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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{OTH} On the Hunt: Overalls

Posted on July 30, 2014 by alexnguyen

Over the past couple of months, I’ve been seeing these denim onesie wonders all over the place! After seeing them wonderfully styled on multiple blogs, I’ve been on the hunt to find myself a good pair. Do I want to spend a lot of money on overalls? No. I’ve mainly been looking at thrift stores and consignment stores for a good worn in pair, but have had no luck thus far. Maybe I’ll have to give in and buy it new…

Here are the ones that I have my eye on. And because you know I’m not much of a big spender, these are all under $80 (except for #4 — I couldn’t resist the scallop trim!) !

1. Abercrombie & Fitch sale! $69
2. Top Shop $76
3. BlankNYC sale! $51.30
4. ASOS sale! $123.85
5. Tilly’s sale! $21.97
6. American Eagle sale! $24.99 (with the 50% off on ALL SALE and FREE shipping!)

So, I saw that #6 was only on sale and my shopaholic syndrome surfaced and I impulsively made the purchase. Hey, free shipping, under $30, easily returnable….might as well right?

I’ll let you know how it turns out.

Now for some overall inspiration…

Textured Sleeves

The Fancy Pants Report

Simple white tee

Sincerely Jules

Stripes

A House in the Hills

For the winter

from Pennies & Recreation

Oh, did any of you think of One Tree Hill when you read the title of this post? 🙂

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eShakti Review and GIVEAWAY!

Posted on July 28, 2014 by alexnguyen

Happy first day of the week! Yes, I think I’m a little too cheerful for a Monday, but it’s the last week of summer school! I’m looking forward to my week off doing nothing but planning for this next school year. I know, not much of a summer break. But honestly, I’m excited for my second year teaching at the high school level.

This year is going to be full of fun and excitement! I am…
1. Finishing up BTSA this year
2. The freshmen class advisor
3. Club advisor for 2 clubs

**If you are a fellow teacher, any advice for the newbie? 🙂

OK, enough about me and let’s take a look at this outfit.

I am currently obsessed with the brand eShakti right now. I mean, what store let’s you customize your purchase to your liking? Depending on the design, you can decide on a variety of sleeve type, the length, and the neckline.

How awesome is that? With this particular top I decided to go for the cap sleeve (work appropriate but still flattering to the arms) and kept the length right at my hips (balances my proportions). I’m sad to say that this top is not available anymore on their site, but they have a multitude of other great designs that I am positive you are going to love! Check out their New Arrivals and keep scrolling for a Giveaway!

Top: c/o eShakti {sold out} // Jeans: Gap {on sale for $28!} // Shoes: Talbots {sale for $50!} // Necklace: Talbots – Similar {use code SAACODE20 for 20% off entire order!} // Bracelet: J. Crew // Cuff: Crystal Hexagon Cuff from INPINK ($18) // Ring: Double Druzy Ring {$35} c/o Wrenn Jewelry // Clutch H&M {sold out} – Similar

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GIVEAWAY TIME!

EShakti was generous enough to offer TWO $25 gift cards* to two lucky readers**. Giveaway starts NOW and goes until Tuesday, August 12th at 12AM PST
Click HERE for the rafflecopter page! — You will automatically get $25 just for entering!

Good luck!

***This post was sponsored by eShakti. All opinions are my own.

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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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Fun Florals

Posted on June 19, 2014 by alexnguyen

And teaching summer school has begun! I keep forgetting my reasoning for signing up to teach summer school. Maybe it was the fear of boredom, habit of busyness, or just the lost of my sanity, but I did. At least I have an excuse to dress up! 🙂 Haha, but honestly, it’s not so bad thus far. I’ve got great kids who are so eager to learn and that’s all a teacher could ask for.

So about this outfit…probably my new favorite summer work outfit. I decided to keep it casual with jeans but dressed it up with this great floral blazer that I found at DenM during my vacation in Redlands. (Scroll down for similar options!)

Blazer
Wearing: DenM Boutique
My Picks: ASOS (too many good picks to choose from!) // Windsor $34 // Boohoo (many affordable choices!)

Shirt
Sleeveless Shirt c/o Boden (sale $40)

Jeans
Wearing: American Eagle $44

Shoes
Wearing: Norway Sandals by MIA {sale $50}

Purse
Wearing: Abaco Paris

Bracelet
Wearing: J. Crew – Similar {30% off with code HISUMMER}

Rings // Pocket Watch
Wearing: Vintage // Wrenn Jewelry // Flea Maket

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Thanks so much for stopping by and don’t forget to follow me on other social media! 🙂

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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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Wicked in Green

Posted on May 8, 2014 by alexnguyen

What happens when you have a dress made from heavier fabric that’s perfect for winter but it is currently spring? Well, don’t you dare push it to the back of your closet! Put on that dress, grab a denim jacket, throw on some bright accessories and some light colored shoes, and no one will know the difference!

So a little about this dress…I’m kind of in love with it 🙂 The emerald green caught my eye as well as the peek-a-boo striped panels. I think it gives a little something extra, don’t you think? And let’s talk about this silhouette. The midi length and cinched waist keeps the dress classic and chic. It doesn’t need much to dress up this beauty. I can’t wait to style this dress up, down, during winter, fall…oh the possibilities.

Make sure to check out Crystalie and their gorgeous collection of apparel!

Dress
Hidden Motive Dress c/o Crystalie

Denim Jacket
Wearing: Thrifted (Gap)
My Picks: Gap $79 // Lulu*s $129

Shoes
Wearing: Thrifted (Cathy Jean)
My Picks: Sole Society $65 // Shoe Mint $80

Necklace
Wearing: Talbots
My Picks: Benevolent Jewels $42 (use code SAACODE20 forextra 20% off! ) //
J. Crew $138

Rings
bought them while in Nepal

Clutch
Wearing: H&M $10

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Last random thought: I don’t know if you’ve been watching Once Upon a Time, but I’ve got to say that I’m enjoying the new twist with the Wicked Witch of the West.

Have a wondrously wicked Thursday!

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Last last random thought 😛 – I didn’t participate in Thrift Style Thursday this week but do check out my lovely friends who styled animal print thrifty finds. I’m not “LION” when I say they “sNAILED” it!

Yes, I’m really this corny.

Buttons and Birdcages // Spoolish // Sandpaper Kisses // Sincerely Miss J // Confessions of a Refashionista // The Two Cent Chick // Snippets with Alex // Eclecticity // Being Zhenya // Erika’s Style Diary // Sistas From Cali // Bethie the Boo // Rachel’s Lookbook // Muddy Flowers // Lipstick and Yarn // Aligator Toe

Cloudy with a chance of KompanyKay

Posted on March 27, 2014 by alexnguyen

I’m sad to say that I broke my “no shopping” New Years’ Resolution yesterday. But please, hold the disappointment and hear me out. 🙂

This week is spirit week and yesterday was Tie Dye Day and to my dismay, I realized that I did not own a single tie dye item and had absolutely no time to make my own. But I was not going to let this ruin my spirited streak, hence I had to succumb to the pressure and head over to the all-purpose Target.

I don’t mind the sacrifice. All for the sake of the children, right? 🙂

It is my pleasure to introduce you to a new jewelry boutique named Kompany Kay. Kompany Kay offers affordable and trendy jewelry pieces necessary for the every day girl. 🙂 Go take a look for yourself! (And there will be a giveaway coming up shortly for one of Kompany Kay’s pieces! )

I am wearing the Pink Fleur-De-Lis Elastic Bracelet (shown above) as well as the Rustic Diamond Earrings (seen below).

Skirt
Wearing: Anthropologie
My Picks: LuLu*s $40 // Mod Cloth $45 // Anthropologie $128

Top
Wearing: Target $15

Denim Jacket
Wearing: Thrifted from my Aunt’s closet 😛

Booties
Wearing: Anthropologie
My Picks: Zappos $40 // Madewell $228

Jewelry
Earrings // Bracelet
c/o Kompany Kay

Have a wonderful Thursday! 🙂

Too Cool for School

Posted on March 18, 2014 by alexnguyen

As Spring Fever begins, I’m starting to get that itch for summer to be here already hence the title of this post. There’s nothing like wearing all black, throwing on a denim jacket and aviators, to say to the world that you’re a tired teacher who needs a break. At least spring break is 1 1/2 weeks away. Until then, simple outfits like these and sunglasses to cover my allergy-ridden eyes will just have to do.

I just want to take a moment to highlight these gorgeous earrings from Benevolent Jewels. I’ve been wanting some statement earrings for awhile but haven’t found a pair that I liked style-wise as well as price-wise. Benevolent Jewels came out with these Shimmer Rosette Drop Earrings that I absolutely adore. At first I was afraid that they would be too heavy for my small little ears, but after my 10-hr work day, I realized that it was no problem at all. 🙂

If you haven’t heard of Benevolent Jewels yet, let me be the first to tell you that they are one great company. The main reason why I adore this brand is because of their philanthropic mission. At the end of every 3 months, they take 20% of their earnings and donates it to a cause. How awesome is that? With your purchase, you not only get stylish products, but you also get to help others.

We need more businesses like this, don’t you think?