The designer of the above swimsuit — Lisa Vogel will be featured during Mercedes-Benz Miami Swim Week 2012! Congratulations!! Lisa will be showing her stunning collection: Sunday, July 17th-9PM/CABAÑA GRANDE.

More about Lisa Vogel:
LUXE BY LISA VOGEL

The quintessential Southern California beach girl, LUXE creator Lisa Vogel grew up surrounded by all things swim. Over forty years ago, her parents founded RAJ Manufacturing the swim industry’s leading house of fashion and the world of swimwear quickly became an innate part of her life. From dinner table conversations to testing out her parents’ newest bikini gems in the Pacific surf to modeling as a teenager for the company’s print ad campaigns, the business of swimwear has always been a constant in Lisa’s life, so it’s no wonder that she has spent most of her adult life designing and marketing some of the most recognizable swim brands in the world.

Growing up in the swimwear mecca of Southern California, Lisa breathed sand, sea and swim in her parents’ Newport Beach abode. Along with her close knit family, she spent every summer traveling to the world’s most notable beaches and getaways—from the South of France to India and everywhere in between—in which she had the remarkable opportunity to be exposed to the world’s most appreciated treasures across art, design, music and all things culture.

After graduating from USC, Lisa officially joined the family business and set to work learning every aspect of the company, never looking back. For the last fifteen years, Lisa has lead the creative direction in developing such notable contemporary swimwear brands as Athena Pick Your Fit, Next by Athena, Ella Moss Isla, Splendid Swimwear, GUESS Swimwear, Hurley Swimwear, St. John Swim, Tommy Hilfiger Swimwear and Reef Swimwear. Last year, her parents retired from the business, formally passing the torch to Lisa and her brother, Alex, and named them co-presidents of RAJ Manufacturing.

Lisa, a fashionable mother of two, now enters into the next chapter at RAJ, launching her own eponymous line to provide stylish sophisticates with high fashion-inspired swimwear that fits, flatters and shows off a woman’s body, while helping to hide imperfections. The perfect blend of Lisa’s laid back beach upbringing with the eclectic cultural influences derived from her extensive travels, LUXE by Lisa Vogel is the smart, stylish and sexy swimwear solution for beach sophisticates and stylish moms across the globe.

Hi, everyone!! A lot is going on over at www.janebasch.com and I wanted to keep you in the fashionable loop — so to speak!! The Summer is finally here and a season we may find ourselves socializing more than usual! I like to have a special piece of jewelry that can basically be worn to jazz up an everyday look to a special evening affair! In walks jewelry designer Jane Basch with her custom monogram necklaces, earrings and bracelets that will be certain to keep you noticed!! Celebrities such as Demi Moore, Debra Messing, JLO, Kendra Wilkinson and Ashley Tisdale wear her pieces again and again! But, don’t be fooled — Jane’s pieces are also affordable and gorgeous– made especially with care (as well as, high quality).

Right now, she has a few contests going on to WIN FREE jewelry from her signature Jane Basch Collections!!

*First Jane is hosting a TEEN VOGUE giveaway — Enter to Win a Jane Basch necklace by clicking here, yes it’s that easy!! (ends June 30th)

* The second contest is via her Jewelry by Jane Basch facebook page. She needs YOU to help create a catchy slogan and the winner receives a gorgeous monogrammed bracelet.  Click here for further information!! (ends Friday, June 24th)

With TWO fabulous ways to win your custom monogrammed Jane Basch jewelry – what are you waiting for?! Looking good and feeling great has never been so easy! I’ve always felt there’s power in wearing your name or initials! I LOVE my Jane Basch “Daily Fashionista” and “D” necklaces!!

GOOD LUCK, everyone!! Men, you can enter and win too!

How will you be celebrating the first day of Summer? Will it be with a nice stroll in the park? Perhaps, a refreshing gelato with your afternoon lunch? Or maybe you’re planning on playing ‘hookey’ from work and heading to your favorite beach on this glorious day!! After a cold, brutal, snow-covered winter here on the East Coast — I certainly will be appreciating the first day of Summer!!

Google celebrated the first day of Summer with a fun work of art by Takashi Murakami!! The vibrant, colorful and energetic artwork above is indicant of the wonderful Summer 2011 ahead for all of us. Fashionistas out there may recognize Murakami for his well-known collaborations with Louis Vuitton!! Some of his artwork pieces have sold in upwards of $15 million dollars!!

More about Takashi Murakami:

Takashi Murakami attended the Tokyo National University of Fine Arts and Music, initially studying more traditional Japanese art. He pursued a doctorate in Nihonga, a traditional style of Japanese painting. However, due to the popularity of anime and manga (Japanese styles of animation and comic graphic stories), Murakami became disillusioned with Nihonga. He became passionate about otaku culture, which he felt was more representative of modern-day Japanese life.

This resulted in Superflat, the style that Murakami is credited with inventing. It developed from Poku, (Pop + otaku). Murakami has written that he aims to represent Poku culture because he expects that animation and otaku might create a new culture. This new culture is a rejuvenation of the contemporary Japanese art scene. In interviews, Murakami has expressed a frustration with the lack of a reliable and sustainable art market in post-war Japan, and the general view of Japanese art as having a low art status. He is quoted as saying that the market is nothing but “a shallow appropriation of Western trends”. His first reaction was to make art in non-fine arts media. Then he decided to focus on the market sustainability of art and promote himself first overseas. This marks the birth of KaiKai Kiki, LLC.

In 2008, Takashi Murakami made Time magazine’s “100 Most Influential People” list, the only visual artist included. Murakami is credited in designing the album artwork for rapper Kanye West’s album Graduation. In September, 2010 Murakami exhibited some of his works at the Palace of Versailles in France, filling 15 rooms with his sculptures.

On 21 June, 2011, Google featured its doodle tagged as “First day of summer” which was created by Murakami.

In celebration of ‘National Flip Flop Day’ – Flip Out Sandals is offering a deal that can’t be beat!! As you may well know, Flip Out Sandals are an ingenious creation. By switching out the crystal ornament at the top of the sandal you can create your very own sandal style!! Buy one pair of their stylish flip flops and get another pair FREE!! That’s right, ladies!! Happy pedicured feet can rejoice because now you too can look like a million bucks in sparkling flip flops!! I recently attended an event where I introduced ‘Dancing with the Stars’ beauty Julianne Hough to Flip Out Sandals and she LOVED them. It’s funny because when I wear mine — even guys compliment me on them. I think they know a good thing when they see it (*wink). An added bonus — they are really comfortable too.

*Visit their facebook page for further details by clicking here and follow them on twitter at: @FlipOutSandals!

*Also, check out a review I wrote regarding my lovely Flip Out Sandals by reading this link!! I also featured Flip Out Sandals in the below video I created as Style Editor for leading SwimWear retailer SwimSpot!

Hi my bathing beauties! I know many of you have asked me what it’s like over at SwimSpot. Well, besides having the best selection of swimwear, the innovative bikini builder which allows you to create your very own sassy look, awesome return policies and style advisors to help you find “the perfect swimsuit” — SwimSpot has really fun photo shoots with the most gorgeous models! Check it out, ladies! Stop by and see me there! SwimSpot is always adding hot new styles with over 100 to chose from — Tommy Hilfiger, Guess, Athena, Hurley, Reef and so much more – it’s all there!!

With the July 4th holiday weekend approaching many ideas are flurrying through our minds — where to go, what to wear, where to eat and what to drink!! Well, I have the inside scoop regarding one of my favorite NEW– New Jersey Housewives. I really like the new Real Housewives of New Jersey star, Melissa Gorga. Why? Because I’ve met her in person at several events and she’s really sweet, intelligent and funny (not to mention drop-dead gorgeous).

Here’s the scoop: For all of you RHONJ admirers, Melissa Gorga will be appearing and hosting the beachside festivities at Long Branch hot-spot Avenue – LeClubNuit. On Sunday, July 3rd from 7:00pm-2:00am an exclusive Rooftop Pool Party like no-other will take place!! I can’t wait to take a much deserved break and get to see the stunning Melissa once again! What will she be wearing? Something from REVE Boutique perhaps and accessories from The Sassy Shop Girl (some of her favorite shops).  See you there, everyone!! What to drink? I’m sure the bartenders at Avenue’s Le Club will serve up something delicious like a glass of Veuve Cliquot with the generous hand they pour with!! See you there, everyone. Also, enjoy the video footage I recently took of Melissa Gorga in a Marisa Kenson dress at a recent Reve-Boutique soiree! Oooh-la-la, Owwww!!

FOR FREE — WIN a custom JOVAN JANE FEDORA! Details, below!

As the style editor of a leading swimwear site Swimspot, I most definitely know the value of a stellar beach hat. I like to chose one that stands out from the crowd and has that something special!! I have to say, that I’m thoroughly addicted to my Jovan Jane straw fedora hat with metallic trim. Whenever I wear this hat — the compliments never stop!! Celebrities such as Jeremy Piven even rock Jovan’s cool hats and her accessory designs are some of the best I’ve seen this summer. I’ve written about Jovan Jane previously, because I love her pieces!!

With that being said, here’s the contest: The Sassy Shop Girl who is owned by accessories expert/stylist Martha Fava is offering one of Jovan’s stylish hats to ONE Daily Fashionista reader FOR FREE!!

Entering is simple: First ‘like’ the DailyFashionista.com facebook page, then ‘like’ The Sassy Shop Girl Facebook page and finally email me at Dana@dailyfashionista.com!! The WINNER will be chosen randomly and the contest concludes June 25th!!

GOOD LUCK AND MAY THE BEST FASHIONISTA WIN!! XO

If you haven’t been to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, make sure to stop by before July 31, 2011. Alexander McQueen’s Savage Beauty Exhibition is located in the Iris and B. Gerald Cantor Exhibition Hall, 2nd floor. This exhibit is a breathtaking experience that shouldn’t be missed. An array of collections in an eerie yet astonishing arrangement lets you enter the world of the iconic British designer that has swept away the fashion world forever. Even though Alexander McQueen isn’t amongst us anymore, his genius left a footprint in our hearts and minds.

Lace, threads, shells, and a natural muse. A romantic passionate soul found his way in-between beautiful textiles all interlaced to become magnificent works of art. It’s quite amazing how people find their love and make it their lifestyle. To create something with love means to put your every bit of energy into it. For Alexander McQueen the road was short, but it was extremely successful.

We are here for a moment and then we are gone. I believe that true talent comes when an individual truly immerses himself or herself into what they love. The passion is so deep and pure that it becomes their reality.

Life is energy. Energy is neither created nor destroyed, it’s recycled into another form that becomes something else. I believe that over time the strongest energy attracts and mounds into something unbelievably inspiring, and for Alexander McQueen that energy was exactly the core of his being. The universe created him as a vessel to show us that following our passion and doing what we love can influence and inspire. There is no obsolete in greatness and the universe will never overexpose its most wonderful creation, thus it took back its energy so it can recycle into the next greatest thing. I was truly inspired by viewing the designs of such a creative genius like the great Alexander McQueen and I suggest you visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art this summer!

xoxo Krystyna Velkova, Fashion & Culture fashionista

Dana Prigge’ and the Creator/Owner of Karma, Nausil Zaheer

One of my goals this year is to surround myself with as many genuine, real and positive people as I can. One might think that because I’m drawn to fashion that might be a hard task. Well, I recently discovered one of the most positive places that I have been to in quite awhile. They say that KARMA means what goes around comes around. Oh, and this fashionista truly believes in that. But, what if “the karma” was of a positive kind? One that could make a fashionista feel happy and giggly?

I found such a re-treat in the Ridgewood, NJ gem (right outside Manhattan), “Karma Organic Spa.” One might think that only Manhattan Nail Salons are where it’s at. To the contrary this ultimate in Nail Spa experiences has been featured in Oprah’s “O” Magazine, won beauty awards from Allure and has appeared in many major fashion magazines! The owner of KARMA, Nausil, can be found at Milk Studios in Manhattan all the time for photo shoots, fashion shows and various other exciting fashion/beauty projects!

As I walked in I immediately took note of something. This nail salon did not wreak of horrid chemicals. I love getting my nails done, like most women out there, but to be honest I can’t stand that chemical smell. It sometimes gives me a headache. I’m chemically sensitive and I have to be careful what I expose myself to. I knew right away that I found something very special here. The owner, Nausil, greeted me with a warm welcome and began to review the beauty services with me. Everything seemed so fun and fruity — I joked around with Nausil and asked him if he could mix a Mojito back there for me with all of his spa ingredients– he laughed. Nausil came back with a green tea-with organic honey for me, instead. How sweet!

I decided to go with the Karma, “Sweet and Sour” manicure/pedicure; “Soak your hands or feet in a delicious bath of citrus, complete with slices of lemon and lime. A homemade sugar scrub and massage make this a perfect summer-time treat or winter hiatus.” Sounded perfecto to me!

Next, I walked over to the wall of colors. Let me tell you that I was a little bit skeptical that the colors at an “organic” nail spa would not be up to par. Wow, was I surprised. Karma’s colors were THE BEST I have seen in quite sometime. Actually, it was hard to decide. So, Nausil suggested I try one of his latest color creations, called “Oh-Tiff.” He said that the color was like a mermaid’s hands/toes and that I seemed like a happy sweet girl who loved the water & sand. It’s funny — because he was right! Maybe Nausil is a bit of beauty fortune-teller because he knew exactly how to make this fashionista happy! As I sipped my green-tea with honey, women were complimenting me continuously on my intial “D” necklace made custom for me by jewelry designer, Jane Basch.

My legs were rubbed and massaged with ORGANIC lemons, mint leaves, rose petals and brown sugar. I swear it felt like heaven. My skin has never glowed so much and the leg massage was out-of-this-world. As a matter of fact, all of my cares seemed to melt away and my eyes looked like I was in “the zone.” Of course I wore my favorite pink HAVAIANAS flip-flops — pedicure lover’s must-have footwear! One of the other women getting a pedicure actually told me I was cute and that her daughter loves my site! She asked me about Kim Kardashian who I met during New York Fashion Week. It was nice to know how much young ladies enjoy my site! After the leg-massage, a skilled woman painted my toes with a stunning greenish-blue color, called “Oh-Tiff!” I think Nausil should make a color called, “Oh-Dana” – don’t you think!?! *wink* After my feet were polished to perfection I was placed under a little drier and they began on my hands. Once again lemons and brown sugar were used and my hands felt so clean, fresh and sparkling. The same stunning nail color was applied on my hands. I really felt like a true fashionista.

From the bamboo flooring, to the warm positive vibe, to the stand-out service, vast menu selection, to the ultimate in polish colors — Karma Organic Spa has it all — in a natural way. The Nail Polish Remover was Editor Choice Awarded by ALLURE Magazine! Next time, I’m going to try the BERRY FACIAL– ahhhhhhh! Karma’s non-toxic environment and products are great for children who want manicures, expectant mothers and sensitive Cancer patients. Nausil has covered all the bases carefully thinking of every type of woman out there.

Below are some of Karma’s latest and greatest colors! One would think that “organic” would be super expensive. Not the case here, Nausil has made his services quite affordable! With a spring in my step and a smile on my face I was ready to take on the world feeling refreshed & renewed! A special thank you to Nausil and KARMA!

Organic lemons, mint leaves, rose petals and brown sugar leg massage = HEAVEN

The amazing polish color, Oh-TIFF, was such a hit! My HAVAIANAS flip-flops were so comfy!

My personal collection of Karma products — simply the best!

Hi Dolls!

We FINALLY have some nice weather! What an amazing time of the year — I love the summer months! It’s definitely nice to get out and have some fun in the sun. I’m sure most of you have been to the beach already and I hope you packed the right products (*wink). I’ve been using some fabulous items that would be great for you to pack in your bag for a weekend at the beach! It’s very important to keep your skin well protected & hydrated through these next couple of months of hot weather or you can do some serious damage. Of course, we’d like to look fabulous at all times. The key to keeping your skin healthy and vibrant is definitely choosing the right line of skincare! Over the next few weeks, I will be giving you the latest on beauty/fashion tips specifically for summer – so check back for some exclusive products & NEW lines of fashion, I’m so excited to share this with you!

This week, I’d really like to focus on the protection of your skin. Maintaining a natural, healthy glow should always be your number 1 priority. Even on the few cloudy days. The sun is VERY strong during these next few months, so the first thing I’d recommend is to switch your daily moisturizer to one that contains SPF. ANY skincare line has this option. A personal favorite I’ve found this summer is Philosophy’s ‘Keep the Peace’ collection. It’s designed to give peaceful solutions to all those with red, sensitive & irritated skin. Those of you who fall in that category need to be VERY careful outdoors. These products are perfect for you! My favorite from this collection, you ask – Protective Color Corrector SPF 20 ($30) & Super Soothing instant relief mask ($40). The SPF 20 is recommended for daily use in the morning. It camouflages redness, smoothes the appearance of fine lines and it provides chemical-free, broad-spectrum sun protection! It’s extremely lightweight & leaves your skin feeling unbelievably smooth (It can also be used as a makeup primer). The mask will instantly relieve any redness you may have. It gives you immediate skin cooling, soothing and calming benefits. It also relieves any discomfort you may have due to sunburn (we all know what a nightmare sunburn can be)! It’s recommended to use this mask twice a week.

Philosophy also has a very fun, summer inspired line of body care. My personal favorites are the Coconut Frosting Shampoo, Shower Gel & Bubble Bath ($16) and the sparkly Mimosa flavored lip gloss ($10). They smell absolutely amazing!! You can purchase any of these products at Philosophy.com. Check out their website, they have SO many fabulous products to choose from!

I’m going to leave you with this inspiring quote from Philosophy’s ‘Keep the Peace’ collection: “Philosophy: Keep peace with others by keeping peace within yourself. The more peaceful you are, the more beautiful you become.” 
xoxo Amanda, DF Beauty Advisor fashionista