, I figured I’d write something for all my lovely ladies. A topic that’s super fun and girly and I know many of you are into. MANICURES!  Yasss!

Okay here’s the backstory to why I chose this as my first… As I mentioned in last week’s “Hello, I Think I’m back” post, last October I finally went to my dream place – ITALY! 💚 My cousin and I spent 10 glorious days traveling through the most magnificent cities. Anyway, I wanted my nails to be on point and I hadn’t really been getting them done before the trip. So I figured I’d get long acrylic tips so that they’d last carrying our luggage around. Plus this trip DID require beautifully done nails!

The day of my trip, I hit the nail salon. I picked a beautiful, bright orange color from the selection book that went perfectly with my skin tone. I sit down not yet realizing that I hadn’t chosen an actual bottle – i.e.: Essie polish. LOL! So Jason (nail technician) begins applying the tips, cuts them to my desired length, files, etc. etc. etc. Then he busts out the color in a jar! Ayeee! What?!? At that moment you guys, I discovered the SNS DIPPING NAIL POWDER! Siiiiii! Omg at first I was like WTF is that?? HA! Where have I been all this time? How did I NOT know about this fabulousness? Jason laughed and said “it’s the powder” and proceeded to explain how it was better than regular polish and would last longer. And needless to say, I was instantly HOOKED!!

 

 

I’m sure many of you have known about this wonderfulness for a while now, but I promise you that I had NO idea! This is because I usually do my own manicures. I’ve even written a couple of posts about this. But this! I fell in love with the whole process. It relaxes me. Watching how it’s done and the end result is always so lovely. I guess I don’t have to tell y’all that I’ve been getting “the powder” ever since October. When I tell you guys that I’m HOOKED! I cannot stop! 🤷🏽‍♀️

 

Peep the Nails! Gelato in San Gimignano, Florence, Italy

Gelato in Milan, Italy

 

Do y’all see that lovely, bright shade of orange? My nails lasted through the entire trip! It also took me a day or two to get used to the nail length. LOL!

I’m so in love and hooked on this that I wanted to share some of the colors I’ve gotten since October because some of you are not yet following my blog’s Instagram account *sighs* (umm… @crisanna6). Also, if you know me personally or have been following my blog/social media, you know how much I love rich and bright colors so here goes:

*Note: I removed the acrylic tips after I got back from Italy and the following are my own nails.

 

I got this GREEN in late January and it was perfect for those cold winter days. It even matched the green stone ring that I bought in Milan. 😍

 

 

 

Once I learned that it was okay to go with two different colors, of course I wanted to experiment. In early March I decided to ramp it up and go with this BURGUNDY with mirrored GLITTER. 🥰

 

At the end of March I discovered BLING! Ayee… what a moment LOL! So I went with this pale PINK since spring was upon us and this one looked so lovely and dainty! Also notice that I started keeping the nails shorter because I kept banging them which caused them to crack sooner than they were supposed to.

 

In May, I wanted something bright to get excited about almost summer so I went with this bright LIME GREEN with silver SPARKLES! Another hit. 💚

By then, I was hooked on doing something different on the ring finger and my technicians are always ready to have me try all the new stuff that they have. It’s like a girly adventure and I have yet to be disappointed by the results. Take a look at these:

 

My other technician – Christy, had me try this new design since I love the color yellow.  So at the end of May I got the POLKA DOT look and it was a hit. People kept asking me how I did them…

 

Summer had me in the whole PASTEL look and I’d gotten light colors a couple of times, but this pale PEACH was by far my favorite. 🧡

 

In July I went with pastel BLUE. I had gotten a beautiful dark blue back in November but forgot to take a picture. Anyway, I wanted to do something a bit more different and I asked Jason to do two nails with glitter instead of one and this was the result. 💙

 

For my birthday on August 6th *hint hint* … I decide to go with my favorite color – YELLOW and add some pizzazz with a gold, yellowish glitter. I absolutely loved these. Also, peep that by August I’m leaving my nails a bit longer because I’ve finally gotten used to them. LOL! 💛 Umm… did you guys catch my extra cool accessories?

Now this next one is a video so you all can see how cool this was. Back in early February, Jason suggested this changeable color. They had just gotten it and I was like what the heck, why not? Click play to see:

 

 

How COOL is this?! So the color is gold glitter at room temperature but when you go outside in the cold or run your hands under cold water, it turns completely into RED GLITTER. Below you can see the gold in warm temperatures:

 

You can see how they were almost completely turning back to gold after having been in red mode. This color was super fun!

 

And here we have my current situation… I’m usually not a fan of the purples because I feel that some do not compliment my skin tone, but this LAVENDER with lavender glitter is beyond lovely! I love it so much. I got these last Sunday and I adore them. 💜

Okay so yeah, I’ve been on a nail adventure since October and having lots of fun picking cool and different colors.

For those who haven’t tried the SNS Nail Powder, the process is pretty simple. They prep your nails, apply the powder in three dips, file and buff the color, apply sealant then two top coats for shine. It takes about 20 minutes.

Removing them is the real pain in the ass since you have to soak your nails for about 20 minutes. Sometimes you have to re-soak. Which means you should bring something to entertain yourself while this is happening. I usually just listen to my music.

…THE END…

 

So there you have it my lovelies… I’ve been having lots of fun with my nails the past 11 months and I’m going to keep having fun. I know that at some point I’ll have to give my nails a breather and I will. I mean these are my own nails and when the color is removed, they are pretty strong. Plus I started taking natural vitamins for beautiful hair, skin and nails and those are helping some.

Alrighty then… Do y’all remember the drill? Comment below and let me know if you’re also addicted to this SNS Nail Powder. If you haven’t tried it, has this post enticed you to try it? If you’re a fan, what are the colors you lean towards? Feel free to post your nail photos in the comments. How do you entertain yourself during the soaking process? I have questions. Join in on the fun and let’s share. I look forward to your feedback. Let’s chat! Go! #engage

 

Don’t forget to click on the “widgets” section up top to follow my blog on WordPress or via email and to follow me on social media. Thank you!

 

Gracias!

AnnaCris 💛

 

 

Hello. I Think I’m Back!

Hola,

My darlings! OMG, it’s been a long while since we met here hasn’t it? One year and five months to be exact. Sheesh! I totally slacked on everything that I had going on and I’m super sad about the amount of time that I’ve let pass me by. ☹

The honest truth (and it’s no excuse), is that life got in the way. My last post back in March of 2018 was about me struggling through another bout of depression, and how I hoped that I had gotten through. I did for a while and the remaining eight months of 2018 were wonderful. I basically just tried to enjoy myself in every way I could. I even fulfilled my life-long dream of traveling to Italy last October (this will be a separate post) and it was beyond amazing. I cannot WAIT to share that experience with you guys. Sadly though, as soon as 2019 began, the depression sunk its claws in again and I’ve been struggling in and out of it ever since. 😮

I had a couple of rough months earlier in the year, but I’m happy to say that I feel myself slowly getting back to normal. With the help of friends especially one who I will simply call “SK,” who’s been pushing me and encouraging me to get my shit together, I’m pulling myself out of this hole and getting back into the swing of things like my beloved blog which I’ve completely neglected. I’m excited to get back into all the projects and goals that I had planned and still want to accomplish. I’m excited about sharing these with you guys and hope that you will continue to support and cheer me on.  So stay tuned for new and fun things coming at ya! 😊

 

So basically this post is just a HELLO I’m back y’all, and I hope you haven’t forgotten me. LOL! Let’s get back it! ❤

Hit me up with a welcome back in the comments. 🙂 Go! #engage

 

Gracias,

AnnaCris ❤

 

 

 

 

Hello Fall…

Hola!

OMG how are my darlings doing? It’s been over three months since I last posted, and I’ve been berating myself almost every day for so much slacking. Good lord! I really have NO excuse except that I couldn’t find any motivation to write. We can call it “writer’s block” or we can call it “laziness” whichever works for you. I’m guilty. LOL!

So how has everyone been? How did the summer treat you since I haven’t posted all season long? I have to say I did enjoy my summer. I hit the beach a few times and got a pretty bronzed sun tan which is always great. I took adventures and visited Atlanta, Boston and Miami. I celebrated another birthday (#teamleo) and although I slacked on the blog, I focused on establishing my blog’s brand on Instagram (y’all should go follow me – check out my widgets section for the link). So all in all, my summer was pretty fantastic. How was yours?

While I still feel a lil blocked, I really want to get back to blogging consistently and after going through my list of topics, I decided to get back into things with an ode to my favorite season – fall. Not about what’s trending (that will come at a later date) but just the things we who love this season look forward to. I think this topic is easy enough to ease me back into things. So let’s begin:

 

WHY I ADORE FALL

 

HOODIES!

 

 

Hoodies are one of my absolute favorites. They’re so cozy and keep you warm on those chilly autumn days when you don’t necessarily need a jacket. They come in a bunch of different styles and there are some that are even a bit dressy so you can wear with heels. I’m in search of a sweater dress with a hood for this season so if y’all see one, please let me know. 😉

 

COOLER WEATHER:

 

 

While we all love those lazy days of summer so we can lounge on the beach, I’m not crazy about heat and humidity. In New York City it gets to the point where you can barely breathe. This does not work for those like me who suffer from asthma and allergies. Therefore, I look forward to the fall months because while it’s not freezing cold, it’s cool enough to not suffocate. Plus you can bust out the jackets, the scarves and the booties. Yasss! ❤

 

LIGHT JACKETS:

 

 

Since the bomber jacket is on trend for fall, I figured I’d use a photo of one. However, there are lighter jackets that you can wear when it’s not too cold. The bomber jacket even has a variety of styles so you can pick the one that is best suited for the weather in your area. Light jackets are great to keep you warm when it’s a chilly evening and you can add a scarf for extra warmth.

 

HOT CHOCOLATE!

 

 

Yumsies!! OMG my mommy makes the BEST hot chocolate in all the land. There are these bars of real chocolate that are from the Dominican Republic that make for the yummiest hot chocolate ever. My mom makes it from scratch. There’s none of that instant stuff for her. Ask anyone in my familia and they will tell you she is notorious for this. Hot chocolate is a wonderful, delicious alternative for coffee. There is nothing better than spending an evening under some cozy blankets, reading a great book or watching a movie, and drinking some hot chocolate. No?

 

SCARVES:

 

 

You all should know my love for scarves by now. If you know me personally and if you’ve followed my blog, you know I’m a bit obsessed with colorful, pretty scarves. For fall, you can choose a lighter material since it’s still not so cold out. The infinity style or regular style both work. You can choose bright colors or earth toned colors to go with the season. I, of course, prefer the bright colors the whole year round. LOL.

 

PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE:

 

 

While I’m not a huge fan of the pumpkin spice latte, I added it to the list because for the past several years it seems to be synonymous of fall. I have to admit that I’ve never had one so I shouldn’t judge. The reason I haven’t been inclined to try one is because I’m not a fan of pumpkin anything. However, I know many of you are so here it is. It’s something to look forward to. In fact, I believe Starbucks has already put in on its menu…

 

BOOTIES!

 

 

Can I get a high five for booties everywhere? OMG I adore them just as much as I adore boots! Booties are a fantastic alternative for boots during the months of September and October when it’s still not too cold. They can dress up your fall outfit beautifully. I love the thick-heeled booties the most because they add a certain kind of sexy and badass to whatever you’re wearing.

 

APPLE PICKING:

 

 

Wanna hear a cute/funny story? So some of the girls in my #squad and I started an apple picking tradition at a place in Warwick, New York. It’s a beautiful drive with all the leaves changing and it’s great to be around friends. Last year we get there and decided to throw a blanket on the grass, eat and drink some wine (It’s also a winery), and have conversations about everything. Anyway to make a long story short, we were so into our conversations, laughing, eating ice cream, and drinking wine that we totally missed the apple picking part. Haaaa! By the time we realized we wanted to do some picking, it was too late so we ended up buying baskets of apples. Bwahahaa… I can’t with us. This year we’ve planned it for early October and we made a promise to do the apple picking FIRST. So yeah, fall is great weather for picking apples. 😉

 

BOOTS!

 

 

I couldn’t write this post without including my all time, super favorite fashion item… The boot! Boots are my weakness. I can’t even describe how much I adore them. For fall, a tall wedge like the boot above (I own this pair) is great. Anything that does not have fur or is too warm for your footsies since it’s not too cold out works great during September and early October. Riding boots are excellent for this weather as well.

 

LEAVES CHANGING:

 

 

The changing of the leaves is one of the most beautiful acts of nature. It’s one of the top five reasons why I love fall. Can you imagine a more beautiful site? This is so lovely that you’re just mesmerized. Central Park in New York City is just gorgeous during this time of year and if you live on a tree-lined street as I do, you can’t help but stop to admire and take a photo.

… The End …

 

So there you have it my loves. My favorite things associated with fall. I’m sure I’ve missed several others but these always stand out to me. If you love this season as much as I do, comment below and let me know what your favorites are. We can compare and discuss – what fun! So don’t be shy. I know it’s been a while but I love to engage with my readers so PLEASE share your thoughts.

Yay! I did it! I think my whole thing with blogging is I just have sit down in front of my laptop and start typing. Once I get into it, there is no stopping me. I feel like this was the perfect topic to get back into writing. I didn’t have to do much research just go with my favorites, find photos and viola… I’m hoping this has opened the motivation doors for consistency.

Anyway, you all should still know the drill… Comment below and let me know what you think of my choices. Is fall your favorite season too? If it’s not, tell us what is and why. This could make for a fun discussion and a little competition for what is the best season. I still vote for fall! 🙂 So share away. I’m looking forward to your feedback and since it’s been three months, let’s start a conversation to get my juices flowing. Deal? Okay let’s chat. Go! #engage

Don’t forget to click on the “widgets” section up top to follow my blog on WordPress or via email and to follow me on social media. Thank You! 🙂

 

Gracias,

AnnaCris ❤

 

 

 

Five Favorite Styles… Winter Coats!

Hola,

How are my lovelies doing? I hope that life is treating all of you well. I’m doing okay except for that feeling of exhaustion that just refuses to go away. I’ve also been feeling a lil bummed over an adventure that I thought would come through but has not. However, I cannot let any of this beat me so here I am pushing through because I honestly love doing this. It truly brings me joy. 🙂

So… did everyone catch my last post “To End or Mend?” I know, I know it was a bit off course, but I like to add something different every once in a while. Basically, it was me wondering how it can be so easy for someone to just walk away from any type of relationship (friend, family, lover) without any type of communication or yes, confrontation if there was an issue that could have been corrected. How people would rather leave things be than talk things out, solve the problem and make the relationship stronger if that is possible. I know sometimes it’s not but if it is, wouldn’t you want to save said relationship? Anyways, if you haven’t checked out the post, please do so after reading this one and add your two cents. 😉

Alrighty then, let’s get to the less heavy stuff shall we? I figured I’d continue with the winter theme and decided to focus on winter coats. There are several different styles of coats so rather than “tell” you what to wear, I thought I’d share with you the five styles that are my favorites for these cold, winter months. So without further fanfare, let’s begin:

MY FAVORITE WINTER COATS

THE PEA COAT

This is definitely a top favorite of mine. The pea coat is known for being short in length, made of heavy wool, double-breasted, with large buttons, vertical pockets and the classic color is navy blue. Nowadays, the pea coat can be found in a variety of colors and with slight alterations to the classic style. For example I have a gray coat by Calvin Klein that is double-breasted but also comes with a belt that you can tie in front for a more fitted look.

The pea coat can be worn with just about anything and for any occasion. I love to wear mine with fitted slacks/jeans or a dress/skirt, with a knee high boot or booties and accessorize with a pair of leather gloves and a pretty, colorful scarf.

* The above coat is by Victoria’s Secret.

THE DOUBLE-BREASTED COAT

How adorable is this coat by Lily & Co.? This is definitely my definition of a “pop” of color and not to mention that yellow IS my favorite. 😉 #MustGetThisCoat

The double-breasted coat has two columns of buttons instead of one column. One column of buttons is usually for decoration while the other is functional. It usually has wide, overlapping front flaps and has a classy and elegant look. This coat is longer in length than the pea coat so it’s great for those of us that love to wear skirts or dresses in the winter.

As I said, this coat is classy and elegant so it’s great for a night out and for work if you have to dress the part. I have a “winter white” coat by Victoria’s Secret that I love and I don’t usually wear unless I’m going out to a fancy shindig because I don’t want to get it dirty. You can also accessorize this coat with a pair of fancy leather gloves and pretty scarf peeking out from inside.

THE WRAP COAT

I think this cashmere wrap coat by Donna Karan New York is so lovely. The color is just fabulous. I wouldn’t mind owning this one either.

The wrap coat is like a bathrobe basically. It comes in a variety of lengths so you can choose what works for you. I love both long and short lengths depending on what I’m wearing. They are effortless since they have no buttons just a tie belt. Don’t panic though, this coat can still keep you super warm during those cold winter days. They are made of heavy wool so do not fret. Plus, aside from layering and accessorizing, just remember to tie the belt tightly, but fashionably around your waist.

THE COCOON COAT

 

Tell me the color of the above coat by Jil Sander isn’t just charming… I’m not even a “pink” person but I would definitely rock this coat.

The cocoon coat is one of the most versatile styles because it’s so roomy. This coat is perfect for every body type, it has room for layering (I LOVE to layer during the winter), and it’s perfect for any occasion whether it’s a dressy day or a casual one. Also, this style also comes in a variety of lengths so choose your preference. Wear with heels, flats or even a nice pair of sneakers. Of course, do not forget to accessorize.

THE PUFFER JACKET/COAT

My new love… I purchased this Sherpa Lined Puffer Jacket by Hollister last week and I am so in <3!! I wanted a change in my casual jackets and this is perfect. Not only was the jacket on sale, but it’s got Sherpa lining throughout the body. Even the hood is Sherpa lined so needless to say that it keeps me super warm and cozy.

The puffer coat/jacket is perfect for those freezing winter days. The puffy sections are filled with down insulation or synthetic fibers to provide much warmth. Another plus is that this jacket/coat is lightweight. The above puffer is so light and soft so it’s like I’m not wearing a jacket at all. This style is a bit on the fitted side so if you like to layer up like I do, get one size larger than your normal size for extra room.

Needless to say the puffer is the most casual of the five styles. However, this jacket/coat also comes in a variety of lengths so you can also dress up and wear the longer length. You can spice it up with a scarf and gloves and you’re good to go.

** All photos in this post were found on Pinterest.

…THE END…

So there you have it my darlings. These are my top five favorite styles of winter coats. This is not to say that I’m not into other styles as well. I mean, the military coat is pretty cool and the top coat also falls in the elegant category. It’s just a matter of taste which is why I chose to showcase my favorites rather than impose on you what you should wear. We’re all different in many aspects so like I always say, go with what works best for you.

Okay then, you all know the drill… Comment below and let me know your thoughts. I would love to hear what your favorite styles are and why. Do you prefer the more elegant look or is casual your go to style for warmth and comfort? How do you accessorize your outerwear? How many different coats do you own? LOL, now THAT is the question. I’m sure all my fashionistas own several. In any case, let’s discuss. Y’all know I love to converse so let’s do this. Share your opinions and if you have photos that you’d like to share, please feel free to do so below. Tell me about your favorite winter coat styles. I look forward to your feedback. Let’s chat. Go! #engage

Gracias,

AnnaCris ❤

To End or Mend…

 

Quote Of The Week:

This rarely happens though… Why?

When it comes to those we love, we can be so harsh and sometimes end up pushing those people away and losing them forever. Why?

Well…

People prefer to make assumptions.

They prefer to keep it moving, to stay quiet rather than talk things out.

The biggest mistake is ASSUMING and taking it to heart without confirming. Nobody knows what the other is thinking. It could be something completely different than your assumption, but here you are so sure that you’re right.

If someone offended or hurt you, they may not be aware. If you don’t tell them, how will they know?

What if in their eyes they did/said nothing to upset you? Would you rather leave things as is and just distance yourself with no explanation?

Such a shame! You don’t even know if the other side is open to talking. What ever happened to giving things and people a chance or to “innocent until proven guilty?”

“A simple talk can save millions of relationships.”

It’s as simple as that. Few make that effort though.

We’re all about keepin’ it movin’ these days.

We’re all about being so sure that WE are right.

We’re all about “I’m not going to say anything,” let them figure it out. Because we ALL have psychic powers… *queue sarcasm*

We’re all about not getting the facts and so quick to end rather than mend.

Such a shame!

There have been so many good relationships broken because we’d rather not communicate, talk things out and fix the problem.

And what about all the great times you had? Is it THAT easy to throw all of that away rather than being open to making things right again?

If the relationship and person is dear to your heart, wouldn’t you want to save it and keep that person in your life? That is the question…

So… Do you agree?

How do YOU handle difficult situations, fall-outs and/or misunderstandings? Do you confront (in a mature way, of course) or do you keep things in and let things build? Do you take the coward’s way out/easy way and walk away with no explanation never to be heard from again?

Don’t get me wrong, I’ve been guilty of this many times. However, I’ve chosen in the past several months to change that and be more open. So far it’s done wonders. It’s a work in progress, but I’m willing to continue trying.

Communication is the key to any healthy relationship whether it’s a romantic one, a family member or a close friend. If you don’t communicate, how will this person that matters to you know what you’re feeling or thinking, whether they hurt or offended you, if you have a need that’s not being met? Without communication, there is nothing. Yet so many people choose not to. Why is that?

I found this quote on my Facebook photos and thought I’d start a “quote of the week” feature on my blog. I figured tonight is a good night to discuss this… I’d love to hear your thoughts on this subject. Let’s chat. Go! #engage

Gracias,

AnnaCris ❤

The Warm & Fuzzies… Accessories

Hola,

What’s going on my darlings? How is this third week of 2016 going for you all? I’m hoping that depending on your location that you are keeping warm because winter has definitely arrived. It is “brick” in New York City right now and snow is expected this weekend. I’ve been doing pretty well except for feeling so exhausted since last week. It was a draining week physically and mentally, but all for a good cause hopefully… 😉

So did everyone catch my last post “My Love For Chuck… Taylor… Converse?” It was a short one sort of reviewing my new Converse All Stars that I am totally in amor (<3) with! I went on the Converse website and customized my pair and am psyched with the end result. I give them two thumbs up! If you haven’t checked out that post and the sneakers, please do so after reading this one and let me know what you think.

Well then, in keeping with the “cold weather” theme, I figured I’d grace you all with my picks for winter accessories to keep us warm and toasty in this frigid weather while also looking stylish and chic. Y’all know my love for pretty scarves and cute socks but there’s certainly more where that came from so here you go:

 

THE WARM & FUZZIES

 

SCARVES

 

Scarves are definitely a weakness of mine. I love the different textures, colors, patterns, etc. Scarves can be worn all year round as long as you choose the right material for the season. In this case, we’re going with the knitted version to keep us nice and warm. The above photo features the infinity scarf which is pretty handy and can be worn in different ways.

 

THE WRAP SCARF

 

The wrap is an over-sized scarf that’s long and wide and will keep you super warm during these cold days of winter. This also can be worn in different ways and they usually come in beautiful patterns that you can match to your outfit or use it as the stand out piece of your ensemble. I have a pretty checkered red, black, white and gray one from Express that I love. The above scarf is by Zara.

 

GLOVES

 

Without a doubt, gloves are a must for this “brick” weather. I mean I even refuse to text anyone if I’m out in the freezing cold except if I have the above gloves. These are made to allow you to use your phone without removing your gloves. The thumb and pointer fingertips are covered with a special fabric that allows you to swipe your phone’s screen. I have a pair by Under Armour that I love. They are very useful especially for the tech at heart. The above pair is by American Eagle Outfitters.

 

THE LEATHER GLOVE

 

Of course if you want to go a little bit more stylish, the leather glove is the way to go. They may not keep your hands/fingers completely warm but you’ll be looking super fabulous. I love the camel color above by H&M. I have a pair of dark brown faux-leather gloves that have a long knit extension that you can either fold over or extend it to your forearm for extra warmth.

 

CUTE SOCKS

 

My girls know just how much I LOVE cute boot socks. I always wear them with my knee high boots and have them peeking out of the top. I love all of them! It doesn’t matter the color, pattern, texture as long as I think they’re cute, I will buy them. I love the thick material because they also keep your feet and toesies warm in your boots. The long length allows you to do the “peek-a-boo” effect so that you can see a lil bit of the sock coming out of the top of your boot. I always find the cutest pairs at DSW.

 

 

THE LEG WARMER

 

I know, I know leg warmers were a thing in the 80s but trust me when I say that they’re back. Leg warmers are as cute as boot socks and can be worn in two ways. You can wear them under your boots for an extra layer of warmth or be a lil bit stylish and wear them over your boots as shown below. You can also wear them over your shoes if you’re skipping the boot. The point is, is that they’re cool and nowadays they come in very pretty styles like lace, with buttons, bows, colorful patterns, etc. etc. etc… Go ahead and try them. I have two pairs and this year I’m going to try wearing mine over my boots just because… 😉

 

THE BEANIE

 

I love the beanie because it’s just plain adorable and they keep your head and ears feeling cozy. You can go with the basic beanie as shown above by GAP or a more colorful one, one with a little puff up top, or one with ear flaps. I have a couple of them but if I’ve just gotten my hair done, I won’t wear a beanie because it flattens my hair. Instead I go with a….

 

SLOUCHY HAT

 

The slouchy hat is sort of an “oblong” version of the beanie that adds a bit more style to your look. It is also less fitted thereby not “flattening” your hair. These also come in very pretty colors and patterns and are super warm as well.

 

EARMUFFS

 

How CUTE are these? The above are faux-fur by Anthropologie. While I’m not a fan of the earmuff because they just feel tight and give me a headache, they are a good source of warmth if you prefer not to wear a hat. Just keep in mind that although your ears are protected, your head is still vulnerable to the cold.

 

THE FEDORA

 

The fedora screams cool. I mean MJ rocked one in his “Smooth Criminal” video and I was glued to the TV. My love, Robert Downey Jr., rocked one in Sherlock Holmes and had my heart doing extra thumps! So yes, the fedora is not only cool but will keep your head warm as well and can enhance any outfit. I have one in a checkered pattern in tan/black/brown that I love. Just keep in mind that this hat will not protect your ears from the blast of frio (cold).

 

TIGHTS & LEGGINGS

 

 

I know some of us regardless of how cold it is, cannot go without our dresses and skirts so tights are definitely a must. They can keep your legs fairly warm and if you wear boots, you can add boot socks or leg warmers to the mix. There are plenty of pretty patterns and colors these days so you can be creative with your choices.

Leggings are a great way to layer under your pants/jeans. I have a bunch just for this purpose. They keep your legs warm and aren’t bulky so nobody would ever know you’re wearing them underneath your slacks.

 

SUNGLASSES

 

Last but not least, let’s throw in a lil bit of shade… Sunglasses that is. They’re not only made for the summer months. Sunglasses are great during the winter because they keep the wind out of your eyes, keep your eyes from tearing because of the unbelievable cold, and of course they contribute to the “fabulous” factor. I love the over-sized style with the darker lenses. Make sure they have some type of UV protection to guard your eyes.

…The End…

So there you go my sweets my essentials for keeping warm during these cold, blustery winter months. Did I miss anything? I mean there are certainly different variations of all of the above so you can pick and choose according to your tastes.

Okay so y’all already know the drill… Comment below and let me know your thoughts. Did I miss anything? What are your favorite pieces that keep you warm during winter? Do you prefer cute and fun or practical and toned down. I love colorful, fun and stylish. For the guys, you can relate as far as scarves, gloves, hats, beanies and socks go. What would you add to the list? Should I dedicate a post solely for men? Sheesh, I have so many questions. In any event, I repeat… Comment below and let’s discuss. I love winter because of the clothes and accessories so this topic is super fun for me. If you agree, let’s start a conversation and share and maybe help somebody out there that has yet to discover the wonderful accessories that can “upgrade” any look during these cold months of winter. There’s no reason why we can’t keep ourselves warm while looking fabulous, stylish and chic during these freezing days of winter. I look forward to your feedback. Let’s chat. Go! #engage

Gracias,

AnnaCris ❤

My Love For Chuck… Taylor… Converse!

Hola,

How are my darlings doing? How has 2016 been treating you so far? I hope with all my heart that it’s been going wonderful for all of you. Mine has been great so far. I’ve got a couple of exciting deals coming up that I’m happy about. Also, I’ve finally decided to take out my sketch pad and get back into sketching. I’m hoping my “creative block” will soon disappear so I can get back into designing what’s floating around in my head but I haven’t been able to get on paper for the longest time. #sadness …I’m sure this time I’ll be able to let my creativity flow. I have a good feeling. 🙂

Alrighty then, have you all had a chance to read my last post of 2015 “For The Love Of Boots?” Ayyeee… I had so much fun researching and writing that post because… BOOTS! Well not really researching because I already have a very good sense of how fabulous this fantastic style of footwear is ;). Anyway, if you haven’t caught up with that post, please go visit after reading this one and let me know what you think.

So for Christmas I always give myself a present.  I mean why the hell not? It’s the end of the year, I’ve worked hard throughout and paid rent, bills and lord knows what else to get by so why not do a lil bit of extra splurging for ME during the most wonderful time of the year? So I did. 🙂 And I wanted to share my purchase with you because they’re pretty CUTE!

A little backstory: The same way I adore my heels, I also adore sneakers or “kicks” like the young ones call ’em these days. I’m all about comfort and style, and a cool pair of sneakers can bring that on. I’ve always felt that one does not need to be all decked out 365 days a year to look good. You can still rock a fabulous look when going casual and comfortable, and that’s what a great pair of kicks can bring to the picture. I went with Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars. I LOVE this brand for their cuteness. The one pair I had for years and years died on me early on in 2015 and I wanted to cry. I held out until the holidays with the hopes of catching a good sale and thank the sneaker gods, I DID! So without further ado, here are my new favorites Chuck Taylors:

 

❤ CONVERSE ❤

Chuck Taylor All Star Hi Double Upper Canvas

 

 

 

I customized this style myself. I chose the “hi double upper” because I tend to lean towards the high top style, and I loved that this particular style gave me more options to play with. I love the colors yellow and blue. They’re on my list of top favorite colors. Plus, I wanted a main color that would pretty much go with anything I wear so… blue. And the rest is historia (history).

The converse website is fantastic. You can customize your sneaker right down to the color of the eyelets. I love this style because it’s different and I’m all about being different. This is like a sneaker in a sneaker and the first time I wore them, this past Friday, they caught quite a lot of attention. They were a complete hit. Both men and women loved them and gave me awesome compliments. Yayzers!

Below is another view:

 

 

If you would like to design your own pair, click here: Converse and choose “customize” to begin designing your own pair that reflects you and your style. I would say don’t hold back. Go all out and choose what truly defines you, mix unlikely colors, choose a different material other than canvas and then rock those kicks. Once you make your purchase, it should take about three weeks for your sneakers to arrive. Trust me they will be worth the wait. So go ahead and head on over to Converse to customize your own and have fun designing! Don’t forget to come back and show us what you chose. 🙂

*Note: I got a pretty good deal on these during the holidays but the original prices on all sneakers range from $50 (depending on the style) and up.

 

…The End…

 

There you have it my darlings. What do you think of my new kicks? Did they make you wanna go and design your own? Are you a fan of wearing sneakers or are you more the “all decked out 24/7” type of gal or guy? Either way, you all know the drill. Comment below and let me know what you think. If you already have a pair of any style of converse kicks, please share them in the comments section. There are so many cute pairs and color/color combinations on their website that I would LOVE to see what everyone chooses and why. This goes for the men as well. Fellas, show us what you got. If you’re a fan of Converse, let’s have some fun and share your pair below and tell us why you chose that style and color/colors. If you don’t own a pair yet, please feel free to comment on mine. I look forward to your feedback. Let’s chat. Go! #engage

Gracias,

AnnaCris ❤

For The Love Of Boots!!

Hola,

How are my darlings doing on this second to last night of December 2015? How crazy is it that this year just flew by? Time is truly flying so do your best to follow your dreams and goals sooner rather than later. We must do all we can to live a better life, whatever that may mean to you so just go for it. ❤

Has everyone taken a minute or three to read my last post “For The Gents… Cool Winter Trends?” It was my first post focusing on men’s fashion and I have to say I was a bit weary because of it, but it was fun researching for it and writing it. I got some good feedback even from a few gents so that’s a great sign. If you haven’t checked it out, please do so after you finish reading this one and let me know what you think.

So with 2015 almost over and a new year soon upon us with hopefully, wonderful things in store for all of us, I decided to focus my last post of 2015 on the one fashion item that has been my “forever weakness.” It’s already in the title so yessss… Let’s talk about boots! If you know me personally, or via this blog you’ll know that I ADORE boots. The reason I love fall and winter is because I get to wear these fabulous pieces of footwear. I love ALL types of boots from heels to flats to wedges to those cozy Uggs! They all give me so much life (LOL).

The photos below are some of my favorite styles and some I added because they’re part of the boot family and some of you may be rocking them. Some of these are photos of my own boots that I thought I’d share. Alrighty then lovelies, let’s do this…

FOR THE LOVE OF BOOTS – MY FOREVER WEAKNESS

THE RIDING BOOT:

 

I have this pair by Etienne Aigner in the above color and also in black and I love them. The riding boot adds that stylish “equestrian” look that is so classy. It’s also a great style if you’d rather go with a flatter heel. I wear these with jeans or a sweater dress when I want a not so casual look as well as comfort. I chose these because I have slim legs and I like my boots to fit snug around my calves and these were perfect.

 

THE HIGH-HEELED OR STILETTO BOOT:

 

I seriously need these boots in my life. I mean Christian Louboutin and all plus these are just beautiful! They’re simple but classy with just a tiny hidden platform. The high-heeled boot adds elegance, style, sexiness, fabulousness to any outfit. Whether you’re wearing a short or long dress, jeans, slacks, a pencil skirt or mini, the list goes on. This boot just makes you feel fabulous and like you can conquer the world so go ahead and rock them.

My suggestion… With designers making the “heel” higher and higher these days, choose a height that is most comfortable for you to walk in. Whether it’s a three inch heel or an eight, just make sure you’re able to walk properly in the heel you choose.

 

THE HIGH-HEELED BOOT:

 

This pair belongs to moi… I got them a few years ago at Nine West and they are on my favorite pair list. They’re extremely comfortable, the heel is four inches high and I love them because they’re just different… I wear them with jeans, a dress or skirt and get tons of compliments from both men and women. I wanted to add these under the high-heeled category.

 

THE BOOTIE:

 

Booties are just everything, don’t you agree? I mean look at all the different styles above. You have an array of choices from the heeled bootie to the chunky heel, to the wedge or the flat and anything in between. I have several pairs in different colors and styles, and I can’t even try to pick a favorite. The bootie can also be worn with anything.

 

THE RAIN BOOT:

 

These also belong to me… The rain boot is an essential part of your winter wardrobe. On those rainy days, this boot is the key to keep the water away from your toesies and your cute socks :). I got this pair two years ago from Sperry Top-Sider. I wanted a good pair but I also wanted something different that not everybody was wearing and these fit the bill. They even have a fleece lining to keep your feet nice and warm. If your feet tend to sweat, I would say to bring a pair of shoes to your destination so you can change into them.

 

THE WEDGE BOOT:

 

Aren’t these just the CUTEST?! Well my darlings, these also belong to yours truly… I bought this lovely wedge boot about a month ago at DSW and I’ve already worn them with a pair of jeans as well as a couple of dresses and they were a total hit. They’re by Mix No •6 and are super comfortable. The wedge heel gives you height, elegance and offers comfort if you’re not comfortable wearing the thin high-heel.

 

THE CONSTRUCTION BOOT (FOR WOMEN):

 

This style is for a more laid back look. These are popular for the guys and we all know that they are a staple for construction workers. The above boot is specifically for the ladies. I used to own a pair several years ago and they were dark brown. I like this boot for the weekend to run errands or even, if they’re not suede, on a snowy or rainy day.

 

THE COWBOY BOOT:

 

For the longest time I wanted a pair of cowboy boots but I wanted them to fit snug around my calves because yesss… So one of my besties (Gretchy), who is an award winning equestrian btw, suggested the website Sheplers and I found these babies. So yes, these are mine as well… LOL! Hey I told y’all that boots are my forever weakness! Anyways, I purchased these on a Cyber Monday about two years ago. Cowboy boots obviously go with jeans but how cute is it when women wear them with cute dresses. Even in the summer months, when it’s not so hot of course, you can rock them with a cute summer dress or shorts.

 

THE MOTORCYCLE BOOT:

 

 

If you’re a bad-ass chick who does the whole “all black everything” deal, wears leather and rides a motorcycle, then this is the boot for you. This boot has a flatter heel for comfort and the buckles add the style that screams to the world “I kick ass!” I just may get a pair…

 

THE UGG BOOT:

 

I ADORE!!! These are my second pair of Ugg boots and by far, my favorite. Look how cozy they look. All that faux fur goes all the way into the toe area so on those freezing winter days, your legs and feet are NEVER cold. I can wear these boots every day. I really have to remind myself to switch things up because these are my everything during the winter. You can even flip the top of the boot over to give them a shorter length but I never do. I want all that coziness and I always wear a pair of really cute boot socks to play them up.

 

THE MILITARY or COMBAT BOOT:

 

These are so cute! I don’t own a pair but looking at these sure does make me want to go shopping. The military boot always has a flat heel with the lace-up style. They are extremely comfortable and fashionable as you can see the above looks. You can wear this boot with jeans, or a casual mini skirt or dress. Add some boot socks, like a pair with a lacy peek-a-boo elastic that pops out on top to add that lil extra of feminine flair. I think I’m going to get a pair. 😉

THE SNOW BOOT:

One of my besties (Tanji – aka “my lil munchkin”) read this post and kindly reminded me that I had forgotten to include the snow boot. See what happens when your peeps follow your blog? They come in handy! 😉 So here it is my sweets… The snow boot.

The above snow boot – the women’s Iceland boot by Baffin – is amazing. I bought this boot in 2014 when I was going skiing in Colorado with the besties, and it was a godsend because that year was a pretty rough winter in New York City. This boot is incredibly light and it feels like you’re walking on air. It is super warm and it has a removable “thermaplus” liner to add extra warmth. The faux-fur trim brings on the style along with even more warmth. This boot is perfection. Needless to say, that the snow boot should be worn during those snowy days of winter. I also wear mine on rainy days and remove the liner, unless it’s freezing out. This boot is a great investment if you get rough winters or just to look good if you like to ski. Baffin is an excellent brand for your winter footwear. Check Them out here: Baffin or check out: Zappos, they also sell this brand.

 

THE THIGH-HIGH BOOT:

 

Last but not least, the thigh-high boot! Ahhh, these are something huh? The thigh-high was definitely a thing at the runway shows for winter 2015/2016. I don’t own a pair because again, I like my boots to be fitted/snug around my legs or in this case, my thighs and I feel like this style just won’t accommodate me. I’ll just leave the thigh-high to everyone else. They are fabulous, however. The right style can definitely bring the sexy. The best way to pair these is with a short skirt or dress where you can see some of your thigh. Y’all know that peek-a-boo effect. If I were to get a pair, I would skip the platform boot because those just scare me! LOL!

…The End…

So there you have it my loves. As you’ve read, boots are really my “forever weakness” and I’m not the least bit ashamed to admit it. I mean let’s face it, how sexy are they? They add a special kind of beauty, elegance and fabulous style (no matter what style you pick) to any outfit. Do you agree?

What are your favorites? Are you a boot lover like I am or nah? How do you incorporate them to your outfit? Do you tend to wear them more with pants/jeans or skirts/dresses or does it not matter? Do you like color? I do. I have black, browns, tans and grays. I would love a pair of navy blue boots…

Okay you all know the drill… Comment below and let me know what you thought of this post. If you love boots as much as I do, please share your favorite styles and if you have photos, please post them in the comments as well. Do you prefer the higher heel as opposed to the flat heel or vice versa? Let’s chat, let’s discuss our favorites and how we pair them. This way we can give those who have a hard time picking and pairing some great ideas. After all, we all just want to look and feel beautiful and sexy and there is NO harm in us helping each other out. I look forward to your feedback. Let’s talk. Go! #engage

One last thing, I would like to wish each and every one of you reading this post and those who clicked the follow button, those who comment and share my blog a very safe, healthy and happy new year. May 2016 be the year that all your dreams come true, that your health gets better, that any disagreements with loved ones are forgotten and forgiven, that the job you may be looking for comes through, that your outlook on life becomes more positive, optimistic and adventurous. Thank you all for joining me in another year of this adventure. I really appreciate you visiting this page to read what I publish and share my passion for fashion, beauty and life. Stay tuned for great new topics in 2016 and also news on the fashion business front. Cheers to a wonderful new year my darlings! Stay safe and again, thank you! 🙂

Gracias,

AnnaCris ❤

For The Gents… Cool Winter Trends

Hola,

How goes it my lovelies? Hope all has been well with you since you last visited. Is everyone ready for the holidays? Have you all done your Christmas shopping? I’m good. I just need one more gift to buy and I’m done. Yay! I truly dislike holiday shopping… I can’t deal with the crowds, the lines and the mess in the stores. I just can’t. It drives me bananas.

Did everyone catch my last post “Brrr… Winter Chic Trends?” If you haven’t, please go check it out after you’ve read this one. It was such a fun post to write because all the trends are truly chic. I plan to wear most of them and you all know I’m a huge believer in creating your own style rather than following trends. However, these are so cute that I MUST try them. 🙂

If you DID read that post, you caught at the end that my next post would be dedicated to the gentlemen and what is trending for them this winter. I mean, the guys want to look good too and sometimes a woman’s opinion goes a long way. Well… Here it is. It took me a bit longer to do the research as this will be my first time ever discussing men’s fashion. #yikes 😉

After checking out several fashion websites, I chose to go with suggestions from GQ (because, of course) and Vogue because both seemed to hit it just right with what I saw on a few of the men’s fashion shows. I’m also going to include what I like to see a man wear because again, of course… Why wouldn’t I? So below are my favorite winter trends for the fellas. Let’s do this my darlings:

WINTER FAVORITES – MENSWEAR

LAYERS

Thick sweaters are also trending for the gents this season. the difference with the men is that designers decided to layer them. I think they thought it would be a super cold winter 😉 *HAA*… Nevertheless, go ahead and layer away guys. Wear a thin turtleneck under a chunky sweater. Don’t forget to mix colors as this can add a pop to your outfit. Pair with slacks for work or jeans for a more casual look and you’re good to go.

Photo from: GQ Magazine.

From left to right: Christophe LeMaire, Margaret Howell, Missoni, Pringle of Scotland, Corneliani and Bally.

GRAYS

The color gray was definitely an item on the runways for the guys. Sweaters, dress shirts, blazers, slacks, coats… Just about everything. You can mix different hues to get that classic look or add a color – red, yellow, purple – be adventurous. Gray is one of those colors that work well with almost any other shade.

Photo from: GQ Magazine.

From left to right: Dolce & Gabbana, Boglioli, Gieves & Hawkes, Ports 1961, Canali, Lanvin, Calvin Klein Collection, Cerrutti, Prada and Brioni.

 

BAGGY SLACKS

Say buh-bye to the slim look my dear men… The baggy pant is back in full force and I have to say I’m definitely feeling the look. I was never a fan of men wearing slim jeans or slim anything for that matter so please embrace this trend. It’s a looser fit and I’m sure a more comfortable one as well. This pant is not only meant for a suit, you can rock it with a nice chunky sweater, a turtleneck or just a dress shirt.

Photo from: GQ Magazine.

From left to right: Oliver Spencer, Versace, MSGM, Vivienne Westwood Man, E Tautz and Maison Martin Margiela.

 

BROWN & BURGUNDY

Browns and burgundies were all over the men’s runways. Brown is also trending for the ladies so as I said in my “Brrr… Winter Chic Trends” post, brown can be paired with several unlikely colors like burgundy as shown above. I also noted that there are different hues of brown that aren’t boring so just pick what pops for you and mix with something bold. Burgundy is such a rich and beautiful color especially for winter and I’m happy it’s trending. You can be adventurous with burgundy and match it with several fun colors.

Photo from: Vogue France.

From left to right: Maison Martin Margiela, Berluti and Wooyoungmi.

SHEARLING

The right shearling jacket/coat can keep you nice and warm during the cold winter months as well as give you that cool, chic and classic look. If you’ve ever shied away from this material, now is the season to try it. I’m feelin’ this for you guys. Just make sure the Shearling doesn’t wear you. Pick one that won’t overwhelm your body type.

Photo from: GQ Magazine.

From left to right: JW Anderson, APC, John Varvatos, Coach, Topman Design and Hackett London.

 

THE THREE-QUARTER LENGTH COAT

The three-quarter length coat should fall just below your knees guys. I loved this look on the runways because it gave the men a very charming appearance. Pair it with a long scarf over a layered look and you’ll have the ladies giving you a second glance.

Photo from: Vogue France.

From left to right: Calvin Klein Collection, Lanvin, Ami.

THE TURTLENECK

The turtleneck is making a comeback for both the gents and the ladies this season. For the fellas, the look for winter is layering the turtleneck under a sweater, a dress shirt or a blazer. For a more casual look, just wear the turtleneck with a great pair of jeans. I’m lovin’ the zippered style shown above.

Photo from: Vogue France.

From left to right: Ami, Lanvin, Maison Martin Margiela.

 

GREENS

Green was also the “IT” color for men this winter. I adore the color and with so many beautiful different shades, there’s got to be one or two or three for you. Given that it IS winter (or is it?), perhaps you’d like to go with a darker hue like forest green or olive but even the lighter shades are perfectly acceptable and could be fun to rock. A nice chunky sweater, a turtleneck or a dress shirt with a bold colored tie… I see endless possibilities here.

Photo from: GQ Magazine.

From left to right: Tiger of Sweden, Burberry Prorsum, Berluti, Hardy Amies, Dunhill and Bottega Veneta.

 

THE OVER-SIZED COAT

No more fitted anything! That’s right things loosened up on the Runways for the winter 2015/2016 season especially outerwear. The coats were a bit over-sized, low on the shoulders and longer. Whether you choose a three-quarter style or a longer/shorter length, go for the over-sized look for a nice change. This also helps with the layered look that is so “IN” this winter.

Photo from: GQ Magazine.

From left to right: Ermenegildo Zegna Couture, Wooyoumgmi, Jil Sander, Ami, Casely-Hayford and Hentsch Man.

 

THE LONG SCARF

Scarves!! If you know me personally or have been following this blog, you’ll know that scarves are one of my weaknesses… So it’s no wonder that I am excited about scarves for men this season. It just adds a “distinguished” look to an over-sized coat or just over a suit if it’s not too cold outside. The long scarf adds the masculinity I’m sure you all want and you have options. Wear the scarf long with just one loop around the neck or under your coat and even under your shirt if you want to really change it up. You can also wear it long with no loop. Dark colors are best, thin to medium sized rather than wide and chunky. You can go with a plain, a subtle or a more daring pattern that either goes with your outfit or adds that extra pop of color. Please try this. I’m so feeling it! 🙂

Photo from: Vogue France.

From left to right: Gucci, Wooyoungmi and Bottega Veneta.

* If you’d like to visit the GQ and Vogue sites for more trends that did not make it on this post, please click here: GQ Magazine Vogue France

…The End…

So there you have it guys. These are the trends that stood out to me the most for this season. I want to add the following:

To me, there is nothing more sexy and elegant than a man in a suit and tie, pocket square and everything. You just can’t go wrong with that. The suit does not have to be expensive. As long as it fits properly, you can rock it. I love when men add a checkered shirt under the suit and a tie that adds some contrast. It tells me that he’s a bit laid-back, stylish and likes to have fun.

I also love a man in a nice sweater and jeans for that casual appearance. Even jeans and a turtleneck gives you that well put together yet chic look that women find sexy.

Also, make sure your shoes/boots are on point. Shined and no scuffs. A square toed shoe is more appealing followed by a round toe. Please stay away from the super pointy toe (a moderate point is a okay). The pointy toe even scares me for women. Yikes!!

Last, accessorize with an over-sized watch, cuff links, a scarf as stated above, stylish socks! OMG I love fun socks and why stick to boring black, brown or navy when you can go with something that adds extra style to your ensemble? Go with patterns, stripes and bright colors. Yesss! – fun socks excite me :). Wear contrasting gloves to go with your over-sized coat. If it’s a casual day, a beanie hat is super cool and trendy. And if  you can rock a well-kept beard, THAT my loves, will complete your ensemble from head to toe! 😉

… ♥♥♥ …

Well what did you all think? This is my first time ever discussing menswear. It was a lil challenging trying to choose what I thought fell under my favorite looks for men and what I considered chic for the season so I hope I did a good job.

If you’re a guy reading this post, please by all means comment below and leave your feedback and/or suggestions. Would you rock any of the above looks? How would you style your outfits to make it work for you? Are you the conservative or the daring/let’s have some fun type of guy when it comes to fashion? Also remember that you can tone these looks down for normal, everyday wear. Keep in mind that designers play their looks up for the runway…

So you all know the drill… comment below, share your opinions. If you’re a guy, I’d love to get your feedback on the trends above. Would you wear them or nah? How would you mix and match them? If you’re a lady, would you like your significant other, if you have one, or a friend or family member to rock these looks? Let’s chat. I always note in my posts how the fellas want to look good too and this is why I made an effort to dedicate a fashion post for you. Let’s discuss, give me feedback, should I continue dedicating posts to the men out there? I know we, men and women, all just want to look and feel good. We want to have that confidence when we walk out that door knowing that we’re rocking a fabulous outfit. So let’s talk about this. Guys I’m really looking forward to what y’all have to say so… Go! #engage

Gracias,

AnnaCris ❤

BRRR… Winter Chic Trends

Hola,

What’s the haps my darlings? LOL, a friend of mine used to always say that and it always tickled me… So how is “winter” treating everyone? If you live in New York City, we really have nothing to complain about because the weather is pretty freakin’ awesome and by the looks of it, it’s going to continue so YAY! 🙂

Did everyone read my last two posts? They were both beauty related and pretty damn cool if I say so myself. If you haven’t, go have a look. The “Matte About My Mani” post gives you step by step instructions on how to do your own matte manicure (photo is included). The post titled “My Experience With Coconut Oil and Argan Oil” is pretty much a positive review on how using both for the past ten months has been for me. I recommend both. Check out the posts after you read this one and let me know what you think.

Now then, I figured I should at least talk about fashion at some point during this comeback so this it. As is usual, I wanted to let you all know my picks for what’s “trending” this winter or better yet, what MY favorite choices are for the season. If you know me personally or you may have picked something up reading my posts, you’ll know that fall and winter are my favorite seasons because I think the clothes are just fabulous. I mean cozy sweaters, lovely scarfs, BOOTS! ;), sweater dresses, pretty hats, adorable boot socks, did I mention BOOTS?! 😉 … the list can go on. So I’ve browsed the fashion sites to pick what my favorite trends are and I hope you like my choices. Let’s do this my loves. 🙂

WINTER FAVORITES

COZY, CHUNKY SWEATERS

As I mentioned earlier, sweaters are one of the reasons I love winter especially when they’re chunky like the above. This style just gives you an all-around warm, cozy feeling and they’re so comfortable. On those cold winter days pair one with a pencil skirt or a slim pant/jeans. Keep the bottom slim to complement the bulkiness of the sweater.

*from left to right: Banana Republic, Altuzarra, Brock Collection

 

CAR WASH SKIRT

CUTENESS! You may be wondering why they call this the “car wash skirt.” Well if you’ve ever been through a car wash (so much fun!), this should remind you of the top brushes in the car wash. This skirt is super cute and flirty yet sexy and classy. It also gives that “fringe” feeling that’s been trending this year. Pair the skirt with a blouse or statement top, tucked in or not. The car wash dress is also truly lovely, paired with sexy heels or even boots, makes for a wonderful night on the town. I plan to get myself one because you never when the occasion will call for this great look. You can wear these with knee high boots, booties, heels, etc. etc. etc… There’s really no limit. Have fun with this skirt and show your sexiness! 😉

*from left to right: Christian Dior, J. Crew, Oscar de la Renta

 

BROWNS

I’ve always been a fan of the color if only because it’s a neutral tone and I like to pair it with unlikely colors. There are different, pretty shades of brown that do not give off that drab feeling. Pick one that fits and pair with bold colors like orange, maroon and even yellow. Try it, you’ll see it works.

*from left to right: Derek Lam, Isa Arfen, Jenn Packham

 

TURTLENECKS

I adore turtlenecks because they can give you such a classy look. They look great with a dress pant and even jeans. This year however, the designers layered them under cute dresses as shown above. I also love chunky turtleneck sweaters because they’re the signature piece of warm and fuzzy feelings. Either way, this is a classic staple in anyone’s closet so go out and pick one or two or three. 🙂

*from left to right: Alice & Olivia, Elizabeth & James, Thakoon

 

THE ’70s ARE BACK

While I’m not a fan of bell bottoms, I do like the moderate flared pant, the sweaters and I love the boho chic look that the ’70s were known for. These dresses are so cute, fun and flirty. Pair any ’70s style (flared pant, boho chic dress) with boots or a chunky heeled bootie and you’re good to go.

*from left to right: Karen Walker, Rebecca Taylor, Tracy Reese

 

FAUX-FUR STOLE (SHAWL)

Faux is the key word here as no animals are hurt in the process. Faux-fur shawls are so pretty and give you that ladylike feeling. I have one in black that my old boss gave me for Christmas and I cherish it. I wear it under a dress coat to go out to dinner or over a sexy dress around my shoulders like a shrug, and I just feel like walking taller, sexier and waving at everybody, LOL. They also keep you warm on a blustery, cold day. Even though they’re faux-fur, they might be a bit expensive so check for a good sale.

*from left to right: 3.1 Philip Lim, Prabal Gurung, Jason Wu

 

LONG-LINE BLAZERS

Longer than your usual blazer, these add a bit of splash to your outfit. Layer over dress pants, jeans, short/long skirt… Anything goes. I like to experiment to see what works for me and you should too. I’m going to purchase one for the winter because I’m definitely feelin’ this look. 😉

*from left to right: J. Crew, Creatures of Comfort, Polo Ralph Lauren

 

ALL BLACK EVERYTHING

Yessss! I LOVE this look and I’ve actually been doing the “all black everything” deal quite a lot these past few weeks. Apart from being easier in the mornings, I think it’s just elegant and sexy and dangerous all in one. Plus let’s not forget that it adds the slimming effect if that’s what you’re aiming for. You win either way. Mix different textures to make it a fun and alluring look.

*from left to right: Dion Lee, Alexander Wang, Vera Wang

 

WINTER “CREAM”

This is a switch from the usual winter “white.” It’s kind of a more relaxed version, a bit sweeter. I have a coat which I hardly wear because I don’t want to get it dirty, but I’m busting it out this winter especially when I wear “all black everything” to give that look a bit of twist on the outside. The creamy color is great as a coat, dress, skirt and even a pant. You can mix hues of the shade or add a pop of color.

*from left to right: Peter Pilotto, Mulberry, Ralph Lauren

 

FUN, TEXTURED HOSIERY

I’m down with these 100%. Last year I had a great pair that I bought at Express (my favorite store) and I almost cried when I accidentally ripped them. I’ve checked Express for the same pair this season and nada… #sadness. Anyways, these textured tights add flair to your dresses and skirts and look great peeking out of your boots. Go with black or color, whatever you like and work it girl!

*from left to right: Proenza Schouler, Tommy Hilfiger, Rodarte

 

STATEMENT EARRINGS

Ayyeee! I love, love accessories and earrings are at the top of my list. I can’t ever leave the house without them because I feel like something is missing. These statement earrings are fabulous though. Just make sure to keep the earring as the center piece. I’d go without a necklace and let the earring stand alone. Also, make sure they’re not heavy on the lobes because “ouchies!”

*from left to right: Rosie Assoulin, Isa Arfen, Tibi

**Photo Credit: All images by Indigitalimages.com

 

…The End…

 

And there you have it my lovelies. I plan to incorporate these to my winter chic wardrobe, budget permitting that is. Don’t forget about the BOOTS! My eternal loves that I cannot get enough of. Just the other day I got a pair of black suede, wedge boots and I am in amor. Whatever you decide to go with, high-heeled, riding boots, booties, wedges, cowboy and yes, even Uggs! Boots are a must for any winter season and they go perfectly with any of these trends (minus the Uggs, wear those on a casual day with jeans) otherwise, go on and rock those boots.

What are your thoughts? Will you try any of these trends or have you done so already. If you have, I’d love to see your photos of how you styled your look from head to toe so please feel free to post them.

Stay tuned for my next post which will focus on what’s trending for the men in our lives this winter. I’ve been asked by several gentlemen to post something for them, and I’m finally going to oblige. After all, men want to look good too so keep a look out fellas. It should be a fun post. 😉

So you guys know the drill… comment below and share your opinions, likes and dislikes or share a photo. I would love to get a glimpse of what everyone is wearing this winter. What are your favorite pieces and must-haves for the cold weather? Let’s discuss, let’s share with one another and keep each other looking fabulous, sexy and beautiful. I look forward to your feedback. Let’s chat. Go! #engage

Gracias,

AnnaCris ❤