Fooled You Not + Giveaway Winners

Posted on August 14, 2014 by alexnguyen

There once was a girl who lucked out in finding a beautiful dress for only $20 thanks to her wonderful fairy shop mother — Crossroads Trading Company. The design was divine, the fabric was elegant, and the girl left the store excited to wear the dress to her next ball. Then a week flew by with no ball in sight. Then another week flew by and it felt like she would never be able to wear it. Eventually she said “Oh what the heck. I’m going to wear it to work instead!”

And off she went the next morning.

Top/Dress: H&M – Similar // Pants: Gap // Jacket: StitchFix (check out my review post) // Purse: Abaco Paris // Flats: Anthropologie – Similar // Necklace: Lauren Conrad via Kohl’s – Similar

**Tip: Fold/scrunch/tuck a dress to wear it as a top! Who needs to wait for a special occasion? 🙂

This particular dress had a slim fitting thin layer underneath with the patterned chiffon layered over and so it was easy to fold the bottom under. When choosing a dress to wear as a top, make sure that the bottom half of the dress is more snug (sort of like a body con dress) so that if you fold it, it can just sit on top of your hips. It’s just an option.

I had quite a few people come up to me today complimenting me on my “shirt”. Little did they know… 😉

Happy Thursday!

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Oh and the eShakti giveaway winners are…

Ashley Desire and Denise Gadson!

Congratulations! I will be emailing you shortly!

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Snake and Shake

Posted on August 11, 2014 by alexnguyen

Okay, I know the title doesn’t make sense besides the snake part but I just couldn’t help myself. 🙂

Anyways, my life and schedule has finally winded down with little breathing room to spare. I’ve been jumping from being the VBS director at my church, to a mini Disneyland vacation with the family, and then the church family retreat. Yes it’s been fun, but there have been lots of moving around, so it’s nice to feel a little more settled as the school year is about to begin.

I’m so excited for this new school year! With one year of teaching high school under my belt, I feel a little more prepared for this year and ready and motivated to implement new teaching strategies and excited to meet my new students. 🙂

So as the new year begins, here is a new look with a not-so-old gem of a top. This snake print top (only $28!) from Norka has been one of my go-to tops with it’s neutral tone and versatile shape. Last time (“Snake Bite“), I paired it with a fitted skirt and heels for more of a night-out look. Today, I went for a casual day out by layering the tank over this simple black maxi.

**Layering a tank over a maxi is a great way to change it up a bit and get more uses out of your pieces. Top: Snake Print Top c/o Norka $28 // Dress: Forever 21 – Similar $15 // Necklace: Anthropologie – Similar $30 // Purse: Abaco Paris // Sandals: Nine West – Similar $40

Happy Monday!

Oh and TODAY IS THE LAST DAY to enter the giveaway!

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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Let’s Go Back to White and Black

Posted on July 21, 2014 by alexnguyen

Summer is all about the colors and the prints, but my eyes were starting to hurt a little bit from the overload and therefore today’s outfit is all about keeping it simple with black and white. Can’t go wrong, right?

Top Sleeveless Shirt in White c/o Boden {sale! $21-$43} // Skirt Anthropologie {old} – Similar (only $29!) // Shoes My Delicious c/o Lulu*s $24 // Cuff Crystal Hexagon Cuff from INPINK $18 // Bracelet Juicy Couture – Similar // Clutch H&M {sold out} – Similar

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Minimal look. Minimal words.

Happy Minimal Monday!

Don’t forget to enter the $300 J.Crew giveaway! Only two days left! Click HERE for the RaffleCopter page!

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Anticipating Fall

Posted on July 16, 2014 by alexnguyen

For some reason the weather here in the Bay Area has taken an odd turn — gray skies and less sun. These gray skies do not help my itching anticipation for fall at all. Remember this dress that I wore this past fall/winter? Well, I decided to take it out again but added a colorful scarf to brighten it up a bit and make it season appropriate. My shoes on the other hand…sorry, I couldn’t help but break these out.

Waiting till fall was like having a bowl of mint-chocolate-chip ice cream on the table in front of you. My advice: just have the ice cream.

Dress
Wearing: Urban Outfitters
My Picks: ASOS $38 (3/4 sleeve) // ASOS $38 (sleeveless)

Scarf
Wearing: Talbots
My Picks: ModCloth $18 // Fashion Confections $18 // Stella Dot $58

Oxfords
Wearing: Aldo

Earrings
Wearing: Anthropologie
My Picks: Shop Lately $7 // Anthropologie $38

Purse
Wearing: Vintage Coach

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Oh and did you notice that I just started a Pinterest? 🙂 Right now my following number is at a measly number of ZERO, so give a girl some love and follow and pin away! 🙂

Thanks for taking the time to read! 🙂

Don’t forget to enter the $300 J.Crew giveaway! Click HERE for the RaffleCopter page!

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Classy with a Splash of Blue

Posted on July 14, 2014 by alexnguyen

Happy Monday! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend that prepared you for another week!

At the age of 24, sometimes I feel as though I need to dress a little more professional to reflect my age and to compensate for my high-school-looking face. So here it is folks. 🙂 Funny story about this outfit…I went to do some errands with my mom and she needed to return something at Talbots so we went. I told her that I would wait in the car because I didn’t want to be tempted into spending more money. She says, “Oh we’re only going to go into ONE store, and it’s Talbots! Not really your store.” So thinking that my wallet was safe, I decided to go in with her. Sure enough, just like Rebecca Bloomwood in Confessions of a Shopaholic, the racks were calling my name and yes, I came out with a full outfit.

Justifiably though, I do need to look more professional at work because who wants to show up to school with the same outfit as your student? (Which has happened by the way).

**By the way, I really do like Talbots. I usually am able to find a handful of pieces that work with my style and the quality of their clothes are quite decent. I am especially fond of their jewelry and shoes.

I also walked out of Talbots with a pair of really cute wedges, but it was a grey tone. Since this outfit was pretty neutral, I wanted to make it a little fun with a pop of color so I opted with my favorite bright blue heels from J. Crew.

Top: Talbots {sold out online} – Similar // Skirt: Talbots {sold out online} – Similar // Shoes: J. Crew – Similar // Purse: Vintage Coach // Bracelets: J. Crew – Similar // Earrings: Crystal Petal Studs c/o Trendy Trinkets // Rings: Vintage // Necklace: Talbots – Similar

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Lesson learned – Stay in the car. 😛

Don’t forget to enter the $300 J.Crew giveaway! Click HERE for the RaffleCopter page!

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Splurge vs. Save + J.Crew Giveaway!

Posted on July 9, 2014 by alexnguyen

Today I am excited to share with you my participation in Credit Card Insider’s Challenge “Splurge vs. Save” campaign!

Who says you need to spend a fortune on a fabulously chic outfit? Between bills, student loans, and a desire for travel expeditions, who has the money to spend on clothes like there’s no tomorrow? I certainly don’t. I’ve been in love with Olivia Wilde’s style for awhile now and I thought she’d be the perfect “Splurge vs. Save” inspiration.

Her Look
Dress: Ella Moss $188
Leather Moto Jacket: Unknown
Bag: Gucci ($2190)
Sneakers: Uknown

My Look
Dress: Crossroads $15
Jacket: Crossroads $30
Black Bag (that I have but totally forgot – Last seen here): Crossroads $60
Sandals: Gifted

**Keep scrolling for my chevron dress and jacket picks ALL UNDER $50

My Picks:

Dress: Charlotte Russe $25 // Overstock.com $37 // Dorothy Perkins $35

Jacket: Mango $40 // ASOS $44 // Free People $50 {sale VEGAN LEATHER)

My tips on saving:
NEVER buy something full price
WAIT till the end of the season
SURF through the sales rack
VENTURE to thrift stores in rich neighborhoods
Be AWARE of the extra savings events

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Now for the giveaway! I am co-hosting with some other fabulous bloggers to give away a $300 gift card to one of my favorite stores — J. Crew!

The giveaway is NOW until July 23rd. The more entries you complete, the more chances you have to win! Good luck!

GIVEAWAY ——- CLICK HERE FOR THE RAFFLECOPTER!

Prizes: $300 J. Crew Gift Card

Co-hosts: Lush to Blush // A Labour of Life // Comfortably Young // Notoriously Dapper // Jenn’s Blah Blah Blog // Just Peachy Blog // Miss Erin Says // alex à la mode // Pretty Thrifty // [oomph.] // Mass Musings // Southern Girl Ramblings // StushiGal Style // Simply Sinova // Skip to the Details // Prosecco & Plaid // Snippets With Alex

Organized by: Oh My Gosh Beck!

Rules: Use the Rafflecopter form to enter daily. Giveaway ends 7/23 and is open worldwide.

**Are you a blogger who wants to participate in giveaways like these to grow your blog? Click here to find out how you can join a totally awesome group of bloggers!

Lacey Lou Freebush

Posted on July 7, 2014 by alexnguyen

Walking into Anthropologie, I always get the feeling of want and excitement seeing all the pretty designs but then the moment I look at the price tag, the item turns into fire — burning money through my teacher-salary-paycheck — and henceforth I put it down to prevent such a catastrophe.

I was prepared for this repetitive cycle again as I walked in the store last week. But lo and behold, I found this gorgeous lace overlay sheath dress that luckily did not become a fire but just a hot iron that barely singed the corners with the mere cost of $30. Yes, that was it. Weddings, garden parties, and date nights — watch out because this dress is coming for you.

Why I love this dress:

– The flattering shape
– The subtle color underneath the lace
– The comfortable fit
– The modest hemline
– The versatility
(after the photo shoot I threw on my denim jacket and switched to sandals and ran some errands. Ha )