4:00 pm Fashion Fix: Overhauling Overalls

Fashion

Despite our best efforts to keep overalls in the 90’s, they’ve come back into our lives, thankfully new and improved and with a certain vengeance to take the fashion world by storm.

Thankfully, they’ve returned more tailored to the women’s body, some cropped, some reminiscent of a boyfriend jean and they’re looking great cuffed and paired with a classic pump.

After seeing the overall in leather, paired with fur, and in fun prints, I’m this close to grabbing a pair and giving overalls a second try. I love the last look: white, slim fit and cropped with a black pump. Then, a picture of the boys of ‘NSync, clad in overalls with one strap on and one strap off, comes to my mind and I just…can’t.

I’m dying to know what you think about overalls making a comeback. Will they be making a return to your closet?

image 1 via // 2 via WeWoreWhat // 3 via

Say it With Me: Never Force Down a Bad Margarita Again

Recipes

As we say so long to April and set our sights on May {May people!}, one of my favorite days is right around the corner – Cinco de Mayo! Yes, it is the ultimate excuse for day drinking and copious amounts of tequila, but I am making it my mission to never see a pitcher of poorly made margaritas be served again. So this week’s Tasty Tuesday is dedicated to saying Salud in style!

Did you know you can actually branch out while still staying true to tequila’s roots? Upon returning from our trip to Sayulita, I blogged about my new favorite drink – the Paloma. The drink is still tequila based, but features grapefruit juice, club soda and fresh lime. And is seriously good. But even with this alternative, there is still room to play as is evidenced by the Blood Orange or the Thyme options above {dying to try!!}.

Or perhaps you’d like something with a bit more sweetness? Then the Salty Chihuahua might be for you. This drink, besides having a fabulous name, adds a splash of orange liqueur, all for under 200 calories. Note, this is another one of the major downsides of margaritas made with any bottled mixers – sugar, sugar and more sugar. Any of these hand-mixed options are going to help you bypass unnecessary calories, at least a little bit.

And if you really, really can’t stomach tequila, a mojito is your thirst quenching best bet, especially when you add a dash of grapefruit!

Sure, we will all eat lots of chips and guacamole with varying levels of a gourmet’s touch come Sunday, but your tequila should never be sacrificed.

Viva la Mexico!

spicy margarita // blood orange paloma // french kiss margarita // thyme paloma // grapefruit mojito // spicy chihuahua

Le Sweatshirt is Now Tres Chic

Fashion

We all know French women have serious style. But when I came across Sezane, the evolution of the French bag line Les Composantes, I was immediately smitten. They’ve expanded, adding a combination of casual basics to pair with their classic accessories.

This isn’t rocket science, it’s just a little Parisian piece of work-wear heaven!

I’m loving the look of sweatshirts these days. Wear one made of high quality cotton with a slightly tighter, more tailored fit and suddenly they’re work wear appropriate, especially when emblazoned with a cheeky phrase like Sezane’s Le Superbe. You just have to be sure to up the ante elsewhere. A sweatshirt can only be worn with a good pair of trousers and heel {hello gorgeous metallic bootie!}, otherwise you’ll look like you’re headed to the coffee shop, not the office.

If you need to step it up a notch, I’m also loving Sezane’s printed suit. The moto-style jacket feels modern and would easily do double duty on the weekends. The skinny cropped trouser also follows this trend to a tee. Putting the abstract print against a navy base, the suit can be considered a neutral instead of a wild choice.

Last, but certainly not least on my Sezane wishlist, are their bucket bags! No matter what bag trends come and go, you’ll be able to pull this one out of your closet again and again.The camel option is a classic, but that navy version {Sezane calls it Marine blue} with the black python stripe has me weak in the knees.

What do you think? Does your closet need a little shot in the arm straight from Paris? Then definitely be sure to shop Sezane here. I’ll see you there!

Friday Fave {7}: Everlane

Fashion

Have you heard of Everlane yet? If not, make room in your closet! The fashion start-up out of San Francisco delivers high style with very low price tags.

I like to call them a Friday Fave no-brainer!

The capsule collections of tees, sweatshirts, cashmere sweater and accessories are well-edited, simple in their design and endlessly appealing. The styling only helps their economical cause. Their spring/summer color palette is just divine.

My Everlane addiction started with their tees and tanks, but now I have my sights set on their collection of silk button-downs. The newest ones were just released this week and pieces are already selling out! At $80 instead of $200 for some other big names we all no, I can understand why.

If you haven’t signed up for Everlane yet you can do so right here! Your closet and wallet will thank you!

PS: they’re also hiring like crazy!! See all the open positions here

A Perfect Sunday in San Francisco with Apartment 34

San Francisco

Not only am I truly blessed to be living in a beautiful city that I’m kinda obsessed with, I am also lucky to have great friends who love to visit! And the first question they usually ask is, “Hey, what should I do {besides walk across the Golden Gate Bridge}?”

Instead of throwing together the usual laundry list of places to explore, I thought it’d be much easier to whip up an itinerary that recreates how I would spend a perfect Sunday in San Francisco! This way, instead of hitting the usual tourist traps, they can experience San Francisco as if they were living here. I put the list together using the new app Mosey, that way my friends can access it anytime and check out what other SF natives recommend.

My perfect Sunday starts with a trip over to the recently opened coffe mecca, The Mill for my cappuccino and the most amazing gourmet version of toast you’ve ever had.

Wander a couple doors down on Divisadero to for some design eye candy at The Perish Trust {for amazing vintage pieces} or Rare Device for wonderful handmade finds.

Next, I make a beeline to Hayes Valley and do some serious window shopping. From my favorite hard to find lines at the boutique Nida, to picking up my favorite international mags at Birch, I can do some serious damage in only one block!

So much walking must be rewarded with a delicious late lunch back in our neighborhood, at the lovely Central Kitchen.

Drooling, right??

San Francisco is such a diverse city of so many micro neighborhoods, I’m dying to find out what your version {for those living here} of the perfect Sunday in SF is! Head over to Mosey to see my complete list and create your own itinerary. And since I’m always wanderlusting {New Orleans, Charleston and Chicago are topping my list} I hope those living there will share their secret spots too.

PS: If you sign up for Mosey now, you can enter to win dinner at THE French Laundry!!! {But you have to promise to take me if you win!}

original photography by emily scott for apartment 34. this post is in partnership with mosey

Idea to Steal {9}: Wonderful Washi Tape

Decor

We all know about the marvels of Washi Tape. The once cult-followed and nearly impossible to find Japanese tape is now ubiquitous in the blogging world. It is the DIYer’s dream.

And while it’s been well-documented that I am not DIY friendly, this is an idea that I might actually steal: Washi Tape frames! We’ve all probably seen a version of washi tape frames floating around the blogosphere. But there are three specific things I love about this one.

First – the mix of colors. The peach is the perfect pop against the black & white photos. The second is the various sizes of the prints. It creates a perfectly balanced vignette.

That balance is further enhanced by the use of the washi tape to create geometric patterns. That’s way more interesting and fun than a regular old square! I’ve got those unframed pieces hanging in the Apartment 34 office.

Maybe I need to try to flex my mini-DIY muscle!

For our entire DIY archives click here.

Time Flies When You’re Having Fun

Fashion

It’s rather hard to believe, but today marks my third wedding anniversary!

It all feels like only yesterday that I was sharing the whole wedding planning adventure with all of you. As I look at the photos I’m immediately transported back to that secluded Mexican beach where we exchanged our vows. And yet, it simultaneously feels like I’ve been married forever.

I have to confess, I was never one of those girls who imagined herself married. I didn’t play make-believe with a Barbie and Ken. I didn’t have my perfect wedding dress in my head or looming must-be-married by this age deadlines. It all just happened rather out of the blue. I met someone who enthralled me and challenged me all at the same time. And it’s been quite the adventure ever since. I suspect the biggest one I’ll take in my life.

I just read this article about how to flirt with your husband, which is always a good thing to remember to do. I’m certainly no marriage expert, but there are a few things I’ve learned these first three years and so I thought I’d share them with you!

– Never stop dating. It’s amazing the difference this makes in a relationship. Making the time and the effort to go out on actual date nights with your significant other staves off routine, sparks new conversations and reminds you of why you liked each other in first place! This can be as simple as a weekly date night, but you can mix it up too! Go for a hike, take a drive to see some beautiful scenery or try a new activity together.

– The little things do count. Probably the most. Helping one another out. Dividing chores. Giving each other undivided attention for 2 minutes before you leave and when you get home each day. Those little moments add up and up and up. Don’t underestimate them.

– Grand gestures count too. Everyone loves a big surprise. Send flowers for no reason. Cook an extravagant dinner. Send a flirty text and then follow through on it. Those big moments aren’t soon forgotten.

– Be honest, to a point beyond your comfort level. No one is going to stand up for you in your marriage except for you. Speaking up about what you want and need sounds like the simplest of ideas and is probably the hardest thing to do. I know it is for me!

– Say yes everyday. You don’t get asked “will you marry me” once in your life. You should be asked and be doing the asking every single day. Being in a marriage – an active, healthy, all-in type of marriage is a proactive decision that takes diligent maintenance. If you want your car to run smoothly you take care of it right? Your marriage is no different. If you tune it up regularly, it will remain a well-oiled machine that will see you over any bump in the road.

I for one have loved the first three years of being married. I can’t wait to see what we learn over the next three and 30 {gulp!}.

PS: You can look back on our Mexican destination wedding here, here and on Style Me Pretty right here.

our wedding photography by jose villa, quote via here

Living Gluten Free…and loving it!

Recipes

Being gluten free has become a major dietary issue for many of us. According to most reports, about 1 in 100 people {that’s 20 million in the U.S.} suffer from celiac disease, a serious condition that makes it impossible for you to digest gluten. Others are diagnosed with a wheat allergy. Countless thousands, diagnosed or not, might suffer from a gluten sensitivity. This New York Times article on the subject is quite a good read if you want to know more.

Regardless of which camp you fall into, there’s good news. Going gluten-free no longer means giving up the foods you love or eating things that taste like cardboard. Case in point, Lisa Thiele of the stunning and entirely gluten-free food blog, With Style & Grace.

Lisa has amassed so many mouth-watering original gluten free recipes since starting her blog that she just launched her first e-book and she’s giving us a sneak peek!

The husband and I went voluntarily gluten-free awhile ago amidst an attempt at eating Paleo {that should probably be another post!}. I actually really prefer gluten-free recipes. We don’t have any dietary restrictions that require us to eat this way, but I can attest I don’t miss the processed carbs. It also lets me justify the calories in that glass of red wine all while keeping weight off! I really prefer that!!

There are three things that I love about Lisa’s recipes in particular; they’re composed primarily of whole foods rather than processed ingredients, they’re really easy to make, and they are delicious!

I swear, it’s really not as hard as you think to eat gluten-free. Break a few simple habits and you’re there. Here’s a sample of the gluten-free ingredients that Lisa advises you have on hand.

And even though I like eating gluten free, that doesn’t mean I’m willing to give up my favorite, traditionally wheat based treats. Cookies, muffins, pancakes. They’re all still must haves! But luckily for us, Lisa has thought about that too. As a new mom herself, I know she needs a good treat now and then.

I don’t know about you, but I’m certainly drooling over this stack of Lisa’s Saturday Pancakes.

I don’t know about you, but I’m making a date for breakfast in bed asap!

This is only one tiny sample of the amazing recipes and super helpful tips {you’re going to want to to know what A.C.T. means!} about adapting to a gluten free life that you’ll find in Lisa’s book. If you’re on doctor’s orders to change your eating habits or are just interested in adapting a healthier lifestyle Lisa is going to help you.

So go and get your copy of Living a Gluten Free Life With Style & Grace now!!

Freda Salvador Part Two: The Studio Tour

Business of blogging

Have you ever been in someone’s design studio? Neither had I! What makes the Freda Salvador design studio so special is that it’s IN their store! Now you don’t need special access to see the creative process in action.

I couldn’t stop staring at all of Megan and Cristina’s tear sheets, sketches and samples! I such a kid in a fashion candy store. I was lucky enough to sit down with the dynamic Freda Salvador duo before they jetted off on a sourcing and production trip in Italy and Spain. I wanted to pick their brain about their inspiration and about being entrepreneurs.

Here’s what they had to say:

What makes your shoe collection different and special?

“We feel our line and design philosophy stands out from others because of our commitment to using high quality leather and components… and our attention to detail when it comes to fit and design. We want our shoes to last season after season and to be our customers’ ‘go-to’ everyday shoe. Therefore, they have to look and feel great. Our tag line is cutting edge style, versatility and wearability. We follow that mantra every time we design!”

What gave you the idea/made you want to start Freda Salvador?

“We were both working for another designer and it got frustrating to design within boundaries for another brand. We had so many ideas for really edgy, young, fun, yet “infinitely walkable” shoes that we wanted to explore. We don’t wear sandals and were tired of ballet shoes. We wanted to create the next flat everyday shoe that, no matter how it’s worn, will always look cool and interesting. We believed there is a big open space in the market right now for this genre of shoes. Luckily, retailers, press, and women everywhere agree!”

What is it like starting a business with a friend?

“Awesome! We started off as colleagues/peers and had such a great synergy designing together, so when we started traveling for work, we became fast friends. Now we have such a mutual respect for each other that it really is easy and FUN to work together everyday!”

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?

Only start something that you are uber passionate about! Starting a business is literally a 24/7 job. You have to love every minute of what you are doing so when you run into obstacles, giving up is not even an option. You fight harder and want it more. FREDA does not feel like “work” to us at all…we are really blessed that we can throw all of our energy into something that we love so much and that people are responding well to.

What would you like to tell your 25-year-old self?

Cristina: “Don’t plan a wedding and start a business at the same time! Not smart! Actually, I feel really lucky, I am only 28, so I wouldn’t change much. Now, if I were talking to my 18-year-old self, that would be a long conversation!”

Megan: “To enjoy every minute with friends relaxing, traveling, working, etc. Now that I am a mom, my time is no longer my own! I was crazy in my 20’s…I literally moved every year. I wouldn’t change that I did that…I would have just appreciated it more and maybe would have explored even more places!”

I cannot thank Megan and Cristina enough for inviting us into their fantastic Freda Salvador world. I hope you enjoyed it and found it as inspirational as I did!

original photography by emily scott for apartment 34

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