004: Fashion Is Self-Care
Self-Care + Sandy Toes + Lu's List (The July Edition)
Happy Summer!
Isn’t summer just the absolute best? Nothing feels better than warm sun on my skin and sand between my toes. I live for long beach days in my favorite nap dress and worn-in Havaianas, slushy cocktail in hand—it's definitely a summer thing.
This month, I’m leaning into self-care: think soul-soothing yoga sessions, breezy morning walks, and the comfiest yoga kits (so many good ones right now!). Athleisure is getting a fresh look—because when we’re wearing it everyday, it may as well be cute, right?
Below are some of my favorite sandy-toe shots from summers past—I plan on adding a few more this month. Oh, and the intro image? That’s the sheer tulle dress from Simone Rocha’s SS’24 collection, which I styled for a recent shoot. I'm endlessly inspired by designers who break every barrier and create something entirely new. It doesn’t happen often, but when it does—it’s magic. This dress deserves allthe love. Naturally, Carrie Bradshaw wears it in the new season of And Just Like That.
Enjoy,
amyluxox
Fashion is Self-Care
Self-care is an extremely buzzy term these days—it’s beyond trending (borderline overkill in my humble opinion), but here we are. Between yoga, breath work, green juice, mindfulness, cardio, weightlifting, skincare, therapy, vitamins, beauty treatments, sleep, gratitude lists, goal-setting, meditation, and manicures…who has time left in the day for getting actual shit done? And by the way, where is the fun in all these level-up activities? What is the end goal here? And why is it that after all this so-called ‘self-care,’ I still sometimes feel…not that great?
I found myself deep in a Google rabbit hole, determined to find out what I was missing. It can’t possibly be this hard to feel good, can it? According to Google, self-care is defined as: “the practice of taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.” That got me thinking—I wanted to check in, take stock, and see if my self-care routine was actually worth the time, effort, and investment.
So, I made a list of times I genuinely felt good, confident, and aligned with my vision. I wrote down where I was, what I was doing, and who I was with, attempting to pinpoint the real actions that made me feel that way. Surprisingly (or not, if you know me and love fashion too…), it wasn’t my fitness routine or freshly hydrated skin that came to mind. It was my outfits—and bold mani-pedis—that were center stage in each of my feel-great memories. Of course, the people and places were most important, but I’m focusing on the style component here.
And it makes perfect sense! As a stylist, I’ve witnessed the power of clothes to elevate and boost people up time and time again, event after event, year after year. I just forget to utilize that power for myself sometimes. But that stops now. I want to start paying more attention to putting myself together daily—even when I’m just sitting solo in front of my computer, zipping out to grab a coffee, or picking up groceries, for that matter.
The truth is, fashion is self-care, and it can be instantaneous. Good clothes can make you feel really good. Good clothes can make you feel like you look really good, too. It can be as easy as taking off your schmatta and throwing on your favorite denim-and-tee combo. It can be as effortless as popping on a ball cap and bold lipstick to run your next errand. It can even be completely free if you shop your own closet.
You do you—it doesn’t matter what you put on, only that you pay attention and give care to wearing something that lifts you up instead of dulling your shine. Good Outfit (and or good mani-pedi) = The Practice of Taking Action to Preserve One's Own Health = Self-Care.
And dare I say, putting on clothes you love is far more efficient—and possibly more effective—than gross green juice and sweaty yin yoga in the dark. Just saying…
love and style,
amyluxox
Fit Fits
Styled and photographed by me. Modeled by the gorgeous (and very fit) Aiyla (@aiylaaax).
Athleisure Goals: Oh, I See You Looking Cute with Your Strawberry Glaze.
I spend approximately seven out of seven days in lycra—partly because I work out most days and partly because it’s so comfy that unless I’m meeting with people, I’d rather stay in my Lulus while I sit at my desk-but I still want to feel put together.
Here are a few examples of women who have the post-gym look worked out, along with some shortcuts to help you feel put together when you live in Lycra:
Photo Credits (from left to right): Hailey Bieber in classic camel, © Shutterstock, Jennifer Lopez in cropped fleece, © JLo/Instagram, Gigi Hadid in a bold bomber, © Unknown, Hailey Bieber in head-to-toe heather grey, © Getty Images, Hilary Duff in black and denim, © Shutterstock.
Black and Camel:
When you opt for head-to-toe black, a classic camel coat elevates the look in an instant. Add black Wayfarers and a top-knot—check and check. (Ray-Ban Wayfarer Classic Sunglasses, $126.00, ray-ban.com. Prada Coat, $5,000.00, prada.com.)
Baseball Hat and Cropped Fleece:
A cropped sweatshirt and baseball cap give off a cute and sporty vibe. JLo has this whole situation dialed in. (New York Yankees Hat, $29.00, urbanoutfitters.com. Ray-Ban Aviators, $207.00, ray-ban.com. Aritzia Sweatfleece Sweatshirt, $70.00, aritzia.com.)
Bomber Jacket and Oversized Shades:
Gigi looks effortlessly cool in her cropped bomber jacket and structured purse. Statement shades add the perfect touch of glamour. (Burberry Check Square Sunglasses, $280.00, burberry.com. Anine Bing Leon Bomber, $400.00, aninebing.com. Demellier Black Paris Purse, $585.00, demellierlondon.com.)
All Grey Everything:
I'm a fan of head-to-toe matchy-match. Love this look, especially paired with slouchy socks. (Prada Symbole Sunglasses, $520.00, prada.com. Loewe Men’s Padded Bomber Jacket, $7,750.00, loewe.com. Hue Slouch Socks, $21.00, hue.com. Nike Court Vision Low Next Nature Sneaker, $80.00, nike.com.)
Oversized Denim Shirt Tied Around the Waist:
I feel exposed when I’m just in workout gear outside of the gym. If I have to zip into Ralphs or Starbucks, I love having something to tie around my waist, and a lightweight shirt is perfect for this. (Elisa Johnson Jane in Brown Tortoise Maroon Lens Sunglasses, $140.00, elisajohnson.co. Frank and Eileen Luke Button-Up Shirt, $278.00, frankandeileen.com.)
Stretch in Style
Here are some elevated athleisure looks from my favorite brands that will keep you feeling hot—on and off the mat.
Clockwise from top-left: Lululemon offers the Align No Line High-Rise Pant ($108.00) and V-Neck Bra ($58.00), both available at lululemon.com. At Alo Yoga, find the 7/8 High-Waist Airlift Legging ($128.00) and Intrigue Bra ($68.00) at aloyoga.com. Vuori’s All The Feels Legging ($98.00) and matching Bra ($58.00) can be found at vuoriclothing.com. Beyond Yoga’s Spacedye At Your Leisure High Waisted Midi Legging ($99.00) pairs perfectly with the Racerback Cropped Tank ($68.00), both available at beyondyoga.com. Aritzia's Butter collection includes the New Cheeky Hi-Rise Legging ($78.00) and Hold Tight Bra Top ($38.00) at aritzia.com. Prana showcases the Send Off Pant ($120.00) and Luxara Racerback Bra ($48.00) at prana.com. Over at Free People, discover the High-Rise 7/8 Length Good Karma Legging ($78.00) and Square Neck Bra ($48.00) at freepeople.com. Gap Fit offers the Power Medium Impact Sports Bra ($39.95) and High Rise Running Shorts ($44.95) at gap.com. For a touch of romance, LoveShackFancy features the Highland Floral Active Legging ($125.00) and Dierdra Floral Sports Bra ($125.00) at loveshackfancy.com. Finally, Athleta’s Elation Ultra High Rise 7/8 Legging ($89.00) and Reform Adjustable Sports Bra ($49.00) are available at athleta.gap.com.
Balletcore + '80s Athleisure: A Style Meet-Cute
Soft tulle and leg warmers, satin bows and off-the-shoulder sweatshirts, leotards under cropped T-shirts. The grace of ballet blended with the rebellious spirit of the '80s—romantic yet effortlessly cool. Studio meets street; balletcore reimagined.
Photo Credits (clockwise from top left): Jennifer Beals in Flashdance, © Alamy; Jennifer Grey and Cynthia Rhodes in Dirty Dancing, © Lionsgate; Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City, © Warner Bros. Discovery; Brigitte Bardot, © Getty Images; Ferragamo SS25, © WireImage; Edie Sedgwick, © Enzo Sellerio; Simone Rocha SS25, © Ben Broomfield; Audrey Hepburn, © Alamy.
Lu’s List : The July Edition
One of my favorite things about summer holidays is the effortless ease of lazy-day dressing—those warm, sun-soaked days where you reach for the same favorite pieces on repeat. There’s something magical about the simplicity of it all. I’ve put together a short and sweet Lu’s List of my top picks for this summer: timeless essentials you’ll love and live in. I’m already manifesting afternoons in hammocks, sand between my toes, and a good book in hand.
love and style,
amyluxox
1. The Ellie Nap Dress in Blue Botanical Print – $178.00, hillhousehome.com
I already own a couple of these, and they come in handy all the time. Supremely comfy and easily dressed up or down. Perfect for those endless summer days.
2. Dancing Blossom Perfume by Louis Vuitton – $585.00, louisvuitton.com
I love having a go-to scent that uplifts and inspires. This LV perfume is light, fresh, and pretty—a whisper of florals that lingers beautifully.
3. Aritzia Cozy Sweatfleece Mega Raglan in White – $90.00, aritzia.com
The reality is, I get cold all the time—even with a slight breeze on a hot day. This soft fleece is my go-to layer to throw on. Effortless and cozy.
4. Birkenstock Arizona Hammered Big Buckle – $175.00, birkenstock.com
Birks are the best. I really appreciate the gold buckle detail on these Arizona sandals—it adds just the right amount of polish to a classic staple.
5. Maje Natural Raffia Mini Tote – $260.00, maje.com
Raffia is having a major moment, and I’m here for it. This Maje tote is sweet and structured. I love their quality, so this one feels worth the investment.
6. Books...
I’m reading a lot these days and plan on diving even deeper this summer. I just ordered a few from Oprah’s Book Club—a perfect companion for lazy hammock afternoons.