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 •
March 5, 2012 by Simone
Things have been a bit crazy around here; I’ve been deep in the midst of a website redo, gifting projects galore, planning for an upcoming home move and a studio move as well! Topping my list of inspired excitement right now is the studio move – what’s more fun than a change of location, and a HQ all to oneself? Add to that the project of making the space look and feel just right (while sticking to a DIY budget …) and you can see how excitement can quickly shift to feeling like there aren’t enough hours in the day. Are you with me on that?
So, with great fortune, or perhaps luck, my dear and talented friend Andrea Rapke has offered to collaborate with me on my studio move. Andrea is founder of The Organized Move, a full service interior design, organization and concierge service here in LA. She is the tops and handles all things needed for the busies in this town who are simply to in-demand take on the details of a move themselves. Andrea carries the unique blend of bare bones honesty mixed with true kindness – a characteristic that makes her instantly trusted in environments where privacy is paramount. She knows everyone, can get anything done (quickly), and all around just knows how to make things happen. And by things, I mean anything. Needless to say, I was beyond thrilled when she offered to lend me a hand. So, we are heading this up DIY style….starting with the basics: design inspiration!
Hmm, how about blues in every hue imaginable mixed with crisp & masculine details of black?
Or perhaps some rustic and sleek elegance, with a touch of the Chinoiserie?
Or perhaps we go for bright, joyful colors mixed with traditional fabrics and a collection of coral, books and flowers? What do you think, friends? Would love to hear!
Tags: decorating, interior design, my life, The Organized Move
Categories: home+decor, my life, our projects •
February 29, 2012 by Simone
I’ve spent a good portion of this week scouring the world for all things globe. This type of treasure hunt is one of my favorites; it kicks up the mysteries of lands that no longer exist and bygone eras. The necessity of these stately treasures has slipped into oblivion. At one point we stood above these hand-painted orbs that displayed boundaries and territories from our great world. We had the world in our hands, let’s say. Now, we click in to the internet and see what awaits us inside of this very screen you’re reading – not quite as romantic. But I digress.
The purpose of this whole search is to find a piece that resonates with a particular client. We’re looking for a gestural gift that says thank you, from one gentleman to another. We’ve landed and stuck on this idea of a globe; but not just any globe – one that was created on the home continent of the recipient (it’s in Europe) and was made in the year he was born (that’s a secret). Much to my chagrin, he wasn’t born in the 16th Century, as that is the era of my favorite globes. Hand painted celestial orbs depicting the constellations of the day, you say? Yes, please! Mint condition globes standing proud in their stately armatures, worthy of a gentleman’s library? Mais Oui!
I wanted to share with you some of the more simplified pieces I’ve been coming across. They are all special for different reasons, each of these antiquated pieces are unique on their own. Honestly, I’ve developed a crush on all things globe!
The Paul McCobb pieces from the 1960′s are a favorite of mine..so chic. I love the minimal brass frame it stands on…
Another Paul McCobb from the 60′s. A tabletop beauty I’d say.
Now this piece is a gem. I’m stretching here a bit as this is a Planetarium, not a globe. Made in the 1830′s in France (of course), the gold gilt sun rests in the center with manually rotating planets surrounding it.
Oh an this is another fun piece. Fun in the sense that it’s just, oh, an hand carved and painted clock in the form of a globe, circa 1790 from Italy. These are the objects that fill my days with glory. What do you think? Are you having a globe – crush?
inquire here
Tags: antique, gentleman's gifts, globe, Paul McCobb, rare gifts
Categories: gift ideas, home+decor, our projects, treasures •
February 27, 2012 by Simone
It’s no secret that the world at large is inspired by bold color right now. It seems that all I want to wear these days is powdery lavender mixed with midnight blues or hermes orange mixed with bougainvillea pink. All colors are a go – case in point, below…
While been pulling together some color inspired pieces for a client gift this week (from some fab cherry red wedges to t-shirts that in hues of periwinkle that won’t quit), I came across this killer collection below from Holst + Lee. These hand made beauties are made to order and I think are worthy of a little collection building, wouldn’t you say? Perfect for pulling out when you’re looking for some bold color statements to brighten you up. Gorgeous, no?
here
Tags: gift guides, Holst + Lee, spring 2012
Categories: fashion+style, gift ideas, our projects •
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 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 •
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