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By Amy Zhang March 20, 2018 in Style 8 Comments

Learning to Love the Crop Top

Last week I wrote about the concept of getting “summer ready” and jump starting healthy habits. We want to look good, but we also want to feel good, and that starts with what you put in and on your body! Realistically, summer also means wearing fewer layers and showing some more skin. One clothing trend that continues to go strong year after year is the crop top. I thought this would be a one or two season trend, but here we are, still rocking all sorts of different crops all year round. I’ll be the first to admit, crop tops are intimidating! Especially if you’re like most girls and don’t always feel confident about your mid section. But with some strategic styling tips, you can put your best foot forward and confidently wear a crop top!

Learning to Love the Crop Top

+ Debloat naturally.

Lots of posts coming on this topic (because nothing ruins a crop top moment like a little pesky bloating), but cutting down on junk food and avoiding certain healthy foods (like beans and cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and brussels sprouts) go a long way! In a pinch, Heather’s Tummy Tea also works wonders! I sweaaar by this stuff in the summer and on beach vacations.

+ Showing less is sometimes more.

You don’t have to bare it all! Cropped tops are made to be worn with high waisted bottoms, so you don’t have to show that much skin.

+ Layer up!

Throw a blazer or denim jacket over your crop top for a look that’s casual and chic.

+ Don’t be afraid to wear a matching set.

Another trend that has stuck around for a couple years. Here, I’m wearing this super comfortable flattering crochet two-piece from House of Harlow – top here, skirt here). I’m loving this trend for festival season as well!

On that note, who’s ready for festival season? Catch up on my festival must have’s and what I wore to Coachella last year, and stay tuned for some upcoming festival essentials and looks!

xx

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By Amy Zhang March 12, 2018 in Style 8 Comments

3 Pieces Worth Splurging On from IRO, Ultracor, & Gucci

3 Pieces Worth Splurging On | by The Luxi Look

Quality > quantity. It’s time to put this mantra to practice. This year, I’ve been working on being more deliberate about the purchases I make – especially when it comes to clothes. I try to avoid shopping flash sales and make sure to keep things in my shopping cart for at least a day before pulling the trigger. This really helps you talk yourself off a ledge ;). With that said, here are three pieces that are worth spending more on to have in your closet.

3 Pieces Worth Splurging On from IRO, Ultracor, & Gucci

+ IRO Leather Jacket –

A leather jacket is a classic you’ll keep in your closet forever and can wear with just about anything. I’ve had my eye on this leather jacket by IRO. The brand embodies Parisian chic meets downtown rock and roll grunge – the perfect mix of feminine and urban styles. Although I want pretty much everything in the collection (from this dark floral dress to this leather skirt), their leather jackets always catch my eye. They’re buttery soft, perfectly fitted, and so well made you won’t have to buy another jacket for ages. Even if you’re not sure about leather jackets and think they’re a little too biker chic, I promise this one by IRO will make you reconsider.

I should make a note on sizing – IRO is a French brand, so sizing is European and probably runs a little smaller than you are used to. When in doubt, go up a size or two. Especially when it comes to leather jackets, you want to account for layering and whether or not you want to be able to zip it up.

+ Ultracor Leggings –

I remember seeing these leggings on girls in my bootcamp class and I was instantly obsessed. I had major sticker shock when I saw them. Honestly I could not believe athleisure has gotten to the point where standard leggings can run for hundreds of dollars. However, the way I see it, I work out almost everyday of the week. I end up wearing a lot of my activewear more than any other piece in my closet. Also, I find that cute workout clothes motivate me to drag myself to the gym and work harder. So sue me, so this one goes on my 3 pieces worth splurging on list. The compression on these is just right. They are super moisture wicking, flattering, and will never go to the bottom of your workout clothes pile. I promise.

+ Classic Black Handbag –

This is one of those pieces that is worth saving up for, a black handbag is the one type of bag you are guaranteed to want to use over and over and will likely be “vintage” someday. If you want something classic, go for Chanel, but a more contemporary brand (i.e. Gucci, YSL) will still be a good choice. The resale value will also be strong and you won’t feel like you can only wear the bag with certain outfits.

What splurge worthy pieces do you have your eyes on at the moment?

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By Amy Zhang March 8, 2018 in Style 8 Comments

The Easiest Weekend Look – How to Style a Dress with Sneakers

Paris Fashion Week just wrapped up earlier this week, and I am loving all of the trends and recaps I’ve seen! I have yet to attend a fashion week and to be completely honest, I am not in a rush to do so anytime soon. As much as I love fashion and originally started The Luxi Look as a fashion blog (Look being the key word here!), my content has shifted and evolved over the past year to have more of a lifestyle and wellness focus.

I still have a tremendous amount of appreciation and love for fashion, and wholeheartedly believe in the power of a killer outfit to cheer you up or give you confidence. But at the end of the day, my personal style errs on the side of “California casual” and you’ll much more likely see me rocking denim, a cozy knit, or a sundress than stilettos and high-fashion outfits. My day to day lifestyle just works better with a more laid back and attainable aesthetic! Case in point: wearing a dress with sneakers. Now that’s a trend and look I can get behind (and have been shamelessly wearing nonstop)!

The Easiest Weekend Look – How to Style a Dress with Sneakers

When I get dressed for the day, comfort is always at the top of my mind. I also try to plan ahead for the day – are there any important meetings I need to dress appropriately for? Am I planning on walking for extended periods of time? Do I need to dress for day and night, or can I easily upgrade my look after work? On weekends, I am especially lazy. More often than not, I reach for the same pieces (a t-shirt or knit with high-waisted denim or cozy joggers). Again, being comfortable is my number one priority.

The perfect combo – pairing a dress with sneakers. Mini dresses (or skirts) are a super easy weekend look for when you’re hanging out with friends. Wearing a shorter hemline with sneakers keeps the look from being too feminine and dressy. Bonus points for being comfortable and able to walk around all day!

This simple styling trick has been a godsend on the weekend. I can get ready quickly and feel presentable but still at ease. I’ve come to terms with the fact that as much as I love the way heels look, I really just cannot deal with the way they make me feel. I can’t be the only one that has a hard time walking for long periods of time in them, right? For me, if I’m planning on being on the go, I need to be comfortable and able to go with the flow!

Also, how cute is this dress?! It was under $20 (!!) from Forever 21. I’m a total sucker for ANYTHING with a fruit print on it and love that so many brands have incorporated it into their spring collections. Shop some of my favorite dresses + sneakers to pair together below!

Dresses:

Sneakers:

What are your thoughts on wearing sneakers with dresses?

dress: forever 21 | sneakers: nike | necklace: lili claspe | sunnies: amazon | bag: similar

By Amy Zhang February 27, 2018 in Style 7 Comments

What I Want for Spring

Spring Closet Refresh | by The Luxi Look

Spring cleaning is a real thing, I’ve been really trying to get rid of something for every new item I buy in an effort to streamline my closet and avoid unnecessary spending. I love dressing for warmer weather and have my eye on a lot of new pieces for spring, but these are some of the pieces I think have more wear-ability and have quickly shot to the top of my”What I Want for Spring” wishlist.

Spring Closet Refresh: What I Want for Spring

+ Cami NYC Tank –

It’s pricey for a black tank, but high quality basics are always worth it. I actually rented some tank tops from Cami NYC last year from Fashionpass and loved how versatile they were. It’s something you can wear all the time, from work to going out. A basic black camisole is absolutely a closet essential!

+ Gucci Belt Bag –

Definitely a trendy piece, but one of the it bags this year. Fanny packs are cool again guys, and this one will surely be a festival favorite and make the rounds on all of your favorite street style stars.

+ Chinese Laundry Slides –

White shoes are a must have trend this year. Yes, you have to be extra careful when wearing them to keep them clean. They really make every outfit look put together and polished.

+ For Love and Lemons Eyelet Top –

Every year when spring comes around, I find myself gravitating towards eyelet pieces. This top from For Love and Lemons has the most beautiful details and pairs perfectly with any high-waisted shorts you already have in your closet.

+ Clare V Straw Tote –

Just ordered this bag from Shopbop since they’re having their Buy More, Save More Sale right now and I could not be more excited! Planning on taking this bag with me everywhere this summer. And as if you needed an excuse to buy something new, you can get 15% to 25% off your purchase at Shopbop this week.

+ Lack of Color Cap –

I’ve had my eye on this suede cap for months now. With spring coming, it might be the perfect accessory for those days when you just don’t feel like doing your hair.

+ Hoop Earrings –

One of my favorite jewelry trends at the moment, these hoops from Ettika work with any outfit and are the right price as well.

+ Frame Palazzo Denim –

How cool are these jeans? All about a good wide-legged pant and these certainly fit the bill of unexpected and unique denim. Why not try something new with your denim this season?

What’s on your spring shopping list?

By Amy Zhang February 23, 2018 in Style 19 Comments

Spring Denim Update

And we’re back to our regularly scheduled programming! It’s almost the weekend and yet I still feel like I’m still recovering from the last weekend. But now I’m finally back to my routine and on a good schedule again. Currently: lounging, writing, watching Real Housewives and dreaming of warmer weather. I’m so looking forward to spring and mixing up my wardrobe with some new looks. My closet needs a major refresh – there is so much stuff that needs to be cleaned out. In the meantime, I’m exercising extreme restraint with everything I have in my shopping cart right now.

Spring Denim Update

My daily outfits tend to be VERY laid back and casual. I’m just not a dress + stilettos kind of girl on a regular basis. My denim collection has been getting by far the most wear out of everything I own recently. One type of jeans in particular – high-waisted jeans like these. As much wear as my Re/Dones have been getting, it’s time for a denim update in my closet. When it comes to jeans, fit is everything, and you have to recognize when it’s time for a new pair. Right now I have my eye on some from Frame and Mother.

Blue jean baby, LA lady:

I can’t get enough of denim, particularly high-waisted denim. This vintage/worn in look has been one of my go-tos for several years now. It even works for the more casual office setting. I’m all about multi-tasking, even with my clothes. If I can wear it to work and on the weekends, major bonus points. The two dress codes don’t always overlap (although they seem to more and more the older you get), so when you find pieces that work for multiple occasions and settings, splurge on those and get the best, because you’ll wear them literally all the time.

Once you have the essentials in your closet, it’s time have some fun with your wardrobe and add some more unique touches. I’m currently on the hunt for a pair of wide leg denim and a more unconventional denim jacket. I recently added a denim dress to my collection and it’s become another one of those pieces that doubles for office attire as well as off duty. Who ever said shopping can’t be strategic? I’m wearing this denim dress from Lucky.

Both denim looks featured here are from Lucky Brand as part of their recent “Lucky You” campaign, which is all about highlighting makes YOU unique and lucky. I loved the concept because it really forced me to think a lot about myself and what I felt made me unique and different. It also made me think a lot about my life and everything I’m grateful and appreciative of – something that’s worth doing every day.

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