Cake in Couture + Ruffles on Ruffles + Wardrobe Witchcraft + Lu’s List

*Cover Credits: Pink dahlias ($7.99),* *traderjoes.com; photo and collage, @amyluxox.*

Happy September Fashion Lovers and Friends!

I hope you’re feeling pretty. Pretty beautiful, pretty stylish, pretty inspired, pretty good… Pretty is a state of mind, and life feels a whole lot better when I have a plethora of “pretty” in mine. These days, though, pretty feels harder to come by. Not necessarily in the stylish sense, but definitely in the pretty good way—it seems more difficult to care about fluff when the world feels like it’s crumbling. I get overwhelmed and fed up with all the negativity, divisiveness, and non-stop bad news. I’m sure many of you can relate—it’s too much. So, I’m turning to my love of style and the fantasy of fashion for the time being—losing myself in all things lovely. That’s what fashion is great for: you can lose yourself in the fantasy of beauty, however that translates for you. Overwhelm is much easier to tackle when you feel good.

As you may guess from my style, I’m drawn to looks that are feminine, soft, and elevated. But I always balance them with something strong and bold—that contrast is my magic spot. On shoots, I’ll often pose the model elegantly, then direct her to “relax, or pretend you don’t care,” because that tension creates something special. The same goes for styling: I might build an outfit where everything matches seamlessly, then throw in one completely unexpected element—and somehow, that contrast becomes the cherry on top.

This month, I’m indulging in the idea of eating cake in couture—Marie Antoinette feels like the perfect muse. I’m sharing images from my Ruffles on Ruffles shoot with Marlie (even if I’m not the one wearing the gowns, styling them fills my fashion tank). I’ve included a handful of my favorite pretty things, a few tops from my personal collection, and of course this month’s Lu’s List—which, admittedly, looks more like an Easter basket than a September issue. But rest assured, everything is from this season and, yes, very pretty. I also take a deeper look at Wardrobe Witchcraft and why what you wear matters in this month’s Lu’s Letter. Last but not least, I’ve included a few of my recent looks—all black (ironic, given this month’s theme). But that’s what I wore in August, so that’s what I’m sharing. And honestly, I do love black—it’s my forever favorite, especially when paired with something pretty and pink.

Hope you enjoy-please share with friends if you do. Also, check out my instagram Amy Lu if you fancy.

love and style,

amyluxox

Let Them Eat Cake!

And by “let them”, I really mean “let me”! Let me eat cake and ice cream in couture Vivienne Westwood, Roger Vivier Mary-Janes, while lounging in a pink satin canopy bed (this one rumored to have belonged to Carla Bruni). Marie Antoinette apparently had it all figured out!

Since none of this is currently plausible—except the cake part (and with no birthday parties coming up in my house)—I am eternally grateful for fashion and the way it allows me to dip my toe into fanciful daydreams. Even if I’m not the one wearing the clothes, it is deeply satisfying and inspiring to work with them. I had so much fun on this shoot with Marlie (see below); the concept was pure pretty for days… ruffles, ruffles and more ruffles. My dream.

Credits (clockwise from top left):Eighteenth-century canopy bed, google.com; Roger Vivier Belle Vivier Mary-Janes ($1,575), rogervivier.com; Portrait of Marie Antoinette à la Rose, @gettyimages; ice cream sundae (found image, but Serendipity 3 will do nicely), serendipity3.com; Sweet E’s Vintage Heart Cake ($199), sweetesbakeshop.com; film still of Kirsten Dunst in Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antoinette, courtesy of I Want Candy LLC and Zoetrope Corp.; Vivienne Westwood bespoke Marie Antoinette dress (price upon request), viviennewestwood.com; Marie Antoinette’s shoes, google.com; collage, @amyluxox.

Ruffles for Days

*Model, @marliebarron; photography, styling and collage, @amyluxox*

Vêtements Délicats

*Credits (from left to right): Philosophy by Lorenzo Serafini blue Swiss-dot blouse; Zimmermann black lace high-neck blouse; white lace gloves; photo and collage, @amyluxox.*

I have always had an affinity for delicates; I find it hard to pass up vintage slips, interesting hosiery, and lingerie-inspired garments—if it’s pretty, I want it. I’m a romantic at heart and appreciate subtle elegance. I photographed a few of my favorite pieces from my closet for you.

Lu’s List: The September Edition

At first glance, this sherbet-colored fashion fantasy mood-board may feel more spring than September, but much of this season’s early drop came in pastel shades—and I’m a fan. Once I get hooked on a look, I’m busy building a week’s worth of outfits around it. Honestly, I think the days of strictly season-specific dressing are over. Of course, you have to dress for the elements, but the real key is to wear clothes you love, that feel good, and that last—then style them according to the weather. (Hello tights and tall boots, blazers and cardigans, capes and scarves.) And fashion “rules”? Be damned. Wear what you want, and enjoy it. Don’t forget: white after Labor Day is very much allowed—because who cares?! Side note: all of these items are timeless. I generally gravitate toward pieces that last for years, not months—especially when it comes to designer investments. Having said that, as always, this is meant to inspire you to find your version of the look. As a stylist and therefore professional shopper and trend spotter by default-I am one of the early birds to spot and hone in on trends, but most on trend things are available in a version, style, and price point that works for you. You just have to put the research and try-on time in.
***Lu’s List From Left to Right:***
***Eiko Ai Lotta Kimono Dress*** *($360), available at* *eikoai.com. This kimono-style dress is stunning and comes in several colors. My only concern is that, because I’m short, it might overwhelm my frame—but there are always high heels.*
***Staud Von Silk Short*** *($195), available at* *staud.com. Simply pretty. I think they’d look amazing styled with a vintage T-shirt and combat boots—yes, I was a nineties teen.*
***LoveShackFancy Vintage Nude Slip Skirt*** *($495), available at* *loveshackfancy.com. Good slips aren’t always easy to find, and they never go out of style—love this one.*
***Oscar de la Renta Crystal Two-Drop Earrings*** *($390), available at* *neimanmarcus.com. Costume jewelry is the best, especially when it’s top-notch quality. These are lovely.*
***Voyage et Cie Blue Cameo Candle*** *($38), available at* *voyageetcie.com. I’m a candle fan—especially when the container is so beautiful.*
***Camilla Strapless Floral-Print Maxi Dress*** *($1,300), available at* *net-a-porter.com*. I can’t stop staring at this dress—it’s stunning. I’d need to be 5’9” for it to truly work; even a belt and platforms won’t help me here. Are you tall and planning a vacation? Consider this beauty.
***Gucci Printed Flora Silk Twill Carré*** *($540), available at* *gucci.com. I adore scarves—for headbands, neckties, or styled on a purse—just because. Pretty.*
***Loeffler Randall Malia Blue Curved-Heel Sandal*** *($395), available at* *loefflerrandall.com. I feature Loeffler Randall almost every month because their heels are the best—chic and walkable, which is surprisingly rare.*
***Good Juju Illumination Lacquer Keepsake Stationery Set*** *($150), available at* *goodjujuink.com. Pretty storage boxes and stationery? I cannot get enough.*
***Pols Potten Grandpa Teapot*** *($150), available at* *farfetch.com. Back to the start of this newsletter: surrounding yourself with beautiful things makes life better. I love this teapot.*
***ba&sh Wasta Long Dress*** *($495), available at* *ba-sh.com*. I’m a fan of this dress—it’s flattering, classic, and comes in different colors. I first saw it on Sarah McLachlan at her LA concert—she wore white and looked angelic. The next day, I got it in black. Check it out in this lavender hue- so pretty.
***Tessa Foglia Lilac Wool Felt Hat*** *($575), available at* *tessafoglia.com. I love hats. This one is so cool—the unexpected pastel color and slightly exaggerated height are incredible.*
***Jonathan Adler Mariposa Valet Tray*** *($75), available at* *jonathanadler.com. Jonathan Adler’s home decor is always dialed-in. Perfect for special trinkets.*
***L’Agence Toira Faux Fur Coat*** *($625), available at* *lagence.com. I’m a sucker for faux fur—it would look incredible with any of the dresses featured here.*
***Zimmermann Hypnotic Satin Drape Dress*** *($3,400), available at* *zimmermann.com. Chances of me buying this are slim, but it’s spectacular. Antique-looking lace, peach silk, high neck, flared sleeves, high-low hem—it’s party perfection.*
***Roger Vivier Efflorescence Clutch in Satin*** *($1,845), available at* *rogervivier.com. A classic clutch that will come in handy for years. Iconic and timeless.*

Pretty Things

Lu’s Letter: Wardrobe Witchcraft + Enclothed Cognition

Enclothed Cognition is a term coined by Hajo Adam and Adam Galinsky in a 2012 study exploring how clothing influences thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In their experiment, participants wore lab coats (synonymous with science, professionalism, and attentiveness) to test whether the garments would enhance psychological processes by activating their symbolic meaning. (When you feel like you look smart, you tend to act the part.)

The results? Strong evidence of increased selective attention—so much so that Adam and Galinsky named the phenomenon Enclothed Cognition. But here’s the kicker: it only worked when participants were both wearing the coat and associating it with its symbolic meaning.

I don’t mean to disregard their findings, but… OBVIOUSLY!!! Forget lab coats—let’s talk real life. Have you ever been stuck in the wrongoutfit at an important job interview or a potential hot date? Because I have, and let me tell you—it sucks. Feeling uncomfortable can set off inner chaos and chip away at your self-worth in seconds. And as we all know, you only get one chance to make a first impression.

This is exactly why I love clothes and styling people. Fashion is not just about how others perceive you—it’s about how what you wear influences you. That’s what I call fashion magic.

Two examples of Enclothed Cognition working against me (in a not-so-cute way):

1. The doomed (first) date.
Years ago, I dressed for what I assumed would be a chic dinner or drinks: jeans, a cute top, and sky-high heels (the taxi-to-bar-and-sip-wine kind, not the walk-for-miles kind). I met my date at the agreed upon intersection… only to discover his idea of a first date was walking his dog. WTF?! My outfit was wildly out of place, my feet hurt, and the date was doomed from the first hello.

2. The styling gig that slipped away.
Early in my career, I met with a well-known TV personality to discuss personal styling. Being an eager keener, I researched her style and wore something I thought she’d love: a chic skirt-blouse-blazer combo, on-brand with her on-air looks. I looked great. The problem? We were meeting casually over coffee and a walk. She showed up in jeans and flip-flops; I showed up like I was ready for primetime. Though the meeting itself went fine, I knew instantly I had miscalculated. I probably could’ve been a great fit—but Enclothed Cognition got me again. When you feel uncomfortable, it shows.

Here’s the truth: fashion choices have real consequences. Whether you acknowledge it or not, what you wear affects both how others perceive you and how you perceive yourself. People form an impression in a fraction of a second—that’s powerful. And beyond that, what you put on your body shapes your mood, confidence, and energy.

I’m not sharing this to tell you what to wear. I’m here to inspire you to pause and ask yourself why you’re wearing what you are. Is it working for you—or against you? Only you can answer that.

What will you choose to put on today?

love and style,
amyluxo

Lulala: Looks From My Closet

I realize that the looks I’m highlighting here aren’t exactly in line with the soft palette of sheer and satin fabrics that I largely focused on for this newsletter. This month, however, I was traveling, road-tripping, and mom-ing it, so there wasn’t as much opportunity to dress up. (It’s time for a girls’ trip, apparently.)

That said, even within my sea of black clothes, there are plenty of feminine details and subtle bits of pretty sewn in. I rarely gravitate toward super basic garments—you will never catch me in a white button-up shirt. Sure, it’s classy, but it just doesn’t align with my style. Instead, I search for pieces that feel special in some way—so I can feel a little extra, even if I’m in a sweatshirt and jean shorts.

Clockwise from top left:

Montreal: Aritzia Wilfred Soloist Top and Matching Cardigan, Aritzia Babaton Women’s Pleated Shorts, Anine Bing Lace Bralette, Havaianas Flip Flops. I wore this ensemble the most this summer—easy to dress up or down, comfortable for adventures, and basic but elevated.

San Diego: Aritzia Wilfred Soloist Top and Matching Cardigan, Agolde Denim Shorts, Anine Bing Lace Bralette, Havaianas Flip Flops. California (by way of Canada) girl here—I love jean shorts and flip flops and would wear them every day if I could.

Pasadena: Maje Top, The Great Safari Jean, Nike Air Sneakers. I wore this to a concert with a friend—we were by far the most covered-up people there. Apparently nude is the new black at concerts (more on that another time). I paired my all-black kit with Nike Airs—grateful for sneakers, as I can’t do the hobble in heels anymore.

La Jolla: Sea NY Sweatshirt, Agolde Denim Shorts, Havaianas Flip Flops, Marc Jacobs Crossbody Bag, Celine Sunglasses. This sweatshirt is from a few years ago, and I still love it even though every brand has copied it. The crocheted sleeves give it a lift.

San Diego: Veronica Beard Striped Polo, Ramy Brook Belted Shorts, Paige Flora Sandal. Veronica Beard is one of my favorites for cute, day-to-day tops. They’re great quality, easy to wash, and always look polished.

Crochet Crush

Crochet is having a major moment again-handmade charm that feels both bohemian and elevated. For the past few seasons, designers have been reimagining the craft beyond the beach—think sculptural, tailored, and chic garments that bring both texture and artisanal flair. Usually it’s reserved for spring and summer but it is definitely on trend this season.

Looks From Left to Right:

Farm Rio Off-White Flower Tapestry Maxi Dress ($270.00), available at farmrio.com. I love this dress. The cross-stitch pattern is actually printed on the fabric, and it has a lovely open-back style.

Loeffler Randall Helena Crochet Dress ($295.00), available at loefflerrandall.com. This dress is just so cute! I’d likely end up using it as a cover-up on vacation but can also see styling it with slouchy black boots and a cropped leather bomber.

Eliou Hermosa Top ($315.00) and Micro Short ($280.00), available atFWRD.com.Realistically, I couldn’t do the whole ensemble but love the top with dark denim shorts and red ballet flats or under a beige blazer with pleated trousers and nude pumps.

Cult Gaia Darlena Crochet Top ($428.00), available at cultgaia.com. There is something really chic about crochet in this cream color-it’s very classic. I would style this exactly as the previous look.

Staud Magdalena Skirt ($495.00), and All That Remains Lucy Vest ($290.00), available at FWRD.com. Again, in reality, I would use this as a cover-up for swim on a holiday. But I can imagine it paired with an oversized jean jacket and brown Frye boots.

006: Pretty Things