The Luxi Look | LA based fashion and lifestyle blog

By Amy Zhang August 22, 2019 in Style 14 Comments

Best Affordable Shoe Brands

In a perfect world, my shoe closet would like this. In reality, you can’t always get what you want (cue the song now…). I LOVE shopping but have to be conscious of how much I spend, it’s very easy to go overboard when it comes to shoes and accessories! Luckily it’s more about spending smart and not overspending. I’m all about maximizing, not blowing my budget. It takes a little more effort to mix high and low, but I promise it’s worth it.

I’m always look for the most affordable denim, tops, & of course shoes.

There will always be another pair to lust after. That’s why it’s so incredibly satisfying to me when I can find a designer shoe look a like for less. I usually turn to a handful of trusty and affordable shoe brands to fill my closet with shoes that are high quality and look expensive, but also won’t break the bank.

The Best Affordable Shoe Brands:

Steve Madden

Always reliable and reasonably priced. I especially like Steve Madden for trendy sandals and heels. The quality can sometimes be hit or miss, so always try them on and test for fit and comfort before fully committing. Sometimes you can find a really, really convincing dupe for a designer pair. I’ve consistently had good luck with their sandals and other summer styles – these tend not to last as long as boots and sneakers, so you won’t be sacrificing too much on quality for the price.

Topshop

Topshop’s affordable shoe brands always kill the game. You can find almost any style for between $50-$150. The best part is these shoes LAST. I wore my flatforms to death this summer and have also found their boots to be very sturdy. Topshop has been my go-to destination for mules, boots, and sandals.

Charles & Keith

I recently discovered this brand and could not get over how cute and affordable their shoes are. Most items are under $100! Their shoes are perfect for the office – be sure to check out their heels and other work appropriate shoes.

Raye

Revolve’s in house shoe line has been consistently coming out with on trend and affordable styles. The shoes are actually quite well made and hold up even if you wear them to death (which I’ve certainly done!)

Public Desire

Sassy, edgy, and urban. You’ll find the best designer dupes and on trend styles from Public Desire. If you’re looking for an on trend and daring style, Public Desire should be your first destination. I get so many questions and compliments on my Yeezy dupes.

Zara

Zara does fast fashion best and their affordable shoe brands are no exception. If you’re looking for a straight off the runway style, Zara is always a safe bet. Plus, new styles are being added every week! And YAY to their US online store (+ free returns ; )) making life so much easier. Their selection of boots right now is ON POINT. Can someone PLEASE explain why they don’t carry size 7 in shoes?

I try not to shop too much fast fashion, personally. But if you are looking for the season’s trendiest shoes at a fraction of the cost, I can almost guarantee you’ll find it at Zara.

Jeffrey Campbell

For girls that want a little more edge for their shoe game. I’m especially a fan of JC’s booties – I wore the same pair of booties for over 6 years before retiring them. The quality of their leather and suede shoes is great. They look and feel great for the price, most items are around $200

When it comes to trends I love, I’m definitely a repeat offender. You don’t even want to know how many off the shoulder tops, slip dresses, and chokers I’ve acquired over the past couple years.

Lately, I’ve been noticing STARS everywhere. I think they make the cutest print – remember this dress? Still obsessed. However, THIS Forever 21 dress is one of my favorite items I’ve purchased lately. And a total steal at $22!

I’m getting ready for fall fashion, but in the meantime dresses are still my go-to.

Adding some simple accessories always helps to complete the look. I only wash my hair 2x a week so a hat is a MUST after day 2. Also currently loving mules. Flat versions for daytime, heeled for nighttime.

What are your favorite affordable shoe brands? And, is everyone getting excited for fall fashion?? I just dusted off my OTK boots… I cannot wait!

xx, Amy

dress: forever 21 | hat: lack of color | shoes: topshop

photos: ryan chua

By Amy Zhang August 20, 2019 in Lifestyle, Style 2 Comments

What I Want to Workout In – Alo Yoga & More

Aside from being motivated to work out more when wearing cute clothes, new workout gear is actually functional as well. If you workout on the reg and have been wearing the same clothes for a few years, chances are it’s time to toss your old leggings and tank and invest in some new gear. Believe it or not, the fabric in most workout clothes won’t hold up past a year (high quality brands such as Lululemon and Alo hold up for much longer, in my experience) before you notice threads coming loose and hems fraying. Quality doesn’t always equal price, but with workout clothes you get what you pay for. I’ve had Lululemon leggings from 6+ years ago that look better than brands that shall not be named after 6 months. If you’re looking for some stylish new clothes to sweat or lounge in, look no further for inspiration.

I’m wearing this tank, these leggings (highly recommend the high waisted version over the regular!!), and these sneakers.

What I Want: Workout Clothes

Shop the items by clicking directly on the image

+ Nike Zoom Vista Grind

These have been on my wishlist for a while. The neon color is so fun. They also come in slightly more muted hues if you want something a little more low key. These can be styled to be a little more uptown as well by pairing a biker shorts with a blazer.

+ Tie-dye hoodie

Perfect layering piece for the summer. Wear this to and from the gym, running errands, laying around doing nothing…

+ Alo sports bra

Not the most supportive bras (I would not recommend doing any sort of cardio or HIIT in most Alo bras). But this fabric is so incredibly comfortable.

+ Alo jacket

It’s hard to imagine wearing a black jacket outside right now. But trust me when I say that in a month or two you will be happy to have one. A zip up is ideal for running around and walking outside. Plus, you have the added bonus of actually looking cute enough to swing by a coffee or brunch date after your workout.

+ All Access Biker Shorts

I bought a matching set from All Access earlier this year. It’s possibly my favorite fitness purchase of the year to date. The fabric is moisture wicking and cooling, and the waistband on the leggings is so flattering. I’m a recent convert to biker shorts (so late to the trend, I know) – this pair from All Access works on the street and in the gym.

+ Alo lounge pants

I live in lounge pants over the weekend. I wish I could say I looked put together walking my dog or running errands, but I’m really all about comfort over fashion 90% of the time. These are perfect for travel as well.

By Amy Zhang August 19, 2019 in Lifestyle, Style 13 Comments

My Favorite Weekend Getaway Destinations in California

My Favorite Roadtrip Destinations in California | by The Luxi Look

I love where I live, but I also love getting away for the weekend. One of the best parts of living in California is the number of amazing weekend getaways that are only a quick drive away. No flight necessary! Maybe I’ve been living in cities for too long, but a smooth ride with no stop and go traffic feels like a breath of fresh air. As much as I love keeping a travel bucket list and bookmarking new destinations to visit, a quick roadtrip is sometimes all you need to come back feeling refreshed. Here are some of my favorite roadtrip destinations in California, and ones that are on my bucket list.

My favorite weekend roadtrips from LA

+ San Diego

I visited San Diego last year and had an absolute blast. It definitely became one of my favorite SoCal cities – read more about my trip and itinerary here.

+ Palm Springs

Palm Springs is really one of my homes away from home. I love the desert, any time of year, no matter how hot it is. I’ve loved every place I’ve stayed at, but my favorites are Korakia Pensione and the Parker. Once you visit Palm Springs, you’ll know why.

+ Joshua Tree

Technically less than an hour from Palm Springs, but I typically visit the two separately. While Palm Springs is wonderful for food and laying by a pool, Joshua Tree feels more spiritual and down to earth. Not to mention, it’s just incredibly beautiful.

+ Big Sur

The road to Big Sur is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful drives in the entire country. Make sure to take the route along the ocean, and not the one that goes through farmlands in Central California : ).

+ San Francisco

Technically too far for my liking from Los Angeles, but I couldn’t leave SF out. The drive is doable and better with friends – but to be honest, a plane ticket is around the same price and much more convenient (IMO).

+ Napa Valley

Again, too far to drive to from Los Angeles – I’ve flown from LAX to Sonoma County and the flight was cheap and fast. I’d highly recommend. If you haven’t visited wine country in Northern California yet, it’s a lot of fun with your girlfriends or significant other.

+ Solvang / Santa Ynez

I loved visiting Santa Ynez for wine tasting and staying at nearby Solvang (definitely check out The Landsby if you can!).

Roadtrip Destinations in California Wishlist

+ Ojai

I’ve been wanting to visit Ojai and stay at the Ojai Valley Inn for years. Only a couple hours out of the city, Ojai is a peaceful wellness sanctuary to recharge and unwind.

+ Yosemite

The natural beauty in Yosemite National Park is unparalleled – I’m not usually the type of person to camp, but I would make an exception when visiting the park.

+ Tahoe

The beauty of California is in how many different types of climates and land there are across the state. Tahoe is beautiful in winter and summer, depending on what you are looking for. It’s a little too far for driving from LA for my liking, so I may choose to fly into San Francisco and then drive for a ski weekend next winter .

Stay tuned for travel diaries and itineraries from upcoming roadtrips. If you have any questions at all about any of the destinations, please leave them below.

matching set: spell | hat: lack of color | boots: marc fisher

bag: saint laurent from tradesy (get $50 off your first purchase with my code AMYZ50)

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By Amy Zhang August 18, 2019 in Beauty 2 Comments

Worth the Hype? An Honest Hydrafacial Review

An Honest Hydrafacial Review | by The Luxi Look

There’s nothing like wedding planning to motivate you to get your sh*t in gear. Now that the clock is ticking, I’ve found myself more conscious and willing to invest more time and money on my appearance (namely – skin) than any other occasion in my life. To be honest, I’ve wanted to try a hydrafacial for some time but have historically been terrible about maintenance (the last facial I received was over a year ago, yikes!). As I’m approaching the age of 30 and have my upcoming nuptials as an excuse to try new skincare treatments, I made the decision to finally get a hydrafacial. I went to Avant Aesthetics in Beverly Hills and loved my experience so much I had to share (and am ready to book my next appointment in a month!). If you’re like me and doing tons of research on the best skincare treatments for natural glowing skin, want to know WTF a hydrafacial is, and if it’s worth the price, keep on reading for my honest review.

What is a hydrafacial?

It’s not your average facial – a hydrafacial is actually a treatment performed by a special device that is actually medical grade. The treatment is patented and consists of three parts – cleansing, exfoliating, and injecting your skin with serums and moisture. Only certified machines and technicians can perform hydrafacials – but don’t worry, you can find this treatment almost anywhere, and it’s for almost anyone!

It’s honestly amazing for all skin types. Whatever your skin type is, you can benefit from a hydrafacial. It is not just for dry skin only. There are benefits to regular facials in general. For example, exfoliating dead skin and clearing out your pores so your skin can absorb product better. Hydrafacials take these benefits to the next level through their special equipment and technology. Their cleansing and exfoliating tool gently cleans your skin. And it eliminates all of the dead skin cells on the surface. Their serum infusing tool is like a surge of moisture to your face. You get all of the benefits of manual extractions, but it’s virtually painless! You can also add on various boosters to address an array of problems – from dark spots to acne.

Now for the cost of a hydrafacial – because it’s a standard treatment that can be done across the country, the pricing and experience is fairly consistent. It will vary a bit by region and practice. You can expect a hydrafacial to cost between $150-$300 depending on where you go. I looked around online and the average price is around $200. The best part of a hydrafacial, in my opinion, is it is an instant gratification treatment. Lasers and peels require a lot of downtime. But the results from a hydrafacial are instant (and they last!).

My Honest Hydrafacial Review

I wasn’t sure what to expect and if the hydrafacial would be worth the price. My verdict? I absolutely loved it. My skin felt incredible after my facial – plump, soft, and smooth. As someone who has chronically dry and sensitive skin, it felt like a much-needed drink of water. The photo below is of my skin after my hydrafacial. I didn’t need to wear any makeup at all, and all of my fine lines were gone. Whether you’re looking for routine maintenance or have a red carpet event in a day, a hydrafacial is a great treatment. Do it on its own or combined with others to give your skin a natural glow that will last for a week. I will definitely be doing this treatment consistently. About once every month or two. I look forward to updating this post with more information and reviews!

By Amy Zhang August 12, 2019 in Style 6 Comments

Dainty Gold Jewelry

Dainty gold jewelry pieces rank at the top of the list for timeless jewelry you’ll wear forever. Trends aside, I always opt for dainty gold pieces over anything else because I know I will continue to year them for years to come. High-quality jewelry usually comes at a price, but there are some brands that bring affordable quality to your jewelry collection. Lately, I’ve been loving classic gold rings, 14k gold necklaces, Mejuri, and Missoma. If you’re looking to splurge, check out Logan Hollowell – everything is SO freaking cute.

You may already have several gold necklaces in your collection that you wear on rotation and mix or match with others. Of course, it depends on if you are a gold or silver jewelry kind of person! I prefer gold for day-to-day, but it’s definitely a personal preference! A general, but not hard-and-fast, rule is silver tends to complement cooler skin tones, and gold on warmer skin tones. The good news is, most online stores will carry pieces in gold and silver if one is not to your liking.

Right now I love how gold necklaces look when layered. The key is finding ones of different lengths with different details. Creating a necklace stack doesn’t have to be difficult, but it might take some effort. Some great layering options are this one, this one, and this one. I’ve linked some of my favorite gold necklaces below. Happy Shopping!

Dainty Gold Jewelry

+ Missoma Gold Chain – this brand is a favorite of Meghan Markle, and for good reason! Most pieces are under $250 and they’re the perfect complement to your summer closet.

+ AUrate Zodiac Necklace – the one I’m wearing in the photo – choose your sign. I love how thin and delicate it is – perfect for layering.

+ Mejuri Boyfriend Necklace – if you don’t have a pendant or coin necklace in your jewelry box yet, this is a great option. I love Mejuri for the prices and quality – it’s some of the best classic jewelry you can get for under $150.

+ Luv AJ Double Coin Necklace – love this layered coin necklace that will go with pretty much anything.

What are your favorite jewelry brands?

For more jewelry inspiration, check out my posts on minimal jewelry and fall layering for jewelry