Every season I say I’m going to give up on JCrew. Just as I finally say enough with things still being a bit overpriced, the fits being a bit boxy and the look feeling a bit too…everywhere, Miss Lyons and her creative crew go and put together a Fall 2014 presentation that looks like this!

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And I’m back. This collection is sophisticated. Interesting. Mature. And oh so Jenna. As soon as I spied that oversized cobalt scarf with leather stripes… le swoon.

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Then there are the crazy good coats {I’ll take one of each please}, killer pointy-toe pumps {my fave} and that great slouchy pant, all in my favorite neutral color palette. Now I’m just annoyed I have to wait until next Fall to get my hands on everything!

What about you? Are you still on the JCrew badwagon?? No judgements.

New York Fashion Week is now in full effect! I love the Fall shows beacuse the clothes are so relevant to our current season! It’s so fun ot get some fresh style-inspiration we can apply now.

NYFW kicked off with a bang as one of the first collections shown, Marissa Webb’s Fall 2014 Ready-to-Wear collection, hit the runway. To say it was made for the Apartment 34 girl is an understatement. Sticking to a dark and gray-based color palette {save for some pastel pink and bright red towards the end!}, Webb kept things simple with lots of pant + jacket ensembles, worked with comfortable shapes {love the slouchy, jogging pant!} and most importantly, the entire collection is so wearable! We’d gladly add any piece to our wardrobe right now!

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It appears the sweatshirt trend isn’t going anywhere! We love the shape of that first look and the killer layering inspiration. Don’t be surprised if a turtle neck and sweartshirt are tomorrow’s workwear look. Many of the pieces Marissa featured we may have already, in one form or another! A white skinny, a great gnarled sweater or tweed peacoat? Definitely great basics. But that’s exactly what we love about this collection- it highlights wardrobe staples in an edgier, more on-trend fashion!

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Dolce Vita Pump // Oversized Tweed Coat // Faux Fur Snood // Tibi Sporty Sweater // Claremont Tote {25% off with code BRINGSPRING} // Silk Jogging Pant

Take a look at how many layers and textures are going on in each look. There’s leather, tweed, graphic patterns, plaid, fur, zippers and silk, oh my! Webb is not afraid to add interest to a neutral ensemble and neither should you- it’s proof positive that basing your wardrobe on black is far from boring!

I’m quickly adding these perfectly transitional jogging pants into my closet {they’re basically like getting away with wearing pajamas outside of your house!} along with this amazing faux fur snood that instantly glams up a coat while keeping you super toasty!

How are you thinking of adding texture to your wardrobe this winter? There’s still time!

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Let’s admit it, most weeks Monday mornings come all too soon. So why not carry a little bit of the weekend into your work wear? I’m totally getting into this whole tailored sweatshirt trend. Comfy, cozy and totally chic? Where do I sign up?

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I’ve developed a particularly strong obession for Cardigans New York. Yes, their use of the lovely model Caroline {who I’ve loved since Joanna’s amazing hair tutorials} certainly helps their cause. But when you have beautifully constructed pullovers in cashmere or super soft french terry that actually flatter and are full of style, I’d glady jump out of bed throw one on and head down to the office, knowing I’ll look perfectly put together!

I’d probably add a blazer {how about one for $25!}, some flat boots {on sale!} and my trusty tote to complete this totally comfortable and completely professional look.

So whatta think? Would you rock a sweatshirt to work? I say we start a sartorial revolution! Who’s with me?

SHOP THE POST

 

PS: We’re trying out a new little shopping app on the blog – a way for you to find our favorite things even faster, especially on your phone or tablet. Simply click on each item to shop. Let us know if you like it!!

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Today’s work wear post is all about answering the age old question: what do you do when you have “nothing to wear”?!  When Bradamant invited us to style some of their fantastic shirts, the answer came straight away; head right back to the classics. With a crisp white shirt as your place to start you can build an eye-catching look with skinniesleopard print pumps and a statement-making coat. Builidng your look with a fabulous foundation will never let you down.

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For this shoot, we hit the streets with a little inspiration from a Hitchcock-ian style woman – powerful, put together, but always a little mysterious. It was fun to try recreate a little heightened sense of drama. Whatta think? Did we succeed?

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We set the mood by heading to San Francisco’s Financial District. I love finding amazing hidden pockets of this city!

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what i’m wearing: Bradamant The Director white button down, pre-order yours right here!| coated black denim | emerson fry pumps {similar here} | box car coat | margaret elizabeth bangle

Having standout style isn’t always about what label you’re wearing – it’s about how you carry yourself. Basic pieces can turn heads just as quickly as those easily identifiable designer bags or a shocking print.

That’s the wonderful thing about the classics – like Bradamant’s chic shirts. One in white, black and navy will be the foundation of countless looks. No matter how many people might have something similar, they’re there for you to put your personal spin on year after year! Your wardrobe should be built to help you shine – am I right?

So, how do you like to put a personal touch on your wardrobe staples? I’ve got great news – Bradamant is offering you an exclusvie 35% OFF when you shop at their online store and use the code APT34Saves35. So add a perfectly classic piece to your wardrobe this weekend!

original photography for apartment 34 by Aubrie Pick | wardrobe styling and art direction by apartment 34

This post is in partnership with Bradamant – a great destination for classic work wear that never comes untucked! Bradamant wants to celebrate your success. Check out their Reach Rewards program, where you earn shopping points for achievements like getting a promotion or a new job. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting posts that keep Apartment 34’s doors open.

Back in a former life {when I lived in Washington, DC and worked in a more conservative setting aka the Hill}, I rocked a classic business suit everyday. Even when I was faced with those frozen streets and mountains of snow, I swore I’d never been one of “those women” who wore tennis shoes with her work clothes. We make sacrifices in the name of style, right?!

How wrong I turned out to be! If only I had the fashion foresight to flip the stigma on its head and instead make rockin’ tennies with your work wear super cool. I’m seeing it everywhere I turn these days and have to say – I love the look! That’s because this version isn’t just about comfort. It’s about an easy cool style that exudes confidence. I, for one, am all for it!

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There are two schools of sartorial thought in this foot-friendly trend: making your shoe the stand out accessory or going as incognito as possible with a sleek black sneaker. The key to making the look work is to keep your pant leg skinny and ideally cropped. Add crisp, easy layers on top for a simple, not sloppy look. The all-black Nikes have recently become a staple in my closet and I can attest, are a godsend on days I have to run back and forth to every corner of the city for meetings.

I feel I owe my feet an apology. Years spent dashing for subway trains and stomping down cobblestone streets in 4-inch heels was not kind. But I swear, I’m making it up to them now!cool-kick-apartment-34-sneakersI’d happily add these Nikes, these Vansthese Nikes, these classic Vans, or these bright beauties to my closet!

 

Are you ready to give your heels an extended holiday?!

 

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Happy Monday all! I. am. back!! I’m feeling rejuvenated and ready to finish this year off strong. My Australian adventure was the perfect restoration and inspiration I was looking for and while I’m {somewhat!} excited to be back at the office today, my mind continues to wander lust ever so often. I’m still craving Oz’s fuan and spunky folk, funky clothes and sunshine {which did in fact come out to play a few times despite the torrential rains we experienced!}.

Had it been beautiful summer sun as I’d originally anticipated, I wish I could have rocked Kule’s Spring 2014 lookbook! But for this back-to-reality Monday, the collection is the perfect reminder of the fun I just had that’ll get me through this day.

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Kule actually started out as a children’s line {believe it or not!} and just recently graduated to a full women’s collection. It has the school-girl prep plus pizazz locked down mixing check cigarette pants with color blocked beanies and stripes. I love all of the pattern play and layering going on!

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And since the days are officially chilly in SF, layering is exactly what I’ll need to do. I’m intrigued at the idea of mixing a beanie with my work suit and adding white pumps, aren’t you? It’s young and chic and provides an extra layer of warmth.

I wonder if I can pull off the look or if it’s just way too kule for me! Would you give it go?? If so, these pants, this blazer, jacket and these pumps are good options {and all on sale!}!

images via moda operandi 

Since gray fall weather has officially fallen upon San Francisco this week {no pun intended, ha!}, I’m looking to add a little color to perk up my wardrobe. You all know that I am the queen of neutrals, but there are a few perfect Fall hues that I’d love to play with, especially gorgeous shades of green, rich oxblood red and of course my fave, winter whites!

Green is one of those colors that look great on everybody. Just like a plant instantly livens up a room, a little green can make your look pop. Forest green is sophisticated, olive is sexy and a navy and green tartan shirt is always a good idea for men and women!

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I’ve already talked about my love for oxblood here. I’m dying to get my hands on those L.A.M.B. pumps. You can do no wrong when it comes to this color but you can choose to do really right with this vintage Celine. Come to mama!

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My Winter Whites collection on eBay has to be one of my favorites {obviously!}. I’m so happy that I can wear my signature color all year long. Don’t be intimidated to do the same. Hopefully, this board will help you find pieces that allow you to pull off a monochromatic look with effortless style!

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When it comes to shopping these days, I never have the time to get myself to a store anymore, what about you? This holiday season, instead of attempting to cram in a trip to a mall, I plan to go a much more preferred route: on my couch, with glass of wine in hand, scouring eBay’s new way to shop!

Now you can curate shopable collections on eBay to keep track of your favorite items and at the same time check out what other scores people are coming across {and let me just say that there are a lot of good things to be had!}. Designer items are available at a fraction of the cost and trending items that are in-store now are a plenty! You can snag everything form vintage YSL to nail polish on eBay.  Who knew?

Are you a frequent eBay buyer? If so, you’re going to love eBay Collections. If not, you should totally check it out. You can follow my collections: Green with Envy, Oxblood Obsessed and Winter Whites along with everything else I’m loving from this awesome Mid Century Modern chair to these killer Alexander Wang shoes {so good!}, here!

image 1 via Stockholm Streetstyle // 2 via 9to5Chic // 3 via

My eBay Collections were curated as part of my collaboration with eBay and Style Coalition. Thank you for supporting posts that keep Apartment 34’s doors open.

 

Leather pants. How many of us have them? While I’ve often admired the thought of them, it wasn’t until I put Julia into a pair that I realized how wearable they really are! I’m now a proponent of everyone at least trying them on- they instantly help you walk a little taller with a confidence and sexiness that is rather addictive.

Believe it or not, leather pants are actually one of the easiest things to style. Once you find your perfect pair, you’ll literally reach for them to go with anything. There are just a few things to remember and you’re good to go!

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First, don’t get discouraged. There are plenty of different styles and textures these days, from slouchy to skinny to shiny or paneled. If you want to achieve a slimmer appearance, look for panels. Leather on the side, and not all the way around will give you the perfect illusion and a little extra stretch If you’re curvier, look for a more matte leather. Shinier styles will draw the eye immediately to the pant. So, just keep in mind where you’d like people to look!

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Second, once you find a style that you like, take three sizes into the fitting room: your normal size, one size smaller and bigger. Fit is so key when it comes to leather and sometimes people get so stuck on “their size” that they completely miss the mark. Numbers never matter, it’s only the fit that counts. For instance, on a skinny style, if you see bunching in the thigh area- try the size bigger and if you feel like you’re sagging in the knees- go for smaller. Remember: if it’s real leather, it will stretch.

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Third, when it comes to styling leather pants for day-time wear, keep things simple and neutral. The easiest outfit: leather and a tee. You can throw on pumps for a night out or kicks to run errands in, either way, it works. Since leather is a hard texture, softer knits and chunky sweaters go perfectly. And all black? The ultimate color way for a super chic winter outfit.

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get your shop on: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 //

I’m obsessed with the idea of moving away from the leather legging or skinnies and venturing into a boot cut like the last option above. You’ll just want to remember to play with hourglass proportions. Think of a floppy hat to balance the width of the pantleg and a fitted peacoat because it flairs a little at the hip and slims in the waist. The look is completely Rachel Zoe and in her words- is BA-NA-NAS.

So, who dares to rock the boot cut or slouchy leather pant? Personally, I am dying to try them and plan to do exactly that this Thursday night at Scoop NYC! I’d love to help you find a style that works for you as well- so don’t forget to drop in and say hi for some shopping and bubbly!

Click here to get all the details.

images via Intermix

Are you a fashion risk taker? Don’t worry, I’m not really either. While we often explore eye-catching fashion trends around here {90s grunge, printed pants and skorts!), I’m the first to admit I rock a pretty standard uniform day to day. So I thought it was high time to put my money where my mouth is and take a fashion risk myself! I recently attempted to put my jeans aside and give something new a good ole fashioned try…Harem Pants!

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Granted, I made it a little easier on myself by selecting these stunning silk-crepe pants from Maiyet {if you recall, I introduced them to you here. I am so obsessed!}. When going outside your silohette comfort zone cut is key and Maiyet has tailoring down to an art form. You can’t really tell in these photos but these pants have amazing pleats down the front which keep them from getting totally overwhelming. Their new wool pair for fall is similar.

But let’s break down how I went about styling these beauties in a bit more detail.

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I’d refer to my first look as date night chic. We’re in the midst of San Francisco’s Indian Summer and I’d rock this look on a night out on the town. If an occasion was even fancier, a long necklace, a little clutch and a red lip is all I’d need to be cocktail party ready. I love how the longer length of the silk tank tempers the harmen pant’s width. The look still feels streamlined, casual but still pretty.

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When building an ensemble your secret weapon is layering. Creating looks that involve at least three pieces takes an outfit from ho-hum to wow! I turned up the sophistication level on these pants by simply tossing on a great blazer. It adds so much poilsh. I also love the color blocking effect the white gives {we all konw my love for white!}.

My blazer is Rag & Bone but I’m loving this one and this one.

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Since Mondays are all about work wear, I also wanted to try to put a business spin on these pants – and I’d say the result is mixed. Because they have a dropped waist, finding a shirt that will tuck in required rolling the pants a bit – raising their hem to an unflattering length. An office-appropriate pump with an ankle strap or a taller ankle bootie would have helped alleviate that weird line. It’s certainly driving me crazy right now.

So as you can see, rocking harem pants is possible, but not exactly fool proof. I’m the first to admit that I have a leg up in styling harem pants as my legs are rather long. I would warn anyone of a bit shorter stature to proceed with caution with this style. It could quickly overwhelm a small frame. Also, heels are a must {sorry feet}. With all that volume flats will only leave you looking like you’re rocking a costume. I’m a big proponent of the ankle strap trend, but these would be seriously killer.

So what do you think? Would you trade in your standard skinnies or even your wide-legged pants for a day in a pair of Harems??

PS: Yes I have rocked my pants in real life – you can see what I wore to a wedding a few months back on Instagram right here!

original photography for apartment 34 by Aubrie Pick // styling by Erin Hiemstra // thanks Carrots SF for supplying the lovely tops!

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