💘Love Month + My Pink Passion + Varga Girl Energy + Lovely Lingerie + Anaïs Nin💘

*Cover Credits:* *Kaleena/LA Models; photo and collage,* *@amyluxox.*

Happy Love Month Fashionistas and Friends!

Welcome back to Love and Style—my monthly blog where I aim to inspire the style-curious, celebrate beauty, and highlight good clothes. These are all things I’ve done for as long as I can remember, but starting this blog on Substack and compiling and formatting my thoughts into something cohesive has given me a new way of processing ideas. It’s challenged me to go a bit deeper into my creative process.

I’ve always created mood boards for editorial shoots and personal styling projects, and as long as the photographer or client and I were on the same page, I could lean heavily on intuition and work fluidly often without explanation-showing rather than telling. Now that I am photographing my stories as well, writing my thoughts down and really digging into a chosen theme is offering me a new way of appreciating style—rather than glossing over it. And the monthly commitment I’ve made keeps me accountable (if only to myself).

February is a lovely month. The holidays are over, everyone is back to school, work, and the gym. The New Year vision boards are embedded in our brains, and we’re back into the groove—or the grind, however you choose to frame it. This month also brings Valentine’s Day, which is filled with pink (my favorite color), flowers (my favorite thing), chocolate (my favorite food group), and lots of pretty clothes… I mean—

This month I’m leaning into my long-standing love of pink. It’s been on my mind, and once you start paying attention to something, it has a way of showing up everywhere. Try it with your favorite color and see what happens—better yet, send me your collage, I’d love to see it!

For Lu’s List, I put together several really cool lingerie kits using some of my favorite brands. I also styled a lingerie shoot with Kaleena (a true chameleon who intuitively understands the energy of different styles). I’ve always loved lingerie for shoots—not in a raunchy way, but in a romantic, ethereal sense. I’m fairly certain in another life I was a wealthy socialite in the 1930s—I fully align with Varga girl energy.

I also pulled together some red and pink looks for Lulala. It feels so good to dress up-try it. I’ve been reaching for older pieces in my wardrobe and styling them in new ways, and it’s been genuinely fun—soul-filling, even. I love red too; it feels happy to me.

So in the spirit of romance, renewal, and really good style, I’m leaning fully into the idea of A Whole Month of Love, Curated & Styled—a dreamy edit of looks, lingerie, and layers worthy of falling in love with. Consider this a love letter to the clothes that make you feel pretty. You deserve it.

Love and Style,
amyluxox

P.S. Thank you for being here—for reading, looking, commenting, and sharing. I’m truly grateful for your time.

P.P.S. I’ve had feedback that my posts can feel a bit long, so I’m experimenting with tighter posts and letting images lead, since I’m a very visual person. We’ll adjust as we go—feedback is always welcome.

P.P.P.S. Try dressing with love just one day this month and see how it makes you feel. 💗

On Pink (All of It)

I go back and forth on what my favorite shade of pink is—usually somewhere between ballet pink and peony pink. I’m not an elitist; any pink will do. In reality, though, I gravitate toward lighter shades and look best in tones with a soft peach undertone.

Fuchsia is fun, and I enjoy it in theory, but too much of it takes me straight back to the aughts—and not in a good way. I can’t fully explain it. It’s like a name that gets permanently ruined by one person you crossed paths with twenty years ago and didn’t like. I’ve never recovered. Except with flowers. There, I forgive everything.

I like pink best when it’s doing something slightly unexpected—grounded by something neutral or worn in. Pink with denim, pink with brown leather, pink styled in a way that isn’t precious.

And of course, pink lips, nails, and cheeks—but with restraint. Just enough to avoid looking like the walking dead in the middle of winter. (Pale is my middle name). When it comes to nails, I prefer saturated hues. I admire sheer shades on other people, but on myself, I always come back to opaque.

Notes (From Left To Right):

Floral Carpet at The Madonna Inn. The entire hotel is drenched in pink—completely over the top and absolutely worth a visit if you want to fully get your pink on.

Retrofête Dress. I’m on the hunt for a pink birthday party dress. This one is stunning, though better suited for a red carpet moment (and would require a lot of tape). Still, very fun to try on.

Pink Bougainvillea, Palm Springs. One of my favorite things about living in Southern California—bougainvillea everywhere, always glowing.

Making A Wish At My Favorite Spot. Those who know, know. Make a wish.✨

Melanie + My Logo In Ballet Pink. I love this photo. One of my favorite shoots and one of the first I did after finishing my photography program at UCLA. I layered on every pretty thing I could source. And those eyes—so beautiful.

Rosie’s Pink Tummy. My little dog Rosie—the sweetest dog you could possibly meet and, naturally, gorgeous in pink.

Portrait of a Woman with a Book of Music by Bacchiacca. Hanging at The Getty Museum, which I visit often. I’m endlessly inspired by Renaissance paintings—especially for color and styling ideas.

Love is here. 💖 My front gate and new Valentine’s Day wreath—perfect for celebrating Love Month.

Chloe in Aritzia’s Pink Puffer. My darling girl is a mall rat just like her mama. She’s been shopping, pulling, returning, and wandering with me since she was three weeks old. We always end up at Aritzia. I used to have to bribe her—now she and her friends want to shop there. A win-win.

Varga Girls and Betty Page

My lingerie-inspired looks for shoots are often influenced by the glamour of Varga Girls, with a playful edge drawn from Betty Page—and a touch of Gil Elvgren’s cheeky, narrative charm.

The Varga Girl aesthetic, born from Alberto Vargas’s Esquireillustrations in the 1940s, is all about polished fantasy. Think silk slips, satin heels, coiffed curls, and a softness that still feels confident. It works beautifully in photoshoots, less so in real life—but borrowing little elements can instantly create a mood.

Betty Page brings pin-up fantasy down to earth. Bold lingerie, playful costumes, and an unmistakable sense of joy in self-expression—she didn’t just wear a look, she owned it. Gil Elvgren sits somewhere in between: his women are wholesome yet flirtatious, caught mid-moment, full of personality. Together, these inspirations map a spectrum of feminine style—from polished glamour to rebellious fun to approachable charm—and they continue to shape how I create dreamy, styled looks today.

Credits: Bettie Page, Getty Images.

All cut out figures, Alberto Varga.

All paintings, Gil Elvgren.

Collage,@amyluxox.

Layers of Love: The Romance of Lingerie

For this month’s shoot, I focused on layering lingerie and creating a character and story within that. I combined feminine pieces, an abundance of texture, and soft shifts in palette. Here are a few of the images-there are more over on my instagram.

Lu’s List: Lust Worthy Lingerie Looks

I’m a firm believer in investing in lingerie and underpinnings that lift you up—not just physically, but emotionally too. Giving care and attention to all parts of yourself, even the ones only you see, is a quiet but meaningful act of self-love. Clothes are one of the most straightforward, tangible ways to feel better in your body, and new underwear is a particularly good place to start.

I put together these Varga Girl– and pin-up–inspired lingerie looks with a shoot in mind, but they’re so cute I may end up throwing myself a pajama-and-cocktail party instead. My aunt even sent me the perfect cocktail recipe, which feels like a sign.

Credits by look (left to right):

Araks Uma Bralette in Bliss Purple ($145), available at araks.com.Love this lightweight and semi-sheer bralette cut from cotton crepe. The centre darts accentuate your curves. It also comes in Black, Bare Beige, Mist Grey, and Brûlée Brown.

Rowie The Label Marina Silk Mini Skirt in Orchid Pink ($195), available at rowiethelabel.com. This lace trim mini is so sweet! The length is mini but not micro especially if you’re also a shorty like me. I’d pair it with a snug sweater and ballet flats, or with an oversized collared shirt and blazer combo and loafers. It also comes in a variety of pastel hues like Cornflower, Cantaloupe, Burgundy, Dove, Black, and Lemon.

Roger Vivier Trompette Mules in Pink Satin ($1495), available at rogervivier.com. I need these in my life, the two tone pink combined with the signature crystal buckle is perfection-my version of heaven in a shoe.

Fleur Du Mal ($298), available at fleurdumal.com. Silk and feathers go together. This fabulous tank is perfect for sexy sleepwear or wearing out. Try it with a leather shorts and pumps or with well worn denim and strappy heels.

Sainted Sisters Scarlett French Knicker in Ivory ($187), available at wolfandbadger.com. These lovely white silk tap shorts have delicate lace trim on the sides and will go with any bra or bustier you have. I have paired it with the rose feather cami for this story but would also style it with a button-up shirt and converse.

Larroudé by Nicolò B. Maria Ballet Flat In Strawberry Satin ($315), available at larroude.com. Mary Janes are a great flat option to have on hand. They elevate even the most casual of looks while being comfortable.

For Love and Lemons Cherub Love Underwire Bra ($129), available at forloveandlemons.com. Oh my goodness this is adorable! It is perfect for getting into the Valentines Day Mood and way better than a box of chocolates.

Suzie Kondi Hera Cotton Poplin Bloomers in Poppy Stripe ($165), available at suziekondi.com. Love these sweet cotton bloomer shorts. They could be saved for at home lounge wear or paired with a cuffed button up shirt and Mary-Janes for a trendy vacay kit. They also come in navy stripe.

Natori ($140), available at natori.com. This brand is fabulous for high-quality loungewear and lingerie at reasonable prices. These red satin slides are chic and timeless. Love the bold pop of color they serve up.

Kiki De Montparnasse Lace Inset Balconette Bra in Ivory ($265), available at http://kikim.com. Just so pretty! The pale creamy hue, soft silk and delicate lace combo make it bra perfection. It also comes in Navy, Black, Brick, Framboise and Beurre.

Miu Miu Garment Dyed Ribbed Boxer Shorts ($495), available at miumiu.com. I love the idea of mixing something super feminine and delicate like a bra or bustier with something more masculine like boxer shorts.

Saint Laurent Lido Flat Mule ($950), available at fwrd.com. How does Saint Laurent mange to turn flat, closed toe slippers into something sexy? They are so dialed in. Love these!

Coco de Mer Avani Balcony Bra (£245, ~$330 USD), available at coco-de-mer.com. The balcony cups, lace scallop detail, and wide lace covered straps make this equal parts comfortable and stunning. The rich teal hue will add a gorgeous pop of color.

Kiki de Montparnasse Tous Les Jours High Waisted Briefs in Navy($128), available at farfetch.com. High waisted briefs, otherwise known as granny panties are a go

Agent Provocateur Allegrah Mules ($650), available at agentprovocateur.com. I am a sucker for beautiful boudoir inspired styles. Of course I want to wear these slippers with my silk pajamas while sipping tea! They also come in Black, Blush, and Red.

Lulala: February Style Notes

In anticipation of February and love-inspired style, I decided to make red and pink my go-to colors. Honestly, it was such a treat—I already had pieces in my closet, I just tend to forget to wear them. I love that red is having a moment right now—it looks great on me, (on most people actually), as does pink, though you just have to find your shade.

My favorite look was a bright red cashmere sweater from Aritzia, paired with my wide-leg black jeans from The Great (I wear these so often). I also loved revisiting my painterly Alice & Olivia silk slip dress, which I hadn’t worn in literal years (at least ten I’m guessing). I pulled it out for a theatre date with Chloe and was reminded how much joy comes from dressing with intention. Putting thought and care into your wardrobe allows you to wear familiar pieces in new ways, creating small pockets of delight in what is otherwise routine.

I think I’m going to keep the pink momentum going for a while—I need the lift that pretty-in-pink gives.

Where The Magic Happens

I have always needed a place—my home base, a quiet space where I can sit in stillness, get clear, and let ideas unfold. I surround myself with beautiful things and am deeply grateful for each of them and the stories they hold. This is my desk, where I start every morning reading, writing, and finding clarity before the day begins. I also included a couple of images from my favorite Costume House in Los Angeles, it is one of my favorite places to pull from and FULL of history and fashion magic.

✨✨✨

A Reminder

Anaïs Nin perfectly captures the joy of surrounding yourself with beauty in her quote: “I long to have pretty lingerie, dozens of pretty little dresses, and roses, roses, roses.” It speaks to more than just clothing or decoration—it’s a celebration of indulgence, self-expression, and the small, luxurious details that make life feel elevated. For me, it’s a reminder that style and surroundings can be deeply personal acts of care, and that delighting in pretty things—whether a silk slip, new knickers, or a vase of fresh roses—is a way of honoring yourself and your everyday moments.

🩷🩷🩷

011: Layers of Love: Lingerie, Curated & Styled