Elaine Nguyen

WAIT A LA MINUTE

12:11:00 AMUnknown

Date night with my favorite gal pal Viv consisted of a quick sugar fix at A La Minute, walks up and down Glassell street, and of course staking out backdrop-worthy walls, corners and staircases for our lil' photoshoot. We dressed to impress and unintentionally matched (I love when this happens!) in black ankle-length pieces detailed with sheer and lace trimmings. My slip dress, a Target x WhoWhatWear collab, is my current favorite because it literally matches with everything and I can throw on an oversized cardigan on chilly nights like these and still look chic. Viv is elegant sexy in a black sheer top over her white bralette and a H&M maxi skirt. We both finished off our looks with black heeled shoes.

I just love being a night muse ~~ the moon is out, neon signs are glowin' and flash photography is actually a good idea. Come view my favorite shots:

♥

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THE BALANCING ACT

10:51:00 PMUnknown

As of late, I have been feeling less and less like myself. It's difficult to feel inspired at a finance job that has no capacity for any creativity and where the dry work is all about accuracy, numbers and closing the books every. single. damn. month. Not to mention, a 40 hour work week drains me of any motivation and energy to create content. So then why work at an unfulfilling and dreadful job? Well, because it pays the bills 😭 Following your passion is nearly impossible when you're broke AF and when opportunities are so limited.

I lacked inspiration for some time, that is until I came across Frank + Oak's How to Do Freelance video with Jennifer Puno and everything she had to say completely resonated with me. It was the perfect remedy to my current creative slump. A quick summary - there are three job types: (1) money-maker but super unfulfilling (2) some money, some happiness (3) total passion project that brings in zero money but who cares, you're happy. The goal is to balance your time efficiently between paying the bills and the cool project you've been meaning to start.

Ever since I watched the video, I have definitely been more self-aware about how I dedicate my time so that eventually my passion job will turn into my paying-the-bill jobs. I have been working like crazy on the projects that excite me and make me content -- from interning with Olivia on the weekends to week night blogging and photoshooting with my gal pal Viv after my 8-to-5 -- all in hopes that this balancing act I am attempting will lead me to a happy and well-paid freelance life. Fingers crossed that one day soon my fulfilling side hustle will become my full-time job.

♥

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MADAME MONSIEUR + ARTS DISTRICT

11:47:00 PMUnknown

OUI OUI-

While my brother prepares his France itinerary, I found a hint of Paris much closer to home in the darling little cafe Madame Monsieur. Their toasted baguettes were to die for, but I especially enjoyed the Croque Monsieur specialty sandwich. Pair the meal with an iced latte and your taste buds will thank you.

ARTS DISTRICT-

If moving here means neighboring art galleries and creative spaces like Alchemy Works then I am about to start packing. Living in a collaborative environment where inspiration can be drawn from every and any street corner is very appealing to me. Not to mention the plethora of tasteful eateries LA has to offer will surely keep my appetite happy. Now, brb as I somehow manage to put aside my ill will toward the mess that is LA parking and traffic. Until then, I will continue my weekend visits.

♥

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BREATHER

12:51:00 AMUnknown

This past Wednesday, Olivia booked a Breather space for us to shoot some looks. The location was SO prime and thanks to our late afternoon time slot, we had the most favorable sunlight peeking through the glass windows. Sun rays perfectly lit room corners and allowed for some charming shadow play that all translated so well into our photos, especially the detail shots. See for yourself:

THE ROOM-

THE PHOTOSHOOT-

♥

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MGS x LFL

12:48:00 AMUnknown

Last Saturday, Mohawk General Store had their Annual Warehouse Sale in Echo Park with an unbeatable 70%-90% off brands such as Acne Studios and Isabel Marant. Lusttforlife had a featured pop-up shop at this event so duty called for me.

LUSTTFORLIFE'S CLOSET-

MOHAWK GENERAL STORE-

The day was long and hectic but a successful one at most! Plenty of Olivia's clothing and accessories found their way to new homes. Not to mention, we survived the absolute madness that comes with major sales. I definitely owe my survival to coffee (no surprise there!), the Square app, my flea market experience (shoutout to the Fashion Interest Group at UC Irvine) and having sold my soul to retail twice before.

We ended the day with dinner at Baco Mercat. It was my first time and I really loved the vibe but even more so the food (pig ears and all!). Do expect my return very soon, especially for their cold pasta and of course to try new dishes!

Thanks for reading! ♥

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THE BEAUTIFUL BRADBURY

11:42:00 PMUnknown

I was Downtown Los Angeles bound once again for my internship on Tuesday and wanted to share what my day consisted of:

CHAMPAGNE YEAR-
I started off my day opening packages for Olivia, with one huge box containing nothing but bottles and bottles of champagne. You know you've made it when you're sent what seems like a lifetime supply of alcohol -- literally had to re-organize a couple of kitchen cabinets and drawers to fit all the champagne guys.

THE LAST BOOKSTORE-
I was sent to this little gem to sell some books and was definitely amazed by its unique interior and vast collection of books and records. I only explored around for a short while but I will definitely be back to spend more time here.

THE BEAUTIFUL BRADBURY-

Walked around downtown in search of a location with perfect lighting to shoot a jewelry look. We settled on the Bradbury Building which turned out to be a perfect choice. Not only is the architecture here exquisite and really breath-taking but the building's natural lighting is a minimalist's dream come true. I was in absolute awe of the interior and was more than happy to put my amateur photography skills to good use there. Not to mention, Olivia was happy with the photos I took of her and even more so, actually impressed ~~ She told me I have a good eye 😊

That was my last task of the day and before I headed back home, Olivia gifted me with a bag of goodies from NYFW (SERIOUSLY I CRY, SHE IS SO KIND). I can't and won't get over the fact that I intern for Olivia. Someone pinch me..... But seriously, I'm learning a ton about fashion freelancing, building my portfolio, exploring DTLA and hanging out with someone who inspires me. How can you go wrong there?

Thanks for reading! ♥

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THE INTERNSHIP

3:20:00 PMUnknown

Never, in a million years, would I have imagined working for one of my absolute favorite fashion & travel bloggers / content creators: lusttforlife's Olivia Lopez. How I landed this is beyond me! It has only been my first week but I am already acquiring so much knowledge and experience and I could not be any more appreciative of such an incredible opportunity.

FIRST DAY FIRSTS-

There's nothing like a successful model fitting and a post-snack break at one of DTLA's oldest gems. How can you possibly go wrong with conversations over iced coffee and gold-sprinkled Earl Grey Macaroons too pretty for consumption?

SECOND THE BEST-

You know your life is made when you assist at a photoshoot and work alongside a team of super creative talents. Not to mention, the location gives me major pool goals and is where Chris Brown shot his New Flame music video. I cannot wait for Frilly's official launch! The lookbook will surely be amazing.

THURDAZE-

Updating a calendar seems less like a chore when the events are all NYFW related. Packing a suitcase is definitely not a chore when the contents going inside are lust-worthy clothes, shoes and accessories. As for things I can cross off my bucket-list: touching Zimmerman runway pieces at their showroom on Melrose and enjoying a delicious bowl of Chia & Quinoa Pudding with Fresh Berries & Granola while sipping on Matcha Milk Tea Boba from Alfred Tea Room.

REFLECTION-
Olivia is someone I've always admired so I can easily say that working for her is a total dream come true. The fact that she believed enough in me to take me under her wing is just the validation I need to know that my risk-taking, hard-work, and persistence are really paying off. I look forward to growing in this experience.

Thanks for reading! ♥