The Luxi Look | LA based fashion and lifestyle blog

By Amy Zhang March 1, 2019 in Style 8 Comments

How to Build a Wardrobe You Truly Love

How many times have you looked at your closet and complained about having nothing to wear? And in reality, how many of those times have you actually had nothing to wear? We’ve all been there – guilty righthere! But when we say we have nothing to wear, what we usually mean is, I wish I had something new to wear. For most people, having a constantly refreshed wardrobe is not possible, and when it comes to our closet there is a natural give and take that has to happen.

The answer for you may be buying less or more, but the point I want to stress is you should be buying smarter. The goal is for everything to have a purpose – we want to minimize those “WTF was I thinking when I bought that?!” items. With the intention of putting the days of buying something and wearing it once before it gets buried in my closet for years behind me, I want to talk about the easy steps you can take to build a wardrobe you truly love.

How to Shop Smarter and How to Build a Wardrobe

+ Set a budget

Part of adulting means being responsible. With responsibility comes budgeting. I’m not a personal finance expert by any means. So, I won’t get into how you should set your budget – that’s a conversation for another day. From what I’ve read on the internet, a general rule of thumb is no more than 10% of your budget. It should be allocated to clothing. I’m sure fashion girls everywhere roll their eyes and carry on. But the bigger point here is you shouldn’t be spending money if you don’t know how much you have to spend. A good practice is tracking your expenses and figuring out where your money is going every month. Once you take care of the essentials (usually the not so fun stuff – rent, bills, etc.), you can allocate funds towards more fun spending.

+ Prioritize

Once you have a number in mind, figuring out where to spend and where to save will help you make smarter shopping decisions. Unless your budget is unlimited, you’re going to have to prioritize which items are musts and which are nice-to-haves. Assessing your current closet will help you identify where there are gaps and where you can add something fun. If you are on a tighter budget (see above), be more thoughtful about which trends you choose to jump on. Consider how much you choose to spend on them.

I personally like to spend more on items I will get a lot of use out of and are more classic, but some people like to buy their basics at Zara and splurge on unique statement pieces. It’s up to you. For example, I love these leopard print pants, but recognized that they are a trendy piece that I will likely not wear a year or two from now. That’s why my Rent the Runway Unlimited membership has been so helpful in determining which items to invest in.

+ Wait before buying

That rush of excitement you get when you buy something new is real. But when all is said and done, that shopping high rarely lasts. If you’re trying to be more mindful of your purchases, wait at least a day (if not longer) before buying. Especially, when you’re online shopping. It’s so easy to click “checkout” when you’re shopping online. However, impulse buys do not necessarily translate to long term satisfaction. Giving yourself a cool-off period to assess if you really want (ok, maybe need ; )) something will help you cut back on frivolous spending.

+ Learn to let go

We’re all guilty of holding onto stuff because we *might* wear it again someday. We convince ourselves that trends are cyclical. Also, that if we hold onto things long enough, they’ll be on trend once again. That it’ll have the added benefit of being vintage. In the spirit of being honest with ourselves, recognizing that you haven’t worn something in over a year might mean it’s time to find that piece of clothing a new home. If you aren’t sure where to begin, check out this post to learn about how you can sell or donate old clothing and accessories.

+ Organize

Coming from someone who is naturally very messy, organization is key. It’s important, especially when it comes to the home and especially your closet. Messiness usually signifies some sort of chaos in your life. If your living space is clean and organized, it will bring peace and calmness to other aspects of your life as well. It’s hard to find what you’re looking for when clothes are strewn all over the place and covering every inch of your floor.

If your closet is overflowing, it might be time to get rid of stuff. If you’re finding yourself resorting to throwing everything onto the ever growing “pile” of clothing, it might be time to invest in some closet organizers and containers. You know what I’m talking about. It’s not the most fun way to spend a weekend. However, taking a visit to the container store and getting your wardrobe in order is surprisingly satisfying.

Of course, personal style isn’t all about practicality. It’s also a creative way to showcase your personality – so don’t forget to have fun with it, and not take it too seriously!

sweater: equipment | pants: paige | bag: givenchy | shoes: similar | sunnies: ray-ban

By Amy Zhang February 27, 2019 in Style 3 Comments

Trend I’m Loving: Neon

Trend I'm Loving for Spring: Neon | by The Luxi Look

One trend that has been on the rise for the past few seasons is neon. Now this is one that many people might shy away from, but it is one that I personally LOVE. This is coming from the girl whose favorite color for years was lime green. Literally fluorescent, neon green. I’m a huge fan of bright, neon colors and cannot wait to rock some this spring. It’s a bit of a departure from my typical black and neutral heavy wardrobe, but I think a strategic pop of color here is there is a fun way to spice up your style.

Keep in mind this is likely a trend that will come and go, so you may want to be thoughtful in how you incorporate it into your closet. If you are neon averse, you can start with a smaller accessory – think earrings or a bag. If you are all in, consider incorporating neon into your swimwear, activewear, and even workwear. The sky’s the limit – neon is EVERYWHERE this spring and it is not difficult to find options across every price range. I’ve rounded up my favorite neon styles below – just click on the item to shop!

Neon Styles

+ TLA by Morgan Stewart Sports Bra & Leggings – one of my favorite activewear sets comes in a variety of NEON colors. These are loud but so cute, no?

+ Jelly Hoop Earrings – a subtle pop of neon before going all in on the trend. I love these as well.

+ Belt bag – this tiny bag packs a punch! Would be so cute with all white or neutrals.

+ Cat Eye Sunnies – a fun twist on one of my favorite pairs of sunnies from last summer.

+ Off-White Belt – for the ultra chic fashion girl.

+ Neon Pink Blazer – make a statement transitioning this piece from day to night.

+ Sneakers – love the fun neon detail on these!

+ Neon Heeled Sandals – dying to wear these with everything this spring.

+ Turtleneck – such a chic piece that would definitely make you stand out in a crowd.

+ Trousers – so fun with a crop top for brunch or even just a plain white t-shirt.

+ Hot Pink Heels – majorly lusting over these fun heels!

+ One Piece Swimsuit – my favorite way to rock neon is definitely swimwear. There are SO many cute options out there – see more linked below.

Shop My Neon Styles

What are your thoughts on neon for spring? YAY or NAY? xx

You might also like… Lighten Up – The Top 5 Prints for Spring, Spring Denim Update, and What I Want for Spring.

By Amy Zhang February 25, 2019 in Lifestyle, Travel 2 Comments

My Cozy Travel Uniform & Why I Love My Away Suitcase

When I am traveling, comfort is of the utmost importance. If you’re one of those people that gets dressed up to fly, I honestly applaud you and wish I could be more like that. More often than not, I am rolling out of bed straight into an Uber and to the airport before I even have any coffee. If you ever want to be horrified, look at a Starbucks line in an airport at 5am. No thank you. I would rather take my chances with a headache and go straight to my gate than wait 30 minutes for my coffee.

I also am typically taking my chances at missing my flight as I hate airports and prefer to spend as little time there as possible – I am constantly calculating what the latest possible moment is I can leave the house and still make my flight. It’s risky but I’ve only ever missed one flight (only because my bag missed the cut off, I physically could have made the gate with plenty of time to spare).

My Cozy Travel Uniform

Long story short, I am already tired and uncomfortable before I even get on the plane. The last thing I want is to be wearing uncomfortable shoes or anything remotely restrictive. At this point I have my travel uniform down pat. It tends to be entirely neutral (aka black) or at the very least monochrome. I like black because it hides stains and you can still pretend to look somewhat presentable. If I’m feeling a little more put together, I will opt for leggings or black jeans. Otherwise more often than not, it’s sweatpants and a cashmere sweater.

Basic, but it works. And I can sleep on the plane/do work/walk around in it. All a win, in my book.

I also want to take a minute and talk about how much I love my Away suitcase.

Not sponsored, just an honest review. I was a little skeptical I would be able to fit much in it, but it is honestly well designed and if you pack strategically (aka take the time to fold your clothes rather than just throw them in), you can actually really maximize your space inside. If you need more space you can go for the “Bigger Carry-On.” What I love most about my Away is how there are various compartments inside that make organization when traveling so much easier. It also doesn’t hurt that it is sleek and a fraction of the price of a Rimowa ; ). I definitely have my eye on the Rose Gold version that just came out – so cute! The removable battery has also saved my life over long travel days. I’m certain this piece of Away luggage won’t be my last!

What do you usually wear when you travel?

sweater: equipment | sweatpants: michael stars | shoes: adidas

tote: saint laurent | luggage: away

Check out Staying Healthy When Traveling for Work, My Favorite Roadtrip Destinations in California and 5 Tips to Stay Active on Vacation.

By Amy Zhang February 23, 2019 in Lifestyle, Style 5 Comments

How to Stay Grounded

The other day I was scrolling through Instagram and came across comments about how bloggers and influencers can seem out of touch with reality. Not trying to hate or talk sh*t, having met so many girls that blog full time I can speak to how real and genuine many of them are. A lot of girls are hustling and working HARD to create content and provide value through it. However, there is some truth behind this observation as it can seem like bloggers “do nothing” all day and don’t work “a real job.” Yes, it isn’t your traditional 9-to-5, but it can be a career in its own right. And a lucrative one at that.

Just do a quick Google search and you’ll find out how much some girls are charging for a single Instagram post. It’s enough to make you wonder, WTF am I doing with my life?! It also explains why it seems like more and more people are joining the race everyday to become an “influencer.” But it’s a lot like any other creative endeavor – acting, modeling, music. It’s a grind until you make it. I know I have felt myself getting sucked up in the competitive nature of blogging and wondering why I don’t have every “it” big, a nicer car, an endless closet, etc.

That said, I think staying grounded is so important. Reminding myself that material things don’t matter, social media is not necessarily real life, and at the end of the day I have so many things to be grateful for. When I find myself comparing myself to others or having a particularly tough day, I always try to ground myself in the moment and practice gratitude.

What does it mean to be grounded?

To me, being grounded is the ability to be present in the moment. It’s almost like a sense of calmness. Combining self-awareness, gratitude, and appreciation. It’s having a strong sense of your values and knowing how to stay true to them. Being grounded, down to earth, and in touch with reality were values that were instilled in me growing up in the Midwest. Moving to LA was definitely a cultural shock, it seemed like your worth was measured by the things you had and not always by the kind of person you are.

There is nothing wrong with liking nice things. But at the end of the day material things have been proven to not bring lasting joy into our lives. The benefits of staying grounded? It reduces stress. Also, it allows us to have more meaningful interactions with those in our lives, and reminds us how much we have to be grateful for.

How to Stay Grounded

+ Pay attention to your surroundings

It’s become so hard to just be present and in the moment. It seems like we are all so busy and rarely have time anymore to just do nothing and enjoy what is in front of us. Putting your phone away and dedicating your complete attention to the people you’re with is a great way to be present. We could all probably use a bit of technology detox.

+ Listen to what others are saying

Being a good listener is a valuable skill that is useful in every relationship. So often, people just want to be heard. By giving them the time and space to speak and by truly listening, you’re giving one of the greatest gifts. It’s a great reminder of how doing something that is seemingly so small can make a big impact. A great reminder that by letting go of your own ego you are allowing someone else to feel valued.

+ Focus on your values

Think about what really matters to you. Of course, this varies for everyone. But when it really comes down to it, most people will align on some combination of the following – family, friends, a meaningful life, giving back, doing good in the world. Let these values be your north star in all of the decisions you make.

+ Breathe

The benefits of meditation are well known at this point. It’s not only good for your mental and emotional state, it’s also been proven to have positive physical benefits. Taking the time to breathe deeply and commit to a practice is an easy way to ground yourself (literally!).

+ Give back

Whether it’s time or money. Giving back to our community and those in need is one of the best things you can do. It reminds us of how lucky you are. Even just one day a month! Volunteering your resources allow you to realize that the things you take for granted make other people so happy. Also, it shows that you have so much to be thankful for.

happy woman and sharing How to Stay Grounded

This outfit is from vici

You might also like … Why Discipline Is So Important, How to Look and Feel Your Best By Summer and How to Build a Wardrobe You Truly Love.

By Amy Zhang February 18, 2019 in Style 6 Comments

Where to Sell All of Your Sh*t: Reselling Designer Handbags // My Experience on Poshmark

All of this Marie Kondo-ing has me throwing and donating bags of clothing and home goods away. It’s satisfying to get rid of all of the old sh*t that has accumulated over the years but also a little embarrassing to see how much stuff you have. In terms of trends, decluttering and finding joy in your belongings is one I can get behind. As you begin to gather everything together, you’ll notice things begin falling into different categories. There are some items that are easy to part with – those should be thrown out or donated, no questions asked. Other items you may no longer find joy in, but are in perfectly acceptable (maybe even brand new!) condition.

You might not love them anymore. But you also don’t want to part with them sight unseen. This is where reselling can come in hand. Over the years, I’ve largely used Poshmark to sell old items, but every resale platform has its pros and cons. If you’re looking to resell some of your clothes and accessories, read on for the different options available, as well as my personal experience selling on Poshmark.

Options for Reselling

+ Poshmark

Poshmark has been my go-to platform for reselling. The reason I chose Poshmark is because of its ease to use as a seller. However, that’s not to say it doesn’t have its downsides. It definitely has its share of issues, which I’ve gone into more detail below. Overall, I’ve had a mostly positive experience using Poshmark, but that isn’t to say there aren’t other (better?) resale alternatives out there. I’ve had the best luck reselling very gently worn (aka basically new) clothing. Mid-range brands tend to perform best on the platform – think Free People, Michael Kors, etc. If it’s used or slightly defective, you will find either more trouble selling or deal with some serious low ballers. More on that later.

+ Consignment Stores

The fastest way to unload old clothing. There are tiers of consignment shops from your neighborhood Crossroads to a more high-end shop. Sometimes these stores will pay you outright for clothes. But you will find that they give you pennies on the dollar and will often turn away clothes with the tags still on them! They tend to be picky, but if you’re really in a rush to get rid of stuff, it’s the easiest way. Other shops will accept clothing that meets their standards and then pay you a cut of the sale once they are purchased. If you have more patience and space in your closet, I would recommend trying one of the digital platforms instead, as they tend to pay more than a physical consignment shop.

+ ThredUp

I’d definitely avoid ThredUp if possible. I fell for a promotion they offered over the holidays where they offered store credit to one of my favorite shops. I wasn’t sure how they assessed clothing, but I sent a box of about 15 items (in good condition, some had never even been worn) and only received $10 for the box. With ThredUp, they also don’t tell you which items they chose and will donate the pieces that did not get selected. If you want items that were not accepted to be returned, you pay an additional fee. Needless to say, I was disappointed – I would not use ThredUp again. If I had used Poshmark for those pieces, one item selling would have netted me what I got for the entire box.

+ Depop

Think Poshmark, but a little edgier. The seller gets a bigger cut (90% of sale vs. Poshmark’s 80%), but getting discovered on the platform is a little more difficult. You’ll find the quality of listings is slightly lower (a lot of sellers on Depop post only one or two photos, don’t list the brand or original price, and have vague descriptions of items). A good alternative if you’re not having great luck on Poshmark or have items that are of slightly lower value.

+ eBay

The original online marketplace. I’ve never personally used eBay, but it’s by far the most well known and reputable platform. If you’re looking for something, you’ll most likely find it on eBay. I’ve heard that patience is key when it comes to buying and selling on eBay.

+ Tradesy

I recently sold a couple of my designer handbags and did a ton of research in advance on some of the “luxury resale” platforms. Apparently fakes are an issue on several of the luxury resale platforms. They have in-house appraisers, but I’ve read on the Purse Forum that these are not always reliable. I looked into Tradesy but opted not to go through them. They take a similar cut as Poshmark and you do not get paid until an item sells.

+ The Real Real

As a buyer, I love the product available on The Real Real, but as a potential seller, I felt that the platform takes too high of a cut. As a seller, you only receive 55-60% of the sold price on most items. The process is relatively smooth, though, if you are looking for ease of use. Another important note – although you can get a quote for what your item is worth before you consign it, I did read some complaints online that most items are eligible for discounts and therefore sellers receive less of a commission than they were hoping.

My Experience on Poshmark

I have been a seller on Poshmark for several years, and it continues to be my go-to platform for reselling items from my closet.

The Pros:

+ Ease of use

Poshmark covers and pays for shipping, as a seller all you have to do is print out the label and attach it to your package. The simplicity of shipping alone is the main reason why I have continued to use Poshmark.

+ Earn cash

I love Poshmark as a way to make some money on some old clothes that I otherwise would not wear anymore. I love getting notes from happy buyers and knowing that my items are getting more love than they would have otherwise. It’s also better for the environment… ; )

+ Community

Overall, the community on Poshmark is positive and welcoming. Most people on the platform are friendly, and I haven’t had to deal with TOO many scammers. Unfortunately, there are some downsides with Poshmark that I’ve had to deal with.

The Cons:

+ Buyer friendly

I’ve definitely had my share of problematic buyers. From low ballers to buyers that leave one-star reviews for no reason, it definitely feels like Poshmark protects their buyers more than they do their sellers. I’ve had multiple items get returned by the buyer for no reason at all – Poshmark ALWAYS takes the buyer’s side, I’ve never had a case resolved in my favor. Just something to beware of as a seller. You have to deal with a little extra hassle. Some buyers expect brand new clothes for 10% of the retail price – in my opinion, it’s a bit ridiculous. A little tip – if someone sends a low ball offer, it’s easier to just block them right away.

+ Not everything sells

Of course, not everything you list will sell. There is actually a lot of work and promotion that goes into selling items from your closet, which brings me to my next point…

+ Platform prioritizes heavy frequency users

I’ve noticed that when I’m not as active on the platform (sharing my own items and engaging with other closets), things from my own closet do not sell. In that sense, I suppose it’s like any other social media platform. The “algorithm” rewards heavy users and wants to promote the most active members. However, if you really value your time, you may be frustrated by how active you have to be on the platform in order to sell items from your closet.

At the end of the day, the pros outweigh the cons for me, and I have just been more careful about how I list and sell products on the platform. I was able to sell a couple designer bags that I no longer wore or found practical, including my Chloe Nile bag. Although I loved the bag’s design and shape, it simply wasn’t functional for me (my iPhone barely fit inside) and found myself rarely using it as a result. Now the hunt for a new off white/white bag begins!

Overall, reselling items has been a great way for me to recycle pieces from my closet and find them a new home. I’d rather have a more minimal, stream lined closet than feel like a hoarder and not be able to find anything in my closet. If something is no longer being worn and loved, it’s time in my mind to send it on its way. What has your experience reselling clothing and accessories been? xx

bodysuit: we are hah | jeans: grlfrnd | bag: chloe

belt: similar | shoes: chinese laundry

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