In the World of J. Austen

Posted on January 19, 2014 by alexnguyen

I know what you’re thinking and the answer is NO, I did not actually wear this today to walk around town. We took family portraits over the holidays, so I thought I would share my look with you. I’m not really into the traditional studio family portraits, but hey, it’s an excuse to get all dressed up!

So let me tell you something about this dress…MY FAVORITE.
Every girl needs that dress, with a lace corset bodice and satin ribbon, that makes her feel like she’s the female lead character in a Jane Austen novel.

Dress
Wearing: Anthropologie
My Picks: Forever 21 $29.80 // Tobi ~~$58~~ $40 // ModCloth $99.99 // ASOS ~~$281.31~~ $196.92

Necklace
Wearing: Talbots
My Picks: Forever 21 $10.80 // Macy’s $49.50

Shoes:
Wearing: Anthropologie
My Picks: Old Navy ~~$26.04~~ $25.00 // Urban Outfitters $70

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Now go find yourself that dress that makes you feel like Mr. Darcy could walk up to you at any moment and say…

“You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.”

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IMP {In My Opinion} : 100% Pure

Posted on January 17, 2014 by alexnguyen

Do you have sensitive skin? Are you tired of filling up your pores with chemicals? Are you vegan? Well, then I would like to introduce you to 100% Pure.

If you don’t already know, 100% Pure is a cosmetics/skin-care company that specializes in using all natural, organic, and vegan ingredients. They were kind enough to send me a couple of their items to review. Here are my honest thoughts!

Juicy Pink Grapefruit Lip Gloss:
I’m usually the chapstick girl that usually doesn’t reach for the lip gloss, but let me tell you, I really like this gloss!
Reasons why:
1) The colors available are very neutral and can be worn everyday for a slight boost of awesomeness to your look. {I do wish that I got a slightly brighter color though because this shade was too close to my lip color}

2) The texture of this gloss is amazing. I was surprised how well it smoothed on. Not too liquid-y and it felt nice on my lips! Moistened them very well too!

3) Luster: This gloss wasn’t overly shiny which personally I liked.

4) The Smell: Smelled exactly like the fruit! 🙂

Fruit Pigmented Mascara: Black Tea
What I like:
1) It works! My lashes stay curly despite my super straight Asian-lashes. 😛

2) The Smell: IT SMELLS SO GOOD! Like freshly picked berries which is surprising for a mascara!

3) Comes in a variety of colors! I will stick to black, but who knows? If I decide to stray off from the traditional, I will know that I have some choices!

4) Packaging: It comes in a shiny silver tube. Come on, what more do you want?

One suggestion: I do wish it came with a bigger brush (It’s just my preference. I like the feel of a thick brush). I am going to write an email to them to suggest it. 🙂

Pomegranate Antioxidant Hydration Face Cream
What I love:
1) The Smell: Yes, 100% Pure is making my nose happy. 🙂

2) The Texture: Comes on smooth and moisturizes but keeps my face feeling light.

3) The Hydration: I used this cream overnight and I woke up still feeling hydrated. And right now? My skin is still not thirsty. 🙂

4) The Packaging: I love the design of the container and the pump. The cream comes out very smooth and it’s easy to get the desired amount.

5) SPF. ‘Nuff said.

Berry Brightening Facial Scrub
What I love:
1) Leaves my skin feeling refreshed and clean and light! Leaves no residue.

2) The exfoliation process is not harsh and leaves your skin still feeling moist rather than super dry and crackly. LOVE it. A lot of other scrubs tend to leave my face feeling stripped of my top layer of skin. NOT THIS ONE! 🙂

3) The smell is awesome as always. 🙂

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After a couple of uses for each product, I can say that 100% Pure has my stamp of approval. 🙂 I can’t wait to see how my skin changes by using products that are free from artificial chemicals.

Be Pure. 100% Pure.

Denim and Stripes

Posted on January 16, 2014 by alexnguyen

Thrift Style Thursday: The Maxi Skirt

I already had a post about a thrifted maxi skirt {The Maxi}, but good thing I remembered that I thrifted this number a year or two ago. My favorite part is that it’s super comfortable! I can wear maxi skirts or dresses all day long! Today was kind of a lazy day, good thing this skirt is easy to pair up with anything. Just throw on a chambray, some jewelry, put up that messy bed hair, and out the door. {Have you noticed my tendency of just throwing things on? Sorry to let out the secret that I don’t plan out my outfits the night before. 😛 }

Chambray
Wearing: Madewell – Same but different wash –> Saltstone Wash $88
My Picks: Old Navy $15 // Daily Look $44.95

Skirt
Wearing: Thrifted
My Picks: Target $24.99 // Zappos $70

Necklace
Wearing: Talbots
My Picks: J.Crew Factory SALE $29.50 // or $34.50

Flats
Wearing: J.Crew SALE $59.50
{Absolutely the most comfortable flats ever! My favorite part is that it has a slight hidden wedge so you’re not completely flat on the ground.}

Jewelry: A mixture of thrifted and handmade finds

Watch: Michele

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Don’t forget to follow on BlogLovin’!

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Check out the other Thrift Style Thursday bloggers:

Zhenya at Being Zhenya
Kristi of Alligator Toe
Miche at Buttons and Birdcages
Jackline at Sincerely Miss J
Martyna at Spoolish
Justine of The Two Cent Chic
Nout at Sandpaper Kisses
Megan // Eclecticity

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Suave Muave

Posted on January 15, 2014 by alexnguyen

Let’s talk about this color muave. It’s elegant, feminine, classy, and yes, very suave.

Blazer
Wearing: Anthroplogie ON SALE ~~$138.95~~ $39.99

Lace Blouse
Wearing: Urban Outfitters
My Picks: Forever 21 $14.80 // Macy’s $34

Jeans
Wearing: Gap $69.95

Shoes
c/o Lulu*s $24
{Can I just say, that I’ve been looking for these shoes for awhile? It’s been hard to find them for a reasonable price but of course, Lulu’s got them! Super cute, right? And as for comfort….not too shabby! 🙂 }

Purse
Hand-me-down: Vintage Coach
{Has anyone taken a look at the new Coach line? I’m genuinely impressed. Previously, they have always been about the “C’s” and the bright colors, but now they’re bringing back the simple, classic, but modern look. Absolutely love!}

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Sometimes you want to stand out, but not be a highlighter. I say, go for the softer shades like this mauve color to make a subtle statement. Contrast the soft color against neutral pieces and watch your outfit command attention without people going “Woah, where’s the new vocabulary word?” {Yes, kind of a lame teacher joke, but hopefully you understood my intent or at least got a good laugh at my expense.}

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Don’t forget to follow on BlogLovin’! 🙂

“If you are chilly, here take my sweater”

Posted on January 13, 2014 by alexnguyen

I’m usually not this casual for work, but being sleep deprived and waking up with a sore throat, I just couldn’t bring myself to wear anything else but comfy and warm clothes.

Sweater
Wearing: Urban Outfitters
My Picks: Forever 21 $29.80 // Urban Outfitters ~~$59~~ $39 // DailyLook $69

Scarf
Wearing: American Eagle $29.90

Boots
Wearing: Anthropologie
My Picks: Old Navy $44.94 // Macy’s ~~$75.00~~ $59.99

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Stay warm out there!

Don’t forget to follow via BlogLovin’!

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Pop of Pink

Posted on January 10, 2014 by alexnguyen

The Problem: You want to wear a simple T-shirt, but you’re headed to work and that simply is not acceptable.
The Fix: Just throw on a skirt that POPS, heels, and a statement necklace, and make it a day.

Coat
Wearing: Ann Taylor
My Picks: Daily Look $84.99 // Banana Republic ~~$298~~ $199

Skirt
Wearing: Anthropologie
My Picks: Forever 21 $14.80 // Dorothy Perkins ~~$35~~ $25 // Saks Fifth ~~$269~~ $79

Tee
Wearing: Gap ~~$19.95~~ $11.97
My Picks: Old Navy $10.94 // J. Crew $29.50

Necklace
Wearing: Talbots SALE ~~$69.50~~ $19.99

Shoes
Wearing: DSW
My Picks: Zappos SALE ~~$49.00~~ $39.99 // Lulu*s $46

Belt
Wearing: Thrifted
My Picks: Target $12.99 // ASOS ~~$27.22~~ $14.52

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Happy Friday!

Oh and can you spot in my pictures the thing that reveals I am a teacher? 🙂 (You can see it in the third picture as well as in some of my other posts. Ha.)

Sweet Leather

Posted on January 9, 2014 by alexnguyen

Thrift Style Thursday // Leather

For some reason, I always imagined the leather jacket (or faux in this case) paired up with pants, or jeans, and maybe even a motorcycle to create a fierce and tough look. But being the super girly girl that I am, I wanted to see if it would work with a super feminine dress to turn the outfit from being fierce and tough to soft and sweet.

Dress
Wearing: Anthropologie
My Picks: Old Navy ~~$34.94~~ $23.97 // Lulu*s $47 // Urban Outfitters $98

Leatherette Jacket
Wearing: Thrifted from Crossroads
My Picks: Forever 21 $44.80 // DailyLook $59.99 // Nordstrom $78

Boots
Wearing: Anthropologie
My Picks: Old Navy $44.94 // Macy’s ~~$75.00~~ $59.99

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I have been debating whether or not to announce this to the world, but one of my New Year’s Resolution is to not by anything new this year (Well, my first checkpoint and goal is to make it till my birthday in April. I have to be realistic right?). I’ve decided to do this because I’ve got a major case of the travel bug, and in order to satisfy this inkling of mine, I need to save as much money as possible. Maybe announcing this will help keep myself accountable. Here’s what I’m doing…

1. Only buying thrifted/used items if necessary.
2. Borrow, borrow, borrow
3. Go through my aunt’s closet for hand-me-downs
4. Accepting merchandise to promote

Want to join me?

Thanks for Patrice, from Looking Fly on a Dime, for the inspiration, and Zhenya for the push to put it on my blog because she’s doing it too! 🙂

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Don’t forget to follow on BlogLovin’!

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Check out the other Thrift Style Thursday bloggers:

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How to: Cover up your Post-Holiday Food Body

Posted on January 7, 2014 by alexnguyen

I don’t know about you, but after two weeks of saying “Oh what’s just one more cookie?”, “It’s the holidays!”, “I’ll work out afterwards.”, or “I’m on vacation!”, I can hardly recognize my tummy. Food baby? Definitely yes.

I woke up this morning regretting everything I ate the past two weeks. I know I made my annual resolution to exercise more, but how do I dress the body that I have now, food baby and all? Well, here are some tips that I compiled on how to hide that post-holiday food body of yours…

1. Wear skinny jeans
I know you probably don’t feel skinny, but skinny jeans (I’m talking about the shape, not the jeans you wear when you feel skinny) will help elongate your legs. Make sure that your pants aren’t too tight around the waist or a muffin top will happen. It also helps if the pants are not a super low riser.

2. Wear heels…
preferably a pointed toe because that helps elongate the legs as well.

3. A loose top
A tunic or blouse that flares out from your stomach will help disguise it until you follow through with your New Year’s resolution of working out at least 4 times a week. But be careful to not get a baggy shirt. There’s a difference (explained in next tip).

4. Still shows off your figure
Please don’t throw a garbage bag over yourself and call it a day. You are still beautiful, despite the couple of pounds you may have gained over break, so why do yourself a disservice? Make sure the clothes you are wearing still shows that you have shape. I suggest wearing something that accentuates your waist (usually the smallest part of your body). Maybe add a belt over a loose dress or shirt or choose a top that tapers in at the waist but is still loose in the stomach area.

5. Add some flare
Accessorize! Sparkle and flare always helps to gravitate the eyes towards that accessory, rather than towards your hips.

Coat
Wearing: Anthropologie
My Picks: Humble Chic $98 // House of Fraser ~~$410~~ $205
(I tried finding less expensive ones, but had no luck! I’ll let you know if I stumble across a better deal.)

Shirt
Wearing: Thrifted (I found it for only $20!) – Free People $98
My Picks: Old Navy ~~$29.94~~ $27.97 // Lulu*s ~~$49~~ $39

Pants
Wearing: Gap $69.95
My Picks: Old Navy ~~$34.94~~ $29.50 //Madewell $115

Shoes
Wearing: Talbots
My Picks: Ecco $75 // Michael Kors $125

Necklace
Wearing: Anthropologie
My Picks: Forever 21 $8.80 // Urban Outfitters $28

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The Green Utility

Posted on January 3, 2014 by alexnguyen

For a year, I have been on the look out for the perfect green utility jacket. A couple of months ago, I took a trip to Seattle with a couple of friends with the assumption that I am definitely going to have some luck in finding my wanna-be-hipster green utility jacket. Lo and behold, I found one! What I like about it is that it’s light, easy-to-wear and very versatile — it can be a throw-it-on jacket with jeans and a t-shirt, wear it with a dress or a skirt, or you can even throw it over a nice outfit with heels and you’re out the door!

Utility Jacket
Wearing: Boutique in Seattle
My Picks: Forever 21: ~~$39.80~~ $27.99 // Old Navy $39.94 // Urban $78 // Nordstrom $108

Sweater:
Wearing: H&M
My Picks: Forever 21 $15.50 // Francesca’s $44 // Lulu’s $79.50

Dress:
Wearing: Urban Outfitters ~~$59~~ $19.99
My Picks: Old Navy ~~$29.95~~ $9.97 // Free People $118

Boots:
Wearing: Ralph Lauren
My Picks: Macy’s ~~$79~~ $59.99 // Ralph Lauren $194

Shopping Tip: If you’re searching for something specific like two-toned boots, a leather jacket, the perfect purse, or even the perfect man, DON’T EVER SETTLE. Wait until you find the exact thing that you’re looking for.

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Don’t forget to follow on Blog Lovin’ 🙂

How to: Survive Post-Holiday Blues

Posted on January 2, 2014 by alexnguyen

Ah, the holidays are over. Right now you are probably experiencing Christmas-withdrawl, food and sugar comas, family overload, smaller bank accounts, and back-to-work anxiety. Just know that you are not alone in your post-holiday blues.

Here are some of my suggestions on how to deal with the transition back to real life:

1. Ease your way in by rewarding yourself every two hours for surviving with leftover Christmas chocolate.

2. Secretly listen to your favorite Christmas carol at least once a day until you are ready to let go.

3. Start walking in the morning for at least 10 minutes, and increase your time every day as you begin to get used to your ligaments moving again.

4. If you are experiencing an extreme case of anxiety, take 5 shots of a peppermint mocha latte. Slowly ween yourself off.

5. Space out your use of your Christmas gifts. Don’t use or wear your gifts all in one week! Spread it out so you can enjoy the excitement of new things longer.

6. It’s okay to leave your Christmas tree up for a little while longer. Just remember, the longer you wait, the harder it will be. I suggest the last day to keep it up should be Jan. 11. Longer than that, and it will probably be a fire hazard, if it isn’t already.Don’t say that I didn’t warn you!

7. Read your favorite blogs (wink wink) to get your mind off your post-holiday blues.

Hopefully that list will help you get through!

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Here are some snippets of my vacay!