My Best Friend’s Wedding

Wedding Style

If you’ve been around Apartment 34 for quite some time, you’ll remember I went through a phase of being in love with weddings. Of course that coincided with my own, and while we don’t talk about them much around here anymore, truth be told I still love them. I love the details. I love all the amazing talents, designs and inspiration that go into designing a beautiful wedding. In fact, this genius wedding DIY is still on one of our most popular posts to date. But when it’s your best friend’s wedding – well – things feel extra special.

That was certainly the case when my bestie Cassandra of Coco+Kelley got married last June. The details were perfect. Cassandra went for a Tuscan-inspired, old world European vibe and it was just so good. Everything was thoughtful, sophisticated but not over the top. You had to be paying attention to appreciate all the little details, which of course I was!

The tables had a beautiful palette of dusty pinks, peaches, golds, lilac and green. Custom drink and dinner menus and place cards featured gorgeous calligraphy and whimsical illustrations.

We bridesmaids were all gifted super cool rose gold rings with a faceted Swarowski crystal, each with their personalized velvet ring box. See – I’m tellin’ ya Cassandra thought of every details.

Cassandra’s wedding is featured on Green Wedding Shoes today (another awesome OG in this blogging game) and seeing all of Katie Parra’s gorge photos takes me right back to that amazing moment. Kinda wish we could do it all again! Head over here to check out all the details.

If you’re curious about our wedding inspirations past, CLICK HERE.

Don’t Call Them Mom-Shoes- 10 Sneakers You Need Now

Fashion

Just when you thought there might not be a post today…I just couldn’t leave you hanging! I’m also in the midst of packing for a family trip to Disneyland which means I’m currently examining my of collection sneakers. Now, I never thoughts I’d utter those words – sneaker collection. This is coming from a woman who designed her entire closet to accommodate her heels. I never in a million years thought I would give them up. And then I had a kid. Now I look at those 4″ stunners and wonder what the heck was I thinking.

Thankfully, sneakers have come a long way and so has fashion. You can now pair your kicks with virtually anything – even a suit (actually one of my favorite looks). I love them with skirts, with jumpsuits and there’s the obvious athleisure look – aka legging all. the. time.

So whether you have littles or not, I highly recommend adding some cool sneakers to your closet this season. Your wardrobe and your feet will thank you!

SHOP: reebok for opening ceremony / loeffler randall logan sneaker / v-10 sneaker / metallic sneakers / converse / common projects / addidas / nike cortez / knit sneakers / puma

SHOP COOL MOM SNEAKERS

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For more spring shopping ideas, CLICK HERE.

images via fancy pants report / could i have that / lovely pepa / citysage / could i have that

The April Edit

Fashion

I used to have the luxury of spending a lot of time thinking about clothes. They were fun, they were a way to express myself, they were a way to make a statement to the world and if we’re all being honest, clothes are often a means competing with others. For my April edit, I’m taking a very different tact.

But as years have passed and life has gotten much more full, my perspective on getting dressed has shifted dramatically. Now don’t get my wrong, I still fully agree with the ethos of every makeover show that’s ever existed – how you dress is your initial calling card to world so you don’t want to mail it in. But that desire to one up, to out do, or to draw attention feels so childish now.

What if your closet was only housed timeless, classic, high quality staples that looked good and made you feel good every time you put them on? What if your closet was trend free so you didn’t feel the need to purge and replenish after every season, but instead you could pull a piece out like you’re saying hello to an old friend?

My closet is slowly but surely headed in that direction and you know what I no longer spend hours doing (nor even really have the urge to do?!)? Shop! Once you build a closet full of beautiful pieces that let you revel in daily life, rather than worry about what you’re wearing all of that distraction falls away. And I never thought I’d say this but it feels great.

Because life is complicated. Getting dressed shouldn’t have to be.

SHOP: nikes / rachel comey jeans / madewell tunic / denim loafers / leather bomber jacket / luggage / sunnies / hoop earrings / purse / gray t-shirt / denim jacket

There are a few more staples I’d like to add to my rotation this spring. These days I live in high quality t-shirts. They’re flattering. They’re comfortable and you can layer them with everything. And when you invest in a good one, they don’t pill or stretch and so don’t have to be replaced nearly as often.

I’m obsessed with denim jackets that have a little edge. An oversized silhouette. A cropped sleeve. Maybe some patchwork. Something that makes the jacket just a little different. It makes the piece and therefore your look a little more special.

The perfect cream wide-leg jean. You will wear them for years. The end.

The exception to my fill your closet with basics rule is shoes. I do love to have a little fun with my footwear and these denim loafers with a big ole bow totally fit that bill.

Anyone else have itchy feet? I want to take my entire spring edit, shove in it a cute suitcase and jet off to a beautiful destination. Maybe I should go back to Greece this year.

SHOP OUR APRIL EDIT

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9 Refined Style Ideas for Spring

Decor

As the tulips begin to bloom and the cherry trees bud out, I’m feeling SO excited for the arrival of spring! After a season of nothing of heavy jackets and heavier news headlines here’s hoping the new season tap dances in all airy and light.

While you’re probably being inundated by the “what you need right now” posts, rather than frantically try to incorporate this season’s “trends” into your world, why not opt for timeless, classic silhouettes, less is more design and quality staples that you’ll love for years to come. Refined style all the way baby.

The formula for classic style is fairly straightforward. Step one: pick a monochromatic color palette and run with it. White is my favorite pretty much all year round, but then comes camel, gray and maybe a touch of navy. Exciting? Not necessarily but you’ll never look at your closet nor your living room and suddenly hate what you see. I’m really loving a head to toe monochromatic look – or a tone on tone room.

And even though they’re called basics, minimal pieces – be they for your closet or your home – can be anything but. If you invest in high-quality materials – think cashmere, Japanese linen, good chunky knits, supple leathers – the craftsmanship is going to stand out in the fast-fashion (and fast everything) crowd. And the details don’t have to be boring. I’m obsessed with the oversized cuff of Anna Quan’s shirts. Levi’s and Citizens of Humanity are doing some very cool vintage denim. High waists, good tailoring or dramatically oversized pieces keep your look feeling fresh.

For your home, think about just going along and removing the top layer of crap. While stuff can add personality and texture to your home, it can also begin to suffocate the space. If you boil things down to what is truly essential or truly gorgeous, you’ll find you appreciate what’s around you more. When things get overstuffed I feel like our eyes don’t see them anymore. I love really architectural bowls or ceramics. A refined bench in a hallway or a large piece of art leaning against a wall catches your eye. And never underestimate the power of a good plant.

So as spring makes its debut, it’s the ideal time to whittle things back to the basics. Set aside the 5-10 things you actually wear and then gather everything else in a giant pile. Walk around your living room and look at anything you don’t ever use or enjoy looking at. Do you see yourself wearing anything in that pile in the next six months? Do you see yourself missing something from your space? If not, out it goes. Consign the good stuff and donate the rest. Then you can fill in any gaps with the aforementioned minimal basics. Trust me, you’ll feel ten times lighter and ten times happier every time you open your closet or walk through your house.

SHOP REFINED SPRING STYLE

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images in order of appearance fitgny / neustadt / pinterest / pinterest / stairway /apt34 archive / sfgirlbybay / shaina mote

FOR MORE SPRING STYLE IDEAS, CLICK HERE

Next Level Sweatshirt Dressing

Fashion

I used to blog about fashion on this site a lot. I even used to post pictures of myself from time to time. But I’ve fallen victim to my natural state – that of a late 30’s mom with a toddler / entrepreneur working from home / live in California where no one gets dressed up uniform: aka lulu lemon. While I know athleisure is like, a thing now, I’ve always felt a little “still in my pjs” in a sweatshirt. But the following upscaled sweatshirt ideas are inspiring me to transform my lazy dressing into an actual outfit! PS these are all from Zara so they are crazy affordable (bonus).

Idea number one: oversized sweatshirt, wide-leg trousers and heels. Not three things you might think to combine when browsing your own closet and yet, I love it. Obviously, this is a look that cannot be worn with bedhead. That’s a little too literal. When you mix the super casual with the dressy you have to keep the rest of your look nice and tight.

A bit of a slimmer and cropped sweatshirt looks great tucked into a pair of high-waisted jeans. I probably won’t be rocking a sky-high heel at the playground, but a cute pair of sneakers (my current faves are linked right here), would work quite nicely. The oversized hoops are a nice addition too. A good accessory always elevates a look.

A hoodie tucked into a pencil skirt? I’m into it. Though I do have to convince myself to wear a skirt again.

Sweatshirt fully tucked into the high waisted jean. Yes, yes and yes. I actually saw this look on a girl walking down the street in San Francisco just yesterday and thought how cute it looked.

An oversized sweatshirt in a bold hue paired a checked trouser creates a cool look. I’m not as big of a fan of the addition of the accessories bag, hat or — how do you even describe these sunglasses that even Beyonce was wearing at the Grammys? Do they have a name? I don’t get them. I cannot endorse any of those add-ons. I’m officially old.

While I probably wouldn’t wear these looks to an office job, I would definitely feel sassy, a bit dressed up and like I’m actually back into this whole fashion thing by simply repurposing the sweatshirt collection already in my closet.

What say you? Are you into these sweatshirts as actual fashion looks?

For more outfit ideas, CLICK HERE.

images via zara

The Only Jean You Need this Fall

Fashion

Happy Monday friends. I hope you all had wonderful weekends. Like I mentioned last week, I’m doing my best to kick my wardrobe back in gear this fall, so I spend most of my Sunday evenings scrolling for the week’s outfit inspiration. This week, denim popped to the top of my search (surprise, surprise). But the season’s it jean feels like multiple flashes from fashion trends past – in a good way. I’m dating myself, but this vibe is a mix of Clueless meets My So Called Life and I kinda love it.

After what feels like years spent in nothing but dark, skinny jeans, cropped, straight legged, and preferably high waisted feels fresh and new. The easy fit appeals to the tomboy in me (but be prepared – with no stretch, you have to find a pair that fits well!). And the light wash gives me all the 90’s retro feels. There are a lot of good footwear options for this look, but they’re particularly good for showing off the best fall ankle boot you can find.

What do you think? Are you as into these jeans as I am?

SHOP THE POST

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image 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6

The Fall Edit

Decor

Now that we’re coming up on mid-October, I’ve dropped all things summer like a hot potato and have fully embraced the new season. Except pumpkins. I’m still refusing all pumpkin related items – but I know I’m in the minority on that one. However, I am loving a mix of warm woods, creamy whites, black accents and a touch of metallic or two.

shop the post: striped rug // table lamp // metallic boot // camel coat // shoulder bag // tea kettle // side chair

While this color palette is certainly a classic, when applied to modern pieces with crisp silhouettes it feels fresh and new. Like that stunning table lamp?! You won’t see something like that gorgeous marble shade every day. Or that yummy leather side chair with black metal legs. It’s equal parts comfortable and sophisticated. Definitely what I’m craving right now.

But surprisingly, I’ve also been drawn to a touch or two of green. Specifically, a mellow, subtle mossy green like this gorgeous shoulder bag. The color is natural and earthy, but a piece with crisp clean lines keeps it from feeling hippy-dippy. That bag would look gorgeous with that timeless camel coat and some good boots.

When you’re working with this neutral palette, it’s all about layering on a mix of textures. Leather, wool, brass, cashmere, rattan. Mix and match to your heart’s content.nThat’s where you’ll find that cozy fall sweet spot.

What say you? Are you feeling the fall vibes from this collection?

SHOP THE POST

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images 1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7

Bringing the Badass Back to Blazers

Fashion

Today’s post is equal parts fashion inspiration and personal style journey. For years around here, at the start of each week, I talked about Monday Workwear. It was the perfect way to shake off the work week doldrums – I used to love getting excited about getting dressed. Then came the 10 months where I couldn’t fit into anything in my closet. And the two and half years it’s taken me to get back into everything in my closet, but now I’m too tired half the time to actually change after my morning workout. But this fall, I’ve felt a shift. I actually want to break back into my wardrobe again and my timing couldn’t be better, as it appears one of my old staples – blazers – are coming on hard this season. So without further ado, I give you some Monday workwear inspiration – even if your only job is to make it through today.

Proof that all things come back around, since I’m pretty sure I saw this blazer on an episode of Designing Women (anyone with me?), but I’m digging the vibe of those puffy sleeves right now.

This look is definitely my style. Loads of layers (love it buttoned up to the neck), a heavy menswear touch and some mighty mom jeans. I gotta say, this is my jam right now.

I’ve never met a giant pant I didn’t like. Realize it’s not the friendliest silhouette, but if you feel like you can pull them off, seriously try them sometime – it’s so fun.

The oversized sleeve detail on this look (which I actually rocked pre-pregnancy in this post), combined with the cropped pant and beanie make a matching blazer and pants feel anything but up tight. Seems like it’s high time to give the style another go.

Does this look remind anyone else of Angela from My So Called Life?? And yet, I really want to add that blazer to my collection.

Who says you need to head to an office to rock a suit? Maybe I’ll just feel really polished during my morning coffee run.

What’s the saying? Dress for the job you want? Well, today, I’d like the job of badass, thanks.

For the entire Monday Workwear archive, CLICK HERE.

images via zara

Your Entire Fall Wardrobe is Right Here

Fashion

Hi Friend! Since it’s the first day of Fall, I figured you deserved a bonus Friday post. This has always been my favorite season for fashion after all. The coats, the boots, the layers! It’s when getting dressed gets interesting again. But at the same time, I love the concept of the capsule wardrobe and uniform dressing – but how to do you combine the two? A beautifully edited closet and clothes that make you feel fabulous when you put them on. Well, I found the solution and it’s called Kamperett. You can consider all of your fall shopping done, right now.

I’ve shared Kamperett collections before (like right here). Designed and made in San Francisco by two women who understand great style, but also know the needs of the modern, multi-tasking mom, Kamperett has taken their fall collection to new wearable levels. You have stunning pants, the perfect bodysuit, amazing coats, a sweet blouse – virtually everything you need to create a complete closet. Everything is simple and classic but also head turning. Dresses have sheer panels. Pants have the perfect kick hem. The dresses drape just so. And course so much of the fall collection is in my favorite black & cream color palette. Mmmm, my happy place. These are the pieces you’ll love wearing now and will keep for years.

Every single one of these pieces is calling my name – including the dresses! I know – me in a dress – but I actually already wore one right here and never felt more fabulous. So feel free to stop your online shopping for the random piece that everyone will have this fall and instead, think about emptying your closet and only adding back what’s special. This line certainly fits that bill.

For more fall style inspiration, CLICK HERE.

images c/o kamperett

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