Suitcase Savant + Knit Love + Lu's List (May Edition)

Hello and welcome back, fashion lovers and friends.

This is the second edition of my monthly (ish) newsletter, where I explore authentic style and my love of fashion. I say ‘ish’ because I am still figuring it out and am really focused on creating quality over quantity. I realized that I am allergic to ‘pumping out content’ and think that is the antithesis of art and creativity. Plus, no one cares about another ‘must-have’ list or my OOTD. I want to be a part of slow fashion, thoughtful fashion, and inspiring fashion. I hope to uplift and help my readers with their sense of style while I reimagine what my new career in fashion will look like.

I have spent most of my life immersed in it—studying it, creating it, observing it, selling it, buying it, dressing in it. It’s a language with enormous power, and I’m fascinated by the possibility it has to help and heal. Over the past few years, I have transitioned from styling and fashion directing to styling and photography. It has been a wonderful journey, and I am enjoying being able to capture the looks I create. Now I am translating all of that into a vessel to help others find their own style.

As I continue on this path, I am becoming more mindful of the pieces I choose to wear and the stories they tell. It’s not just about fashion; it’s about curating a wardrobe that feels deeply personal, almost like a diary written in fabric and thread. This intentional approach is shaping not only my closet but also my perspective on what it means to dress with purpose.

This month, with the end of school upon us and summer planning in full swing, I have travel on the brain and have been thinking about what I want to wear on my summer vacation, which, of course, leads me to plan my next vacation, then the one after that, and the one after that… To a fashion-loving Gemini, life is basically a series of stylish adventures, even if some of them are just from the valley to Beverly Hills and back.

Hope you enjoy,

amyluxox

PS: Here are a few images from the last month capturing my authentic style. Keep in mind that sharing photos of myself is not exactly my forte. It’s both hilarious and terrifying to me because:

I have an aversion to getting my photo taken in the first place.
It’s always my daughter taking them on my iPhone.
They’re typically shot in bad lighting and always in a rush—so please, just pay attention to the clothes! 😂

*Clockwise from left to right:*
*In Carlsbad with my daughter (Wilfred coat, Mint Velvet sweatshirt, Mother denim, Marc Jacobs purse).*
*In Pismo Beach (Wilfred slip dress, Anine Bing bralette).*
*In San Diego (Bardot blouse, Sandro denim, YSL shoes).*
*En route to a concert (Wilfred sweater, Celine sunnies).*
*Horse riding in Palm Springs—this is pretty funny if you know me because I have no idea what to wear while riding a horse…I figured red lipstick was a good start. (ALC top, Celine sunnies).*

Master of Packing

*My go-to luggage set-up: A large black hard case on spinners, lightweight back-pack, and a large leather tote. (Packing cubes are* a game changer.) I have tried colorful luggage before and always revert back to black bags-it seems easier for some reason.

Book me a trip, give me a suitcase, and let me loose in my closet for a few hours—this is my happy place. I absolutely love packing for travel! Sometimes I pack days, even weeks in advance. I’m sure my OCD and A-type traits have something to do with it, but it feels deeper and more profound when I’m in the throes of it. Regardless of the destination, packing for each trip is filled with purpose, hope, and vision. It’s a chance to plan, project, and give the adventure direction. I treat it as I would storyboarding clothes for an editorial. What’s the message, the story, the vibe? How do I want to feel on the trip? I believe outfits are an important first step in making things happen!

Of course, planning outfits for a tropical vacation is more dreamy than packing for a routine business trip, but the opportunity to elevate an experience remains the same. Again, what you wear always matters, unless, of course, you choose that it doesn’t, in which case, fine, that’s your call! But I’d like to suggest that you might be missing out. When packing for your next trip, I ask you to consider taking advantage of the opportunity to feel good (or at least more prepared) and see if it makes a difference. Curate, fine-tune, and pay attention to choosing looks that will enhance your time away. Trips are a finite amount of time outside of your routine to step out—or step up—your fashion game.

I always start with the basics: workout attire, pajamas, and undergarments. I know I’ll work out regardless of the destination and bring head-to-toe workout gear for each day I’ll be gone. I’m a fan of black Lulu’s or Alo Yoga gear because it’s easy to mix and match, won’t show dirt if I need to re-wear in a pinch, and can be styled into a cute athleisure look with a t-shirt and cool sneakers. (Speaking of sneakers, I bring ones that double as gym shoes and can be paired with denim and a hoodie for any unplanned walking days.) For pajamas, it depends on the destination and nature of the trip, but I love Aritzia leggings and oversized t-shirts for cozy sleepwear that can be worn down to the lobby to grab coffee first thing in the mornings. Or, I opt for Victoria’s Secret silk boxer and camisole sets—super cute and take up zero space. (Of course, there are luxury alternatives for sleepwear, but I prefer to invest my fashion budget into outfits rather than pricey PJs.) For undergarments, I pack matching bras and knickers for each day, then once I have all my outfits planned, I go through and add any outfit-specific lingerie I’ll need, like colored or strapless bras.

For travel day outfits, my goal is to be comfortable but look presentable and feel good—you never know who you’ll sit next to on flights, and I generally feel weird when I’m not somewhat put together. I pack one look for the way there and one for the way back, usually consisting of black or dark denim (I gravitate toward Mother or Maje jeans), a dressy jersey top (Veronica Beard always has great options in her core collection), and a blazer (ba&sh has great ones) or sweater (Aritzia is my go-to) because it gets cold on flights. I generally wear booties (Isabel Marant) or high-top sneakers (Nike Blazers).

Last but not least, I go through my itinerary and put together appropriate outfits for each day. I plan head-to-toe looks and sometimes choose items that can mix and match, be dressed up or down, and go from day to night to save space. But I always make sure to include at least one good dressy outfit so that I have something fabulous to wear for dinner or drinks—even if nothing’s planned. I almost always end up wearing it.

As you can likely surmise, I don’t do carry-on unless it’s a same-day or one-night trip. The anxiety of not having the right thing to wear far exceeds the inconvenience of waiting for my bag at the luggage carousel. Yes, waiting can be annoying, but what’s even more frustrating is scurrying around in shops that are almost closed in an unfamiliar city while under the fog of jet lag, trying to find something perfect to wear for an important event. Even if you find something, it’s almost always full price and you can’t return it if you change your mind. No way—this is not for me! I’m a proud planner and master packer.

For your next trip, take a bit of time and try to enjoy the process of packing. See how it works for you!

love and style,

amyluxo

Knit Love: Where Cozy Meets Chic

*Styled and photographed by Amy Lu, Model Ela (@ela37n), Beauty by Josephine (@josephine.bouchereau).*

The handy thing about being a stylist is getting to explore looks, ideas and trends on an actual human. Mood boards are great but real life is much better and more fun. It fuels the fashion narrative and allows me to explore a style or trend fully. Here are some summertime looks featuring knits I put together.

More Dickie Than Marge

*Photo credits from left to right: Matt Damon, Gwyneth Paltrow and Jude Law in The Talented Mr. Ripley, © Pamela Hanson, Trunk Archive. Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow, © Paramount Pictures*

The Talented Mr. Ripley is one of my ultimate sources of style inspiration—a masterpiece of effortless elegance that never stops giving. While I’m usually captivated by Marge’s feminine take on American prep meets Riviera luxe, lately, I’ve found myself gravitating towards Dickie’s nautical vibes, especially his incredible collection of knit polos.

Polo sweaters, with their signature collars and button-down details, are having a major moment both in street style and retail right now. Available as coordinated sets or standalone pieces, they come in an array of knits and colors for both men and women. There’s something refreshingly nostalgic about knit polos—they evoke the timeless elegance of vintage sportswear yet seamlessly adapt to modern style sensibilities.

In a world where comfort is increasingly non-negotiable, knit polo tops are carving out their space as wardrobe essentials that are both cozy and undeniably chic. Originally popularized in the early 20th century as athletic wear, the polo shirt has transcended its sporty roots to become a versatile fashion staple. The knit version elevates this classic silhouette, adding texture and softness that feel as good as they look.

What makes them so essential is their adaptability. For a polished daytime look, pair a cream or camel knit polo with high-waisted trousers and heeled loafers. Layer on a tailored blazer for a touch of menswear-inspired elegance. For casual comfort, tuck it into wide-leg jeans with a sleek leather belt and finish with ankle boots. Add a cardigan draped over the shoulders for that perfect hint of layered sophistication.

amyluxo

Knit List: Here Are Some Of My Favorites

*Clockwise from top-left: Sandro Short Sleeved Sweater, $250.00,* *us.sandro-paris.com; ba&sh Pira Lace Look Top, $195.00,* *ba-sh.com; A.L.C. Rosa Crochet Knit Top, $295.00,* *alcltd.com; L’Agence Reverie Pointelle Knit Bralette, $295.00,* *lagence.com; Reiss Roni Crochet Button Front Top, $240.00,* *reiss.com; Paige Dune Top, $249.00,* *paige.com; Frame Rookie Polo Top, $448.00,* *frame-store.com; Alice+Olivia Martha Polo, $295.00,* *aliceandolivia.com; Tory Burch Viscose Pointelle Sweater, $328.00,* *toryburch.com; Celine Cardigan in Pointelle Cashmere, $1700.00,* *celine.com; Club Monaco Open Stitch Button-Down Sweater, $168.00,* *clubmonaco.com*.

Lu’s List : My Summer Vaca Wishlist

This summer, I’m headed to Canada for vacation, which I realize is very far from the Amalfi Coast. But in my research for vacation dressing, I got swept up in the glamour of it all. (I am a magnet for shiny things.) The truth is, good pieces and good style work in any location—and if the sun is out and there are people to visit with, dressing up feels good.

As I mentioned previously, whether I am working for a client or shopping for myself, I tend to gravitate toward timeless pieces that will serve for several seasons (sometimes years). These often come at a higher price point, but you can always find a version of each item at a price that fits your budget. My intention with Lu’s List is to provide inspiration and ideas that help you curate your own wishlist—this is simply meant as a starting point. As always, take what you need, leave what you don’t.

love and style,
amyluxo

002:Love and Style

Suitcase Savant + Knit Love + Lu's List (May Edition)