The Luxi Look | LA based fashion and lifestyle blog

By Amy Zhang April 9, 2017 in Style 23 Comments

What is Gingham? This Season’s Must Have Print

We are seeing gingham everywhere this year.

TBH, I was not the biggest fan of gingham. It felt too Little House on the Prairie for my liking.

When I first started seeing gingham pop up in designs a year ago, I couldn’t help but ask –

What is gingham, exactly?

It’s not quite plaid but it looks similar. Turns out, gingham is actually stripes. According to GQ, “gingham” is derived from the Malayan word genggang, which means “striped.” The yarn is dyed before woven and the two different colors contract each other, creating the striped or checkered effect. The pattern originated in Southeast Asia, eventually ending up in Europe and is now a mainstay in spring and summer fashions year after year. Pretty cool, right?

I guess it goes to show how things aren’t always as they seem, and looks can be deceiving. Even with gingham! Although now that I look more closely, I can see the “stripes.”

Now we’re seeing gingham on every type of clothing – from tops and skirts to dresses and swimsuits, you’ll be hard pressed to find something that doesn’t come in gingham. If you’re a fan of the print, you’re in luck. For super trendy prints and pieces I like to wade in slowly – hence why I chose this Lovers + Friends skirt. You get the gingham print without feeling as though it overpowers your look, and it goes with all the black + white tops in my closet.

All right – I’m offline for the day! I’m really, really trying to take one day a week, no matter how busy, to disconnect and spend with my boyfriend, dog, and close friends. It isn’t easy – I’m always “so busy” (who isn’t?) aka need to learn to prioritize and drop sh*t that doesn’t matter. With that said, it’s been a week full of reflection (more to come) as I started reconsidering a path for myself that I had decided against a year ago. Lesson being – it’s ok to change your mind and the quarter life crisis is real.

BTW – if you want to check out a few more examples of how to rock gigham, check out this Popsugar article on 14 different ways to master gingham!

Talk soon –

xx, Amy

top: similar | skirt: lovers + friends

By Amy Zhang April 7, 2017 in Lifestyle 9 Comments

Total Girl Boss: Blogger & TV Producer Madison of Minimal Major

Interviewing TV Producer and Blogger Madison of Minimal Major | by The Luxi Look

SUPER EXCITED FOR TODAY’S POST. I’ve been meaning to start interviewing badass boss babes that inspire me and share them and their stories with you on the blog!

One of the biggest reasons I started blogging was because I wanted to create a space to talk about real stuff and real issues. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good #ootd post and writing about my favorite beauty products, but I really wanted to get into topics with a little more grit and substance as well. Bloggers get a bad rap for being narcissistic, vapid, and superficial – and I don’t think that’s really fair at all. I’ve met a lot of incredible women through blogging and so many of them have stories that are worth sharing. I wanted to make sure The Luxi Look shared those stories and highlighted topics that should be discussed – one of them being career.

I have so much respect for the girl bosses I’ve met through blogging. So many of these girls are not only creating killer content on the reg and inspiring women (around the world!) with their style, they also balance a full time job, a family, or both. It’s really insane.

I could not be more excited to introduce you guys to one of the inspiring I’ve met through blogging. My friend Madison, of the blog Minimal Major, not only has the most killer style and beauty tips (she has the most insane brows and hair!) but also works as a TV producer for E! Networks. Every red carpet segment – that’s her running the behind the scenes. Super cool, right? Oh, and she’s the sweetest and most genuine person you’ll meet. I’ll get right to our interview –

Meet Madison of Minimal Major:

Introduce yourself.

Hi guys! I’m Madison Williams – TV Producer, Fashion Expert + Creator of the blog Minimal Major. Also, dog mom to #oliverpeanut, lover of a spicy marg + gal pal to my fav girl, Amy Zhang!!

You’re a TV Producer for E! – that sounds so exciting! Can you tell us what the job is like?

A “typical” day is anything but! It varies depending on the show I’m working on; from The Oscars to The Met Gala to The Grammys. But for the most part, I’m creating all of our fashion content and seeing it through from start to finish. I work with all of the major fashion houses, from Chanel to Dior to Giambattista to obtain the looks I’d like to talk about and from there, write and produce the segments.

Once pre-production is over, I start working with our talent to make sure they’re prepped and understand what the show looks like. And then it’s show day! Aka a 3-cups-of-coffee-type-of-day! During our shows, I’m out in the field with a headset on, producing our talent and making sure everything is running smoothly because after all, we’re LIVE! (<< seriously, how cool is her job?!)

How did you get into production? And how did you get to where you are today?

I knew early on I wanted to be a producer. And even earlier than that, I knew I loved fashion. I really didn’t know if it would ever be a possibility to do both though. But knowing that TV Production + Broadcast Journalism was something that really interested me, I applied only to colleges with that major. As a sophomore, I met an Executive Producer at E! who took me under his wing and is still my mentor today. I worked full time for him in the summer as a Production Assistant, and would help out on show weekends.

Sometimes, he would even let me film my own school projects from the red carpets. “This is Madison Williams reporting live from The Emmys!”…if you can imagine! Let’s hope no one ever finds those videos! Fast forward to post graduation, and I just continued working my way up. Now, I’ve basically made my own position on my team where I produce all things fashion and I couldn’t be happier. I think hard work, a good attitude and a constant hustle goes a long way in such a competitive business.

Madison of Minimal Major on the red carpet

What’s your favorite part of the job?

It’s so tough to choose! There are so many different elements that I love. In the pre-production process, I love being creative and coming up with our fashion segments and from there, writing and producing them. I love looking at the recent runways and being able tell our audiences what the next major trends are, and how they can incorporate those styles into their every day, on or off the red carpet. I’ll always try to add a little takeaway for our audiences at home. I also love our show days and the team I’m able to work with. It’s a total adrenaline rush once we go live but it’s a really amazing feeling to see everything come together!

Words of advice for an aspiring TV producer?

Network network network! This industry is not only mostly freelance, but a majority of the jobs are word of mouth. You always hear, ‘it’s who you know’ but it’s true. Don’t be afraid to find people on LinkedIn who are doing what you want to do and reach out. Grab coffee with them! The worst that happens is they don’t respond back – you have absolutely nothing to use. Fortune favors the brave!

How do you find balance and manage your time?

This is the hardest part of adulting! The struggle to find a good work-life balance is real. But having my blog has really helped. I was so used to spending my days writing about red carpet and couture fashion (which is not too shabby at all!), but I wanted to also write for myself. I wanted to have my own outlet, my own creative space where I could speak on a more personal level and create my own content. It’s important to work hard but at the same time, it’s equally as important to have our own “thing”; whether it’s a blog, a sport, a book club, a garden – whatever! (Couldn’t agree more! Life is alllll about balance.)

Madison of Minimal Major wearing floral dress and denim jacket

How do you stay healthy?

GIRL, I try! It goes back to the idea of balance, doesn’t it? Even if I’m working a crazy 80+ hour week, I try to stay in the habit if waking up early and taking a class. Lord knows if I wait til after work it’s not going to happen! I’m big on Classpass though – I’m all about pilates, boxing and hot yoga! Here in LA, I love Carrie’s Pilates, Prevail Boxing, and Modo Yoga. Not to name drop but I saw Dakota Johnson in my yoga class last week and she was a true inspiration. Hah how LA do I sound right now?

TELL US ABOUT YOUR BLOG. Your style is amazing. Do you feel like growing up in Hawaii has influenced your personal style and blog?

100%! Here’s the thing – when I lived in Hawaii, it was (for the most part) pre-online shopping. Everyone kind of shopped at the same stores (shout out Abercrombie!) and I hated it! I always wanted to be different so it forced me to style things differently. I also got really into vintage shopping, and cutting and sewing things myself to stand out. That stuck with me because I now covet those standout pieces I know a lot of people won’t have. I also think being from an island has kept my style a little more laid back.

What are your three must have trends for spring?

Bold hues, super graphic stripes…and, the ankle bracelet trend a la Chanel. I’m v into it, you guys.

What are the last three things you bought?

A Janessa Leone hat (it’s really become a problem), a little linen top via Reformation + pink printed Gucci slides (coming soon to a @minimalmajor Instagram near you!).

Must have beauty products?

I just did a project with Honest Beauty (check it out on their FB page!), and am really loving all of their products – especially their lip crayon! it’s super hydrating and gives you a good pop. If you follow me on my social you know I never leave the house without some lip. In terms of hair, I’m so loyal to Oribe’s Dry Texturizing Spray (<< ME TOO!!). It makes every day a good hair day.

What are your favorite LA spots?

Call me basic but you can find me at Alfred Tea (that kombucha on tap!), Gracias Madre (for a v good happy hour), The Line (alllll the Insta inspo), Melrose Place Farmers’ Market (fresh blooms on Sundays!), and if I’m feeling real fancy – The Now Massage.

Talk about career, style, and life goals, am I right?! For more on this LA cool girl, be sure to follow Madison on Instagram here.

By Amy Zhang April 5, 2017 in Style 19 Comments

What’s in My Festival Bag?

You guys, Coachella is in a week (!!) and you could say I still have so much to do to get ready.

I decided to go pretty last minute and have given almost zero thought to planning. If you’re going to festivals this summer and aren’t sure what to wear, be sure to check out this post. One thing I do have down? My festival bag. When you’re going to be in the sun all day, you gotta be prepared.

Of course, you could run around all day and night without anything in your bag (maybe you don’t have a bag at all!) and be totally fine. But… I like to be ready for anything. So here’s what’s in my festival bag – all the essentials.

What’s in My Festival Bag?

LEATHER BACKPACK:

First things first, you need the perfect bag. When it comes to festivals, I always bring a backpack. This way you can simultaneously be hands free and carry more than you would be able to in a small cross body. Total win. There are so many cute backpacks available right now, so you really have no excuse not to bring one.

I love this one from Sticks + Stones (a newer brand and if you haven’t heard of it, you need to check it out ASAP!). Sticks + Stones has the ultimate festival accessories – you can bet I’ll be bringing my backpack to Coachella and incorporating this necklace and cuff into an outfit.

SUNSCREEN:

This is a MUST. If you’re going to roam the desert with only two things, my recommendation would be water and SUNSCREEN. Sunscreen is 100% a must. As I get older, I am wayyy less about sun and getting a tan, and all about preventative skincare. If I’m going for some color, I’ll go reach for the bottle or a good spray tan. For everyday sun protection, I alternate between Supergoop! and Kiehl’s. Reallyyyyy trying to avoid getting more sunspots and wrinkles here. A big hat makes a huge difference as well!

SUNGLASSES:

Ok – so everyone has these sunnies. But you know why? Because they look good on everyone. The round shape is super flattering on every face shape, and they go with every outfit. I’ll def be packing these in my bag. Loving statement sunnies for festivals as well – I just scooped up this rad pair from Sunday Somewhere and cannot stop wearing them.

MOPHIE:

Not the end of the world if your phone dies at a festival, but the last thing you want is to lose your friends or sit at a charging station for phone juice. Mophies have a come a LONG WAY. This newest model is way less clunky and gets the job done. Document all (or none) of your festival experiences and never worry about running out of battery.

DRY SHAMPOO:

Festival or not, this spray is a holy grail product. This term is not thrown around lightly. If you’re only going to use one hair product, ever, it should be this dry texturizing spray. When you’re outside all day, your hair is going to get dirty anyway, but this spray does it all. It adds the right amount of texture, keeps it fresh, and smells divine. Get a travel size bottle for all your getaways and thank me later.

Keep your festival makeup light and simple. Think: tinted moisturizer, brows, mascara. Or if I want a little more, some glitter if I’m feeling really festive. But I avoid the heavy contour and layering of products. Simple is better, you’re in the sun and likely sweating all day so it’ll come off anyway. A natural glow is the perfect touch – this all-in-one product is your best bet to give a subtle highlight and keep your look minimal and fresh. Dab onto the top of your cheeks, your brow bones, and any other spot you want to gently highlight and accentuate.

If you have any other questions on what to bring along in your festival bag, LMK in the comments below and I’ll make sure to get you covered!

xx, Amy

By Amy Zhang March 31, 2017 in Lifestyle, Style 22 Comments

Real Talk: How to Not Compare Yourself to Others

How to Not Compare Yourself to Others | by The Luxi Look

“Comparison is the thief of joy.” This is something I’ve wanted to talk about for a while. I see it all the time – and am totally guilty of doing it. I held off on discussing this because I was looking for the answer myself. Whatever your career is, it’s totally natural to compare yourself to other people. Usually it doesn’t make you feel great about yourself. Honestly, what’s the point of comparing yourself to others?

So, I asked around – my boyfriend, close friends, mentors, and of course, my mom. Because moms always know best. The big takeaway? Kind of obvious, but comparing yourself to other people does – shocker! – absolutely nothing for you.

Real Talk: How to Not Compare Yourself to Others

Here’s the best advice I’ve received on how to not compare yourself to others

Be busy.

When I’m busy and fulfilled in my own life, I don’t have time to think about other people and what they’re doing. It’s easy to compare ourselves to other people when we’re idle. If you have a lot of spare time, maybe pick up a new hobby or lean into your career or family. I’ve found myself doing a lot of comparing when I’m on social media a lot – so I’ve learned to put down the phone more often and appreciate the situation in the present that I’m living in. Ideally, I would like to go on a tech detox for a day or a week. Anyone done this? With a busy weekday work schedule, a new puppy, and trying to balance the blog and a social schedule, there hasn’t been much time for social media or comparison lately.

Practice gratitude.

Instead of focusing on the things that you don’t have, focus on those that you do. As a blogger, I am obviously on social media a lot, constantly seeing images of “the perfect life.” What’s really important to remember here is social media is not real life. Although we’re seeing more and more scenes of “real life” on social media, at the end of the day it’s still incredibly curated.

One of the best quotes I’ve seen about social media: “don’t compare your behind the scenes to someone else’s highlight reel.” Not everything on social media is as it seems, and you’d be surprised to see how different someone’s social media self can be from their actual self.

Being thankful and appreciative for the things you do have makes a huge difference. Whether it’s by keeping a daily gratitude journal or practicing yoga, being grateful for the little things helps tremendously when it comes to comparing yourself to others.

Surround yourself with people that lift you up.

Having a strong support system is everything, especially in those moments when you doubt yourself or just need an ear to listen. Not even ashamed to admit that I call my mom every single day after work. We talk about our days and what’s going on in our lives. Same goes for my close friends – they know everything about me. With that said, my boyfriend always says: choose your friends wisely, because you are the average of your five closest friends.

Look inward.

If you’re constantly comparing yourself to other people, it might be time to take a harder look at yourself. Almost everyone I spoke to talked about the power of meditation. Also, the general consensus seemed to be that the older and more mature you became, the fewer f*cks you tended to give about other people. So in that sense, getting older isn’t such a bad thing. I really love this quote from The Skinny Confidential: “stay in your own lane.”

Who cares what other people are doing in their lane? Stay in your own and focus on yourself. SUCH good advice, and so true – I just had to share. The best way to not compare yourself to others is by being personally fulfilled and finding meaning in your life.

This is some of the best advice I’ve gotten on how to not compare yourself to others. Anyone else have any experiences or advice they want to share??

All right – going to cap off the end of a busy work week with a glass (or two) of wine. Have sooo many goodies for festival season that I can’t wait to share! Thanks so much to the amazing girls at Show Me Your Mumu, B Low the Belt, and Flair the Label for all the fun today : ). If you’re looking for festival outfits, be sure to check them out!!

PS – outfit deets are below. Matching jacket and shorts are from ASTARS – I’ve gotten SO many compliments on the jacket.

jacket: astars | shorts: astars | tee: z supply | shoes: raye | bag: gucci

By Amy Zhang March 29, 2017 in Beauty 17 Comments

A Little Secret, All Natural Beauty Tip: Use AMBER OIL as Perfume.

Here’s the thing. When I find something that’s new (to me) and share-worthy, I’m going to spill the beans. What’s the fun in hoarding tips and tricks? My most recent discovery is amber oil. Specifically, how to use amber oil as perfume. If you’re like WTF is that?! – hear me out. It might just be your new favorite perfume.

A couple weeks ago, I was standing in the elevator at work next to a girl I didn’t know. Now if I see a dress I love or a pair or shoes I just have to have on someone, I will always ask. Whatever perfume this girl was wearing not only smelled absolutely incredible, it was also unique and unlike any scent I’m familiar with. As much as I love my Le Labo 33, it seems like everyone and their mother is wearing that scent these days.

Naturally, I just had to ask (in the least creepy way possible).

“Hi, excuse me. Do you mind if I ask what perfume you’re wearing?”

Her response: “Amber oil. You need this perfume.”

Not some big name brand of perfume from a department store, but a blend of essential oils that comes in a tiny little bottle. The craziest thing is she said she got it off Amazon.

I had to look it up right away when I got home and immediately ordered a bottle. Look for Nemat brand. While I was at it, I just had to pick up a bottle of the “sandalwood” scent as well.

Here’s the thing about amber oil – it may not be for everyone. But, if you like musk and wood scents, you will love amber oil. The fragrance mixes with your skin and honestly blooms throughout the day.

Oh, and if you’re interested in trying it out – a small bottle is only $15!

After doing additional research, I found out that amber oil is actually Kristin Bell’s favorite perfume (LOVE her!) and she even wore it on the red carpet. Not to mention, amber oil is amazing for aromatherapy and is even said to be an aphrodisiac and help calm the mind and body. Still not sold? Amber oil can be used in some many different ways.

Amber Oil Uses

+ As a perfume

+ Aromatherapy – the scent of amber oil can be incredibly calming and relaxing

+ Added to your skin or haircare products

+ For massage

+ Diffused as a scent around your home

If you’re into natural health and beauty products, definitely check out amber oil. Can’t wait to share more of the posts I’ve been working on with you guys!

xx, Amy