Bump Update: Staying Fit for Two

Fashion

So I’m just going to put it out there. There’s really nothing more humbling than having your picture taken in workout clothes while 7+ months pregnant. Ok, just had to get that off my chest. Moving on. I’m still really excited to share a few of my new year’s fitness tips with you today! Continuing to workout throughout my pregnancy has been integral to still feeling like myself. Physical exercise has always been such a big part of my life {you may remember where I discussed that a bit here and here}. As a former college athlete, yogi, marathon runner, personal trainer {for a hot second in my 20’s} and most recently, a pilates addict, I couldn’t imagine not continuing to move, even as my belly continues to expand. It’s what keeps me sane!

That’s not to say I haven’t struggled. The exhaustion of early pregnancy sidelined most cardio pretty quick. Now aches and pains make anything beyond a good walking pace not so comfortable. But there are still plenty of ways you can workout while pregnant. Pilates has been my saving grace. It’s what I used to get in tip top shape for our trip to Greece last spring and it’s keeping me in pretty dang good shape now {if I do say so myself!}. So I teamed up with Old Navy Active Wear and my go-to San Francisco pilates studio to share a few of my favorite moves with you. The best thing about them? They are totally beneficial whether you’re expecting or not!

1. The Reverse Pull

When you’re pregnant you spend a lot of time working on your arms and legs, but who doesn’t love toned arms no matter what the circumstance?! This Reverse Pull exercise is really simple. I’m performing it on the Pilates Reformer found in most pilates studios, but you could do this at home with two resistance bands tied to something that won’t move! Here’s what you do:

> Sit on your knees then lift up so your shins are pressing into the floor
> Hold strap in each hand and left your chest, keeping your chin parallel to the ground and your shoulders rolled back and held down in their sockets
> Inhale and with straight arms, slowly pull back until your arms are at least next to your sides if not a little bit behind your body
> Exhale and slowly release your arms forward

Reapt 10-15 times for three sets

2. The Squat

Squats are a foolproof way to keep your legs and butt looking toned and firm. I’m using the Pilates tower to help give myself that perfect 90 degree angle but you could also do these holding onto a railing or a ballet bar at your gym.

> Hold onto a bar with a firm grip, toes right under the bar
> Lean back into a “water skier” position
> Slowly squat down like you’re trying to sit in a chair. Your knee and ankle alignment should be a 90 degree angle
> Press through your heels to slowly stand back up until your legs are straight

Repeat 10-15 times for three sets

3. The Leglift

Leglifts are another great way to tone the behind and your outer hips. When lying on your side you also get your obliques, shoulders and back involved too! It’s amazing how much a simple movment can work so much of your body at once. You just have to pay attention to the fundamentals with this one.

> Lay on your side with your legs stretched out long and straight
> Prop yourself up on your elbow and bend your bottom knee to 90 degrees. Make sure to press into the ground with your elbow to lift your side and engage your shoulder. Also squeeze your belly in a little
> Flex the foot on your top leg and slowly lift the leg to hip height. Lower back down to tap the floor and lift again

Repeat 15 – 25 times and switch sides

4. Stretching

Stretching is good for everyone. It helps you relax, destress and prevents injury. It is particularly fabulous while growing a human because you need all the room in there that you can get! Simple side bends, forward folds and twists make a world of difference. Try to stretch for five minutes every morning when you wake up and every night before you go to bed and I swear you feel a world of difference!

Of course, looking a little fly while working out is also half the fun!! I’m thrilled that there is cute maternity workout gear out there. My Old Navy compression leggings fit and feel great and I will totally wear my Two-in-One Tank post-bump. Just because you’re working up a sweat, doesn’t mean you can’t add in a little personal style! These are currently on my workout gear wishlist…

GET YOUR SHOP ON:

1.) Old Navy Funnel Neck Fleece Pullover
2.) Tracy Anderson: The Pregnancy Project Video
3.) BKR Water Bottle
4.) Baggu Duffle Bag
5.) Gold Earbuds
6.) Loeffler Randall Runner Sneaker
7.) Leather Yoga Mat Strap

I also want to thank my favorite pilates studio in San Francisco, Mighty Pilates for inviting me in to demonstrate some moves for you! If you live in the Bay Area you can give Mighty a try {no need to be pregnant!} – they offer a two-week beginner special offer. I certainly plan to keep my pilates up until the last possible moment so maybe I’ll see you at the studio!

For the Circuit Training Workout I created for you last year, click HERE!

original photography for apartment 34 by Emily Scott

This post was sponsored by Old Navy. Thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Always check with a physician or trained specialist before starting your own workout routine, especially when you’re expecting. Check out Old Navy’s latest fashion lineup in store or online at oldnavy.com.

The Kind of Woman: And Her Quest for Perfection

Personal Style

Happy Friday my dears! I’m excited to end the first full week of 2015 with the return of The Kind of Woman – the series Jeanne and I started where we hoped we could talk with you about issues that surround modern womanhood. It all started with defining the women we aspire be in today’s crazy world. Next we discussed the never ending quest for balance. For our first post of 2015, we wanted to tackle a topic we suspected many of you can also relate to –perfectionism.

There are a litany of ways to describe a perfectionist. Type A. Control freak. Scorpio {at least in my case!}. I think I was defined as an overachiever by about age six. It plagued me in adolescence – made me the butt of jokes and I often felt like a bit of an outsider at school. As I got older, that “overachiever-ness” began to serve me in very tangible ways – college scholarships, exciting jobs in my early career and good opportunities in my twenties. If there was the chance to bust my ass, I took it. But there comes a time where all that self-inflicted pressure begins to feel less like a asset and more like a burden.

At some point perfectionist-tendencies can shift from being a beneficial attention-to-detail mindset to being a coping mechanism. How do you separate between perfectionism and micromanagement? If left unchecked, the predilection can turn into a debilitating set of expectations that can actually hinder your ability to be productive. I’m the first to admit that my perfectionism has been a great to tool for hiding insecurities and fear of failure.

Perfectionism is also an excellent tool for masking the feeling of being in way over your head. Interestingly, that nagging anxiety that you don’t really know what you’re doing or you’re not actually as talented as you’re given credit for has been given a name – impostor syndrome – and apparently it affects women more than men. I know it certainly plagues me – which in turns fuels the need to have more to prove. A never-ending and less than healthy cycle. {I feel a future post about insecurity and guilt coming on!}

But the biggest issue I’ve discovered with perfectionism is that you put measurement of your own self-worth into other people’s hands. You come to rely on those external accolades and acknowledgments to feel valued and validated. In a way, the trait that once left you feeling in control and powerful, has actually left you powerless.

Sadly, I feel the blogosphere only contributes to the plight of perfectionism these days. Our wonderful online world that has connected us to so many amazingly talented people, also encourages comparison and self criticism. And as the myriad of ways to share our perfectly styled lives has grown {I still can’t believe Instagram didn’t exist and I wasn’t on Twitter or Facebook in my first three years of blogging – can you even imagine it!!}, I think it’s only gotten worse. What once felt like one of the most encouraging, supportive and close knit communities I’d ever come across, these days feels like a rat race where we’re all sprinting toward the same finish line {Yet another post on how women can better support one another could be coming up!}.

So I think it’s worthwhile to ask ourselves – how can we strive for excellence without being paralyzed by an unattainable definition of “a great life”?

For me – the answer lies in shedding external perceptions of what success looks like and instead taking the time to reflect on what should truly matter to me most. What do I value? Where do I really find meaning? What will continue to help me grow into the kind of woman I want to be? Sure, I take great pride in professional successes, but this year I want to step away from the idea that everything has to be firing at all cylinders All.The.Time. Instead, I’d like to tally my accomplishments by the number of friends I reconnect with this month. Or the way I make people feel after I leave the room. Or the affect I have on my soon-to-be kid!

What do you think? Do you struggle with perfectionism? How do you cope with it? Do you find it helpful to hold yourself to hopeful aspiration or do you find it more fulfilling to embrace imperfections? For now, this quote is really speaking to me…

Be sure to head over to Shop Sweet Things to get Jeanne’s take! We’re really interested to hear what you think too.

original photography for apartment 34 by belathee photography // quote via Note to Self

what i’m wearing: leather biker jacket {similar here} // dries van noten tank {similar here} // 7 for all mankind jeans // marisa haskell necklace // ray-ban aviators

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!

Droppin’ A Bomb…

Fashion

Hi, my name is Erin and I have an addiction to coats. While I apply discriminating tastes to my selections, it’s rare I meet a coat I don’t love! All shapes, sizes, colors and textures have made their way into my admittedly overflowing coat closet. But I just can’t help myself! That’s why when I recently came across this super cozy ribbed knit Bomber Jacket, I was immediately sold. There’s something so great about tossing on a comfy oversized jacket this time of year – it’s the perfect way to add an exclamation point to a weekend casual look.

This sweet little number is super thick so it’s heavy enough for those first cold days of the season. And it can even be personalized! While I’m not one to rock a monogram very often, I love the preppy touch it adds to this sweater-like zip up. But there’s something extra special about why I decided I needed this particular coat this season.

My dears, I have something else to admit…I’ve been keeping a little something from you….

what i’m wearing: Hatch Collection Bomber Jacket // Hatch Collection Tuxedo Legging / Amour Vert striped tee // JCrew necklace // Freda Salvador oxford

That’s right! The pregnancy bug that’s been sweeping blog-land of late has made its way to Apartment 34! We’re pretty tickled to announce that we’re expecting our first little one in March of next year. Needless to say, it’s been quite a crazy fall and things are only going to get even more interesting from here – now we’ve got to fit a newborn into our dear little loft – and we couldn’t be happier!

While we certainly won’t be inundating you with baby-focused posts {unless you really want ’em?!}, I do plan to pop in with some bump style ideas. I’m now at the point where the closet is getting trickier by the day – but thankfully lines like Hatch Collection are going to make styling my new curves rather fun! I also thought you might like to see a little future nursery decor inspiration {it’s gonna be quite a while before our house is actually inhabitable so we’re going to have to get crazy creative!} and if you don’t mind, I might post the occasional expectant-woman cries for advice! Who knew there was so much you needed to know and how this all brings up issues you’ve never considered before?!

For now, we’re beyond pleased to report that everyone, including baby is doing incredibly well and we’re excitedly anticipating the next phase of what has turned into quite the journey. I hope you’re excited for it too.

Thanks for all the love and support over the years. I have a feeling I’m going to need it more than ever now! Ha!!

original photography for apartment 34 by aubrie pick // bomber jacket and leggings c/o Hatch Collection

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 Dress for Your Dream Job

Fashion

It’s a little known fact that I came to the world of blogging from a very different career path. I actually started out…in politics! Yes, it’s true!! I studied political science in college, actually went on to get a master’s degree in public policy analysis and even worked in both the United States Senate and the White House! I know, crazy right??

And while I did love a lot of things about what I was doing at the time, I ultimately walked away from working in politics for well…political reasons. And while I look back at it nostalgically, there’s one thing about the whole experience that I really miss. The wardrobe! If you live on the West Coast and work in more creative fields like I do now, when it comes to your daily look, just about anything goes. Sure that can be fun too, but there are times when I miss my days of power dressing! So when I was invited to create a look for my “ultimate dream job” as part of the countdown to Cotton’s 24 Hour Runway show {happening this weekend!}, my ideal outfit immediately sprang to mind.

I decided to recreate the look and feel of the Washington Powerhouse! In this case, I started with my trusty cotton trench coat. This baby has been in my closet for a long time {truly more years than I’d like to even admit to myself!} and I realized it’s high time she got to see more daylight. A beautifully tailored trench is going to elevate anything you wear, but I love the sense of poise, confidence and purpose I have whenever I rock mine.

As fall is my favorite time of year, I also gladly pulled out another closet must-have: a stellar sweater. This ribbed cotton turtleneck is tailored to have beautiful twists and folds that give it interesting structure and unique detail. A classic wide-legged trouser, a chic black heel and lady-like bag definitely make me feel like I could give any Washington-insider a run for her money!

Now I’m about as far from the halls of the Capitol as I can get, but putting my old DC-influenced styling skills to the test was a great reminder that I can still pull out my power look whenever I’m in need of a little oomph. You see, style has this amazing ability to communicate who you are {or want to be!} without you having to say a word…and I love what this look is sayin’! Even if your dream job is far from your grasp right now, who says you can’t dress like you already have it. Dressing the part is half the battle after all.

Of course, preparing for {or landing!} your dream job is only one of life’s major moments. There are so many others, ranging from big to small, that can leave a lasting impact. That’s why I love the concept of Cotton’s 24 Hour Runway Show. It’s dedicated to the various parts of our day to day as well as the major milestones that make up “The Moments of Our Lives.” You can see our Dream Job inspired look along with 23 others streaming LIVE from Cotton’s runway in South Beach starting at 8pm on November 7. Tune in to TheFabricOfOurLives.com or People.com to check it out!

I’m curious. What key moments would you say have stood out in your life??

original photography for apartment 34 by aubrie pick

This post is in partnership with Cotton. All opinions and ideas shared are 100% our own. Thanks for supporting partnerships that we’re excited about and 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!

How to Wear Color This Fall

Fashion

A couple of weeks ago we talked stepping outside of the fall fashion comfort zone of black, tan and navy, but we still didn’t stray far from neutral territory. There’s something that just feels so right, and if we’re being truly honest with ourselves, so easy about sticking to a basic fall uniform. So, when I made a recent pop-in to my local Nordstrom Rack, I was rather surprised to find myself bypassing all the black. It just felt a little bit been there, done that! Shockingly, everything I was drawn to had color! Real, legit, full-on color!

I started by grabbing this ah-mazing Akris top. I immediately gravitated to the chic jewel-toned color-blocking. I also love that it had long sleeves that nip at the wrists. It’s a great transitional piece for before sweater weather sets in. I also think it’s incredibly versatile because you could rock this top with so many things. It would look great paired with dark jeans and heels for a dinner date on the town, but you could also take it to the office with a pair of trousers, or even use it to make a standard old business suit really pop!

As I continued my hunt through the racks my next find was this ah-mazing pair of cobalt blue trousers. I cannot stress enough how worthwhile an investment an amazing pair of pants will be. I unearthed these beauties by St. John and I will be hanging onto them for a very, very long time. That’s the thing about an amazing, well-tailored pair of pants: They last forever, they don’t lose their shape and they boost all of the right assets if you know what I’m sayin’! I also think this blue can be its own version of a neutral, while also helping me stand out from the all-black everything crowd.

The final step is to throw in a few classic accessories (that I would argue you should always have on hand!). My favorites are a flannel pump, a statement necklace and a fab fall coat. Once combined, you’ve got a great look to rotate into your regular fall schedule. I for one am excited to hit the town in this outfit.

What do you think? Are you a fan of color for Fall??

original photography for Apartment 34 by Aubrie Pick // wardrobe styling by Erin Hiemstra

This post is sponsored by Nordstrom Rack. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting posts that keep Apartment 34’s doors open!

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