Fifty shades of beige and tan

I am rediscovering my love of all things beige, camel, tan, cognac, sand, toffee and caramel. Whether in fashion or interiors - heck, even in car interiors - this colour screams glamour and eternal chic. Well, may it doesn't scream, it's more like a gentle whisper, subtle yet impossible to ignore. My old apartment featured a great deal of beige and cream, but that was BC (Before Children). And beige doesn't really go with stacks of blocks in primary colours. Let's face it: a room done up in beige, tan, etc. looks messy the instant something in other shade enters the equation. And right now I'm in my bright, colourful phase, so there's no messing with that. But somewhere down the line I can see myself choosing something more earthy and natural.

In the meantime, this images will have to do. And I love them! Especially the fashion shots. My all time favourite look has got to be the cognac dress with the bold, gold and ivory jewelry. Could it get any more perfect than that?? It's killing me!

Giovanna Battaglia

Perfection - I want her entire oufit - and to look that good in it!!

Jessica Alba

Kelly Wearstler

Taking it on the ear

Cara Delevingne

Maybe I've just crawled from under a rock, perhaps this trend has been around for a lot longer than I thought, so forgive me my ignorance, but I've been picking up on the ear cuff trend and I don't quite know what to make of it. Do I love it or hate it? I always enjoy something different, and my pearl drop earrings, boho chic chandeliers and chunky gold hoops aren't doing it for me anymore. Can I get away with anything as edgy as the ear cuff without looking like I'm trying too hard? We know it looks good on young, hot models like Cara Delevingne, and Jessica Alba and Diane Kruger can do no wrong by me, but what about me, the (a)typical suburban mom with one foot in the fashion world, the other firmly ensconced in a sensible pair of Superga's?

Not every ear cuff is quite up my alley - some are just a little too hard core for me - but I keep finding myself drawn to designs by jewelry designer Maria Black or Repossi (available via Net-a-porter) - as if I could ever afford the latter! I'm a fan of the version that's more of a comma-shaped earring, but hints at an ear cuff, like Olivia Munn's below. Call it the beginner's ear cuff. Baby steps, right? So what do you guys think? Are you aged 35 or over and already sporting a pair? Does it even matter?

Olivia Munn

Etro

Maria Black ear cuff

 Repossi ear cuff

Tuula Vintage

via Vogue Globo

California dreaming

I'm an absolute lover of colour - in fashion and interiors. The crazier the better. Prints too, for that matter, so you can imagine how happy I've been lately! But there's a time and a place for tonality and serenity, as this house on the Californian coast perfectly demonstrates. This beautiful home with stunning views of the Pacific is featured in Elle Decor and absolutely took my breath away. Designed by Bob White of Forest Studio and decorated by M. Elle Design, it is an exercise in harmony between the exterior and interior, and exudes low-key charm and luxury. It's a big dream of mine to own a property overlooking the ocean (or sea). I would be perfectly happy with a small apartment somewhere (I'm nothing if not realistic), and seeing this home, I immediately know how I would want to decorate it. Perfection! For more on the story, look here.

Take cover

There's no need to throw your sense of style out the window just because you're headed to the beach. These days, the cover up is just as important as the bikini underneath, and with the myriad of after-sun attractions, there's no need to return home to change if you're wearing something fabulous and sun-worthy to party in after! Unless, like me, you have little kids to get to bed, but we're not talking about me, are we! So go out there, be fabulous and enjoy a blisteringly hot August!

Alessandra Ambrosio in Cannes

via Elle UK

Missoni

Vicki Archer 

Club 55, c'est chique!

Hi all, back with more goodness from the Cote d'Azur - my favourite place in the whole world! If you want relaxation with a glamorous touch, you must head to the beach at St Tropez, in particular, to the famous Club 55. It's a celebrity hangout if ever there was one. Brigitte Bardot used to frequent it, Paris Hilton did or does (but we won't dwell on that!), Kate Moss, Beyonce, Nicole Ritchie and Keira Knightly have all whiled away a lazy afternoon there. Great food, great wine, even a little après soleil (ah yes, must throw in a little French here and there) shopping for boho chic goodies. 

Speaking of bohemian chic, it never seems to go out of style here. Just drop into any cute boutique from St Tropez to Cannes, and that's what you'll find the most stylish locals wearing come summertime. It must be a classic case of: it if ain't broke, don't fix it! More of that in the next post! Enjoy the pictures while I enjoy a few more days of the good life and brush up on my French! A bientôt!

Andrea Casiraghi and Beatrice Borromeo 

Brigitte Bardo

Kate Moss

Nicole Ritchie