How To: Get Your Curl On via KISS InstaWave

Posted on November 24, 2014 by alexnguyen

A lot of people have been asking me about how I get my curls, well today’s the day where I’m going to show you! Getting perfect curls is very simple to do when you have the right tools. Currently I am using the KISS InstaWave which is a fully automatic tangle-free hair curler that creates long lasting curls with ease! No need to be a professional!

Tools:
KISS InstaWave
Bumble and Bumble Pret-a-Powder
TRESemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Protectant Spray
TRESemme Tres TWO Extra Hold Spray

Go get your curl on! 🙂

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How to: Bring Back the Bright Colored Denim

Posted on August 4, 2014 by alexnguyen

Back in 2012, I caught myself red handed in following the trend when I bought this pair of bright colored jeans. I really couldn’t help myself, but now what do I do with them now that the trend has come and gone? I dug this pair of bittersweet (yes it is a color) colored denim out from the bottom of the drawer and was so close to throwing it into the Good Will pile, but then I accepted the challenge of creating a 2014 look with these 2012 pants.

I decided to tone down the bright and warm orange-pink color with the cool pastel blue and the dark purple. My tip is to contrast bright pants with neutral and/or cool colors. Then add a neutral statement necklace and black shoes, and you’ve got yourself an #ootd that saved you a went-with-the-crowd guilt trip.

Jeans: Gap- Similar $38 // Blouse: Anthropologie – Similar // Purse: Adele Satchel in Purple c/o Ora Delphine // Ring: Double Druzy Ring {$35} c/o Wrenn Jewelry // Cuff: Crystal Hexagon Cuff from INPINK ($18) // Sandals: Talbots – Similar

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Happy Monday!

Don’t forget to enter the EShakti giveaway for a $25 gift cards* for TWO lucky readers**. Giveaway goes until Tuesday, August 12th at 12AM PST
Click HERE for the rafflecopter page! – You will automatically get $25 just for entering!

*Note: Unlike a gift coupon, a gift card is as good as cash. It can be used over and above any other promotional offer / gift coupon in the same order
**Giveaway is only for U.S. and Canada residents only.

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Go Get ‘Em Denim

Posted on June 16, 2014 by alexnguyen

Hello there! Thanks so much for everyone’s vacation good wishes! I did have a wonderful and restful vacation, so much so that I feel excited about this work filled summer! I won’t bore you with the details, but just know that if you are feeling close to burning out, take a week off, follow these guidelines, and you will come back with no more dark circles, a straighter back, and a recharged battery.

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Any-who, it’s outfit time. I’ve always wanted to try the all denim look so here it goes!

Dress
Wearing: Gifted
Similar: Forever 21 $25 // ASOS $66 // Anthropologie $128

Jacket
Wearing: Hand-me Down
Similar: Gap $70 // Nordstrom $75 // J. Crew $150

Shoes
Wearing: J. Crew $98 {different colors}

Bag
Wearing: Free People
Similar: DSW $40 // Fossil $63 // Marc by Marc Jacobs $138

Necklace
Wearing: Talbots
Similar: Izaro $17 // Charming Charlie $18 // Francesca’s $20

Bracelet
Wearing: J. Crew Factory $20

So here are my tips on pulling off a denim on denim look..

DENIM ON DENIM if you dare

1. Different Shades of Denim
Make sure that your denim pieces are of a different shade BUT ALSO that the shades mesh well together.

2. Different Denim Weight
Make sure that your denim pieces vary in fabric weight to balance the look as well as keeping it interesting!

3. Simple Accessories
All denim will already turn heads, so play down the accessories and keep it simple!

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Thanks for stopping by! Happy Monday!

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How to: Vacation the RIGHT way

Posted on June 9, 2014 by alexnguyen

I just wanted to let you guys know that I’m on vacation this week in SB and L.A. so there will be a scarcity in blog posts, but do follow me on Instagram (@snippetswithalex) to keep up with my adventures 🙂

You know those vacations when you’re so preoccupied with getting through all the must-do attractions that you end up needing a vacation from your vacation? Well, I know all about that. I used to make a list of all the things I want to do on vacation and end up hopping from one thing to another without any down time. Now I know better. Vacations are supposed to be when you get away from the busyness of life and let your body, mind, and soul rest. It was hard for me to come to terms with the idea that it is OK to just be still and it is OK to not do anything for a change. I used to feel guilty for not being productive. Have you felt that way too?

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I don’t want you to miss out on the opportunity to give yourself that time of rest and rejuvenation, so here are my five tidbits on how to have a restful vacation.

1. Sleep in
Yes, the early bird does get the worm, but in this case the rested bird will get the energizer bunny.

2. Do what you want
I am the type of person who likes to do things by myself at times. Did I go see a movie by myself already? Yes. Did I go out to breakfast with nothing but myself and a good book? Yes. Do I feel good about it? YES.

3. All about the people
Yes, I do like to do things by myself, but that doesn’t mean that I don’t want community. This specific trip was for me to visit my good friends and catch up with them — no need to go on any adventures or extravagant activities. Some friends were worried about not being able to keep me “entertained” during my visit. But you know what, heart to heart conversations over coffee does wonder to the soul.

4. Walk to places
If it is reasonable, take the time to walk to your destinations! Sometimes it is hard to slow yourself down because of habit, so force yourself to by walking. Trust me, it definitely helps.

5. It’s okay to splurge a bit within reason.
I’m not saying to blow hundreds of dollars doing who knows what, but I’m saying it’s OK to get the steak if that’s what you’re feeling.

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Thanks for reading and hopefully you will have at least one restful vacation this summer. 🙂

Happy Monday!

Oh and the giveay ends TONIGHT at MIDNIGHT.

Don’t forget to enter the $50 to Boden Giveaway!

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How to: Pack for Hawaii

Posted on February 19, 2014 by alexnguyen

Aloha! 🙂

Try not to be jealous, but I am currently in Hawaii soaking up the cloudy-sunless sky for a week long vacation! Be prepared for pictures of my adventures later on, and reviews of the tours I signed up for.

But before any adventures happen, you have to start with your luggage! As a person who is a last minute packer and with bad memory, an exhaustive list would have been nice to have. Well lucky you, I’m going to share my complete list just in case you decide on taking a trip to the beautiful islands of Hawaii. BTW, I’m writing this after I realized that I completely forgot a number things. So hopefully you won’t make that same mistake.

Packing List for Hawaii for 6 days:
1. Tops:
– 3 Tees/Tanks
– 2 Shirts/Blouses (a little nicer to go into town or out to dinner
-Undergarments

2. Bottoms
– 1 pair of long pants (linen or light fabric would be best)
– 2 pairs of shorts
– 1 maxi skirt
-1 dress

3. Water/Activity Wear
-2 sets of swimwear (another to wear as the other one is drying)
– 1 cover up
-Small backpack (if hiking)
-2 running/water safe shorts
– 1-2 workout tops
-Water bottle

4. Toiletries
– Toothbrush/Toothpaste/Floss
-Razer
-Sunscreen
-Hair Straigtener
-Light natural makeup (plus WATERproof mascara)
-Makeup Remover / Cotton Swabs / Q-tips
-Body Lotion
-Facewash
-Deodorant

5. Accessories
-Hat (only if you’re a hat person)
-Sunglasses
-Headphones
-Small beach bag/tote
-Book for the plane ride and beach
-Phone chargers
-Camera chargers

6. Shoes
– 1 pair of close-toed sneakers/hiking shoes/ etc
– 1 pair of “I don’t care about” flip-flops
– 1 nice pair of sandals

7. Other
-Bandaids (Bring them! I already have a cut on my foot. Ha)

My suggestion is to try to fit everything into a carry-on which is super possible. Then carry a backpack and put all your “Entertainment” stuff in it. My problem during this trip was that I had my big camera bag and so unfortunately they made me check a bag. Oh well!

Here are some snapshots of my trip thus far!

3 hour layover in Maui. It was either Burger King or California Pizza Kitchen. Lol

Lotus Flower

Panko Crusted Ahi Roll

Processed with VSCOcam with c1 preset Fried Kapalua Belly

My roommate for the week. 🙂

There was a Luau going on a few feet away from us.

Beach Fun!

Hawaiian Chicken Sandwich

Get it? Lol

Follow my trip on Instagram! 🙂

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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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!

Half Moon Bay – Coastal Walk behind the Ritz Carlton

Got to spend a week with this cutie pie!

The grandchildren. Yes, we are extremely mature.

Some mansion near Caroline Park – Redlands, CA

Awesome palm tree we found

Starting my couple of days in Santa Barbara with Backyard Bowls of course!

More picture and outfits in a wee bit! Follow me on Instagram for more snippets and FIRST LOOKS of outfits before they’re published!

For the Men: How to Buy Clothes for Women

Posted on December 20, 2013 by alexnguyen

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!

snippetswithalex

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

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