I Like Variety

It has something to do with the spice of life, right? Well, this coat from Harputs Own is much more than meets the eye.

via vain and vapid

They call it the Swacket (sweater+jacket) and it is the ultimate utility item. I'm particularly diggin' the tweed. With all these options in one pretty package I could be convinced to kick my jacket habit. 

Maybe.

The Bow Hits the Spot

I'm totally on the blazer bandwagon this season.

I love how this look by Keylee Tankus uses the bow to add a pop of color and a feminine touch to the boyfriend look. But really, the whole thing had me at the shoes.

Your Name Here

photo by Hugh Stewart

Apt #34 is now accepting sponsors for May.

Are you a shopkeeper, artist, photographer, stylist or designer that are looking to share their talent and wares? I'd love to feature you  as the monthly feature sponsor of Apt #34. 

If you have a small business, design or product that fits the Apt #34 style please join me! 

Email apt34blog (at) gmail (dot) com for more information.

Great Escapes

Have you had your Max Wagner fix lately?

His work always brightens my day. Go now and be happy. 

Toast of the Town

We all know Toast for their lovely ensembles.

But did you know they do equally stunning housewares?

Their stripped cushions have such a great bold line. 

And their tableware has a great organic look and feel.

I'm particularly loving their brightly colored enamel cups --especially in that setting!

Apt #34 Guest Post

While darling Anne of The City Sage is soaking up rays in Maui I leant her readers some shopping advice.

If you'd like to start dreaming about warmer climates check it out here.

Great Spaces

One of my favorite games is cobbling together my dream home from all the blog-based inspiration. 

photos by paul barbera and alexander van berge via moodboard

I love my light interiors but the dark elements in each of these spaces provide a strong anchor to ground reach room.

Happy {Carefree} Weekend

I plan on doing my best to escape the daily trails and tribulations this weekend. Hope you've got plans that carry you away a bit too. 

*E

Better Book Solution

The books on stairs idea was an overwhelming loser and I admit, I have to agree with the majority opinion. (Although I still love that photo). 

Now try this option on for size.

via {this is glamorous}

Much more manageable, no? 

Material Girl

As a lifelong Madonna fan, I've always known the girl can work it, but this photo blew me away. 

via style and inspiration

I wish I, and my office, looked as put together as that, especially at the end of a long week. Like I own the world. 

Oh wait, she does. Phew, I feel better now.

Pretties

Spring continues to flirt with Seattle - but still isn't quite ready to commit. So I'll keep flirting with the idea of lovely spring ensembles.

When the sun actually arrives for good I will consider some real commitment - to all of these looks!

Looks by Quail via darling dexter, PorterGrey and Graydn via mustard and sage

Bold and Bright

Stunning letterpress wedding invite from Studio on Fire. I'd love to see the wedding this invite is for.

Be sure to check out more design genius at their blog Beast Pieces, including how to get an affordable letterpress wedding invite. Every paper-obsessed bride's dream, I'm sure.

Nice Stripes

Loving this look from Jackson, Johnson & Roe.

via i am a greedy girl

Perfectly adorable, no? Check out more J,J&R here and more great stripes here.

Kick it Up a Notch

One of the long standing questions in wedding planning is how to get your guests to actually get out on the dance floor with you. The answer to that is often hard to find.

This brilliant bride managed to come up with the perfect solution. 

via a cup of jo

I know I would have been dancing with her in a heartbeat. 

Her wedding guests were also treated to an awesome first dance, featuring more stunning choreography. It seriously rocks. You must check it out here.

And then all you brides, start practicing your moves!

Travel Bug

I don't know if this applies to most people, but when I travel it only makes me want to do it more. So after a few days away in Portland, I've returned home physically, but my mind is even further away.

Thanks to Nichole and her beautiful blog little brown pen my thoughts currently reside in sweet details of  Paris.

I could easily be wandering though a flower market munching on a macaroon right now.

Quick Question

Clutter or brilliant storage solution?

photo by prue ruscoe

I'm personally loving the stairwell library.

Happy {Wedding} Weekend

Off to wedding #1 tomorrow. Hope my tabletops turn out as lovely as this.

via saipua

Hope everyone has a love filled weekend!

Romp Around

On the romper bandwagon yet? These looks by Dear Creatures actually have me considering it!

via vain and vapid

I especially love the JT-esque hat! 

Girly-Men

I don't know how men who are experts in lumberjack flannel can also imagine and create such stunning dresses.

But the duo behind Costello Tagliapietra are brilliant and I'll just thank my lucky stars. I'd love to turn their entire spring 2009 collection into my work uniform.

Ignorance is bliss after all. 

Calling all Florists

Or at least people who know about flowers, because I am not one of them. I've been tasked with designing/setting up the centerpieces for the wedding I'm attending on Saturday.  

Here is my inspiration - sweet and simple.

We'll be using red bark as the greenery in tall vases. What I need is a recommendation for blossoms that float well. I personally love ranunculus but am open to other ideas.  

Here are some of my other favorite blooms.

Help! - oh, and thanks in advance. I promise to take photos of the winning suggestion.

Bridal Bliss

This week marks the start of wedding season - at least for me. Later this week I head to Portland for my first wedding of the year and then hit at minimum one wedding a month from now through August. They'll all be wonderful as they either involve family or dearest friends. And they'll all be very different. 

In honor of unique brides everywhere I thought I'd share some of my favorite wedding dress inspirations that I've been banking. They are (in no particular order)

The dramatic

The understated

The flirty

The classic

The fun

The sweet

I don't envy you brides. There are so many choices out there - I don't how you'd ever narrow it down!

PS - I'll be back a bit later with an ask for some centerpiece advice.

Rain Rain Go Away

I understand the whole April showers and flowers thing, but I'm really over a 46 degree high.

via garance dore