The Luxi Look | LA based fashion and lifestyle blog

By Amy Zhang February 15, 2019 in Lifestyle, Style 4 Comments

Why Discipline Is So Important

Living in LA, I hear a lot about manifesting your dreams and the power of the law of attraction. To a certain extent, I’ve bought into it too. I’ll admit I love crystals and have my cards read from time to time. But after a certain point, the pragmatist in me keeps me grounded in reality. I’m a huge believer in being positive, setting intentions, and putting out energy that you want to receive. But I’m also a huge believer in hard work and discipline. The more books I’ve read, podcasts I’ve listened to, people I’ve spoken to – have all led me to the conclusion that there are no secrets or shortcuts to success. Believing in yourself is important. Visualizing success can help too! But there’s no getting around putting in the actual work itself. Looking at successful people you realize they have a lot of things in common.

Common habits among highly successful people include:

Waking up early, working out regularly, avoiding alcohol, and meditation. The common thread here? Discipline. It takes discipline to do any one of those things, much less all of them. Taking a lot of inspiration from female entrepreneurs and other high profile individuals, I really wanted to learn how I could also become more productive and maximize my potential. The answer to a lot of my problems was finding ways to be more disciplined.

In my first job out of school, I struggled with my weight and body image as I traveled for work and ate horribly during the week, and would go out drinking with friends on the weekend. I made excuses that my body would never look the way I wanted to, because “genetically I wasn’t built that way.” Once I realized that I was making excuses for my laziness and unwillingness to sacrifice my social life for my physical health, I became determined to make a change. It wasn’t easy, but over the course of several years, I changed my routine drastically – I became a morning person, gradually started working out in the morning, and changing my diet. With a physical transformation also came one that was mental. I realized I was so much stronger than I previously thought, and capable of so much more.

The same pattern applied in so many other areas of my life

My social life, the friends I was making, my job, my blog. Complaining about “not having enough time” and wishing that my circumstances were different wouldn’t push me forward – but developing better habits, learning to prioritize things that mattered, and becoming more disciplined in how I spent my time did.

Once I accepted that a lot of things I was struggling with in my life came down to excuses I was making for myself, I found that I was able to actually make changes that led to results. It was through choosing the harder path that required more work that I was able to take steps that brought me closer to my goals and vision.

Being disciplined doesn’t have to mean being boring.

It really comes down to setting priorities for yourself and learning that you can do a lot, but you can’t do it all. It also means learning not to care what others think. A lot of people ask how I balance a demanding full time job with a blog and the answer, truthfully, is I don’t. I say no to a lot of social outings and blog events, and rarely go out anymore. It might sound boring to some, but quiet nights in and rising early in the morning have allowed me to focus on my health, a few quality relationships over quantity, change my career, and grow a side hobby into business.

Discipline also can exist in many different ways. But you have to put your mind to it and place energy and focus on developing it. I’m definitely a work in progress, but with each year that goes by I’m more committed than ever to continue growing. As always, thank you for following along and reading xx

dress: realisation par [I wear an XS in everything Realisation Par ]

bag: similar | shoes: similar

By Amy Zhang February 6, 2019 in Lifestyle 2 Comments

Less Meat, More Plants – One Simple Swap to Help the Environment

Why You Should Eat Less Meat | by The Luxi Look

I’m sure by now we’ve all seen images that show just how severely we as humans have impacted the environment. From images of sea turtles dying from plastic straws to whales washed ashore found with pounds of plastic in their stomach, there’s no doubt that our footprint is making an impact on this planet we call home. More than ever, I’ve found myself looking for ways to help the environment and reduce my footprint.

Less Meat, More Plants – One Simple Swap to Help the Environment

I’ll be honest – I have not always been the most conscious consumer when it comes to sustainability and the environment. But it’s a cause that is incredibly important to me and one that I want to spend more energy on. Using less plastic is an easy change we can all make to help protect our environment and the other creatures that inhabit our earth. Another simple swap you can make to reduce your carbon footprint and help the environment:

Eat less meat and more plants.

Did you know reducing your consumption of meat and dairy is the single most impactful lifestyle change you can make to help the environment? According to a recent study, meat and dairy use the majority of farmland and produce the majority of farming’s greenhouse gas emissions.According to Scientific American, “…the production, processing and distribution of meat requires huge outlays of pesticides, fertilizer, fuel, feed and water while releasing greenhouse gases, manure and a range of toxic chemicals into our air and water… red meat such as beef and lamb is responsible for 10 to 40 times as many greenhouse gas emissions as common vegetables and grains.”

What do you know, your parents were right – it really is good to eat your vegetables!

Research also increasingly shows meat, especially red meat, to be a carcinogen, and recommend primarily plant based diets for health. Presented with all of this evidence, it became harder and harder to ignore the negative impacts of the meat and dairy industries on our planet. And ultimately my own health.

I never wanted to be one of those people that preached a vegan diet over others. Nor do I believe everyone should ascribe to this way of eating. To be clear, I do not consider myself a vegan! What I do is try to choose the plant based option as much as possible.

Over the past several months, we have essentially eliminated meat, dairy, fish, and eggs from our household. We now treat these items as a luxury. Think of your diet as a bank account – you want to keep it balanced. If you splurge on a big purchase today, maybe consider spending less for the next few days. We try to approach consuming meat and dairy same way as dessert and alcohol. An occasional treat, but definitely not a daily habit. We don’t cook these products at home and will occasionally consume them out. I’m not 100% plant based (refraining from calling myself vegan because I know it’s a lifestyle that includes more than just diet), but we’re working towards being more and more plant based.

The goal is balance

Like many things in life, I’m all about that 80/20 rule. I’m not perfect by any means. Also, I haven’t been able to give up sushi and I will still eat meat and cheese occasionally. I personally dislike approaching diets in a super restrictive way, for me it’s about sustainability and creating a lifestyle that I can maintain for years to come. Sorry if this makes me a “fake vegan” – in my opinion every little bit helps!

The reason I am bringing this up is because I’ve seen so many people talking about the environment and climate change, and wishing there was something they could do to make a difference. There are actually so many things we can do from small to big that decrease our carbon footprint. From taking shorter showers and being more mindful of turning lights off, to using reusable bags and cups, we could all make small changes that will collectively create a bigger impact and make a difference for future generations.

Eating less meat and dairy is another lifestyle change that does make a difference for the environment. (According to some scientists, more impactful than buying an electric car). And if eliminating all meat feels like too big of a step, even just cutting back (not even eliminating!) on red meat in particular can make a HUGE difference. I understand that eating plant based can be difficult or more expensive for people.

I truly believe we all need to approach our diets in a way that best suits our bodies and lifestyle.

Seeing the popularity of #weekdayvegan on social media and “Veganuary” last month cemented my belief that this is a broader movement that more and more people are moving towards. As far as health trends go, this is one that I can get on board with. If you’re not sure where to begin with reducing your meat intake, take baby steps! Something as simple as going meatless one meal week (try “Meatless Monday” at home) helps introduce new recipes and build new eating habits. I’ll share some of the health benefits I’ve personally experienced by going primarily plant based in a future post, and will also be sharing more vegan food hacks, recipes, and snack ideas on my Instagram in the future.

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By Amy Zhang January 31, 2019 in Lifestyle 5 Comments

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide For Her

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide for Her:

[ Click on the item to shop ]

Sports Bra & Matching Leggings | Gucci Crossbody | Bralette

Sugarfina Gummies | YSL Lipstick | Diptyque Candle

Le Labo Perfume | Heart Pajamas

SaveSaveSaveSave

By Amy Zhang January 26, 2019 in Fitness, Lifestyle 3 Comments

What to Wear to Hot Yoga

If you’ve never been to hot yoga, knowing what to wear to class can be a major struggle. Believe me, there is such a thing as wearing the wrong thing! Not only do you need to be comfortable and able to move freely in the clothes you’re wearing, you also have to be prepared for the heat and wear clothes that are moisture wicking and appropriate for sweat. Today, I’m sharing my experience with hot yoga and what the best clothes to wear and items to bring are. Whether you’re new to yoga or a pro, proper attire and gear is essential (and motivating!), so let’s get to it.

First, if you’ve never tried yoga, now is a great time to try it!

It’s cold out and there’s nothing better than a hot yoga session. I love sitting in saunas in the winter, but you honestly kill two birds with one stone when you take a heated class. The heat is not for everyone, but personally I love how detoxifiying hot yoga can feel. I first tried hot yoga back in 2009 and have been hooked with yoga ever since – first with vinyasa, then Bikram, and now a more manageable hot restorative flow.

My practice has been on and off for the past 10 years, but I find myself going back to hot yoga when I want to work on my flexibility, balance, and mental clarity. I feel so calm and balanced when I do a lot of yoga and meditation, and the heat is an added bonus. It just makes your skin glow, and you feel so refreshed after a good flow. Some of my favorite places to get my flow on in Los Angeles for hot yoga are Y7 and Modo Yoga.

My go-to outfit for yoga is a sports bra and a high quality pair of leggings or shorts.

Look for fabrics that are lightweight and moisture wicking as you will sweat a LOT in class and do not want your clothes weighing you down. Keep the cotton bottoms for pilates, barre, and normal yoga classes. Heated classes require different materials! High quality, moisture wicking leggings and crops are especially important as you do not want to have to constantly adjust them during class. I prefer high waisted leggings so I can focus on my flow and breath, and not my stomach when I’m in various poses. If you don’t want to wear only a sports bra, definitely get a fitted yoga tank top so you can stay covered when you’re in an inversion or balancing pose. Alo makes some of the absolute cutest clothes for yoga!

For to and from class, I love a cute cropped top or hoodie (wearing one by Alala) and either flip flops or comfy boots. This winter I have been living in my Mou boots.

Other items I bring with me to class:

+ My own yoga mat (germaphobe over here – using studio mats can be super gross! If you have to rent one, at least bring your own non slip towel).

+ A yoga towel – so you don’t slip around all over the place. I’m obsessed with Yogi Toes and have them in so many colors.

+ A change of clothes – if you don’t want to drive home all sweaty!

+ Makeup wipes – you definitely want to remove all of your makeup before class so you don’t end up sweating and clogging your pores with leftover product.

+ Cleanser – to wash your face with after class. Follow up with a lightweight moisturizer and face mist and your skin will be glowing! My fave is from Glossier.

+ Water bottle – the first time you go to class, make sure to take it easy and listen to your body. The heat can be really intense and if you aren’t used to it you may feel faint or weak. Also be sure to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate before, during, and after class. All of the sweat leaving your body needs to be replenished!

Hot yoga can be an amazing workout or recovery activity in your workout schedule – it depends on the type of yoga you practice and how hard you push yourself. A slower, restorative candlelit flow at night after a long day at work – it’s a great way to unwind (and, let’s be honest – sometimes you just want to fall asleep during shavasana). What are your thoughts on hot yoga? Are you a fan or not? xx

By Amy Zhang January 23, 2019 in Lifestyle, Travel, Wellness 3 Comments

Staying Healthy When Traveling for Work

At this point I am no stranger to work travel (2 years in consulting, and a new job that also consists of some travel). O – I can sleep on flights and find other ways to occupy my time (lately I have been making good progress on my reading list) and I’m able to get into a decent routine when I’m away from home. However, one thing that has always been a bit of a challenge for me when traveling is sticking to my usual healthy routine. I’m still working on this. But over the years I’ve picked up a few guidelines I like to follow when I travel for work to stay healthy and not fall of the wagon.

Tips & tricks for staying healthy when traveling for work

+ Drink water

The most obvious one but also the most important. Flying is rough on your skin, body, immune system, digestion, and more. I always bring a reusable water bottle or buy one at the airport (yes, it’s overpriced but also worth it) and aim for at least a glass of water for every hour on the plane. Proper hydration is so, so important when you’re putting your body through the stress of traveling. And it’s easy to forget to drink water. Staying hydrated will help with the gross recirculated plane air, dry skin, and help you regulate digestion. It’ll also keep you full, which brings me to my next key point –

+ Avoid plane food as much as you can.

It’s filled with tons of SALT (your taste buds change at high elevations, so the food requires way more salt to give it any discernible flavor) and preservatives. No thank you. I’ll admit I’ve caved on recent flights and left feeling bloated and gross. No Bueno. Ideally bring your own snacks/meal or prepare to fast for the duration of your trip. You’ll feel a lot better for it. On a similar note, I try to avoid alcohol when I’m flying as well.

+ Try to get enough sleep

If you’re crossing time zones this can be tricky, I find a little melatonin or magnesium usually does the trick, but you may have to experiment with other methods.

+ Find the nearest Whole Foods

When I was traveling a lot to more obscure cities, the first thing I always did was try to locate a Whole Foods or health food store because I knew I would be able to pick up healthy prepared foods and snacks there. Some of my staples are the hot bar and salad bar, kombucha, and fruit. Work travel often consists of some more indulgent dinners out, so balancing with lighter, healthier meals helps you stay healthy when you’re on the road.

+ Eat plant based when possible

This is something I started incorporating this year.

My boyfriend and I set a goal to be “weekday vegan” which essentially is around eating plant based when possible (80% of the time) and treating meat as a luxury. I’m not claiming to be a vegan nor do I want to offend actual vegans. But I am actively working on cutting down my consumption of meat and dairy. Fish is another story, but that is also mostly reserved for weekends now. I’ll go into this more in another post. However, this has been easier than I anticipated and has helped me eat healthier during the week in general since the vegetarian/vegan option tends to be the healthiest on most menus.

+ Find ways to squeeze in hotel gym workouts

I am lucky to be traveling between LA and NYC at the moment and have an abundance of gyms and boutique fitness options to choose from. However, when I was traveling as a consultant I was not always so lucky. If you’re not highly motivated in the gym or following a pre set program it can be hard to work out effectively in the gym. More often than not, I found myself working out aimlessly on cardio machines and half-assing weights. My recommendation would be to find a program you like. (There are so many apps and e-books out there these days). And try to stick to those. I’m not a fitness expert by any means, so I would rather listen to one and let them guide me.

As I said, this has been a challenge for me in the past and is something I am very focused on this year. I find that I feel my best and do my best work when I feel healthy and active! My eating and exercise habits have changed so much over the past 5 years. Wellness has become a huge part of my life. What are some ways you stay healthy when you’re on the road?