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By Amy Zhang November 13, 2016 in Lifestyle, Style, Wellness 40 Comments

The Importance of Taking Breaks

I wrote about the importance of loving yourself recently, and have sincerely made it a point to honor my mind and body more. To me, one of the key components of self-love is self-awareness. Also, the ability to recognize when you need a break. We all know the feeling of being on the brink of complete burnout and running on empty.

Thinking that if you push yourself just a little more you’ll be able to truly do it all (which in my mind is a myth, but more on that another day). More often than not, when we try to do too much we end up completely fatigued, exhausted, and sick. As much as I would love to be the person that can do it all, I’ve recognized the importance of taking breaks BEFORE that burnout occurs so that you don’t end up completely out of commission.

The Importance of Taking Breaks

This past week was long and emotional. To be honest I struggled internally with blogging after Tuesday. It didn’t feel right to me. I try to keep things light hearted and positive on the blog, but I just couldn’t muster up the energy. I’ve talked a lot of positivity on the blog, and in general think it’s so important to be hopeful and optimistic. But sometimes you’re just too tired to fake it. Even if you’re trying to find ways to stay motivated. I know this isn’t the normal fluffy happy blog topic BUT I do think it’s important to keep it real and honest. Not every day is going to be sunshine and shoes and trends and it’s ok to acknowledge that.

I had to tell myself – it’s ok to take a break. It’s ok to be tired. It’s ok to want to do nothing and just have a day/night to yourself. So I’m putting the coffee down, hitting the snooze button, and focusing on healing and rest before trying to take on the world again. (Probably going to meditate and get a massage as well.)

On a somewhat tangential note, if you’re looking for ways to take action, here’s a wonderful post written by a friend compiling all the ways to help women and minorities in the wake of last week’s events. Thank you Hayley for more eloquently sharing the words many of us are thinking.

xx, Amy

dress: stone cold fox | poncho: vici | boots: stuart weitzman

jewelry: elizabeth stone jewelry

By Amy Zhang November 7, 2016 in Beauty 5 Comments

Beauty Products Worth the Splurge

While there are several products that get the job done whether they’re from the drugstore or a high end department store, certain things are worth saving up for. It’s important to know when to spend and when to save – so here are the beauty products I think are worth the splurge.

Beauty Products Worth the Splurge

Foundation

This is definitely a beauty product that is worth splurging on, in my experience. High end foundations tend to have better formulas and more pigments. It’s worth trying out a variety to find the right coverage and finish for your skin. I love Nars tinted moisturizer for daytime (it has SPF!) and Armani Luminous Silk foundation for when I want slightly more coverage and a flawless finish. I had to look twice at the price tag, but it is 100% worth it (makeup artists and celebrities everywhere agree). AND right now it’s 20% off at Sephora for VIB Rouge members (use code: 20ROUGE) and VIB members from November 11th – 14th (use code: 20VIB).

Hair Care

I think high quality hair products are SO important, especially if you color your hair. It’s important to use products that are paraben and sulfate free to preserve your color. My favorite line of haircare products, by far, is Oribe. Needless to say, I’m completely #oribeobsessed. I love everything from their Gold Lust line as well as their dry texturizing shampoo.

Because I wash my hair infrequently (aim for 1-2 times a week… call me gross, whatever), a bottle of shampoo and conditioner lasts me almost 2 years (to the point where I should just throw the remaining product out). So I really don’t feel bad splurging on Oribe products because they last forever and the quality cannot be beat (bonus: you won’t be able to get over the scent!).

Skin Products

Your skin is your largest organ and the one that everyone sees (duh). I would prioritize skincare over splurging on makeup products ANYDAY. Obviously diet and lifestyle factor into the quality of your skin, but the next best thing is nourishing your skin with the right products for YOU. This takes a lot of trial and error over time, but once you get your skincare routine down pat – whether it’s simple or a crazy 10 step regime – it’ll be one of the best things you can do for your appearance.

Lipsticks

Something about a nice lipstick just makes you feel more put together and honestly, fancy. The formulas of high lipsticks (Chanel, YSL, and Tom Ford especially!) are tough to beat – they glide on smoothly, stay put, and have the most gorgeous, vibrant shades. It might feel like a lot to spend $30 on a lipstick, but it’s one of those small little luxuries that is perfect for the days when you just need to #treatyoself.

What products do you splurge on, and where do you save? If you’re a VIB Rouge or VIB at Sephora, take advantage of the 20% off sale right now (this stuff NEVER goes on sale). Have a fabulous week, babes!

xx, Amy

By Amy Zhang November 2, 2016 in Fitness 14 Comments

Work It Out

Let’s talk health and fitness… I haven’t always been the biggest fan of working out and it wasn’t until a couple years ago that I started exercising consistently. To this day, gyms intimidate me so I stick what I know and love – group fitness classes. I’ve tried it all – barre, spin, yoga, pilates, circuit training, etc. (Classpass is good if you don’t know what you like or already know you like everything). There’s really no quick fix to getting in shape – consistency is the key. It wasn’t until this past year that I really found what I love and have been sticking to a routine that has led to actual results for the first time in my life.

Sooo currently my routine is Barry’s Bootcamp 2x a week with a hike or a different type of class mixed in here or there. I love the combination of intervals on the treadmill (the only way to do cardio) and weight lifting, and aim to sweat for an hour 3-4x a week. Being active has really become part of my lifestyle and it helps so much with anxiety, stress, and general mood and well being. It’s not always fun or easy to get up early and workout, but I always feel amazing after when those endorphins kick in.

Call me crazy, but new and cute workout clothes are definitely motivation for me to get my ass to the gym. How cute are these sets? There have definitely been mornings when I’ve wanted to stay in bed but then I remember the cute gym clothes I set aside and somehow that drags me out of bed…

Work It Out

Workout Clothes

I love Strut This for their matching sets.

Somehow the “one size fits all” sizing is actually that. The fabric is super soft and comfortable – and they have the cutest prints. Definitely check them out if you haven’t already.

Varley is another new fave.

The material is incredible for sweat wicking so wear to any of your favorite activities, you will fall in love! I love discovering new activewear lines, I feel like the athleisure trend continues to stay, which makes me feel better about running around town in my workout clothes all day.

What’s your workout routine / how do you stay healthy and grounded?

xx, Amy

photos: ryan chua

By Amy Zhang October 29, 2016 in Style, Wellness 7 Comments

Boosting Your Immunity

Happy Saturday my loves!

Taking a rest day today and focusing on something a little different – boosting your immunity this fall. With the changing seasons come seasonal illnesses. If you interact with other people at all, chances are you’re coming into contact with tons of germs and bacteria. I’m not a germaphobe by any means, but I do hate getting sick.

I’m lucky if I can get through the winter with only one cold or sinus infection, in the past I’ve had much worse luck. However, I’ve learned with certain preventative measures and understanding when my body needs a break, I can stay healthy and avoid getting sick.

Note:
I’m not a licensed medical professional by any means, these are just little habits I personally have that help me feel my best :).

Boosting Your Immunity This Fall

Vitamin C

Studies are mixed, but I absolutely swear by vitamin C. I drink a packet of Emergen-C every day and eat lots of citrus fruits. If you’re worried about sugar content there are pills you can take as well. Call it a placebo effect, but sometimes that isn’t such a bad thing.

Sleep

Lots of it. 7-8 hours is optimal. Lack of sleep suppresses your immune system which makes you more likely to get sick. Whatever you’re doing can wait – you won’t be nearly as productive if you’re sick. Get those zzz’s.

Shots

Medical professionals agree that getting the flu shot is the best thing you can do. I like to supplement with B12 shots if I’m feeling a little under the weather or about to embark on travel. B12 shots are especially beneficial if you’re vegetarian/vegan (you likely have a B12 deficiency) or need a little boost in energy.

Liquids

Water, water, water! When I feel a little tickle in my throat I also add in tea and juice. I LOVE this ginger honey tea and will always run to my nearest juice bar to pick up a juice (anything with extra ginger!!) and an “immunity shot.” You can also make one yourself – wellness shots typically include ginger, honey, and cayenne pepper. If you’re in LA, my favorite juice bar is Beverly Hills Juice Club – get the apple lemon triple ginger and feel yourself get better instantly.

Diet

I load up on ginger and garlic (<<yep!!) and avoid sugar. Oh, and everything you’ve heard about chicken soup? It’s actually good for you. Try bone broth too!

Hope you all have a fun and safe Halloween weekend! I’ll be curled up in bed today working on some upcoming projects (blog and non-blog related).

xx, Amy

bodysuit: forever 21 | belt: b low the belt | shorts: similar

jacket: similar | boots: steve madden

photos: jordan zobrist

By Amy Zhang October 18, 2016 in Lifestyle, Style 17 Comments

Create + Cultivate Atlanta Recap

Create + Cultivate Atlanta | The Luxi Look

Hi loves! As you may have seen on my Instagram, I had the opportunity to attend Create + Cultivate Atlanta last weekend as Bebe’s brand ambassador. The weekend was a TOTAL whirlwind, and I finally had the chance to sit down and collect my thoughts on the conference. If you haven’t attended Create + Cultivate before, I would recommend going at some point if you can. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but the experience left me feeling incredibly uplifted, rejuvenated, and inspired to continue my journey as a content creator.

Create + Cultivate Atlanta Recap

I took a red-eye to Atlanta Friday night, landed at 5am, took a quick nap at my Airbnb, and then got ready for the conference. Physically, I was exhausted, but mentally I was stimulated and completely awake the second I got to Create + Cultivate Atlanta. Immediately you are surrounded by almost 500 women that share a common interest and goal: creating. You can instantly feel the energy in the room. The day is jam-packed with speakers and panels, but you can take it at whatever pace you like.

The conference was a well oiled machine – practically every little detail imaginable was thought out. The entire space is a Pinterest lover’s dream, and every corner is Instagram-able. I loved the beauty lounge (for makeup and hair touches throughout the day, as well as free mini massages and manicures!) and the snack/refreshment stations that were set up around the building.

One of the highlights of the conference was definitely the mentor session – small group sessions with an influencer who acts as your “mentor” and answers all of your burning questions.

These sessions alone are incredibly valuable and worth attending for! I know for me, it’s much less intimidating to ask questions in a small group than in a large crowd. The intimate settings allow you to get to know your mentor and some other girls better than you would be able to otherwise. I will say that meeting Jessi Malay of My White T was one of the highlights of the day – she is truly as talented, savvy, and beautiful IRL as she is online!

I won’t go into the details of every panel I sat in, but I will summarize the two main themes I heard over and over again throughout the day.

Focus on yourself.

This came up so many times at Create + Cultivate Atlanta.

“Comparison is the thief of joy.”

“You have to just do you.”

“Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.”

It all comes down to the same message: focus on yourself, not what other people are doing.

Nicole Richie was asked about the difference between being competitive and ambitious.

Her response? No one should ever be competitive. Because being competitive means that you are inherently comparing yourself to someone else. Be ambitious – strive for more, but not at the expense of comparing yourself to someone else. You are building the career you want for yourself, so what someone else is doing shouldn’t matter.

I couldn’t agree more with this advice. It’s easy to compare yourself to others, but if there’s one lesson I’ve learned in my almost 1 year of blogging, it’s to focus on yourself and not what others are doing. Spending your precious time and energy thinking about other people and what they’re doing will only hold you back. You’re the only one that can live your life, so make the most of it. Take your journey at your own pace, and make sure to celebrate small victories along the way.

Find your people.

Every single speaker, founder, business owner, & entrepreneur at the event attributed some part of her success to the people that have supported them. When you have a solid support network, it makes a journey that can feel overwhelming and scary that much easier. I’m not saying surround people that only tell you you’re the shit, I’m saying surround yourself with people that care about you, will listen to you, and support you through the ups and downs. These are the people that matter – always make time for them. Blogging can be incredibly time consuming, but I will always make time for the people that matter most – my family, boyfriend, and close friends. They’re the ones that have believed in me and supported me, the least I could do in return is give them my love, support, and time.

To hear such successful and creative women say the same things over and over was truly empowering. Whether you’re just launching your blog, a slightly experience blogger, or have been at the game for years, Create + Cultivate is an event that sparks a fire within. I can’t express enough how happy I was to attend Create + Cultivate Atlanta.

If I had to sum up the experience in one word: inspiring.

It was so inspiring to see these women that have built brands and communities out of nothing. To hear them talk candidly about their successes and failures.

It’s so crazy how an entire industry has evolved over the past decade, and the digital space continues to grow.

And of course, a huge thank you to Bebe for bringing me on as their brand ambassador for the weekend. It was an honor working with a brand that I grew up with, and one that I’m more than happy to become reacquainted with. Their new collection is stunning, and this top and embellished skirt combo was the perfect outfit for a long day in Atlanta.

Thanks for following along! My mind is totally buzzing now thinking of what to do and where to go next. And if there’s ever anything you’d love to see or hear more of, let me know in the comments below or shoot me an email/Instagram DM/Snapchat/etc. I love hearing from you guys : ).

xx, Amy

top: bebe | skirt: bebe | boots: zara (similar)

photos: ryan chua