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By Amy Zhang November 16, 2016 in Style 29 Comments

Law of Attraction

Ok, I have to ask… what are your thoughts on the law of attraction? If you’re not familiar with the concept, it’s the idea that “like attracts like.” To put it simply, if you give positive energy, you’ll attract and receive positive energy. If you give negative energy, you’ll attract and receive negative energy. It’s thrown around a lot, especially in LA. I started to look into it recently and my feelings are totally mixed.

Not trying to be all new age and weird on you guys (for the record I don’t get my tarot cards read and I only jokingly talk about my horoscope), but I couldn’t help but notice that the law of attraction is… kind of true.

You’re probably thinking, hold up, she’s lost it – but here’s the thing. Doesn’t it, on a somewhat baseline intuitive level, kind of make sense? I wouldn’t go so far to say that it’s a “law” (we’re not talking physics here, guys) but it isn’t a bad principle to live by.

Law of Attraction

In our daily lives, often what we give is what we get. Think about when you’re walking around on the street. What is everyone doing? They’re most likely walking past you, barely looking at you or focused entirely on their phones. But what happens when someone smiles at you? Maybe it takes you by surprise, and maybe you’ll smile back at them. Try it today – smile at 10 strangers and see how they respond. You’d be surprised by how many people break their mold to reciprocate.

Even on a deeper level, it kind of makes sense. “When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” It’s all about perception. Isn’t it interesting how two people can look at the same exact situation and see things so differently? One person might see a setback that brings them down, the other a challenge that will take them to the next level.

I couldn’t help but look into the law of attraction when very recently, I was being a typical millennial and having another quarter-life crisis about my career and destiny. After complaining to my boyfriend the 286276x time he gave me another pep talk (he’s the best) and helped me shift my mindset, view things more positively, and then – the craziest thing happened. It was almost as if an opportunity came knocking on my door.

Maybe it’s because when we’re positive, we see things differently.

I see this every day in life. I do my best to recognize it in myself and others around me. If someone is seeing things through a negative lens, I do my best to flip it into a positive. (Note: Not trying to be that annoying girl that doesn’t let you complain – I recognize not every situation is appropriate for this and I totally get that not everything in life can be perfect and happy. BUT a lot of the things we complain about in our day to day is small and more often than not, #firstworldproblems.)

What do you think? Am I completely crazy? It has been a really crazy time of year so who knows, I may have totally lost it – but I’d love to hear your thoughts!!

xx, Amy

dress: astr | jacket: all saints | shoes: topshop

By Amy Zhang November 13, 2016 in Lifestyle, Style, Wellness 40 Comments

The Importance of Taking Breaks

I wrote about the importance of loving yourself recently, and have sincerely made it a point to honor my mind and body more. To me, one of the key components of self-love is self-awareness. Also, the ability to recognize when you need a break. We all know the feeling of being on the brink of complete burnout and running on empty.

Thinking that if you push yourself just a little more you’ll be able to truly do it all (which in my mind is a myth, but more on that another day). More often than not, when we try to do too much we end up completely fatigued, exhausted, and sick. As much as I would love to be the person that can do it all, I’ve recognized the importance of taking breaks BEFORE that burnout occurs so that you don’t end up completely out of commission.

The Importance of Taking Breaks

This past week was long and emotional. To be honest I struggled internally with blogging after Tuesday. It didn’t feel right to me. I try to keep things light hearted and positive on the blog, but I just couldn’t muster up the energy. I’ve talked a lot of positivity on the blog, and in general think it’s so important to be hopeful and optimistic. But sometimes you’re just too tired to fake it. Even if you’re trying to find ways to stay motivated. I know this isn’t the normal fluffy happy blog topic BUT I do think it’s important to keep it real and honest. Not every day is going to be sunshine and shoes and trends and it’s ok to acknowledge that.

I had to tell myself – it’s ok to take a break. It’s ok to be tired. It’s ok to want to do nothing and just have a day/night to yourself. So I’m putting the coffee down, hitting the snooze button, and focusing on healing and rest before trying to take on the world again. (Probably going to meditate and get a massage as well.)

On a somewhat tangential note, if you’re looking for ways to take action, here’s a wonderful post written by a friend compiling all the ways to help women and minorities in the wake of last week’s events. Thank you Hayley for more eloquently sharing the words many of us are thinking.

xx, Amy

dress: stone cold fox | poncho: vici | boots: stuart weitzman

jewelry: elizabeth stone jewelry

By Amy Zhang November 10, 2016 in Style 4 Comments

Recent Thoughts & a Late Summer Outfit

Hi loves. Taking a little bit of a departure from the usual subjects today. I took a mini break from blogging yesterday, so apologies for the delay in post. It was hard getting back on social media today. To be honest I spent most of yesterday processing what happened Tuesday night. I had originally prepared a post for Wednesday, but it just felt like fluff and to be honest, I needed a little break.

Late Summer Outfit

Will be back to posting soon, but in the meantime I just wanted to re-share this quote from Hillary Clinton.

“And to all the little girls who are watching this, never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and to achieve your own dreams.”

xx, Amy

dress: d.ra clothing | sunglasses: chloe | boots: steve madden

jewelry: amarilo

photos: laci havens

By Amy Zhang November 4, 2016 in Style 12 Comments

Fall Layers: WYLDR & Elizabeth Stone Jewelry

Hi, hi, hiii! It’s hard to believe we’re already in November! I’m so looking forward to going home to Minnesota at the end of the month for Thanksgiving. Until then, it feels like there is SO MUCH TO DO. Aside from work, I’m making a huge effort to downsize my belongings. Mainly my clothes, due to 1. limited closet space, 2. fairly consistent disapproving comments from my boyfriend re: my takeover of said closet space and 3. this book. Taking Marie Kondo’s words to heart, I am making a huge effort to purge myself of all belongings that do not spark joy.

So it’s out with the old and in with the new (the key being more things out than in). In an effort to stay true to this mission, I’ve been seeking brands that are priced at the sweet spot where you want to buy everything but you won’t because it’s not quite at fast fashion prices. (Don’t worry Forever 21, I’m not quitting you – just taking a break).

Fall Layers: WYLDR & Elizabeth Stone Jewelry

Currently loving WYLDR and this paisley maxi dress – perfectly appropriate for fall if you add a sweater, leather or suede jacket, or boots. I had a weird relationship with paisley for the longest time, but I’ve finally come to terms with the pattern and introducing it to my wardrobe. Totally check out WYLDR for your new favorite easy breezy maxi or going out dress.

And if you haven’t checked out Elizabeth Stone Jewelry yet, DO IT NOW. I cannot get enough of her pieces (hello, moonstone everything…with hearts in my eyes) and could not believe how affordable everything is – you can get a wide range of chokers, lariats, rings, and bangles for between $30-$80 for the most part. Um, YES PLEASE.

What are your fall must haves as the weather cools down? Also, has anyone else read Marie Kondo’s book? Any advice/suggestions on tidying up?

xx, Amy

dress: wyldr | sweater: dra | boots: steve madden | jewelry: elizabeth stone jewelry

photos: lauren miller

By Amy Zhang October 31, 2016 in Style 21 Comments

Looking Towards the Future: Fyuse

Finally cooling down (or so I think) – either way we’re at the time of year when it doesn’t matter what the temperature outside is, it’s only right to wear sweaters. I’m a huge fan of sweater weather – wraps, cardigans, cowl necks, turtlenecks, sweater dresses. Give me all of the sweaters, I’ll be living in them for the next several months.

Looking Towards the Future: Fyuse

On an unrelated note, is anyone else into following emerging trends and technology? As a blogger, it’s important to keep an eye on emerging trends beyond fashion or whatever niche you’re in. This includes the tech space and specifically, new social platforms and apps. I’m sure the first bloggers to jump on the Instagram train before everyone else had a bit of a competitive advantage. Sometimes apps work out and sometimes they don’t, but it never hurts to try new platforms as they come out, or at least secure your handle.

I think it’s pretty well known that everything is moving towards video (if you don’t know, now you know). The new iOS features a GIF keyboard, Facebook is making a huge push on Facebook live, Snapchat is valued at up to $40B.

Anyway, not claiming to know what the next ‘ big’ thing is – everyone knows about augmented reality now (thanks to Pokemon Go) and you’ve most likely already heard of virtual reality as well. My good friend Ryan introduced me to Fyuse, which describes itself as a “spatial photography” app. I would describe it as a cross between a 3D image/video/photo.

Here’s an example of a Fyuse I took during one of my shoots with Ryan:

Pretty cool, right?

No one can predict the future, but apps like Fyuse are certainly a step in that direction. We’re moving beyond the age of 2D photos, people! Whether you’re an early adopter of new technology or prefer to observe first, keep an eye out for changes to come in social media and photography.

Note: this post was not sponsored in any way, just sharing my own personal opinions!

What is your take on the future of photos/social media/blogging?

xx, Amy

dress: similar | jacket: forever 21 | boots: steve madden

photos: ryan chua