I've Got a Crush

On the 4th of July. There's just so much goodness to be had. I'm currently crushing

On cozying up in cashmere knitwear and heading out on the dock,



On classic Americana,



On wearing red, white and blue - in a good way,



On classy camping - {campfire baked brie anyone!}



On a lovely display of patriotic pride,



On lazy days of summer reading,



On high-fiving Frenchies,



On the dream of being ocean-bound,



And on long weekends that end with a bang!




Happy Fourth of July {and Canada Day} luvies!
*Mrs. E

This post is sponsored in part by Pure Collection, however all opinions are my own. If you would like to reach thousands of style-savvy readers email apt34blog {at} gmail {dot} com. Summer sponsorships are still available!

click on images for their origin

Bedazzle Me Baby

When it comes to necklaces, I say go big or go home. Oversized pieces are the perfect summertime accessory - they dress up any summer frock, tee or tank that you pull out of your closet.



It looks like Lizzie Fortunato is my go-to gal for eye catching bright baubles.



I love the interplay of the mixed materials, colors, odd shapes and various textures in her pieces. The combinations make them totally versatile - they'd pair perfectly with any color palette.

I think it's official. An investment must be made.

images via the sartorialist and lizzie fortunato

Wedding Wednesday {Simply Fabulous Flowers}

When planning a wedding you literally have thousands of choices to make. It can be completely overwhelming. But for all you brides out there things just got a little easier.



Bundle four peonies together and call it your bouquet. Done and done! Ok, ok, I realize lots of people like lots of other kinds of flowers, but trust me. Make it easy on yourself. Pick one kind of flower. Bundle them up tight. Wrap a ribbon a around the bottom and check wedding bouquet off your list.

Now doesn't that feel good?! {You can find a slightly more detailed bouquet making instructions here}

image via elizabeth dye

Do you have wedding dilemmas that you just can't solve? Are you paralyzed by the decision making? Don't know where to begin? Or just need a shot of inspiration? Did you know that I now offer wedding design services?!

After 10 years as a professional event planner as part of my day job, I finally decided to marry {pun intended} my experience with my love of fabulous, unique, personal, style-savvy weddings. I am now accepting a limited number of wedding clients for fall 2011 and spring 2012. Email apt34blog {at} gmail {dot} com to find out more!

Impossibly Pretty Cake

With the 4th of July around the corner I've been keeping an eye out for the perfect celebratory dessert. And I think this Banana, Nutella and Cream Cheese cake would cause guests to see stars. I also love the rustic elegance - it looks as gorgeous as it does delicious.



And since I can't run out and find my perfect rustically elegant kitchen in time for the Fourth, I'll have to stick to the cake. I'm sure my guests won't mind. And the lovely Julie Marie of the even more lovely Always with Butter laid out the recipe so nicely for us. Somehow I doubt my version will be as visually stunning as hers but I'm willing to give it a go!



images via always with butter, kitchen via house and home

New Series: Three Ways to Wear It

The official arrival of summer is tempting me to run out to pick up new seasonal wardrobe, but I know we'd all be better off if we shopped our closets a bit more. So I'm starting a new series for Monday Work Wear inspirations: Three Ways to Wear It, styling one piece in three completely different looks. I do hope you'll enjoy it!
.
The inaugural installment of Three Ways to Wear It is inspired by the apply named  "I'll Get You" jacket by Nanette Lepore. Because every girl should have a few pieces of designer clothes in her wardrobe.



The jacket would pair perfectly with billowing wide-leg pants and crisp denim top. You can balance the eye-catching silhouette by carrying the muted color palette through to your bag and shoes (where I recommend the biggest investments, hence the Jimmy Choos) but you always want to add something that pops, like a colorful necklace and summery bright coral nails.

Look 1 1|2|3|4|5|6



I've become a total believer in the concept of mixed prints. You have to be both a little careful and a bit brave to pull the look of well, but it can be done. Like taking spotted print short in black and white. That keeps the combo from being overwhelming. But since it is the height of summer I'd throw a bright pink blouse for a bit of fun. I'd continue to keep accessories neutral, but this time in one of my favorite trends for summer: nude colored patent. Get some while you can because it will be wearable all year round.

Look 2 1|2|3|4|5|6



The maxi dress is here to stay for the whole summer and so you might as well bring it to the office {although you might want to wait until Friday}. I like nipping in the waist with a neutral toned belt and add height with some sweet wedges. Throw in sassy jewelry you'll be able to ditch the blazer and head straight to happy hour!

I hope you're able to dive into your closet and come up with your own way to rework your wardrobe luvies.

Have a great week!
*Mrs. E

Look 3 1|2|3|4|5|6

This post was sponsored in part by Bank Fashion UK. All opinions expressed are my own. Interested in sponsoring Apartment 34? Check out the sponsorship section for more information.

Monday Morning Rush

Have you ever started a week already a day behind?!



Welcome to my world. Doing my best to get on top of it all and will back soon luvies. Appreciate your patience.

Happy Monday!
*Mrs. E

image by fashiontoast

Happy {Reflection} Weekend

How many platitudes are there about life?



It throws you a curve ball. It's like a box of chocolates. It smacks you right in the face.

And it's easy to feel weighed down by it all. But that's when I remember that we're all in this together. I have to constantly remind myself that one of the best and most difficult things in the world to do is to turn to the people in your life that care about you most, and ask them for support. But that is why they're there and amazingly, they really do want to help.

Here are a few things around blogland that have helped me keep perspective this week:

~ Being brave
~ Being talented
~ Being creative
~ Chasing dreams
~ Visiting paradise
~ Being lovely

Do you have any plans for the first weekend of summer luvies? Whatever you do - I hope you cherish it.

Till Monday,
*Mrs. E

image via going west

4:00 pm Fashion Fix {No. 21 is Numero Uno}

Things have been a little fashion heavy around here of late and to my commited design entusiasts, I apologize, but there's just so much sartorial goodness out there right now - I just can't help myself.

And I think I just found the cream of the crop. The 2012 Resort Collection by No.21 is above and beyond my favorite collection.EVER. They nailed everything.

Body concious day-dresses,



Pretty pretty prints,



Sumptuously slouchy silhouettes,



And beyond basic blacks.



The looks are completely stunning coming....and going.



There are literally no. Words. Le sigh.

images via style.com spotted on {this is glamorous}

Geometry Lesson

Bookshelves, in all their many varieties still tend to be square. That's why this option turned my head.



The piece has an appealing architectural feel, but it's still so beautifully simple. Keeping the books in well-balanced stacks the whole piece has plenty of room to breathe. All that extra white space actually makes you want to stop and take a closer look.

Here's to thinking outside of the box!

image via style essentials

Wedding Wednesday {Summer Lovin'}

If you hadn't already noticed, wedding season is in full effect. What are you looking forward to this time around?



I love taking in the long languid summer evenings, oogling the goregous brides - {don't you love this dress!} the bad dancing, the cafe lights, the fashions, the sentiment, the opportunity to wear rockin' shoes and when I'm really lucky, the food.

As they say, let them eat wedding cake!

image by tec petaja

Say Hi to Summer with Apartment 34 Sponsors

What better way to kick off summer than to welcome new Apartment 34 summer sponsors!



I'm totally loving Smashion.  It's an online alternative to consignment stores that let's you mix and match new and pre-loved fashion items (don't you love the idea of pre-loved!) . Members can buy or sell lightly-worn or NWT (new with tag) apparel and accessories on a no-fees marketplace.  This is a closet recyclers dream. As summer gets going I feel a huge closet clean out coming on!

We're also still working away on the house. Someday, hopefully sooner rather than later, I will live in a home that is completely carpet free. When I do, I'm finally going to get to indulge in fabulous area rugs and I know I'll head to Rugs USA with a vengeance. It's amazing how dramatically you can shift the feel of room just by switching out the rug. What do you think? Do you dare bring in dramatic color or pattern with your rugs?

Finally, if you're a sucker for beautiful fabrics like I am than I promise you'll love Blu Girl Art. All of their textiles, artwork and furniture feature hand-painted work. I'm just sad those gorgeous chairs above are already sold!

You can warm your shopping-loving heart  knowing  a full 15 percent of Blu Girl Art sales will go to Clean Water Action, an organization working to protect clean water sources around the world. When nearly 40 percent of water systems in the U.S. are dangerously polluted, just image how challenging it is to find clean water in developing countries. Every little bit helps!

I'm really excited and truly appreciative to have these great sites supporting little ole' Apartment 34. I do hope you'll take a moment to check them out!

Happy summer shopping luvies,
*Mrs E

Interested in reaching thousands of style-savvy readers everyday? Apartment 34 is currently accepting summer sponsors. We work with you to customize sponsorship opportunities to meet your goals. Contact apt34blog {at} gmail {dot} com for more information!



images serendipity rug via rugs usa, sunglasses and earrings for sale on smashion, blu girl art chairs

Tasty Tuesday {A Breath of Fresh Air}

Perhaps it's because it's the longest day of the year, but I'm loving all things light and airy (look to my sidebar for more!). This kitchen fits right in - the soft stone walls, honey cabinets and crisp white counter tops feel fresh. The hint of the black pendant just makes me want to see the rest of the room!



And while I've never been a fan of potato salad, the combination of the stunning ingredients so beautifully styled for the latest issue of Sweet Paul Magazine has me craving a heaping bowl-full right now.

Potato Salad with Honey Mustard
15 fingerling and blue potatoes
4 T olive oil
1 red onion
1 cup microgreens
2 eggs
1 T white wine vinegar
2 T dijon mustard
1 T honey
1 T water

You can learn how to whip up this salad to celebrate the solstice tonight right here.

But I'll take one order of that kitchen with a side of salad to go right no please!

kitchen via my new bff and recipe from Sweet Paul Magazine via oh joy!

Monday Work Wear {The Best of Resort 2012}

Even though you may not be jetsetting off to any exotic locations this summer it doesn't mean you can bring a little of the beaches of Cannes or the cafes of Capri into your wardrobe. Below are some of my favorite looks.

Like sweet shorts and tunic tops from Derek Lam. The silhouette is crisp and clean.



Or the soft frocks by Jason Wu. I'm loving the feminine hemlines, fun take on a floral print and graphic elements.



And while I doubt I'd rock Bibhu Mohapatra's fedora when sitting at my desk, it would definitely be a great addition for Friday evening alfresco happy hours.



By far my favorite discovery of the Resort collections this year are the beautifully tailored neutrals paired with bursts of raspberry and coral in the Tribune Standard collection.



While these looks might a little strong for the office when worn head to toe, I'm keen to incorporate the strong accessories. You can take a standard dress-pant and button-up shirt and kick them up a notch with an obi belt, big bold cuffs or dramatic earrings.




And this perfectly crisp black suit is anything but basic. I think this needs to be a workwear staple stat.

I hope you're able to inject a littel summer fun into your week luvies.

Happy Monday!
*Mrs. E

collections via vogue.com and tribune standard

Happy {Friday Night Lights} Weekend

Phew. The end of the week is here. At LAST. I don't know about you, but I am ready to let loose!



I just have to conger up a little extra energy as I actually have a night out on the town planned for this evening. But the prospect of wearing fun shoes always gives me the boost I need.

There were a few other things that helped lift my spirits this week:

~ Starting pining for fall so I could wear this entire collection
~ Discovered a new Little Jem
~ Oohhh and awwwed over pretty things at the new Glitter Guide
~ Had fun doing a little interview about my approach to style and decorating with Modinque.com
~ And I finally joined Pinerest. And they weren't kiddin' the addiction is immediate! Come follow me, won't you?!

I hope you're up to something fun this weekend luvies.

Till Monday!
*Mrs. E

image via marie claire edited for apartment 34 by me

Color Inspiration: Crazy about Cognac

Cognac is kind of the perfect color. Neutral yet warm. Pairable with everything from white to peach to blue to black. My love affair with the color is so well documented that I got called out for it by my Nordstrom guy when I walked in with this bag - one of my multiple congac purse options {in case you're unaware, aquiring a Nordstrom guy is really quite simple - anyone can do it. It simply requires going there. A lot. Likely daily. But I digress...}.

As the weekend approaches I'm already planning my Saturday afternoon fashion menu, with congac as the main ingredient!



I'd love to pair it with bright red and a few brassy accents for a casual but classy vibe.

Ok Saturday - get here already!


necklace | shirt | bag | wedge | bracelet | cuff | watch | shorts | clutch

Serenity Now

You know it's there. The wall, looming somewhere off in the distance and most days you can keep it at bay. Today is not one of those days.



Life has caught up with me today luvies. I do have a few lovely posts I'd love to share with you, I just have to actually write them.

Back...soon.

image and quote spotted on french by design

Wedding Wednesday {Home Town Hero: Sean Flannigan}

My love {stalking?!} of wedding photographers is well documented. If I find myself wishing I'd been invited to a wedding I'm looking at, then I know the photographer has done their job! That's why i was thrilled to see one of absolute favorite Seattle-area photographers, Sean Flannigan, featured on 100 Layer Cake.







This wedding is no exception. Set at one of my top dream-destinations, The Parker in Palm Springs the event is studded with all of my favorite wedding things: peony bouquets, Reem Acra, gorgeous food and plenty of  bubbly! Sean did an amazing job capturing the vibrant colors and spirit that just seem to emanate from everyone involved.

I'm afraid it's too late to get an invite to this party so I think I'll just continue to drool over it for awhile!

all images by sean flannigan photography, spotted on 100 layer cake