The Fashionable Tastemaker: Samia Arslane


Born in France, Samia moved to California in 1997 to study Graphic Design.  After earning a Bachelor Degree in Visual Communications in Fine Arts, Samia’s passion for fashion led her to Genlux Magazine.  In 2005, she was part of the team that launched Genlux where she initially served as its fashion editor.  Then, in 2008 she took on the role of the magazine’s Editor in Chief.  Samia is considered one of LA’s most fashionable women.  She is also a true jetsetter, traveling to Europe twice per year to attend the couture shows in Paris and find perpetual inspiration.  Samia’s personal adoration for fashion and beauty bring an unmatched quality to her design work, from which Genlux is fortunate to benefit.

To find out how Samia lives a fashionable life, CLICK HERE

 

Wishing you the merriest holiday!

‘Tis the Most Wonderful Time - for Window Shopping

It’s so exciting to see all the holiday decorations at this time of the year!  I especially love store windows – looking at them is almost as enjoyable as shopping.  Below is a roundup of some favorite holiday windows.  What I adore about them are the fantasies they create, they transport you to a magical place…

Bergdorf Goodman

There is something about monkeys that is so adorable!

Tiffany & Co.

Van Cleef & Arpels

CHANEL

Saks Fifth Avenue

Barneys New York

All the windows are of stores in New York City.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

 

CHIC HOLIDAY DECORATIONS

I love this time of the year – all the festivities and decorations that abound everywhere…  So, I have compiled images of some favorite holiday decoration ideas from various sources.  Perhaps, they could be inspiring for you as you decorate for the holidays.

COUNTRY CHIC

Photo via Harper’s Bazaar, December 2011/ January 2012

There is something quite romantic and magical about candelabras…

Photo via Elle Decor, December 2011, design by Alessandra Branca

The overgrown greenery and oversize ornaments add wonderful drama to the mantle.

Photo via House Beautiful, December/ January 2012

WHITE WONDERLAND

Louis Vuitton Spring 2012, photo via Harper’s Bazaar, December 2011/ January 2012

Even though this image is not related to home decor I included it because it feels like a fantasy winter wonderland… which I would want to use as an inspiration in my design.

Photo via Elle Decor, December 2011

Simple white flowering trees or flowers arrangements look great mixed with rustic elements. 

Photo via Veranda, November/ December 2011

RED GLAM

Photo via Veranda, November/ December 2011, design by Carolyne Roehm

 This arrangement would work just as well as a centerpiece on a dining table.

Happy Decorating!!!

 

The Fashionable Tastemaker: ALBERTO SOLON


Photo credit: Karin Kohlberg

Born in Cebu, Philippines and raised in San Jose, California, Alberto Solon moved to New York City as an adult in 1993, where he now currently resides.  He began his extraordinary career in fashion starting with Issey Miyake.  After 6 years, he transitioned to the designer duo he idolized and dreamed of working for, Dolce & Gabbana.  He devoted 10 1/2 years of his life with them, 3 1/2 years of which he lived in Milan as the Creative Visual Manager for Europe, Russia and the Middle East.  With his talents, Alberto continues to make an impact on luxury fashion houses.

He is passionate about his career in the creative field, travels extensively for work and pleasure – Paris, Prague, Budapest, Copenhagen, Spain & Germany, mostly by train. He has an avid passion for photography and foreign films.

To find out how Alberto lives a fashionable life, CLICK HERE

 

CLEVER STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR SMALL KITCHENS

Having lived in Manhattan for several years, I know the value of maximizing every square-inch of a kitchen – in every possible direction, vertical & horizontal.  Although I no longer live in the tiniest apartment in Manhattan, my love of collecting tabletop and kitchen accessories challenges me to come up with storage ideas.  So, I was obviously excited to come across these storage solutions below by Poggenpohl

All of my city dwelling friends, and others who just need additional storage for your many collections of cherished items, perhaps you can find some inspiring ideas to incorporate into your own kitchens…

Built-in countertop drawer

Custom sink drawer cut-out

Plinth drawer

Creating usable space out of the toe-kick area is quite smart!

Plinth ladder

Being a petite girl, this is probably one of my favorites…  No more bulky, ugly step ladders!  I love that you can just slide it under the cabinets when done.

Corner solution – Magic Corner

Celebrity Gifting Lounge


I am very excited to share some photos of a celebrity lifestyle lounge that I had designed for Hollywood mothers, in collaboration with Gifting Services

Design vignette by Seyie Design

Lisa Loeb

Maria Canals-Barrera



 Jodi Sweetin

Debi Mazar

TRICK OR GADGE-TREATS!

In the spirit of Halloween, I decided to showcase some delightful desk & home accessories and gadgets.  These eye candies are a treat to behold or to have at home… and best of all, ZERO calories!!!

TREATS FOR THE KITCHEN

Kuhn Rikon mouse measuring cups

Kuhn Rikon autocrank safety lidlifter

Normann Copenhagen rainbow trivet blue

Ghost salt & pepper shaker from UncommonGoods.com

Trudeau utensil pot clips

 

 

TREATS FOR THE DESK

Tape dispenser

Alessi Dozi paper clip holder

Architect’s blueprint paperweight from MOMA Store

Dream Cheeky mail box friends alert

Heel & Lips Telephone

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

THE FASHIONABLE TASTEMAKER: LIZ DENNERY SANDERS

 

Liz Dennery Sanders is the founder of SheBrand.com, a global, online business dedicated to helping women entrepreneurs build their confidence, their brands and their bank accounts. A member of the Vogue 100, a hand-selected group by Vogue Magazine of 100 influential decision makers and opinion leaders across the country, Liz is known for her distinctive taste in style, design and culture.

As the past Chair of the Los Angeles Board of Directors for Step Up Women’s Network and a founding member of the organization’s Luminary Circle, she teaches classes in goal setting, self-esteem and networking success to underserved teen girls and serves as a mentor in the Professional Mentorship and Development program. She also pens a monthly column, “Step Up To Success,” for Step Up’s national newsletter. Previously, Liz founded Dennery Marks Inc., a nationally acclaimed creative brand strategy and celebrity marketing firm where she effectively established direct celebrity access for her clients and earned the respect of celebrities such as Angelina Jolie, Halle Berry, Sharon Stone, Kelly Rutherford, Jennifer Garner, Marcia Cross, Molly Sims and Cindy Crawford. Find out more about Liz and her products and services at www.shebrand.com

To find out how Liz lives a fashionable life, CLICK HERE

A WHIMSICAL FALL DINNER

While going through my image files recently for inspiration for a design project, I came across this tablescape by Federico de Vera in House Beautiful magazine.  The setting is so romantic and whimsical with all the delicate Venetian glasses.  It reminds me of Sofia Coppola’s Marie Antionette, which happens to be one of my favorite films set during a favorite decorative period (i.e. Rococo.)  With the busy season of holiday entertaining coming up, I decided to use this as inspiration to create a whimsical tablescape for Fall dining.  Whether it is for a large Thanksgiving party or an intimate dinner, why not bring a bit of playfulness to the table!

INSPIRATION

Tablescape by Federico de Vera, via House Beautiful Magazine

The collection of Venetian glasses in the setting above happens to be from Federico de Vera’s shop, deveraobjects.com.  I am so captivated by the pieces, I will have to remember to visit his shop next time I am in New York City.

MY WHIMSICAL FALL TABLE

 

Resource list:

1.    Taper candle by Pottery Barn
2.    Monochromatic flowers loosely arranged in a simple clear glass vase
3.    Isabella candlestick by Juliska
4.    Gibraltar wine goblets by Z Gallerie
5.    Twirl glass by Diane von Furstenberg
6.    Hemstitched napkins by Pottery Barn
7.    Napkin rings by Kim Seybert
8.    Placemat by Chilewich, from Bloomingdales.com
9.    Pergola china by Philippe Deshoulieres
10.  Flatware from Anthropologie