European Flare

Posted on December 12, 2013 by alexnguyen

Bonjour! This post is dedicated to the wonderful fashionistas in Europe who never fail to look classy. I was blessed to be able to visit Paris this past March and I just fell in love with the culture! So today, I decided to combine the Thrift Style Thursday Theme of bags this week with a little European Flare.

Coat: Anthropologie // Sweater: Gap – Similar // Jeans: Gap // Shoes: Talbots – Similar // Watch: Michele // Purse: Thrifted – Juicy Couture // Necklaces: Urban, Vintage

Outfit highlights:
THE COAT: I’ve been looking for a cream/off white coat for awhile. While I was in D.C. for Friendsgiving, we did some after Black Friday shopping and I found this beautiful more traditional/classic coat. I was about to snag it, but then I thought about my other coats, and I have plenty of nice typically-shaped coats. Therefore, I decided to get the one shown above. I figured, it’s always nice to have something that makes you feel like you should be on the runway. Right? Especially when it was an extra 20% off!

THE PURSE: Since it is Thrift Style Thursday, here is my Juicy Couture purse that I thrifted at Crossroads Trading Company. I have been looking for a nice, quality, black side satchel piece that would go with practically any outfit. Well, I lucked out and found this beauty. Usually JC stuff is a little too out there for me, with a bunch of their logos plastered all over it, but this one fit my simplistic style.

THE WATCH: Now, I’ve been on the look out for good watch for awhile. I had no idea what to look for until I talked to my fashionable-in-the-know cousins. Their tip: TWO-TONE. Get a two-toned (both gold and silver) watch and band so that it can match with every outfit no matter what. Yes, this was definitely a splurge, but so worth it! It’s functional as well as a stylish accessory! You will probably see me wear this guy every post. 🙂 I got this watch at Nordstrom Rack. Be on the look out, because these are hard to find!

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Last tip of the day:

How to look European (in my humble opinion):

1. It’s all about the coat
Since it gets pretty chilly over there during the winter, the only thing that you pretty much see are their coats! I suggest always having a classic coat, but when you want to add some flare, try a new style!
2. Neutral colors are key.
Keep it classy with the neutrals.
3. Less is more.
Don’t be decked out in accessories. Keep it simple!
4. Confidence.
Just like with any outfit, confidence is key. My quote of the day:
“The outfit is the lightbulb, but confidence is the electricity.”

*Okay, probably too many different themes for one post. If you got lost in the mumbo jumbo of my writing, I deeply apologize for my rambling.

Thanks for reading!

BTW: I’m trying to get into the social media scene so follow me for more fun!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/snippetswithalex
Instagram: @snippetswithalex
Twitter: @alexisnguyen

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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

The Maxi

Posted on December 10, 2013 by alexnguyen

Who says you can’t wear a maxi skirt during the winter? You know me, always going against a current. 🙂

Top: Gap – Similar // Cardigan: Anthropologie – Similar // Skirt: Thrifted – Similar // Necklace: Talbots – Similar

Here’s the inside scoop: maxi skirts make me feel like a princess — especially this one because it flows with the wind, twirls when I twirl, and I can curtsy in it. Yes, absolutely perfect. Hey, every girl needs to have a twirl-able skirt! Don’t judge.

Maxi Skirt Tips:
1. Make sure that the slip underneath is long enough. Maybe it’s just my conservative taste, but I think that the short slip with a see-through long skirt is a bit inappropriate in my opinion. Oh well, everyone’s entitled, right?
2. To make it a more fall/winter look, pair it up with ankle boots!

Camouflage

Posted on December 9, 2013 by alexnguyen

It was Spirit Week at school last week! Guess what one of the themes was? Let’s just say that for that entire week, I should have won the “Most Spirited Teacher” award. 🙂

Jacket: Gap // Blouse: Thrifted – Similar // Shorts – Gap – Similar // Jewelry: Anthropologie – Neck, Ears

I’m not one to wear camouflage, but this jacket is growing on me! There is even an extra layer vest underneath that kept me warm during last week’s SUPER cool down. Thank you Lydia for letting me borrow your jacket and helping me show school spirit!

Tip: Whenever you wear some sort of all over color and print, balance it out with some neutrals!

The Modern Polka Dot

Posted on December 5, 2013 by alexnguyen

I’ve not been one to wear polka dots, but that was the theme chosen today for Thrifty Thursdays. So here’s my modern take on the classic pattern.

Blouse: Thrifted – Option // Blazer: Urban – Similar // Jeans: Gap
Shoes: Anthropologie – Similar {Sale!} // Earrings: Vintage from my Mom

The blouse is comprised of dots, but they’re more abstract with a little extra detailing and so they’re not the traditional pattern you usually see. Makes it a little special, don’t you think?

Check out the other fellow Thrifty Thursday Bloggers out there!

Custom Monogram

Posted on December 3, 2013 by alexnguyen

Okay, okay, this may be kind of selfish and too much like advertising, but if you’re in need of a last minute gift for someone in your life, I’ve got the answer for you! 🙂

Personalized Monogram Stationary

This past summer, my group of friends parted ways to start our own new adventures. Goodbyes are hard, but the thought of how easy it is to keep in touch made it bearable. I decided to design simple monogram cards with colors that matched each and every one of my friends’ personalities. This way, there is no excuse not to write to each other. Granted, I am guilty of not sending anything yet. Sorry guys.

Well, now this design is officially open to order. I’m in the process of reopening my Etsy store. If you go there right now, there’s nothing listed. But if you’re interested in making any type of order, please email me at cross.n.dot@gmail.com and we can talk about what color and what letter you’d like and I’ll list a posting.

Ahh, I’m so excited for Christmas!

Be careful out there…Christmas Shopping is dangerous.

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Prices
Single: $3
Set of 6: $16.50
Set of 12: $30
Set of 24: $40

*Cards come with envelopes.

**Prices are comparable to Paper-Source Monogram cards. But I am bias because mine are handmade! 🙂

Cross and Dot

Posted on December 1, 2013 by alexnguyen

I have officially finished my first wedding order as my newly named stationary business Cross and Dot {as in “Cross your T’s and dot your i’s”}! After many hours of cutting, gluing, designing, taping, measuring, and embossing with only a couple of hiccups and newbie mistakes, my work is done.

Christine Sauveur Photography

The Count:
100 Save the Dates
55 Bridal Shower Invites
100 Invitations
– RSVP cards + envelope
-Information cards
-Rehearsal Dinner cards

Note: I do not have close ups of the inserts for privacy reasons. Hopefully I will have mock-ups with fake information soon.

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I also recently made baby shower invitations — whale themed.

If you are at all interested in my work, please feel free to contact me at cross.n.dot@gmail.com. I specialize in handmade stationary, invitations, and blank greeting cards.

Thanks for stopping by!

**Note: These wonderful photos were taken by the wonderful Christine Sauveur. She is currently not taking any clients, due to her own up and coming wedding {yayyyyyyyy!} but I will definitely give you guys a shout out when she’s available!

Winter Lace

Posted on November 28, 2013 by alexnguyen

I’m all about the juxtaposition of putting cold weather together with lace, especially for the holiday season. Today’s Thrifty Thursday post is comprised of wonderful finds from our local Savers and Crossroads. Here’s my version of a casual holiday outfit.

Dress: Thrifted – Similar // Boots: DSW – Similar // Sweater: Thrifted – Similar // Scarf: P.O.K.O

Got a summer/spring dress that you still aren’t sick of wearing, despite the cold weather? THAT’S OK. Throw on a pair of black tights, a chunky sweater, a scarf, boots and you’re good to go!

And just to show you that I actually use the tips that I give out, here’s how I chose this dress.
1. Is this cute? DUH.
2. Will the shape fit and flatter my body type? Yes.
3. Good fabric/brand? Yes. It’s Ann Taylor.
4. Do I have other clothes to make this dress a multiple outfit phenomena? Yes.
5. Shall I buy it? YES.

Check out the other fellow Thrifty Thursday Bloggers out there. 🙂

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

Just a Tweed-bit

Posted on November 26, 2013 by alexnguyen

Back in the day, I thought tweed was just for my mother and grandmother. But then I grew up and realized that it’s still as fashionable as it was back then.

FLASHBACK

FLASHFORWARD

Jacket: Gap – Similar // Jeans: Gap // Shirt: Thrifted – Similar // Shoes: J-Crew

If you clicked on the above links, you may have noticed that the items are somewhat pricey. I just wanted to confirm that when I bought my clothes, they were all at least an additional 50% off. I’m going to have a post sometime later about smart shopping, but right now, let me tell you the true cost of this outfit.

Shirt: $2 (50% at Goodwill)
Jeans: $42 (40% off, A good investment because I wear them practically every day).
Jacket: $20 (Extra 40% at Gap)
Shoes: $40 (Extra 40% So comfortable that I can wear them all day while teaching)

Not too shabby for some easy mix-match quality items, don’t you agree?

Brisk Morning

Posted on November 25, 2013 by alexnguyen

Wow, it was cold this morning. I think the weather has officially decided that it is now winter.

Trench: Anthropologie – Similar // Dress: Anthropologie – Similar // Sweater: Hand-me-down //Boots: DSW – Similar // Scarf: POKO (a.k.a. Me)

POKO is currently on halt for right now due to other endeavors. I apologize to those who are waiting for a new knitted design. Life just gets busy, you know?

My If-I-Had-A-Boyfriend’s Closet

Posted on November 22, 2013 by alexnguyen

I had a friend suggest the idea of doing a post about menswear, so here it is. Being a recent college graduate, it’s been fun seeing my friends’ wardrobes change from their college get-up to professional put-together looks. So here’s to all my male friends in need of a wardrobe shift from casual adolescence, to casual class. Think clean cut, modern, simple, and fitted. There’s nothing like a well-dressed man.