10 Valentine’s Day Gifts That Make Our Hearts Melt

Fashion

For the first time in what seems like a long time, we’re actually excited for this year’s holiday of love! It could be that there is extra love in the air with the wee one on the way {or it could totally just be the hormones!} but Valentine’s Day has us smitten with the idea of sending a little appreciation someone’s way. And nothing says appreciation more than a small, yet thoughtful gesture {or two!}. We have a few ideas up our sleeves {more on that coming later!}, but thought it would be helpful to throw out a hint, just in case someone {ahem!!} happens to be reading this. Any of these little lovelies would SO make our day!!

Get Your Shop On:

1.) Kiss Kiss Tee
2.) BKR Heart Water Bottle
3.) White + Silver Aether Cone
4.) Chuck Taylor by Comme Des Garcons
5.) Hearts Wool Silk Scarf
6.) Fragile Hearts Plate
7.) Staub Mini Heart Cocottes
8.) Garance Dore ‘XO’ Card
9.) Heart and ‘Be Mine’ Spatulas
10.) Love Letter Trays

We’re sure to give extra kisses if we receive this adorable Kiss Kiss Tee. How cute would it be with a blazer and these Chuck Taylors for a casual, but totally pulled together day look? Talk about a perfect match!

We’re also crushing hard on these Fragile Hearts plates. They’re edgy with just the right amount of fem. Plus they’re on sale! And these cute spatulas will surely aid in whipping up more weekend pancakes and tasty sweets! Just sayin.’

But if someone {hiiiiiint!!} is seeking a little extra love and affection come Valentine’s Day, our hearts beat fast for the Aether Cone music player. It’s sleek design and streaming capabilities make it perfectly simple to take straight from the box to the dining table to set the mood for an intimate Valentine’s Day dinner – the most epic girls’ night. You can sit back and let it stream, or you can tell it exactly what you want to hear! Literally, like out loud. It can understand your voice commands! Not to mention, the Aether Cone is a gift that anyone {him or her} would totally love to receive! Something tells us he won’t dread shopping for this gift!

So for all of the lovers out there who plan to get a little groovy come February 14, we’ve gathered a quick list of our favorite smooth and sexy R&B love songs. You can tell the Cone you want to listen to “By Your Side” by Sade and it not only will play the soulful tune, but it’ll also play related songs to set the mood!

And for all of our singles, may you fancy a little “No Scrubs” by TLC, “Single Ladies” by Beyonce and “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” by Cyndi Laupner? ‘Cause we know how it is!

While we’re at it, here are more V-Day gifts that we’re in looooove with…

This post is in partnership with Aether. You can follow Aether on Instagram here. All thoughts and opinions are 100% our own. Thank you for supporting posts that keep Apartment 34’s doors open!

Prepping for Bebe Update: The Babymoon

Fashion

So today we’re going to get a little personal. I hope that’s ok with you. I haven’t really talked about being pregnant around here {other than this and this}, partly because I wasn’t sure if anyone would actually be at all interested, but also because I haven’t really had that much to say! I have to confess, I think I may have been in denial that I’m actually pregnant. I realize that probably sounds terrible. But I’ve been lucky enough to have a very smooth pregnancy experience and busy enough with the rest of daily life that it’s as if nothing has changed. I haven’t even bought baby clothes yet. Nothing! Did anyone else have this experience?

But now that we’re into the new year, this whole we’re going to have a kid thing is feeling much more real. The bump starting to get pretty legit {proof here!} helps, as do the kicks that keep getting stronger everyday. But even now, I still kinda can’t comprehend that there’s going to be a human at the end of this whole thing – and in just a couple of months…

But before we get to that point {and my real panic attacks set in!} I have started planning for one critical expectant-parent milestone – one that I think is totally Apartment 34 relevant – the Babymoon! I won’t lie. I was thrilled when I heard about this genius concept – a final escape for you & your partner full of relaxation and pampering. You’re just not supposed to think about the fact that it’ll never be just the two of you ever again!

While I had originally daydreamed of a jaunt to an exoctic locale or super tropical beach, time, resources and reality just weren’t making room for some over the top trip, so instead I began to hunt for more local alternatives. And then I found the perfect getaway – the Four Seasons Biltmore in Santa Barbara and we’re headed there in just a couple of weeks!

Santa Barbara has actually been near and dear to my heart since my first visit at age 12! It also happens to be where I went to college, where we celebrated my 30th birthday and where we had our engagement photos taken {five years ago, what?!}! It is a little jewel of a place, sheltered in its own idyllic world. And I j’dore it. The light is a different kind of golden, the beaches are the perfect mix of Southern California expanse and dramatic northern Californian landscape. Of course, there are my other favorite things – super cute boutiques {can’t wait to check out this one and this one}, fabulous food and the ultimate treat – staying at The Biltmore! It’s basically the holy grail of hotels. I see amazing spa treatments, delicious meals and barefoot beach walks in my very near future and needless to say, I can’t wait. This is my version of anticipating Christmas morning.

Now the only question remains….what am I going to pack?? Here’s what’s currently on my wishlist.

Get Your Shop On:

> This Heidi Merrick Maxi Dress is the perfect ‘bump dress’
> A Rag & Bone Bomber Jacket instantly bring sporty attitude to a feminine dress
> These classic Mykita Aviator Sunglasses go with everything
> Maternity Stripe Top – a thin, striped long sleeve top is the ideal travel shirt
> The “Beach” RGB Nail Polish is a light, sandy sheer. Need I say more?
> Dying to try this Rodin Hair Oil. It’s apricot oil fused with almond, sunflower and juniper, mmm
> Love this organic “Balmy Days” Ilia Lim Balm. It’ll keep lips soft during winter beach days
> This Infinite Knot Pendant Necklace with rope detail gives a little nod to the ocean
> Obsessed with the Everlane Twill Weekender Bag. It’s perfect for him or her
> Lace Bralet – pretty lingerie on a babymoon is a must
> These One Teaspoon Shorts are so good: baggy and comfortable, just the way I need them these days
> I always wear a Panama Hat for extra protection from the sun
> These Freda Salvador D’Orsay Oxford are super easy to slip on and off in the sand

It could be a bit hard to outfit plan as my bump is now growing on the daily and my closet is quickly thinning. But with a few fail-safe options {that I’ll get just as much wear out of post-bebe} I think I’ll still be able to feel like me on this trip! For a day filled with little more than some quality lounging, a striped tee is all I really need. Should the weather cooperate and be nice enough for some afternoon window shopping {it can be a nice 70-something in January!}, I’ll throw on a pair of boyfriend shorts, my favorite flats and top it all off with a classic Panama hat. I definitely want to enjoy a nice night out too and a floor length dress is the perfect way to feel extra special. And the best thing about a quick hop down the California coast? This will all fit perfectly in a cute weekender!

Ok, I’m pretty dang excited for this little escape now. To all the mamas out there – any must-do babymoon activities you recommend??

images 1-3 via Laura Murray Photography // image 4 via Laure Joliet // image 5 & 7 via Simone Anne // image 6 via Could I Have That

Bump Style: Getting Cozy

Fashion

As we race headlong toward winter’s official arrival, I’ve been having fun figuring out how to bundle up the ever-growing bump. While I could never really describe Bay Area weather as “cold” – I’m sorry but I require freezing temps and the occasional cameo of snow for that – I do love the opportunity to wear super comfy sweaters and other wintry favorites. I’m just a layer-loving kind of girl!

Since knits aren’t always terribly maternity friendly {at 25 weeks I’ve popped enough now that length starts to become an issue!}, I’ve been reaching for all things oversized. So when I spied this Old Navy Fair Isle Cardigan – borrowed from the boys no less – I fell in love immediately! A men’s cardigan is the perfect way to wear a seasonally festive piece and feel completely comfy and cozy at the same time. It’s also nice and long, super stretchy and when I do get to the point that I can no longer button it up, it’ll still look really cute worn open. Thankfully, the mild San Francisco temps let me rock it as my “jacket” right now.

In case you didn’t already notice, I’m a big fan of the navy + orange color palette. It feels very cozy without having to revert to traditional Christmas colors {sorry red & green!}. Boyfriend jeans are also a staple these days – they’re how I’m avoiding having to buy maternity jeans! Thankfully, the trend has yet to wane. Combined with my trusty ankle boots, a pair fingerless gloves & a bad hair day favorite – a slouchy beanie – and I’ve pretty much set my uniform for last second Christmas gift shopping, coffee dates or a weekend brunch for two with the husband. Cramming in that just us time is essential this time of year btw!

The best part about this look? I could simply swap some chic sweats and be totally ready for Christmas morning. It’s all about getting the most out of increasingly limited wardrobe my friends!

Are you getting into the holiday spirit with your looks? If you need some additional holiday outfit inspiration check this and this out {I’m also pregnant this post & this post too fyi!}.

Here’s to enjoying the holiday season while it lasts!

GET YOUR SHOP ON: What I’m Wearing

> Old Navy Fair Isle Cardigan {men’s, women’s similar}

> Marc Jacobs long sleeved shirt {similar}

> Boyfriend jeans {similar}

> Chloe ankle boots

> Old Navy beanie

> Old Navy fingerless gloves

original photography for apartment 34 by emily scott

This post was sponsored by Old Navy. Check out Old Navy’s latest fashion lineup in store or online at oldnavy.com.

Styling the Bump for the Holidays

Fashion

Wives tales about pregnancy run rampant. Certain food cravings can determine the sex. If you’re having a girl you’re supposed to carry wider, less out front. Boys make you glow, girls “suck the life out of you.” The list goes on and on and on. Unsurprisingly, I paid very little attention to any of these stories until they were suddenly relevant. One tale that appears to be true, at least for me, is that first pregnancies take a very long time to “pop.” It wasn’t until just the last few weeks that my bump made its appearance, but now that it has, it’s growing quickly and it’s forcing me to have to rethink my holiday wardrobe. I’m not at the point where I’m ready to overly accentuate my new curves, so my secret weapon is going to be all things oversized!

While I don’t usually wear a lot of pastels, an understated neutral palette is feeling so fresh this season. I have a feeling I’m going to be living in this uber cozy Equipment cashmere sweater that I scored at Nordstrom Rack all winter long.

I’m also loving a return to classic accessories. Sure, rings on every finger and piles of jumbo necklaces are fun, but not so practical when trying to enjoy a nice Thanksgiving meal. It all kinda gets in the way! In this case, an understatement can make quite a statement, don’t you think? I picked up a sweet and simple pearl & chain necklace at the Rack too. I would toss it on with a tee just as quickly as I would a dressier look. And I couldn’t help but think it would make a great holiday gift for my sister or my bestie!

When I’m sticking to the basics, I do like to add in a few unexpected moments – in this case with shapes. I love my neoprene cocoon coat, a crazy good find at Nordstrom from a few years back. It adds a dramatic silhouette.

And I swear no matter what size I get to, I’m not going to give up my statement shoes! They are the perfect way to kick classic pieces up a notch for the holiday season. I’m going to keep my heels on regular rotation for as long as I possibly can!

The best part about this festive dressing strategy: it’s definitely friendly to big holiday meals! While I might be missing a speciality cocktail this year, I’m going to make up for it in pumpkin pie!

Happy Thanksgiving my dears!!

GET THE LOOK: SHOP HERE!

> Equipment Cashmere Sweater {similar}
> Pearl & Chain Necklace
> Statement Coat {similar}
> Comme des Garcons pant {similar}
> Walter Stieger booties {similar}

original photography for apartment 34 by aubrie pick

This post is in partnership with Nordstrom Rack. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for supporting parnterships we’re excited about and collaborations that help keep Apartment 34’s doors open!

The Color that Will Spring You Right Into Fall

Decor

We’re all too familar with the standard Fall uniform: black, tan, navy and maybe even a touch of cream for excitement {sarcasm fully intended}. But even if you’re a total color-phobe, we’re here to assure you, you can add color to your fall wardrobe – especially if it’s this lush moody mossy emerald green!

Sure, a closet full of neutrals is a very wise investment. When you stick with a uniform you’re suddenly able to mix and match with ease, you’re likely to wear pieces more often and can keep your closet edited down {my current fashion life-goal!}. But every once in awhile it’s fun to throw in a curve ball and this season I’m all about this crazy cool green hue! More sultry than your standard emerald, but more luscious than the old-school forrest green, it’s actually rather difficult to put your finger on what makes it so perfect. One line called it Woodland Green – I think that gets close. It’s like the deepest, richest green of a pine tree. Regardless, I love how perfectly it would pair with black, with brown – even navy!

If you’re still not totally convinced, why not test it out with a little nail polish {they call the color Shutter.}? Or if you want to keep things understated {and hidden!} how about switching up your lingere!?

I think my favorite option is that super cute handbag. It’s nice to give your standard black bag a break every now and then! What do you think? Would you add a new hue to your fall look?

GET YOUR SHOP ON:

> Phillip Lim for Nars Nail Polish
> Topshop Satin Bra
> Ojai Garden Pot
> Marlowe Dome Satchel

image 1 via Nordstrom // 2 + 7 via Emma’s Design Blogg // 3 via Once Wed photography by Ali Harper // 4 via Artek // 5 via // 6 via Blog Milk Blog

How to Connect the Dots on a Monday

Bedrooms

Mondays suck- it’s a universally agreed upon fact. It’s right up there with the sky is blue and the most jealousy-ridden news of 2014: Eva Mendes is in fact, having Ryan Gossling’s baby. She just took all living hope right out from under us. There is no chance any of us are having Ryan’s first born because hey, we had a chance, ok?! But back to Mondays sucking and connecting the dots. After copious amounts of coffee, we like to exercise our brain to fully wake up. It helps get our juices flowing for the week and we do this by looking for connections in unlikely places.

Frequently, things just go together like two peas in a pod {like Eva and Ryan….le sigh} and it’s fun to look for those connections. It makes you feel slightly accomplished, like you’ve discovered a crazy scientific pattern that no one has seen yet. It’s also a preferable substitute to playing games that were invented to make you feel stupid, like Sudoku or the NY Times crossword puzzle. And besides being pretty to look at, we’re almost 100% certain that shopping Net-A-Porter for color coded lacy bras and matching them to the imaginary girl who lives in the badass room below is similar to brushing our teeth with our left hand- it’s sure to keep our precious brains healthy!

Without further ado:

We’re obsessed with this room and it’s funky flair. A leather jacket, designer skateboard {talk about a decor statement!} and nods of glamour mean a bad ass chick lives here, we’re sure of it.

Get Your Shop On:

> West Elm Souk Wool Rug
> ABJ Glassworks Cosmos Geo Group
> Steven Alan x West Elm Abstract Crewel Pillow
> The Kate Moss Book
> Calypso St. Barth Carre Stool
> Swedish Dream Sea Salt Soy Wax Candle
> Specimen Editions Cement Wood Pendant
> Calypso St. Barth Moroccan Wedding Pouf

—–

Oh look! Maybe it’s Leandra? Or some other fashionista rockin’ the dress du jour: The Shirt Dress. We’re loving the classic look with a mix of some accessories that scream “my closet is cooler than yours.” And can we talk about reinventing the shirt dress over pants? Duly noted for Fall.

Get Your Shop On:

> Belted Leather Biker Jacket
> Ray Ban Gold Aviator
> Calico Shirt Dress {great price for a piece you can wear year round!}
> Yasmine Eslami Lace Bra
> Lanvin “Me” Parfume
> J. Crew “Sophie” Crossbody Bag
> Vince “Nolan” Wedge Sandal
> J.Crew High Shine Wide Cuff

—–

And just in case you weren’t picking up what we were throwing down {we get it- it’s Monday and connecting the dots can be tough!}, this resort collection matches our color palette, so we think it belongs in this post too.

There you have it. We feel smarter already. We encourage you to take some time every Monday morning to connect the dots. You’ll be pretty proud of what you come up with! –Bianca

image 1 via Husligheter // 2 via A Love is Blind // 3 via The Polysh // 4 via Radar Magazine // 5 via Cédric Charlier

Stock Up with Crazy Good 4th of July Sales!

Fashion

Fourth of July weekend is always so fun – everyone brings out the star-spangled-banner-stops to celebrate the birth of our nation. But just because it’s pretty ‘ol miss America’s birthday doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t celebrate with her. And what better way to do that {besides bbq’s and booze!} than to buy yourself a prezie!

It would be a national catastrophe to let these amazing deals go down in history as un-shopped. Everythign is 30-50% off people! We’ve decided to avert such a crisis by helping our country out, one fashionable American at a time. We’ve shopped the web for you- hunting down the best sales – and here’s what we are ob-sessed with:

We’re not going to lie, we want it ALL. Like, really. We did manage to whittle our list down to a highly curated collection – nothing but the best of the best. There’s really no true favorite here, but if we’re talking best deals- it just might have to be: boots. It sounds far off, but summer is the time to buy boots– all of the classics {like these APC’s!} are at the lowest prices you’ll find them all year. So what are you waiting for, stock up now! We might just beat you to the last pair.

Thanks, ‘Murica. — Bianca

___________________________________________________________________________

GET YOUR SHOP ON:
> Givenchy Silk Organza Sweatshirt
> APC Zip Booties
> Rebecca Minkoff Amorous Satchel {on sale for $218!}
> Moto Rip Jeans {only $50!}
> Chloe Diamond Cotton Shirt
> Giles Silk Illustration Scarf {only $57!}
> Freda Salvador Wit Loafer

4:00 PM Fashion Fix: Eating My Skirt-Hating Words

Fashion

Last week I made a crack that ruffled a few feathers. For those who didn’t catch it, I said that a modern woman’s life is lived in pants. While a gross generalization that I realize I shouldn’t have blanketed across all woman-kind, that certainly is the case for me. Dresses and skirts are just not in my repertoire. They don’t even cross my mind. I usually find skirts too dressy, too fussy…just too feminine for me!

But for all of you lovely skirt-rockin’ ladies who were miffed, I think I’ve met my match: a skirt look I could wear and not only feel totally modern, but most importantly, confident in!

My challenge with skirts is the gender stereotypes they often reinforce. When too short they read as sexy. When in feminine colors, they read young. When too conservative, suddenly you’re matronly. So I just stick to pants and avoid the pitfalls all together!

But these looks have got me thinking again. The proportions feel mature, not dowdy. The cuts feel classic, not prissy. They give off an aire of strength and authority. These are skirts for strong working women and that is something I can totally get on board with. Ultimately, you have to wear what makes you feel your very best, but I’ve realized I shouldn’t slight entire wardrobe categories out of hand. I just have to find the version that works for me.

So I stand, in a skirt, corrected. {well, I will as soon as I can get my hands on one of these beauts!} – Erin

image via 1 & 4 Wes Gordon Resort 2015 Collection // collage: image 1 via Always Judging // 2 via Fashion Gone Rogue // 3 via

Travel Style: What to Wear on Mykonos

Fashion

I decided to save the best part of my Mykonos recap for last….what I wore! I’m one of those fashion freaks who loves planning outfits for trips, but I understand that packing can be very stressful. I’m here to assure you, with the right mix of science and art, it can be mastered.

I’ve developed a standard routine for major trip preparation. Step one is to layout all the clothes/outfits I want to bring. Step two: cut everything in half. And then maybe take away one or two more pieces! Overpacking for vacation is just not necessary. If a beach is involved you will end up wearing pretty much the same thing everyday. However, if, like me, you’re a bit clothes obsessed having a few options on hand is still a must. To ensure my inner fashionista’s needs are met, I’ve established a few packing rules of thumb. This is my standard packing checklist:

> One pair of jeans/pants – white for Greece of course! {your second pair you’ll wear on the plane}

> One pair of shorts {you really don’t need more than that!}

> One short dress and one long dress

> One pair of heels, 1-2 pairs of sneakers, 1-2 pairs of flat sandals

> One sweater or sweatshirt

> 1-2 long-sleeved shirts

> 2-3 bathing suits

And then there are my favorite secret weapons: accessories! You’d be amazed how fresh an outfit feels when you add a scarf, throw on a necklace or swap out your sunglasses {I’m very into statement-making sunnies these days – The Dreslyn is my go-to for hot options}. And those little touches take up much less room in your suitcase! So stick to wardrobe basics but splurge on your accoutrements. As you also may have noticed from the pics above, I’m a huge fan of the vacation hat. It means you don’t have to touch a hair dryer for a whole week. Hello, bliss. I usually just pick up a cheap one upon arrival. I’ve never found a good way to pack a hat – have you??

To stock up for this trip, I headed to a few of my favorite spots…

Ella Moss supplied me with the entire foundation of my wardrobe including my new favorite travel companion: a great jumper that I could style a zillion ways. I also snagged a stand-out top and a cute swimsuit coverup. Your footwear is also quite important. When I travel I feel strongly about not standing out as obviously American. And wearing running shoes is a dead giveaway. I loved my chic and sleek mesh Keds for Kate Spade. I was able to walk through the cobbled streets of Mykonos Town comfortably but didn’t feel like I stuck out. I also made sure my tech was a little spruced up for the trip with a cheeky case that charged my phone!

Despite all my pre-planning, I did make a few missteps on this trip. Unseasonably cool weather and high winds left me wishing for one more warm option so a cardigan was purchased. I also forgot to carry on socks for the plane – a major must for any long haul flights! But overall I was really happy with my packing plan. Everything I brought got worn at least once and I still had room in my suitcase to bring home 1-2 souvenirs!

I consider my Mykonos style mission accomplished. But what about you?? Do you have any packing secrets you rely on? I’d love to know!

________________________________________________________________________

Shop My Mykonos Must-Haves:

> Ella Moss Jumpsuit
> Kate Spade Idiom Bangle
> Taylor Frends Headphones
> Kate Spade Dot Scarf
> Illesteva Leonard II Sunglasses
> Tracie Martyn Enzyme Exfoliant
> Ella Moss Jaquared Top
> Kate Spade Power Trip iPhone Charger
> Keds for Kate Spade Fisher Sneakers
> Kate Spade Gold Notebook
> Ella Moss Swimsuit Cover Up

This post is in partnership with Ella Moss and Kate Spade. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting posts that keep Apartment 34’s doors open!

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