Tasty Tuesday {Carb-On-It!}

So, with the holidays officially upon us, I'm declaring the whole month of December carbohydrate month. Carbs will be the official food group and for this month and this month only they magically will have no calories nor adverse affects on your health nor the fit of your favorite dress {I can't really control that second declaration, but hey, it's cold out so a little extra padding can't be that  bad!}

While I consider myself a reasonably-abled baker who can turn out a pretty cookie or two, I've yet to try my hand at homemade bread. This year, that's all gonna change.




bread images by john blais,, kitchen via french by design

Last year, the husband thoughtfully gifted me (a signed!) copy of Leslie Mackie's Macrina Bakery Cafe Cookbook - the amazing printed sneak-peak into the inner sanctum of my absolute favorite bakery in Seattle.

This year I'm going to step up to the plate and try to produce their classic, and my favorite, bread. Feel free to join me - or simply wish me luck! I'll be sure to share the results, as long as they're not embarrassingly terrible!

Cyber Monday Special

Now that we're all back at our desks and in front of our computer screens I suspect you, like me, are trolling for the best Cyber Monday deals.

Well, look no further than new Apartment 34 sponsor Gorjana. The California-based accessories company packs a powerful punch with their gorgeous designs ~ really anything a girl needs to kick their wardrobe up a notch! Here are just a few pieces I'm coveting.




And today only Gorjana is offering an extra special deal - 25% off all jewelry and handbags. So run, don't walk your fingers over to your keyboard and hit up Gorjana.



Just remember the golden rule. One for them, two for you! Happy shopping, and saving my dears.

*Mrs. E

If you would like to reach thousands of savvy online shoppers then consider sponsoring Apartment 34. We have a few holiday sponsorship spots left. Email apt34blog(at)gmail(dot)com for more information today!

Monday Work Wear {All About Knits}

With unseasonably cool temperatures I've had to breakout all of my sweaters - but just because you're cozy doesn't mean your look can't be still be sharp and poised.




images via studded hearts, 2,4, {this is glamorous}, unknown, everything fabulous

Paired with a structured belt, a crisp white shirt and the ubiquitous killer heel, you're ready for the boardroom, and the couch (as soon as you get home!)

Happy Monday luvies!

*Mrs. E

Long Weekend Lusting

There is so much goodness to be found when you're suddenly flush with free time and the joys of blog world to troll. I just couldn't resist sharing a few of my favoriate finds.

I'm loving a look that gives a nod to harvest season,



I'm dreaming of an Italian retreat,



I'm coveting noir for the holidays,


Perhpas with a little spot of color to brighten the mood.



But what I'm really loving is the fact that there are still two more days of the weekend to go! Now there's something to be thankful for.

I hope you're having a wonderful holiday luvies!
*Mrs. E

Happy {Give Thanks} Weekend

Well my loves, this is it. The holiday season has officially arrived. Did it catch you by surprise as much as it did me?!

Life seems to have been roaring by so fast and furious lately that I'm definitely looking forward to the break, and to bread with our nearest and dearest.






I'm also planning to use the extra time to put the finishing touches on some new projects of my own. You may have caught my newest endeavour - styling, which was just featured in the latest issue of Rue Magazine. Here's a peak of my suggestions for dressing for your family Thanksgiving dinner.

(Spoiler alert!) I plan to bring those services to you, dear readers (and mass general public who have yet to hear of me), very very soon. So do let me know if you have a problem closet because I am your fashion fairy god mother.

You can check out my tips for your office holiday party and New Year's Eve looks in Rue here, but I can't wait to start offering solutions to your styling dilemmas!

Finally, I have to reiterate how thankful I am for Apartment 34 and the world of blogging. I want to thank our latest blog sponsors, fab fashion line Lesley Evers, favorite Seattle-area boutique Promesse, gorgeous jewelry designer Wendy Mink and Canadian style setter Dace. I love featuring great design and looks I love and these are all at the top of my list.

I hope you have the opportunity to say thank you to someone special in your life this weekend. I got the chance to do that in a guest post at Create Girl today. We shouldn't need a holiday to force us to pay attention to the people that matter to us, but hey, we could all use the reminder now and again!

Happy feasting - till next Monday luvies!
*Mrs. E

Credits: Thanksgiving montage pics via eddie ross, studio patro, and dress design decor. Rue Magazine spread shot by Kim Bamberg, styling by me!

Wedding Wednesday {Wit and Whimsy}

This amazingly creative save the date had me at hello!


Lex & Loren - Engagement/Save the date! from Loren Brinton Films on Vimeo.
via that kind of woman

If you need a break this Turkey-day weekend, watch it. Repeatedly. It's enough to make anyone feel thankful!

Tasty Tuesday {Going Locol}

Rather than share pie, stuffing or other Turkey-day recipes this Tasty Tuesday - I wanted to spread the word about a local taste treat and its unquie ask this holiday season.

Dear friends of mine, Kyle, Kristi and their newest addition, Maddy Duce are on the cusp of realizing their dream - opening their very own neighborhood beer and wine pub in Seattle. They plan to call it Locöl.



Everyone has been incredibly excited, asking how they can help this (young!) family-run business get off the ground in these tough times. Well, now there's a way!!

Locol is launching a "Community Puzzle", literally a jigsaw puzzle in which you can purchase a piece. The puzzle will be 3 feet by 4 feet in dimension and will be an image once completed. Each piece purchased will have the name of the person who contributed placed on a plaque next to the puzzle on permanent display.

I think it's the coolest way to truly invest in small business and community!



The pieces start at $25, though you can donate any amount. You can purchase your piece through a PayPal account set up and linked through Locöl's site and Facebook page.

Once the puzzle is complete, the Locöl will  take 10% of that money and give it back to the community.

So this Thanksgiving, if you love good food, great local hangouts and brave people who dare to launch their dreams - go Locöl!

Snow Day!

Winter has come early to the Pacific Northwest so I'm going to use the excuse to stay in my PJs and goof off a bit!

I couldn't leave you hanging though - so how about a little gratuitous cuteness to make your day!



via blonde salad, rockstar diaries and a pick of our Chloe!

In the meantime, check out the latest issue of Rue Magazine. The goodness goes on for days (and I'm not just saying that because I'm in this one, I swear!)

Monday Work Wear {Tie One On}

The look has come back around again and again, from the 1920's to the 1970's and yet again today, and still the tie-front look works....



images via pretty stuff, the sartorialist and stockholm streetstyle

oh so well. I feel a new wardrobe staple coming on!

Happy Monday luvies,
*Mrs. E

Get Your Holiday Shop On

Luvies, my friends at Spool 72 just released their Winter 2010 catalog and to celebrate their lovely looks they're offering Apartment 34 readers a sweet deal - 10% off all purchases!

Feel free to flip through the sweet winter options,

Open publication - Free publishing - More vintage

And then head here for to pick up a piece or two - who needs to wait for black Friday?!

Happy {Rue Sneak Peak} Weekend

My dears, I've had a little secret I've been keeping from you. Well actually, it's a ginormous secret, but now the cat can be let out of the bag.

You may have already caught wind that Rue, Issue 2 is coming on November 21st. I am particuclarly over the moon excited to see the next round of gorgeousness because...the Rue girls so thoughtfully asked me to contribute!

I won't tip my hand entirely but I just couldn't wait any longer to share a tiny peek of what you'll see! Let's just put it this way - if you're worried about your wardrobe this holiday season be sure to check out Issue 2.

images by la vie photography, styled by me!

Thank you so much to Rue for including me in the fun ~ I know what I'll be pouring over this Sunday! And I can't wait to hear what you all think.

Till Monday luvies!
*Mrs. E

Girl Crush

How I was unaware of Kelly, the fashion maven behind the Galmouri, before today I don't know, but I now consider myself both aware and completely entranced.

The glasses, the Miu Miu pants, the sweater silhouette...




Total genius. The girl crush is now in full effect!

Apt 34 Out and About

I had the pleasure of guest posting at a couple of fabulous destinations this week. The style maven Paloma over at La Dolce Vita asked me to share the 10 things I can't live without. Coffee, fresh flowers and sky-high heels definitely made the list. You can find out what else did here!



I also had a nice conversation with the ladies at Desqual, a new online design destination, about how the world of blogging, how I define my personal style and my take on the raging boy blazer trend (approve!).


You can see the rest of the interview here - hope you enjoy!

Wedding Wednesday {To Top It All Off}

We had neither traditional wedding cake, nor wedding cake topper at our Mexico - ceremony (spoiler alert photos coming VERY soon), but it can be such a fun little detail when done right. I think I may have to reprise it for the one year anniversary mark.

Any one of these fabulously fresh takes on the old-school tradition would do quite nicely.



images by beth helmstetter and bethalee via style me pretty and by feather love photography

Let them eat cake!

Tasty Tuesday {Comfort Food Time}

I don't know about where you are, but the weather outside has started to turn a bit frightful, which always leaves me craving comfort food and cozy kitchens.



kitchen via simply grove, chocolate treats via what katie ate

And by comfort food I mean chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate. It really does soothe the soul. This time of year a jar of Nutella in my house is a goner.

Interested in more sweet treats? Check out my list of 10 things I can't live without over at dear Paloma's blog, La Dolce Vita!

Monday Work Wear {All in Zara}

We don't have a Zara in Seattle, and as of yet you still cannot shop online  - and yet I still choose to torture myself with their monthly lookbooks - because they are always picture perfect.

You cannot go wrong with blush and black - and did you spy those square heels - love.



You can turn heads in fire engine red.


And this is what I would like as my new office uniform for, like, ever!


all images via Zara

Ah, that coat, the shoes, that bag?! Zara, do you hear me? COME TO SEATTLE!