SWP: How did you know fashion was your official artistic choice of expression?

LA: I didn’t, it was a journey. I originally started as a Ballerina in Ukraine. And then, growing older, that wasn’t the right path for me and I also loved art. I wanted to be an art professor. But then I realized it wasn’t very profitable and very competitive and my alternate was fashion.

SWP: What is the biggest piece of advice you are giving to young fashion designers?

LA: Follow your dreams. And never give up. That alone, will take you far.

SWP: What was the first article of clothing you and Max ever designed together?

LA: Oh gosh, hmm… I think it was a suit made out of stretch satin.

SWP: In your opinion, what is the most important thing for people to consider when dressing themselves?

LA: Dress to your body shape. I think many people don’t realize they might not look good in certain shapes. Wear clothes that give you more shape. Women should dress based on their body shape not based on trends.

SWP: You’ve dressed many famous celebrities, but who have you not styled/dressed yet that you’d like to?

LA: That’s a good question. I love musicians so I’d really like to dress Blondie.

SWP: From Hervé Léger to the Miley Cyrus collaboration for Wal-Mart, you’ve created created a broad spectrum of clothing lines. Why is it important for you to have such diverse cornerstones of fashion retail?

LA: I think it’s exciting. There’s an opportunity that comes your way and it’s really good to experiment with it and see where it takes you. You know, life is a journey not a destination. So I think it’s good to experience collaboration and communication with other designers.

SWP: Which of you had the idea of revamping Hervé Léger, you or Max?

LA: We were both really passionate about it, it was teamwork. It’s very unique and truly special and truly couture. It’s been an artists’ dream to work on that line.

SWP: Do you still have the same passion you had from Day 1? If so, what keeps you so passionate?

LA: I believe my purpose in life, is to make things better. I wake up each morning with only one thought, ‘how do I make it better?’ And that’s what drives me every single day. Improve, make it better, grow, learn, evolve, change inspire.

SWP: You’ve said you find inspiration everywhere in your travels. Have you found inspiration from San Francisco?

LA: Oh my gosh, absolutely. This is my first time truly able to enjoy the city and, wow, the interior design here is incredible. The old mixed with the new—it’s incredibly inspirational. I didn’t realize how amazing this city is. I think when people talked about San Francisco—now, I have a totally new perspective.

SWP: Being that you are in the Silicon Valley at the moment, has technology had an impact on your businesses?

LA: Yes, it’s changed everything. My favorite app is iAnnotate, I can’t live without my iPhone and I’m constantly on my iPad. I use Skype with my kids when we’re apart and I, just… can’t image being without technology. I see a huge difference from when we first started designing. Social media has been incredible and the whole blogging industry has been a fantastic revolution. These women have something to say, have impeccable sense of style, are great writers and great communicators. I’m obsessed with them.

Gallery images by Randy Brooke / WireImage

Guest post from Jenn Elias, a freelance writer covering arts and innovation to the likes of Content Magazine, Metro Silicon Valley, Style Section L.A. and NBC Universal among others.

It seems today versus 10 years ago, everyone is a lot more knowledgeable of labels, products and what they buy and put in their bodies. I consider myself a pretty healthy person, despite the two cups of coffee I drink everyday! But hey, we all have our vices, right?! But I mean, I love salads, fresh foods, and sometimes I’ll even eat an avocado with a little bit of salt for my lunch. I’m all about feeling good in terms of what I eat, but what about when it comes to beauty? Okay, I’ll admit it, I JUST got on the natural beauty kick but I’m so glad I’ve been able to see how many amazing products that are out there that are being made with ingredients that are good for us and the world around us.  Following is a round-up of a few things I’m loving these days.. all SWP tested!

HEVIA MD SKIN SCIENCE FACE SERUM

I test a bottle of Hevia MD Skincare”s eco-friendly Face Serum as I was very impressed after listening to Dr. Hevia’s webinar speaking about his line of skincare. He believes in combining products with non-surgical procedures like botox, fillers, etc. His line of products is one of the only products on the market that include the super anti-oxidant RED MANGROVE Extract to help repair damage and Ferulic Acid to protect cellular integrity. His products also have Thiotaine to help improve oxygenation of cells + Laminaria Algae to nourish the skin. The ticket for this magic isn’t cheap but worth a shot if you can afford it.  Buy HERE.

• The texture of the serum is light and silkly, but packed with a powerhouse of ingredients.
• Felt great on my skin and can be applied underneath makeup.
• Beautiful package
• Natural, plant based product

ALOXXI ESSENTIAL 7 RESTORATIVE HAIR SERUM

We received this magic bottle hair happiness in our Lucky FABB swag bags and I really love it. It’s weightless and adds shine to your hair without being too greasy or oily, which sometimes you can find with the Argon or Moroccan oil. It has a blend of seven botanic oils and can be used as a conditioning styling tool. Buy HERE - $31.49

• Adds shine without leaving residue or being too heavy
• Protects from damagin UV ray
• A few pumps go a long way so you’ll definitely get your money’s worth

SMOOTH SPHERE LIP BALM – LEMON DROP WITH SPF 15

Lipstick in the shape of a sphere? Maybe it’s the kid in me, but I fell for this lemon ball of lip balm like I was tasting chocolate for the first time. It has SPF so it will protect your lips from the sun and the flavor is delightful. I really do think it’s the shape of the balm, though, that makes this product so addicting. It feels so good! Kids will love it, too. Buy HERE - $3.49

YES To Carrots – FACE SERUM

This texture is a little different than the first serum I reviewed – thicker but very smooth. It’s an intensive Skin Repair Serum that acts as a powerful “vitamin layer” applied to skin under moisturizer. It’s organic which we love and their cotton thistle (clinically proven to restore and repair age-damaged skin in 7 days!) along with anti-oxidant rich blueberries and black currant, both of which are rich in essential fatty acids to help nourish and soothe skin. The only problem, it was gone too soon! Buy HERE - $19.99.

• 99% Natural
• Free of Parabens, Petroleum and SLS

SUKI SKINCARE’S AWARD WINNING EXFOLIATING CLEANSER  

There is no doubt why this product is award-winning. It’s 100% synthetic-free, alpha hydroxy complexion rejuvenator brightens & evens tone, smoothes wrinkles & lines, eliminates blemishes & impurities from pores while jump starting collagen production. On top of that if feels and smells great on your skin, it’s therapeutic every time you use it. They use invigorating essential oils that energize and all natural sugar crystals, powdered rice & 100% pure foamer. Truly this product is amazing and when you try it you’ll see why. Buy HERE - $32.95

• vegan

I interviewed Nacey a while back, and ever since to my delight I’ve receive new tracks straight to my inbox. Now that’s a great email.

I listen to Misun while I hike and I always think, “I can’t believe they’re not huge yet.” I love their positive, catchy vibe and I there stuff doesn’t get old with me. I know once a few catch on, which they will, they’re going to go big. The vocals of Misun Wojcik are striking and powerful, yet soothing at the same time. The DC aquawave/emo-pop band (pronounced ‘me-sun’) met while working in different capacities at the Dupont Circle bar/restaurant. The band is produced Nacey, which you can listen to more of his stuff here.

Their upcoming show is in New York City at Pianos on June 5th if you’re in the area. Enjoy XO, SWP

I had the honor of listening to the amazing Drew Barrymore at Lucky FABB a few weeks back and I’m very excited to share it with you. After meeting Drew and seeing her in person, it’s safe to say that almost every girl in the room left with a girl crush. She has a way of making everyone feel special. In fact, she even made us feel as though we were the cool ones, as bloggers now have the power. Imagine that..

She launched her beauty line, Flower Beauty, which I posted on before. She spoke to Lucky Magazine’s Editor In Chief on life, babies, motherhood, beauty and how she manages to do it all. That lovable character that we all adore in the movies is exactly who she is in real life. Watch for yourself. Not to mention, cute outfit! Drew, we just love you…

I hope you enjoy! XXX, SWP

**Disclaimer – I’m sorry the footage isn’t better, it was a last minute decision to capture this and all I had was my phone.

Sometimes living on the edge is exactly what we need. Riding on the back of motorcycles, booking a flight the night before your trip and skinny dipping with your friends at midnight. If that’s not exactly what’s happening for you every weekend, dressing like it might give you the edge you’ve always wanted and a little distressed denim can  help. Feel tough and get that ‘insta-cool’ vibe by adding a little rips and wear to your wardrobe. There are also tons of DIYs for distressed denim as well. The Denim Blog shares 5 great ones here.

SHOP THE LOOK 

Distressed Rag & Bone Vest //Distressed Cut-off Shorts  // J Brand White Jeans Destruct // Mango Distressed Denim (Great Price!) HERE or in white HERE

I hope you all had an amazing weekend. If you were in LA, you were probably enjoying the sun. Today I’m sharing with you Music Mondays with 1/2 of a burnt body, lovely I know!

I love this song for so many reasons. I love how it builds and builds. I love James’ voice and Bear Face’s takes on it. It definitely makes me think of summer and all things creative! If you’d like to keep up with me through out the week to find out what I”m listening to, find me on Soundcloud here. Happy listening! XO, SWP

SHOP THE LOOK
Vila Embroidered Midi Dress buy HERE // Marie Turnor Accessories The Lunch Clutch Buy HERE // Juda Woven Bootie buy HERE // essie nail color polish, hip-anema, .46 fl oz buy HERE // FELIKS+ADRIK Spike Cuff buy HERE // Agadir Argan Oil Daily Moisturizing Conditioner – 12 oz buy HERE

Here at SWP, we focus on the beautiful and romantic side of fashion. Jennifer Behr defines that perfectly. I remember coming across her line a while back when I lived in New York and still, to this day, I’m impressed each collection. She’s is known for her distinctive, luxury hair accessories that turn the most simple outfit majestic.

This collection manages to be strong and on-trend in appearance while remaining utterly sophisticated and functional. Jennifer uses Swarovski crystals set in dark metal and hand-stitched to ethereal silk chiffons, hand-braided nautical rope patterns, thick satin turbans, supple French leathers and, at times, super tough studs and chains.

To view more of her work visit www.jenniferbehr.com