A Valentine’s Day Gift that’s Actually for You

Fashion

I’ve always said that lingerie is NOT a Valentine’s gift for you. It’s for him. I mean, come on – do you ever actually wear the stuff other than the day it was given? Exactly. But my attitude has shifted a bit since I discovered Madewell just launched an intimates line. Because this is purdy underwear I actually want to wear.

It looks cute, it looks comfy and it has the perfect amount of sass.

I’m particularly into the bralette situation for something I might want to show off. But I also really like I really the mesh bras. Padding is so 10 years ago. I’m tiny and proud dammit. There are some cute and casual color blocked styles. Great boy shorts too.

I haven’t refreshed my personals drawer since finally returning to my post-baby body (did I mention it took nearly two years to get there? Yeah f*** Crissy Tiegan and all those models who look perfect in 4 weeks. But I digress). But now that everything has shrunk back down to its pre-baby size and I’m no longer stuck wearing nursing bras, it seems like the perfect time to invest in a few lovely little things, just for me. Why should I have to wait until someone else buys them for me?? If the husband likes this little gift to myself, added bonus.

You can shop the entire Madewell Intimates Collection HERE.

10 Winter Style Ideas

Fashion

It’s been a little while since we’ve talked about fashion around here. So I thought it high time I round up some winter style inspiration. If you’re like me, you’re probably ready to look at your winter closet with new eyes.

Oversized scarves are my fave.

Inspired to try the turtleneck-under-shirt look.

Rocking a hoodie as day-wear.

Giving culottes a winter vibe.

Scarves as belts – easy way to sass up a classic pair of wide-legged denim.

Neck scarves are having a moment. Pairing one with a sweatshirt is a particularly interesting idea.

Pulling out some pattern. Love the checks on checks in competing neutral tones.

Slip-ons with sweater dresses.

A classic blazer, another jumbo scarf and a retro belt still feel very current.

You can rock virtually any style of jeans these days – but how about rolling them? The key is a good ankle-hugging heel or boot.

It’s not about running out and buying the latest trends – but instead simply tweaking the classic pieces already in your closet. I’m going to see if I can put together a fresh look everyday this week. Who’s with me??

For more style posts, CLICK HERE

images 1 /2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10

Hidden Pockets of Inspiration in San Francisco

Fashion

After nearly 10 years of blogging, one of the biggest challenges is coming up with ideas! It can start to feel like you’ve talked about everything there is to talk about. And you keep seeing the same images on Pinterest. And everyone has already written everything there is to say about the Pantone Color of the Year. What’s left?!

When creative roadblocks strike, I like head out – as far away from the depths of the internet as I can get. One of my favorite places to go for new ideas are the streets of San Francisco. Sure, I could run to the new MOMA, head to the design district or wander past the architectural wonders of Pacific Heights, but there are in fact, hidden pockets of inspiration everywhere you look. You just have to be able to find them. So I thought I’d take you along on one my inspiration hunts – and have a little fun while out and about.

San Francisco is full of inspiration; colors, textures, art, architecture. But when you’re stuck behind the wheel of your car, it can be hard to keep your eyes open for hidden gems.

It was while wandering around the Mission that I spied this pretty little corner. The sherbet hues and that rich luscious greenery caught my eye and got my brain whirring with fresh color palette ideas. It also inspired me to get up close and personal with plants – that I can’t explain quite as easily. But I digress.

Then there’s Balmy Alley – one you’re almost certain to miss unless you have the luxury of keeping an eye out. The block long alley is the best place to see the most concentrated collection of murals in San Francisco. Each building along this carless gem is filled with community art. The murals began in the mid-80’s. Some murals offer political messages, some depict moments in history, others are just simple bursts of beauty. But a stroll down this tiny street reminds you to search for the unexpected and appreciate self-expression. The alley reminded me to look at things from new perspectives. Simply examining a problem from an unexpected angle can reveal solutions you’ve never considered.

A new favorite inspiration destination is the Minnesota Street Project. Recently opened in San Francisco’s historic Dogpatch district, Minnesota Street Project offers affordable and economically sustainable spaces for art galleries, artists and related nonprofits. But you don’t even have to step foot into one of the spaces’s 10 galleries (which are open to the public and totally free) to be inspired. 1275 Minnesota Street features a massive open plan atrium that includes exposed steel beams, polished concrete floors and oak bleacher seating. And crazy good light. Did I mention that? I love simply taking a stroll through the vast open space. It’s like the opposite of Balmy Alley. Devoid of color. Minimal, striped down to the essentials. A visit often reminds me to not over complicate things.

A day spent soaking up fresh inspiration requires sufficient caffeination. It’s helpful that my favorite little coffee shop offers design inspiration unto itself. Tucked a short jaunt away from Minnesota Street Project, in an even lesser-known part of San Francisco sits The Den. The corner cafe is in fact attached to famed San Francisco bakery Craftsmen & Wolves’ commercial baking space. But I love that CAW has chosen to make its tiniest space into a precious jewel. Artist (and friend!) Heather Day took her art large scale with a stunning mural that stretches from wall to wall and up onto the ceiling. It’s the perfect place to grab a jolt of inspiration, a damn fine cappuccino and a Rebel Within (if you don’t what that is, you need to find out immediately).

When I spend an afternoon away from my computer and out in the city, the limited world view served up on places like Pinterest and Instagram become the furthest things from my mind. Instead, I find myself clearer headed, more energized and excited to sit back down to my keyboard, determined to share something new with you.

I’m curious, what do you like to do to break out of a rut?

For more of my favorite finds in San Francisco, CLICK HERE

original photography for apartment 34 by ashley batz

How to Enjoy San Francisco during the Holidays

Fashion

One of my favorite things about San Francisco is how this city celebrates the holidays. This town goes all out. Nearly every street glows with twinkle lights. Christmas trees shine in row house windows. And when you get downtown it’s like a holiday wonderland. Skyscrapers are all outlined in red and green. There are giant Christmas trees on nearly every corner and shop windows are decorated to the nines. You can’t help but get in the holiday spirit.

But the getting downtown part can be a real problem. A couple of years ago, we actually tried to do a day of Christmas shopping, but after sitting in gridlock motionless for 45 solid minutes, we simply turned around and headed home. This year however, I was determined to soak in the holiday atmosphere. Online shopping just doesn’t quite do it. Thankfully, I could turn to Uber to make the experience much less painful!

Rather than worry about traffic, circle endlessly for parking, I simply hopped in an Uber. I love UberX – it’s super affordable and there’s usually one available with very little wait. The busy holiday roads were no big deal since I could blissfully do email while someone else worried about the road ahead.

I headed to Ghiradelli Square first. What was once a total tourist trap has been revitalized with locals in mind. There’s some great food including a spot by celeb chef Jonathan Waxman and wine tasting rooms including one of my favorites, Bluxome Street Wines. And of course you can still pick up tons of Ghiradelli chocolate for all your stocking stuffer needs.

what I’m wearing: isabel marant jacket / levis redone jeans / freda salvador boots / jumbo scarf / celine box bag

When I was done I just used my Uber app to grab a car to my next destination – Maiden Lane off of Union Square in the heart of downtown San Francisco. I love that I didn’t have to hunt for parking or worry about leaving gifts in my car.

Maiden Lane is a hidden gem right off Union Square. A pedestrian-only, tree lined lane allows you to escape the crowds of downtown San Francisco’s main shopping arterials. Filled mall boutiques and specialty shops and cute cafe seating it’s the perfect place to find something special.

An afternoon of soaking up the festive sights and sounds of city makes it impossible to deny the magic of the holidays. I’m so excited to impart that feeling to my little kiddo this season. He’s just old enough to really begin to understand it all. And there’s really nothing better than the holidays then through the eyes of a child. I’m just thankful I could experience it stress free thanks to Uber.

photography by ashley batz

this post is in partnership with uber. all thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. thanks for supporting collaborations we’re excited about and have kept apartment 34’s doors open.

My Winter Uniform

Fashion

It’s been quite a while since we’ve talked about fashion around here. It’s probably because I’ve been running around so much lately I haven’t had time to get out of my yoga pants. I’ve become that mom. It’s sad, I know. But no more. We’ve hit December and I’m ready to get out. Window shop. Shop shop. Look at Christmas lights. Drink pumpkin spice things.

This look is officially my December uniform. It’s the easiest outfit to have on repeat. It all starts with that killer coat. A funnel neck. A wrapped silhouette. It’s not just something you use to stay warm. The coat is the key of the entire ensemble. Everyone should have a such a coat in their arsenal.

Ankle length jeans, with relaxed fit are my new obsession. You’ll never need to wear to skinnies again. Ankle boots – in black, with teeny tiny heel. My winter staple. Then throw on a button-up shirt with sleeves long enough to peek out of your coat’s cuff. That’s the little style detail that takes the look to the next level.

The topper? A baseball hat! It’s a genius move. A baseball hat protects from winter winds and eliminates the need for regular shampoos. Score.

This outfit is equal parts bad ass and pulled together. Exactly what a frazzled mama needs during the holiday season. So go out there and conquer the most wonderful time of year in style.

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Tasty Tuesday: A Friendsgiving to Remember

Entertaining

‘Tis the most wonderful time of the year! No, not that holiday with all the presents. Sure that one is fun and all. But Thanksgiving has long been my favorite annual gathering because it’s a food lovers holiday. Thanksgiving offers the chance to indulge in all my favorite things; time with the people I love and care about, amazing food, delicious drinks and gorgeous tables. I don’t know about you, but I feel particularly ready to pause and take stock of what I’m thankful for this year. I recently had the chance to celebrate Friendsgiving (because when you can do Thanksgiving more than once you should!) and am so thrilled to get to share it with you today.

This Friendsgiving gathered some of my favorite San Francisco bloggers including Caitlin, Jeanne, Erica, Todd, Amanda, Nichole and Therese. We all came together in this beautiful setting, everyone contributing something to the scene. With this many talented people in one room, I was confident every detail was going to be on point. The day certainly lived up to expectations.

Caitlin was in charge of setting the table. I love how her rustic chic tablescape came together. Vintage brass, simple florals and touches of green in apothecary bottles made the table feel light and airy, but still festive. Mismatched antique silver and a collection of vintage glassware kept things from feeling stuffy. The layers, the textures, the colors. Everything was spot on. Erica added a personal touch with lovely placecards. She created a little bouquet wrapped with twine and a personalized tag written in calligraphy to sit atop each napkin – such an elegant touch is perfect for a holiday. When the food was added, the wine poured and the candles lit, the table came alive with color and warmth.

Of course it wouldn’t be a proper holiday without a celebratory outfit. We all partnered with Banana Republic, Gap and Old Navy to find the perfect looks. The best part of a Friendsgiving is the come-as-you-are vibe. There’s no pretense with friends. No one you need impress. You can simply be you. My look – a classic pair of dark jeans, a cashmere sweater, a brocade jacket and a statement making heel – made me feel like a million bucks. Exactly what this mama needed! You can create a similar look right now because you can save 40% off everything at Banana Republic and Gap and Old Navy (well through TODAY so shop fast!). Just be sure to use the code FRIENDS at checkout. You can get all the details about my outfit here and everything I’m wearing (along with a few extra faves) are at the bottom of the post.

I was asked to contribute the cheese plates for the day’s festivities. I have a bit of a proclivity for them (as this post and this post attest!) There is no real secret to creating a good cheese plate. I love to offer a lot of variety, a lot of color, texture and something unexpected. For these cheese plates I found fresh Moroccan dates – those bright yellow things – that were indeed edible and certainly unique. A mix of crusty bread and herbed crackers allow guests to mix and match flavors to their hearts’ content. Some beautiful concord grapes, figs and olives offer a nice mix of salty and sweet.

Of course it is fun to set a beautiful scene and feel ready to celebrate, but I really love the sentiment of the Cesar Chavez quote that Caitlin had made into a wall hanging:

“If you really want to make a friend, go to someone’s house and eat with him…the people who give you their food give you their heart“

Rather than get caught up in the rush this season, I want to make a point to sit down and break bread with my friends, my family – any and everyone I care about. Because ultimately it is those connections, that friendship and that love between people that matter most – no matter the time of year.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.

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For more Thanksgiving table inspiration CLICK HERE

For my favorite Thanksgiving recipes CLICK HERE

For seasonal cocktail ideas CLICK HERE

set design by caitlin flemming / photography by delbarr moradi / food by jessica robertson / props from elsie green

this post is in partnership with 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.

How to Care for Your Denim so it Looks New Longer

Fashion

Confession, I have am a jeans addict. They are my uniform. This has been well documented around here over the years. I can count on one hand the number of days per month I wear something other than denim (and those are the days I typically stay in yoga pants!). And at 18-months old, my little guy is also already living in jeans, because let’s be honest, baby denim is the cutest thing ever.

But jeans are a finicky clothing item. Finding a favorite pair is the ultimate fashion treasure hunt. And let me tell you, post-baby with an ever changing body, jeans shopping is even more difficult. And it’s all made more frustrating by the fact that a good pair is not cheap these days. I don’t like to think about the small nation I could probably finance with the denim collection I’ve amassed over the years.

That’s why I’ve slowed way down on adding to my denim wardrobe and am instead intentionally making a point of properly caring for the ones already in my closet.

A sneak peek of my denim collection. Whenever I try to edit down I just can’t seem to let them go. There might be a pair I bought in college still lurking in that stack. But I digress.

Making your jeans last – especially your prized pair that just make you feel sooooo good when you wear them – is very important. Because there’s nothing worse then when they fade, stretch or the worst of the worst, shrink so they’re no longer that perfect length to snugness ratio. But we do have to wash our jeans, particularly the pairs with a bit of stretch because they can get the dreaded sag at the waist, butt or knee. You know the one I’m talking about. Washing your denim can help it get its shape back. And even raw denim, especially lighter washes start to show dirt after awhile and will benefit from a good cleaning.

Thankfully, if you take just a little time and a little extra care, you can keep your jeans looking like new for a long long time. Below are the five steps I take to keep my denim in tip top shape.

1. Wash on cold. Always always wash your jeans on cold and turned inside out. That’ll help keep the color lasting longer.

2. Use a color safe detergent. There are even some great denim washes out there.

3. Color Boost. Jeans do fade, which is particularly sad when you’ve got a black or indigo pair that you really love. That’s why something like Clorox 2 Darks & Denim Color Protector and Stain Remover is genius. You add it directly to your washing machine along with your favorite detergent to protect and brighten your colors 2x more than using detergent alone. It will literally add years to your denim.

4. Pretreat. If you do have stains, pour the Clorox 2 Darks & Denim directly onto your jeans. Let them sit (but not dry) for 5-10 minutes before you put them in the wash with your regular detergent and more Clorox 2 Darks & Denim.

5. Hang Dry. Yes your jeans will be stiff the first wear, even the ones with a ton of stretch, but a little discomfort is worth it in the long run! Never ever dry your jeans in the dryer. They will shrink. They will fade. It will degrade the fabric leading to holes and worn spots faster.

I’ve been using this denim care regime for the past year and I’ve actually only purchased one (well maybe two) new pairs of jeans since then. Now I satisfy my shopping habit by buying cute denim for my kid! I’m making sure to keep his jeans looking good with the same care technique.

Any more laundry care tips out there?? I’m also trying to add to my domestic-goddess abilities.

For more of my favorite denim looks CLICK HERE.

This post is in partnership with Clorox. 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.

Real Talk, Real Moms: The Holidays

Personal Style

It’s been a little while since we’ve had some mom talk around here. But the Real Talk, Real Mom series is still going strong. As a first-time mom, I’ve loved participating in these posts because I learn so much from all the other women involved – and from everyone who comments! I’m sure this time around will be no different. This edition’s topic is all about family traditions. With the holidays quickly creeping up we felt it timely. How do you create your own family traditions? How do you navigate that extended network of kin? What do you want your child to associate with the holiday season? Not exactly the easiest of things to figure out!

The pic above, though not necessarily holiday-season related, does speak to the formation of family tradition. We’re currently on our first official family vacation in Hawaii – a family narrative I would love to continue!

But I have also started to think a lot about the holidays as this is the first year some of it will actually register for our little guy. From Halloween (do you trick or treat with an 18-month old?!) to Thanksgiving and the rest of the entire holiday season it’s now on me to create the sense of wonder, excitement, joy and celebration I so remember enjoying as a child. Having gotten relatively lazy about holiday traditions in the last few years sans baby (I think pizza was eaten on Christmas eve one year), I’m ready to fully invest this time around.

It helps that we have our new house to ground the creation of our own holiday traditions. I’ve always been very clear that Christmas is spent at home – our home. With blended families everywhere the eye can see, trying to visit all the extended relatives during the holiday season means you’re spending more time on the road then in anybody’s presence. That isn’t fun for anyone. Standing firm on that decision has certainly simplified the holiday equation.

So with negotiating the immediate needs of extended families off the table, the question becomes how do you create your own rituals? In my short time as a mom I have already discovered the power of storytelling. Our little guy loves to hear things recounted over and over. Books also help. I’m thinking this will be the first year we read The Polar Express.

But I’d love to hear from other, more seasoned parents. How did you go about creating holiday traditions with and for your littles? Will an 20 month old get the whole concept of Santa Claus? This is where I turn to you, experienced parents. I would so appreciate any and all advice you have for helping create a wondrous experience for our tiny human.

I’ll certainly be turning to the rest of the awesome moms in this series to get their advice. Check on their posts on this topic below.

A Daily Something / Ave Styles / Freutcake / Parker Etc / The Effortless Chic / Sacramento Street /

And if you haven’t checked out the Real Talk, Real Mom series yet, we’ve talked Sleep, Feeding,Travel, Career, Self-Care, Co-Parenting and Growing Your Family #realmomseries

How to Pack for a Tropical Getaway

Fashion

I know this time of year is typically for funnel neck sweaters and boots. Everyone is running around thinking about their next pumpkin spice latte and Halloween decorations. But I have nothing but tropical escapes on the brain. That’s because I’m about to embark on my #YearofErin finale – our first official family vacation since having le bebe! I’ve been partnering with American Express Platinum to plan the ultimate family escape and thankfully the American Express Platinum concierge has come this mama’s over-extended rescue to help me plan a perfect Maui adventure (thanks to everyone’s tips you left on this post btw). I’ve talked about why Hawaii is so special to me and I’m so excited to finally be going back.

Now that our departure is almost here, I’m turning to my (frantic!) packing list. But I want to take a different tact with this trip. Rather than plan a zillion outfits, I want to hone in on the absolute minimum amount of stuff I can get away with. I’ve started pulling together a packing list of the bare essentials necessary to enjoy island life.

I’m feeling inspired by the looks from the Tanya Taylor Spring 2017 presentation during NYFW.

San Francisco was so gray and cold all summer. I feel like I finally have my opportunity to enjoy the season I missed, even if it’s only for a short time. I’m always feeling all things white. I think I’m finally going to try my hand at something off the shoulder. And wide leg pants are never a bad idea. A flirty dress could be fun for an evening out. And do you think I could rock a gold bathing suit like the one above from Cynthia Rowely?!

It’s been a little tough finding cute things to pull together a beach vacation look this time of year but I’m managed to unearth some goodies.

SHOP THE LOOK sun hat / one piece / carry one bag / sandals / top / sunnies / cutoffs / romper / straw beach bag / bikini top / mondrian espadrilles

I’m a firm believer that I don’t need to sacrifice style, even with a restrained wardrobe. My friend Caroline recently reminded me of that. A few choice pieces are all you need to get you from the hotel to the beach to happy hour – and really what else do you need to think about on vacation?!

One-piece bathing suits are my new mama-reality so I’ve been hunting down good ones. It’s a bit of a needle in a haystack kind of search. But I’m loving this one and this one.

One cute sandal and a comfy flat for chasing a toddler is all the footwear you need.

A sun hat and cool peach sunnies will carry me through hours by the pool.

I am fully committed to getting two weeks’ worth of looks into my carry-on! Be sure to check back on Instagram and Snapcaht later this week to see if I succeed.

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