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 •
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 •
January 27, 2012 by Simone
Happy Friday my darlings! How has your week been? Mine has been busy – I’ve been putting together a lookbook for one of my favorite clients; she’ll soon be the lucky owner of pages and pages of enticing items to keep her inspired and up to date on all things relevant to her interests. Although accessories are only a small portion of what will be covered in the pages, I couldn’t help but share some of the Spring delights I’ve been pulling. These bags below are inspiring fantasies; fantasties of both tropical locales and sunlit outdoor cafes where the only decision to make is between a campari or prosecco..a girl can dream, can’t she?
This Mathew Williamson affair is a favorite. It’s timeless in the sense that it will always work great in exotic locales and sultry summer evenings, yet it’s totally unique at the same time…
The Anya Hindmarch woven metallic is another favorite. City or island chic and a bit seasonless as well…
I don’t often turn to Jimmy Choo, but I am hands down a fan of this piece. I love the mix of the brocade fabric with the hand stitching on the snakeskin binding. Such a fun mix of details. Oh, and those chunky leather beaded tassles aren’t so bad either…
Ah, Lanvin. What can I say? I can say that this beauty is for the lady who appreciates a collection…as butter yellow python is not necessarily an every day occurrence. However, this piece makes me think that it should be.
here, here, here, here
Tags: anya hindmarch, jimmy choo, lanvin, mathew williamson
Categories: fashion+style, our projects •
January 18, 2012 by Simone
What do you think of these clever pieces below? Annex a clothing and housewares company based in New Zealand makes these marvelous travel inspired treasures from maps. The perfect homage to your favorite city, no?



And of course the gift guru in me could not let this charming wrapping job go unnoticed….

Sweet touches for the well traveled home, no?

here
Tags: annex, home decor, vintage maps
Categories: art+artists, fashion+style, gift ideas, home+decor, inspiration •
January 10, 2012 by Simone
I can’t stop thinking about a gift I put together for a client not so long ago. For a gentleman’s birthday, I created a shoe wardrobe; a selection of amazing shoes that covered the bases for this sartorialist’s particular lifestyle needs. Not only that, the gift included the option of having custom shoes created as well. Something every girl wants for themselves, right?! Through my man-shoe travels, I kept noticing how many of pairs I would have loved to have for myself. There’s something to be appreciated within the parameters of men’s style. Menswear design pushes the boundaries from a pretty tight frame work – the framework of function, fabrication, tradition, and simplicity. Let’s call if mindful efficiency. What about you? Do you dabble in the gear for the boys? I’m feeling the love for all of these below….


And how great is this ‘College Shoe Care Kit’ by TURMS? Clever little play on the penny loafer, wouldn’t you say? There’s something nostalgic about shoe shining – taking the time to care for the pairs you love. A self contained kit is a great gift for the guy who takes pleasure in taking care of his goods.

And I couldn’t resist posting about this luxurious accessory from long ago. Yes, it’s true – it’s a solid gold Tiffany & Co. shoe horn from the 1920′s. Can you imagine needing something as fine as this today?
here, here, here
Tags: grooming, luxury gifts, men's gifts, men's shoes
Categories: beauty+groom, fashion+style, gift ideas, just because, our projects •
January 9, 2012 by Simone
I’ve been lusting over the colors in this Frida inspired shoot. I’ve been thinking about new color combinations that I want to incorporate into my life – whether it be through my home, my wardrobe or some new inspired ideas for wrapping and packaging. Acidic, tart colors mixed with washy, dusty hues: this is a zone that I love to explore. What are some of your favorite color combos? Chartreuse and grey? Coral and brown? Periwinkle and hunter green? Do tell, and see below for some Monday color inspiration:




here
Tags: color inspiration, editorial, fashion+style, Frida Kahlo, mexico
Categories: fashion+style, home+decor, my life •
December 5, 2011 by Simone
Happy Monday readers, how was your weekend? If it was anything like mine, it was busy,busy,busy. Giftland demands are constant these days – and I’m feeling inspired by the projects, as well as the idea of getting cozy on 12/26! I thought you would enjoy some of the coziest items around these days…just the thing to snuggle up and get your relax on. Antidote for a Monday morning perhaps?
The Rachel Comey mukluks are making me crazy, in the best possible way.

And what about these Donegal kneepad tights from Hansel from Basel? Quite charming, no?

I’m loving these traditional Fair Isle socks from England. Substantial, without being too thick.

They come in colors such as bramble & earth. Just the thing to slip on for chilly winter nights…

These Japanese marl socks are hemp and cotton, and still look ultra comfy, wouldn’t you say?

here, here, here
Tags: cashmere, fari isle, hansel from basel, mukluk, rachel comey, socks
Categories: fashion+style •
November 29, 2011 by Simone
I spent some time last night pouring through the website of photographer Jody Rogac. I came across the shoot she did recently of Laetitia Casta for Lab Magazine, and was struck by the quiet simplicity of the shots. It was refreshing to see a glamazon like Casta shot in a straightforward and unassuming way, which brought out a femininity and timelessness you rarely see from her. I pulled out a couple of my favorite shots from Rogac’s sight; I suggest you spend some time on their, there is much to love. For instance…this polaroid below which reminds me of a classical painting.

The beautiful Casta. How beautiful is this simple shot?

Marina Munoz. Love how the rich, stark blue contrasts with the softness of the shot.

here
Tags: jody rogac, laetitia casta, marina munoz
Categories: art+artists, fashion+style •
November 28, 2011 by Simone
Happy Monday readers! Now that we’re all settled in from the holiday weekend..I thought I would share with you a gorgeous little piece from Grace, the designer behind Oli + Me. A favorite part of my work is collaborating with designers – and this is the Season for it. I’ve been fortunate to work with the charming Grace on a project involving black diamonds (not too shabby, right?) and was beside myself when I saw this little package arrive on my desk. I must share…

Everything about Grace’s collection is delicate + fine. She has a light touch that carries through all of her pieces, and the packaging below…

Take a look at this little beauty that appeared from inside. Grace was wearing one of these rings recently and I couldn’t take my eyes off of it.

Rose gold lace? Yes, please. Check out her collection and let me know what you think. I adore…
here
Tags: jewelry, OLI + ME, RING, rose gold
Categories: fashion+style, my life, our projects •
November 23, 2011 by Simone
I am one of the many who has been coveting cozy slippers and slides of all kinds. I actually have a bit of a slipper addiction…and one of my secret creative desires is to make a fanciful slipper collection at some point (time permitting). So, you can imagine how this season gets me a bit crazy with inspiration. How adorbs are these festive men’s inspired slippers from Anthro? Perfect to start spreading the Holiday cheer and cozy up in, wouldn’t you say? And perfect to add to a little collection that keeps, um growing. I’m loving the snuggly faux fur lining and the mixture of polka-dots and stripes…

The Stubbs and Wootton inspired are everywhere these days (and rightly so). Jcrew and many others have charming versions of their own. I’m a fan of these gorgeous pink and heather slippers. Not for everyone’s budget, but they are classics that will send you straight into the reading room wit cup o’ tea and a crackling fire…

And these dandy little Jimmy Choo sparklers have Holiday lounging written all over them.

Love the idea of gifting these gorgeous slippers along with some Belloq teas and a comfy throw….

here, here & here
Tags: anthropologie, holiday, slippers, stubbs and wootton
Categories: fashion+style, gift ideas •