Happy {Season of Change} Weekend

Business of blogging

Well, we’re saying so-long to another month. WTF. I never knew life could go this fast, feel this frantic or be this high flying. As I look back at the first three months of 2013, I gotta say I’m really satisfied with what’s in my rearview mirror.

That’s a good feeling. But there’s still work to be done…

Since January, the blog has started tackling new territory, from sharing more of my personal style, to debuting the Loft Life 2.0, to adding both a shop and all kinds of new columns {like this, this and this}. We even expanded the Apartment 34 team, who I already could not live without! And in fact it’s almost a year to the day that I left the corporate world to launch my consulting business and run this little ole site full time. Time really does fly.

Good things every single one of them, if I do say so myself.

After ending 2012 in a bit of burned out funk, I cannot even tell you how good it feels to have rediscovered energy, inspiration and total excitement about the world of blogging. There are about a billion people I need to thank for this, from dear blogger friends, to my endlessly patient and supportive husband, my family, my clients and to you dear readers. Knowing you’re out there, and what goes on at Apartment 34 might mean something to you… Well it’s what keeps me going, six years strong.

So this weekend, we’re taking the next BIG step. I won’t reveal all just yet, but it will involve the site being down all weekend. Suffice it to say, you will definitely want to stop back by Monday morning. If you read this site on an RSS feed or other reader, I highly recommend dropping in on www.Apartment34.com for the day. I really really hope you like what you’ll see!

In the meantime, here are some fun things to keep you busy, if all the egg hunting and chocolate bunny eating isn’t enough:

~ This is freaking adorable

~ This looks freaking delicous

~ This is freaking brilliant

~ This girl and her pup look so freaking cute

~ This girl is, just, well, freaking amazing

~ This class sounds freaking perfect

~ This girl featured our loft in her Joss & Main sale. Freaking cool!

~ This is such a freaking good idea

~ And this giveaway is, well, you get the gist

We’re also saying good-bye to our March sponsors. If you live in San Francisco, run don’t walk to Bae Home because they are having a moving sale and the deals are so freaking good! And if you’re more of an online shopper, be sure to check out Lulu & Georgia. It’s time for spring cleaning, i.e. the perfect time to swap out tired decor for something fresh and new!

And even though the site is going to be down for the next couple days, I’m going to ask you one favor. Please help me win a once-in-a-lifetime trip to New York Fashion Week!

When you cast your vote in the Pavan Jet Set Sweepstakes, you’ll give me a chance to spend an all-expenses-paid week on fashion’s front lines AND you’ll be entered to win a trip for two to Paris! You know you wanna go. You can vote right here.

So bookmark all these links and go vote, because we’re saying ta-ta for a couple of days.

Till Monday!

instagram of my shoes captured by emily anderson of @ejaphoto

Idea to Steal {7}

Decor

This week’s Idea to Steal relates to a bit of a hot button issue, but it’s not my intention to stir up controversy. See, we have differing opinions in our household, as any healthy marriage between two passionate people should, but this is particularly stark when it pertains to the hottest topic of the day….guns.

Now, I don’t want to incite a debate about the merits of one position or another. I can only say, as someone less comfortable with the idea of guns in my home, that I just really love this:

A shotgun as dramatic coffee table art! Sadly, I have no idea where this is from, but I’m going to keep my eye out at every vintage shop and flea market I visit!

It seems like the perfect compromise, don’t you think??

image via here

Women Werk: Introducing sweet & spark

Business of blogging

There’s nothing I love more than seeing a girl going after what she wants, especially when it comes to business. Entrepreneurship can be an intimidating and daunting prospect, but with a lot of hard work, sweat and let’s be real, tears, it can be done and quite successfully.

That’s why I’ll jump at the chance to support a fellow woman who is out there doing things on her own. That brings me to the new online jewelry shop sweet & spark. Founder Jillian Bremer had me as soon as she shared her mission:

“to always be authentic and share your spark”

So love that ethos. That’s why, when Jillian asked if I would join a group of fellow bloggers {and fabulous ladies I might add!} to be a part of her lookbook shoot, I jumped at the chance. Spend a day playing with fabulous fashion, jewelry and getting all done up? Count me in. As you can see, the result was tres chic!

We all gathered at this amazing warehouse-like office space in downtown San Francisco to pick through the sweet & spark collection of vintage jewelry.

That is how sweet & sparks works: Jillian has partnered with her buyer – her dad! – to shift through estate sales, flea markets or yard sales on the east coast to find unique earrings, bracelets and necklaces. They focus on pieces produced between the 1940s and 1990s. After careful research, they estimate the decade each piece was produced in and have noted it in the descriptions.

The best part? There is only one of each piece available for purchase!

We were tasked with putting together black & white looks from our own closet and then got to accessorize to our fashion heart’s content. Here are a few outtakes from the day of shooting!

I had to rock my rock n’ roll look barefoot to keep from being a head taller than the balloons!

I also had the chance to sit down with Jillian and learn bit more about her vision for sweet & spark as well as get a few words of wisdom for you aspiring business owners out there! Here’s what she had to say about life as a lady entrepreneur.

What do you think makes your shop different and special?

The novelty of sweet & spark is that it’s authentic vintage jewelry, meaning there’s only one of every piece. Thanks to the rise of blogs, I think we’re experiencing a shift from following specific trends to having unique style freedom. I have yet to run into someone that doesn’t appreciate vintage!

Partnering with my dad on his love for antiquing, he’s doing the dirty work scouring yard sales, flea markets & antique shops along the East coast and I’m out West, building curated assortments of quality, designer signed costume jewelry from the 40s-90s. At the core we’re about the classics and seasonally, we are building collections mimicking current trends which we roll out on a weekly/bi-weekly basis. Check back often, there’s always something new!

What gave you the idea or made you want to start sweet & spark?

With over five years of corporate buying experience for large All American bands, I was most recently working on a new brand with American Eagle Outfitters, which closed last May. I decided to spend the summer home in Buffalo and for the first time in my life, found myself embracing my dad’s love for vintage by spending time out shopping with him. It was then that I had the realization that no one was bridging the gap between the mass market and the overwhelming & un-glamorous world of sourcing vintage pieces. Specifically, there isn’t anyone focusing on just jewelry – for most vintage brands, it’s an afterthought.

So, I decided there was never going to be a better time. At that point I’d been lifestyle blogging under s&s for over a year and had a basic understanding of what it would take from a creative standpoint to execute my vision. I spent hours on YouTube, took a few Skillshare classes and posted on Craigslist for things I couldn’t figure out on my own. I’m a big believer in just getting started and letting it evolve from there. {editors note: brilliant piece of advice there. Write that one down!}

If you had one piece of advice to give to fledgling entrepreneurs or one thing you’ve learned about business that you never would have otherwise considered, what would it be?

A constant struggle for me along this crazy ride of entrepreneurialism is embracing the unknown. While the possibilities are incredibly exciting, they are also scary at the same time. I’m constantly learning how to let go of expectations and trust intuition it will never lead you astray.

Well I for one want to congratulate Jillian for jumping into that scary abyss. We’re all going to be better and more beautifully accessorized for it!

Be sure to see all the stylin’ bloggers who starred in the sweet & spark lookbook {I showcased her Add Edge Trend Collection}. I have a feeling this brand is going to be one to watch for a long time to come!

images via Sweet and Spark & Vanilla Extract

This is Very Pinteresting {Eames Shell Chair}

Decor

It’s official. The Eames Shell Chair is giving the iconic Eames lounger a run for its money! It’s all over Pinterest at the moment and our current obsession for This is Very Pinteresting.

It seems like no dining room or office can be complete without a shell chair these days. It gives an instant touch of modern to a room and looks great juxtaposed with other styles. You can find the chair in a variety of colors and price points {like this, ahem, homage to the original} making it an easy addition to the home.

In the 1950’s Charles Eames with wife Ray Eames, reinvented modern furniture. Popular for their molded plywood techniques, and using materials like resin and plastic they began designing for Herman Miller. Their belief in functional, sleek, and simple design has resonated throughout the design world for decades and is to this day, obviously very popular with the Pinners. The only question is which color is the best {editors comment: I’d like a collection of them all!}.There’s also an Eames documentary that I’m dying to watch called Eames: The Architect and the Painter. Have you had a chance to see it? I’d love to know your thoughts on it. And be sure to come pin your latest obsessions with us right here!

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This is Very Pinteresting is brought to you by our editorial intern Bianca of A Fabulous Challenge!

Too Good to Be True: Jetset to NYFW?!

Business of blogging

You know the cliché, when opportunity knocks…

So when Pavan Liqueur, a new spirit that’s just arrived from the South of France, asked if I wanted to throw my fashion-loving hat into the ring for a chance to win a trip to NYFW, I flung the door wide open!

But don’t worry, I’m looking out for you too. Pavan wants to send you and a friend on a 4-day trip Paris and the French Riviera*! And you know what they say about Paris in the springtime. When I said opportunity I wasn’t joking around!!

Here’s the deal:

I am competing against three other fabulous fashionistas in Pavan’s Name Drop to Jetset Sweepstakes. The one with the most votes by March 31 wins a trip to cover this Fall’s New York Fashion Week for PAVAN. If luck, and you, are on my side, I’ll be your eyes on the stylish NYC streets, sipping on a Pavan & Champagne cocktail to avoid melting into a puddle in the {likely!} sultry weather. Needless to say, I would LOVE to win and be so incredibly appreciative of your help!

All you have to do is vote on Facebook {here!} – and YOU can win the trip for two to Paris and the French Riviera! I won’t even require that you take me with you, though I’ll be rather tempted.

Simply click here to vote and be entered to win. And, you’ll have a SECOND chance to enter on Twitter!

Do you hear opportunity knocking? Thank you so much for your support {and for spreading the word in advance!}

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*THE FINE PRINT. No Purchase Necessary. You must have Internet access and a valid email address to participate. Sweepstakes begins 3/26/13 and ends 3/31/13 at 11:59 p.m. ET. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. & D.C. (except for Michigan), 21 years of age or older. See Official Rules (available beginning 1/25/13) at Facebook.com/PavanLiqueur for full details including eligibility restrictions, prize description and limitations. Void in Michigan and where prohibited. Runner-Up Winners: maximum value of tablet selected may not exceed $350.

I have been compensated by Pavan Liqueur for this post. All statements made by me regarding Pavan Liqueur represent my honest opinions based on my actual experience with the products. I appreciate your support of sponsored content that keeps Apartment 34’s doors open!

Monday Work Wear: {Jive Inspired}

Beauty

Today you’re getting a workwear double whammy. We’re tackling spring’s latest fashion and make-up trend! I hope you find them as inspiring and wearable as I do. So let’s dive in.

This spring the definition of “sexy” is giving way to subtle sophistication and I couldn’t be happier about it. Long a fan of more androgynous dressing, I find a real power and steely confidence in these looks. I think this quote from a T Magazine article I read over the weekend says it best:

“There is a a sweet poetry in clothes that are womanly without being sexually provocative.”

Amen to that.

I’m loving this editorial from Vogue China, as it completely epitomizes that sentiment. These looks also couldn’t be better suited {excuse my pun}, for the office!

These styles exude a boyish charm, but also a chic, sophisticated edge. You can break these ensembles down into three keys to creating this effect:

One: Finding the perfect fit. You want a crispness to your buttoned up shirt and snug fit to your boy-style blazer, but a nice slouch to your trouser.

Two: Fabric makes a difference. Texture and quality make this style of dressing deceptively simple. This isn’t about raiding the men’s shelf at the Gap. Instead, look for pieces that are designed for a woman’s body. You’re going to find a lot of silk trousers, blazers in thick creamy cashmeres and strong cotton twills. Thankfully, these are classic basics that will stick around for years to come, so an investment is advised.

Three: The oxford loafer is king for spring. I long avoided them, but have suddenly found myself gravitating to them like there’s no tomorrow. Especially the d’orsay variety. My favorite local san francisco shoe designer also has a killer pair here.

Bonus point: Have a bit of fun! As much as I idolize Diane Keaton’s style, I’m not sure I could ever get away with wearing a bowler hat, but I’d sure have a ball trying!

Now, another significant part of putting together a killer look is how you decide to dress your face! A self-professed make-up dork, I’m super excited to see clean, simple make-up accompanying the sophisticated spring style. This is something I can handle. I think.

Looking at the examples of spring’s neutral face below, I know this is more complicated than it looks, so I’ve called in some reinforcements to help us out!

Thankfully, my friend and make-up artist extraordinaire, Erin Dudley, shared her top tips and must-have products with me! Here are the suggestions I made sure to write down {and I recommend you do too!}:

One: A fresh, clean face begins with beautiful skin. I recommend exfoliating 2-3 days a week with an enzyme or scrub like ExfoliKate by Kate Somerville or the Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel by Dr. Dennis Gross. ExfoliKate actually doubles as a facial mask so you not only resurface your skin but you treat it as well. The patented, two-step Alpha Beta Daily Face Peel evens out the skintone and texture, restores a youthful glow with alpha hydroxy acid and anti-aging boosters for accelerated results. If you are up for a splurge, the Clarisonic is a wonderful way to resurface your skin. This hand-held device cleans your skin six times deeper than hands alone and is safe to use every day. Have sensitive or acne prone skin? No problem! There are brush heads that are specific to your skin type. It’s also a Dr. Oz and Oprah Winfrey recommended product!

Two: This spring is all about complexion and that “lit from within” radiance. The Optimal Brightening Concentrate by NARS is my secret item I love to use to cure lack-luster skin. Use it like a serum under your moisturizer. NARS’ exclusive Light Reflecting Complex and multi-action vitamin C clarifies the skin as well as works long-term to lighten dark spots and help reverse the signs of aging. It’s opalescent sheen gives you that instant luminescence.

Three: I am a fan of tinted moisturizer because it lets your skin shine through for a natural finish. I am obsessed with NARS’ Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer. Francois Nars said, “Foundation is the key to modern makeup. By balancing color without masking, skin looks flawless and healthy. Nars is about translucent looking skin.” This oil free, sun protecting product improves your skin as you wear it, reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation in just four weeks!

Four: A strong brow helps give structure to the face and frames the eye area. A bolder brow does not mean overgrown. I definitely suggest cleaning them up either with a brow artist or just tweezing any extra hairs between the eyes or on temples yourself. Anastasia Beverly Hills makes the best products for a flawless, full brow. I love the shade selection because they naturally fill in your brow without being too warm or dark. The stencils are a useful tool you can use to help guide the shape. New to Anastasia? The Brow Genius Kit is a good introduction to the line.

Five: A soft, neutral lip for Spring is the perfect way to keep you looking fresh and bright. I love Bobbi Brown’s Creamy Lip Colors. All the shades are very wearable and the emollient texture lasts all day long. The NARS Multiple stick is also a go-to, multi-use product of mine that gives your basic blank canvas a multi-dimensional quality. Fave tip -> To complete your look in 2 minutes, apply the same product to your eyes and cheeks.

Got all that? No worries – consider this week’s Get the Look as your ultimate cheat sheet for what I’m deeming “Spring-Chic” style!

shop // watch, trousers, blazer, top, sweater, hat, shoes, clutch

Spring Beauty Best Bets by apartment34 on Polyvore (follow me here!!)

Here’s to simply fabulous week!

fashion editorial photographed by Lincoln Pilcher for Vogue China // make-up images photographed by Nina Westervelt for T Magazine

Gotta Getaway: {Sweet Suites in NYC}

Gotta Getaway

Even though I’m as far removed from civilization as I can get right now, I do love the big city. My love affair with New York has gotten really hot and heavy over the past year or so when I’ve had the opportunity to travel there for business regularly {thank you blogging!}.

But it can be incredibly hard to find a fabulous place to stay there. Hotels get generic and uber pricey. They also don’t lend themselves to longer stays. Even I start craving a homemade meal after a few days! Airbnb is a great alternative, but you just never quite know, you know? And I won’t lie, I do like a concierge service or two when I travel.

That’s why I was overjoyed to discover MySuites and while it’s almost too good to share, when I got to tour one of their West Village apartments and my jaw hit the floor, I knew it had to be our latest Gotta Getaway. You don’t have to thank me.

The MySuites concept is kinda brilliant. Here’s how it works:

MySuites began in 2009 out of New York City’s Nomad District. The idea was to create stylish boutique apartments from and for designers coming to the Manhattan. After the first suite, the XXS, was designed out of a flower shop in the flower district, the word spreader out fast. Today, ten suites dot the West Village, the Meatpacking district and Chelsea neighborhods.

Each is located in a regular old apartment building filled with New York residents. But each suite isn’t like any regular old apartment, because they are styled to the nines! I melted into a design loving puddle when I walked into the wall-to-wall white one bedroom on Christopher Street. No detail has been overlooked and nothing has been spared.

You get all the comforts of home – a full kitchen, laundry, a queen-sized bed, tv and wifi, but with the bonus of hotel-style services! My suites offers daily cleaning, “room service” and 24 concierge service. I. die!

I was obsessed with the white washed floors and mix of modern furnishings with vintage details. This room definitely is made for a girl like me, but every suite is completely different. I’m dying to see them all.

And the best part about MySuites? You can stay for a weekend or for a month. Really, the only question remaining is when am I {and are you} going to book your next trip?!

Happy travels!

original photography by kelsey combe for apartment 34

Happy {Joy Ridin’} Weekend

Gotta Getaway

Phew, what a whirlwind this week turned out to be! Did it spin you around too??

It’s all good things. I had a super inspiring trip to New York, an equally inspiring major brainstorming session with Team Apartment 34 and have a great many VERY exciting surprises in the works.

But for this weekend, the hubby and I are escaping. We’re hopping in the car and taking a much needed romantic road trip up to Mendocino for some serious R&R. We’re renting a cabin in the woods and I hear I might not even have phone service let alone internet access and {sorry Instagram}, I’m really excited!! A weekend away to read, write, think and just be still…it’ll be like a idyllic alternate universe.

If you’re planning to stay a little more connected this weekend, here are a few fun things I recommend you check out:

~ There’s been a lot of talk about women in the workplace of late, from Sheryl Sandberg on the cover of Time Magazine to New York Magazine talking about the reinvention of the housewife {and I love this piece on men doing, or should we say not doing houeswork}. I’ve got some more commentary on this whole debate coming soon, but for now, I’m loving this article on how women can use body language to look and feel powerful!

~ Speaking of powerful women, my girl Camille invited SMP Living into her home office. I’d like to be invited in too!

~ Three very talented designers, and personal friends, Christina Loucks, Courtney Lake and Kelley Moore, styled up stellar spring tables for Mark and Graham. If you’re hosting an Easter brunch or shower this spring you’ve gotta see this.

~ We also know no less than 16 people who are pregnant right now. It must be in the water, so I’m staying far away from the pond! I am loving Amy’s take on the experience though. I suspect my feeling about it would be very similar to hers. If you’re an expecting mama too it’s a must read.

What are you up to this first weekend of spring friends? Picnics? Brunches? Maybe a bike ride? Be sure to check back here on Sunday for an amazing Gotta Getaway find I uncovered in NYC – it would would perfect for last minute spring break trips!

Till Monday,

image via here

Idea to Steal {6}

Decor

Committing to a paint color can be a huge challenge. You don’t want the hue you choose to overwhelm your room, but that doesn’t mean you have to steer clear of color all together. Give your favorite paint color a try with half-painted walls; our latest edition of Ideas to Steal.

However, we must make clear that this idea is much more than a color-testing system. A half-painted wall is a fabulous design trick in and of itself. Let’s have a look!

Using this painting scheme is a great way to add the appearance of architectural detail to your space, even when there really aren’t any. Consider it a modern approach to wainscoting.A half-painted wall usually follows the perimeter of a room, creating a nice flow. Layering a dark color below white {or at least a much lighter tone} also helps you create a feeling of height.

I love that the technique lets you make a bold statement without overwhelming a room. It will create a dynamic feel to your space. As a lover of white walls, I think this option would be the perfect happy medium for a slight color-phobe such a myself. I could introduce drama and wonderful design detail while maintaining my beloved modern, clean aesthetic. I’m already considering repainting our bedroom!

What do you think? Would you be willing to give the half-painted wall idea a try?

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