simon + stella

Hiatus

2011-01-31T10:30:00.000-08:00

Hello loyal blog followers,

Clearly the blog updates are few and far between these days. I'm going to be signing off for awhile as I deal with some exciting life changes - one of which is debuting a new jewelry collection.

If you're not on the mailing list already, please send me your email (info@simonandstella.com) so that I can keep you posted on all things s+s.

Thanks for your continued support! xx

Give the Gift of S+S

2010-11-23T15:32:00.000-08:00

Shop the winter sale going on now through the holidays.

Joyeux Noel!
S+S

S+S Pyrite Necklace Spotted

2010-09-03T11:59:00.000-07:00

Great little Daily Candy write-up on SF boutique, Magpie & Rye.

The Power of Art

2010-08-18T12:59:00.000-07:00

I had heard Waste Land was a hit at Sundance and very excited to see it. The film chronicles artist, Vik Muniz's journey to the world’s largest landfill located on the outskirts of Rio de Janeiro. Muniz originally intended to simply photograph the eclectic band of catadores, aka garbage pickers, but miraculously as the once cast-away items become art, the workers themselves realize their own worth.

via 2 or 3 things I know

Laura + Giles (Part Two)

2010-08-02T10:39:00.000-07:00

Yes, there's been a bit of a lapse in the blogging as of late, but I'm BACK! New simon + stella pieces are on the way, as well as some other exciting things in the works. But, enough about me...I bring you...Laura & Giles! I love wedding photos and these did not disappoint!! Looked like a truly amazing night. Thank you again, Laura, for wearing s+s earrings on this special day. I wish you both all the best!! xo

photos courtesy of hansel dobbs photography

Laura + Giles

2010-06-25T12:27:00.000-07:00

My dear friends, Laura and Giles are gettin hitched! The Texas nuptials are taking place at the bride's family ranch where there will be dinner and dancing in the "big red barn" and the gents are asked to wear summer suits and boots. Love it. I am honored that Laura will be donning a pair of simon + stella earrings on this special day.

Congratulations to you both! xo

La Copa Mundial

2010-06-11T11:28:00.000-07:00

The Cup! While Americans could really care less about futbol, these games are HUGE for the rest of the world. I will be tuning in tomorrow as the U.S battles England and cheering on my hometown boy, Jay DeMerit.

Amazing Nike spot by 21 Grams director, Alejandro González Iñárritu.

Memorial Day In Malibu

2010-06-01T10:26:00.000-07:00

Massive Attack

2010-05-20T14:56:00.000-07:00

Massive Attack tonight at the Wiltern...can't wait!

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-09T09:08:00.000-07:00

Green Bay, Wisconsin, 1979

Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there, especially to the many new moms I know who are celebrating for the first time, and of course to my mom.....Thank you for your unending support and for always being my biggest fan. I love you!

For You, From Me

2010-05-05T16:16:00.000-07:00

Moroccan Azurite wrapped in 10K gold 6 prong setting

Alyssa + Anselm

2010-05-04T14:50:00.000-07:00

My dear friends Alyssa and Anselm got married this past weekend and the wedding was truly spectacular! It was held at the Maguire Gardens, a beautiful little oasis in the heart of downtown LA. The theme was vintage inspired and much of the night was spent dancing beneath the stars. Congratulations to you both. I am truly inspired by the bond you share!

Unhappy Hipsters

2010-04-26T13:36:00.000-07:00

The website, Unhappy Hipsters has been making the rounds on the blogosphere lately and it is hilarious! I've posted a few of my favorites, but you can view more here.

Although the symbolic bed of rocks was meant to prove a point to his ex, he realized the only person he was hurting was himself.

Yes, she was far away from the drama of the city, but she found the isolation just as burdensome.

He could feel her perched above - leering, judging. But what truly disquieted him was the betrayal of his most trusted confidant and chew-thing: Morris.

Even with his back to the bordello lampshade, he still felt dirty inside.

Happily Ever After

2010-04-18T11:36:00.000-07:00

I was thrilled to learn that one of my clients wore her simon + stella 'lemon quartz' earrings for her wedding! Check out the happy couple's photos - amazing! Taken by the incredibly talented photographers, EP Love , the Joshua Tree desert completely sets the stage for some beautiful shots. Stephanie and Todd, thank you so much for sharing these and congratulations!! x

S+S Out On The Town

2010-04-12T19:55:00.000-07:00

Ms. Gehrlein rocking her simon + stella Agate necklace in West Hollywood. Kelly, I love that you wear this EVERY time I see you. xo

Do you have any photos of yourself in your simon + stella jewelry? If so, I would love to see them! Please email them to me.... (info@simonandstella.com)

Sunday Farmers Market

2010-04-11T11:18:00.000-07:00

Snapdragons, Protea, Craspedia

Magpie & Rye

2010-03-30T21:48:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of simon + stella's new home, Magpie & Rye - one of three little shops sharing a space in the heart of San Francisco's Western Addition. Part floral studio, part vintage home goods and part handcrafted accessories combine for a trifecta of all things awesome. I promise you will not leave empty handed. Don't live in San Fran? Their online store is coming soon...
Magpie & Rye is located at 262 Divisadero, San Francisco, 94117

Bay Area Bound

2010-03-25T12:10:00.000-07:00

simon + stella will soon be available at the San Francisco boutique, MAGPIE & RYE. I had the chance to go by this weekend and this little shop is absolutely adorable - a mix of vintage findings, floral arrangements and other nature inspired goods. More photos coming soon....

Valley of the Dolls

2010-03-24T11:48:00.000-07:00

Alex Prager's latest exhibition, "Week-End," portrays a bizarre yet captivating depiction of "women on the edge." (These women being her own friends who serve as the 60s inspired models). The 30-year old photographer credits her hometown of Los Angeles as the source of her inspiration, where beauty seems to mask the pain of reality in the most delightfully awkward yet dark and cinematic way. This is the third installment in this series and the other two are equally as good. You can view more of Alex's work here.

Layers Of Meaning

2010-03-17T14:08:00.000-07:00

What a lovely little s+s mention on Layers of Meaning - Thank you Miss Maria! You can read the post here

New S+S Homepage

2010-03-16T14:47:00.000-07:00

My vision of a rustic workbench/atelier themed homepage went live today and I could not be happier with it. I mentioned using the black and white photos of my parents in my previous post (yes, my mother voiced her dissatisfaction that she was not more prominently featured), but there is another piece of family history amongst the artifacts.

The glass bottle pictured with the light bulbs bears the name Julius Krahnstover, my great-grandfather. The exact backstory of the bottle is unknown, but we do know that Julius came over from Rohstock, Germany to Ellis Island in the early 1900's. At that time, the "h" was dropped from the German name and is now spelled, Kranstover. Seeking the American Dream, Julius founded Badger Dye Works in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.....perhaps where I get my entrepreneurial spirit??

I'd like to believe that Julius would be proud that his mystery bottle has resurfaced over 100 years later and is now an integral part of his great-granddaughter's design. You can view the actual homepage here.

Heidi Merrick Spring 2010

2010-03-10T21:28:00.000-08:00

Oh, Heidi Merrick, you never seem to disappoint! This LA based designer can really do no wrong in my book. Her pieces are the epitome of California cool - slightly boho...always effortless. The Spring 2010 collection is no exception and I would happily add any of these pieces to my wardrobe....now which one??

S+S Photo Shoot...Take Three

2010-03-07T19:31:00.000-08:00

Today I had my third simon + stella photo shoot. While there were no branches and gem stones to position, the task was no less arduous. I'm not going to give anything away, but the shoot was for a new website homepage and has a workbench/apothecary feel. So happy with the way everything turned out, and thanks as always to my fabulous photographer, Erin McChesney, for putting up with me:)

I wanted to have some personal touches throughout and added these old black and white pictures of my parents. The one on the left is my dad when he was about 4 years old standing with his older brother, Bernie on Elmore Street in Green Bay, Wisconsin. On the right is a picture of my mom and grandma, all dressed up, hitting the streets of Milwaukee, dated 1952. Love the subtle hint of nostalgia they add.

Wise Words

2010-03-06T18:32:00.000-08:00

via yellow brick blog

WOW! What an amazing two weeks for simon + stella. I am so very grateful to all of those who have supported me along the way...I can't thank you enough. Big photo shoot tomorrow - get ready for a whole new s+s website homepage coming soon.

Bright Side Project

2010-03-04T17:29:00.000-08:00

As an up-and-coming artist/designer, you know you've officially made it when Daily Candy comes a knockin'. I'd say that to be featured on the Bright Side Project is just about the next best thing. I was so honored when the fabulous Miss B. contacted me and asked if simon + stella would be one of their features for the month of March. Check out the post here.

S + S Featured on House of Milk

2010-03-02T10:18:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite blogs, House of Milk, was kind enough to feature my jewelry yesterday. Check out the post here.

Indoor Garden 101

2010-03-01T16:25:00.000-08:00

images via Sunset

I have a huge blank wall in my dining room that is just begging for a living succulent wall. While I love the whole notion of bringing the outside in (and it is possible to do this indoors with enough light), I am leary of massive drainage issues followed by the inevitable unsightly wet spots on newly painted walls.

image via Flora Grubb

Just when I had abandoned my plan for an indoor botanical wonderland...I discovered Woolly Pockets. Made from recycled plastic bottles, these hanging woolen bags prevent water from leaking because they are lined with moisture barriers (which also keeps plant material hydrated)...genius! You simply fill the bag with soil, install the plants of your choice and voila....an indoor living wall! I think it's worth a try, green thumb or not.

image via Sunset

'J' is for Jack

2010-02-22T23:17:00.000-08:00

This is a custom piece I created for my cousin in honor of her newborn baby, Jack. (A push-gift from her wonderful husband, I might add...) Fourteen tiny diamonds burnished set in 14K white gold, hanging from a delicate 14K white gold chain.

Custom initial pendants are available in white or yellow gold.
Please contact me at info@simonandstella.com with any questions or for more info.

Tucson Gem Show

2010-02-15T20:27:00.000-08:00

Back from Arizona where I attended the 2010 Gem Show. Thousands of "rock hounds" descend upon Tucson every year to take in all the different gems, fossils and minerals. I picked up some amazing new things for simon + stella and very excited to begin working on them.

Rustic Redefined - Cowboy Style

2010-02-12T11:21:00.000-08:00

I've never had a reason to visit Alamo, Nevada, but I think I just found an excuse to go. Located 90 miles north of Las Vegas, A Cowboy's Dream is a new luxury B&B that is half rustic ranch, half chic Euro chalet. Each one of the eight suites is completely unique, and feature custom made bath products, natural rain shower heads and private balconies. A cowboy's dream indeed.

Love the typography and brand identity provided by California based, Kuro Interactive. Warm colored hues mixed with lots of wood and leather perfectly recreates the cowboy lifestyle, where the motto is always "Enter As Strangers, Leave As Friends."

images via Cowboy's Dream

Postal Press

2010-02-11T09:41:00.000-08:00

"Imagination Is More Important Than Knowledge" - Albert Einstein

I'm a big fan of inspirational prints - this one from Postal Press is definitely going in my new office.

Problem Solved!

2010-02-09T13:47:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is right around the corner....still at a loss over what to get your lady? How about a beautiful piece of jewelry from simon + stella?? Just a thought.

A Good Winter

2010-02-05T18:54:00.000-08:00

It's fair to say that Bon Iver's For Emma Forever Ago, has been on constant rotation on my iPod since it's debut last year. However, I only recently learned the story behind what is now an indie music phenomenon.

Eau Claire, Wisconsin

25 year old struggling musician, Justin Vernon, retreated to his father's remote hunting cabin in Eau Claire, WI to repair his broken heart. For three months he lived alone struggling to find perspective, and mourning love lost. He took solace in writing music, breaking only to chop firewood or catch a frozen sunset from a deer stand. The end result was a nine song album that was recently named to NPR's "50 Most Important Recordings of the Decade". What is truly amazing is that despite its complexity, the record was created entirely by Vernon with nothing more than a few microphones and some beat up recording equipment.....in a Northwestern Wisconsin cabin.

Unfortunately there is no accompanying video, but Skinny Love is one of my favorite tracks. Bon Iver (pronounced bohn-eevair) is French for "Good Winter" and a good winter it was.

Help for Haiti

2010-01-26T17:14:00.000-08:00

The stories coming out of Haiti are horrific and every dollar really does matter. This t-shirt is $15 with 100% of the proceeds going to Haiti - Partners in Health. Purchase your shirt here.

via Black Eiffel

Simon + Stella - Sneak Peek

2010-01-24T21:35:00.000-08:00

Here's a little preview of some new pieces I'm working on for spring....

Hollywood Does Hitchcock

2010-01-22T15:01:00.000-08:00

Fabulous celebrity photog (and current client of mine), Norman Jean Roy, brilliantly captures these classic Hitchcock moments for Vanity Fair. Can you name these iconic films?

1. Psycho, 1960
2. North By Northwest, 1959
3. Birds, 1963
4. Dial M For Murder, 1954

Goodbye Hollywood, Hello Silver Lake

2010-01-18T16:49:00.000-08:00

It is with a heavy heart that I bid adieu to Burnside Ave (and my amazing exposed brick walls...stainless steel appliances....wait why am I moving??) Although this charming little abode has served me well, it simply cannot accommodate my need for a full on jewelry sweatshop from time to time. I found an adorable 1920's apartment in the heart of Silver Lake which I will soon be calling home.

Simon + Stella - In Stores Now!

2010-01-15T11:47:00.001-08:00

image via Odette

Well...in ONE store! simon + stella jewelry is now available at The Paper Moon in Burbank, CA (3414 W. Magnolia Blvd). The boutique caters primarily to young, hip moms - great place for unique gifts. Definitely check it out if you're in the area.

Where The Wild Things Are

2010-01-14T10:04:00.000-08:00

I am definitely not a roses type of gal. Tulips? No thanks. I'll take a bouquet of crazy wildflowers mixed with twigs and foliage any day - and that's precisely what the floral designers at Saipua do so well. Their unique, seasonal creations look like they were just pulled from a field somewhere. Ranunculus and Dahlias abound....Protea is expertly mixed with decorative branches and mosses, even the ever popular succulent is given a new and interesting twist.

Plus...they offer floral arranging classes and have the most adorable little store to boot! Alas, they are based in Brooklyn and I am left only to gawk from afar....

S + S Photoshoot

2010-01-13T14:30:00.000-08:00

I once again enlisted the help of the amazingly talented photographer, Erin McChesney, to take photos of the latest simon + stella pieces. With Lady Gaga to get us in the mood, what seems like a simple task is really anything but! As I learned from the last shoot, it can take HOURS to get one necklace look like it is haphazardly strewn across a branch. It’s all very intentional, and at times we’re literally holding our breath for fear of something moving. Needless to say, it’s always fun racing back to the computer to see how the shot came out.

Bare Soles Trunk Show

2010-01-13T11:37:00.000-08:00

simon + stella was honored to be included in the Bare Soles Holiday Trunk Show in Burbank. A night of shopping, mingling and lots of vino had by all – as well as some sales for s + s! So many talented designers…My absolute fave was a line of vintage feather headbands by the incredibly talented Abigail Cosio. While I can’t seem to pull off this look, I do love them on others.