March 12, 2012 by Simone
Happy Monday readers! I hope you had a weekend as lovely as mine – we had warm sunny skies, slight breezes all adding up to a weekend well spent int he great outdoors. In LA, that means hiking, a trip to the Farmer’s Market and a trip to LACMA to view In Wonderland, the inspiring show on women Surrealists in Mexico and the US. Dorothea Tanning, Frida Kahlo, Lee Krasner, Francesca Woodman and many more – you must check it out.
So, needless to say, the works of innovative women and their legacy have been on my mind. Who inspires us with their body of work years after they’ve created it? Who is a visionary and what does that even mean to us today? I’m thinking on that one for a little while. So far, I’ve come up with the notion that it’s a mixture of prolific creating, personal point of view and the willingness to step beyond the expected into uncharted territory. Add to that the ability to of filter, reference, and edit one’s inspiration in a finely tuned fashion….and that may just be the magic recipe that resonates. What do you think?
I received this little thank you gift from Chanel the other day and have been thinking about the legacy lady Coco created – a brand of all brands before the term was even in our lexicon. White camelias, the classic Chanel logo and pretty much the ownership of black and white. Moments of happiness can be found in a hand delivered package as charming as this:
This little delivery was timely in that I’ve been pouring over the Chanel Fall 2012 collection as well. Have you seen the collection? Mineral inspired, dark, smoky hues and textures, this collection is as earthy and mystical as Chanel will ever be.
Can we talk about that crystal armor necklace? Talk about a protective shield…
How stunning is this print? It seems inspired by the marbelized prints of the 60′s and 70′s. I love that the fabric looks so comfortable to wear (full length leather gloves aside – but how beyond amazing are those??)
Referencing the facets and colors of minerals in unexpected ways…
That beautiful scarf is on my want list, stat. The diffused knit pattern on the sweater is quite the stunner, no?
here
Tags: chanel, Fall 2012, fashion+style, my life
Categories: fashion+style, my life •
March 8, 2012 by Simone
Today I’m stuck on Isabel Marant’s gorgeous, louche – cowgirl collection for Fall 2012. I pretty much want to wear everything she sent down that runway – from Edwardian inspired bodices to the floral embroidered cowboy shirts. There’s some sort of magic in her touch I’d say, she creates the perfect balance of effortless tomboy and laid back romance. Who knew those two would keep working together so brilliantly?
This is my favorite type of prarie look – silk Edwardian inspired bodices with tiny covered buttons.
Love the navy and black combo with floral embroidery…
She showed this piece as the top below and also as a black dress. Love that the details are applied like the bodice of a corset. Brothel inspired, anyone? Oh, and I think I must cut my hair like hers.
Okay, with Isabel, it somehow always boils down to the boots. How gorgeous is her take on the cowboy boot?
here
Tags: Fall 2012 collections, fashion+style, Isabel Marant, style, swedish designers helena horstedt fashion
Categories: fashion+style •
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 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 •
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 •
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