See You Next Year!

Well 2011, it's been swell, but I think I'm ready to try 2012 on for size.

Because I have a very good feeling about it!

Before I run away for the long holiday weekend, I thought I'd send you off with a recap of the blog's latest feature - Noteworthy Newbies - just in case, like me, you plan on excess amounts of lounging during your time off. The brilliance out there in blogland never ceases to amaze and humble me.

Here are five more Newbies that have been driving me wild this week:

~ Odessa May

~ MsLadyDay

~ Maple and Shade

~ Erin Dudley

~ Gretchen Aubuchon Design

2011 Noteworthy Newbies

~ Could I Have That

~ Rooms and Words

~ Lovely Package

~ Because It's Awesome

~ Streetstyle Aesthetic

~ A House in the Hills

~ Design Attractor

~ vmac and cheese

~ Raspberry and Red

~ A Piece of Toast

~ Moves Lightly
~ Fash n chips
~ Parker Etc
~ LA in the Bay
~ Margaret and Joy
~ My Anthology of Style

~ The Style Crusader

~ 5 inch and up

~ Sprouted Kitchen

~ We Could Grow Up Together

~ Bug and Bear
~ Tar-Tryin
~ Fashionably Bombed
~ Catch Me if You Fran
~ Shop Sweet Things
~ Hip Hip Gin Gin
~ Life's Little Gem
~ In the City with Crystalin
~ Ryzenbergon On
~ Thunder in Our Hearts
~ The Chriselle Factor

~ A Note on Design

~ Veronica Loves Archie

~ Honey and Jam

~ Gary Pepper Vintage
~ Design Me Daily
~ Sweet Thing
~ Bancroft and Ivy
~ Note to self
~ The Fresh Exchange

Cheers to lots and lots of fabulous rule breaking in 2012 luvies,

 

Bonus: Be sure to check out our Cream of the Crop, Holiday Hot Shops and all other Apartment sponsors as their end of year sales are not to be missed!

images via here and here

Best of 2011 {I've Got a Crush}

Crushes are fun. They can be fleeting. They can be intense. They can be completely unrealistic and ideally, completely harmless. What started as an easy way to compile my latest faves turned into my most popular column in 2011 ~ and I love it. What's more fun than having a crush ? Getting to tell everyone about it, of course!

My favorite collection of 2011 crushes seems particularly fitting for the looming new year. I feel pretty confident you'll agree...

I've {Still!} Got a Crush

On amazing manicures,

On covetable closets,

On not so mellow yellow,

 

On feelin' good in the skin you're in,

 

On high-heeled snow bunnies,

On over the top accessorizing {but not on arm parties, just sayin'},

And, on my new mantra.

It can be your mantra too, it's cool.

Here's to a badass 2012 luvies!

 

Bonus - you can catch up on all my 2011 crushes here

Best of 2011 {Wedding Wednesday}

Weddings used to make me gag. No joke. Until I experienced my own I had no appreciation for the art that can go into the process (if you choose the right team!) That's why nearly two years after getting hitched {eek!} I still need my weekly wedding fix. Hence the continuation of Wedding Wednesdays.

One of my favorite discoveries of the year was the new style of wedding video - really better described as a wedding film. Rather than a lame camcorder recording of your vows, the wedding film is a true work of art that captures your special day in a personal, moving and totally watchable way. It's the only thing I regret not investing in for our wedding.

This post is what convinced me the investment is, in fact, worth it.

Wedding Wednesday {Is the Wedding Video Worth It?}

Do you ever watch your wedding video? I didn't think so. I've never been convinced a wedding video is a great investment. If you're desperate to capture the moment for your future kids a FlipCam or even iPhone video can suffice. With so many other things to prioritize why drop thousands of dollars on 20 minutes of footage that maybe you'll drag out at the random anniversary. Or so I thought.

I've stood hard and firm in this ambivalence about wedding videos....until I saw this.

nick+maria • england wedding from Paperback Weddings on Vimeo.

This could never be called a video. It is a wedding film - and is maybe one of the best things I've ever seen.  I had to watch twice. Even now, I want to watch it again and I've never even met these people!

{Have you watched it yet - trust me - press play!}

The team behind this jaw dropping work, Paperback Weddings, describe it as photo + cinema. I describe it as freakin' brilliant.

So, I stand corrected luvies. I still think no one needs a wedding a video, but I'm now a believer that everyone should be lucky enough to have their own wedding film.

What do you think? Are wedding videos worth it?

Bonus: Paperback Weddings just produced another stunning video. If you need even more convincing about how good these things are - watch it here!

Best of 2011 {Tasty Tuesday}

Tasty Tuesday is a bit of a misnomer.  While originally intended to be food related the series is really my excuse to feature anything that's truly delicious {and describable with food related adjectives}. That's why this is one of my favorite Tasty Tuesday posts of 2011 - it combined two of my greatest loves: drool-worthy kitchens and yummy fashion.

I do hope you enjoy this second helping!

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  - 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?

Bonus: my runner-up favorite Tasty Tuesday posts are here and here!

images via living etc and jcrew.com

Ta Ta 2011 + Holiday Snapshots

It's hard to believe 2012 is only days away. This week I'm trying to extend the final few hours of 2011 as much as I can. It was a pretty decent year after all - respect should be paid.  That's why I'll be bringing you the year's best posts - in homage to what was before we look ahead.

But before we dive into 2011's greatest hits, here are a few sneak peaks into our first San Francisco holiday - in case you were curious...

It involved thoughtful gift giving, lots of home cookin', Frenchie puppy sitting and lovely sunset walks {I'm loving CA in December!}. It truly was a holiday to remember.

I hope you enjoyed special times with loved ones this weekend my dears - and that you're ready to kick 2012 off in style! I know I am!!

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

And all through the house...every creature was whirring  - even the mouse! 

But at least all the stockings are hung by the chimney with care, in the hopes that at some point I'll come up for air!

Well luvies, I'm off. Unplugging to enjoy a few days of loft life holiday bliss in my adopted city. And I must say, I am feeling quite overjoyed about that.

It'll be even better once all the presents are wrapped.

Do enjoy your holidays. Next week will include a giveaway winner {I've extended our final shopping spree of the year!} and a countdown of the top posts of 2011!

Till then, cheers to precious moments spent with those we hold most dear.

xoxo,

image via tumblr

Last Minute Gift Guide

Last minute Christmas shopping, though less than ideal, is often our reality. I know I'll be running around like a mad woman tomorrow, picking up my last minute goodies. If you're still looking for a bit of gift giving inspiration, I've got your back.

I shared some of my favorite gift ideas with my friend Jessica over on Facebook today.

1 similar here, 2 similar here, 3, 4, 5

I know I'd have an ear to ear grin if any of these items showed up under my tree. You can see the entire list here!

Happy holidays {and last minute shopping} luvies!

Winter Wedding Inspiration

Have you ever spotted a single thing that totally inspires. This cake is doing that for me today.



I'd love to see a slate grey and metalic color palette. With lots of magnolia branches and small white blooms - likely gardenia. And snow, lots of snow.

Ok, who's ready to plan this wedding with me?!

image by dave richards

A Holiday Tabletop Built for Two

Hosting Christmas dinner is a tad intimidating, especially when doing it for the very first time, but I'm quite excited to get to give it a try this year. To feel fully prepared, I decided a tabletop dry run was in order. Here's a sneak peak of the latest attempt!

Keeping things in the loft life spirit, I'm currently trending away from traditional holiday decor and going in a more graphic direction instead.



Since we're keeping holiday decorations to a minimum the table features a nontraditional color palette of black, white, silver and gold. I love how the print on our StoneTextile place mats pop against our white table.



StoneTextile's elegant black napkin ring kicks up the glam factor, reflecting the special occasion. I must say I would probably prefer a more modern looking set of flatware {like these!}, but we've yet to invest in them yet.

My tabletop staples are always flowers and shine. Being in California I get to mix my favorite bloom, peonies in December. Love that! I decided to pair them with a more seasonally appropriate red berry. I also used my grandmothers antique mirrored tray to reflect all the candlelight once evening falls.



While I may change out my tea lights for black votives and add in a few taller tapers for the main event, the final table design is well on its way.

This is in large part to Apartment 34 sponsor StoneTextile and the sweet Elizabeth who graciously wants to help make your tabletop lovely too! I'm thrilled to announce one more exclusive holiday giveaway -

A $100 shopping spree at StoneTexitle!

Here's how you enter:

~ Head over to Facebook and show StoneTextile some love
~ Leave a comment on this post letting me know your favorite part of holiday decorating
~ Tweet aboutt the giveaway for an extra entry

A winner will be chosen on Thursday, December 22 so hurry, hurry.

Here's to a joyous holiday season filled with lovely decor and design!

Would you like to reach thousands of style-savvy readers in the new year? Consider sponsoring Apartment 34! January sponsorships are now open, but spots are filling up quickly! Email apt34blog {at} gmail {dot} com for more details

Tasty Tuesday {Holiday Sweet Treat}

Three things I am not. A chef. A photographer. A good speller {as is often evidenced on this blog!} But I think I nailed two out of the three with my attempt at making homemade dark chocolate bark with pistachios and sea salt. I handed it out as the take home gift for our loft warming party this past weekend.




Now I cannot take credit for the recipe. I'd spotted a version in Whole Living and then Lisa boosted my confidence with her adaption, reassuring me that I couldn't screw this up.

And in fact, the process is really as easy as it gets. There are only three steps involved:

Step 1: Melt dark chocolate {mind you good dark chocolate, at least 70% cocoa and preferably organic and fair trade. I'm partial to Theo's}

Step 2: Sprinkle melted chocolate with chopped pistachios and Maldon sea salt.

Step 3: Put in fridge until firm.

The End.

Oh and I forgot the totally wow your guests part. I wrapped my pieces in parchment tied with a bit of twine and topped with a gift tag that said Eat Me, Alice in Wonderland style. It was a hit, if I do say so myself.

Now I know what my stocking stuffers will be!

P.S. Come back in just a bit. I'll be sharing my loft life holiday table with a spectacular giveaway!! You won't want to miss this.

photography via me, myself and I

Monday Work Wear {Holiday Hotness}

As we start our end of year countdown, workwear must take a turn to the festive. There's just not enough time in the day to run home for a wardrobe change. That's why I was so excited when Joie shared their line of shimmer-heavy holiday tops. The stunning beading and sparkle is exactly what we need this time of year.

miu miu peeptoes similar here, anya hindmarch clutch, dannijo necklace similar here, chanel nail polish, tom ford lipstick, joie tops

Since sequins during the day are officially back {thank you JCrew} there's no reason to shun shimmer during working hours. You just have to strategically tone it down.

mason martin margiela blazer, a|x leather pants, joie sequin tank, lanvin flats, michael kors globe ring, alexander wang tote, watch similar here

If you cover a shiny tank with a demure tuxedo blazer and stick to a subtle pair of pointy-toed flats, you're more than ready for the boardroom. Your evening wardrobe change is just as simple. All you need to pack in your bucket bag is a pair of heels and statement necklace and you're ready for the first glass of bubbly. 

If you've gotten the hang of the sparkle trend than I have the contest for you. Joie has just partnered with Polyvore {which I had a ball using to create my collages today - I know, I know I'm late to the game!} to offer one lucky stylista a $500 Joie Gift Card in celebration of their new e-commerce site! And just in time for New Year's Eve...

I for one cannot wait to try out day-to-night dressing with my Joie Imogen Beaded Top. Spoiler alert: I'll be posting a few sneak peaks of my look on Facebook later today.

I hope you have a shiny happy week luvies,

Happy {Loft Warming} Weekend

There's nothing like the hard deadline of a party to get your butt in gear. That's why we set our loft-warming for tomorrow {eek!}. And while there will be a last minute scramble or two, we are calling the official design ready for the public.

I cannot wait for our space to make it's grand debut. And this means I'll finally be able to share snippets with you - woot! What would you most like to see luvies? Our holiday decor? How we went from my inspiration board to our actual design? Or perhaps learn about the challenges we've faced throughout this loft living experience? Let me know what you're most interested it!

While I'm knee deep in cooking and cleaning here are a few of things from the week to keep you occupied:

~ Inventory Magazine and Welikewelove {featuring Caitlin!}

~ The holidays are all about giving but the Rue Girls are taking it to a whole new level. Enter to win $2,000 worth of goodies here, here, here, and here

~ While blogland is rife with gift guides I had to do one too. Here's one I did for PopSugar if you missed it!

Till Monday,

 

image via jcrew spotted on note to self



I've Got A Crush {Holiday Glam}

The holiday season is all about the shine. The glitz and twinkle makes you feel like you're glowing from the inside out. It's impossible not to love it. I'm currently crushing..

on shimmery sweets and glittery shoes,

on dramatic design,

on avant-garde style statements,

on gold accents,

and on dazzling details,

After all, the proper holiday ensemble is really what matters most!


ps click on images for sources