Inspiration Workshop No. 5 {Bathrooms}

This week's prompt for the inspiration workshop is bathrooms. ..and funny it comes at the time we are re-doing the girls bathroom due to our monsoon rains and a skylight which chose to leak. This is our inspiration-

I think it will be fun for the girls to have a little bathroom graffiti! And I plan to put this quote on one of the walls.

Words of wisdom to set the tone for each day! Love, mom.

A Country Affair

I'm having a creative affair with all things country wedding. It all started with a photo of fabrics and velvet flowers as well as some recent vintage millinery finds. And then a request for a custom tote in soft colors.


What kind of wedding would you have if you were planning one right now?? I would love to re-new my vows, just for the fun of having another wedding. Don't worry mom and dad-- it's not going to happen!

Maybe I could just plan a fun fancy dress party-- now THAT sounds like a good time! Everyone could wear lace and boots and florals--And I could use it as an excuse to get The Hasass family down here to take photos and make great hair accessories..and then we could also shoot Gardenhouse bags and dresses as well. A country chic sort of party with hanging swag lights and flowers everywhere -- and this of course is how I would justify it all-- "It's for work!"-- And there you have a little glimpse into my completely rational mind! lol.

Source: None via Simone on Pinterest

I really must stop dreaming and get some work done!

Indulgent Day.

Today is my Birthday. Not only is it the one of the few days a year my kiddos will not whine or complain about anything it's the day I get to do what I want...ALL DAY! So what does one do on a day that they have full reign over?? Well, I found this during my indulgent hour and a half on pinterest this morning.

Source: stylemepretty.com via Simone on Pinterest

And since it is my birthday, I think I might spend the day scouring my fave antiques store for something similar (which I am sure i will find-- because it's my Birthday, you know!). Paint it and fill it with flowers. Then I'll sew a few things for myself --which will most likely be pillows for the living room couch-- from this Celerie Kemble fabric-- While my girls make covered button necklaces...without arguing. This evening we'll dip in the pool and have a family dinner outside. And eat cake.

Indulgence - Simone style.

Independence Style

The 4th of July Holiday is just around the corner. Do you have plans? We are entertaining on July 3rd. All American BBQ style-- do you have any great recipes that are go tos for Independence Day? I'd love to hear about them....something on the grill...as we are telling people to bring sides and desserts.

Independance Day Outfit by simonehowell featuring a long pleated skirt

What will you be wearing? I am never a big fan or dressing in red white and blue, don't know why...I guess because I NEVER wear red. I honestly don't think there is a single red item in my closet. I have never really thought about that....I LOVE the color red in the house {remember the red chairs?} and love it in jewelry but not so much to wear. I'll be adding a little red to my outfit via a scarf, one FAB Gardenhouse clutch and a little bracelet, oh and let's not forget those shoes. How about you?

Happy Stylish Friday

Inspiration Workshop No.4 - {Spend the day pinning..I mean playing.}

This weeks prompt for the inspiration workshop over at Gussy Sews is "Spend the day Playing." I have to admit I have a hard time with this....and it's mostly due to the fact that I spend all my play time these days on Pinterest! I have vast pinterest in many things...I know, it sounds very intellectual and honestly I am in search of knowledge - to broaden my pinterests! ha! I am obsessed-- seriously! You can check out my boards here if you'd like.

Really though, on a spend the day playing note, I have found loads of fabulous projects to do with the kiddos-- on pinterest of course! I'm telling you, I cannot stop! We will for sure have some fun doing these projects --

Do you not die over this glow jar?? This one was done by smashing up a glow stick and sort of splattering the glow juice inside but you can also simply glow in the dark paint splattered inside the jar! LOVE!

We made these strawberries last year and they were a huge hit so absolutely going to do those again. So simple, just white chocolate chips and blue sugar sprinkles.

So there you have it-- that's what we will be doing for fun....once I'm finished pinning! ha!

One of a kind Wednesday No.5- Family Tees

Dear Ava-
Today I made a little dress for you. Upcycled from your Uncle Brian's shirt.

When you wear it you will have the smarts, determination, moxy and drive of your Uncle B. You will have the strong, caring heart of your Uncle B. And you will know all the rules of tennis ...oh and don't be surprised if you wake up at 4am to watch the Wimbeldon finals. :)

Tomorrow, you will can wear the dress made with some of Auntie S' t-shirt..and then it's a whole different ballgame...and it's not really a ballgame at all- unless you can play in heels and a cute dress.

We love you Lady A. We are so happy to have you in our family.

{Don't you love the idea of working family love into clothing for little ones? LOVE!}

Mountain getaway Style

We are in the mountains for a few days. The girls have been busy hunting frogs and I have brought some work with me to do in between trips down to the pond and snuggling up my baby niece. We are having a wonderful time hanging out with my family.

Mountain Life by simonehowell featuring a multicolor necklace

I hope you are all having a fabulous start to your week.

Stylish Blog Love!!

It's a new look for Brooch the Subject. What do you think?? Stylish, no? I seriously HEART it! It has been complete bliss working with Sharon of Redbud Designs. She is amazing. I knew the second I saw her work that she would be perfect for the job...and she nailed it. With very little input from me...which is always a treat as I can be a tad... err... picky, shall we say?

(photo via pinterest)

So, lets set the table all pretty-like and have a little party for my new blog and for the best blog designer in the world!! {Do you not die over the colors flowers and details of this table?? GORGE!!} Stylish blog, stylish table. Perfect! Cheers to Sharon!!

I'll be back this weekend with a polyvore. I know how you all look forward to those.

Happy Stylish Saturday - only because my blog was busy on Friday with a much needed makeover!

Inspiration Workshop No. 3 - Green

I am having loads of fun participating in the Gussy Sews Inspiration Workshop - this weeks theme is greeen. Could be green as in color, or green as in reduce, re-use, recycle. I'm working the reduce.re-use.recycle angle on this one.




First, I want to repost my tutorial for upcycled hoodies. They are really simple, super gorgeous and a very easy way to reuse those tee's that are no longer good for tees. I think it would also be amazing to use mens shirts-- work shirts. I could totally see a blue pinstripe shirt upcycyled as the ruffle onto a striped hoodie.... super chic! Adding that to my list for sure as I have LOADS of Mrs. H's button downs sitting in the studio {also great to make dresses out of!}

And a second dash of green. That bag from one of a kind wednesday?? Part of it started out as a leather jacket.


My amazing MIL has started running half marathons-- yep..she is amazing! Anyway, she has shrunk in size quite a lot an had a gorgeous leather jacket that was waaay too big. It really couldn't be altered to her size and she was going to toss it out. I immediately thought-- handbag handles, pockets...I'll take it! So I spent some time yesterday picking it apaprt and reused a few of the pieces on my one of a kind bag. Love it! The leather is amazingly soft. Delish!



Hopefully these projects inspire you to make old new again! Go Green!

Happy upcycling!


luvluv.
Simone

ps-- the blog make over is sooo close to complete I can taste it! Stay tuned in the next few days for a whole new look here at brooch the subject.

One of a Kind Wednesday No. 6

It IS Wednesday. And it's one of a kind. And it'll be in the shop when I am finished here. You should grab this one up. I LOVE it.

Could totally see it with a cute little dress, cowgirl boots and chunky Calypso jewelry. Oh, and it's up-cycled. More about that tomorrow.

luvluv.

Simone

ps-- my secret blog makeover is almost complete and I can't wait to share it with all of you!! Stay tuned...we'll have a whole new look in the next few days. It's TDF!

It's no picnic on the beach.

At least today it wasn't. Day two of summer vacation. Day two, people!! A rough day. Didn't it sound like we were headed to a blissful summer of quaint breakfasts in the garden and dinners by the pool? Oh yes, it did!

Source: a-ladys-findings.tumblr.com via Simone on Pinterest

I'll start by saying this...we had a FABULOUS weekend. Saturday night we had a sort of impromptu neighborhood movie night. Think giant screen in our front yard, How to Eat Fried Worms on the projector, popcorn cart on wheels, fire pit and s'mores and plenty of margaritas to go around. We had about 30 kids and parents all lined up ready to watch a weekend movie Cali style.

Source: sweethomestyle.tumblr.com via Krysti on Pinterest

{Ya, kinda like this but not quite so chic and staged! lol} I just kept thinking to myself "I'm so happy it's summer. What a great start to Summer vacation" We had a rough year with our 4th grade teacher. I could honestly write a book, I tell you. So I have been really looking forward to summer vacation. until today. Oh my. The kids were at each others throats.
I am beyond busy. I have set some very serious deadlines for myself and am frustrated when I do not accomplish what I need. I am focusing again on my patterns, as well as trying to stay up to speed on bags and all my ideas for new designs as the loads of custom maxi women's dress orders I'm getting. The patterns are my main focus-- I have so many that are 75% complete it is honestly silly!! But today I got nothing done. The bickering, emo, girls had my attention for the day-- and not in a good way! I had all these great things lined up for them this summer {you should seriously check out my pinterest board-- cool stuff!!-- and now all I can think about is day camp...and we are two days in! It's not looking good around here!

What are you summer plans---or word of inspiration and advice for me??

Please...do tell.

luvluv.
Simone

ps--The day ended with our older daughter having her brand new cell phone taken away, She quickly wrote a note to us and posted it outside her bedroom door. She said she is not coming out until she gets her cell phone back. Hmmmm..... summer vacation is all of a sudden looking rather peaceful again! ;) It also had something to say about don't bother sending food or drinks...yeah, no problem! Argh...10 going on 16!

Summer is upon us!

We made it through he school year. It was a rough one for sure. A horrible 4th grade teacher and 4th grade girls that love drama make for a tough year. But we are finished and I am sooo looking forward to a summer where anyone who is in my life is there because they have been invited, not because my daughters card fell into their pile or because they happen to be in the same class as one of my girls. So ready for summer!! For relaxing a little more, working a little more and having more down time. Dinners in the garden or by the pool with the warm summer breeze. I am beyond ready!!

I know I missed the one of a kind Wednesday post. Sorry! (It was the last week of school and we have family in town so it just didn't happen.) and instead of posting it on Thursday, I wanted to commit that day to the Gussy Sews inspiration workshop, I will post it today and do a style file to go along with it. It's a new clutch done in Anna Maria's new line. LOVE it!! Loulouthi is fabulous and perfectly Anna Maria. It speaks to her Greek heritage as well as her love of needlework and florals. It really is fabulous and so boho summer!

Bohemian Rhapsody by simonehowell featuring a ruffle bathing suit

Happy Summer Vacation!

luvluv.

Simone

Inspiration Workshop : Kitchens {Summertime Kitchen}

I am always looking for ways to challenge myself creatively, as well as more reasons to consistently blog-- so this week I'm linking up with Gussy Sews Inspiration workshop. I have committed to post every Thursday from the prompt Miss Gussy herself provides.

This weeks prompt is {Kitchens}-- something I know A LOT about. I love to cook, mix drinks, entertain, decorate and make memories...so I spend a lot of time in our kitchen...which is still a work in progress. I could go so many directions with this post...a photo of a dream kitchen-- found while perusing pinterest (ack- love that site-- such a time sap though!!)

Source: postroadvintage.com via Simone on Pinterest

A mix of vintage and modern and pops of turquoise in the form of a fridge and a peacock-- dreamy!! Mixed drink recipes-- we all know how I h.e.a.r.t a good margarita. And a cupboard dedicated to just that...um, yes, I'll take one of those. Must make that!

As I was sitting by the pool today (the girls had 6 of their friends over for a end of year party...their teacher has decided she doesn't want to do anything fun in class, so we all pulled our girls out at lunch time and I threw a pizza and swim party for them at our house. ) I was really thinking about what I was going to post and thought about how summer is really not about the indoor kitchen for us.

As the summer starts here in SoCal, our kitchen tends to move from indoors to out. We don't cook inside much in the summer. Mornings are warm, evenings are warm so there is just no reason to be inside for meals. The stove barely gets turned on, same with the oven. We spend our time around the pool, the garden and the grill-- flip flop clad. Half the time the girls eat dinner wrapped on a towel with goggles on their head! This is what a SoCal summer is all about. Fresh fruits, fresh veggies and something wonderful on the grill {pizza is one of our faves.}

Tomorrow. 12:30 pm . Summer vacation starts. Cheers to an outdoor kitchen, warm nights and giggling girls who go straight from pool to table for a family dinner around a fabulous floral tablecloth.

luvluv.
Simone

Corner style.

As promised last week...a little peek into some corners of our home. {Still haven't mastered taking photos inside and I left my regular lens up North with my brother so excuse the photos being a little off... you get the idea, though. I'll take more pics of the room when I get my other lens back} Our living room....

Stylish and chic - colorful but calming and white too.... Minus the red chairs..ha!

I sit in here all the time when I'm on the phone catching up with family...is that strange?

My big playroom project is almost finished....no longer called the playroom...now referring to it as the Bieber Fever Room.... yeah.... Let your mind wander around that for a few days! Those cute girls in the frames up there...well, they look at me like that and then "Yes. Sure. Absolutely" start spewing out of my mounth. Posters?? smile. wink. "Sure!! Love the idea"

Happy Stylish Friday!

luvluv

Simone

Er. Wednesday. Halston Style.

Yet again, I find myself on Thursday, heading the "One of a kind Wednesday" direction. Only this week, maybe I can fool you all... because Monday was technically the weekend....so maybe today really is Wednesday. Yes, yes it is. I could have very easily had this done yesterday...but I got side tracked with teacher issues and dance auditions for the girls. {more about both of those another time}

I got a wild hair Tuesday night to sew using knits. 10pm. I have some really lush knits sitting around as I have had the intention to start sewing with them. I LIVE in knit fabrics...especially in the summer. I also live in maxi dresses. It gets VERY hot here mid summer and I love how maxi dresses cover you from the sun while still allowing you to breath and feel cool. I am loving this dress. So perfectly simple. Chic. Modern. Versatile. I will live in it! I have always been a huge fan of this style...sort of structured yet slouchy with a tie at the waist. It is unbelievably flattering on just about anyone.

What do you think? Navy organic cotton knit and a giant chic ikat ruffle!?! I am thinking I need to add these to the shop. Maybe a few different knit colors to choose from-- in organic cotton-- lush! And then add the ruffle of your choice..... one of a kind maxi dresses. Yes. Will just wear this one around for the day to make sure it works properly ;) Stay tuned for a listing in the shop by Monday.

luvluv.

Simone