Write Down All The Things

Someone once asked me why I started blogging and well I don't really have a specific answer. If you read from back when I started Anna Christina you might notice that I started blogging right out of college. I had just received my PR degree and wanted to grow my knowledge of how the industry worked, while pursuing my passion for fashion. [Blogging is a PR tactic. When I was at a PR firm I was running blogs for specific accounts, now I’m just running mine.]

I didn’t start blogging because I wanted to be a blogger. It sounds ridiculous, but blogging and Instagram have created this false reality of always having fresh roses at home and perfect manicures. I think a lot of bloggers start because they think they want that life. It isn’t real. I started because I love writing and playing dress up. It gives me more satisfaction than a seemingly perfect life ever could.

I never started a blog with the thought that people would read it, I just had a degree that taught me how to blog for companies. I wanted to transcend that into a blog that would help girls do what I do best, spending money on frivolous things: clothing. However, life isn't solely about fashion and beauty, although you've seen plenty of both.

I love blogging because it allows me to create a place where readers can learn new things and be inspired to try something different. In order to compose a successful blog though it takes a lot of work and a notebook.

As I’ve mentioned before Etsy is my best friend. It truly is the world’s most vibrant handmade marketplace. I recently discovered Jillanastasia Paper Co. based in Omaha, Nebraska. The company is rooted in love for design, paper and people. Jillian the owner started her business after college as a way to express her passion for love for creating something that makes people smile. She finds her inspiration in her day-to-day life from travel magazines to conversations with friends. Oh, and she’s the sweetest too! Don't forget to check out her blog too!

She offers high-quality paper goods uniquely customized for you. I am thrilled to announce that one lucky reader has the opportunity to win a notebook by Jillianastasia Paper Co.!

Isn’t it so cute? And the saying is so true for bloggers, especially.

Head on over to Instagram for a chance to win this fabulous notebook! 

To enter:
1. Follow me @annachrsitinapalagi and @jillianastasia 
2. LIKE today’s photo

Giveaway ends Thursday, June 4th at 5PM PT! 

Such Is Life

 I want to be clear that I am not a relationship expert, so everything I write on this topic is solely my opinion and based on my personal experiences. Hopefully, it gives you a fresh point of view or it may reinforce what you already think.

 

Nobody said breakups were easy, but one day the pain will all make sense. 

It is about knowing when to walk away and having the courage to do it.

I have learned through experience. When all is said and done, you'll still love him. This is the hardest part and most important lesson; you have to choose and the choice is to love yourself more.

You will fall in love again. But, before that happens you have to fall in love with your own life. You have to love it unconditionally and without fear. You will love it even though it's without him. You will create your own path of happiness and you won't waste one second on regret because someday it's going to all make sense. 

Simply, you need you love yourself more than you once loved him. 

PHOTO CREDIT | Jeff Collins

Wholly Chic

Life is all about keeping your heels, head and standards high. However, we all have our days when sweats seem more inviting then a dress. I will be the first one to apologize for what I've worn when I'm either cold or just plain tired. Somedays I dress for the gym with my second day hairstyle, but never actually make it to the gym. That's totally normal, right?

I truly believe you can have anything you want if you dress for it, because the most important thing a girl can wear is her confidence. The beauty of being a public relations professional is; casual is the new chic. Therefore, I will admit jeans are a definite go-to of mine, but I love dressing up as much as every girly girl!

To me, this outfit signifies elegance. I consider the basic pieces of this outfit to be the pale pink skirt and the quarter-sleeve boatneck striped tee. I decided to pair this outfit with a lightweight floral blazer for a formal look, but another option would be a jean jacket. I love heels, but spending eight hours a day in them sounds like a nightmare. That's why I opted for a classic pair of black flats. 

Style is very personal. I believe bold accessories are a women's armor. As usual, I piled the jewels on. Some believe simplicity is key, but I disagree. It is about not trying too hard. It has to be effortless.

PHOTO CREDIT | Lindsey Houser 

Intrépide

My apologizes for being absent over the past few weeks, my posts have been inconsistent as I have been trying to take a mental checkout in order to focus on reality. You might notice some changes and you might not, either way I can't be disingenuous and post about a sale when in reality I am suffering. I know sometimes social media can be nontransparent but that has never been my thing. God has curved my path and I'm still not sure where it will lead me, but I truly believe everything happens for a reason. 

Life is about never letting your fear decide your future. It's just a bad day, I'm having not a bad life. 

Therefore, I thought it was only right to name this post intrépide, which means fearless in French. I included a sneak peek of Wednesday's outfit because I just couldn't resist. To me, this photo signifies new beginnings. 

PHOTO CREDIT | Lindsey Houser 

Winter Socks + Duck Boots

It may not be October, but I wanted to talk about L.L. Bean Duck Boots. I purchased my first pair this season and have a slight obsession with them. 

To this day, Duck boots are still made by hand in Maine which is so amazing. 
Because of that, they sell out very quickly so I highly suggest buying yours for next season! 

The million dollar question is: What do you wear them with? 

I wear mine with everything and I'm 100% serious. 

You can truly wear them with whatever you want. From a classic  J.Crew stripe dress to white skinny jeans and an oatmeal sweater, Duck boots are the perfect compliment . 

For this casual look, I paired them with classic skinny jeans and a sparkle v-neck sweater. 

As always, no outfit is complete without some baubles. I added a statement necklace and a pair of dangle earrings to dress up this look.

I believe those moments where you can truly express yourself are through accessories and I treat my clothes like a blank canvas. However, if you don't want to pile on the jewels, you could cozy this look up with a plaid blanket scarf and a military jacket.  

So, go out and buy your pair of Duck boots for next season.

You won't regret it! 

PHOTO CREDIT | Jeff Collins