The Luxi Look | LA based fashion and lifestyle blog

By Amy Zhang March 26, 2017 in Style 26 Comments

Bold Stripes: Why You Need a Statement Top Right Now

Hello, hello! There must be something in the air, because this spring has me feeling all sorts of trends that I would normally stay away from. I’ve already covered some of my favorite spring trends and prints, but what we really need to talk about is why you need a statement top right now. This striped one that I’m wearing in the photos is from Zara and currently almost sold out, but I’ve linked some very similar ones at the bottom. When I saw this top, I knew I just had to have it. Between the red stripes, voluminous sleeves, and wrap waist, I was instantly sold.

Btw – I am not usually the biggest Zara fan. Maybe I’m the only person that feels this way, but the quality isn’t always great and the pricing can feel a little high for certain items – but everything in their spring collection right now is so on point. As always, they are totally on trend with all things embroidered, gingham, and floral.

Three simple reasons why you need a statement top in your closet:

You can keep the rest of your outfit simple. Here I paired my surprisingly no fuss striped blouse with my favorite denim skirt and some simple slides. I also love the way it looks with billowy trousers and slim dark grey denim.
Statement tops are work appropriate. A statement top, even if slightly cropped, can be made more conservative and appropriate for the office. Even if you don’t work in an office with a dress code, a statement top is a simple way to look polished and put together, and you won’t have to worry about whether or not it’s too revealing.
Add a little shape and dimension to your everyday style. Statement tops are the opposite of minimal. Spring fashion tends to be bold and colorful. If you’re not into prints, then go for a bold shape this season. An update to the quintessential white blouse is a great way to incorporate this trend.

Although this top is almost sold out, it seems like every brand has their own version of a statement top this spring. I have my eye on this Lovers + Friends top and am very impatiently waiting for it to be back in stock. This top and more are linked below if you need a little shopping inspiration!

Well, I’m off to put Olaplex in my hair, put on a sheet mask, and cuddle my pup. My kind of Sunday night ; ).

xx, Amy

top: zara (similar) | skirt: grlfrnd | shoes: marc fisher | bag: botkier

By Amy Zhang March 23, 2017 in Recipes 25 Comments

How to Make a Homemade Acai Bowl – Easy Acai Bowl Recipe

Acai bowls have been trending for some time now – it seems like a new acai bowl spot is opening up every other week in LA. If you’ve never had an acai bowl before – you’re missing out. They are so. damn. delicious. My good friend and photographer, Lauren, got me totally hooked on making homemade acai bowls. We made these last weekend and I immediately bought the ingredients (all available at Trader Joe’s!), and have been making them practically every day since then. This really is one easy acai bowl recipe! If you’ve ever been intimidated by the thought of making a homemade acai bowl, trust me when I say it is actually super simple.

How to Make a Homemade Acai Bowl – Easy Acai Bowl Recipe

What is acai?

Acai is a popular tropical fruit from Brazil. In the US it is widely available as a puree, which has led to the popularity of acai bowls. Typically consumed in a smoothie or a bowl, acai makes a delicious, quick, and healthy breakfast or snack.

Are acai bowls healthy?

Acai itself is a superfood – filled to the brim with antioxidants! Acai berries are believed to improve skin, digestion, your heart health, and boost your immune system.

BUT – it is important to note that the actual health factor of acai bowls are somewhat mixed. The acai puree itself can contain sugar (when buying frozen packets, be sure to look for ones with no added sugars or additional ingredients other than acai!), and once you add in all of the fruit, juice, and granola, you’re looking at a breakfast that is very high in sugar. Even if it’s natural sugar, it’s something to be aware of. So while you might think you’re having a “healthy” breakfast, once you load it up with toppings, acai bowls can be high in calories and sugar!

One of my health goals for the year was to consume less sugar – so that is something that I have to be aware of when crafting my bowl. With that said, I still absolutely love acai bowls and am so excited to share Lauren’s recipe with you – she seriously has it down to a science!!

Easy Acai Bowl Ingredients

1 packet frozen acai puree
1 cup all-natural apple juice (make sure apple is the ONLY ingredient! No added sugar or preservatives)
1 cup frozen berries
1 banana
Topping ideas: fresh berries, sliced banana, mango, bee pollen, granola, hemp seed, shaved coconut, honey

Blend frozen acai, frozen fruit, banana, and apple juice together until desired consistency (depends on how thick you like your acai bowls – I like mine thick). Pour into a bowl and top with your favorite toppings. My favorite combination is bananas, strawberries, blueberries, granola, bee pollen, and a little honey drizzle.

Optional add ins to the acai include: protein powder, all natural almond butter, spinach, coconut milk, almond milk, mango, pineapple. Make it your own! Enjoy anytime – breakfast, lunch, snack, or dinner : ).

photos by Lauren Alexandra Photography

By Amy Zhang March 19, 2017 in Style 40 Comments

Lighten Up – The Top 5 Prints for Spring

There’s a lot to be said about a minimalist, neutral wardrobe. But that’s just not my style/vibe.

I love a good pop of color. Especially patterns and prints.

If you’re looking to add some color to your wardrobe this spring, consider adding more prints to your closet. You’ll stand out – in a good way.

Let’s talk about the top 5 prints for spring that you need in your closet right now.

You need these. Here are the top 5 prints for spring.

Gingham

Gingham is majorly trending right now! Today’s gingham is more modern and the pattern works well in the form of a top, skirt, or dress. Because the print can be bold, tone down the rest of your look with simpler pieces. Think: denim, a white top, strappy sandals or mules.

Palm leaf

Remember this set? If you’re looking for a festival or beach vacation ready outfit, look no further. Palm leaf prints are perfect for tropical destinations or really any time you want to feel as though you’re on vacation…

Fruit

A little fruit on your outfit just screams summertime. For Love & Lemons finally released a pattern in their namesake – LEMONS – and it is TO DIE FOR. Can’t stop obsessing over this cherry print either. Or watermelon.

Stars

It’s no secret that I’m obsessed with stars. Luckily, this trend isn’t going anywhere. If you’re print averse or tend to stick to neutrals, black, and white, little stars are an easy way to add a little pop to your outfit without going full blown pattern.

Florals

Yep, still loving florals. An obvious one for spring, but still a classic.

Unfortunately, this set by Spell is sold out – but there are endless other floral options from Spell and all of my other favorite brands to shop below.

There you have it – the top 5 prints for spring. I’m off for a Sunday of brunch, shooting, a face mask, and catching up on Big Little Lies.

xx, Amy

By Amy Zhang March 16, 2017 in Style 31 Comments

On Slowing Down + a New Source of Inspiration

On Slowing Down | The Luxi Look wearing Tru Blu

HI. It’s been quite the week and I feel like I’ve neglected you guys and the blog. Every day feels like a total time crunch which is why it’s so important to have a discussion on slowing down our lives. The other week, I was reading about how our society puts so much pressure on being busy and productive. We constantly view productivity as the most important factor of our down and talk about how it is just so important to “manage” our time and get as much out of it as possible. But what if we changed the way we viewed time and how we spend it? If time is the most important and valuable currency we have, shouldn’t we be spending it more carefully and intentionally?

It may feel contradictory to society’s go, go, go mentality, but lately everything I’ve been reading seems to be pointing to slowing down, being more mindful, saying no to things that don’t serve us, and not wasting our energy on people and things that don’t fuel us. So why is this so damn hard to do?

Raise your hand if you’re super type A.

Hi. Me too.

At the end of the day, the reality is that we can’t always cross off every single thing on our daily to-do list. So how do you find balance? How do you prioritize things? How do you make time for “me time” when it feels like you have no time at all?

You could push yourself harder. Sleep less, drink more caffeine, try to do it all. But if taking time to slow down is one of the best things we can do for ourselves, all signs point to the idea that maybe we shouldn’t wear ourselves into the ground if we want to be working on our craft and ourselves for a long time. Think marathon, not a sprint.

My mind has been on slowing down more lately.

In my attempt to figure this out, I’ve been talking to tons of people, asking them how they get things done. How they manage to do it all. The answers I get in return are refreshingly honest and a gentle reminder that we’re really too hard on ourselves with our expectations and massively unrealistic to-do lists.

In an effort to get insight from all of the insanely inspiring and overall boss babes I’ve been meeting lately, I’m excited to start rolling out interviews that dig deep into these individuals. I’m super excited to share all of the tips and stories I’ve been hearing with you guys – so stay tuned for the beginning of a new series! I hope it inspires you as much as it inspired me.

Full outfit deets below – but I’m thinking you definitely need this choker : ).

top: tru blu | pants: tru blu | bomber: spiritual gangster | necklace: fawnstar

By Amy Zhang March 14, 2017 in Style 20 Comments

Easy Boho Style: The Best Brands for Festival Fashion

Best Brands for Festival Fashion | by The Luxi Look wearing Show Me Your Mumu and Lack of Color

Festival season is right around the corner and chances are you may be thinking about what to wear. If you’re not sure what to wear, here are some ideas to get you inspired. Most spring and summer time festivals tend to be hot so layering and being comfortable are key. This means clothes that fit right, feel good, and work for day and night. I tend to opt for an easy boho style, personally. When it comes to style, these are the best brands for festival fashion that I turn to year after year.

The best brands for festival fashion:

Show Me Your Mumu

Made in Los Angeles and ideal for the girl who’s laid back and fun. Love this line that was started by two badass girlfriends that now includes not only their signature bright and colorful printed pieces, but also activewear and swim. For a festival, I love their rompers, two piece sets, crop tops, and kimonos. Here I’m wearing this fun crop and short combo in my favorite pink + green palm print.

Stone Cold Fox

Another local Los Angeles brand I love, love, love. SCF pieces work for any occasion and festivals are no exception. Last year, I scooped up a set from their festival collection, they make killer maxis and crop tops as well. If you’re in LA, their store on Abbot Kinney is a must visit!

Spell

The quintessential boho queen brand from Australia. You will feel like a gypsy fairy when you wear their pieces. If you’re looking for the ultimate boho style inspo for festivals, check out Spell. Their lookbooks and festival round up images are to die for. Their latest collection, inspired by Stevie Nicks, will take your breath away.

Urban Outfitters

If you’re looking for affordable cut-offs, UO has you covered. Their repurposed Levi’s and in house denim are great options for comfortable and flattering shorts.

Reformation

Bonus points for being sustainable. The bodysuits, knits, and vintage denim are perfect for a festival. Layer up with a great belt, booties, and jewelry, and you’re good to go.

Vici

New styles added everyday, with tons of cute festival pieces available. Pieces sell out, so if you see something you like be sure to snag it! I am loving this cactus print top and short combo, any of Vici’s kimonos, and this tie dye romper. And for the most part, everything is under $50 : ).

Best festival accessories to come – think hats, belts, jewelry, bags, and more! What festivals are you attending this year?

xx, Amy

top: show me your mumu | shorts: show me your mumu | hat: lack of color | shoes: isabel marant