Another Day, Another Dress

Posted on July 23, 2014 by alexnguyen

I don’t know what it is about yellow and cobalt, but I absolutely love the combo. Hence this is the second post with the same color combo, and maybe even a third one on the way! 😉

The dress I am wearing today is an old Anthropologie find. I usually wear this dress for more formal occasions, but if you haven’t noticed, I like to convert nice dresses into more everyday wear. More bang for your buck, right?

1. The Red Brocade // 2. Wicked in Green // 3. Hat Happy

And you’re probably sick of seeing me style this denim jacket, but don’t you think it’s a great way to casual-fy a dress or to throw on for a nice summer/spring look?

1. Pink Lemonade // 2. The Tulle Skirt // 3. Itty-Bitty Polka Dottie

Dress: Anthropologie – Similar $284 or THIS one for $99 // Denim Jacket: Thrifted – Similar $70 // Shoes: J. Crew – Similar $33 // Purse: Coach // Necklace: Talbots – Similar $38 // Bracelets: J. Crew , Forever 21 // Cuff: Crystal Hexagon Cuff from INPINK $18 // Belt: Thrifted from Crossroads

Because I just recently moved to a new place and am a new professional, I need to watch my spending a little. No more purchasing to keep up with the latest trends, no more emotional shopping, and no more thoughtless buys.

To help control my spending, I always ask myself three questions before I swipe the card:

1. Is it versatile? {whether or not I can dress it up or down, multiple seasons}
2. Do I have at least 5 items already in my closet to mix & match with it?
3. Do I LOVE it? {emphasis on the LOVE, not just like}

What are some questions that you ask yourself before you purchase something?

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Let’s Go Back to White and Black

Posted on July 21, 2014 by alexnguyen

Summer is all about the colors and the prints, but my eyes were starting to hurt a little bit from the overload and therefore today’s outfit is all about keeping it simple with black and white. Can’t go wrong, right?

Top Sleeveless Shirt in White c/o Boden {sale! $21-$43} // Skirt Anthropologie {old} – Similar (only $29!) // Shoes My Delicious c/o Lulu*s $24 // Cuff Crystal Hexagon Cuff from INPINK $18 // Bracelet Juicy Couture – Similar // Clutch H&M {sold out} – Similar

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Minimal look. Minimal words.

Happy Minimal Monday!

Don’t forget to enter the $300 J.Crew giveaway! Only two days left! Click HERE for the RaffleCopter page!

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{FF} The Good End of Busy

Posted on July 18, 2014 by alexnguyen

Photo by Caitlyn DangVu

Let’s be real. Society now has become crazy busy. Whether you are a toddler or in your 50’s, I’m sure your schedule is packed. But the real question is what is your schedule packed with? Is it your job, family, social media, TV, extra-curricular activities, hobbies, etc? Is what you are doing building the Kingdom of God?

I had a conversation with a friend the other day about the busyness. She said “You know…Satan is keeping himself busy trying to undo God’s work. So if we are going to be busy, let us be busy with the Lord’s work.” And how true is that? Satan is continuously finding ways to sneak in and cause destruction, doubt, depression, etc. (1 Peter 5:8) “But if we are constantly filling ourselves with God’s light as well as intentionally expelling His love towards others, Satan will have no room to enter.”

Now, I am not saying to work yourself into the ground volunteering for everything at church or continuously be on the go and not rest. I am saying to check yourself and make sure that your goal and priority in life is to further the Kingdom.

Colossians 3:17 “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

I’ve just recently read the book “Crazy Busy” by Kevin DeYoung. In chapter 10, DeYoung mentions the story of Mary and Martha. Short version: Jesus came over to Mary and Martha’s house. Martha was busy cooking and preparing for Jesus’ visit, while Mary sat at Jesus’ feet. Then Jesus calls Martha out and says “Martha, Martha, You are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:41 .

I really like how DeYoung paraphrased it “Your busyness is not wrong. But it is not best.” He continues to say that the key word here is “distracted.” “Martha isn’t doing anything bad. She’s just being pulled away from what is better.“

I encourage you this next week to not be distracted by meaningless things, but point your eyes towards what is better and to utilize your time for the glory of God.

Have a great weekend! 🙂

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Anticipating Fall

Posted on July 16, 2014 by alexnguyen

For some reason the weather here in the Bay Area has taken an odd turn — gray skies and less sun. These gray skies do not help my itching anticipation for fall at all. Remember this dress that I wore this past fall/winter? Well, I decided to take it out again but added a colorful scarf to brighten it up a bit and make it season appropriate. My shoes on the other hand…sorry, I couldn’t help but break these out.

Waiting till fall was like having a bowl of mint-chocolate-chip ice cream on the table in front of you. My advice: just have the ice cream.

Dress
Wearing: Urban Outfitters
My Picks: ASOS $38 (3/4 sleeve) // ASOS $38 (sleeveless)

Scarf
Wearing: Talbots
My Picks: ModCloth $18 // Fashion Confections $18 // Stella Dot $58

Oxfords
Wearing: Aldo

Earrings
Wearing: Anthropologie
My Picks: Shop Lately $7 // Anthropologie $38

Purse
Wearing: Vintage Coach

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Oh and did you notice that I just started a Pinterest? 🙂 Right now my following number is at a measly number of ZERO, so give a girl some love and follow and pin away! 🙂

Thanks for taking the time to read! 🙂

Don’t forget to enter the $300 J.Crew giveaway! Click HERE for the RaffleCopter page!

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Classy with a Splash of Blue

Posted on July 14, 2014 by alexnguyen

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend that prepared you for another week!

At the age of 24, sometimes I feel as though I need to dress a little more professional to reflect my age and to compensate for my high-school-looking face. So here it is folks. 🙂 Funny story about this outfit…I went to do some errands with my mom and she needed to return something at Talbots so we went. I told her that I would wait in the car because I didn’t want to be tempted into spending more money. She says, “Oh we’re only going to go into ONE store, and it’s Talbots! Not really your store.” So thinking that my wallet was safe, I decided to go in with her. Sure enough, just like Rebecca Bloomwood in Confessions of a Shopaholic, the racks were calling my name and yes, I came out with a full outfit.

Justifiably though, I do need to look more professional at work because who wants to show up to school with the same outfit as your student? (Which has happened by the way).

**By the way, I really do like Talbots. I usually am able to find a handful of pieces that work with my style and the quality of their clothes are quite decent. I am especially fond of their jewelry and shoes.

I also walked out of Talbots with a pair of really cute wedges, but it was a grey tone. Since this outfit was pretty neutral, I wanted to make it a little fun with a pop of color so I opted with my favorite bright blue heels from J. Crew.

Top: Talbots {sold out online} – Similar // Skirt: Talbots {sold out online} – Similar // Shoes: J. Crew – Similar // Purse: Vintage Coach // Bracelets: J. Crew – Similar // Earrings: Crystal Petal Studs c/o Trendy Trinkets // Rings: Vintage // Necklace: Talbots – Similar

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Lesson learned – Stay in the car. 😛

Don’t forget to enter the $300 J.Crew giveaway! Click HERE for the RaffleCopter page!

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{FF} God’s Goodness Always Prevails

Posted on July 12, 2014 by alexnguyen

Have you ever found yourself at a crossroads struggling to make a decision where neither choice can be considered right or wrong, but it’s a question of which path you would like to take?

The past couple of months I have been trying to practice listening to the Lord’s voice and learning to discern between His voice, my voice, and the world’s voice. It’s definitely easier said than done. When I found myself at a crossroads, I began to stress and worry that I would make the “wrong” decision and forever be away from the Lord’s will for my life. Honestly when looking back, I regret wasting my time and energy worrying. I forgot that God’s goodness and purpose will always prevail in anything. I am not saying to not think through your decisions with the mentality “Anything I do, God can use for good” which is definitely true, but he also encourages having wisdom and discernment so don’t just go out on a whim and make random decisions left and right. 😛

There are such a thing as right and wrong choices, but for those choices that are neither and just a cause for growth and change, this is what I’ve learned and am trying to remember:

1. God’s purpose and will for your life will come through.
“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21

2. God is good, so trust Him.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

3. God should be your goal. Make your decisions with that perspective.
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” Matthew 6:33-34

I pray and hope that this encourages you throughout this next week. ❤

Have a wonderful weekend!

Splurge vs. Save + J.Crew Giveaway!

Posted on July 9, 2014 by alexnguyen

Today I am excited to share with you my participation in Credit Card Insider’s Challenge “Splurge vs. Save” campaign!

Who says you need to spend a fortune on a fabulously chic outfit? Between bills, student loans, and a desire for travel expeditions, who has the money to spend on clothes like there’s no tomorrow? I certainly don’t. I’ve been in love with Olivia Wilde’s style for awhile now and I thought she’d be the perfect “Splurge vs. Save” inspiration.

Her Look
Dress: Ella Moss $188
Leather Moto Jacket: Unknown
Bag: Gucci ($2190)
Sneakers: Uknown

My Look
Dress: Crossroads $15
Jacket: Crossroads $30
Black Bag (that I have but totally forgot – Last seen here): Crossroads $60
Sandals: Gifted

**Keep scrolling for my chevron dress and jacket picks ALL UNDER $50

My Picks:

Dress: Charlotte Russe $25 // Overstock.com $37 // Dorothy Perkins $35

Jacket: Mango $40 // ASOS $44 // Free People $50 {sale VEGAN LEATHER)

My tips on saving:
NEVER buy something full price
WAIT till the end of the season
SURF through the sales rack
VENTURE to thrift stores in rich neighborhoods
Be AWARE of the extra savings events

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Now for the giveaway! I am co-hosting with some other fabulous bloggers to give away a $300 gift card to one of my favorite stores — J. Crew!

The giveaway is NOW until July 23rd. The more entries you complete, the more chances you have to win! Good luck!

GIVEAWAY ——- CLICK HERE FOR THE RAFFLECOPTER!

Prizes: $300 J. Crew Gift Card

Co-hosts: Lush to Blush // A Labour of Life // Comfortably Young // Notoriously Dapper // Jenn’s Blah Blah Blog // Just Peachy Blog // Miss Erin Says // alex à la mode // Pretty Thrifty // [oomph.] // Mass Musings // Southern Girl Ramblings // StushiGal Style // Simply Sinova // Skip to the Details // Prosecco & Plaid // Snippets With Alex

Organized by: Oh My Gosh Beck!

Rules: Use the Rafflecopter form to enter daily. Giveaway ends 7/23 and is open worldwide.

**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!

Lacey Lou Freebush

Posted on July 7, 2014 by alexnguyen

Walking into Anthropologie, I always get the feeling of want and excitement seeing all the pretty designs but then the moment I look at the price tag, the item turns into fire — burning money through my teacher-salary-paycheck — and henceforth I put it down to prevent such a catastrophe.

I was prepared for this repetitive cycle again as I walked in the store last week. But lo and behold, I found this gorgeous lace overlay sheath dress that luckily did not become a fire but just a hot iron that barely singed the corners with the mere cost of $30. Yes, that was it. Weddings, garden parties, and date nights — watch out because this dress is coming for you.

Why I love this dress:

– The flattering shape
– The subtle color underneath the lace
– The comfortable fit
– The modest hemline
– The versatility
(after the photo shoot I threw on my denim jacket and switched to sandals and ran some errands. Ha )

Dress:
Wearing: Anthropologie {sold out 😦 } –> Found exact ones Ebay
or just check out Anthropologie’s other sale dresses 🙂

Shoes
Wearing: Thrifted from Crossroads
My Picks: ShopStyle $80 // Kate Spade $196

Bracelet — Rings — Watch
J. Crew // Vintage & Rings & Tings // Michele

Clutch
Wearing: H&M $5 {sale!}

Earrings
Shimmer Rosette Drop Earrings c/o Benevolent Jewels

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If you didn’t get the title of my post, click here! 😛

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Faithful Fridays {FF} – Embracing Your God-given Gifts

Posted on July 4, 2014 by alexnguyen

It has definitely been on my heart lately to establish a blog that not only inspires outfits and fashion, but also one that inspires faithfulness. As I have recently reflected on my own life and walk with God, I’ve realized that I have slipped into the patterns of a lazy Christian where I regretfully became complacent with what I already “knew” about the Lord. I have too long been that hungry guy on the couch that is too lazy to make his own sandwich and waits for someone else to make it for him. And so this is my attempt to keep myself accountable in my own walk with the Lord. I pray that this step will not only help myself grow but you as well, whether you are a believer or not.

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Growing up, I’ve always been the one to compare myself with others — from my outward appearance down to my personality traits and personal gifts. I developed this mentality that always yearned to be the best at everything and began to grow envious of those with gifts and talents that I did not possess. What I did not realize was that in doing so, I hindered my God-given gifts because I kept trying to be something I was not, as well as trying to steal the glory for myself. I wasted my time trying to do and be everything that I did not fully embrace, practice, and use the gifts that God gave me. Below are four points that I hope will be remind and encourage you to embrace the beautiful gifts that God appointed specifically to you and to use it for His glory.

1. God gives different people different gifts.
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us.” Romans 12:6

2. Foster your gifts, use them, and develop them.
“So it is with you. Since you are eager to have spiritual gifts, try to excel in gifts that build up the church.” 1 Corinthians 14:12

3. Don’t be envious of others.
“For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?” 1 Corinthians 4:7

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” James 1:7

4. Use these gifts for God’s glory, not your own.
“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.” 1 Peter 4:10-11

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Have a blessed July 4th weekend!

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Yellow Blues

Posted on July 2, 2014 by alexnguyen

I don’t know about you, but dressing up for work in the summer is such a pain in the butt. I’ve been getting lazier and lazier in dressing professional for my summer gig. Seriously though, yesterday I came in jeans and a top that made me look even more like a high school student. I was overwhelmed by dissatisfaction about my style choices yesterday, so I decided to step it up a slight notch today — wrinkly pencil skirt and wrinkly button up top.

Hopefully my shoes will be the forgiving factor.