Monochrome – Camel

Posted on November 13, 2014 by alexnguyen

Ok, so technically this may not be considered monochrome but I would say the colors are all in the same family right? Here’s my tip on how to do the monochrome look: just stay in the same family of hues. Is it just me, or is the color camel in? Eh, whether it’s in or out, you can’t deny that it screams fall.

>> On another note, I was recently asked by Marin to do an interview for her blog QwertyGirl for the month of November. It was super fun getting a little more personal and behind the scenes about my blog. Do check it out! <<

Pants: Gap // Coat: Anthropologie – Similar // Shoes: DSW // Sweater: J. Crew Factory // Necklace: Anthropologie // Watch: Michele

Thanks for stopping by! And for all you teachers and students out there….

9 more school days till Thanksgiving Break! 🙂

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Naturally, I Would

Posted on August 21, 2014 by alexnguyen

It’s been way too long! Sorry for the minimal posts this week. The first couple of weeks of school are always a little crazy, especially for a newer teacher. But good news, all my classes seem super sweet. Yea, we’ll see how long that lasts 😛

Okay, so please pay attention to my shoes and continue to read to see where I got them! 🙂

Top: c/o eShakti (last seen here) // Pants: Gap // Jacket: DKNY from Crossroads // Shoes: Naturalizer // Watch: Michele // Purse: Juicy Couture from Crossroads

Yes, you read it correctly…I bought my shoes from Naturalizer! Am I ashamed that I shop at a store that is geared more towards older women? NO WAY. These babies are the most comfortable thing in the world, especially for a gal that is on her feet literally all day. You should have heard me the first week I got the shoes. I couldn’t take them off. 🙂

I am seriously close to ditching my heels.

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Mix it Up

Posted on August 6, 2014 by alexnguyen

Today I looked into my closet and felt a little bored. Then I snapped out of it and realized that that’s ridiculous! Ladies (and gents), never get into the mindset that you “have nothing to wear”. Puhleeeeez, you just have to be a little creative!

I found my floral shorts and this striped button-down and thought they would look good together. But to tone down the stripes, I decided to layer on an old cropped blazer to pull everything together.

Blazer: Anthropologie – Similar $30 // Shorts: Gap – Similar $58 // Top: Banana Republic – Similar $60 // Purse: Abaco Paris // Cuff: Crystal Hexagon Cuff from INPINK ($18) // Watch: Michele // Shoes: DSW – Similar // Ring: Double Druzy Ring {$35} c/o Wrenn Jewelry // Necklace: Anthropologie – Similar $30 // Sunglasses: Thrifted

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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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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!

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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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The Beauty of Gettin’ Stitch Fixed

Posted on May 21, 2014 by alexnguyen

I LOVE shopping as much as the next girl, but sometimes you just can’t deal with the indecisiveness, crowded malls, long lines, and fluorescent lights. Sometimes, shopping isn’t as pretty and easy as it seems until…

STITCH FIX.

I was just introduced to Stitch Fix — a company who provides you with a personal stylist. This stylist uses the resources and the information that you give them (such as a Pinterest board, FB, IG, etc.) and picks out 5 items for you to choose from. It’s like my own personal shopping fairy came by for a visit! You get to keep the items you like, and then mail the rest back in a prepaid envelope!

Okay, you’re probably saying to yourself..
1) Who says I need help shopping?
2) They don’t know who I am. How are they supposed to dress me?
3) Total waste of money.

Honestly, I said those same things. But I thought I’d give it a try because my last experience at the mall was kind of a drag — no parking, not in my size, long lines, and crowded spaces.

1) You probably don’t need help! But let me tell you, if you’re sometimes lazy and don’t want to step out of the house, but want something new…STITCH FIX is your FIX.
2) They do their research! The more information you give them (a.k.a preferences, social media sites, etc.), the better your stylist can assist you. They ask A LOT of questions to make sure that they serve you well!
3) It costs $20 to sign up for one style fix, but what’s neat is that you can use that $20 towards your purchase! Um, winner. And if you decide to buy all 5 items, you get 25% off your entire purchase!

I had to wait about a month for my box due to the Stitch Fix high demand, but it was worth the wait. It was so fun opening the box and being surprised about the lovely items inside. After much deliberation, I decided to only keep my favorite two items (scroll down to see!) for the sake of my bank account. 🙂

If you’d like to try Stitch Fix for yourself…do use my referral link {click HERE}.
(My stylist was Lydia. I HIGHLY recommend her!)

What I love about this blouse is its design and flattering shape. It hides the tummy but slightly tapers in so it isn’t boxy. The shirt is versatile — casual, dressy, you name it.

As for the jacket…I’ve been looking for a thin neutral jacket for quite some time. Somehow my style fairy totally got the hint from my bio that I needed one. Ha. She chose a great pick for me with this classy but still a little edgy moto jacket.

I’m in STITCH FIX bliss at the moment. 🙂

And oh don’t forget about these lovely Crystal Petal Studs from Trendy Trickets! Only $12.00 you say? Um, YES. The added sparkle and color just made the outfit even better don’t you think? Do check out their other fabulous collections!

Pashma Lurex Detailed Boucle Moto Jacket – Stitch Fix

Denova Dot Print Blouse – Stitch Fix

Necklace
Wearing: J. Crew
My Picks: Benevolent Jewels $28 // J.Crew $58

Earrings
Crystal Petal Studs c/o Trendy Trickets

Pants
Wearing: Gap $41.97

Heels
c/o Lulu*s (Similar)

Watch
Wearing: Michele

Purse
Wearing: Coach

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Happy Wednesday!

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White House

Posted on May 12, 2014 by alexnguyen

Okay, so this post has nothing to do with Washington D.C. or the White House, but here was my thought process:

White Outfit –> Olivia Pope –> White House

If you haven’t already seen the hit TV series Scandal, sign up for Netflix and get going! It’s a show full of politics, conspiracies, drama, and of course scandals. The main character, Olivia Pope, is a political cleaner-upper who commands the room in all of her classy white ensembles. I don’t know if it’s the power of wearing a monochrome white outfit, but I’m totally feeling like a boss.

Roe Boulevard was kind of enough to let me try out a couple of their pieces which I absolutely love! The white top fits really well and the fabric is elegant and classy enough to bring the Olivia Pope out of you. Too bad they just sold out of this gorgeous top as well as the necklace I’m wearing. 😦

But don’t be wary, they have other gorgeous pieces that will add spice to your wardrobe. And some other good news, Roe Boulevard is offering my readers 40% off your purchase using the code LUCKY40. Make sure you take advantage of this!
{Note: I am not profiting from your purchase. I just want to share the love :)}

Scroll down for some of my other favorite picks!

Top
c/o Roe Boulevard {sold out}

Jeans
Wearing: Gap SALE $38.99

Cardigan
Wearing: Gap
My Picks: Old Navy $20 // Forever 21 $29 // Anthropologie $88

Necklace
c/o Roe Boulevard {sold out}

Shoes
Wearing: Payless
My Picks: Nordstrom $70 // Stuart Weitzman $109 // 6pm $114

Purse
Wearing: Coach Factory

Bracelets
Wearing: J. Crew

Watch
Wearing: Michele

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My Roe Boulevard Picks
Flirty Floral Top $37.99
{In my closet right now 🙂 Will style soon!}

Remember Me Maxi Dress $56.99
{In my closet now too! Will style soon!}

Country road Blouse $56.99

Santa Monica Necklace Set $32.99

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Have a wonderful 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

Casual in Grey and Gold

Posted on April 29, 2014 by alexnguyen

Today is just one of those days where the “laid back” feelings of summer are creeping up on me, hence it’s going to be a casual Tuesday with a simple look. We all need simple looks, right?

To spice up this simple look, I decided to accessorize with some gorgeous jewelry from Wrenn Jewelry. Alissa Wrenn Smith specializes in intricately handmade jewelry that will add a classic touch to any outfit. Her passion for jewelry making and creativity shines brightly through her designs. Because of the simplicity and daintiness of her jewelry, they are perfect for everyday wear!

Quality gems, classic designs, and a hint of sparkle? What more can you ask for?

{ Peach Simple Druzy Pendant Necklace // Double Druzy Ring }

Top
Wearing: Madewell SALE $40

Pants
Wearing: Gap
My Picks: // Gap $50 //

Necklace / Ring
Peach Simple Druzy Pendant Necklace $35
Double Druzy Ring $35
c/o Wrenn Jewelry

Necklace / Luck Bracelet
Triangle Necklace
Luck Bracelet
c/o Rings and Tings

Bracelet
Wearing: J. Crew SALE $44.99 (plus EXTRA 30% off! )

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Oh yea, and you may have noticed that you don’t see any pictures of my footwear. After looking back at pictures, I realized that my choice of shoes wasn’t really working so I decided to spare your eyes. All about trial and error right?

Tell me, what shoes would you wear with this outfit?

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Thanks for stopping by! Don’t forget to follow via other platforms so you never miss a post! 🙂

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Itty-Bitty Polka Dottie

Posted on April 24, 2014 by alexnguyen

It’s just one of those weeks where I feel like I just have to keep running or else I will be overthrown by test papers, lesson planning, unread blog posts, unfinished card orders…oh wait, I already am. Ha. Hopefully this weekend I can take a breather.

But before that happens, I want to introduce you to Crystalie, an online boutique based in Canada. I saw the Russian Roulette Dress on their online shop and I fell in love with the shape, color, and soft polka dots. Knowing already that it was going to be too short for me, I purposely decided to go with it because I thought it would make a cute top!

This dress was made of a heavier fabric so I wanted to make sure that my look was more SPRING than fall. What better way to do that then to pair this dress/top with white skinny jeans, a light denim jacket, and some wedges? 🙂 My next idea is to go get myself a cute skirt extender so that I can ditch the jeans.

Just so you know, in case you wanted a gauge for this dress, I am 5′ 4″ and usually a size 4/27.