On the Oscars....

Last night a  friend swung by my facebook page hoping for the usual red carpet banter that comes with an awards show.  We were watching the Oscars as a family, Mr. H included and he was being hilarious...I made some remark about it and he said he didn't want his commentary to be facebooked, twittered or pinterested! lol. I told him it was "Pinned" not "pinterested."  So my commentary stayed off of facebook for the night. B said nothing about being blogged though. :) I am sure next time he will cover his bases better!

Brian actually sat down to watch the red carpet before I did and kindly rewound it for me to see. His immediate fave.... Emma Stone. Next in line was Gwenneth Paltrow and Michelle Williams. The convo went like this
B: Oh Simone you have to see Emma Stone. Best Dressed. And Gwenneth Paltrow too.
Me: Gwenneth was modern and sleek I bet, right.
B: How do you know that?
Me: I'm a stylist baby!

Tim Gunn was talking to Michelle Williams about her dress (which by the way was one of my faves) and she mentioned that the best thing about is was the color, which she could not pin point. Tim said it was coral. Brian said he thought coral was a blue green color, because you know, coral is in the ocean??  lol. I was dying.

When Jennifer Lopez and Cameron Diaz were presenting, Brian turns to me and says "Oh my I think her n-i-p-p-l-e is showing." My response, "Babe, the kids can spell" He was just on fire all night!

Overall, what did I think about the Oscars? It was boring. The dresses were fab-- Michelle Williams, Cameron Diaz and Jessica Chastain were tdf!

Jessica Chastains McQueen was beyond. I die over that beading...and it seriously set off the color of her hair. Loved it! Cameron Diaz dress was beyond...that flame stitich beading....oh drool! I thought she should have had a bit more jewelry up top.... but the dress was amaze.

So there you have it. The commentary, on the blog instead! (a little less smart ass than what normally occurs on facebook, I must say!)

What did you lovely ladies think of the Oscars? Any fave's?

Something to hold on to....a somewhat rambling post.

As I have been decorating my way through the last few months, I have been digging deep, thinking about what direction Gardenhouse should go...if any. I read a tidbit that the super stylish Bri Emery or Rue Mag and Design Love Fest fame said in an interview and it was such a light bulb for me. The article was actually a tour of her loft and she was talking about how her style had evolved over the last few years and I so related to that. Mine has as well.  I wonder if that is part of what burned me out on Gardenhouse?? My style is evolving and I need to reflect that through my work as well and I didn't think was happening..... Lightbulb! Ohhh getting deep here! lol.

Source: ralemaye.tumblr.com via Simone on Pinterest

It has been good for me to have some time off. I've had a few personal things to deal with and have come out on the other side of those felling good and centered because I was able to handle them without the added pressures of staying up until all hours of the morning filling the shop, facebooking about it and blogging.  Sometimes it is refreshing to just have some mental time to do what you want...but I tend to fill a lot of that time with trips to Homegoods and far of antiques stores that I read about on blog,which I have of course found via pinterest! ! lol. So I think I had better start making more of a plan and re-committing to something!

Source: afterdrk.freshnet.se via Simone on Pinterest

I have thought often about which parts of Gardenhouse I miss and which ones I don't, and whether any of it will be back or not. As I ask myself what can stay and what can go, or if it all just needs to go and I need to move on to something else I have realized that I am still 110% obsessed with clutches...and vintage jewelry. It's funny..... that's where I started. Maybe a return to that? Maybe. I do miss it!

I hope you have enjoyed the smattering of super chic, super stylish clutches.....Here's a treat....a man bag!

Source: streetfsn.blogspot.com via Simone on Pinterest

I'd say that's Brad Goreski if the cammo was not in the picture ;)  Happy Stylish Friday! Rock a clutch today!

B vs. Z

Most of you know how totally obsessed I am with Rachel Zoe, yes? Remember back when Brad was her assistant? And then he left? And I honestly didn't pay much attention to it. Things moved on and then those adverts for Brad's new show started popping up. Well I finally got around to setting it up on TiVo and I have been having myself a BradBrad party over here!(in an effort to further procrastinate on the finishing touches of Avery's room! lol)  I have to say I might have a new style crush!  Could he replace Adam Levine on my list?? Possibly...but probably not ;) They should be on separate lists, no?

Source: grungygentleman.com via Elizabeth on Pinterest

If you don't watch It's a Brad Brad World, you really should! Brad is adorable! He cries at the drop of a hat, is funny and endearing,  has great taste and he LOVES color! Love me some Brad! Could he not only knock Adam Levine off the top of my list but RZ too?? Maybe....we'll see! Now back to painting. I opted for painting a smaller table for Avery's room so I can set up a little vanity in her room....to avoid more posts like this one..... This bad boy has already take 5 coats of paint, and I'm not even to the Union jack part yet! argh! So glad I opted for a smaller piece! I'm hoping to be able to fit a WIWW post in today too...if not...tomorrow.
Happy Hump day!

Pattern Love

Just popping in to say Hi after a day at the golf course with Mr. H. We spent the day at the Northern Trust Open at Riviera Country Club. Ummm, can someone please tell me how I didn't manage to find a house in Brentwood when we moved here?? Ohhhh yeah, we're not made of money - and it doesn't grow on trees! That's right!! We had a great time following Phil and some of the greats and I even landed my mug on TV! Did you see me? Five feet away from Jonathan Byrd as he shanked one on the 11th. My SIL was up at my parents house and my mom jumped up and said Simone was just on TV...so my SIL had to call me to verify. Although I did know enough to silence my phone I had no idea that I shouldn't actually be talking on a cell phone on the course... at all....not even when the players are not around! You can get tackled for that! At least I didn't make a total scene and choose to wear heels! lol.
I've been chilling this evening, watching TV with Brian and pinning serious deliciousness. I have a few that are too good to keep hidden. Numero uno....this couch!

Source: sheridanfrench.blogspot.com via Simone on Pinterest

I want I need I have to have!! I am 110% obsessed with pink couches lately. And that pillow is TDF! Anyone know who the pink fabric is by?? I neeeeeed!
And how about this fabulous chair? I am loving the over sized floral print. I'm pretty sure it's a Designers Guild fabric.

Source: verandahhouse.blogspot.com.au via Simone on Pinterest

I have had quite a chill day today, but spent yesterday prettying up an old 6' folding table. I love the way it turned out- I would have paid a fortune for it if I saw it in Anthropologie! I'll share that with you this week....once it is back in place in the studio. Yes, that was one more attempt at procrastinating painting the dressers in Avery's room. Yes, tomorrow....tomorrow is the day!

A little LC surprise

This week I was out running errands with my to-do list on my mind. One of the items on that running list has been the wardrobe makeover of a girlfriend of mine. I have been pinning loads of clothes for Cindy, but she is not a big online shopper and has asked that we hit the ground and shop at brick and mortars!!  Gasp! lol. Well, let me say something about shopping around here-- IT SUCKS!! It means hitting the road and heading over the hill to Pasadena, Northridge, Santa Monica or the likes. Full day. For sure. Now I am all for a full day of shopping every now and then, but online is just so much more convenient. Anyway, since I was in the area, I thought I would run by Kohl's to see what I have been missing. I'm not a huge Kohl's fan. Soooo did you know that Lauren Conrad did a line (many of them) for Kohl's?? I was soooo pleasantly surprised with it and there were actually a few piece I couldn't live without. Affordable chic at it's finest {Something is wrong!! I am supposed to be shopping for a friend - not myself! lol }

LC by simonehowell featuring clear jewelry

Slouchy tee, £35
Madewell denim top, $80
Lauren Conrad tuxedo jacket, $49
Lauren Conrad jacket, $35
Lauren Conrad polka dot shorts, $30
Badgley Mischka feather high heels, $245
House of Harlow 1960 high heel pumps, $250
Rose gold bangle
Aamaya by priyanka clear jewelry, $241
Alexis Bittar pave jewelry, $325

Died over the little metallic dot shorts (can't wait to wear them in summer with a slouchy tee) and the scalloped jacket was lovely! I did get a size up as the seams on the shoulders didn't seem like they would hold up super well (I guess I should liken it to Forever21??) Anyway, I thought I would share some pieces with you-- in case you don't feel like going over the hill either - or if you just want an affordable piece to add  to your list!  ps-- I found another GREAT brand that I luurrrve at Macy's. I'll share that one with you next week!

Happy Stylish Friday!

Inspiration: chic organization and a gathering of tray tutorials

Even though the inspiration workshop has officially moved to monthly, I thought I would keep up with it on a weekly basis still. So today's inspiration is {Beautiful Organization and Storage} Many of you know I have been complaining about the lack of jewelry organization. I have been scouring the Internet and pinterest of course for ideas and came across this!!  It's brilliant!!

Source: ampeddandangerous.blogspot.com via Simone on Pinterest

I am still thinking I am going to convert our old TV armoire for jewelry storage but I think I will have my dad make one of these for me to put inside the armoire. I LOVE this idea and it looks like it wold be really easy to make - and by that I mean really easy for someone else to make. Like my dad. ha! I would also love to line the inside of the armoire with paper of some sort, I still have loads of this wallpaper from the kitchen but really love this also.  Or maybe even an orange and metallic print of some sort. 

Also on my organization radar -- trays to keep clutter all in one spot! I love the idea of customizing lucite trays with what ever design you would like via fabric, paper or paint. There is a fantastic tutorial here for adding your own touch to lucite tray.

Source: sfair.blogspot.com via Simone on Pinterest

Glitter Guide recently posted a tutorial for this painted wooden tray, which I find very chic.

Source: theglitterguide.com via Simone on Pinterest

And Martha S. has a tutorial on taking a baking sheet to the next level.

Source: marthastewart.com via Simone on Pinterest

I could actually see this as being amazing jewelry storage!! Stacked up in a custom made box sort of like the frames above... hmmmm... idears my dears!

Hope you are all feeling inspired to make and organize! I'm off to paint Avery's dressers-- a project I have been dreading! I'll post photos when all is said and done.

WIWW and a bit of a rant....

It's the good, the bad and the ugly all rolled in to one today.
What I wore yesterday....

Loved everything about this outfit. The Sweater is Old navy - on maj sale this week...I bought it specifically to wear on Valentines Day...if you hurry, they might still have them on sale for 10 bucks! yes ma'am!The jeans-- Seven for All Mankind, as yooosh (short for usually- how annoying am I when I shorten my words! lol) Shoes.....Romantic Soles (perfect for Valentines day I must say!!) And that little sparkler in the top corner?? A vintage Sarah Cov tassel necklace.

And now the rant!! Can someone PLEASE tell me how to stop the bickering between my kids!!  It is making me INSANE!!  Last night afer a really great day - where everyone was feeling good, dressed well and the girls even went to school in heart shaped french braids (yes, i thought I was mom of the year!) ended in yelling- them at each other and then that set me off! They should have had a great day yesterday, every other Tuesday they have absolutely no activities after school...it's literally the only day they don't have something going on other than weekends. And normally it's a fun afternoon. They relax after school instead of blasting through a snack and homework to get to dance. (maybe they are over scheduled!?!) We got them a cake pop maker for Valentines Day. ONE cake pop maker...to share. They use to be able to share so well but I am not sure what is going on lately. They happily got the cake pops made with no problems but then once decorating time came along, so did the relentless bickering! It.makes.me.batty. And it just goes down hill from there. I usually just end up taking away what ever they are bickering over. I'm literally at my wits end. They might come home from school today with nothing. ZERO. no tv's, no phones, no computers, no curling irons, no shared bathroom. NOTHING!   Yes, we had a rough morning too! Avery was curling her hair in front of Olivia's drawer. Liv needed to get her toothbrush so she kindly asked Avery to move over so she could get to it. Avery moved...in front of the sink... so Liv asked her to move back so she could get to the sink. Avery responds with "I was here first. Can't you just use that half of the sink over there." And once again. it pretty much all goes down hill from there. Avery is yelling, Olivia is rolling her eyes.  I this really how it is going to be??  I just want to hide under a rock. I'm pretty sure it is my fault in one way or another....or so it feels. Should I figure out a plan to separate them in the mornings so they are not under each others feet...or do I force them to make it work? Gosh it seems like it should not be this hard. Don't they know there are kids out there who don't have a bathroom at all?? I've been using that approach a lot lately...I don't think it is working.... clearly.

The house is quiet now - save the sounds of the cleaning gal downstairs....ahh life is good. I need to remember that! I'm shifting my focus, hitting the gym then getting Avery's room finished. Moving on.

Linking up with other moms who i am sure have similar issues over at The Pleated Poppy.