Get Vera Wang Glamour without Blowing Your Budget

Better late than never, here are my two absolute favorite pieces from the Vera Wang White collection.



As a few of you said earlier:

a) We really should get to wear a different wedding dress to celebrate every anniversary.
b) What's out there just keeps getting better and better
c) If these dresses are even half as gorgeous as they appear in these images than all brides to be better run to get one!

If anyone has one of these dresses - please let me know what you think!

images courtesy of vera wang

Wedding Wednesday {Vera Wang for Under $200}

Yes, you read that correctly. You can wear Vera Wang without breaking the bank. After debuting in the spring, Ms. Wang has added bridesmaid dresses and shoes to her White by Vera Wang collection for David's Bridal.

The bridesmaid collection includes seven dresses, each available in eight colors all priced under $200! You can go strapless or one shoulder, cocktail to full-length, chiffon to silk all with Vera's glamorous touch. My jaw dropped when I saw that dress and bootie. I think both might have to be mine: wedding not required!

Oh and be sure to check back in a bit because I couldn't resist picking out my favorite wedding gowns too.

images courtesy of vera wang

Tasty Tuesday {Put the Lime in the Coconut}

It's time to toast to summer. And what better way than with a sweet treat, concocted in your dream kitchen?



This open, airy space had me at hello. Can't you just see the pool out the side door, surrounded by your guests waiting for you to bring out your refreshing cooler?

I don't know which is yummier, the delicious idea behind UV Cake Vodka or their stylin' bottle. Regardless, I'm excited to try their Pineapple Upside Down Cake!

I do know that I want to try a couple of these over Labor Day weekend {though probably not by my pool, since I don't have one. Much more likely I'll be happily sipping away while I scour Pinterest for more dream home inspiration!}

Cheers to you luvies!
*Mrs.E

Monday Work Wear {Color Me Happy}

What better way to brighten a dull Monday morning {what they say is true, San Francisco summers are very foggy!} than with a fantastically bright ensemble?

Adding a little feminine punch to your look is a great way to beat the blahs. It's amazing how a big bauble, sparkly cocktail ring or sweet skirt can add a spring to your step.

As summer looks to make its exit, I think it might be time to say ta-ta to head-to-toe brights, but I'm not ready to let go of color entirely. That's why I'm loving an eye-catching accessory as the perfect way to to make your fall basics pop. Here a few of my favorite options!

Although when I look at them all together I kinda love the whole outfit - ha! What color will be your signature this fall luvies?

No matter what you pick, I hope you have a dazzling week!

Happy Monday,
*Mrs. E

image spotted on design darling via matchbook magazine

shopping guide: 1 louboutins | 2 elva fields necklace | 3 ps 1 bag | 4 splendid cardi | 5 cobalt jeans | 6 kate spade ring | 7 rag and bone belt

Happy {Laid Back} Weekend

Phew. We made it through week one in San Francisco! It included starting new jobs, navigating new neighborhoods, trying to figure out public transportation and pulling ourselves out of bed for 6:00 am dog walks...



But it also included paling around with great friends, enjoying new restaurants, and simply being in awe that I now live in this great city.

I've been thinking it would  be fun to add an SF related feature to the blog. What would you be interested in luvies? My favorite finds? My best foodie moment? The best boutiques. I'll continue to noodle on it but if there's something you want to see, let me know!

Here are a few fun things I was loving this week:

~ A wedding so poised you'd think it was an editorial about really happy people
~ Taylor reminded me of how long we've been doing this whole crazy blog thing!
~ One of my favorite new features in the blogosphere got a well-deserved shout out. {Go look and tell me you don't think they should be made into cards!}
~ This list has me all tied up in knots
~ I finally got to meet some of my favorite Bay Area bloggers at a great Pinterest event hosted by West Elm

We're off to explore a new neighborhood this weekend ~ a little brunch, a little window shopping and a lot of taking it easy. I hope you have the opportunity to discover {or re-discover} something you love this weekend.

Till Monday!
*Mrs. E

image by jamie beck

Style Gawking {Jamie Beck}

The Style Gawking series had gone dormant for a bit, but I was inspired to bring it back. If you're one of the few people left who still doesn't know Jamie Beck, this is your lucky day. Your memory might be jogged by her now famous cinemagraphs.

But the real secret is out ~ the September issue of Lucky Magazine features some of their favorite bloggers with great style and Jamie leads the pack. You see, Jamie's talent behind the lenses is just as strong in front of it.



I've oogled over her 40's inspired sartorial flare since meeting her in person last year. And trust me, she pulls every single look off with flying colors. It's as if she stepped out of the movie Aviator.  And she only keeps getting better. {She must have the best nose for vintage of anyone I've ever seen. I've never made scores that good!)  I think my absolute favorite look has to be her shorts and scoop-necked long sleeve tee combo. It has Audrey written all over it!



I think it would be fun to add a few dapper pieces into my wardrobe this fall. What say you luvies?

Are you head over heels for the uber-feminine look?

oscar jacket | tucker dress | the row shades | reed karkoff tote | brian atwood heels | bijoux heart earings | tom ford lipstick

I've Got a Crush {Wedding Wednesday Edition}

It's been too long since I've had the chance to sit down and just scroll through the pages of my favorite wedding sites. I never tire of the endless array of eye candy and creativity. The artistry in weddings  constantly astounds and inspires.

So here are just a few of the wedding-related crushes that continue to dance in my head!







There are so many fabulous wedding details that you can infuse with a personal touch. What are your favorites luvies?

all images via once wed 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

Tasty Tuesday {Craving Comfort}

In a sea of boxes and an upturned life, you're left starving for a little organization and ease. In the meantime, I'm going to bank delicious dream home inspiration.

I'd love to be lounging in this homey space. The plush furniture, herringbone floors and open floor plan are warm and welcoming. The long and lean windows flood in the natural light, leaving the room awash in a golden glow - like a breath of fresh air.

And did you spot the word burning oven with wood storage in the kitchen? Nothing says home like a hearth in your kitchen!

Off to continue the unpacking luvies. Wish me luck!
*Mrs.E
image by michael graydon via canadian house and home

A Whole New World

Well, we made it! As surreal as it is, I now live in San Francisco. Crazy town.


Here's what I've already learned: I don't need a car {love that!}. I do need a scarf {or several}. There are yummy restaurants around ever corner - and it is my mission to try them all!

If you don't mind, I'm going to take another day or two to get acclimated and explore a bit. Luckily I have a great guide who I know will show me the ropes.

I'll be sure to share all that I learn with you luvies. In the meantime, I hope you have a wonderful start to your week.

Happy Monday!
*Mrs. E

images via design blossom, sacramento street & help - need photo credit please!

Happy {Fresh Start} Weekend

This is it. The bags are packed, the car is loaded and we are on the road to a new chapter in our lives.

The moment is bittersweet. I'm leaving my hometown and more importantly family, besties, new and long-standing dear friends behind.

But if there is one thing life has taught me in my {ahem} 31+ years is that you can go home again. In fact everyone will welcome you with open arms. So I'm banking on that every time I return to my beloved Seattle. I am a Seattle-girl to my very core and no matter where I go, that will never change.

And I couldn't be more excited to call San Francisco my new home. I want to say a huge thank you to you luvies, for all your kind comments, support, suggestions and recommendations and for being such a huge part of this crazy experience called life.

I do hope you stick around to see how the next chapter unfolds. I'm certainly on the edge of my seat!

I'll see you in San Francisco!

*Mrs. E

image via design blossom

A Clean Slate

There are a lot of awful things about moving. The packing, the goodbyes, the dust, the packing, the disorganization, the uprooting, the packing...it can leave you wondering why you signed up for all of this in the first place. But then you look on the bright side - a whole new home to redecorate!

I'm currently inspired by the idea of fresh white walls.





Especially when paired with stunning hardwood floors and natural light galore. The quote in the above image really says it all:

"The neutrality of white allows texture, shadow and light to become focal points rather than afterthoughts."

I'm going to repeat that mantra over and over and over when I'm dying to break out the cans of paint in our new rental!

*Mrs.E

images via pretty stuff top via house beautiful by Thomas Loof and bottom image via here

Wedding Wednesday {Out of Africa}

What's more romantic than the idea of getting married on the plains of African grasslands? When I saw this wedding style shoot I couldn't come up with a better place to be!

The team of Lauri Levenfeld of Zoom Photography and stylist Mary Kinney of Sister|Brother Style provide a beautiful take on the most unique of wedding inspirations. I've seen bohemian, gypsy, circus, vintage, flapper, 1950s and rock n'roll inspired weddings. Almost everything under the sun. Looking at a totally different influence feels so fresh.



Mary and Lauri combined inspirations from traditional elements of African culture with high-fashion style depicting an African woman born and raised by the Zulu tribe in the Province of Natal in South Africa.

They also put their stunning design and styling talents on display!



I love the look of the saturated color, billowing dresses and layered accessories. How sweet is their hand-drawn invitation suite?!

I'm banking this inspiration for all of my upcoming events- wedding related or not!

Tasty Tuesday {Fashionable Interiors}

This week's taste treat is runway inspired. I'm not sure which influence came first, the kitchen or the fashion, but regardless I'm salivating over the punches of color  in this Cologne apartment that are also echoed in the JCrew's fall styling.

You can't be afraid to get a little spicy if you want to pull this style off successfully - in your home or your wardrobe. But those who dare and do it well are cookin' up something I'm dying to sample. I think I'll have to start with what's in my closet rather than my kitchen, but going bold is definitely being added to my to-do list.

What about you luvies? Do you prefer bright color in your house or on you?

images via living etc and jcrew.com

And the Winner Is...{Clos-ette Jewelry Case Giveaway}

The moment is here my dears. The uber-lucky winner of "the Birkin of jewelry bags," the Clos-ette Traveling Jewelry Case is....

Felicity Brigham of Tights and Typography!

Huge congratulations Felicity - you'll have to share pics of you using your Clos-ette jewelry case on your upcoming trip to the UK so we can all be extremely envious!

Thanks again to everyone for entering. I can't wait for you to see the next Apartment 34 giveaway. It's going to be another goodie luvies!

Happy Monday,

*Mrs. E

Interested in reaching thousands of style-savvy readers to let them know about your company, product or service? Apartment 34 is currently accepting fall sponsors. Contact apt34blog {at} gmail {dot} com for more information!

image via pinterest

Monday Work Wear {Crisp and Clean}

This week, it's time to get things in order. I'm the first to admit that may be easier said than done. That's why I'm loving looks with clean lines and crisp tailoring ~ you can appear completely pulled together, whether you actually feel that way or not!




A strong bag, be it a tote, cross body or messenger is a great place to start. {perhaps one of each!} I'd pair one with an equally well-tailored look. A waist-nipping shift or a classic trench coat leave you looking completely pulled together. See, sometimes a little structure can be a good thing!

P.S. The Clos-ette Jewelry Case giveaway closes at 12:00 pm PST so don't forget to enter here luvies.


clothes via fina du
bags by tila march available at Lambs Ear in Seattle

Happy {Take a Load Off} Weekend

Sometimes a girl just runs out of steam, no matter how fabulous her shoes.



With t-minus eight days until San Francisco, I'm hanging on, just barely. If I can just find a few seconds to put my feet up I think I'll be able to make it through it all - the packing, the cleaning, the schlepping and then the celebration of landing in a whole new home!

I'm committed to sitting still {for at least five minutes!} catching up on all of my favorite blogs this weekend. Here a few faves and can't miss posts I did manage to see this week:

~ Lisa is making wish I was still in NYC
~ This takes street style to a whole new level
~ I am head over heels for every collection I find here
~ In case you missed it, the goddesses of glitter invited me to host a little fall fashion preview

And it's not too late to enter the Clos-ette Travel Jewelry Case giveaway. The winner will be chosen Monday at noon!!

Have a great weekend luvies,
*Mrs. E

image via fgr

All that Glitters

It's official. The lovely ladies at Glitter Guide are wearing off on me. I'm finding myself strangely attracted all things shiny...

I think I have to ease into it though. There's no better place to start than with a few eye-catching accessories. With the Miu Miu glitter pumps, you're actually likely to bring traffic to a screaming hault, but I think they're worth the risk!

If you'd rather dip your toe into the shine-focused trend then the Marketa gold clutch might be an easier way to go. I'd pair it up with a simple look of a black tee, dark jeans and (neutral) pumps for an easy date night ensemble - kinda like this one.

But my favorite option is actually the biggest statement of all - the new Kate Spade Westward Runway Duffel, designed by the dynamic fashion duo of Emily Current and Meritt Elliott. With this sequined beauty as your weekender, exotic getaways would certainly be required!

So what say you luvies? Are you up for adding a little glitter to your repertoire?

Yes, I love It Too {Missoni for Target}

It's pretty much already everywhere so I was going to pass on a Missoni for Target post...until I saw these.

Eureka! I just found the solution to never being able to pick my wheelie bag out of a baggage claim lineup!

Speaking of travel...did you catch the lovely Clos-ette giveaway happening this week? If you are in need of a travel jewelry case {and I'm confident you are} you won't want to miss this!

image via vogue & coffee

Wedding Wednesday {Seeing is Believing}

I have a crush. More like an infatuation. Really it's just pure admiration. My latest wedding photographer favorite is Belathée Photography. The duo of Annabel and Dorothée have an awe-inspiring ability to showcase the details of the big day that are too often missed.

But don't take my word for it - their images really speak for themselves.













I don't know if they're lucky enough to capture only the most romantic of weddings, but their pictures just emanate grace and beauty. And now that the pair is bi-coastal there is really no limit to where they can work!

So get on it my darling brides-to-be. I suspect Belathée's dance card will be full quite quick.

P.S. Belathée also shoots editorial and lifestyle ~ check out Glitter Guide and Rue Magazine for more of their work!

all images via the Belathée blog

Behind the Scenes: More From Madewell

Co-hosting Madewell's Denim After Dark party at our Seattle store last week was entirely too much fun. Style was oozing out of building. Even more amazing was today's Glitter Guide's feature on the event {I hope you'll check out my favorite tips and tricks for fall fashion!}. But when I saw all of the amazing images the rock star team behind Belathée Photography  took of the party I just couldn't resist sharing a few more with you!

To everyone who stopped by - thank you so much! I'm sure you went home with an amazing new piece or two for your wardrobe. I certainly had a ball meeting everyone.



Discovering Madewell was such a revelation for me. The quality of the fabrics, the perfect cut of the denim and the spot-on trends always knock my socks off. I go to Madewell to infuse my wardrobe with pretty tops, budget-friendly jeans and kickass accessories all.the.time. Note to self: that chunky beaded choker will be my next purchase!


Favorite trend for fall alert: saturated color. It takes the summer's love affair with neon and tones it down to more managable hues. Trust me, you'll be happy!




I was touched that so many good friends came out to show their support. I was in heaven styling up besties Cassandra {yes, of that coco+kelley}, uber-talented Laura and my Stella & Dot stylista friend Diana. They were all smokin' in their new Madewell looks. I snapped Instamax pics of each outfit that they got to take home!


The party also featured some fabulous details. We served local favorites including Stumptown iced coffees and High 5 mini pies {oh my were they good!}. KEXP was on hand to spin good tunes. But hands down my favorite shopper had to be Henry - the darling pug that made a cameo appearance!

All in all it was a spectacular night. I'm so relieved Madewell just opened a store in San Francisco.  I think I feel a welcome party comin' on! Who's with me?!

Cheers,
*Mrs.E

Tasty Tuesday {NYC Treats}

Cooking soothes the soul and kitchens are the heart of any home, but in New York City, foodie fantasies run wild. In my short time there I was able to partake in some gems.



The top of my list included an incredible dinner at ABC Kitchen, lovely lunch of kale and avocado salad with a poached egg at Cubana Social in Brooklyn and spirits atop the Standard Hotel.

You can find amazing home cooked meals across the city, proved by hostesses extraordinaire House of Brinson and Kelley L. Moore. And someday I will take my culinary skills to a whole new level with cooking classes by Sunday Suppers.

Until then, whenever I tour the Big Apple, I'm going to hit the mean streets and eat and eat and eat and eat.

What about you luvies? Do you have any NYC haunts you'd recommend. I'm keeping tabs! I'll be sure to share the deliciousness I find!

A Giveaway to Get You Organized {Clos-ette Jewelry Case}

How often do you travel and pull a fistfull of tangled necklaces out of your suitcase? I've done it more times than I care to admit - or than my very patient husband cares to remember {there tends to be a lot cursing when it happens!}.

That's why I'm so excited to announce a very special giveaway! Clos-ette, the maker of what they call the Birkin of jewelry bags, is offering one lucky Apartment 34 reader a Travel Jewelry Case of their very own.



The Travel Jewelry Case has everything an accessorizing style maven could ever need. Special spots for your rings, pages for your necklaces and pouches for your earrings, all in secured and separate spaces. And the case zips up into a folder as chic as the hottest iPad case. I might need a good half dozen of these for our move!

But you can get a Clos-ette Jewelry Case of your own in our giveaway. To enter, all you need to do is:

~ Show some love to Clos-ette on Facebook here
~ Follow them on Twitter here
~ Leave a comment telling me where you'd take your Clos-ette Jewelry Case! {if you're not a blog follower be sure to include your email address!}

One winner will be chosen {at random} at 12:00 pm PST on Monday, August 15.

Good luck luvies. Let the organizing begin!

images via clos-ette, jewelry via kim dulaney and refinery 29

Monday Work Wear {Sweet Cream}

Roses are red, violets are blue, but suddenly cream is my favorite hue.



For a head-turning look that is crisp, cool and clean,  monochromatic is every girl's dream. With a touch of bronze, silver or gold, a cream color palette can really take hold.

So my darlings, whether you awoke today feeling rosie or blue, head-to-toe cream can work for you!

Happy Monday,
*Mrs. E

P.S. check back shortly for an ah-mazing giveaway!

looks via issabelle de hillerin, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Happy {Unplugged} Weekend

Did anyone stop to notice that it's August! I think it's time to press pause and enjoy a few lazy summer days.



They certainly seem few and far between! After the whirlwind of New York, having fun with Madewell and being just two weeks away from the big move, I think I'm going to run as far away from the real world as I can. If you're looking for me - head to the woods!

In the meantime check out a few highlights from the week:

~ What happens when four ladies hit the big city
~ I love my new New York friends - you must check them out here, here, here, here, here and here
~ My crush on photographers knows no bounds.  New faves here, here, here, here and here
~ I found new sources for gorgeous jewelry here and here
~ I hope we can find a house in San Francisco that looks like this!

Until then, this is my new mantra.

Be sure to check in Monday - I've got a great giveaway in the works that you won't want to miss!

Till Monday luvies,
*Mrs. E

images via design blossom, luella loves

Tales from NYC {Getting to Know Ali Ro}

There are 4 million things to do in New York City. In span of 4 days I think Camille, Caitlin, Lisa and I were able to cram in about half of them. We were quite the ladies about town, let me tell ya.



But one of my favorite moments was getting to visit the design house behind Ali Ro. The line is my go-to for their fun and flirty dresses. I was beyond thrilled to wear the Spotted Ruffle Dress to our NYC style blogger meet up {more on the lovely ladies we met there a bit later today!}.



We were also lucky enough to visit the Ali Ro headquarters and get a sneak peak of the upcoming Fall collection. Trust me luvies - you're gonna flip over it.



After touring the design rooms, meeting the pattern artists - all prints are designed in house! - we had the pleasure of talking with Ali Ro owner and CEO, Kathleen McFeeters. She explained that Ali Ro was inspired {and named after!} her daughter, who was in desperate need of professional but youthful looks for her job in Manhattan. As Kathleen said, black is not in her vocabulary. And you'll find nothing but pattern and color in Ali Ro.



I was also thrilled to discover Kathleen's other line, Donna Morgan. I was like a giddy schoolgirl in Disneyland thumbing through piece after piece in the new Donna Morgan fall collection, swooning over the beautifully-draped jersey and practically jumping and up and down when I spotted the shimmering paillettes. My dream fall uniform was spread out before my very eyes. Key word luvies: prints, prints and more prints!





It was so inspiring to meet the uber-sweet Donna Morgan design team, learn more about their creative process and see pieces in the midst of construction. It made my heart beat a little faster and warmed my spirit knowing such passionate, creative and talented people are behind what's hanging on the racks at Nordstrom.



It was a truly amazing experience to go behind the scenes and understand how fashion gets made on a daily basis. A huge thank you to the entire Ali Ro/Donna Morgan team for welcoming us. When we left, we headed back out into the city feeling ready to take on the world in style!

And a huge thanks to Lindsey of LINDSEYBELLE Photography for offering her stunning photography services.