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 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 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 3, 2012 by Simone
Happy New Year Readers! My, how I’ve missed you! You may have noticed I’ve gone a bit MIA with my posts. The holiday season swept over me like an all consuming Gift Wave and I am happy to say I am finally back and ready for what 2012 will bring. How was your Holiday? Mine was a season filled of hundreds and hundreds of gifts, the forging of new relationships, and the building of many foundations. I feel like mountains have been climbed, roads have been paved, and the proper amount of restorative rest has finally been taken (see below!)…
I took a little trip up the coast to a magical spot called Bernardus Lodge in the Carmel Valley. I awoke early one morning to this electric sunrise in the sky, below.
Have you heard of this little magic haven called Bernardus? I was lucky to be treated to some days away by my sweetheart, who could see I was in need of some silence,nature and reflection time to ring in the New Year. Bernardus is a gorgeous lodge, resting on a vineyard and looking quite like the South of France in all its lush, bucolic glory.
Everything about this spot is cozy. Between the garden to table menu, the fireplaces throughout the grounds and the rich colored velvets in the lodge, I was instantly grounded and ready to unwind. The lodge, by the way, is the perfect spot for an evening glass of wine and a card game or two (or 5).
When I was finally agreed to venture away from the grounds, we took a little trip to the magical Big Sur – always a favorite spot. It’s just a short 30 min drive from the lodge. Oh, an extraordinarily beautiful drive that is….
We stopped at Deetjen’s for some deliciousness in the form of eggs benedict, and a little stroll around the grounds. Sunbeams shone through everywhere and cut through the chilly air with just the perfect amount of warmth.
What’s better than the smell of a crackling fireplace from a cabin in the redwoods? Not many things I’d say.
Here’s a shot of me in my Big Sur happiness. How cute is my Wren coat, by the way? I hope you are all inspired, revived and full of positive actions for the year ahead. It’s going to be a fruitful one, and I’m ready to take it all on. How about you? I would love to hear your plans!
Tags: Bernardus Lodge, big sur, Deetjen's, gift guides, New Year's
Categories: my life, our projects, travel •
December 19, 2011 by Simone
I recently teamed up with Society for Rational Dress to create some scrumptious candles. It was a satisfying project to say the least; I blended scents, created soy wax colors and designed our label. We had a lovely holiday bash that we co-hosted with the lovely Brenna Egan of Refinery 29 as well. Click for pics!
I think the Cedar Vanilla scent is my favorite. It’s a bit woodsy, but still a touch sweet. Hmm, or maybe the Sandalwood Rose will be my go to – earthy and soft all in one. We also have a Cucumber White Tea, which has a clean, spa scent.
They come in these beautiful silk baggies that Corinne from SFRD created. The wax color is a soft cashmere grey. These have cozy luxe stocking stuffer written all over them, wouldn’t you say?
here
Tags: collabortaions, simone leblanc, Society for Rational Dress, soy candles
Categories: home+decor, our projects •
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 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 •
August 31, 2011 by Simone
As the Holiday Season creeps near, this Bals Legendary book by Assouline is edging higher on my lust-list. Bals spans from the twilight of the Romanov dynasty through Art Deco Paris to the jet-set seventies and covers the nine most amazing parties of the era. Ahh, to think of the elegance of costume balls; not just parties, but events of epic proportions…
The book references another time – the eras that are not to be forgotten…
Famed attendee’s share their memories of the evenings in first-person narratives…
This all reminds me of an all-time favorite photo of mine of Mia Farrow & Frank Sinatra at Truman Capote’s iconic Black & White Ball, which is also covered in the book. Can you imagine eavesdropping on those conversations? How about sharing a cocktail and catch up on the happenings of the day? Indeed.
here & here
Tags: Art Deco Paris, assouline, bals legendary, Frank Sinatra and Mia Farrow, Givenchy
Categories: fashion+style, our projects •
July 20, 2011 by Simone
One of my favorite things to do for clients is pull jewelry. I love it when I’m asked to help out in finding something particularly obscure and hard to find…the deeper the hunt, the better in my book. I went on a search recently for some estate crosses, specifically from the 1890′s – 1930′s.
And find some, I did. Check out the variety in these little treasures – they each have their own story to tell. Some are bold and baroque, while the charm of others lies in their delicate shape.
I especially love the pearls – the pure, feminine embellishment mixed with the formality of the strong diamond cross.
The rounded edge piece on the right is from 1922. The little caps at the end are black enamel; they give that streamlined anchor to something that could otherwise be a touch to lightweight.
Although a far reach from the diamond & pearls above, I wanted to show you these Victorian silver bracelets I came across a while back. These were originally used as Wedding Cuffs – the tradition states that the parents of the Groom would give them to the Bride-to-be. They were given as a set, and until she married, she would wear one on each wrist. After the ceremony, the bracelets would be engraved and saved for her two first born children. It’s incredibly rare to find the sets still in tact…which I did. I’m a little obsessed, I must say.
I think these silver cuffs are particularly chic – don’t they look so right for right now? I love that they’re Victorian…
They were mined back in the day when silver was considered a very rare, and very collectible metal. I love the masculine feeling of this one.
Check out the details of this one especially – it’s reminiscent of a shirt cuff, don’t you think? So clever, that little button detail. Do you have any antique jewelry that’s close to your heart? Jewelry carries so many stories with it…
Tags: jewelry, silver, victorian cuff
Categories: fashion+style, our projects •
July 11, 2011 by Simone
Happy Monday, lovelies. It’s the season of Peonies and thanks to that beautiful flower, we’ve had pink of all shades in our studio as of late. Really now, is there a more uplifting color for some Monday morning inspiration? Joanna & I met for another journal entry recently, and pulled out a copy of Liz Goldwyn’s Pretty Things for some true feminine and flirty pink burlesque inspiration. We pulled out our vintage treasures; vintage velvet liners for old cigarette trays, black and white photos of adventurous women to capture the feminine spirit, and flowers and embroidered silk fabric to complete the below - Pretty in Pink. Click through to Joanna’s blog here to take part in our process. Many lady-like visions await!
If you’ve missed previous Journal Entries from Joanna & Simone, click here and here.
Pretty Things by Liz Goldwyn, vintage black and white photos, vintage cigarette tray liners, magazine tear, sequins, printed paper from Paper Source, vintage fabric, vintage brooch, vintage embroidery from Kneeland Co.
Tags: collaboration, joanna, journal, pink, project
Categories: joanna & simone, our projects •
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