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By Amy Zhang September 12, 2016 in Style 7 Comments

Line I Love: Lack of Color

Maybe I’m just always having a bad hair day, but lately, hats have been my favorite accessory to rock. I think I could wear a hat every single day and not be sick of them. In addition to hiding flat hair – ugh – hats help protect your face from the sun (a MUST) and are probably the easiest accessory to wear. My absolute favorite hats are by Lack of Color – another Australian label I am absolutely OBSESSED with. I could dedicate an entire post to Australian labels I adore. I guess Aussies do it better?

Line I Love: Lack of Color

Like any other accessory, there are seasonal variations. In the summer, I can’t put my straw boater down. Now that it’s fall, I’m reaching for every wool fedora or wide-brimmed hat I can get my hands on. I love Lack of Color for their variety of shapes and sizes of hats. You can find similar styles at H&M or Forever 21, but I think Lack of Color’s hats hold their shape and last the longest. I want every single hat in their latest collection.

On a side note, remember when I talked about coloring your hair for the first time? And my concerns about brassy hair? Yeah, that happened. I had a mild panic attack about 4 weeks after my initial coloring after seeing my hair this color. Anyway, one quick trip to the salon for a quick tone + gloss fixed that, but for a minute there I was freaking out. Ladies with colored hair – use purple shampoo or leave it to the professionals and go to the salon to get your hair touched up. Thankfully, my hair is now back to bronde (and a little darker and more natural than in these photos). Colored hair is high maintenance!

We’re having a bit of an Indian Summer here in LA… actually, this happens every year, but September isn’t exactly fall weather. So as much as I would love to bundle up and pull out the knits, it’s just not happening (yet). So please bear with me as I transition a little more slowly than I would like.

woman in an outfit that lack of color and wearing a hat

So I convinced myself that black and tan match… hoping the rest of you agree!

Any other hat lovers out there??

xx, Amy

top: reformation (similar) | shorts: one teaspoon | hat: lack of color | belt: b low the belt | shoes: acne

photos: nicole balsamo

By Amy Zhang September 9, 2016 in Style 25 Comments

When I Became a Blogger

It’s back to school week – and even though I’m not personally going back to school (and haven’t gone for some time… sad face), September always holds a spot near and dear in my heart. 1. Because I’m super basic and love fall, but more importantly 2. because back to school means setting goals and intentions, and reflecting on where you are. For me, that included some reflecting on blogging and what it means to me. About a year ago, I started thinking about starting a blog. A couple months later, The Luxi Look was born. Some of you already know this, but blogging isn’t my full-time job – I actually work in entertainment during the week. Because my corporate job was a full-time thing and blogging was just something fun I did on the side, I didn’t identify myself as a “blogger” for a long time.

I won’t get into all of the thoughts that I’ve gone through, but I finally came to the realization that yes, I am a blogger. I can’t pinpoint the exact day I became a blogger, but I do know that it came with a shift in attitude and an appreciation and respect for all the work that I’ve put into my blog over the past year. For the longest time, I felt that because I was so new to blogging and honestly had no idea what I was doing, that I wasn’t a “real blogger.”

I’d show up to events and people would ask me “oh, are you a blogger?” – and I’d squirm and be uncomfortable and say “well, um, no, not really… I mean, I blog, but as a hobby, on the side, sometimes…I actually have another job…”

Ummm, NO. The lesson I learned – you need to own it! If you’re putting in YOUR time and YOUR energy that could be focused elsewhere, into your blog, then YES, you are a real blogger!

the-luxi-look-topanga-canyon-vici-maxi-dress

Blogging is hard, guys. Before I started I thought, “Well, how hard could it be? You take a couple photos and write a couple sentences.” WRONG. The answer: it’s tough work! And can be as much as you want it to be. There is always MORE you could be doing. Which is why I have SO much respect for all the girls out there working and putting their heart and soul into it – most of them balancing other commitments including other jobs, a family, and more! You can spend HOURS on a single photo, and even more on a single blog post!

It’s easy to compare yourself to other people. Like many bloggers, I read and followed other blogs for years before starting my own. When I finally did, I saw these other girls with huge followings and years and years of experience and immediately compared myself to them. Also wrong. As my boyfriend loves to remind me, “Don’t compare your beginning to someone else’s middle.”

I’m still working on myself and my blog and learning new things every day – which I love. Do I still feel uncomfortable walking into a room full of people I don’t know? Yes. Do I still get nervous and wonder if I belong? Yes. But if someone comes up to me and asks if I’m a blogger, you can bet that my answer has absolutely changed. Now it’s always a “Yes.”

Does anyone else feel this way? How have you overcome blogging struggles? I’d love to hear your stories. And as always, thanks for sharing this journey with me!

xx, Amy

dress: sold out (similar) | hat: lack of color | shoes: topshop | belt: b low the belt

photos: lauren miller

By Amy Zhang September 7, 2016 in Style, Travel 7 Comments

Wanderlust

You hear time and time again that travel is the only thing that makes you richer. I couldn’t agree more. Travel teaches perspective, compassion, and empathy. Whatever your preferred travel style is, I believe that getting out of the country (or even your state) allows you to open up your eyes. It shows you how big the world truly is. I’ve been fortunate enough to cross off several destinations on my list. Also, I will be visiting Italy in a week (a big one on my list!), but there are still so many places in the world I’d love to see. The travel bug is REAL, and I thought I’d share some of the spots I’ve been dreaming of in my mind. Here are the top destinations at the moment on my travel bucket list:

Wanderlust

Cuba

American travel to Cuba was highly restricted until very recently. But now that many trade restrictions have been lifted, and there are even direct flights from the US to Cuba, tourism is expected to jump between the two countries. I would love to see the island. It’s described to be “frozen in time” before it becomes overrun with tourists and changes.

Iceland

I’m not typically the super adventurous type, but I am itching to visit Iceland someday (soon!). Although I’m a city girl through and through, but would jump at the change to get away and disconnect in Iceland.

Japan

In general, Asia as a continent is full of places I’ve never seen and would love to visit. But the country I’d love to see most is Japan – I’m SO fascinated by the history and culture.

Morocco

partially because of my Pinterest and home decor dreams, but mostly because the country is so different than anywhere I’ve ever been. Morocco has been high on my list for years.

Colombia

Not an addition to my list because of Narcos (although, has anyone watched Season 2?! I binged it over Labor Day Weekend…) – I’ve never been to South America, but I’m dying to go!! Lately it feels like everyone is headed to Colombia. Who could blame them? Beautiful cities, beautiful beaches, amazing food and drink – there’s something for everyone.

Safari

Need I say more?

Speaking of traveling, I have yet to nail down the perfect travel-chic style. However, today’s look was inspired by my wanderlust. I’ve been looking for a weekender bag for a while now, and Sole Society’s Robin bag (made of vegan leather!!) is a great option.

Also having a bit of a cactus obsession at the moment – despite being unable to keep any succulents alive for more than 6 months, I love wearing them on my sleeve. I love silly prints (pineapples and watermelons on my dresses) – after all, style isn’t meant to be too serious!

I know I previously mentioned my RE/DONES and now that I’ve been wearing mine in for a couple weeks, the final verdict is absolutely LOVE. (Not sponsored, I just really really love these shorts). Yes, they’re a little pricey for denim shorts. However, if you’re looking for the perfect vintage pair and you just don’t have time to scour flea markets and deal with wonky vintage sizing, you’ll find they are totally worth it. Perfectly worn in and distressed and they manage to fit just right.

Hope everyone is enjoying the short week! I’d love to hear – what’s on your travel bucket list?

xx, Amy

top: topshop | shorts: re/done (similar here) | hat: lack of color

shoes: c/o sole society | bag: c/o sole society

photos: lauren miller

By Amy Zhang August 31, 2016 in Style 30 Comments

Look Back at It

I’ve been crushing hard on any and every slip dress I can get my hands on over the past year (seen here, here, and here) but lately I’ve loving the added layer of a plain white T underneath. This 90’s trend is back and if you haven’t already, you’ll most likely be seeing everyone rocking the slip dress and T shirt combo this season.

Such an easy combo too. It really doesn’t matter what kind of slip – black is a classic, but any color will do. And everyone has a white T shirt in their closet. And voila! Total Clueless vibes all day.

This particular slip is from Reformation – I’m probably guilty of owning one too many pieces with stars… BUT it was so cute and on sale and even though it wasn’t my size, I couldn’t resist. I’ve been wearing it practically every other day which more than justifies the purchase (in my mind). You know those pieces that you fall in love with and wear allll the time and when you figure out CPW (cost-per-wear) you assume it’s totally ok you bought it? Can anyone else relate??

So while we’re looking back at the 90’s, it’s also important to have an eye on the future… in every sense of the word. In terms of fashion and trends, looking forward means fall trends! I know we’re all trying to hold on that last bit of summer, but it never hurts to look ahead! My favorite fall trend by far is VELVET. More to come on this – still trying to track down THE perfect pair of velvet boots – but I’ve linked some of my favorite velvet items below so you can get a head start on your fall shopping ; ).

What are your favorite fall trends? Have you started preparing for the changing season?

xx, Amy

dress: reformation (similar) | t-shirt: similar | shoes: topshop

photos: jordan zobrist

By Amy Zhang August 29, 2016 in Style 22 Comments

What I Want for Italy

I’m heading to Italy for the first time two weeks and am using it as the perfect opportunity to do some shopping. Because, duh. There are so many amazing summer sales right now – I still can’t say goodbye to my off the shoulder dresses and lace up sandals, but all good things must come to an end. I’m making room in my closet for cozy knits and boots. Luckily, I plan on stretching out my endless summer in the Amalfi Coast. Here’s what I want to fill my suitcase with:

What I Want for Italy

Anything white

White is by far my favorite color to wear, and the best vacation color. I’m envisioning linen tunics for lazy days by the beach and simple slips for nighttime.

Denim shorts

Vintage Levi’s are the way to go. After a year of lusting over them, I finally got a pair by RE/DONE and let’s just say they are so worth the price. They fit perfectly and will last for years to come. #momjeansforlife

Bathing suits

Two pieces and one pieces galore. I especially love one pieces because they double as a bodysuit to wear with a skirt or shorts. September is supposed to still be pretty warm in Amalfi Coast, so we’re hoping to catch some sun.

Lots of dresses

Everyone knows the easiest vacation outfit is a dress or romper. Both are outfits that are one and done. You can get dressed and be on your way for the day in 10 minutes. Dresses are especially helpful when you’re trying to only pack a carry on. Also.. Planning on leaving lots of room for all the delicious carbs in Italy 😉 so definitely nothing skin tight.

Hats

My favorite accessory that helps you look put together instantly. I wear this one by Lack of Color ALL the time.

Free People is definitely one of my go-to brands for vacation pieces. I like to go to the Free People website for the best selection of gauzy tunics and light knit dresses. This particular tunic is a little on the shorter side but makes for the cutest swim cover up.

For those of you that have been to Italy – what to pack, wear, do, and eat? You guys always have the most amazing recs!!

And how are you ending your summer? Any fun Labor Day plans??

xx, Amy

dress: free people | hat: lack of color (similar) | shoes: steve madden

photos: jordan zobrist