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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Casual Browns

Posted on December 31, 2013 by alexnguyen

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.

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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Just Throw it On

Posted on December 29, 2013 by alexnguyen

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

Christmas Red

Posted on December 24, 2013 by alexnguyen

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

Posted on December 23, 2013 by alexnguyen

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.

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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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!

The Academy Blazer

Posted on December 17, 2013 by alexnguyen

Ah, here’s to another blazer.

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! 😦

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!

snippetswithalex

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

Tag Archives: anthropologie