04/17/13

Retail Therapy: {Freda Salvador}

Today’s Retail Therapy feature is extra special. I’m so excited to introduce you to a shop I not only love to shop in, but to a shoe line whose designer team I call both personal friends and a major inspiration.

I partnered up with photographer extraordinaire Emily Scott to take a special field trip to their first ever retail location on Union Street in San Francisco’s Marina neighborhood. Emily captured so many amazing images {and on actual film no less!!} that I was forced to break this feature into two posts!

So, without further ado, may I present Freda Salvador Part One: If the Shoe Fits.

For those of you who have yet to come across this fast-growing line {despite this press, and this press among many others}, start taking notes. Freda Salvador is a Cool Girl’s best friend. Created by actual friends, Megan Papay and Cristina Palomo, the line is made for a woman with a fashion forward aesthetic, but a commitment to practicality and comfort. Their entire 2013 Spring/Summer Collection is made up of versatile flats of all shapes, styles and of-the-moment colors.

Luckily for us San Francisco residents, they’re all displayed in the super cool Freda Salvador boutique. It feels more like someone’s home than a shop. I just want to go hang out on that couch every day!

fredasalvadorfinal10

As a well-documented high heel-addict, I’m usually skeptical of a flat shoe, but the ladies of Freda Salvador have helped me see the light! Between their Dream Flat Ankle Boot, See Swarovski D’orsay Loafers and Change Convertible Oxford, I might be kicking many of my heels to the curb. {Especially after reading this Vanity Fair article about how my high-heeled idol, SJP, is being forced to shun heels after years of damage to her feet!}

The Freda Salvador Change Convertible Oxford might be one of the smartest shoes I’ve ever seen. You can transform it from a classic lace-up oxford into a sleek slip-on loafer, simply by unsnapping the ingenious coverlet! I think their subtle green exotic print is going to be spring’s new neutral. Sign me up.

I can’t lie. I walked out of the Freda Salvador shop with no less than two of their amazing designs to add to my growing collection. The Dream Boots in cream are going to be my go-to’s all spring, but I’m already eyeing the black pair to have on reserve for fall.

My prize for the afternoon, however, was the D’orsay Loafer in an eye-catching yellow. I’ve already been stopped multiple times while wearing them around town! That always puts a little extra pep in my step!

And not to fret. If you don’t live in San Francisco you can snag your own pair of Freda’s online Shopbop or their site here!

Like what you’re seeing?? Do be sure to stop back by in a bit for Freda Salvador Part Two! You’re going to get a behind-the-scenes tour of Freda Salvador’s design studio and meet the lovely ladies who are the geniuses behind the line!

original photography by emily scott for apartment 34

17 Comments

04/14/13

Gotta Getaway: {Inverness, CA}

We have a bonus post for you today! While half the world is at Coachella, I have a much calmer getaway for the rest of us to enjoy.

Last month, the husband and I took advantage of one of the greatest things about living in the Bay Area; jaw-dropping escapes less than two hours drive from our front door. In this case, I’m talking about Tomales Bay, the tiny town of Inverness that sits on it and the most lovely of hideaways, Manka’s Inverness Lodge – today’s Gotta Getaway destination!

manka2

I don’t know what I loved more about this spot. First there was the stunning scenery, which included 180 degree views, enjoyed from our own private deck. Then there was the cabin’s exquisite details; the claw footed bathtub and outdoor shower, a five foot tall wood burning fireplace, a collection of amazing vintage flotsam and jetsam and the deepest, softest bed I’ve ever slept in {and really never wanted to get out of again.}

On top of all that, there was also the exceptional service. We dined on a homemade three course dinner served in front of our roaring fire. We were spoiled with fresh made cinnamon buns, coffee and the best soft scrambled eggs that were left with a gentle knock on our doorstep each morning. The New York Times that came with it made for the most leisurely breakfasts in bed.

And when we finally forced ourselves to venture out of our private oasis, we ate fresh oysters and drank wine in the sunshine at Hogs Oyster Company. We saw gray whales migrating back to Alaska and stood on the edge of some the most beautiful coastline you’ve ever seen.

I am a firm believer in the exotic vacation destination, but you’d be amazed at what you can find in your own backyard and how totally refreshed you can feel after only 48 hours away! I certainly can’t wait to see what we discover next. We’re actually headed to Big Sur in just a few weeks.

You’ll definitely get the full report!!

all photography by me {eek!}

10 Comments

03/06/13

New Series: Retail Therapy

It’s a well documented fact that I love to shop. A power shopper you might say. But there is a significant difference between simply finding a new thing and going on a treasure hunt.

That difference starts with what you find at a big box store vs. a small business. As the success of Etsy proves there is a massive universe of Makers out there. But unlike Etsy, the store owner takes on the most challenging of rolls. They are often as interesting, if not more so, than the pieces they discover. The shopkeeper is the ultimate curator, brave enough to put their own economic welfare on the line in support of their passion. That is truly admirable and something that deserves the utmost respect, and even more importantly, our support. And I’m not just saying that because my family once owned its own small store in Seattle!

My passion for boutiques is why I’m excited to launch Retail Therapy; a new series profiling of shops that are doing extraordinary things. While it’s tempting to selfishly keep a great discovery under the radar, I know that the more people support their local boutiques, the longer they’ll be around for all of us to enjoy!

It only feels appropriate to kick things off with a local San Francisco find: Louesa Rosebuck. The “Foraged and Gleaned” flora shop is completely out of the ordinary. You’re not going to find a dozen roses here.

Nestled in Hayes Valley {right next to In Bed in fact} Louesa is where you go when you’re looking for amazing magonlia blooms, unique quince blossoms and massive hand forged concrete vases from a potter in Marin {above. I’m so coveting!}.

The purveyor of stunning blooms and a menagerie of unique finds, Louesa Rosebuck, embodies the eclectic feeling of her store. Her background is in fashion, retail and styling having worked for Bay-Area designer Erica Tanov and having her own East-Bay boutique for year. She’s one of those people that seems to know anyone who is doing anything interesting! Now Louesa has an amazing network of foragers all around the Bay that she works with to find her plants {did you know there was such a thing! I consider myself educated}. But from textiles, to ceramics, to one of kind jewelry, you know you’re going to find something covetable every time you walk in her door.