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Interview with Wendy Nguyen

It’s Wednesday, so I have a lovely interview for you all to read. This one is with one of my favorite bloggers that I’ve discovered lately, Wendy of Wendys Lookbook. She is stylish, has an incredible story, and has one of those captivating and happy personalities that you can’t help but love. Plus she’s current living in my homeland – the Bay Area – and went to my undergrad alma mater, UC Berkeley. Go Bears!

What’s your name, what do you do, and where do you live? Where are you from? 

Hi!  My name is Wendy Nguyen and I live in San Francisco.  Currently, I’m a working actress, a fashion blogger, have a YouTube channel dedicated to fashion, and a volunteer teacher working with incarcerated youths.

You have such fun personal style. Who do you relate to the most that’s famous in terms of their style? What are some of your pieces that reminds you of them?  

Everything I’ve learned about style and fashion is by observing nature, architecture, music, and people.  Nature encourages me to play with colors, architecture helps me to understand shapes, music provides a gateway for me to hear and feel texture, and most importantly, I get inspired by street fashion.  In terms of style, I relate most to Chiara Ferragni, Rumi Neely, Olivia Palermo, and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen.

What are some of the favorite pieces in your closet, that you treasure the most?  

This is such a hard question!  If I had to narrow it down, I would say that my Louis Vuitton leopard stole is one of my favorite pieces in my closet.  She’s my adult baby blanket!  She’s incredibly soft and always with me in my purse.

What about the items that you wear the most?

My jammies!  I have a tradition at the beginning of each YouTube video of wearing my jammies, so technically, I wear them the most.  The other essential pieces that I wear most are my brown Theory leather jacket, Citizens of Humanity Avedon skinny jeans, Christian Louboutin graffiti flats, gray Vince suede jacket, Louis Vuitton leopard stole, Alexander McQueen silk chiffon skull scarves, Yves Saint Laurent Arty ring, Balenciaga raisin City bag, Chloe Paraty bag, and Forever 21 loose white t-shirts.

What was your first major clothing splurge, and handbag splurge? 

I remembered this one very clearly!  My hands were shaking and I wanted to confirm the shipping address a million times.  My first major clothing splurge was when I bought my Mike & Chris leather jacket, and handbag splurge was when I bought my Chanel classic flap bag.

What does Mystery Man (her boyfriend) like to see on you the most? 

Mystery Man is so supportive of my fashion ventures.  He was the one who bought me my first pair of Christian Louboutin’s.  He really encourages me to experiment with fashion.  He loves it when I wear any outfit with Christian Louboutin pumps.

Finally, please share something surprising about yourself!

I grew up in foster care and was extremely scared of being homeless at 18.  The only reason I applied to college was to have a place to live.  I applied to all of the University of California colleges and got accepted into UC Berkeley.  And to this day, I feel like it was a miracle, because UC Berkeley’s first day of school was exactly on my 18th birthday.  I emancipated from the system and moved to college on the same day.  I’ve carried a garbage bag with my personal belongings from home to home, eaten out of trash cans, and felt incredibly alone in my adolescent years.  And now, I’m here – alive, enjoying the beautiful city of San Francisco, having this interview with you, loving my close friends and boyfriend who have been so supportive of me.  I feel very blessed in life.

Thank you Wendy for sharing with us not just your lovely style but also your story. I hope reading this inspired you – it certainly was a reminder for myself, to be less jaded and to approach life with a optimistic and open heart. Have a great Wednesday, everybody!

66 Comments

  • Reply
    Kimberley
    April 20, 2011 at 12:12 pm

    She has such great style, what an inspiring story!

  • Reply
    Plami
    April 20, 2011 at 12:50 pm

    She looks so lovely!

    XoXo
    Plami

    http://fashion-thrill.blogspot.com/

  • Reply
    Tangles
    April 20, 2011 at 12:51 pm

    I just love these interviews, Kat! Wendy is gorgeous and such an inspiration. This is just another reminder that we should never judge others because you never know what someone has been through or what their life is really like.

  • Reply
    Stephanie Shepherd
    April 20, 2011 at 12:58 pm

    Thanks to Wendy for sharing such detail for us to enjoy!

    eshebystephanie.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Annette
    April 20, 2011 at 1:31 pm

    What a really great interview!! I love when you do these, it's like taking a peek into someone else's life. And the McQueen scarf is so prettyyyy, eek.

    lefthandedstory.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Melissa
    April 20, 2011 at 1:36 pm

    Oh, this was such an amazing story. Thanks so much for featuring her. She is so beautiful, and she has a great sense of style. Plus, what an inspiring and touching story! You are finding the best people 🙂

    xxMelissa

  • Reply
    EllysMakeupbag
    April 20, 2011 at 1:55 pm

    I love her style, it is so relaxed yet classic.

  • Reply
    Julie and Lauren
    April 20, 2011 at 2:48 pm

    Absolutely gorgeous! And love her photographs. Great, post!
    Xx

  • Reply
    Thirteenlbs
    April 20, 2011 at 2:55 pm

    Wow, what great style, and what a unique perspective.

  • Reply
    Lily
    April 20, 2011 at 3:21 pm

    She has such great style !! Very cute.

    xxLily
    goldandgray.com

  • Reply
    RAW
    April 20, 2011 at 3:46 pm

    I love her blog and her style. She seems like an incredibly grounded and nice person.

    Great post.

  • Reply
    Blace
    April 20, 2011 at 3:48 pm

    Such a great story! Thank you for sharing!

  • Reply
    emma basilone
    April 20, 2011 at 4:10 pm

    she is such a cutie!! Love her style with her high end pieces, I will be checking out her blog!!

    I am having a give-a-way on my blog, check it out if you like! ($25 to Vantage Point Vintage's online store: http://www.shopvpv.com/

    http://behindtheleopardglasses.blogspot.com/2011/04/best-day-ever-give-wayyyyyyyy.html

    <3 emma

  • Reply
    Winnie
    April 20, 2011 at 4:16 pm

    She has the cutest style and I love her make up. That's definitely an inspiring story at the end and totally unexpected! Awesome interview.

  • Reply
    Shelby
    April 20, 2011 at 4:39 pm

    what an amazing story of an amazing woman with amazing style. thanks so much for sharing, what a wonderful idea <3shelby

    http://www.makemesparkly.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Maggie
    April 20, 2011 at 4:45 pm

    Loove.
    http://www.soyfrivolita.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Sammie
    April 20, 2011 at 4:52 pm

    what a cutie! thanks for interviewing her and sharing her heartfelt story <3!

  • Reply
    amy b.s.
    April 20, 2011 at 4:59 pm

    so pretty and so stylish!

  • Reply
    Tien
    April 20, 2011 at 5:24 pm

    Wow, she is incredible. Off to check her site!

  • Reply
    Lindsay @ A Walk in the Closet
    April 20, 2011 at 5:25 pm

    This is such a heartwarming story. Thanks so much for featuring it! I'm enjoying your blog more and more each day not only because of your own great taste but also the people you feature and the great interview questions you come up with.

    It's so easy to judge a book by its cover and I know a lot of people would never think that beyond the designer clothes, this beautiful woman grew up with more hardship than they could have even imagined experiencing. I hope a lot of people are humbled when they meet her.

  • Reply
    Ella Pretty Blog
    April 20, 2011 at 5:32 pm

    Love these series of interviews. Wendy's style is gorgeous – and her story is so inspiring (and a little heart-breaking!)

  • Reply
    Honeysuckle
    April 20, 2011 at 6:07 pm

    oops, i don't know what i just did to the last comment! but i love her blog and style and videos, especially the scarf one.

  • Reply
    JENNY
    April 20, 2011 at 6:21 pm

    I love this interview! Wendy has flawless style!! I am loving her hot pink scarf!!

    http://albeitdotdotdot.blogspot.com/

  • Reply
    Fash Boulevard
    April 20, 2011 at 6:42 pm

    once again, you look beyond amazing. i love this outfit so much and the leopard is perfection. if you get a second please stop by to see multiple post a day on all the latest celebrity fashion news and check out pictures from the fall/winter preview I attended yesterday in Beverly Hills. Would love your support. xoxo

    http://www.fashboulevard.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Chocolate, Cookies & Candies
    April 20, 2011 at 7:02 pm

    FF, I just love your interviews. I find Wendy's story incredibly inspiring and follow her blog religiously (as I do yours!). Her vivacious personality and can do attitude will make her a star in the blogsphere.

  • Reply
    Chocolate, Cookies & Candies
    April 20, 2011 at 7:02 pm

    FF, I just love your interviews. I find Wendy's story incredibly inspiring and follow her blog religiously (as I do yours!). Her vivacious personality and can do attitude will make her a star in the blogsphere.

  • Reply
    Chocolate, Cookies & Candies
    April 20, 2011 at 7:02 pm

    FF, I just love your interviews. I find Wendy's story incredibly inspiring and follow her blog religiously (as I do yours!). Her vivacious personality and can do attitude will make her a star in the blogsphere.

  • Reply
    Chocolate, Cookies & Candies
    April 20, 2011 at 7:02 pm

    FF, I just love your interviews. I find Wendy's story incredibly inspiring and follow her blog religiously (as I do yours!). Her vivacious personality and can do attitude will make her a star in the blogsphere.

  • Reply
    Chocolate, Cookies & Candies
    April 20, 2011 at 7:02 pm

    FF, I just love your interviews. I find Wendy's story incredibly inspiring and follow her blog religiously (as I do yours!). Her vivacious personality and can do attitude will make her a star in the blogsphere.

  • Reply
    Priscilla Francine Makeup
    April 20, 2011 at 7:49 pm

    WOW, what a great peak into her life. It's so funny what Lindsey @ a walk in the closet said…how people judge others by what they wear and we have no idea what they've been through

  • Reply
    Ciara
    April 20, 2011 at 7:56 pm

    Great interview! Her story is so amazing and her style is fierce!
    –Ciara ':D

  • Reply
    Emma
    April 20, 2011 at 8:03 pm

    That was a cool interview, she seems sweet and has great style!!

    Emma x

    closetconfessionsofafashionaddict.blogspot.com

  • Reply
    Mindy♥
    April 20, 2011 at 9:04 pm

    I adore Wendy so much! She is so genuine and so kind. She is also very inspiring in her fashion and her outlook on life as well! I am so glad you featured her on your blog.

  • Reply
    JenlovesBal
    April 20, 2011 at 9:32 pm

    Love Wendy's blog! She has amazing pics and vids. Thanks for the interview!!

  • Reply
    CoutureJunkie
    April 20, 2011 at 10:52 pm

    This was a wonderful interview and Wendy seems like a beautiful soul and you can definetly tell through her style. Her optimistic outlook life after all she has been through is truly to be admired. Thanks for another great interview.

    -xo
    Bobbie
    Confessions of a Couture Junkie

  • Reply
    DSK Steph
    April 20, 2011 at 11:26 pm

    Wendy is such an incredible person!

  • Reply
    Tara @ Haute Lunch
    April 20, 2011 at 11:56 pm

    Wendy is such a strong, gorgeous woman! I really appreciate her sharing her story!

  • Reply
    Swe3tGirl
    April 21, 2011 at 12:25 am

    I love Wendy's Lookbook! Yes, her story is an incredible one to share, and I congratulate her on her amazing success! Thank you for sharing this interview. I enjoyed reading it.

  • Reply
    Make Mommy Chic
    April 21, 2011 at 12:53 am

    What a treat to have Wendy share her style secrets with us. She is so vibrant in her videos and is such a fashion inspiration just like you Katherine! I second her opinion on the citizen Avedon jeans- they are the most comfy skinnies on earth! Thanks for the great post!

  • Reply
    Chic 'n Cheap Living
    April 21, 2011 at 4:05 am

    What a beautiful story and she has such great style!

    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

  • Reply
    Sydney
    April 21, 2011 at 4:31 am

    This was so inspiring! Thank you for sharing. 🙂

  • Reply
    vivien
    April 21, 2011 at 5:47 pm

    I've been hooked on Wendy's videos the first time I saw them! She has such a lovable bubbly personality and she's gorgeous to boot!

  • Reply
    Ailsa
    April 21, 2011 at 7:55 pm

    Wendy is one of my favorite web people. I look forward to her updates and she has the spirit I wish everyone on the planet could have. I heart Wendy.

  • Reply
    LV
    April 21, 2011 at 10:25 pm

    She is beautiful and has amazing style! I need to check out her blog! this was a great interview

    http://foodfashionandflow.blogspot.com/

  • Reply
    Cindy
    April 21, 2011 at 11:23 pm

    I love Wendy's YouTube videos and her blog as well. You both have great style and I love reading more about your lives, trials and tribulations, and success stories. Thank you so much for sharing this interview with us!

  • Reply
    SIMPLY DASHY PHOTOGRAPHY
    April 22, 2011 at 4:30 pm

    Wow! What a great story! Very fun and inspirational with lots of wonderful fashion sense. =)

  • Reply
    glitteryeyesxx
    April 22, 2011 at 10:52 pm

    Damn, I had NO flippin' idea the hardship she went through growing up. This makes me like her all the much MORE now. Hope she makes it far with her acting career. She sure has the personality for it! 🙂

  • Reply
    Tania
    April 23, 2011 at 12:28 am

    You are so right about Wendy. I really enjoy watching her videos; she's so quirky and fun to watch!

  • Reply
    Kimia Kline
    April 24, 2011 at 2:41 am

    wow. what a story. she is so gorgeous.

  • Reply
    American Gypsy
    April 25, 2011 at 9:03 pm

    she´s gorgeous!! what a great interview, katherine. xoxojess

  • Reply
    beautyboxlist
    April 26, 2011 at 7:32 pm

    Great interview, what an inspiration again for me! Thank you.

  • Reply
    Reflect and Fancy | fashion blog
    April 26, 2011 at 10:18 pm

    great interview

  • Reply
    Cupcaking
    May 1, 2011 at 8:24 am

    thanks for posting the interview!

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    August 12, 2011 at 5:44 pm

    You are beautiful. Your nature beauty is a blessing, don't listen to illed advise by having a face lift. You are educated and beautiful and down to earth. I love your style. Keep up the good work.

  • Reply
    Anonymous
    September 27, 2012 at 6:07 am

    Amazing person; fabulous style!

  • Reply
    Lisa
    December 27, 2012 at 11:46 pm

    Not what in what universe what lived in, but for the 4 years that I know Wendy at Cal, she was not eating out of the trash can. GF had a bf who housed and feed her.

    Not sure how one goes from carrying a trash bag to an Louis Vuitton bag in the same month!

    • Reply
      Guest
      February 17, 2013 at 9:05 pm

      I too have heard that her story just does not match up. I’ve heard that she uses this semi fake story to get ahead like she did on another business venture that didn’t bring her much success. She cut tied with that one. It was a non profit organization. Since it didn’t bring her fame she “canned” it.
      But if you just all do the math on her being in a shelter it doesn’t seem like she was in there for very long. Only about 2-3 years at most. Go back and read her blog and do the math again.
      I have head that she uses this story to pull at the public’s heart strings.
      So sad that no one sees this.

  • Reply
    Wendy
    January 8, 2013 at 5:49 am

    Sounds like a Cinderella story:) Wish u the best and hope u will continue to post all the inspirational and fashionable looks:) kind regards, Wendy

  • Reply
    tessa villamor
    January 22, 2013 at 8:02 pm

    tnx wendy 🙂 you inspired me a lot! God bless u more..

  • Reply
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    May 21, 2013 at 10:16 am

    […] Last night, I found Wendy’s Lookbook blog and YouTube. I have seen her outfits on Pinterest and repinned many of them onto my own boards for inspiration, but one of her videos, “Chasing Dreams,” really struck a cord with me, and I knew that I should be chasing after my dreams. Wendy is also Vietnamese and her story amazes beyond her description of the desk job to fashionista because she grew up in foster care and was homeless at 18 years old. […]

  • Reply
    Yenism
    May 30, 2013 at 12:24 pm

    thank you for all Wendy, you are exactly such an amazing inspiration for my lifetime.
    thank God for bringing you here and I could know you. I adore you. now I’m trying to make a breakthrough for my life. I never stop chasing my dreams. I know what my dreams are and how to get them.
    many thanks from the bottom of my dreaming heart. I can’t let my dreams be dreams. they will be realised 🙂
    Yenism

  • Reply
    kiruthika
    June 27, 2013 at 7:57 am

    love you wendy!

  • Reply
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    […] Wendy has always been so supportive and sweet – she was one of the first bloggers to let me interview her, and is a true professional.She also has an amazing wardrobe-  as soon Wendy walked through the […]

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