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By Amy Zhang October 16, 2017 in Style 25 Comments

A Balancing Act

The past few months, I’ve seen a slew of “Instagram vs. Reality” posts. Initially I thought they were super cheesy, but I’ve grown to love them. Why? Because for most people, what they show on Instagram isn’t their reality. I’m guilty of this myself. On my social media, I probably look like I sit around all day. The parts of my life I show: trying on outfits, going to events, eating, drinking, my dog. In reality, my life is much less glamorous. It’s very… normal. I wake up early and commute to work. Then I sit at a desk all day Monday through Friday, and oftentimes eat lunch at said desk. I go home, have dinner with my boyfriend, and am rarely out. Most nights consist of watching TV and going to bed early. But what’s the fun in showing that?

The thing with Instagram is, it’s a balancing act.

On a side note, I’ve been meaning to give little life update to you guys! I recently started a new job (!!) – it’s a new role at the same company, and I have a LOT to learn! So if I’ve seemed distracted or not fully there lately, it’s because I have been. I haven’t been shooting and posting new content as much, and to be honest it has been a welcome break. It’s allowed me to focus more on one thing – which I really believe is so important.

After all, the way you do one thing is the way you do everything, right?

Speaking of a balancing act – how is one supposed to dress when it’s 94 degrees in October?! I honestly avoided being outside this weekend. Instead I stuck to hanging inside my air conditioned apartment. I bought this denim skirt last year (runs TTS) and I am so glad I did. I rarely regret buying denim, unless it’s a super trendy cut and I only wear it a couple times, but I have been loving denim skirts this season and will definitely continue to wear mine into the future. I’ve been wearing different variations of this look all season – denim skirt, cropped turtleneck, booties. Throw on a blazer and you’re good to go!

Getting ready for a busy week and will be bringing you new content soon! In the meantime, I updated + added some new Glossier and Classpass Los Angeles reviews due to popular demand. Hope you all have a great week! xx

top: similar | skirt: grlfrnd | belt: b-low the belt | shoes: marc fisher

By Amy Zhang October 12, 2017 in Style 10 Comments

3 Types of Must Have Fall Boots

Boots will forever be the quintessential fall/winter shoe. With proper care, a good pair of boots will last for years. Some of my favorites are by Acne, Isabel Marant, and Stuart Weitzman. But every year, I also make sure to pick up a few pairs of more current, on-trend styles. Fresh off the heels of September’s fashion weeks, I’m rounding up the 3 types of fall boots you need to add to your closet this season. Click on the images below to shop!

3 Types of Must Have Fall Boots

Sock Boots

This trend isn’t letting up anytime soon. There are so many heeled varieties in every color and material. If you’re only going to get one pair, opt for black or tan. But if you already have a couple pairs, consider adding some in a fun color. These shoes are a great way to add a little height without compromising your ability to walk. In fact, it’s one of my favorite shoe trends for day OR night.

White Boots

White shoes are a bold move, but this trend has been going strong all year. Make sure to treat them before wearing or be prepared to clean them regularly. As much as I adore this pair by Stuart Weitzman, I opted for the more affordable Steve Madden look a like.

Sparkle Boots

Add a little sparkle to your look with a pair of glittery boots. They range from less shimmery to full on glitter – but regardless of what level of sparkle you opt for, they’ll be a welcome addition to your close come holiday season. Wear them to holiday parties or just the office. Seriously, how fun is this pair by Steve Madden?!

What’s your favorite fall shoe trend?! xx

By Amy Zhang October 9, 2017 in Style 6 Comments

The One Type of Sweater I Can’t Live Without

Even though it was 80 degrees outside today (in both Chicago where I spent the weekend and in LA when I flew back!), I still couldn’t help but dress for the season. Think: pants, a hoodie, and a leather jacket. And a giant cardigan in my tote bag. I did this partially because I packed incorrectly, but mostly because I am almost always cold.

The One Type of Sweater I Can’t Live Without

Whatever the case may be, taking on cold temperatures has always been my number one dressing concern. That’s why regardless of the weather, I always keep one piece of clothing on me. The one type of sweater I absolutely cannot live without – a sweater blanket.

The Sweater Blanket

It’s exactly what it sounds like. Is it a sweater? Is it a blanket? Really, it’s the best of both worlds. To be honest what I call a “sweater blanket” is just a warm oversized cardigan or shawl. This piece of clothing has saved me in so many situations. I keep one in my car, I always pack one for the plane, and most importantly, I ALWAYS make sure to leave one at my desk at work. Because the office AC dilemma is real. I hate, hate, hate being cold. The solution is so easy and will almost certainly breed envy in those around you when they see how cozy and warm you are.

Go for a super soft and fuzzy sweater blanket – this BB Dakota shawl has been with me everywhere lately and saved me on many occasions. I’ve linked some similar ones below and some that are currently in my shopping cart. Neutrals are your best bet, they’ll go with anything you wear and people will be less likely to notice you’re draping yourself in the same giant blanket every single day.

In terms of the rest of my outfit

I have been hearing about DSTLD forever and finally got to try some of their basics for myself. Seriously impressed and loving their denim + tees that are so affordable (think – high-quality pieces without the markup that comes with going through a retailer). If you are looking for basic pieces that look and feel luxe but won’t burn a hole through your wallet, definitely check out DSTLD. Their cuts and fabrics are really impressive for the price. Belt is by my favorite, B-Low the Belt and shoes are from Marc Fisher. Most likely wearing this outfit again to the office tomorrow.

Have a great week everyone! Feels so good to be back.

xx, Amy

cardigan: bb dakota | t-shirt: dstld | jeans: dstld

belt: b-low the belt | shoes: marc fisher

By Amy Zhang September 29, 2017 in Style 7 Comments

Wear With Everything – How to Style a Corset Belt

Belts are having a moment.

The right belt can totally make an entire look, sometimes I don’t even opt for any other accessories. B-Low the Belt makes my favorites season after season. These belts are on trend, edgy, and go with everything. Most importantly, they won’t break the bank.

The Barcelona belt is my all time favorite, but their most recognizable style might be the Bri-Bri. Naturally, I had to scoop up some new styles this season.

My current favorite is this incredible corset belt. Corset belts and built in corset styles have been trending for several seasons now, but the look isn’t letting up anytime soon.

This season, a corset belt is an easy piece to add to your closet that you can wear with almost anything. I promise it’ll make it look like you tried much harder to get dressed than you did.

Styling A Lace Up Corset Belt:

My favorite way to wear a corset belt at the moment is over a slouchy, slightly oversized sweater dress. You can also wear it over a t-shirt, t-shirt dress, slip dress, or over a high-waisted skirt – it’s surprisingly versatile! I didn’t think it was a trend or look that I was going to incorporate into my wardrobe, but I changed my mind after seeing this style from B-Low the Belt. And of course, a corset style is always flattering on every body type as it accentuates your waist and can create the illusion of curves. This is definitely a look I will be repeating all season.

I also picked up some other styles from B-Low the Belt for fall and have been loving them over denim and dresses. What are your thoughts on corset belts?

Is this a look or trend you’d try this season?

Also, if you love these styling how to’s, check out my go-to night out look.

dress: lovers + friends | belt: b-low the belt

shoes: marc fisher | bag: gucci | earrings: elizabeth stone

By Amy Zhang September 25, 2017 in Lifestyle, Style, Wellness 9 Comments

Starting the Week by Practicing Gratitude

Happy Monday! How was everyone’s weekend? Some of the highlights of mine included shopping for autumnal decorations for the apartment (really into fall right now if you can’t tell) and taking an insane 90 minute dance class that was a total blast.

I’m not the best dancer at ALL, but I couldn’t help but feel 1. exhausted and 2. grateful after taking the class. Why grateful? Because gratitude is something that has been on my mind a lot lately. I’m trying to journal more as part of my daily routine, one part which consists of writing down what you are grateful for.

Starting the Week by Practicing Gratitude

There are so many surprising benefits to journaling – cultivating self awareness, boosting creativity, helping with memory, and keeping track of goals. Of course, all habits take time to build. One habit I heard time after time to add to my routine is journaling.

Here’s why and how you should keep a gratitude journal:

Journaling is an incredibly personal activity that looks very different for everyone. How much and what I write depends largely on my mood and current emotional and mental state. My boyfriend suggested The Five Minute Journal as a way to ease into journaling. I love this journal because it is clean and organized, and already has the various sections I need to fill in every day laid out for me. Oh, and it only takes five minutes a day (sometimes less!).

My favorite part to fill out everyday is the section on gratitude. I’d like to think that I don’t take things for granted and focus only on my problems, but the truth is ever since I started practicing gratitude on a daily basis, I’ve noticed a shift in my mentality and mindset. It’s so easy to do – there’s no right or wrong answer, it’s just what you’re grateful for that day, in the moment.

It doesn’t have to consist of the most profound thoughts you’ve ever had. But the simple act of writing down three things a day you’re grateful for can help improve your overall well being and happiness. Think about how often we compare ourselves to others or take what we have for granted. Oftentimes it isn’t until something unfortunate happens or we see something in the world that triggers certain emotions that we stop to appreciate what we have.

So yesterday, the three things I chose to be grateful for were looked something like this:

Having the physical ability to run and move freely for 90 minutes.
Surrounding myself with people that lift me up and inspire me – especially good friends, which can be hard to find.
A weekend to myself with my dog that allowed us to bond and spend lots of time together.

Today, I am grateful for:

New beginnings at work – a new opportunity to learn and grow.
Having a platform that allows me to reach others with my message and connect with them in ways I never thought would be possible.
Coffee. Because it’s Monday.

Practicing gratitude allows you to focus on the positive in your life, realize even the negative is not always so bad, and that there’s always more to be grateful for. Each new day is a new opportunity to reflect. I’m so happy I started this exercise and have found it has really helped me approach every day more positively. Even when I’m having a bad day, stopping for five minutes to think of three things I’m grateful for allows me to pause.

“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” < one of my favorite quotes, and so true!

And yes, I know it’s officially fall – but it still feels like summer and I’m holding onto every last sun soaked day I can. Wearing a two piece set by one of my all time favorite brands, Spell.

Have a wonderful week everyone!

PS – If you’re loving these more

xx, Amy