The Luxi Look | LA based fashion and lifestyle blog

By Amy Zhang February 16, 2016 in Style 1 Comment

Ring My Bell

Bell bottoms are always a good idea. I bought this printed pair by Novella Royale a couple of years ago. I have managed to wear them to death. They’re re-released in new colors and prints every season and I’m tempted to pick up a few more pairs as well.

Ring My Bell

Reasons why I love them? They’re 1. insanely soft and comfortable (aka slightly more acceptable leggings in public). Second, a fun alternative to jeans (they definitely stand out, and I receive compliments on them every time I wear them). Three, so easy to coordinate with other pieces in your closet. I tend to stick with neutral colored tops and wear with a leather or denim jacket over. However, the sky is the limit when it comes to these technicolor bells.

Here I paired my bells with a loose crop top (this crop goes with everything and is on sale right now!), a super easy wrap choker, my favorite belt at the moment (see here for save vs. spend versions) and mirrored sunglasses. If you’re looking for cute sunnies that won’t break the bank, look no further than Quay. They’re my go-to brand for festivals. It’s also great for daytime activities when you don’t want to worry about losing or breaking a more expensive pair.

Shop items from this look below. Let me know what you think of these flared pants. Also, I think they’re perfect for festival season (coming up so soon)! Have a great week, dolls!

xx, Amy

top: show me your mumu | pants: novella royale | belt: b-low the belt | sunglasses: quay (similar) | choker: vanessa mooney

By Amy Zhang February 13, 2016 in Lifestyle No Comments

Splurge vs. Save

It’s 80 degrees in February and instead of enjoying the weather, I’m in bed sick, nursing three different liquids (water, ginger tea, and green juice). Anyway, I’m using this as an opportunity to catch up on my online shopping. I wanted to start sharing some of my favorite finds with an option if you’re looking to splurge as well as one if you’re looking to save a little : )

Splurge vs. Save

White Dress:

#1. For Love and Lemons makes the cutest dresses and this white number is a must have for spring! I almost picked it up during the Planet Blue Beverly Hills sale and I’m kicking myself for not snagging it then – I love the subtle lace cutout details as well as the bell sleeves.

#2. Forever 21 makes a great option if you’re looking to save – similar dress for a fraction of the price!!

Western Belt:

#3. I have been wearing this belt with almost everything, you can wear it on your waist or hips and it adds a little something extra to your outfit! It’s so versatile and comes in several different metal variations (silver, gold, rose gold) that you’ll be sure to find one that goes with your closet.

#4. I found this version on Asos, it’s practically identical to the one by B-Low the Belt.

Suede Heels:

#5. Aquazzura makes some of my favorite heels and this pair is no exception. These will surely add some flair to any outfit (they also come in blue!)

#6. As always, Steve Madden comes through with a similar design that is much more affordable.

Shop these items below – hope everyone is having a beautiful Valentine’s Day weekend!

xx,

Amy

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By Amy Zhang February 1, 2016 in Style 2 Comments

Not So Winter White (+ how to shop fast fashion)

Not So Winter White (+ how to shop fast fashion)

I don’t typically shop fast fashion but I’m always envious of girls that can consistently score killer outfits at stores like Forever 21 or H&M. I usually feel so overwhelmed anytime I set foot into those stores that I’ll walk in and walk right out without even looking at anything. Thankfully online shopping has been a lifesaver – I mean, is there anything better than laying around in sweatpants and a glass of wine while browsing through endless cute stuff on the internet?

This entire outfit (top + shorts) is from Forever 21 – not only was it $50 (!!), but it also consists of separates that I actually see myself wearing again and again. White is by far my favorite color to wear and I was excited to come across affordable and versatile pieces that I would be able to mix and match with other items in my closet through spring. If you’re like me and feel overwhelmed going through all the merchandise at fast fashion stores/sites, read on for my tips on how to navigate fast fashion:

Shop online or in the app

Most e-commerce sites will have an app that you can use on your phone (could be dangerous, proceed with caution!) that make it easy to scroll through categories and save your favorite pieces. This saves you a trip to your local store and chances are they will have better merchandise selection and sizes available as well.

Have a plan

Once I decide how much I want to invest in a trend (if it’s something I’m on the fence about, I’ll probably try to find an affordable version before committing more fully), I’ll typically scour sites for a particular items that I’m looking for. I’ll read reviews and compare styles before ordering the one I like best.

Check New Arrivals

Do you know when your favorite sites drop new merchandise? Forever 21 adds new items daily, so by looking through the new arrivals, you’re guaranteed to be seeing the newest styles with the best selection of sizes of color still available.

Luckily for you, I did the work already ; ), so shop below for some of my current favorite finds from Forever 21!

I love the feeling of finding a great deal, but really hate digging through thousands of items before finding one I love – I’d love to hear any tips you have for navigating fast fashion stores and websites!

xx
Amy

top: forever 21 | shorts: forever 21 (similar) | heels: sold out, similar here | sunglasses: illesteva

By Amy Zhang January 28, 2016 in Style 2 Comments

Venice

I love, love, love Venice and its laid back atmosphere and boho vibes. Going to Venice is like a mini field trip, I feel like I’ve been completely transported to another world. Trips are usually reserved for weekends. It’s I have more time to hang out by the beach and along Abbot Kinney. I finally visited the canals a couple weekends ago and felt like a complete tourist, and that was totally fine by me.

I loved walking through the canals – the houses along them are so charming and each has its own unique flair. After walking through the canals on a cloudy/slightly rainy day (hey El Niño) we made our way over to Abbot Kinney, which is one of my favorite streets in all of LA. Abbot Kinney has the best collection of boutiques and shops, as well as one of my favorite restaurants in the city – Gjelina.

By now you’ve probably realized my undying love for rompers/one pieces. They’re the best for weekend adventures – you’re ready to go in less than 5 minutes! Here I’m wearing one by one of my favorite brands ever – Stone Cold Fox. Make sure to bring an extra layer – it may be warm during the day, but it gets chilly when the sun goes down. I usually keep a leather jacket on me to help with the transition from day to night. Finally, hats are a godsend for casual weekends when you just don’t feel like washing your hair ; ). What are you wearing on the weekends when you’re keeping it casual? Let me know xx

romper: stone cold fox (on sale!) | jacket: all saints (similar) | hat: mango (similar) | shoes: isabel marant

By Amy Zhang January 25, 2016 in Style 10 Comments

Slipping Away

How to Style a Slip Dress for a Night Out | The Luxi Look

Although I’d like to think my style has evolved over the years, a dress and heels has consistently stayed my default uniform for a night out. Despite years of practice, I’m still really terrible at walking in heels. So I tend to avoid them unless I know Uber/sitting down for a long period of time will be involved. Cute date night! I try to dress up a little more than usual while staying true to my everyday look. So if I’m adding heels I’m keeping the rest of my outfit comfortable.

I’ve been channeling a lot of 90s looks lately

Slip dresses are perfect because you’re essentially wearing pajamas in public (and theoretically they can double duty as sleepwear, or at the very least a layering piece). I’m a sucker for anything with an open back and jewel-toned (I know it’s 2016 and the Color of the Year is now of rose quartz, but I can’t let go of marsala/anything plum colored just yet). So this little number has been in heavy rotation, especially over the holidays.

On my way out of the house I’ll add a swipe of color to my lips to complete my look. Wearing lipstick absolutely terrified me for the longest time, but thanks to these Nars lip pencils, I’ve eased into experimenting with different lip colors. I’m a huge fan of all Nars products, but these pencils are among my favorites (along with their Pure Radiant tinted moisturizer and blushes). Both the velvet matte and the satin versions are long wearing, easy to apply, and come in so many shades you’re bound to find one you love. I’m currently loving Damned (magenta-plum that’s perfect for winter nights). Also, Rikugien (soft pink that’s great for everyday wear), but I want them in every color.

What’s your go-to date night outfit? xx

Dress: free people (sold out, similar here). Shoes: stuart weitzman. Choker: vanessa mooney

Ring My Bell

Splurge vs. Save

White Dress:

Western Belt:

Suede Heels:

Not So Winter White (+ how to shop fast fashion)

Shop online or in the app

Have a plan

Check New Arrivals

I’ve been channeling a lot of 90s looks lately

Slip Dress