Happy {New York State of Mind} Weekend

What's better than a weekend in the Big Apple with some of your besties? Pretty much nothing!



The bags are packed, the itinerary booked and we couldn't be more excited to explore new neighborhoods, meet new friends and have entirely too much fun! I promise we'll have many snaps to share when we get back.

Don't forget - if you happen to be in the city we're holding a little get together at The Standard Hotel. Find out more here.

I highly doubt we'll have a single moment to sit still. If you have a bit of time to relax, here are a few of my faves from the week:

~ Great guest posts are everywhere
~ Tumblrs are so tempting
~ Rue Issue 6 dropped
~ I'm coveting this closet
~ And hope karma is on my side for this giveaway
~ I'm also loving in-your-face color over at Houzz

I hope you have a rockin' weekend luvies.

Till Monday!
*Mrs. E

all images via previous posts

Made You Look!

Great vintage finds are like jewelry for your home. They're the perfect way to add personality to any space. When I spotted these rockin' vintage suitcases, cameras and fans I stopped short.



When I discovered that these pieces are actually paintings by Christopher Stott, I was completely blown away by the fact that they're still lifes! I want to reach right in and grab each and every piece because I know that set of vintage fans would look so good in my livingroom. I guess I'll have to settle with having them hang on my wall - ha!

Were you fooled too luvies?

via creature comforts

Wedding Wednesday {Geronimo!}

Brides are often looking for ways to make their wedding pop. The oversized balloon is still one of my all time favorite standout details (pardon the pun!). And I've long been a fan of Geronimo. They brilliantly thought to add bits of glitter and fringe to their custom jumbo balloons. I just wish I'd known about them in time for our wedding reception.



But all you current brides-to-be are in luck. The darling ladies of 100 Layer Cake are currently hosting a Geronimo pop-up shop and great deals abound! A dear friend actually just used jumbo balloons in place of the traditional wedding party bouquet. I love that!

But you better hurry! The sale ends this Friday, July 29.

If I grabbed one just to have in my livingroom do you think the hubby would notice?!

What Happens When West Meets East?

We're all going to have a great time, that's what! This one's for you, my darling New Yorkers. Caitlin, Camille, Lisa and I are headed to the Big Apple this weekend, and what better to say hello than to host a little party. Won't you join us?!

We're hoping everyone will be able to come out this Sunday, July 31 and enjoy a lovely afternoon. It's even predicted to be under 90 degrees {fingers crossed!}. Just be sure to RSVP so we can accommodate everyone.

I am ready to take Manhattan ~ outfit selection has commenced, although shoes will be more difficult. I just can't wait to see who we'll finally get to meet in person!

Cheers,

*Mrs. E

invitation designed by Nicole Schultz

Tasty Tuesday {Delectable Design}

There few spaces that stop you dead in your tracks, but this is one. It left my jaw scraping the floor.



The mouth-watering shades of watermelon, blueberry, peach, grape purple, lime green, and banana yellow are scattered perfectly through the room. And the white high-gloss buffet and black cane chair anchor them - tying them all into a starburst-eque cacophony, but in such a good way.

This vignette just leaves me hungry for more! What say you luvies? Does this space leave you craving color?

space by molly moot, image via the daylight

Monday Work Wear {Power Player}

There are some weeks when you're staring down the gauntlet and you just have to kick it up a notch. You mean business and you've got to dress like it.



The uniform is relatively simple: the classic pencil skirt, wait-hugging blazer and power pumps. No one will dare mess with you.



It's time to work it girls. I hope you get a little added boost this week.

Happy Monday luvies!
*Mrs. E

jacket | Alexander Wang bag | sunnies | dannijo necklace | pumps | pencil skirt by The Row

image via {this is glamorous}

Happy {Mad Dash} Weekend

The race to get to San Francisco is so on! It's hard to believe we'll be there in less than ONE month from now.



But that will be furthest from my mind this weekend as I toast at friends' weddings, a 60th wedding anniversary and soak up quality time with friends and family. Because that's what summer is really all about. I'm so grateful to photographer extraordinaire Bonnie Tsang for her amazing guide to PDX - there are haunts she found that I've never seen before!

Are you headed out into the sun darlings? Here are few happy shiny things you might have missed this week:

~ I've fallen in love with this face
~ This girl has got it going on
~ I'm taking notes for NYC
~ I'm coveting this bag
~ I get to have my picture taken by this amazing talent
~ The darling Kendra Scott interviewed me for her blog!

Till Monday,
*Mrs. E

image via bonnie tsang

Mid-Summer's Dream {Dear June Handmade}

When the Dear June lookbook landed in my inbox, I was immediately drawn in. Marketing101: style your products beautifully and showcase them with amazing photography...





And you will have me at "you've got mail." I'm already trying to decide which scarf will be mine...calling dibs on the pink one!

Wedding Wednesday {Signed, Sealed, Delivered}

There are a million wedding details to fret about, but my favorite has to be the invition suite. There is something so timeless about a beautiful printed invitation. Especially when every single detail is spot on.




Like custom embroidery. Did you spy both the stitched invitation and bag?! Don't even get me started on the save the date post card! I'm in font heaven.



I'm a total sucker for envelope liners (you become a fan after you do your own by hand!) and the replication of the scribble design across this entire suite is amazing!



You don't get any more delightful than letterpress. Especially when it comes in lovely grey  and blush pink script.


It's paper like this that makes me long for the days when the printed tradition reigned - filled with calling cards, love letters and proper thank you notes. I just learned that my grandmother married my grandfather after a romance through correspondence and only 5 days of actual dating!

Don't underestimate the power of the printed word luvies. I wonder if that means I need to start printing out this blog?!

invites via jennifer lane, jl designs and beast pieces

Top Outdoor Decorating Tips: An Interview with Thom Filicia

Luvies, I have a special treat for you today. I was lucky enough to get to interview Thom Filicia about his top tips for summer entertaining. I was really nervous, and truthfully it was a little awkward to do the interview over the phone, but luckily Thom really likes to talk! And even better, his team videotaped it for all the world to see! So go ahead and press play - I hope you enjoy it.


Apartment 34 interview with Thom Filicia from Erin Hiemstra on Vimeo.

Our of all of Thom's great ideas, my favorite was creating a giveaway for your guests of cotton dish towels set out as napkins, with bangles as napkin rings. It's the smartest little tip. I would love to take his low slung coffee table and create a colorful setting centered around it for my next outdoor dinner party! Here is a sample of a bright table setting.


Huge thanks to Thom Filicia for taking time out for Apartment 34.

bowl | coffee maker | floor pillow | flatware | tumblers | towels | lantern | table | tray

Tasty Tuesday with Thom Filicia!

The height of the summer is prime time for outdoor entertaining. But throwing a great dinner party only begins with the menu. There is oh so much more to be paid attention to. Your space has just as big of an impact on your guests as what you serve.

I've long been a fan of Thom Filicia's approach to outdoor design {remember his amazing lake house in Domino??}. Thom's ethos is take your indoor decor outside. I have to say I'm completely bought in.




Who says all patio furniture has to come from HomeDepot? If you layer rugs, plush chairs and benches and layer with piles of pillows your own backyard will suddenly feel like a luxurious getaway.

But you don't have to take it from me. Check back in a bit to see an exclusive Apartment 34 interview with Thom Filicia {eek - I was nervous!} about his best tips for wowing at your next BBQ!!

I hope you enjoy it luvies.
*Mrs. E

Three Ways to Wear It:2 {Wide-legged Wonders}

When it comes to work-wear pants, the bigger trend is suddenly way better. My love for the wide leg look only continues to grow, as does how wide I think they should be! These days I'm embracing ultra-wide palazzo pants. So for the second installment of Three Ways to Wear It, here are few different directions to take the widest of wide-legged options.



I like the idea of pairing deeply hued pants with a simple tee and knockout accessories. Each piece, from the alexander wang sunnies to the colorful BCBG clutch, are intended to turn heads.



For my second look, I'm loving how the pleated pants provide a modern twist on the maxi skirt. When it comes to color matching, their neutral tone creates a more feminine feel. That's why pastel cuffs and patent nude pumps are just the ticket, especially when grounded by that Chloe bag. I love how it showcases a structured bow. It's probably the only one you'd ever catch me wearing!




I'm constantly inspired by androgynous looks. The print blouse, when buttoned to the chin and then combined with an architectural bag and strong flat, anchors the flowing pair of red wide-legs.

I hope you're able to get inspiration from these looks and put a new twist on something in your closet luvies!

Happy Monday!
*Mrs. E

Look 1: t-shirt|  peep toe pumps | statement necklace | sunnies ~ see above | clutch ~ see above Look 2: cuffs | pumps see above | purse see above Look 3: house of harlow bracelet | see by chloe shirt | chloe bag| multi-strap sandals

images via le fashion, style by bubble, elle.com

Happy {Catch Me If You Can} Weekend

Sometimes life tries to throw more at you than you think you can handle. But you'd be surprised to discover what you're truly capable of.



Today I am feeling primed and ready to catch all of life's curve balls. But check back tomorrow, because it could all change! And if you thought this week was full of surprises, just you wait. I'm only getting started. Much more fun to come luvies.

Here are a few of my favorite things from the week:
~Pretties from Portland
~ Retro glam
~ Street style for miles
~ Killer color
~ Party planning tips
~ Playing dress up
~ All your kind comments and SF tips. For anyone traveling to the Bay be sure to check out the amazing recommendations!!

I hope you have a fantastic weekend. Till Monday!

*Mrs. E

image via apart style tumblr

Friday Fashion Fix: It's Hip to be Dsquared

Resort collections confuse me. The name implies looks for getaways and luxuriating, but there are some collections that are primed and ready to get in my closet right. NOW. Take the Dsquared resort collection. It has just skyrocketed to the tippy top of my list.



Is any explanation even necessary?! I would live in those pants and that multicolor trench can only be described as bad ass. This is the perfect wardrobe for finicky Pacific Northwest summers and would lead  into fall beautifully.

But since we're off to warmer climates, I guess I'll have to take this look too...



Oh darn!

all images via style.com

Vintage Inspired

Today I'm loving art deco inspired details. Especially after I snagged this gorgeous vintage necklace from Sasha Maks Vintage. Suddenly - deco influence is all I can see!

Like when I was flipping through the latest Lonny I found myself falling in love with every deco-esque piece. When incorporated into modern spaces, they provide a sense of sophistication and glamour.



Here are just a handful of my very favorites pieces {and my necklace!}:



I think deco-fabulous might be moving toward the top of my San Francisco inspiration list!

1 fabric| 2 lamp | 3 chair | 4 entry table |  5 cube | 6 my new vintage necklace!

How Do You Decor8?

My dears, I'm taking a break from my usual Wedding Wednesday posts to bring you something special.

I couldn't believe it when I was asked to participate in the Decorate blog tour. In case this is the first time you've ever read a style blog (ha!), Decorate is the new book co-authored by design blog maven Holly Becker. She's the founder behind decor8 that took the blogging world by storm back in 2006.



I have to personally thank Holly for being a catalyst behind Apartment 34. She featured my condo right after I bought it {nearly five years ago!} and helped me solve some of its many design dilemmas. You can still see the post here. It was her post, among other things, that spurred me to launch this site! So for that I say thank you Holly and congrats on the stunning book.

As soon my copy of Decorate arrived I began to devour all the gorgeous spreads. There something for nearly every aesthetic represented, but here is a peek of a few that really spoke to me.




The book is also filled with practical design and interior styling advice, how-to's and inspiring quotes from various well-known designers. I love that it takes you step by step through each room in a house and gives easy to understand advice on how to style it. I have a feeling Decorate is going to become my go-to guide when we find our new San Francisco home.

Holly was also kind enough to sit down and answer a few questions exclusively for Apartment 34 readers!



Q: What is the most common design dilemma you’ve seen on Decor8?
People not knowing how to decorate around their multi-media "stuff" from stereos to DVD players, televisions, etc. and also having a hard time merging styles when two people move in together.

Q: If readers learned one key thing from your book, what does you hope that is?
I can't name just one because as I was working on Decorate I kept thinking of so many things that I wanted readers to take away, like to be themselves at home and to let their decorating style reflect that - to also feel inspired to decorate, to enjoy the process, to personalize the home with things that have meaning and to not be afraid - to paint a table bright red or wallpaper a kitchen in a bold floral pattern - it's your house, do whatever makes you happy!

Q: What are your top three tips for design bloggers who want to grow their business?
1. Write regularly - several times a week at least and get involved on Twitter and Facebook.

2. Show your real personality online and talk about what you genuinely love so you gather like-minded people to your blog - it makes the experience much more pleasurable and you'll gain more from it when you're authentic online.

3. Do a lot of research when it comes to blogging, social media, online etiquette, etc. because when I started blogging no one knew what they were doing and we had to learn a lot through trial and error. You have hundreds of tools out there these days to help you, including e-courses on blogging like Blogging Your Way (I teach this), so take advantage of the tools professional bloggers have created so you can save yourself a lot of headaches and do what you love instead of wasting time making mistakes.

I must say a huge thank you to Holly for stopping by Apartment 34 sharing her insights with us!

Be sure to check out the next stops on the Decorate blog tour, especially since they're two of my faves Making it Lovely and Mrs. Lilien!

{photos by Debi Treloar}

Style Guide: Elizabeth & James Jeans

The hits just keep on coming luvies. Our pending move is just the first of a series of fun projects I've had up my sleeve. Today I'm thrilled to get to share a styling project I did with Style Republic, an online magazine that features insider's look into fashion. Style Republic sweetly included me as one of their "Bloggers We Love." But the best part about it all was being asked to style a pair of TEXTILE Elizabeth & James jeans. You can check out the full feature Style Republic here, but I wanted to give you a few behind the scenes extras!

Having no idea what they were going to look like, I was thrilled when I pulled the gorgeous cream bell-bottomed jeans from their box.



With jeans in hand I set out to create the perfect mid-summer casual~cool look.

More subtle than summer's white denim, I could have just as easily paired the jeans with neutrals or brights, but I loved the feel of my black and cream silk Madewell cap-sleeved top. It provides a slightly more feminine, softer feel.

And since we're smack in the middle of summer I had to incorporate a little color. Keeping with the feminine feel I immediately reached for a patent pink belt and one of my go-to statement necklaces.



The best thing about the jeans is their super long length (the unfinished hem also makes shortening a snap ladies!) so I made sure they just skimmed the ground. I only wish I'd thought to snap a pic of my Marni booties that are hiding under there. You would love them , I'm sure! The only thing I wish I had was a cream bag like this one from Clare Vivier. Adding to the wish list pronto!

I want to thank Style Republic for including me in their We Love Bloggers series. Be sure to check out how the other great fashion bloggers styled their looks!

Going Back to Cali

It has already begun. I have dreams of a new California-cool home of my very own dancing in my head. One kind of like this!





Can I snap my fingers and have something like this ready and waiting for us in San Francisco please?! That can happen, right?

images by tim street-porter via la times magazine

Apartment 34 On the Move

Don't worry luvies, Apartment 34 as you know it, isn't going anywhere - but I am! Remember that very exciting news I alluded to last week...well it's official...



WE  ARE MOVING TO SAN FRANCISCO! (O.M.G.O.M.G.O.M.G.O.M.G)



I'm still in a bit of shock as it's all happening incredibly quickly, but in just one month's time, I'll call The City home. We're in for a total whirlwind as we try to pack up our house, find a place to live (that is pet friendly enough to take two sweet dogs - eek!) and figure out all the details in between.

While my head threatens to turn in circles trying to track all the details, one of my very first orders of business is to start banking decor inspiration!



Because you know I'm going to hit the ground running, high heels and all.

So luvies, what should I know? What are your hottest tips? Favorite restaurants? Best neighborhoods or must-see boutiques? I am so beyond, over-the-moon excited to dive in and explore my new "hometown," and I'd so appreciate some insider hints to get me started.

I hope you'll tag along with me on this incredible journey.

Cheers,
*Mrs. E

images via myself, pinterest and net-a-porter, quotes via musings on femininity

Let Off Some Steam

As the temperatures continue to rise, why not take the excuse to strip down to the very basics? Especially when your basics are real real pretty.

I'm already a big fan of the boy short, but I'm desperate to track down that Alexander McQueen crop top. It'd be the perfect bathing suit cover don't you think? And while womens' shapewear might not sound like the most enticing thing in the world,when it looks as lovely as this retro gray tank bra and briefs you'll be gorgeous in your clothes and just as head turning when they come off!

So go ahead - turn up the heat ladies!

images via fashion gone rogue and simply yours

Happy {Mad Dash} Weekend

Sometimes, life just gets in the way of blogging.



And today is just one of those days. There is so much in the works it's a bit hard to keep my head on straight. I can't wait to share everything with you luvies. Trust me, you're going to want to hear this ~ it's gonna be good!

Till Monday,
*Mrs. E

image via allure magazine

Acid Attack {In a Good Way}

One of the best things about the resort collections is their relevance to the current season! I mean the one we're actually experiencing (at least in this hemisphere) right now. While the week may have started with with visions of nothing but summer whites dancing in my head, resort's hot acid hues have me seeing red. And yellow. And bright green and blue!



Tempered by clean, classic silhouettes and crisp tailoring, the intense color feels fresh instead of in your face. So many collections tried their hand at the trend, but I'm particularly partial to Willow.



I want to spend the rest of summer, and actually most of fall, living in these dresses. And if brights aren't your bag, you can simply dip your toe in water with Willow's bright shoes!

willow, peter som and jenni kayne via style.com

Wedding Wednesday {Alfresco Perfection}

One of the best things about summer weddings is the opportunity to dine outside, warmed by sun and lit by stars. I'm constantly banking outdoor dining inspiration for the dream dinner party that I swear I'll throw someday. The amazing vine canopy at this reception completely took my breath away. It only looks more lovely as the day turned to night.


To add to the fun - there's a great story that goes along with this lovely discovery.



This sweet setting is from a South African wedding. How do I know that you might ask? Well, I stumbled upon this wedding while enjoying the world of Pinterest. To my surprise and delight, the bride's cousin spotted my Pin and left a comment to let me know that she was just outside the frame of this shot! She kindly pointed me to the rest of the fete, shot by Julie Wilhite. The entire wedding just as charming as this tablescape - especially the bride's gorgeous navy shoes!

This is why I love the interwebs ~ and weddings!

Cheers luvies
*Mrs. E

images by julie wilhite photography via pinterest

Short Week Work Wear {White is Nice}

Even though it's time to get back to work, my brain is fully locked on summertime fashion. You've got to take advantage of it while you can, right? This week I'm loving sunshine bright whites paired with saucy sandals. When I learned about ladies shoes from Viva La Diva I was immediately in fashion match-making heaven. {UK readers - you might want to pay particular attention!}


I'm huge fan of short suits for summer, especially ones that have a little bit of slouch. Paired with a neutral pale pink sandal that sports a modest wooden wedge, the look is quite office friendly. Better still, you can lose the jacket as soon as it's time to sip bubbly on a deck at the nearest happy hour.



While I don't normally endorse much in the boho fashion family, I'm loving the silhouette of this crocheted maxi. The sophisticated necklace and simple leather belt  nips the waist and makes whole look feel much more refined.

Pairing it with a sparkly sandal provides an unexpected sheen when you walk. If you sit in a traditional office setting, this look might get a raised eyebrow or two, but be brave! And if you're lucky enough to work on your own schedule, I say rock this look any day of the week.



It's rare that you can pair your go-to white blouse with your a favorite white skirt so take advantage now. You can keep things from feeling too prim with a stronger wedge that adds a hint of still subdued color. This look is a downtown girl's dream - I hope to see a similar shot on Sartorialist any day now!



I'm head over heels for this last look. I'd love to trade my go-to blazer for a lacy long sleeved shrug. The tailored crisp cut gives the nontraditional white a professional aire. It pairs perfectly with the lazer cutouts of this sweet heel. I'd throw in a bright bag to break the monochromatic pieces in half. You'd certainly turn heads in any meeting you walk into.

What do you think luvies? Do you rock white in the summer?

I do hope you have a wonderful week - no matter what color you choose to spend it in.

Happy Tuesday!
*Mrs.E


This post was sponsored in part by Viva La Diva, however opinions expressed are all my own. Are you interested in reaching thousands of style savvy readers? We are now accepting sponsorships for July through September. Email apt34blog {at} gmail {dot} com for details and rates!

images via shopbop and all shoes via viva la diva.com