Profile: Nicole Simone

Nicole Simone and I were introduced to one another through our moms when we were 11. We instantly connected and have been best friends ever since. Nicole has always had a very unique, cool style and stays true to herself no matter what. She recently redecorated her home and it looks amazing. I had a lot of fun helping her, but as you can see, her place truly reflects her personal style. Besides being beautiful and having impeccable taste, she’s an amazing and talented singer and songwriter. She’s releasing her debut full length album early next year. Check out her website and iTunes to hear her beautiful music.

Beauty

R+T: What are your go-to beauty products?

NS: NARS matte lipstick in “ Bolero.” I also love Rose-Marie Swift’s product line, called RMS Beauty. They’re all natural, which I prefer. I use her Un Cover-Up and Skin Balm. REN ‘s Glycol Lactic Radiance Mask is the best and I always use Dr. Haushka’s Rose Oil in the bath.

R+T: Is there anything special you would like to share about your beauty routine?

NS: I’m very inspired by the bombshells of the 1960s – Brigitte Bardot, Sophia Loren… I’ve loved the way they did their makeup since I was a little girl. I think it’s so alluring. I always wear a black cat eye, lots of mascara and a nude or red lip with a clean face – no foundation, just moisturizer for a glow.

R+T: What are the 5 products you couldn’t live without?

NS: Epicuran Colostrum Cream, YSL Shocking Liquid Eyeliner, Unrefined Organic Coconut Oil, Eyes to Kill Armani Mascara and Dr. Bronner’s Rose Soap.

R+T: Bath or Shower?

NS: Bath.

R+T: What do you sleep in?

NS: A bed.

Health

R+T: Do you have any health tricks?

NS: I drink a green smoothie with coconut milk and bee pollen every day. And I love Quinton Ancient Sea Minerals.

R+T: What do you do to stay healthy and balanced?

NS: I love a serious sweat at least three to four times a week. It clears my head and ignites creativity. I love yoga, hiking, spinning, swimming and playing tennis.

Decor

R+T: What is your design philosophy for your home?

NS: I like pieces that tell stories.

R+T: What are your favorite pieces in your house?

NS: My Steinway upright piano from the 1860s – a gift from my parents. I think it’s haunted in the best way.

R+T: What are your favorite home stores?

NS: Heath, Reform, JF Chen, Lawson Fenning and Dream Collective.

R+T: What are your favorite pieces in your house?

NS: I spent quite a long time waiting for my old leather Safari chairs to find their way to me. They look like they belonged to a gaucho who used to sit in them to smoke tobacco and drink mate’ at the end of a long day. And I love my Adam Silverman surf blue ceramic planters.

R+T: What is your favorite room in the house?

NS: I suppose my bedroom, since that’s where all the dreams happen.

Entertaining

R+T: Do you entertain at home?

NS: Yes.

R+T: What are your tricks for entertaining?

NS: Delicious food and dim lights.

R+T: How do you set the scene when you have people over?

NS: I try to create a unique experience. I like to play old records, cook my favorite recipes and invite an eclectic mix of guests.

R+T: Are there any tips for what to do or what to avoid?

NS: Drink a lot of wine and allow people to stay until the candles burn down to the wick.

R+T: What is your favorite song/playlist when you have people over?

NS: I love playing Areski and Brigitte Fontaine. They’re two French musicians who made gorgeous psychedelic folk records in the ’70s – their music always creates the most magical atmosphere. I always have Bob Dylan, Cesaria Evora, Howlin’ Wolf, Neil Young, Tom Waits and Townes Van Zandt.

R+T: What are your favorite flowers and where do you buy them?

NS: Peonies and dahlias. I buy all my flowers from the farmers’ market or Clementine Floral Works in Silver Lake. They always have the most unusual and beautiful selection.

Fashion

R+T: How would you describe your style?

NS: I never stick to a specific look as I’m constantly inspired, but certain things always follow suit – a cinched waist never fails me.

R+T: Who are your favorite designers?

NS: Jenni Kayne, Acne, Celine, Isabel Marant, Proenza Schouler and Prada. But I always like to mix in vintage.

R+T: What are the 5 pieces you can’t live without this season?

NS: High waisted jeans and skirts, ballet flats, French nautical sweaters, black Acne boots and a good hat.

R+T: What is your newest purchase?

NS: Vintage wood earrings.

Food

R+T: Is there anything about your diet you would like to share with R+T?

NS: My family is in the restaurant business, so we are all obsessed with good food. Every family trip I’ve ever been on is centered around our meals. I think food is one of the greatest pleasures in life and I feel so lucky to have been brought up with such a deep appreciation for it. And having an Italian mother means olive oil runs through my veins.

R+T: Do you cook?

NS: Yes, I love to cook and I do it most days of the week. I’m a born carnivore, but I cook vegetarian meals most of the time. I try to eat all organic, local, seasonal foods. I think it’s very important to know the quality of food you’re putting in your body.

R+T: What is your favorite recipe?

NS: Quinoa Spanakopita.

R+T: What are your favorite places to eat?

NS: Forage, Elf, Axe, Inaka, Ammo and Mozza.

Art

R+T: Who are your favorite artists?

NS: Louise Bourgeois, Man Ray and Rene Magritte.

R+T: What is your favorite piece of art you own?

NS: My Edward J. Curtis photograph of an Indian Chief overlooking Crater Lake.

Music

R+T: How did you first get interested in music?

NS: From a very early age, I adored music from the 1920s and ’30s. The songs of Billie Holiday made me want to become a singer. As my musical taste started to expand, I began to write. I knew after I wrote my first song that singing was going to be my greatest passion in life.

R+T: What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?

NS: Leonard Cohen. It was the most profound performance I’ve ever seen. And Nick Cave – he’s a true entertainer, like a lassoing cowboy.

R+T: What inspires your music?

NS: Love and old movies. I love the films of David Lynch, Federico Fellini, Michelangelo Antonioni, Jean Luc Godard, Sam Peckinpah and Roman Polanski. I’m also inspired by abandoned motels, New Orleans funeral processions, Westerns, Chopin, the desert, Surrealism, European history and whatever book I’m currently reading. XXJKE