Trying not to Try: I feel too much joy sleeping in on Sundays but it is seriously the best. It is now 5 pm while I'm typing this and to give you a little run through on how my day went: I showered quick thinking I was going out today little did I know my little sister is sick so we watched Star Wars (the recent one) -- which I've never actually experienced one before -- took a nap 20 min before the ending scene, made cookies with my mom, and planted myself in my room for about 3 hours just watching Youtube videos and the new season of Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. So to put it all in gist, I was very unproductive; however, I am here writing.

Trying not to Try - Sleepy Ballerina Granny

Happy Friday, Happy April, and Happy first day of Spring break for me :-) I have spent this first day just cleaning and lounging around trying to figure out to post throughout the week because I have plenty of time on my hands and no responsibilities. Since it is a new month you're probably expecting a playlist or mood board but I'm feeling something new, a quarter of the new year has past and writing on this blog for awhile now I've learned that being consistent never helps me strive; therefore, I bring you a short new series I like to call Trying not to Try, which essentially will be stories, drawings, inspo, videos, music and maybe photo diaries of me simply living throughout this month and possibly carry on through May.

5 Things

On this episode of Keeping up with the Kardashians, Rachel (unrelated to Cali's elite) shares her 

music faves at the moment and what ever else is fabulous in her life at the moment.

In "real talk" as in if you're over the age of 18 and have never been to my blog, you've come right on time to here about me and what I've been up to in 5 random spiels. I do this once in awhile just to spice up my blog and just let you know the real Rach. 

Kendall Jenner Street Style

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KJ has been killing the game since day one and I've been getting a lot of easy and simple back to school looks from her and her website with Kylie just launched so I'm definitely excited to buy clothing that they think would be cute for us! Here are my recent fave street looks:

Timeless Turtleneck

This month has been very busy and I am just realizing now that I literally shopped till I dropped almost every week (this is a lie I bought like 2 or 3 things but that's plenty for me) and a lot of the items were super cheap and good for the school year which I am slowly preparing for. I love doing hauls, watching them, reading about them so here is my collective haul of July!

My Mini Shopping Savvy Guide

I tend to surprise people when I tell them how much I get various pieces from or get asked "where do you shop?" This is also a coincidence because the hashtag #ThingsIGetAskedAlot is trending on Twitter I feel like this post is necessary for today - so I bring to you a mini guide on how to shop savvy/shop sales etc;

6 Piece Summer Lust List - Zara

Today was my last day of school and if you read my last post, I am very excited for what summer has to bring me and just relax because well school sucks a lot of times. I'm also ecstatic for dressing up this season so here is what is on my shopping list featuring items from one of my fave places, Zara! Hopefully these will give you some ideas of what your look is for the heat.

A bit different than my typical sets but it's always good to switch things up.

Knitted halter top $12.90 is essential and I'm actually surprised I don't own any def need in every color but not only is it comfortable it's super versatile and can really escalate a look.

Chambray dress with frills $49.90 i'm in full support of the new love for denim, ever since Alexa Chung's AG Jeans line but I mean who wasn't? Denim is a retro classic that will never die, am I right ladies!

Printed camisole top $49.90 I find the off the shoulder look very flattering as well is a little risque *wink wink* but this top is a gorgeous burnt orange and also breathable. 

Backpack with foldover flap $35.90 first off I've been on the hunt for an affordable, school size and affordable black pleather or leather backpack (doesn't matter to me) and this one has checked off all the requirements. I plan on using this cute accessory for summer adventures and the upcoming school year. 

Faux eyelet suede skirt $39.90 Julie Sarinana and Danielle Bernstein (two great bloggers ahhhh!!) both gals have been rocking the rustic 70's western look and I'm loving it. This skirt has the look with a touch of girlyness which is totally more me and will be super adorable paired with a comfy and simple white tee. 

Patchwork print jumpsuit 49.90 this cute get up is really interesting to me. Patches are a must for me this year I NEED IT! They're just pleasing to look at as well as fun and on the other hand a cool granny quilt look.

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spring basics wishlist

spring basics by rachelsounthavong

Spring has made it's superior return for 2015 it actually feels slightly like Summer! I'm ready to embrace this weather by picking out the best basics to satisfy this change and myself.

 For tops I want a sleeveless turtleneck because well I'm not necessarily ready to let go of my chunky knits but also because Spring still has the cool breezes you will need a sweater. I also chose this poplin button down for it's versatility. 

I am so obsessed with Alexa Chung's line for AG Jeans and my favorite piece is the button down a-line denim skirt. This one is a dupe from MissSelfridge for a much affordable price. I've been living in boyfriend jeans since the year started but I do not own a pair with no rips or dark wash so it's a must.

T-shirt dresses are definitely an element of complete comfort, I own a grey one but not stripes and stripes are my fave!

To walk the walk I must have the perfect pairs. The classic Adidas Superstars that my grandpa owned are now the hottest trend and at first I wasn't feeling them but after spotting them on my favorite bloggers I now need a pair of trainers. For a more femme look I've been on the hunt for the perfect block heel with ankle strap. I will have to pick up these ones from Topshop because they are way to cute and soooooo me.

Lastly I need a carry all tote. The cut on this reversible tote is very unique and two different ones in two bags... whats better than that? To me they also give off a natural vibe great for this season. I also want this nail wrap bangle that is just a simple statement and kinda cool! I seen a choker version on Stephanie from The Fashion Citizen on Youtube which made her outfit very sleek.

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Spring Thaw Sunday: OOTD + Mini Haul + Playlist

Hope everyone's having a fabulous sunny weekend and happy International Women's Day. If you're here on the Midwest your probably enjoying this refreshing weather aka 50 degrees aka we don't have to layer! I spent the day doing the typical retail therapy, chowin' down and a lil' dancing that I'd love to share to start of the season.

New Tunes

I've been into Flume and other electronic-ish music, dream pop and some other stuff (old and new songs) lately so here it is:

Sleepless - Flume
Australia - The Shins

Canoe - Small Black

Collapse (feat. Memorecks) - Zed's Dead

Keep Her Close - Odeasza

It's Not You I'ts Me - Coconut Records

All Over - Cruisr

S'cooled - Blood Orange

Falling Short - Lapsley

Today's fit 

Tan light-weight sweater from H&M || Boyfriend jeans from Urban Outfitters || Chelsea boots from Pacsun || Cateye sunnies from Wish App || Marc Jacobs purse from Nordstrom

After making my sis take the pics of me in our garage (background inspired by Alina from Threaded Flower, We as in my family and I headed to the mall which was quite a pleasant drive, the freeway and lakes always match up very well and make a good scene so thank you Minnesota. 

Haul

I definitely hit the deal jackpot today shopping because only spent about twenty dollars on and outfit, two pairs of shoes and a lip stain. Three of the items were on a planned Polyvore wish list I was going to post this week but I found them for great prices!

Old Navy always has the coolest classic essentials and I was fortunate to find the softest turtleneck sweater for 5 bucks! I also got these medium slightly distressed jeans for $8.99 and suede flats for $5.99. But my best purchase today were these white jellies from Cotton On for a teeny tiny price of $3!

I bought this lip stain yesterday but this was also a steal, it was originally $18 but on sale for 5. I am so in love with the cute mint packaging. 

Good eats

Last we had a nice early dinner at a pho resturaunt which has one of the greatest crispy egg noodles which my mom was craving and totally got everyone hungry.

This coffee is my absolutely and positively my favorite coffee ever. It's a Vietnamese coffee that has condensed milk in it and oh my goodness you must try yourself. 

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2015 essential wish list

A new year means new must-haves! Here are some chic minimal pieces perfect for any season that I am on the look out for.

2015 Essential Wish List by rachelsounthavong featuring vintage tops

christmas/birthday haul

So my SWEET SIXTEEN and Christmas is sadly over along with this year. I didn't do much for Christmas except for a huge feast (thanks mom, especially for the bacon cheese stuffed baked potato) and sitting in my pjs all day. I was literalllllllyyy full of food and am also overwhelmed by the amount of gifts/money from my family. I'm not sure what else to say about Christmas but thanks again family and here is what I got readers:

Vampire Weekend MVOTC tee from here (two years after the album came out but whatever! || Houndstooth scarf from Forever 21 || High-waisted boyfriend jeans from Forever 21 || Bralets from Forever 21

Sketch book idk where from but super cute!!!! || "It" by Alexa Chung from Barnes and Noble || #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso from Barnes and Noble 

Mug from Target || Ferrero Roche, you can get it anywhere and probably one of the best chocolate || H&M gift card || I LUV CHIPOTLE CHIPOTLE IS MY LIFE, gift card || also got a Target gift card

MY FAVE CHRISTMAS GIFT -  new docs!!!!

NOW MY BDAY!!! I'm finally 16 as of yesterday and got to spend the whole day doing my fave thing.... Shopping. I forgot to take a ootd bc I was too happy but I wore a pleather pleated skirt and houndstooth top and make up was on FLEEK.  I also got to have a dinner and Cheesecake Factory and when I got my cheesecake VAMPIRE WEEKEND PLAYED. It was so ironic but I had a great bday and couldn't of been better. Anyways away from that here's what I bought and received as gifts!

With my Christmas money I bought a grey cowl neck sweater from Forever 21, a grey chiffon top from Nordstrom Rack (I would go soon the sale is too good!) and I got a pink poodle-ish fuzzy cardigan from H&M.

Since our wait for Cheesecake Factory was an hour, we headed to the mall. Spontaneously, I wanted to check out Sephora since my aunt said they do your eyebrows super good and lately I've been trying out more makeup. I got my eyebrows done and the girl was super nice and let me tell you my eyebrows looked amazingly fierce (a tad narcissistic but it was my birthday). Because of that I ended up buying the Anastasia Brow Duo (what the girl used on me) and got a free brush. I also signed up for their Beauty Club and since it was my birthday I got a free lipstick and mascara sample. 

Lastly from my Mom and Grandma I got what I've been wanting for sooooooo long, a Marc by Marc Jacobs bag, along with that I got the matching wallet, both so cute for Spring/Summer. I also got another Target gift card, thanks auntie Jas!!

black friday haul

Don't want to go on a long blurb so just wanna say family came to visit last week and gave me and Christmas money and this weekend more family came to visit and took my sister and I shopping as our Christmas gift so with that and the money from last weekend I have a large haul to share plus there were some (THANK GOD) great deals this weekend. 

Velvet tee (kinda turtle neck-ish) from Forever 21 || White pocket tee (BDG) from Urban Outfitters

Floral crinkle blouse (BDG from Urban Outfitters

Houndstooth crop top from Forever 21

Hooded houndstooth scarf from Urban Outfitters || Black jeans from H&M || No shows from Urban Outfitters || Pleather pleated skirt from Forever 21..... my personal fave, first of all black, second pleather, third....versatile!! || Leaves headband from Pacsun

Burgundy shawl from Pacsun || Black knit sweater from H&M

haul: columbus day sales!!

So I got some retail therapy in and thought I'd share because I'm so happy with the sales that happened this weekend and I got things checked off my wishlist!

Saturday I went to the Twin Cities Premium Outlet and not only was the pumpkin spice latte I had was great but Pacsun was having a buy 3 and get 40% off so I got on that deal and bought these Chelsea booties which are super easy to wear along with a floral circle scarf and simple layering rings.

On Sunday I went to Mall of America which surprisingly wasn't as hectic as it usually is, sadly the only place I bought stuff was Nordstrom Rack. My grandma actually bought this sweater for me and picked it out it's sOooOooOOoo soft and I love the dainty color and feel of it. Lastly is my favorite item I got (again thanks grandma), but this vest has been on my wishlist for far to long. I love that it's not that over-powering with the balance of the (faux) fur in the front and knit in the back and when I saw it, it gave me the feel of the city again because its such an odd piece but gives off a huge statement. 

All photos taken with Nikon D3100. 

f/w friday wishlist

Click photo for more info

It's the weekend! Shopping time and also homework :/ I've been in desperate need of retail therapy sooooo yesterday night I made this little set on Polyvore. The title is self explanatory, my fall winter wishlist, including floral and plaid blouses, boyfriend jeans, statement trinkets, chelsea boots and random tees and jackets perfect for layers and also versatile.

sundays

Do you ever just not want to leave home, or even your bed? This is how I feel every occasionally, Sundays. I always spend these days browsing the internet for things I don’t need to know or things I don’t need to buy. Especially……..clothing.

When online shopping I definitely over think, here are 5 thoughts and tips I have when online shopping.

1. “I need to save money.” – I usually say this to myself when I actually have saved up money for nothing in particular which is pretty silly. But there are very east ways to save money online shopping, leading to my next topic..

2. “Is this a trustworthy site” – Ordering off official stores is always okay. But online stores may scam you or not even send what you wanted or both….. So some tips are to read all reviews, even any not on that store. eBay is also a very popular shop, with various people and companies selling, but it’s also known for scamming. Best ways to avoid any of it is to check if it has the “Top Rated Plus” logo because those are the most trustworthy sellers that also usually have free shipping!!

3. “Is the shipping free” – Also an obvious, basically I have never payed for shipping but if you do, please check offers like spending 50 dollars or more to get free shipping, it comes in handy especially for clothing.

4. “Do I really need this” – This is one I think every time I go shop online. I think of what I have possibly coming up such as hanging out with friends, buying gifts or simple is it necessary to own at all. This leads me to another thought… “I deserve it, I think”

5. “Do your homework” – Being online can be very time consuming. You can start off researching and typing, then you take a “5 minute” break and end up buying the world or researching pictures of cats. (Even though it is summer.)

This is an old post from my old blog, I just thought it would be a relevant post for today.