Tasty Tuesday {Cookie Monster}

The ultimate chocolate chip cookie just might be the holy grail of baking. I've long been in search of the perfect recipe; read loaded with gooey chocolate chunks, crisp on the outside with a tender center with just a touch of salty to balance the sweet.

I don't know if it's because we're about to move into our new home or because my mom has been visiting but I've recently been in the mood to strike out on the hunt again.

Can't you just see yourself in this stunning kitchen {another loft inspiration!}churning out some chewy chocolate goodness?

  

I have to admit I've yet to attempt the famous New York Times endorsed Jacques Torres recipe. It is revered as the very best. But who has pastry flour on hand or can ever manage to wait the 24 hours required to chill the dough?! {when I'm craving cookies, I'm craving them now!}

What do you think luvies? Do you know the secret to ultimate chocolate chip cookie recipe? Are there tried and true techniques? Have you tried the Jacques recipe? I'd love to know what you think.

As soon as I've unleashed our KitchenAid from within our massive stack of boxes I will be doing my own taste test. I'll be sure to share the results with you!

Full baking directions here images via here and here

Pardon the Interruption

Luvies, I must forgo your regularly scheduled Monday Work Wear inspiration to announce that we're moving again! Don't worry, don't worry - it's not what you think. After staying in temporary digs since arriving in San Francisco, we finally move into our permanent place this week and I could not be more excited.

This was our first time ever house hunting together and I wasn't sure how it would go - especially in the crazy rental market in San Francisco. Luckily, we stumbled upon a stunning loft in the heart of the city that we both loved and as of this Friday it will be ours. You know what that means...

PROJECT!



Since we did some serious downsizing when we moved, we are starting with a clean design slate. My brain is currently spinning with couches and rugs and light fixtures - oh my! But don't worry luvies - you're going to get to come along for the design ride!

Over the next few months I'm going to be regularly sharing our before and afters, small-space-living tips and wish lists and asking you for your opinion all along the way {remember, I know shoes much better than paint colors!}. I've already started banking inspiration on Pinterest and as you can see above, my inspiration boards are beginning to take shape.

Unfortunately, for the next few days our focus will be on the least glamorous part of this whole process - packing and unpacking boxes, but after that it's game on. I hope you're as excited as I am...

Let living the loft life begin!

Oh and happy happy Halloween,

 

images via here

Weekend Wants

The smallest things in life can provide the biggest grins. I love stumbling upon great design and these are two examples too stunning not to share.

The simple style of Fail + Canoe's bracelets are a match made minimalist heaven. I'd happily break my no arm party rule and combine two or three.

And if your iPad is feeling a little drab, it can quickly be turned into the hottest one on the block with the leather sleeves from Dew Drop. Because everything is prettier in pink, don't you think?!

Hope you're finding some fun this weekend!

Cheers,

 

 

via wit + delight and style swoon

Happy {Haunting} Weekend

The end of another month is near.



This time of year always goes too quickly for my liking. There's really not much that's more fun that cool sunny days, crunching leaves and good times spent with friends and family.

That's why we're definitely going to make the most of it this weekend. We've got quite the agenda: from farmers markets to strolling through town with pumpkin lattes in hand, brunches with friends and maybe even a trip out to wine country I'm looking forward to soaking in everything the Bay Area has to offer.

Here are few more fun things I spotted this week:
~ I'd like to bake this
~ I'd like to wear this
~ I'd like to win this
~ I want to redecorate my office with these
~ And I want to give huge love to Apartment 34's latest sponsors Moxii and Poshlocket. Between the two of them your house and your closet will be all set! {BTW, we're now accepting holiday sponsors. Click here to sign up before spaces are gone!}

One thing I won't be doing this weekend is dressing up for Halloween. Sadly, it just snuck up too quickly on me this year. What about you luvies? Do you love Halloween? I'd love to know what you're going to be!

And while we took a week off, I'm excited to bring back another edition of Noteoworthy Newbies. Here's to spreading the love.

Noteworthy Newbies 6.0
~ Moves Lightly
~ Fash n chips
~ Parker Etc
~ LA in the Bay
~ Margaret and Joy

Till Monday,

images via here, here, here, & here

Down for the Count

Well, it's official. The first cold of the season has arrived and it has hit me hard.

The timing couldn't be worse. I have quite the project in the works and had planned to share it with you today, but it'll have to wait until my head clears. But I promise it'll be well worth it!

So sorry luvies but I should be back soon,

 

p.s. if you'd like a little spoiler, check out my take on decor basics over at Interior Connector!

image spied via bonnie tsang

Wedding Wednesday {Fashion Forward Bridesmaid Dresses}

The days of the powder puff bridesmaid dress are a thing of the past. Thank goodness.

Now designers are turning out looks that are high on style. I'm particularly loving the Tadashi Shoji Spring 2012 bridesmaid collection.

The hand painted fabrics in the first three options remind me of my favorite Jil Sander collection and the full length floral gown? It is beautifully long on glamour. I can just imagine it against a stunning outdoor setting {like this!} on a warm Saturday evening.

Finally, bridesmaid dress options you'll actually want an excuse to wear again! 

4:00 PM Fashion Fix: {If the Shirt Fits}

The Acne Wilma wool-crepe top had me at hello. From the black leather trim on the sleeve to its seasonally-appropriate hue, it jumped immediately to the top of my fall must-have list {which is why I put it in my latest loves this week!}.

So I was particularly tickled when I spotted said top on one of my all time favorite style mavens - Miss Hanneli Mustaparta, and man does the lady wear it well!

Adding the turtleneck and then tjuzing the sleeves is brilliant. Mixed together with the jewel toned crop pant, statement sunglasses and white clutch and the look is the epitome of chic.

As the days are getting cooler I'd swap out a great ankle boot for her AWang sandals but then you are good to go!

Happy fall fashion season luvies - it really is the best time of year!

 

Take A Seat

Because there are so many sweet options to go around!

Do I think chairs have their own personalities because I watched too much PeeWee's Playhouse growing up? I wonder....{c'mon, who knows that reference!}


all images via pinterest here

Monday Work Wear {Be Jeweled}

Ladies, when you want to add a touch of drama to your work wear, accessories are your bff.



Bold pieces have been ruling both the runways and streetstyle shots for the past few seasons and it's easy to see why. They are key for your sartorial bag of tricks. A great necklace can take a simple tee and trousers combo and make it formal or turn a conservative blouse funky. Take these stunning pieces for example. They are the stuff accessories dreams are made of.

3.1 phillip lim similar here, kelly wearstler, alexis bittar, lanvin

Luckily, with the trend at its peak there's a plethora of options available so it's a good time to stock up! I'm particularly impressed with the looks from JewelMint, the latest trend in online shopping - a membership shop that brings you personalized product recommendations on a monthly basis. Bonus: it's pretty dang affordable!

necklaces courtesy of jewelmint

I'm loving my new Serpentine and Nordic Heritage necklaces. The Serpentine's silver and gold chains make it quite versatile and the Nordic Heritage pendant taps into the tribal look that is everywhere this fall. 

1 jewelmint necklace | 2 helmut lang jacket | 3 kain t-shirt | 4 watch | 5 alaia studded flats | 6 j brand skinnies

jewelmint necklace | 1 mulberry jacket | 2 equipment blouse | 3 nail polish | 4 ysl ring | 5 loafers | 6 similar tote | 7 trousers

If you need even more inspiration check out how I rocked the look at a recent San Francisco store opening right here.

I do hope you dig through those jewelry drawers my dears. Your closet will suddenly be reborn!

Happy Monday,

images via net-a-porter

P.S. The Estee Lauder giveaway winner will be picked at 4:00 pm PT today!

Manic Monday

Luvies, it's one of those kind of mornings...

Where I'm already behind before I'm even out the door. I appreciate your patience and promise I'll be back with your work wear post momentarily.

In the meantime, you can still enter the Estee Lauder lipstick giveaway! What better way to start a week than with some good karma!

Back soon,

 

Lip Service Verdict + A Giveaway

UPDATE: The Estee Lauder giveaway is now closed. The winner was announced on the Apartment 34 Facebook page. Thanks to everyone for entering!

TGIF luvies! Are you as happy that it's Friday as I am?! This week was innnn-tense. I did have fun with my Estée Lauder lipstick challenge though and I'm excited to share the final verdict with you!

At the beginning of the week I narrowed my favorite color options down to three choices: Nude Velvet, Bois de Rose and Cherry Passion.



Not being a regular lipstick wearer {my make-up routine typically consists of a swipe of gloss in the morning that never gets reapplied!} I wore a different color each day to see what, if any, reaction I received. The looks started out fairly neutral and grew bolder each day.


pic 1 nude velvet, pic 2 bois de rose

I found each option to be really pretty and easy to wear. The Nude Velvet added the hint of color I learned I need to look more awake. Bois de Rose provided a flush of citrusy-pink that felt sweet and girlie. But I definitely had the most fun wearing Cherry Passion.


chloe and I, really fascinated by something off in the distance! I'm wearing a james pierce shirt & isabel marant blazer

The burst of bright red certainly garnered the most reactions. And added bonus: the matte color lasts for hours which is perfect for someone {like me!} who never remembers to reapply.

While I might not wear a bright red lip on a daily basis, I now have the trick in my bag. So what did I learn from my little experiment?

~ It's good to break out of your daily routine
~ With a red lip and a little mascara, you are good to go
~ Wearing bright, bold colors is actually quite fun {and pretty darn flattering!}

What do you think luvies? Do have a favorite lipstick look? If you're not sure, don't worry because thanks to Estée Lauder, you can try this experiment for yourself! One lucky Apartment 34 reader will win an Estée Lauder lipstick gift pack of their own.

Here's how to enter:

~ Leave a comment on this post telling us your favorite lipstick style
~ Be sure to follow @apartment_34 and  @EstéeLauder on Twitter
~ Tweet about the giveaway and receive an extra entry

A winner will be announced Monday, October 24 so don't delay!


Till Monday,

P.S. If you prefer lipgloss, don't miss Caitlin's giveaway!

*Photos by me and Mr. E!

Disclaimer: All lipsticks were provided as a courtesy by Estée Lauder. I did not receive compensation for this feature.

Color Decoded

While I love the look of yellow, it can feel a bit difficult to pull off.




But I'm beginning to be swayed... What say you luvies ~ is yellow a hue you do or a hue you don't?

images via here, eek & here

Wedding Wednesday {Magic Moments}

Memories of your wedding day are some of the most precious. They often become the stuff of legend. But some of the very best moments are often ones you never even knew happened.

That's where a brilliant wedding photographer comes in. I love how this picture captured something no one else in the room probably even knew was going on ~ the bride preparing for her big entrance. {I wonder if she can remember what she was thinking right then.} Stunning, right?!

This is another beautiful shot snapped by Michele Waite ~ which I promised to share with you last week. I sincerely apologize for the delay but all the amazing details will be shared. Trust me luvies, it will not disappoint!

Cream Dream

Prints and brights might reign supreme right now, but pairing cream and chocolate brown is a classic mix that cannot be ignored. The velvety combo works just as well for your favorite space as it does your favorite look. Here's proof:



Both this room and this ensemble have gone to the top of my fall wish list. The workspace is clean, cool and utterly chic. I'm officially stalking those vintage chairs!

The kimono-style tunic from Silvio Liu's 2012 resort collection is like butter and should be a closet staple. You don't even have to wait for the return of warm weather to wear it. Slip on a pair of dark skinnies and trade out the sky high wedges for a pair of chocolaty brown boots {knee high or ankle would both work quite nicely!} and your fall uniform is complete.

While trends may come and go this is just proof positive that classic never goes out of style.

images via everything fab and silvio liu

Monday Work Wear {Lip Service}

They say that lipstick sales go up in tough economic times. It makes sense -- adding a new lip color to your regular make-up routine is a simple way to change your look {and boost your mood} without breaking the bank.

However, putting this idea into practice is easier said then done. I certainly consider myself to be a lipstick novice; it took years to push myself past Chapstick. That's why when I was presented with the chance to conduct a little experiment -- test drive a variety of lipstick shades by Estée Lauder -- I jumped at the chance. It's just the impetus I need to be a bit more bold in my work wear make-up.

Throughout the week I'll be trying out different Estée Lauder lipsticks and documenting the reactions I get. I'm interested to see what kind of attention the different looks get {current top contenders include Ripe Papaya and Cherry Passion}. And of course I'll be sharing my full report with you {including pics!} at the end of the week.

So, may the best shade win!

Happy Monday luvies,

images via here and here and by me!

*disclaimer: All lipsticks provided as a courtesy by Estée Lauder however i did not receive additional compensation for this feature and opinions expressed within are all my own.

Happy {Lounge About} Weekend

Wow, another week down. Time continues to fly. Do you think there's anything we can do to get things to slow down?  At least this time of year is ideal bakery weather.

sweater, jeans, bag, boots, scarf

Perhaps lazing away hours in a cozy coffee shop surrounded by the sweet smell of pastry will make the weekend feel a little longer.

Somehow we've managed to be in San Francisco for two whole months and have yet to visit Tartine {if you don't already know about Tartine you must learn. Check this out.}. This will have to be rectified immediately.

I hope you're able to enjoy a favorite neighborhood haunt this weekend. Here are a few things to check out while you relax:

~ Discovering Domino archives gets me excited to decorate our new loft

~ This makes me want to buy a dress

~ This makes me want to go on vacation

~ This makes me want to shop

~ This makes me want to cook

~ This makes me want to share more photos of Chloe and I with you

And before we go, here are this week's noteworthy newbies. Eye candy for days!

Noteworthy Newbies 5.0

~ My Anthology of Style 

~ The Style Crusader

~ 5 inch and up

~ Sprouted Kitchen

~ We Could Grow Up Together

Till Monday luvies,

image via pinterest

Double Take

In this case two of a kind,



is simply twice as nice. Don't mind if I do!


ilana kohn scarf, kelly wearstler blouse

Mad for Monochromatic

Everyone has a favorite color, right? Do you dare dedicate an entire ensemble or room to it? It can be a risk, but when done right, one that's well worth it! Here are some great examples of how to stick with a single shade and do it well.

                     

I tried my hand at the monochromatic look donning an all-white ensemble for the Rue Anniversary party. I wasn't sure how it would turn out but I kinda loved the final effect.Sticking with black or white feels a little too easy though...I think I might attempt red next.

Do you have a color that you'd happily splash head to toe or wall to wall luvies?

PS, if you want to see more pics from the Rue party head right here!

images via harpers bazzar, pinterest and here