Transition {Dress for Less}

LOOK 1 (for less): parka, red tote, crosboddy, lace up flats, booties
LOOK 2 (to impress): parka, red tote, crosboddy, lace up flats, booties

This fall a lot of trends are staying and lots of new ones are coming onto the scene (hello flares!). Red if this season's hottest color - as a matter of fact, all shades of red are (from burgundy to orangy). Also, lace up flats are all the rage and I'm loving this inexpensive version from Topshop. How about the open toe booties that are all over the blogs right now? The nude version is just perfect for everything from skirts to boyfriend jeans. Hope you can score some great deals and still look like a million bucks.

Thanks for stopping by!

Shop The Post

Same Time Last Year

Outfit 1

Outfit 2

Outfit 3

Outfit 4

Outfit 5

Around the first week of June last year, I posted these outfits on my blog. I can still tell you what was going on when I took the pictures, where they were taken and who I was doing after the photoshoots. It's funny how many memories are connected to the clothes we wear. For example, my wedding dress holds a lot of memories and is very important to me as it was a gift from my future husband. He wanted me to have the dress of my dreams (not sparing any expense), therefore I will keep it for the rest of my life. On the other hand, this eShakti striped dress wasn't such a great fit and I had to pass it on to my cousin. 

I'm also thinking about the things I wanted to accomplish in a year, and how far I have come. Although I'm not one of the top earning bloggers and very far from even thinking about making living out of this hobby, I like doing it. I love seeing how my style has evolved over years and how much my tastes have changed. Having a few more collaboration and sponsorship opportunities helps as well .

I just wanted to say a huge thank you to those who have been following me, supporting me and encouraging me along the way. I could not have done it without the help of my awesome husband, photographer sister and all those who visit/comment and share about my blog. 

Thank you so much for reading and following this girl's humble dream!

Link Up: Mama and More 

Floral Valentine's Day Look

dress: Lord & Taylor (similar, similar)
heels: Zara (similar)
clutch: Target
watch: FOSSIL

Nothing pleases the eye more than a gorgeous dress! My man always pays me tons of compliments for sexy, yet classy outfits. This Valentine's day is no exception and I hope the snow and chill will be bearable by Friday night because this dress is calling my name! 

Also, shoes! The shoes complete an outfit and without a killer pair. whatever suits your style, you don't have a gorgeous outfit. So here I have a selection of my favorite RED shoes for every taste.  

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13

Enjoy and thank you for stopping by!

xo, Anna

The Issue of Leggings

cardi: Target
top: LOFT
leggings: Gap
bag: Kate Spade
heels: Zara (similar)

watch: Fossil

In these pictures I'm wearing leggings. GASP! After this post by a Christian blogger who made a personal vow not to ever wear leggings, entire web has exploded with controversy over the issue. There all kinds of responses to the post and even Good Morning America interview. I mean, seriously? A little too much I think. 

Well, after thinking much about it and examining my own views, I decided to share. This post seemed to have been centered around an item of clothing, not the issue of modesty. She shared that her husband's eye were drawn to women's bottoms more when they were wearing leggings. So to honor God and her husband she set off to never wear leggings to not be a temptation. Good cause right? Right. 

If my husband would tell me that his eyes are drawn to a woman's bottom when she wears a tight fitting dress, I will not stop wearing dresses. The same thing for jeans, pants and skirts. You can find really immodest and risqué item of clothing in any department. Granted, when some women wear tights-like leggings which show every detail of their undergarments, it's very inappropriate. And I'm totally against that but I'm not going to say I'm against leggings, or skinny jeans or what not. Some skinny jeans are even more seductive than some leggings. 

The conversation should not be about an item of clothing but immodest apparel in general and that's a wide range of clothing. Also it depends on individual's definition of modesty and their personal relationship with Christ. In the end, if you are convicted as a Christian not to wear something, then don't. Just don't make it seem like people who do wear those items aren't modest. I wear leggings but they are very thick and I always wear longer sweaters or cardigans with them. 

Modesty is a matter of personal relationship with Christ. This article received this much controversy because a lot of people don't see leggings immodest or just don't have modesty standards. That's why we should be talking about a heart issue in our society and not a legging issue. She doesn't have to wear leggings to be seductive. A tight fitting silk dress with high heels will draw more attention than leggings in most cases. Let's be real here. Modesty is only important to us and God when we're doing it from the heart and not just following rules because we have to.

What do you ladies think? I would love to hear your opinion on this.

xo, Anna

Trendy

skirt: Thrifted (similar, similar)
blouse: Forever21 (similar, similar)
shoes: Liz Claiborne (similar)
bag: similar

Well, oh well, looky here. Someone has fallen to the peer pressure and bought into the trend, and it's very obvious who that someone is. The very first time I saw a leather skirt on one of the bloggers I honestly thought it was a little too much, too tacky and not for me. Fast forward year later, and I'm the one wearing it but when it comes to items like that, it's all about balance. I could not (well, I guess you could) wear it with anything like sequins or print but rather with an understated top and nude heels. Is it church worthy? I don't think so because it has too much of a sexy factor and shines like crazy. (And no one wants to see my rear in grease-like accent haha).

Do you buy trends as soon as they come out, or does it take a few years for you to warm up to the idea? Do share ladies. Thank you for stopping by.

Statement Maker

top: Express (similar)
skirt: Tibi
heels: Zara (similar)
bag: (similar)

I'm usually not the one to buy exactly the same items I see on other bloggers. I do like the designer bags and shoes but usually I can't afford them. So I looks for similar but cheaper options and come out on top. But when I saw this skirt wore last winter, I totally fell in love. I mean, can it be more perfect? So when I found the sames skirt (for a fraction of the price), I had to have it. To be honest, I loved how it looked on the hanger but when it came time to actually wear it, I was a little intimidated by how full it was and how much of a statement it made. Well, I threw caution to the wind and wore it  to a friend's wedding, and you wouldn't believe how many compliments I received. So, here's to wearing to what you like!
Thank you for stopping by! 

Fall Must-Haves 2014

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12 / 13 / 14

For me, Fall always started with school year, whether I'm studying or not. It's always been the time for apples, hot cider and layers. We can definitely feel chill of autumn air every morning in these parts, and to be honest, I love it. Unlike summer, we have been having some golden fall days, filled with cool, crisp mornings followed by warm, sunshine-filled afternoons. 

I love it.

Also, on my radar, cooler tones and some layers. I always like styling my summer pieces for fall, layering cardigans and jackets. It's so much fun! This season I'm pretty much on board with all the trends like black and white, sneaker-shoes, leather, leopard print and floppy hats. And I may actually give camo print a try. Maybe.

I hope you see something you like, and get  some shopping done because the season is upon us. 

BUDGET TIP: for the trends that you aren't sure of (like leather) try your local consignment, or thrift store. You can buy the item and not feel bad about it if you end up wearing it only once. 

#happybudgetshopping

Thank you for stopping by and have a wonderful weekend! 

Hashtag Sale {Zara}

Zara Sale

It's Friday and what a better day to start with shopping. Zara USA is currently having a huge sale on everything, yes you read that right, everything! There is so many things to pick from and it's truly impossible to stay within a budget when shopping on their website. How about these red sandals? Love! And the black shopper? Swoon! Plus they have plenty of floral piece - everything from skirts to dresses and more. Also, don't forget they make some killer jeans which seem to have best reviews for quality and durability. Hope you have a great weekend and score some great deals. Anything on your radar from this amazing retailer? Do tell!

Dress Review {eShakti}

dress: eShakti c/o
heels: Zara (similar1, similar2)
clutch: DIY (similar1, similar2)
bracelet: J.Crew (similar)

I'm so very excited about this post! I've been working with eShakti for a few months to get this dress fit just right. According to most measurement charts, I have an irregular body shape, with a tiny waist and sometimes two sizes larger hips. Almost every dress I wear needs custom alterations to fit just right. 

When eShakti first approached me, I was super excited to work with them. First I ordered the dress based on their size chart but it was too big. So I send them my measurements and they customized another dress for me. Although, I think their sizing runs a tad large so if in doubt, size down. 

The customer service team was super patient and understanding and even after I mixed up the measurements twice, they didn't drop me. Honestly, I love the fact that I was able to add sleeves, because there is nothing more I love like a perfect pencil dress. The stripes give it a Kate Spade-ish feel and make me feel glamorous, while staying very comfortable. 

I have mentioned this online retailer before when I was doing post on modest clothes and so glad that I got a chance to wear one of their dresses.  

eShakti created a coupon code 'ANNES' exclusively for HAPPY MEDLEY readers to get 10% OFF your next purchase. PLUS you can register with them and receive another $25 off! 

Please note:

Code has to be entered in the ‘promotional code’ box.   It is not case-sensitive.  

Code can be used any number of times until the validity period. 

It can be clubbed with any other promotional offer, gift coupon or gift card in the same order unless explicitly specified otherwise in the offer conditions.

This discount code is not applicable on clearance / sale, gift cards & overstock categories.

Not applicable on previous purchases. 

This is a sponsored post but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Shopping {Zara Favorites}

Perhaps it's not the best idea to start Monday  morning with a little shopping but here I am, crushing on new Zara Collection. Every time I scroll through their dresses or shoes, I want to buy at least half a dozen. Everything from chic skirts, classy sandals and killer jeans is up for grabs but the thing that I like the most is that dust pink bag. It has my name written all over. Hope you like my selection of the very cute and summery pieces and enjoy a little shopping on my account. Let me know what would you buy in the comments, I'm so excited about their new summery clothes.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!