Fitness Week! – #Bodenonthego

Posted on November 3, 2014 by alexnguyen

Welcome to Fitness Week on SWA! Since the holidays are coming up, temptations are sure to arise as pumpkin spiced baked goods pop up at every corner and those numerous, as well as enormous, family feasts that you just can’t seem to control yourself at. Yes, so what’s my plan? A pre-holiday work out! I feel like it’s harder to have a post-holiday work out because you’re already lethargic and suffering from a food coma, so why not start early, kick in those good habits, and not worry about gaining those holiday pounds?

So this week I have a couple of posts lined up revolving around the three F’s of fitness: Fashion, Food, and Fundamentals

Today is all about the Fitness Fashion . Boden Clothing has just recently launched a new activewear line that is not only functional, but stylish beyond measure! The fabric is breathable, flexible, comfortable, and basically any other -ible you can come up with! I was especially surprised by the bottoms because it felt like a second skin but was not see-through at all and even included a secret back pocket for a key! Make sure you hurry on over to their site and use the code YOGA to get 15% off your purchase! Research and statistics actually shows that your wardrobe makes a difference in your psychological behavior.

Good activewear = Higher tendency to work out = Healthy Lifestyle

The Run Faster Sweatshirt / Yoga Drawcord Top / Run Faster Leggings
c/o of Boden << Click to see more!

*All opinions and feedback are my own.

Thanks for stopping by. Don’t forget to come back for more during Fitness Week! 🙂

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Florals for Fall – Inspired by Glamour

Posted on October 30, 2014 by alexnguyen

I was flipping through the most recent Glamour issue and my thumb instantly stopped at the page full of florals. Yes, when fall comes we get excited about the coats, autumn colors, and wool fabrics, but what about our good friend Floral? Glamour’s got it right when they didn’t say goodbye to florals this fall season.

I decided to try out their suggestion by pairing dark florals with chambray. I have to say that this combo is definitely budding my interest in keeping my florals around this season.

What do you think?

Blazer: Boutique – My favorites – ONE {sale!} – TWO – THREE // Skirt: Anthropologie // Chambray: Madewell // Shoes: Talbots // Bracelets: J. Crew // Ring: c/o Wrenn Jewelry // Watch: Michele

Thank you for reading!

And thank you Glamour for the inspiration! 🙂

If you haven’t already, check out the $300 Kate Spade Giveaway!

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Classiness with Lulu’s

Posted on October 24, 2014 by alexnguyen

I’ve been challenging myself lately to be more creative with my wardrobe as I begin to realize that there’s little to no room in my closet and I cannot bear to part with anything at the moment! And so I rediscovered this classic dress from Lulu*s (last seen here) and wanted to try to put a different spin on it by wearing a skirt over it.

Lulu*s has such a great collection of designs that are stylish, yet classic and versatile. I mean, my students honestly said that I looked like a teacher that stepped out of a movie.

And so I thank you Lulu*s. The credit goes to you.

Dress: c/o Lulu*s – My favorites ONE – TWO – THREE // Shoes: Aveta Ankle Strap Heels c/o Lulu*s // Skirt: J. Crew // Purse: Coach Vintage // Bracelets: J.Crew // Ring: c/o Wrenn Jewelry

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Don’t forget to enter the $300 Kate Spade Giveaway!

Coat Time + $300 Kate Spade Giveaway!

Posted on October 18, 2014 by alexnguyen

Yes, when it gets down to 65 degrees here in California, it’s time to bring out the coats! I am seriously not kidding you. After I checked the weather app on my phone and saw the prediction of a low of 57 and a high of 72, I immediately grabbed all my coats and jackets out of storage and started to put my sweater weather outfits together. Too bad the sun came out and rose the temperatures to a solid 75. But good thing my classroom usually feels like the North Pole and so I didn’t have to part with my coat.

‘Till heat do us part.

**Tip: You can still layer a sleeveless button-up top underneath a sweater and trench to add different textures without the bulkiness of the sleeves (especially when it’s not super cold).

And keep scrolling down for the giveaway details! 🙂

Trench: Anthropologie – Similar // Pants: Gap – Similar // Sweater: via StitchFix // Blouse: Talbots – Similar // Purse: Coach Vintage // Booties: Anthropologie – Similar // Necklace: Anthropologie – {sale for only $20!} // Ring: c/o Wrenn Jewelry

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I’ve teamed up with my blogger friends to bring you a giveaway with an amazing prize for one lucky reader! We’re giving away a $300 Kate Spade gift card — and you just might be the lucky winner!

You can enter daily over the next two weeks and earn bonus entries by sharing the giveaway with your friends on social media. Good luck!

GIVEAWAY

Prize: $300 Kate Spade Gift Card

Co-hosts: Lush to Blush // Grace In Style // Peaches In A Pod // Polished Closets Island Hipster // Snippets With Alex // Style Tab // The Jort Report // A Labour of Life Miss Erin Says // Jenn’s Blah Blah Blog // SimplyCarmenRenee // Shopping My Closet Womanly Woman // Beyond the Khaki Pants // Palmtrees & Happiness // Coming Up Roses // Pumps and Push-Ups

Giveaway organized by: Oh My Gosh Beck!

Rules: Use the Rafflecopter form to enter daily. Giveaway ends 10/31 and is open worldwide.

CLICK HERE FOR THE RAFFLECOPTER PAGE.

****Are you a blogger who wants to participate in giveaways like these to grow your blog? Click here to find out how you can join a totally awesome group of bloggers!

Pink, Pleats, and a Little Britney

Posted on October 15, 2014 by alexnguyen

The first thought that came to my mind when I looked in the mirror this morning…“Baby, One More Time.” I guess you can say this is my teacher-appropriate take on the Britney Classic. Swapping out the mini skirt and midriff with some classic pieces, but still keeping the fun with the booties.

Now all I need is a beat and some back up dancers.

Care to join me in a 90s sing off? 😛

Shirt: Sleeveless Shirt in White c/o Boden // Cardigan: J. Crew – Similar {sale!} // Skirt: Anthropologie – My favorite! (only $40!) // Booties: ShoeMint // Earrings: Francesca // Ring: c/o Wrenn Jewelry // Purse: Adele Satchel c/o OraDelphine

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Six Ways to Wear your LBD

Posted on October 8, 2014 by alexnguyen

I love LBDs like any other girl, but sometimes I feel a little “bleh” in them. I mean, monochrome with a simple cut needs some sprucing up from time to time right? So this post is all about how to spice up that favorite Little Black Dress of yours so that you can make the most out of it for any occasion!

Surprisingly, I didn’t own an LBD until recently when I scored this Banana Republic Peplum dress with discounts on top of one another like no other! It was definitely a great find with it’s perfect length, slim fit, and great details with the v-neck and the peplum! Oh the possibilities!

1. Outerwear + Pop of Color
Whether it’s a blazer, jean jacket, trench coat, cardigan, or utility jacket, throw it on for a different look and occasion! And don’t forget to bring in some color to brighten up the black!

Jacket: DKNY via Crossroads // Necklace: J. Crew // Pumps: J. Crew – Similar

2. Sweater + Booties
Perfect for those crisp fall mornings and cool afternoons while making good use of a dress that you can’t seem to put away.

Sweater: via StitchFix // Booties: Anthropologie – Similar // Necklace: Nepal

3. Peplum + Pumps
This dress already has a peplum flare to it, but I couldn’t help myself to add a fuller flare to the look. Add a statement necklace and some pumps and you’re ready for one glamorous night out!

Peplum: Express – Similar // Pumps: Crossroads // Necklace: Talbots – Similar

Here are more ideas that couldn’t be photographed because I was getting in the danger zone of becoming one of those teachers with an interesting odor. 😛

4. Scarf + Belt
Let a scarf hang from your neck and secure with a waist belt. It will be like you’re wearing an entirely new dress! (like this)

5. Full Midi-Skirt + Flats
If you have a fitted LBD, mix it up by wearing a full skirt and flats for a more mod look! (like this)

6. Chambray + Sneakers
Dress it down by wearing chambray and tying it in front or just hang it loose and add sneakers. Then just kick back and keep cool! (like this)

**Note: Yes, I wore this dress three days in a row. And did my students notice? Not one bit. 😉 And that’s what I call a one-piece-wonder!

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Backwards

Posted on October 1, 2014 by alexnguyen

Yes, it was one of those days where you come home after a 13 hour work day and realize that your shirt was on backwards. Need I say more? 🙂

Because it’s such a busy season, my outfit go-to’s are neutrals, classic cuts, and timeless accessories. My blouse from StitchFix has been such a great throw-it-on-but-still-turn-heads shirt as well as my classic pencil skirt from Talbots. And let’s not forget about the timeless Ora Delphine bag that I cannot go anywhere without! I can’t stress enough how classic pieces will save your wardrobe. No seriously.

*Tip: Spice up a neutral color palette by mixing prints!

Skirt: Talbots – Similar // Top: via StitchFix (last seen here) // Wedges: Talbots – Similar // Purse: c/o Ora Delphine // Necklace: Anthropologie – Similar

Have a fantabulous week! 🙂

xoxo

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Right on Track

Posted on September 23, 2014 by alexnguyen

Have you ever had those moments when you’re reading Kendi Everyday and instantly fell so in love with her outfit that you jumped on the chance to be as close to cool as you can get to her by buying the similar style? Well, that’s what happened with these jogger pants. I’ve been wanting to follow the trend for awhile, but always felt like my body wasn’t well proportioned for them, but after seeing Kendi rock them, I just had to try for myself.

Luckily I found these beauties at J.Crew on sale (with an extra 30% right NOW 9/23) and just had to snag them. The elastic waist gives me comfort as well as extra wiggle room just in case I…you know…want to eat that extra cookie. 😛 These pants are also equipped with zippered pockets that are positioned perfectly to create a slimmer look. I can’t wait to style them differently in upcoming posts!

So in conclusion, am I sold on jogger pants? It’s a solid, YES.

Thanks for the inspiration, Kendi.

Pants: J. Crew (sale plus 30% off 9/23) // Blouse: Banana Republic – Similar // Shoes: Crossroads – Similar // Purse: Abaco Paris // Necklace: Anthropologie – Similar

Hope your day stays right on track! 🙂

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Blazers and Braids

Posted on September 16, 2014 by alexnguyen

Hi beautiful readers. I just wanted to start by saying that I am so grateful that you have come back to read my babbles and little snippets of my life, fashion tips, and rambles. You have no idea how heart warming and humbling it is to know that someone outside of my mom, grandma, and curious students is scrolling through. 🙂

I’ve had to reduce down to one post a week due to the stresses of a newbie teacher and so I apologize. Hopefully as the school year progresses and I get a better handle on things, I can invest more time in this blog. But as for now, just look forward to having a weekly dose of SWA. 🙂

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So last Saturday, I set aside a couple of hours to not work or have plans which is so hard for me to do! A teacher’s TO-DO list is never-ending, but I’ve realized that in order to keep my sanity, I need to purposely set aside time to not work and not have a plan.

No work, no plans, so what does this girl do? She finally learns how to Fish-tail braid her hair! After many years of envying those girls who always seemed to have the perfect braids, I’ve finally learned. How did I do? 🙂

Blazer: Anthropologie – Similar {sale!} // Tee: “Make a Difference Today” c/o She Does Justice // Pants: Gap – Similar // Shoes: Talbots – Similar // Necklace: Talbots – Similar

Until next time…

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Little Red

Posted on September 8, 2014 by alexnguyen

When I got dressed this morning, I just thought that I’d style this classic red brocade dress in a different way. Who would have thought I would get such a wide response from my students! Supposedly, in their opinion, my outfit resembled a gothic Dorothy, Little Red Riding Hood, or Harley Quinn (the Joker’s girlfriend). Um, I guess I got a jumpstart on my Halloween costume.

**Tip: Change up a classic dress by layering a collared blouse underneath with a different texture!

Dress: Anthropologie – this one! // Blouse: Urban Outfitters – Similar // Boots: ShoeMint {on sale!} // Watch: Michel // Cuff: Kate Spade

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snippetswithalex

"Creativity is contagious. Pass it on." – Albert Einstein

Author Archives: alexnguyen

Fitness Week! – #Bodenonthego

Florals for Fall – Inspired by Glamour

Classiness with Lulu’s

Coat Time + $300 Kate Spade Giveaway!

Pink, Pleats, and a Little Britney

Six Ways to Wear your LBD

Backwards

Right on Track

Blazers and Braids

Little Red