Looking good when you step outside is one thing, but feeling good when you walk inside is another thing altogether.  If naming a home is an indicator of greatness, the Mr. and Mrs. Max Azria’s La Maison du Soleil fits the mold.  The 60-room mansion in Holmby Hills, CA was co-decorated with interior designer Aly Daly, but the distinctly grand style oozes with the chicness that Lubov is known for.  From a larger than life orange horse in the living room to a custom made waterfall chandelier spilling over an artfully sculpted piece of petrified wood, Ms. Azria’s style is certainly not for the faint of heart.  Would you, could you, go this bold?

Max & Lubov Azria

Fashion Designer Max Azria’s Home

Stylish Design by Lobuv Azria

Azria’s Home Office

Photos courtesy of paloma81.blogspot.com ; alydalydesign.com

Hanne Gaby Odiele Paris Fashion Week

How stunning is that hot pink coat she wore during Paris fashion week?!

Hanne Gaby Odiel

And what about the skirt – sort of an Aztec print meets Lego sculpture aesthetic. Paired with a simple tank and oversized tan cardi, it has the laid-back chicness that few beyond the waify models among us can pull off. Clearly that passerby behind her agrees

Style will never be the same by Hanne Gaby Odiel . Her designs are young, different yet we can all relate. I love her quote “”I’m not necessarily attracted to trendy pieces.” Well, I’d say her style is modernized traditions re-invented through color and pattern play.

Photos courtesy of blogspot.com, photobucket.com

Tibi’s pre-fall 2012 collection is a flutter with fresh prints ranging from boldly geometric to black & white birdies to boldly colored flora and fauna mixes.

Tibi’s Pr-Fall 2012

Pair one of these standouts with your everyday jeans, solid silk blouses or slim black pants to create a new focus in your daily look.  If you’re feeling extra daring mix and match your prints like a true fashionista.  I especially like the idea of pairing the vibrant tank with the corresponding pants in a colorless version of the print!

Cheers.
Jaima

Kim Kardashian / Burberry Trench

Rocker detail affixed to fashion staple pumps and trenches; who could deny the appeal of the uptown girl gone downtown vibe of this inherently cool look.

Burberry Prorsum 2011 / Dsquared Fall 2012

Those of you who were scared to invest for fear of its trendiness can rest assured, these studded clothes, bags, shoes and everything in between are showing no signs of heading towards greener pastures.  So, add a piece to your wardrobe today to instantly up your personal It factor!

Cheers.
Jaima

Photo courtesy of www.neimanmarcus.com, www.poshglam.com

CHIC MIX ‘N MATCH HANDBAGS

These patchwork styles flaunt a surprising mix of textures, animal skins and floral’s. All fabrics  blend together to create a more hand crafted look.  Definitely gives a  bag a unique custom look. You know what they say…”Variety is the spice of life.” So why not spice up your wardrobe with a patchwork handbag ?

PATCHWORK CHAIRS

This trend isn’t  just in accessories,  you can find it moving  into home fashion as well. I love this brightly colored patchwork chair, certainly screams “I’m an original”. This kind of mixing large and small prints with bold colors  really makes a designer statement. The beauty of a chair or sofa like this is that it blends into any interior style. The patchwork chair can certainly  become the conversation piece or focal point of any room.

WHIMSICAL SOFA’S

Who knew patchwork would look this good? Do you like the look? Let me know!

Cheers.
Jaima

Photos of bags courtesy of accessoriesmagazine.com, photos of chairs courtesy of  pinaywifeatbp.blogspot.com

Angelina Jolie

Red lips are great because they brighten your smile and have the power to transform even the most basic outfit into something mysterious and highly glamorous. So is red right for you? Depending on your skin tone, there are shades awaiting everyone!

Photo courtesy of Sephora.com for Dior; Smashbox  lipstick beauty.com

If you have fair skin opt for a sheer blue-based red, as it will not look overly harsh against your tone. If you have olive skin, you are able to pull off nearly any red because you have warmer undertones. If you have darker skin, choosing a red with a brown base is ideal for you. Dark cherry or burgundy never fails this type of skin tone.

Gwen Stephani

Photo Courtesy of L’oreal’s Ravishing Red by Loreal from lorealparisusa.com and

                  The power of red has been around for decades and it has become a make-up staple that is here to stay!
Cheers,
Jaima

With so many options, finding the right pair of shorts completely depends on your personal style and event that you are attending. Whether you are spending an afternoon at the club, boating, shopping, or antiquing, these shorts are ideal for any afternoon or evening occasion.

Scalloped Style Shorts

Scalloped shorts are the current summer trend, while the classic khaki is still able to be your go-to pair. Try something new by wearing a dressy pair of shorts that have a sparkly element to them like sequins, lace, ruffles, or pleats.

Stella McCartney

Designer Stella McCartney created a master piece when she designed her Aude  Cuffed shorts. Featured above, they are made of a silk and cotton blend and their bright and playful stripes and colors will put you in the summer spirit.

J. Crew

The stylish short phenomenon is huge in Hollywood. Actresses like Gweneth Paltrow, Diane Lane, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kate Beckinsale, embrace the scalloped, sequined, and striped shorts.

Gweneth Paltrow

With so many options, you’ll surely find a set of stylish shorts for you to wear in very little time!
Cheers.
Jaima

Marc by Marc Jacobs

This suit has a fun and retro feel to it.  Designer Marc Jacobs had a feminine flare in mind when he created this whimsical and colorful bathing suit masterpiece. The suit hugs the hips, has ladylike details in mind, and even comes complete with removable straps to work on your tan lines!

Michael Kors

Anything but your average one piece suit, this wild and playful piece will make a splash at any pool or beach! Uniquely cut and designed for an ultimately flattering look, the leopard spots add light camouflaging to the tummy while the asymmetrical strap pulls the eye upward, focusing on the upper half of your body and suit. Grrrr!

Trina Turk

Hip designer, Trina Turk also knows how to play up a woman’s features while incorporating brilliant colors and patterns that will remind you of palm trees, the roaring ocean waves, and fruity tropical drinks – complete with a mini umbrella! This one piece will smooth you out and boost maximum sex appeal while remaining elegantly covered. The crisscross tie string back is an added bonus as it adds interest and detail to the paradise themed suit.

Roll out your towel, slip on your shades, and slip into one of these boast worthy bathing suits.
Cheers,
Jaima

Photos courtesy of michaelkors.com / trinaturk.com / shop.nordstrom.com

Q. I love stripes! How can I incorporate them in my summer style?

A. Stripes are timeless and come in many sizes, styles, and colors. This summer, opt for stripes that are colorful and not the average horizontal line!

Kate Spade’s Kerrigan dress is just what you are looking for to incorporate this hot season’s trend of playful and colorful stylish striping.

 Kate Spade

Tory Burch also plays with the stripes’ shapes with her Adriana skirt, which will make “waves” with wardrobe and remind you of the ocean’s tranquil movement.

 Tory Burch

Both pieces are very versatile, as they can be worn to a graduation, baby or bridal shower, or just a fun afternoon luncheon with the ladies.

Bags also boast the trend this season. Balenciaga has a fabulous bag named the Arena Classic Toile Raye City that works the nautical theme-perfect to tote with you on vacations, boating excursions, lunch at the club, or a fun, summery afternoon of shopping or antiquing.

 Balenciaga  Striped Tote

These are a few easy ways to see stripes this summer!

Photos Courtesy of toryburch.com, katespade.com, Barneys.com for Balenciaga.

Surf’s up! You can impress your guests even if you don’t live near the sea.  Sea Side Inspired will inspire you to pick up some beach themed items that will have a dual purpose at your dining table-to look stylish and serve a function!

Sea  Side Shell Themes

Photos Courtesy of seasideinspired.com

This Coral Candelabra will look elegant on a long, glass table. When lit, the glass will pick up on the reflection of the flickering lights and its transparent effect will remind you of the clear ocean itself.

Coral Candelabra

Photo Courtesy of seasideinspired.com

Your guests will also love eating from whimsical shell serving dishes. The white milk glazed Terra Cotta bowls are embossed with sea shells, giving it a vintage look.

Shell Serving Dishes

Photo Courtesy of seainspired.com

To add a pop of color to the serene table settings, you can opt for textured red coral shaped napkin holders. They will look red hot paired up against a white linen napkin.

Designer Coral Napkin Rings

Photo Courtesy of seainspired.com

More beach friendly color pieces that will bring the whisper of the ocean to your sea inspired setting is the shell plate. The small oyster shells are ideal for serving tapas and will add luster and muted tones of the beach to liven up a neutral table.

Natural Shell  Plates

Photo Courtesy of seainspired.com

When prepping for your next summer dinner party, let the ocean inspire your serving style.
Cheers,
Jaima