Author Archives: alexnguyen

Casual Browns

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Who knew winter could feel like summer? Sorry for rubbing it in for those whose teeth are chattering right now, but today here in the bay, the sun was shining bright and it felt like it was in the 70s! Geez, we’re too spoiled out here.

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Jacket: Anthropologie // Top: Anthropologie  // Jeans: Gap // Boots: Steve Madden

Just so you know, it’s okay to wear a lot of brown! Just make sure that you are pairing it up with different shades of brown. Don’t just stay with one shade, or else you’ll look like poop. Enough said. I used to hate wearing brown because I thought my skin matched the color too much…it’s all about the shade!

As I have been analyzing my outfits and listing the brands out here for you, I am realizing that I shop pretty much at the same four places: Anthropologie, Gap, J.Crew, or Thrift Stores. I think I need to branch out a bit more. So for this post, instead of just giving you just one similar option, I’m going to give you a couple to choose from. Don’t limit yourself to just a couple of stores (like I have been doing), but go exploring! Who knows what special pieces you will find in the most unlikely places.

Jacket
Wearing: Anthropologie
My Picks: Forever 21 $44.80 // H&M $49.95  // Free People $248 $169

Top
Wearing: Anthropologie
My Picks: Macy’s $30 $14.99 //  Nordstrom $49 // Splendid $88

Jeans
Wearing: Gap
My Picks:  Old Navy $34.94   // Levi’s $78 $54.90 // Madewell $128

Boots
Wearing: Steve Madden
My Picks:  Old Navy $42.94 // Francesca’s $69 $41.40  // Frye $268

Now, go outside and play with leaves. It’s fun!
Happy shopping!

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Remember to follow! 🙂

Just Throw it On

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Coat: Anthropologie – Similar // Blouse: Anthropologie – Similar // Pants: Gap // Shoes: Anthropologie – Similar // Necklace: Anthropologie // Bag: Abaco Paris

Woah, I did not realize that 90% of this outfit was from Anthropologie. I guess you can say that I’m obsessed.

I titled this post “Just Throw it On” because literally I just threw these clothes on. And no, I’m not kidding. When you’re in a rush because you stayed up late catching up on Revenge and couldn’t wake up in the morning, you need some go-to items that will get you out the door looking like you put some thought into it. It’s like what they say in the teaching credential program: Fake it, until you make it.

Make sure you have these items handy just in case you’re running late for work:

1. Black Pants
2. Neutral Colored Blouse
3. Neutral Colored Coat
4. Black Flats
5. Eye Brightener – Smashbox

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BTW, if you’re having trouble keeping track of the blogs that you read (and you’re not a WordPress user), I suggest going on BlogLovin (Link above in the menu). It’s an easy way to follow all the blogs you read and keeping track about what posts you’ve read already or what you haven’t read already ALL IN ONE PLACE! No more bookmarking, trying to remember all the links in your head, or adding them to your long handwritten list…ALL IN ONE PLACE. 🙂

When you sign up, don’t forget to follow this blog!

XOXO

Here comes 2014

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I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas full of love and joy! Now your brain probably automatically flipped to NEW YEAR’s mode already, so this Thrift Style Thursday post is going to kick start off that ringing in the new year mood!

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Dress: Thrifted // Necklace: Talbots // Shoes: Thrifted

Have I told you that I absolutely love thrift shopping? I mean, come on. I purchased this vintage dress for a measly $5! You can’t beat that! However, I do wish that I found something more shiny, but oh well! Go to your local thrift store to see if you can find yourself a vintage beauty.

If you don’t find one, and you need something quick, here are my suggestions.

TopShop $15 // Forever 21 $27.80 // Express $49 // Urban Outfitters $85 // Lulu’s $111

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Don’t forget to follow via Instagram, Facebook, LookBook, WhatIWear, BlogLovin’ and Twitter! (Links on the top menu)

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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
Brandi at The Fair Trade Fashionistas

Christmas Red

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Dress: Anthropologie (old)  // Coat: Anthropologie – Similar  // Shoes: Steve Madden – Similar

I know this Christmas post is a little late, and you probably already have that perfect red dress….but it’s never too early to think of next year! Also, it’s the perfect time to go shopping for one because of all the after Christmas sales!

I know, I know, there are so many to choose from. Well, you’re in luck! Here are some of my red dress picks depending on your unique style. Are you the Sweetheart? The Hipster? The Hawt Mama? Or the Sophisticate?

THE SWEETHEART
ASOS $68.97 $40.84 // ModCloth $69.99  // J.Crew $99

THE HIPSTER
ASOS $39.93 $19.96 // Urban Outfitters $69 // Free People $118

THE HAWT MAMA
Forever 21 $27.80 // Lulu’s $30 // Express $49

THE SOPHISTICATE
H&M $34.95 // Anthropologie $188 $69.95 // Ralph Lauren $180

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Merry Christmas!

And again, thank you for taking the time out of your day (especially during the holidays) to read the nonsense on this blog. 😛

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“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called  Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Plaid

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I woke up this morning wanting to wear my pajamas to work, so I came up with this outfit that included the comfortability of my plaid flannel shirt.

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Vest: Gap – similar // Shirt: American Eagle – Similar  // Skirt: Anthropologie – Similar  // Necklace: Talbots – Similar // Shoes: Nicole Miller – Similar

Flannel Shirt – the next best thing to pajamas. Oh wait, I actually wore it to bed last night. Ha.

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Don’t forget to follow!

Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
What I Wear
BlogLovin
LookBook

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Have a styling question? Click here to ask me!

For the Men: How to Buy Clothes for Women

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Alright men, this is for you.

A male reader recently asked me to write a post about how to buy clothes for girls. Man, it’s hard enough to buy clothes for yourself let alone another person….let alone a girl!

Ok, here’s my take on the matter.

Please Don’t
1. Buy bottoms. – It’s really hard to find the right fit, so unless you know how to dress your girl to the T, don’t even try.
2. Bright and Outrageous Patterns/Prints – It’s hard to decide what pattern your girl may like
3. Generic gift sets – Shows no thought whatsoever.

Safe Bets:

Sweaters / Cardigans
You can’t go wrong with the size or shape.

1. Forever 21 $22.80 // 2. Lulu’s $63 // 3. Anthropologie $138

Chiffon/Silk  Loose blouses
Easy fit, good fabric, and feminine


1. Forever 21 $13.80 // 2. Old Navy $25  // 3. Ann Taylor $79

Graphic T’s
Comfy, relaxed, and shows creativity!


1. Old Navy $9.97  // 2. Lulu’s $28 // 3. Free People $68

Jewelry

You don’t necessarily need to give her diamonds…

1. Banana Republic $35 // 2. Anthropologie: $48 // 3. J. Crew $150

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I hope this was helpful and that you will feel confident when shopping for that special girl of yours. But please, if you decide to go with my advice despite the THOUSANDS of hints she gave you about the #1 thing on her wish list…don’t blame me.

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REMEMBER: If you have a styling question or an idea for a blog post, feel free to click the “Ask a Question” at the top of the page and ask away! I can’t wait to hear from you!

Faux Fur

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Happy Thrift Style Thursday! Today’s theme — Faux Fur.

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Vest: Thrifted // Shirt: Free People (Thrifted) – Similar // Pants: Gap – Similar // Shoes: J. Crew – Similar // Necklace: LOFT

Now, if you’re out of luck and can’t seem to find a furry treasure at your local thrift store for a mere $10, here are some store-bought options 🙂

H&M $20 // Forever 21 $47 // Daily Look $80

FOLLOW ME
Twitter: @alexisnguyen
Instagram: @snippetswithalex
Facebook: www.facebook.com/snippetswithalex
WhatIWear

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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
Brandi at The Fair Trade Fashionistas

The Academy Blazer

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Ah, here’s to another blazer.

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Blazer: Gap – Similar // Top: Thrifted – Similar // Jeans: Gap // Shoes: Thrifted  // Necklace: Talbots // Watch: Michele // Earrings: Anthropologie – Similar (F21)

Details to look for –> The Academy Blazer

1. The Fit
Especially for women, blazers need to fit well. Make sure the blazer tapers in nicely at the waist so that you still get that hour-glass-esque shape.
2. The Patterned Cuff
Having the extra detailing of a patterned cuff adds an interesting aspect to your outfit. You go from dull and stiff, to stylish and chic!
3. The Pockets
I don’t know if it’s just me, but I have to have pockets! Where else are you going to put the things that you confiscate from students or extra whiteboard marker pens?

*Sorry, the pictures are a little blurry today! 😦

Gift Guide: Fair Trade Edition

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For all those who are aren’t done with their Christmas shopping yet (which includes myself), I encourage you to take a look at these fair trade companies that give back to the community.

For those who do not know what fair trade means…
Fair Trade: a movement whose goal is to help producers in developing countries to get a fair price for their products so as to reduce poverty, provide for the ethical treatment of workers and farmers, and promote environmentally sustainable practices (Merriam-Webster)

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Krochet Kids
This organization provides jobs to women in Peru and Uganda through the making of handmade knitted goods. I am so impressed with the high quality and the variety of product styles that they offer.
Here are my picks:

Krochetkids.org

Hat: The Watchman $23.95 // Scarf: The Quinn $47.95

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Burnish Imports
I adore Burnish Imports and their collection of unique jewelry. According to their mission statement, they strive to support Maasai women by providing “a broader range of job opportunities, 
higher employment benefits, and deeper community transformation.” 
My picks:

1. Gold Tiny Strand  $28

Burnish Imports

2. Purple Spiral Bracelet $26

Burnish Imports

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Raven and Lily
This organization helps employ women in Ethiopia, India, Cambodia, and the U.S. giving them the blessing of a stable income, benefits, and education in order to support themselves and their families.

My picks:

1. Set of 3 Travel Journals $24

Raven and Lily

2. Jacquelina: Striped Infinity Scarf $32

Raven and Lily

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Invisible Children
All the proceeds made go to the protection and rehabilitation of children in Africa who were abducted and forced to serve as soldiers.

My Picks

1. Peace and Action T-Shirt $25

Invisible Children

2. Liberty Triangle Pocket $30

Invisible Children

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Project Repat

Now this organization provides a job opportunity for those with disabilities. You send in all your old memorable t-shirts and they turns all your old t-shirts into a lovely keepsake quilt. Such a great idea for a graduation present or for any other milestones in life!

Project Repat

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I hope that this post inspires you to shop in a way that positively makes a difference. 🙂

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BTW, if you haven’t check out my GIVEAWAY, please do so! I am extending the entry date to THURSDAY, Dec. 19 (so that I can get it to you in time for Christmas).

DIY Fridays – Magnetic Bottle Caps (Plus my first Giveaway!)

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So I keep getting requests for DIY projects, so here you go! Look out every Friday for a post about little projects and/or activities that you can do over the weekend to get your crafting-fix. These projects may be something that I personally have done, or something that I found randomly that I thought you might enjoy.

Today’s post is about a project that I did a couple years ago for my family for Christmas. I come from a humungous family and so it’s hard and expensive to buy everyone gifts. So that year, I decided to make something sentimental as well as cost efficient — Bottlecap Magnets!

You can fill the bottle caps with any picture/paper you want! And if you get the bottle caps that fan out, it makes a great “frame”.

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*For these I used Izze bottle caps because they were twist offs. Notice that they don’t fan out.

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*These I bought online (link below)

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Materials:
1. Bottle Caps (You can either save them or buy them!)
2. 1-inch circle punch
3. Resin (can be found at Michael’s)
4. Plastic cup and spoon
5. Tupperware or box of some sort as a cover
6. Hot Glue
7. Mini Circular magnets (can be found at Michael’s)

DIRECTIONS:
1. Using the circle punch, punch out pictures and/or pretty paper.

2. Follow instructions on the Resin bottles to create the mixture.

3. Place the paper circles that you just punched out into the bottle caps. Carefully pour the resin into the bottle cap. I suggest using a plastic spoon to pour it in so that you won’t be in danger of having an overflow.

4. Make sure that there are no air bubbles by breathing on them. Yes, I said breathing. The heat from your breath will smooth out the bubbles. (Keep an eye out. You may need to do this every so often just to make sure the bubbles don’t come back.)

5. Place the tupperware or box of some sort over them to keep dirt and other air particles from ruining it. You will probably have to wait overnight or a day or two to make sure it sets completely.
6. After it sets, hot glue the circular magnets onto the back, and there you go!

Packaging ideas: Check out Thrifty and Thriving and how she packages her homemade magnets. Also, she uses clear marbles to make her magnets instead. Check it out!

*Sorry for the lack of step-by-step pictures. If you come across any problems while doing the project, feel free to contact me!

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GIVEAWAY

Now for the giveaway! Christmas is around the corner and so I am offering my readers a chance to win a great stocking stuffer!

This giveaway is for a set of 3 handmade blank cards and envelopes from Cross And Dot. They are hand-stamped and embossed and definitely made with love. 🙂

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* Only the “Bicycle” set is part of the giveaway. Sorry!

To Enter:

1. Like the Snippetswithalex Facebook Page.
2. Leave a comment on this post with your name, email, and your favorite Snippetswithalex blogpost thus far and why.
3. For an extra entry, share the Facebook page on your FB timeline!

Giveaway will end Tuesday, Dec. 17th and the winner will be posted on Wednesday, Dec. 18 and will receive their gift in the mail in time for Christmas!

Happy Holidays!