About Me

So who is this gal who never runs out of things to say about fashion and style?

Hi! Welcome to my website -- my name is Anna Villaruel and I'm the editor and web designer behind The Chic Fashionista.com.

I created this website in September 2008 and it has been growing steadily for the past 6 months.

It was my passion for fashion and shopping that drove me into creating The Chic Fashionista.com and I love every minute of it!

I've always enjoyed being around clothes and accessories, playing and creating with outfits. Here is my story, if you're curious...

Starting from an early age

That's me at around age 1-2. Light blue is so not my color.

I've always been the girly-girl and shopping fanatic in my family. Starting from an age of 2, I loved posing in front of the camera in my most beautiful dresses and cute shoes. I would often sneak inside my mother's closet and pull out her clothes, put them on and pretend that I was grown-up lady.

But it wasn't until middle school that I got really interested in my looks and being up-to-date with the latest trends. At an age 12 I would surf the net for fashion advice and runway pictures, print and gather them in a ring binder which I exclusively called my "Fashion Bible".

I loved watching tv-shows, music videos, magazines and take note of what the celebs were wearing. Although I didn't have the money, I simply enjoyed imagining outfits in my mind.

I was skilled at finding fashionable clothes in cheap, mainstream retail stores. My friends would often ask me where I bought a clothing I was wearing, and I would say "H&M" and they were like, "Really? You sure are good at finding great stuff. I usually don't have the patience to wade through the clothes".

Discovering online fashion shopping

Digging in a Forever 21-package

It wasn't until I received my first credit card (Visa Electron for "babies" and not the "real" Visa for 18 years old and above) at an age 15 that I showed a huge interest in online shopping. I'll never forget my first online purchase which was a teeth whitening kit on eBay for 3 bucks. And I was hooked! From then on I started buying purses, jewelry and all sorts of fashion nick nacks on the net and it grew to bigger things like clothes and shoes.

Internet became my Holy Grail to buying the best of stylish fashion. Today, more than half of my wardrobe purchases are from the net. My boyfriend also often asks me for help on shopping on eBay and researching products for him. And I'm responsible for engaging him into the world of online shopping. I've helped him grow his wardrobe as well :-)

The Chic Fashionista's Personal Style

I have received a few emails from readers, wanting to get to know my style. Well, I love timeless pieces like tailored blazers and v-neck tees which I often combine with vintage and boho. I would say that my style is casual, classy yet trendy.

Some of my fashion fetishes are ruffles at the right places (like along the button-line and around the hips), lace (I love the nostalgic grandma feel), ethnic prints like paisley, floral, almost anything exotic really, black and other earthy colors like tan, brown, ivory, beige, etc. And of course, I love deep purple, pinkish peach and a few red nuances.

Ever since I discovered that I was an Autumn (warm skin tone) I've never touched silver jewelry. It makes me look pale. I only wear gold like gold bangles, chain bracelets, multi necklaces, vintagey pendant necklaces, oooh and definitely exotic-looking beads.

I also have a thing for tunics, belted clothing, slouchy leather bags, strappy sandals and ankle boots.

Some of my favorite fashion icons are Nicole Richie, Ashley Olsen, Rachel Bilson and Gwyneth Paltrow.

I've created a fashion blog Her Fashion Affair where I report about my personal purchases and the latest updates at thechicfashionista.com.

My goal with The Chic Fashionista.com

One of the main reasons I started this website was to create an all-in-one platform packed with valuable fashion advice and inspiration for young women. I strive to bring you detailed, easy-to-follow and helpful fashion advice to feed your shopping and style needs. And of course, improve your looks. All in one place :-)

Although The Chic Fashionista.com is mostly targeted towards a younger audience, you're still welcome to take a peek. Most of the advice here are basics that work for everyone no matter age or sex.

Why should you listen to my advice?

I know how hard it can be to find clothes and accessories that are trendy, affordable, different and not least available for shipping to your region. I have been scouring the internet for many years, and I believe that I have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge in fashion shopping both online (and offline of course) through my own experiences.

Begin your search here -- as I've already done the heavy research for you to help you save time and money. From how to choose it, where to buy it and how to wear it. I've presented to you the best clothes and the best sellers all in one place.

I'm no fashion expert but I've most definitely learned from my and others fashion mistakes ;-) I'm an observer. I love to research and acquire new knowledge within fashion and style. I enjoy reading and writing as well, and ever since I was 5 years old I have always dreamt of publishing and creating something invaluable for a group of people.

I am not a certified image consultant… yet. I'm taking a course in fashion styling right now but I'm saving up for fashion courses at University of Arts in London and an international master certificate in Image Consultancy, Fashion Styling and Personal Shopper through Elite Pro sometime next year.

I know that this sounds cheesy but if you feel that my fashion advice is of great help, please consider supporting my website by purchasing a product you like through one of my links. This would help me move a step closer to my goal :-)

I have big plans for this website, like demonstrating my advice in video clips and publishing books. I'm also itching to extend this website with beauty tips like makeup, hair styles and other grooming tips for young women.

But as my mom would often say: "No money, no honey".

I looove giving fashion advice and help people look their best. I usually give honest advice. I don't sugar-coat like most sales clerks, boyfriends and friends would do ;-)

"Trust me, I know certified people who don't have a clue and then there's some people that just 'get' it instinctively. You definitely got it. I was just curious if you were trained by CMB because I think they are the best and most popular company offering this."

- Lora Alexander from prettyyourworld.com in an email to me

Most of the links throughout The Chic Fashionista.com are recommended by me and the choices have been influenced by my own personal preference and style. I only add items that I feel might be of value for you and not least, unique. I try my best to showcase items that are popular and different with a reasonable price tag. But you'll also find some expensive designer garments (perfect for the luxury couture fashionista), but which I think are worth it because of the quality and uniqueness!

If you have any questions, suggestions or feedback, feel free to drop me a line here.

Warm regards,
Anna :-)

Want to become a fashionista and keep up with the current fashion trends? Then subscribe to Chic Fashion News and you'll receive a bi-weekly newsletter with goodies such as quick-reports on the latest trends, styling tricks & outfit inspiration, alerts on the hottest online deals & steals, and more! Anything valuable that will keep your style ever-fresh :-)