February 20, 2012 by Simone
Have you been checking out the Fall 2012 collections? I am stuck on the beauty of Matthew Williamson’s collection this season. No one does global chic quite as well as he does, and his take on it this season it feels pared down, grown up and…contemporary. Citing inspiration from the interior worlds of Russian czars, embellishments of “crumbled decadence” and fragments of Faberge eggs, their is much to covet this season. I’m also thinking of interiors inspiration when I see this palette; dusty periwinkle with acid pops of yellow, rust and teal. What do you think, an inspirational bit of eye candy, no?
here
Tags: Fall 2012, fashion+style, Matthew Williamson, style
Categories: fashion+style •
February 17, 2012 by Simone
I’m so excited to share this gem of a find with you that I can’t quite stand it. I’m in the midst of planning an extraordinary gift for a significant birthday for a client, a project that has led me deep into the treasure chests and hidden rooms looking for details that inspire -unexpected mixing of materials, objects with functions reminiscent of years’ past. Exciting indeed. I came across this treasure and had to share.
This piece is a Russian silver-gilt, jeweled, enameled and beaded Aid-de Memoire/Card-Case and pencil from the late 19th C. It is signed Antip Kuzmichev, signed and dated 1894, who created for Tiffany and Company at that time.
The rectangular-shaped case has a lapis lazuli clasp and is inset with a south-sea pearl. Now what would the lovely keeper have jotted down for her memory? You will see the interior of the case has the original watered-silk covered note-pad.
The reverse monogram is beautiful, with letters that are reminiscent of the exquisite scroll work down below. Smart phones, be gone….!
contact for inquiries
Tags: Antip Kuzmichev, antiques, collectibles, our work, Tiffany & Co
Categories: gift ideas, our projects, treasures •
February 15, 2012 by Simone
I put together quite a few gifts yesterday, one of them being this darling Lanvin Icon Faces set and journal collection below. Have you seen it? I’m a fan of stationary sets in general (clever kits make for sweet gifts), add to that the beautiful grosgrain in those chic, saturated hues and you have yourself something delightful. The journal on its own is a great gift as well if it fits within your budget.
The journal is a perfect handheld size…
Colorful pencils with tongue in chic sayings…
Grosgrain in lust-worthy colors…
And the gold embossed signature looks lovely next to the contrast stitching. What do you think?
here
Tags: icon faces set, lanvin, stationary set
Categories: fashion+style, gift ideas, our projects •
February 14, 2012 by Simone
Happy Valentine’s Day! These last few days have been quite busy; between a jewelry pull here and a galentine’s party planned there the days have been moving quite fast. I do want to take a minute to share with you the history of an object that is so meant for lovers that I can’t resist a post about it today. You may have seen a bit about it here but in case you missed it, listen up!
This little antique gold and agate étui was made in France in the 1700′s. It was once used to hold messages exchanged between lovers. Yes, that’s right…secret love messages. The gold caps (in all of their Rococo glory) highlight the enamel bands which have a hand painted inscription: “Nul Plaisir Sans Vous,” or “No pleasure without you.” Can you imagine secretly being passed one of these? Often carried by affluent members of society, étuis such as this carried the confidential notes which would be tucked inside, and the box then would have been sealed with wax for added security. To find such a delicate object still in such beautiful condition is extremely rare. If only we could see some of those letters. once hidden inside. Quite an expression of passion, wouldn’t you say?
if you’re interested in this unique piece,
contact me for information
Tags: antiques, etui, rare objects, treasures, valentines day
Categories: a little bit of history, gift ideas, treasures •
February 10, 2012 by Simone
There’s a new site I’ve been pouring through recently called Bungalux. Founder Alex Brunkhorst is a truly lovely gal who, as a high-end Los Angeles real estate agent, started the site as a small email newsletter for her clients and friends to give them information about houses.
Once the readership began to grow, Alex decided to expand Bungalux to include a web destination for all things having to do with high-end homes and real estate. Read: VERY inspiring homes, great lifestyle ideas from the uber chic to the down home, so to speak. Whether you are or are not in the high end home realm, there’s something to enjoy. Needless to say, I was beyond thrilled when she asked that I contribute my top 10 gift guide for Valentine’s Day. My pleasure indeed! For some truly unique ideas to inspire, if I may say so myself, check it out here and let me know what you think!
On another exciting note, I want to make sure you all have had a chance to enter our candle giveaway over on Heather’s site! And how beautiful is this picture from Jeana?
Have a beautiful weekend everyone…it’s going to be gorgeous here in LA!
Tags: bungalux, gift guide, simone leblanc for society for rational dress
Categories: gift guides, weekend •
February 8, 2012 by Simone
I’m having a love affair with the charming jewelry collection from St. Kilda jewelry, just in time for Valentine’s Day of course. It started for me with this gold and enamel tipped match stick brooch. Quite a little conversation starter…
And continued when I came across this elegant LOVED ring. This would be quite lovely stacked, wouldn’t you say? They come in rose (my favorite), white or yellow gold my dears.
The cookie ring in rose gold with black diamonds is a sweet stunner….
Or, simply shower yourself in Man Ray inspired kisses!
here
Tags: jewelry, Man Ray, st.kilda, valentine's day gift
Categories: fashion+style •
February 6, 2012 by Simone
You may have heard the unfortunate news of the recent passing of Japanese designer and art director. Stateside, she was known primarily for her extraordinary costume design for films such as Francis Ford Coppola’s Dracula and The Cell. Her work was truly spectacular; surreal, sculptural, innovative and otherworldly. I recently finished reading Eleanor Coppola’s autobiography Notes on a Life in which Ishioka plays a big role. She and Coppola were very close, and there are many great anecdotes and recollections on the behind the scenes costuming of Dracula. You can read more about Ishioka and her many talents and contributions here.
The incredible photos below were shot by Brigitte Lacombe on the set of Ishioka’s last film, Mirror Mirror. The film is directed by Tarsem Singh, who Ishioka collaborated with on The Cell and The Fall.
Tags: costume design, Eiko Ishioka, Mishima, Tarsem Singh
Categories: art+artists, fashion+style •
February 3, 2012 by Simone
If you’ve been reading this blog for a while (thank you, by the way!) you know by now that I have a serious love for teapots. They are such diverse, decorative and useful little objects. I am stuck on this rare 1800s Wedgwood basalt teapot. Basalt, you may know, is a fine grained blackened stoneware that has a dense, uniform surface, requires no glaze, and gets polished to a dull gloss. Hence the fabulous, chalky feel. The ornament on the Wedgewood basalt pieces are usually intricate and well-defined, often in complex geometric patterns reminiscent of Neoclassical or Greek design. Stunning, right? I would also say these colors work quite perfectly for that little Holiday of Love that’s upon us!
inquire here
Tags: antiques, ceramics, tea pot, treasures, wedgewood
Categories: treasures •
February 1, 2012 by Simone
I’ve been spending some time on Paste SF’s site recently as I’m stuck on their charming collages. I first discovered founder Denise Fiedler’s pieces at the NY Gift Show a few years back. Her pieces have proved to be a charming accompaniment to many a gift; a trip to Paris given with the Eiffel Tower collage below, a custom wardrobe pull paired with her sweet wing tips…I could go on and on. She makes custom portraits as well – I’ll be venturing in to that arena soon. What do you think? Sweet, no?
Tags: collage portraits, Gift Ideas, paste sf
Categories: gift ideas, our projects •
January 30, 2012 by Simone
This past weekend, I was fortunate enough to attend some lovely gatherings that required a bit of the fancy. Nothing too fancy, but just that little bit of extra effort which to me is a sure sign of good time just around the corner. When it comes to fashion, I have always been a gal who leans toward practical purchases (some near and dears may laugh at that notion). Honestly though, if I’m going to invest my hard earned and well loved dollars into a fabulous piece to wear, I want to be sure it’s well worth it and I’m going to:
A) Wear it often and feel comfortable in it
B) Dream, fantasize, dare I say lust for if I do not have it
C) Instantly style multiple outfits from my closet to pair with it (often to the confusion of the sales associate: ‘why has she gone silent?’)
The Janice wedge from Louboutin hit me just so. Before you either scoff at the price or perhaps nod your head and think I purchased wisely (disclaimer – I did have a gift card) I must fill you in on the effect this shoe has on women. Over the weekend I had 6 different women approach me about this shoe. They were complete strangers of all ages, income levels and tastes and each was compelled to stop me on the street and share their opinions on color, wedge height, and most importantly the comfort level. I assured my fellow avoidees of the platform stiletto that these beauties were indeed the shoe they’ve been looking for; playful, versatile, comfortable and…cherry red. With ladies from their early 20′s to their 60′s all responding with the thumbs up, I can rest assured I’ve hit on something good..What do you think, are you with me on this?
here
Tags: Christian Louboutin, fashion+style, janice, style, wedge
Categories: fashion+style, my life •
RSS Feed
