Blazers and Braids

Posted on September 16, 2014 by alexnguyen

Hi beautiful readers. I just wanted to start by saying that I am so grateful that you have come back to read my babbles and little snippets of my life, fashion tips, and rambles. You have no idea how heart warming and humbling it is to know that someone outside of my mom, grandma, and curious students is scrolling through. 🙂

I’ve had to reduce down to one post a week due to the stresses of a newbie teacher and so I apologize. Hopefully as the school year progresses and I get a better handle on things, I can invest more time in this blog. But as for now, just look forward to having a weekly dose of SWA. 🙂

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So last Saturday, I set aside a couple of hours to not work or have plans which is so hard for me to do! A teacher’s TO-DO list is never-ending, but I’ve realized that in order to keep my sanity, I need to purposely set aside time to not work and not have a plan.

No work, no plans, so what does this girl do? She finally learns how to Fish-tail braid her hair! After many years of envying those girls who always seemed to have the perfect braids, I’ve finally learned. How did I do? 🙂

Blazer: Anthropologie – Similar {sale!} // Tee: “Make a Difference Today” c/o She Does Justice // Pants: Gap – Similar // Shoes: Talbots – Similar // Necklace: Talbots – Similar

Until next time…

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Tough Stuff

Posted on March 24, 2014 by alexnguyen

I may look like a girly girl on the outside, but deep down I’m a tough cookie with an attitude…at least that’s what my mom says. 😛

I bet you can’t guess what that bracelet is made up of … the INNER TUBE OF A BICYCLE WHEEL.

Yes, you heard me, it’s made from a bicycle wheel. Urban Lace Jewelry thought of a way to turn trash into something absolutely gorgeous. With a variety of designs and sizes to fit your personal style, you can promote eco-friendly stylish jewelry.

{I’m wearing the Reflection in a size small}

Pants
Wearing: Gap $70

Tee
Wearing: Gap $20

Vest
Wearing: Thrifted from Crossroads
My Picks: OASAP $31 // Lulu*s $49 // Macy’s $109

Necklace
Wearing: Talbots
My Pick: PiperLime $15

Bracelet
Reflection c/o Urban Lace

Shoes
Wearing: DSW
My Pick: Deb Shops $36.90

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For those who don’t believe my claim…

Ways I am more of a “Tough Cookie”
1. I have perfected the evil eye that gives my students the shiver from head to toe.
2. I’ve killed countless of cockroaches.
3. I can hold my bladder for up to 9 hours straight (I know, probably not a healthy thing)
4. I can craft for 8 hours straight while withstanding the pain of paper cuts and hot glue burns.

Have I changed your opinion? 🙂

What makes you tough?

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Drops of Rain

Posted on February 11, 2014 by alexnguyen

Raincoat
Wearing: Elie Tahari
My Picks: Etsy $75 // Nordstrom $130

Dress
Wearing: Hand-me-down Anthropologie
My Picks: Gap $70 // Anthropologie $148

Rainboots
Wearing: Aldo
My Picks: (I would pick more, but they keep ripping!) Hunter $140

Necklace
Wearing: Talbots
My Picks: Forever 21 $8 // Jewel Mint $30 // Talbots $69.50

Belt
Wearing: Anthropologie
My Picks: Fossil $40 // Anthropologie $58

Okay, so is it just me, or do rain boots easily rip? I’ve gone through 2 pairs of rain boots in the last 2 winter seasons. I bought a cheap pair from Target but it ripped, so then I bought this pair from Aldo and after only 2 uses, it ripped. Maybe I’m walking weird? Maybe I bend my ankles too much? I have no clue. I really want to get Hunter boots, but I’m afraid they’re going to rip too. Any suggestions?

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Don’t forget! TOMORROW is the last day t to enter LuLu*s giveaway to win dresses for a year! Click here before it’s too late!

Hello Yellow

Posted on February 5, 2014 by alexnguyen

Guess what, it is February and I made it a month without buying anything new in stores! I am definitely proud of myself. 🙂 However, throughout the month of January, I found myself counteracting my desires of shopping at the mall by going thrift shopping! Such a better alternative, don’t you think? My wallet is sure thanking me.

So today I am bringing you a dress that totally caught me off guard. Bright yellow? Bold floral print? Usually not my style, but I just couldn’t resist.

Dress
Wearing: Thrifted
My Picks: YesStyle $27 // ASOS $48 // Nasty Gal $58 // DailyLook $169

Sweater
Wearing: Thrifted
My Picks: Forever 21 $27 // Urban Outfitters $69

Oxfords
Wearing: Aldo
My Picks: Zappos $63 // Nordstrom $158

Necklace
Wearing: Just My Typewriter Necklace c/o Lulu*s (Similar)

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Happy Wednesday and don’t forget to enter LuLu’s giveaway to win dresses for a year! (Click here)

And follow me on BlogLovin‘! 🙂

Unlock the Red

Posted on February 3, 2014 by alexnguyen

I was debating about boycotting posting anything red for this month in retaliation of Valentine’s Day, but then I’d just be that person. Instead, I’m going to set aside my feelings of this holiday and “Unlock the Red”. Okay, okay, I’m not really against the holiday, but I’m not one of those “OMG I need a Valentine” or the “I hate S.A.D.” girls either. Oh wait, but did I just admit that I am by denying it? Oh shoot.

Anyways, I found this top at Goodwill and thought the lock pattern was cute. It is definitely on the border of a type of pattern that my students might be caught wearing, but I think pairing it with an “adult” looking jacket, skinny jeans, and heels make it appropriate for a high-school-looking-but-really-the-teacher 23 year-old woman.

Blouse
Wearing: Thrifted
My Picks: Daily Look $20 // Banana Republic $70

Jacket
Wearing: Anthropologie
My Picks: H&M $25 // Anthropologie $80

Pants
Wearing: Gap $49

Shoes
Wearing: Gold Cutout Pointed Pumps c/o LuLu*s $23

Necklaces
Wearing: Just My Typewriter c/o Lulu*s
and Forever 21 (Similar $7)

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Have a happy Monday!

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Reminder: Lulu*s The Great Galentine’s Giveaway: Win Free Dresses for a Year!

Posted on January 28, 2014 by alexnguyen

Just a reminder, LuLu’s is having an opportunity for you to win dresses for a year! This opportunity is still open from now until February 12th, so go on…get to it! And don’t forget to tell your best gal pal as well! You both don’t want to miss this opportunity! Click here!

And isn’t Connie Tang just the cutest?! If you enjoy fresh trendy styles, look to her! I had an awesome time pairing up with her for this Lulu*s Gal Pal extravaganza!

What I’m Wearing:
The Sooner the Sweater Navy Blue Sweater Dress c/o Lulu*s
My Delicious Aveta Black Nubuck Ankle Strap Heels c/o Lulu*s
Clutch: Vintage – stolen from my mom 🙂 — Similar @ Lulu*s
Necklace: Talbots — Similar @ Lulu*s

What Connie’s Wearing:
Rise From the Sashes Red Dress c/o LuLu*s
Grand Together Gold Rhinestone Bracelet c/o Lulu*s
Shoe Republic LA Gemini Black Ankle Strap Heels c/o Lulu*s
Gold Initial Necklace Two Squares Personalize c/o Thought Blossoms
Circle Gold Eternal Hammered Necklace c/o Thought Blossoms.
Alexa Clutch c/o JJ Winters

Suave Muave

Posted on January 15, 2014 by alexnguyen

Let’s talk about this color muave. It’s elegant, feminine, classy, and yes, very suave.

Blazer
Wearing: Anthroplogie ON SALE ~~$138.95~~ $39.99

Lace Blouse
Wearing: Urban Outfitters
My Picks: Forever 21 $14.80 // Macy’s $34

Jeans
Wearing: Gap $69.95

Shoes
c/o Lulu*s $24
{Can I just say, that I’ve been looking for these shoes for awhile? It’s been hard to find them for a reasonable price but of course, Lulu’s got them! Super cute, right? And as for comfort….not too shabby! 🙂 }

Purse
Hand-me-down: Vintage Coach
{Has anyone taken a look at the new Coach line? I’m genuinely impressed. Previously, they have always been about the “C’s” and the bright colors, but now they’re bringing back the simple, classic, but modern look. Absolutely love!}

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Sometimes you want to stand out, but not be a highlighter. I say, go for the softer shades like this mauve color to make a subtle statement. Contrast the soft color against neutral pieces and watch your outfit command attention without people going “Woah, where’s the new vocabulary word?” {Yes, kind of a lame teacher joke, but hopefully you understood my intent or at least got a good laugh at my expense.}

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Don’t forget to follow on BlogLovin’! 🙂

Pop of Pink

Posted on January 10, 2014 by alexnguyen

The Problem: You want to wear a simple T-shirt, but you’re headed to work and that simply is not acceptable.
The Fix: Just throw on a skirt that POPS, heels, and a statement necklace, and make it a day.

Coat
Wearing: Ann Taylor
My Picks: Daily Look $84.99 // Banana Republic ~~$298~~ $199

Skirt
Wearing: Anthropologie
My Picks: Forever 21 $14.80 // Dorothy Perkins ~~$35~~ $25 // Saks Fifth ~~$269~~ $79

Tee
Wearing: Gap ~~$19.95~~ $11.97
My Picks: Old Navy $10.94 // J. Crew $29.50

Necklace
Wearing: Talbots SALE ~~$69.50~~ $19.99

Shoes
Wearing: DSW
My Picks: Zappos SALE ~~$49.00~~ $39.99 // Lulu*s $46

Belt
Wearing: Thrifted
My Picks: Target $12.99 // ASOS ~~$27.22~~ $14.52

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Happy Friday!

Oh and can you spot in my pictures the thing that reveals I am a teacher? 🙂 (You can see it in the third picture as well as in some of my other posts. Ha.)

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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Remember to follow! 🙂

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

snippetswithalex

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

Tag Archives: outfits