May 3, 2012 by Simone
Hello friends! There’s been a bit of radio silence in the blog department from my end – it seems that work, life and love keep getting busier and busier all the time. Are you with me on that?
The new studio has been quite the gift shoppe these past few weeks. There is a new project developing! We’ve been crafting up a storm – a garden actually, of hand made paper roses. I’ve had this idea percolating for quite a while and when I received a call from a client looking for something special for his wife, voila – the poem petal roses came to life. We created quite an installation; roses staged throughout a room, packed and presented in a variety of ways – from bouquet to wreath to corsage. Once installed, we couldn’t wait to get more roses going (growing?) in the studio. I showed the collection to my good pal (and vintage textile extraordinaire) Joanna Williams of Kneeland Co. and she was a bit smitten. It just so happened that she was hosting an artisans event for Anthropologie, and would I like to participate? Um, YES. Check out the goodies below, and click through to Joanna’s blog to see work from the talented ladies that participated at the event.
These roses below have calligraphed love poems printed on the petals, which are made from coffee filters. I love the idea of these presented in a traditional fashion – as a bouquet, or in a vase.
These little sweetums are the perfect size for a table top setting.
This piece can be worn as a corsage, worn on your wrist, or used as a topper on a gift. I’m a bit in love with the black grosgrain…
The roses living together..the fabric underneath is horse-hair. I love the verigated greys.
A romantic corsage come wristlet come whatever you are inspired for it to be…
This topper is a favorite! What do you think, friends? More to come on the paper roses as soon as we get through Mother’s Day!
Tags: anthropologie, Gift Ideas, gift toppers, love poem roses, paper roses
Categories: gift ideas, just because, our projects •
April 19, 2012 by Simone
We’ve had such a busy week at the studio – a humongous winter clothing pull for a client (Spring collections are in the stores…right? I love a challenge like this), prep for a weekend photoshoot for the new website (!excited!), Mother’s Day heirlooms (just wait, you will see them soon) and much more. The studio is literally, top to bottom and side to side, filled with boxes, bits and baubles. This all makes me feel like I’m living in the ocean – the tide comes in and everything becomes jumbled and a bit wild….the tide goes out and there’s a bit of calm reflection time. Are you with me on this? Are you also wondering when the tide will go out a bit ? I’m counting my blessings and at the same time feeling increasingly drawn to calm, quiet, solitary, visual inspiration. The still-lifes-of-life if you will. A few beauties below that have caught my eye this week, below. BTW, how does a hectic pace affect your creativity? Curious to know, my dears!
A monochromatic (ish) palette mixed with flowers that will never fade. Love this very much, thank you.
Being surrounded by beautiful, lady – like packaging is a good thing for a gal, wouldn’t you say?
How many hours could you spend in the serenity of this bathtub?
Do you want to wake up to a Dutch still life every morning? I do.
Hmm. Perfect spot for best girlfriends to have some bubbly and QT ? Me thinks yes.
here, here
( I don’t have sources for some of these images…!)
Tags: home+decor, inspiration
Categories: home+decor, just because, my life •
April 16, 2012 by Simone
Have you been to March SF? I visited this fabulous shop for hearth and home on my recent trip up North. Located on Sacramento St., this spot tops the list as one of my favorite shops; their sublime collection of home necessities inspires desire for a simple home filled with objects of integrity.
Their simply arranged every day items are a delight; ceramic tea canisters in Mediterranean Blue, cherry wood salt & pepper grinders with accents of hammered iron, delicately etched glassware in smoky greys.
This copper pot made me want to stay inside for 4 days and make bread and stew. It was pouring rain the day we visited, which added to the coziness of it all.
The decor of crisp white surfaces and slick black details is the perfect setting for the natural details that run through the store: a simple wooden table, woven baskets and antique linens.
March Pantry carries a collection of delicacies to savor – truffle salts, pressed olive oils and fine vinegars. If you’re in the SF area, stop by for some inspiration. The shop is like a clean canvas, filled with only the most intuitive, useful and inspiring of strokes.
here
Tags: March SF
Categories: home+decor, just because, my life •
March 19, 2012 by Simone
I spent the better part of this weekend surrounded by flowers. Lucky girl, no? I had a birthday celebration which fortunately led to flowers being delivered to my doorstep, brought in a bundle by the hands of a friend, and displayed on tabletops to elevate the decor just so. My favorites tend to be the weathered, sun faded and a bit wilty bunch – ranunculas and peonies, of course. What about you? What flowers inspire you?
Irving Penn’s classic flower photos…
Sally Mann’s textural polaroid collages…
The energetic marks of Cy Twombly…
Lanvin’s Spring 2012 floral petal necklaces…
The French countryside found in a dress, by Vionnet…
Decorative Japanese paper to wrap a special gift in lavender Lotus florals…
What is more inspiring than flowers in their various forms?
Tags: floral, flowers, Vionnet, wrapping paper
Categories: just because, my life •
February 23, 2012 by Simone
I’ve been through the Perrin Paris collection lately and wanted to share with you some beauties from another French house that is loved for their leather craftsmanship. Although I’ll always pay homage to Hermes (hello, of course), I’m convinced that there’s room here for all of our creative talents, and Perrin has many. Founded in 1893, the Perrin house prides itself on elegance “à la française” in a contemporary context, with each piece being hand-crafted to perfection. As you can see in the pieces below, the craftsmanship is something supreme….
The quelle heure est il glove is quite a masterpiece. This sleek pair was originally designed in the 30s for Greta Garbo, and features a handy opening for peeking at your favorite timepiece. It has a surrealist feel to it, don’t you think? I can imagine this as a Elsa Schiaparelli and Dali collaboration.
The origin besace bag below was inspired by Summer trips to Brittany. I love the humble simplicity of the rope strap mixed with the sophisticated craftsmanship of the bag.
The white sceau shoulder bag is the ‘city’ version of the bag above. Note to self: no Campari drinking while carrying this goatskin beauty.
The croisiere tote inspired by a pattern used in leather perforated baskets on the legendary ocean liner, the SS France. Tailored and relaxed all in one, wouldn’t you say?
And here it is in sleek black. What do you think?
contact here for inquiries
Tags: leather, luxury, luxury purses, perrin paris
Categories: fashion+style, just because •
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 •
December 12, 2011 by Simone
Hi sweet readers, I hope you enjoyed a great weekend. I had quite a full one – my house was photographed on Sat (more on that soon!), the bazaar was quite a lovely success (pics on their way!). I took a few pics of my own around my house to share with you. I had a rare, downtime moment (it is December after all…) and there’s nothing like a bit of peace and quiet to appreciate the little things you have placed about your home. My favorite part of decorating is creating moments here & there – small, intimate spots that tells stories about a life. well lived. What about you? Do you have little inspired vignettes in your place?
These poufs were given to by Joanna, after her trip to Morocco. I found the rug in Palm Springs at an estate sale. I love the faded colors.
A few of my favorite things,below. The shoe I’ve posted about before (my sweetheart found it for me). It’s sitting on a jewelry tin that my Great Aunt brought back from France. The little silhouette picture in the back tells a love story…quite romantic wouldn’t you say?
The two photos below are favorites of mine. I adore old photographs. I found the photo of the woman on the left at the Clignacourt, the Paris Flea Market. The woman on the right was brought to me by a friend from Argentina. I would love a conversation with the both of them! Some sage (which I use often), and my favorite Mad et Len candles.
The books below are my Mom’s story books from when she was a child. The illustrations are fantastic. The book ends are antique shoe lasts.
I would love to see pics from your home too..send some my way!
Tags: diy, home, home+decor, interiors
Categories: home+decor, inspiration, just because, my life •
December 9, 2011 by Simone
Happy Friday readers! What are your plans for the weekend? If you’re in LA, do stop by and come visit us this Sunday at SML headquarters! Gifts, champagne and music, all the necessities to keep you in tip-top shape for your Holiday. I have been fitting in some craft-time and will be selling some sweet handmade chai tea, soap and journal sets……
The chai was an aromatic delight to blend….
These gorgeous handmade papers are even more beautiful in real life…..
et voila, a set of simple indulgences, right?
Come on by and bring your friends!
Tags: chai tea, gift guides, handmade, studio 156
Categories: just because, my life, our projects •
November 24, 2011 by Simone
Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you enjoy a day filled with family, friends, food…and gratitude.
here
Tags: thanksgiving
Categories: just because •
November 8, 2011 by Simone
A must have for the foodie in your life is Penguin Book’s Great Food series, and great it is, my friends. The series is comprised of a fantastic collection of the finest food writing from the last 400 years or so. The books’ authors range from contemporary Alice Waters to truly vintage classics like Isabella Beeton’s The Campaign for Domestic Happiness. The collection is designed by the fabulously talented Coralie Bickford-Smith and each book is inspired from ceramic patterns found on pieces of the same time as the books’ original manuscripts. Inspired, indeed.
Throughout the history of civilization, food has been more than simple necessity. In countless cultures, it has been livelihood, status symbol, entertainment – and passion.
The titles themselves are timely and intriguing….
Then you have these oh so gorgeous painted patterns…
Yup, Love in a Dish. That MFK Fisher title says it all.
Being from a family of the ‘Southern Type’, I think this title may be my favorite of all.
Quite a little set, wouldn’t you say?
here & here
Tags: foodie gifts, penguin books, the great food series
Categories: gift ideas, just because •
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