Playdate in Style with Sacramento Steet

Fashion

One of my favorite parts of the week is spending a little quality time with my kiddo. And now that he’s 14 months old, it’s so fun to see him interact with his little friends. Luckily, I have lot of girlfriends who all had babies around the same time so the social calendar can get nice and full. This week I’m excited to have partnered with my dear friend Caitlin from Sacramento Street, her adorable son Jackson and Old Navy to share one of our favorite San Francisco playdate destinations.

We recently took advantage of a sunny San Francisco Friday and headed to The Palace of Fine Arts. Nestled near the Golden Gate Bridge, it was built as a gathering center and art exhibition hall for the 1915 Panama-Pacific Exhibition. Today, the stunning spot features a beautiful lagoon stocked with fish and turtles, all kinds of birds – ducks, swans, geese and herons – live in the park and there are beautiful walking paths and shaded grassy areas – perfect for an afternoon picnic!

Obviously Caitlin and I were both attracted to a classic color palette – classic black & white. Must be why we’re friends! But I love layering prints to mix things up a bit. A comfy tank and a scarf – required for San Francisco Jeans are a must for chasing around the littles and I’m obsessed with my new espadrilles. They’re flats with a little bit of flair.

And how cute are those kiddos? I just can’t get over babies in tanktops! They rock the monochromatic look so they can match their mamas, but in a subtle way.

on me: Patterned Tank / Geo Print Scarf / Gray Denim / lace-up Espadrilles / Sunnies / Ring / on carter: Palm Tree Muscle Tank Set / Canvas Slip-ons

SAN FRANCISCO PLAYDATE HOT SPOTS

Palace of Fine Arts: A stunning location, featuring amazing architecture, a big lagoon, beautiful vegetation and wildlife. It’s a perfect spot for a stroll, a picnic or a little walk.

Mission Dolores Park: Set in the heart of San Francisco’s Mission neighborhood, is one of the most epic parks in San Francisco. Recently renovated, it features a two-story slide, climbing areas and a wonderful play space for littles.

California Academy of Sciences: This place has it all. An aquarium, rain forest, dinasaur bones and a lovely fenced in outdoor eating area means you can spend hours at the Academy of Sciences. Playdate genius.

Crissy Field Beach: There are a lot of cool beaches around San Francisco, but the beach at Crissy Field is uber child friendly. It’s more like hanging out at the shores of a lake, the waves are that mellow. Except you’re staring at the Golden Gate Bridge. It doesn’t get much better then that.

Be sure to check out Sacramento Street for details on Caitlin & Jackson’s looks as well as Caitlin’s must-have playdate supplies.

photography by suzanna scott

This post is sponsored by Old Navy. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for supporting collaborations we’re excited about and that have kept Apartment 34’s doors open.

Fall Closet Must-Have: Plaid!

Fashion

Having grown up in Seattle, I’m no stranger to plaid. Be it lumberjack-style buffalo, or grunge-eque {and tied around your waist!}, there was once a long string of plaid in my wardrobe. That’s probably why I was a little hesitant with the latest plaid trend…until Old Navy asked me to put the Apartment 34 spin on it {for a feature on their website that’s going live today- eek!} and I actually tried some on. I was immediately converted! Who knew, plaid is rad again. We ended up having a serious plaid party on set during our shoot – so I thought it’d be fun to share a little of the behind-the-scenes action with you!

It’s a pretty sweet work day when you get to play with purdy outfits and a plethora of shoes! While I still kinda can’t believe the looks we styled are going to be on Old Navy.com today, there were quite a few outtakes that didn’t quite make the final cut – maybe because I attempted to get my sass face on!

what i’m wearing: Old Navy Belted Coat // Old Navy Plaid Skirt – found in stores // Old Navy Crew Neck Sweater // Emerson Fry Leopard print pumps {similar}

After our dream job inspired look last week, I love the idea of upping the ante on day-to-day outfits. Yes, they can be elevated, but still super easy to wear. A plaid pencil skirt is the perfect way to put a spin a classic professional look. All you need is that subtle pop of the print peeking out from under a timeless camel coat! And I would wear that uber cozy sweater straight from a meeting and into bed – it’s that comfy.

what i’m wearing: Old Navy Plaid Popover // Old Navy Plaid Pixie Ankle Pant // Alexander Wang sandals {similar}

I’ve always admired the plaid-on-plaid various fashion mavens show off in street style images, but it wasn’t until I actually gave it a go myself that I realized not only how fun, but how easy it is to rock the look! Prints make you feel mighty powerful. Keeping the lower half more neutral is figure-friendly and lets you wear a major statement color on top. That brightly hued Old Navy Plaid Popover just might be my new favorite shirt! For a girl whose closet is color averse, that’s saying a lot!

what i’m wearing: Old Navy Plaid Shirt // Old Navy Leather Moto Jacket {similar} // Old Navy Twill Pencil Skirt // Steven Madden heels {similar}

And I think I found proof positive that you can take plaid from its grunge roots to the heart of downtown! All you need is a little leather and a hot heel {rolled up sleeves, a popped collar and a red lip help too!}.

So if you’ve yet to dive into one of the season’s hottest trends – what are you waiting for?! Even with memories of seventh grade still dancing in the back of my mind, I’m head over heels for plaid again. There may actually already be more than one plaid piece in my closet right now!

I want to thank Old Navy for giving us the chance to have so much fun with this shoot. Head over to OldNavy.com today to check out the final result! And I’d love to know if you’re into plaid this season too.

images 1-4 by @afabchallenge & @victrver // original photography for apartment 34 by aubrie pick // makeup by bareMinerals // shot on location at lux-sf studios

This post was sponsored by Old Navy. Thoughts and opinions 100% our own. Check out Old Navy’s latest fashion lineup in store or online at oldnavy.com. Thanks for being supportive of partnerships we’re excited about and that help keep Apartment 34’s doors open!

How to Rock the Jogger Pant Trend

Fashion

You’ve probably heard the saying you must suffer for fashion. And it’s true, there are some fashion trends that force women to contort, squeeze and afflict self-torture {4-inch heels, I’m sorry but you’re no longer my friend!}. But I’m here to attest that you do not have to sacrifice comfort for style all the time. Thankfully, there are some fabulous ways to create a cool look that are also as comfortable as you can get! This season, I’m all about the jogger pant!

Sure, we all have sweats in our closet, but I must make this clear – the jogger is far from the pair you break out on a lazy Sunday {and I’m a firm believer that you don’t take those babies out in public, ok!}. In contrast, the jogger is meant to be seen! You see, they cut a little slimmer through the hips and leg, with a nice large cuff at the ankle. Aka very flattering! You get all the comfort of your old cozy sweats while avoiding looking frumpy.

The jogger is also a deceptively versatile little pant. Sure, you could wear ‘em to the gym {or at least wear a gym-inspired outfit, even if you never actually hit the treadmill- ha!} But I really prefer elevating my fave joggers a bit.

Thankfully, achieving a face-the-world-worthy outfit is as simple as can be. Throwing a textured oversized sweater over my joggers and adding a hot shoe {like some awesome wedge booties!} make the look ready for just about anything.

what I’m wearing: Old Navy Fleece Joggers // Zara quilted sweater {similar} // Maison Martin Margiela wedge booties {similar} // Illvesteva Sunnies // Margaret Elizabeth bangles

While I might feel like I’m still in my PJs {woohoo!}, I’d wear this outfit to enjoy a cappuccino and the Sunday Times at my favorite local coffee shop, or when I’m heading out to dinner and a movie! Go one step further and swap in a strappy sandal and suddenly you’re really ready to hit the town. In sweats.

But that can be our little secret!

original photography for apartment 34 by Aubrie Pick

This post was sponsored by Old Navy. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Check out Old Navy‘s latest fashion lineup in store or online at oldnavy.com. Thanks for supporting partnerships that we’re excited about!

No, It Ain’t $50 for T-shirt!

Fashion

Have you noticed how over the past few seasons fashion trends have taken on a major casual vibe? Sweatshirt worn to the office? Done. Boyfriend jeans now appropriate anywhere? Cool. Wearing a t-shirt as formal wear? All about it! I, for one, am thoroughly on this casual-is-cool bandwagon!! I love the idea of looking “dressed up” in a super comfy ensemble for a date night – which is exactly what I did for a recent trip to San Francisco’s Contemporary Jewish Museum followed by a dinner out on the town.

I simply threw on a cheeky tee and jazzed it up with a print skirt and cage sandals. I call the result “all cute, zero discomfort.” Perfect for an old married lady such as myself.

That being said, we know “trends” won’t last forever. They’ll inevitably go out just as quickly as they came in. That’s why I’m also totally in support of opting for something cute and on point, but on par with what any trendy item warrants price-wise… How’s $10 sound?? That’s what my Old Navy Holy Chic tee set me back! And I’ve already got plans to rock it around the office under a blazer {this one is 50% off!}. Boom – two looks for the incredibly crazy affordable price of one!

So don’t think you have to relegate your tees to lazy days shuffling around the house. Get a little creative and suddenly you’ve got a ton of good-lookin’ outfit options with one of your favorite staples. I certainly think we’ve got a little more time before the statement tee trend is on the what’s out list, so go ahead and stock up! Your fall wardrobe will thank you.

WHAT I’M WEARING // GET YOUR SHOP ON

> Old Navy Graphic Tee

> Nicole Miller Skirt

> Zara Sandals {similar}

> Brahmin clutch

> BaubleBar rings

> Aerin lipstick

photography by Ashley Batz

This post was sponsored by Old Navy. Check out Old Navy‘s latest fashion lineup in store or online at oldnavy.com. Opinions are 100% our own. Thanks for supporting the posts that help us keep our doors open!

Swim Season is IN!

Fashion

It’s a well-known fact that San Francisco “summers” are rather different than most other places. As Mark Twain too aptly described, “the coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco!” Karl {that’s the fog’s name!} has certainly been taking his job seriously lately, leaving us to suffer through gray days, chilly air and tons of wind. Blech.

Thankfully, bright, sunshiny 80+ degree weather is only a quick hop across the Golden Gate away! So last weekend the husband and I made our escape to wine country. I got to enjoy what could be the only pooltime I’ll get all summer so I was determined to soak up every second.

We headed to the far northern corner of Napa to the quaint {almost} country town of Calistoga. It was like passing through a vortex into paradise! The air was super warm, the nights long and slow and the wine generously poured. I was in heaven! It’s amazing what a 48-hour escape can do for one’s sanity. We certainly did our best to make the most of it.

I also decided to give a new swimwear look a try. I’ve long been a bikini devotee, but retro-inspired suits have been catching my eye for awhile! Something about being covered up suddenly seems more alluring than flashing all that skin. I was so excited to find a 40’s-inspired halter one-piece at Old Navy – for under $30! I loved the molded cups {they’re small-chest friendly} and the cute cut-out in the back. It was anything but your basic black suit!

And while there’s nothing I love more than soaking up some serious rays {and taking a quick dip to cool off!}, I’ve finally realized that pooltime doesn’t equate to sunbathing! These days, I make sure my favorite summer pool tote is packed to the brim with my rather long list of essentials; a floppy sun hat to keep the sun off my face, jumbo-sized sunnies, a gauzy coverup for poolside bar runs and plenty o’ sunscreen of course! I’m officially declaring pale is IN {and if I repeat it enough it will someday be true!}.

Sadly, I’m not sure where or when my next opportunity to rock a good pool {or beach!} look will come. Every once in awhile Karl does decide to go on vacation himself so I’m keeping this inspiration board at the ready!

I’m curious, where do you go to make your summer escape??

___________________________________________________________________________

Get Your Shop On:

> Sun Bum Sunscreen
> Necklace
> Old Navy Swimsuit
> Mirrored Sunglasses
> Gladiator Sandal {on sale!!}
> Beach Coverup
> Turkish Towel
> Old Navy Floppy Straw Hat
> Tote Bag
> “Girlboss” Book

Photos from our trip to Calistoga by the husband and me! For more of our favorite weekend escapes, CLICK HERE!

This post was sponsored by Old Navy. Check out Old Navy‘s latest fashion lineup in store or online at oldnavy.com. Thanks for supporting posts that keep Apartment 34’s doors open!

Embracing My Inner “Festival Style”

Fashion

I was once a champion festival-goer. I spent years sweating it out in the desert, rocking in amphitheaters and getting crushed in the crowds as I pushed toward the front row. And I loved every second of it. These days though, while my love of music hasn’t withered, my stamina for festivals and “festival wear” has dimmed.

So when Old Navy challenged me to style a “festival” inspired look, I was a little hesitant. I’m a little past the days of werkin’ short shorts, bikini tops and flower crowns. However, I do believe we all have a little inner-hippie hiding in us somewhere so I looked to mine to inspire this ensemble. I think I found her!

get your shop on: Old Navy Panama Hat // Old Navy Tee // Old Navy bucket bag // One Teaspoon Jeans // Zara heels similar // Illvesteva sunnies similar

Festival inspired style lets you be a little more casual, loose and funky than you might ordinarily be in your day-to-day life. I took the excuse to embrace a few of Spring’s hot trends including super-distressed denim, message tees, bucket bags and the classic Panama hat.

We paid direct homage to festival goers’ exhibitionist side by DIYing up my Old Navy tee! We added a little additional rock n’ roll edge by cutting off the sleeves and snipping little side-baring cutouts. I was actually loving the result. My tee has offically been added to my Greece packing list.

But I also ended up loving this look overall. I would totally rock it on a girls’ day at the beach, maybe to a casual brunch at an outdoor cafe or even when I’m just feeling sassy on a day of errand-running.

We actually did this shoot at a local amplitheater in San Francisco’s John McClaren Park and as we hung out in the sunshine that warm, hippie vibe really started to take over. We even had Jerry Garcia playing on our Pandora station! I could have laid around out there all day. So maybe I do have a little festival spirit left in me after all. Now to find out if there are any tickets left to a fun show this summer!

original photography for Apartment 34 by Aubrie Pick // blanket and hide c/o Neighbor // art direction and styling by Apartment 34

This post was sponsored by Old Navy.
Check out Old Navy’s latest fashion lineup in store or online at oldnavy.com. Thanks for supporting posts that keep Apartment 34’s doors open. For even more personal style inspiration click here.

Harness the Power of Prints!

Fashion

Remember when you were little and played “model” in the mirror? Turning, posing, even strutting your stuff down the hallway, feather boa wrapped around your neck {please tell me I’m not the only one who did this?!}. Well anyway, working with Old Navy these last few months has totally been satisfying my inner model-wannabe. We’ve been having a ball coming up with cool looks and fun ways to share them with you.

This month proved to be the biggest challenge yet, as Old Navy asked me to play with prints! As a neutrals devotee, this definitely pushed me out of my fashion comfort zone, but to great effect {if I do say so myself!}. Now that spring is here and every day is getting brighter, what better excuse to inject a little energy into your wardrobe!

The first place to start is with your pants. I’ve been attempting to break my jeans addiction, well pretty much forever and I think this Pixie Pant may finally do it. Cropped {my favorite silhouette these days as it’s universally flattering on all body types}, stretchy and with a great fit, I’d gladly slip those babies on everyday {especially since they’re on sale for $25!!}. I may advocate for splurging on wise fashion investments, but I also know a great bargain when I see one!

shop the look: Old Navy Pixie Pant // JCrew Collection blouse // Asos button-down {similar} // Kate Spade Saturday sandals // Zara clutch // Margaret Elizabeth ring & bangle // Aerin lipstick

And when it came to picking my print I also started slow – with an easy to mix & match black and white pattern. This let’s you play with any color palette. I chose to mix in blues, purples and nudes, but you could also go really bold with greens, oranges or yellows if you were feeling brave! I’ve been banking more inspiration on my Street Styling Pinterest board here.

The other trick to print-mixing is scale. I chose to wear a large, oversized floral print top, in this case, a lovely JCrew Collection silk blouse, to balance the pant’s smaller graphic pattern. The shirt’s wider and longer silhouette also makes the pants feel even skinnier! Leg elongation was further achieved by rockin’ killer Saturday by Kate Spade sandals with the pyramid heel – my new favorite statement-making shoe shape for spring!

I can’t lie – it’s rather fun getting to play dress up and literally put on another persona for a day. It’s a great reminder that you can actually do that in real life.

Have a presentation you feel not quite ready for? A job interview that’s making you nervous? Maybe even a challenging conversation that you’re just not quite ready to have. Put on an outfit that makes you feel strong, powerful, large & in charge and you’d be amazing how your outward persona shifts – even if your insides might still be quaking.

While I might never actually be a model, I’m gonna just keep on fakin’ it. And that’s half the battle right there, isn’t it?!

This post was sponsored by Old Navy. All opinions are my own. Check out Old Navy’s latest fashion lineup in store or online at oldnavy.com. Thanks for supporting posts that keep Apartment 34’s doors open!

original photography for apartment 34 by Aubrie Pick // art direction + styling by Apartment 34

Cardigans Are Cool Again!

Fashion

Let’s face it, cardigans have had a seriously “uncool” rep lately. They’re too often associated with that hyper-preppy matching cardi and cami set or maybe that terrible elementary school teacher you’d like to forget. But to my surprise, I’ve recently rediscovered the cardigan and all the styling potential they hold. If you just think outside of the cardi-box you can cozy up this season while looking fantastically chic. Apparently, two cardigans do make a right!

The first thing to consider is cut. I’ve always been a sucker for a good boyfriend cardigan -slouchy, oversized and lush. I’ve rocked one over my PJs on Sundays for years. But I’ve felt they’re a little too unstructured for daily wear so I’ve always gravitated towards blazers instead. However, styling a classic body-hugging cardigan with a boyfriend cardi over the top turns the otherwise slouchy style into a tailored and sexy statement maker. Let’s break it down.

First, to achieve the look you’ll need your two cardigans- one to tuck in to a skirt or pants and the other, oversized to wear almost like a coat. I loved the classic cardigan I’m wearing as it has a bit of glitzy twist with those sparkly squares. Normally I wouldn’t pick out polka dots and glitter, but the rosey-mauve color is gorgeous and it’s a great, modern pattern to use for your first layer. Second, for the boyfriend or grandpa cardigan, I chose this two-toned neutral style with lots of soft texture to juxtapose the sleeker, classic version. And I grabbed it in a size up for a really dramatic oversized feel!

I wanted to keep things in the same rust and grey color palette as the cardigans, as well as continue having fun layering patterns and textures. So, I paired the cardis with a striped pencil skirt {stripes and polka dots = easy pattern mixing formula to remember!}, the highest gray wool heels I could find and a very structured car coat. With the magic number of three layers on top and two crazy patterns mixed in with a whole bunch of texture, this outfit became a total game changer! Who knew that I would feel empowered and sexy in an outfit that started off with a preppy cardi? Not I!

what I’m wearing: Mina+Olya coat {similar} // Old Navy boyfriend cardi // Old Navy Sparkle cardi // Marc Jacobs skirt {similar} // Rachel Roy pumps {similar} // Forever 21 cocktail ring {similar} // Aerin Lipstick in Love

It’s safe to say that I’ve added the two-cardigan layering trick into my work-wear arsenal and plan to use it a lot this season. How about you? Does it convince you to want to raid your mother’s closet for cardigans or perhaps get your hands on this uber cozy one? I sure hope so!

original photography for apartment 34 by Aubrie Pick // art direction and styling by erin hiemstra

This post is sponsored by Old Navy. Check out Old Navy’s latest fashion lineup in store or online at oldnavy.com. Thank you for supporting posts that keep Apartment 34’s doors open.

Shades of Grey

Fashion

It must be the heart of fall as we obviously have fashion on the brain! For all you interiors addicts we apprecaite your patience – we’re bringing you some fab new ideas momentarliy. But right now, I’m just slightly sartorially obsessed. I can’t help it – fall is the absolute best season to revamp your wardrobe because the options are endless {as are the sales!}.

Take for example, one of my tried and true style secrets: monochromatic color paletes. We’ve all been envious of that chic French woman as she strolls down the city streets in simple shades of grey. She always seems to carry herself with so much effortlessness and sophistication. Little does the public know, she’s practicing one of the oldest tricks in the book! But we’re onto her and I’m going to show you how to create the look with just as much ease!

First, start with the color you have most of in your closet. I chose grey. It’s a little less of a cop out than going for black. It also gives you a wider range of hues to play with. Plus, it’s not as harsh. I chose this chunky heather grey, black leather trimmed Old Navy sweater. I’m a serious sucker for sweater season. And I love how the leather details on this guy kick the edge up a notch.

That’s why I added my fall go-to: the leather bomber. Now, I realize mixing in black is a little bit of a cheat, since it’s not grey per se. However, it can count as one of grey’s 50 shades, so I’m running with it!

Next, you’ll want to make sure you have at least three pieces on that are in the same color family. I topped things off with this classic charcoal wool hat and a light grey infinity scarf {which I had to take off when the sun decided to come out and play!}.

I’ve been wearing skinnies almost everyday so I also wanted to switch up my denim silohette a bit. I ended up loving the big cuff on these old school straight leg jeans. They added a funk and spunk that went perfectly with the rest of the outfit. Plus, the visual interest leads you right to the shoes! Everyone must have a patent leather heel. Must.

what i’m wearing: Old Navy Sweater || Asos leather jacket || JBrand Jeans {similar} || JCrew Hat | 3.1 Phillip Lim shoes {simiar} || Zara Bag {similar}

Finally, vary textures. The last thing you want to do is look like a {tall, in my case!} grey blob. With the chunkiness in the sweater to the soft leather, everything had a different texture to it, adding much needed interest to a monochrome ensemble {it’s just like varying texture in your interiors!}.

There you have it. Going monochromatic is the perfect solution when you “have nothing to wear.” It’s five minute dressing at its best – no color coordination required.

What do you think? Do you like to stick to one hue or do you prefer to mix things up more?

original photography for apartment 34 by Aubrie Pick

This post was sponsored by Old Navy. Check out Old Navy’s latest fashion lineup in store or online at oldnavy.com. Thank you for supporting posts that keep Apartment 34’s doors open!

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