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By Amy Zhang February 9, 2017 in Style 38 Comments

Tips for Saving and Investing Money for a Designer Handbag

Tips for Saving and Investing for a Designer Handbag

As much as I love scoring a major deal shopping, there are certain items that will almost never go on sale. You just have to bite the bullet and get them at full price. Case in point: designer handbags. I make a point to save for investment pieces, but let’s talk specifically about tips for saving and investing money in a designer handbag. I’ve been working full time for years, but I could never bring myself to buy a bag that easily cost more than my monthly rent. This year I treated myself a Gucci GG Marmont bag – which I LOVE – and thought I would share my top tips for saving and investing money for a designer handbag (or any big ticket item!).

Hint: it’s actually really easy and doesn’t have to require tons of sacrifice.

Designer handbags are a luxury, not a necessity

This isn’t one of those articles that tells you to skip your daily coffee run – if that $3 coffee (or in LA, it’s more like $6 – LOL) makes you happy and is your small daily luxury, I say go for it. Life’s short. However, we all know that if you were to skip your daily latte habits and save that money, after a year you would have enough money saved to buy a flight to Europe or a designer handbag.

Note: I am NOT advocating frivolous spending or living beyond your means, nor am I saying you need to buy designer or luxury items to be happy!! I am a huge proponent of looking chic on a budget : ). I also am very, very big on SAVING for the future. Designer handbags are absolutely a luxury, not a necessity. With that being said…

First things first – do not look at bags as an investment.

I know we like to use the term investment purchase to justify our spending decisions, but that term really only applies to a VERY select number of brands and styles. And as with any investment, ROI is not guaranteed.

When buying your first designer accessories, try to stick with classic shapes and silhouettes. Think timeless. Something that will look amazing even when it’s vintage.

Like every other girl in the world, I was going absolutely gaga over Gucci in 2016. As much as I’ve wanted to blow my signing bonuses and paychecks on designer bags, I never could quite justify it. After working full time for several years after college, I finally felt like I was prepared to make a big purchase. Once I was confident I could ride the Gucci wave into 2017, I chose the GG Marmont (I liked the small size best, but the mini is great as well!) as the item I wanted in my closet stat.

My best tips for saving and investing money

When it comes to saving and investing money into big purchases (a vacation, car, house, handbags) you either have to make more or spend less. It’s simple math.

Sometimes you gotta get thrifty. Think about where you can cut corners.

Cancel subscriptions you don’t use anymore or share with a friend.

Go out to eat less and cook at home.

Skip the booze when you’re out at dinner – your bill will be cut in half.

Spend one night a week staying in vs. going out and blowing your paycheck on Ubers and drinks.

All of these are totally doable. BUT, they require (minor) changes in behavior. Definitely one of the best tips for saving and investing money without even thinking about it is to use this app – Digit.

Whatever your savings goals are, I cannot recommend Digit enough.

I’ve shared my love for Digit before, and I had to say it again.

In case you haven’t heard of Digit – it’s a free app that helps you save more money. You link the app to your checking account. And from there, the app automatically withdraws small amounts of money from your checking account without you even noticing! It monitor your spending habits and adjusts the amount that is withdrawn every day. Some days it might be $0.50, other days it might be $50. It depends on your spending habits. But the point is, you won’t even miss the money that is taken out. All of the money will be saved in your app until you’re ready to withdraw. How you choose to spend the money you’ve saved is entirely up to you.

I signed up for the app last April and since then saved more than enough to buy my Gucci bag and pay for my car insurance. All without changing my spending habits or thinking twice.

So there you have it! Exactly how I saved up for a designer bag without blinking an eye. I use this same method for my trips, shoes, bills, really any big purchases I have!

How do you save up for big purchases?

Do you have any tips for saving and investing money?

xx, Amy

dress: astr | bag: gucci | shoes: isabel marant

By Amy Zhang February 7, 2017 in Style 22 Comments

Top 5 Lace Up Sweaters

Lace up sweaters have been on trend for a while now, and it’s not hard to see why. Cozy knits are absolutely a winter must have. The lace up detailing adds something fun to an otherwise basic piece. I’ve been living in mine and it’s the perfect throw on piece for a lazy day. In case you don’t have one in your closet yet, I’ve rounded up my top 5 lace up sweaters (they’re affordable, too!) below.

Top 5 Lace Up Sweater Picks

Olive lace up sweater (exact one I’m wearing, and only $43!)

Nasty Gal “in the thick of it” sweater

Lush lace up sweater

JOA lace up sweater

Easy peasy, right?!. Pair them with ripped jeans and booties and you’re good to go for the day.

If you’re looking to minimize the number of pieces in your wardrobe, this should be one of the items you add or keep. I see them staying in trend for some time to come, and who can say no to a good cozy knit?! It really is the perfect “I’m so busy, I don’t have time to get dressed” outfit.

Excited to share some more winter and spring looks with you guys in the upcoming weeks!

xx, Amy

By Amy Zhang February 5, 2017 in Style 28 Comments

Getting Ready for Spring: Pattern Play in Mister Zimi

Happy Sunday!! Before we get into pattern play, let me just say that this weekend has been filled with errands, errands, and more errands. In a good way, though. It feels good to get things checked off your to-do list, no matter how small. I got my hair re-highlighted (it’s been six months since my last color!), cleaned my apartment (a struggle if you know me), shot some new looks for you guys, and started working on some easy, single girl-esque recipes. Yep – got some healthy and easy recipes you can whip up anytime coming your way soon (!!). I’m excited to bring you guys content beyond just fashion and outfits, so if you have any suggestions on what you’d like to see, let me know in the comments below : ).

It’s been so rainy and gloomy lately, and I swear it affects my mood. When it’s grey outside, I like to counter with my wardrobe and wear something bright and colorful. A little pattern play is definitely ideal.

It’s summer in Australia right now, so it makes sense that they would be wearing all sorts of bright colors and patterns. I really love Australian labels (seen here, here, and here) so it makes sense that I fell in love instantly with this bright colored two piece set by Mister Zimi. They have the coolest fun prints – I feel happier just looking at them.

Here I paired the Twiggy top and Paloma skirt in the print, “Phi Phi” (reminds me of my trip to Thailand!!). I like to throw on my straw boater hat and some simple slides when my outfit is this colorful. Mister Zimi just feels like summer – I am totally lusting over their jumpsuits as well. Clearly, I’m ready for a beach vacation asap. Who’s with me?!

xx, Amy

By Amy Zhang February 2, 2017 in Style 31 Comments

Sam Edelman x HauteLook

When I’m shopping for shoes, I focus on quality and price. Sam Edelman nails this sweet spot, and I’ve been a fan of the brand since my college days in Chicago. This week, HauteLook is having a three-day flash event featuring shoes from Sam Edelman’s latest collections. The Sam Edelman Hautelook event begins today, February 2nd at 8am PST and ends on Sunday, February 5th at 8am PST. I picked up a couple pairs of heels I’ll be wearing all spring, but the event features boots, sandals, and more.

Sam Edelman x HauteLook

If you’re not familiar with HauteLook, they host flash events everyday featuring contemporary brands in fashion. Thanks to HauteLook, I was able to find designer finds at the right price in college and today. Check out some of my faves below at up to 50% off, including these cute studded suede sandals.

xx, Amy

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by HauteLook. As always, all opinions are my own.

Amy Zhang wearing brown dress and Sam Edelman HauteLook | The Luxi Look

Sam Edelman x HauteLook

By Amy Zhang January 31, 2017 in Style 25 Comments

Line I Love: Flynn Skye

Hello, hello! I’m back home in LA and loving this warmer weather (70 degrees in January… #spoiled). Did you catch my Instagram posts from Jackson Hole? If you’ve never been, it is absolutely insane and so beautiful. I’m a terrible skier but really want to get better, so may be heading to the mountains again this winter to practice/fling myself off the top of the mountain haphazardly. In the meantime, I’ve packed my ski layers away and am back to dressing for LA weather. If you’re not familiar with LA-based brand Flynn Skye yet, you’ve been living under a rock.

About Flynn Skye LA

The brand is described on their website as:

“…Made for the girl who is not afraid to take risks and lives with no limits. The girl who wakes up in the morning and doesn’t think twice about that dress she’s throwing on to grab coffee or what she’ll be wearing to lead that business meeting later. Simply put Flynn Skye is made by powerful women for powerful women.”

The description could not be more on point.

I first fell in love with Flynn Skye’s designs a few years ago and always purchase new pieces with the launch of every collection. I love that the brand is American made and the prints and designs are the perfect mix of laid back California style with a little bit of edge and spunk. In fact, every season new eye catching prints and styles are released and you’ll want them all in your closet.

I also cannot get over how much of a badass and boss babe Amber Farr is – she started Flynn Skye just four years ago and since then has grown the brand through using her savvy use of social media. You’ll also probably recognize her designs as seen on a ton of influencers and celebs.

This dress is the perfect example of a piece that you feel good wearing. I swooned over this maxi for weeks before pulling the trigger and now I am dying to wear it to any occasion. So shop my favorite Flynn Skye picks below!

xx. Amy