Meet Le Bebe!

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Well friends, it’s official. I’m now a lady with a baby! We welcomed Carter Joseph – all 22in, 8.2lbs of him last week. He arrived fashionably late – obviously already taking after me – and we could be happier/more exhausted! The old cliche is just so true – your life changes in an instant. You think you know, you think you’ve been warned – but wow. It’s like stepping onto the dark side of the moon – so much uncharted territory. And I’ve only just begun to soak it all in. But while I’m neck deep in week-old baby snuggles and trying to remember my own name, you will not be left high and dry. You can keep tabs on Instagram and of course there is major power Pinning happening – just at 3AM {how did moms survive before iPhones??}. Then there’s the renovation on the house picking up – Tumblr is my inspiration destination for that and now that I’m finding new ideas at all hours of day and night – who knows what good stuff might find it’s way here.

For now, I’m going to spending a lot of time staring at tiny baby fingers and toes {yes there were 10 of each} so these links should keep you occupied for awhile!

> We’re taking major bedside styling notes from one of our top pins of the week. {And if you’re curious as to where to find that lamp, we’ve got your covered!}

> Wondering what on earth we’re going to do with that kitchen in the new place? So am I! But in the meantime, we’ve been gathering some major inspo from these gawgous kitchen trends.

> Meanwhile, over in fashion-land, we’ve been fixated by these ways to wear denim this season {HELLO quilted denim bomber jacket}!

> This Parisian apartment is giving us severe cases of interior envy and wanderlust…

> Lusting big time over Victoria’s roundup of New and Noteworthy things happening in the design world this spring.

> Oohhing and ahhhing over Cuyana’s spring collection. Pastels FTW!

> We’ve become hoarders when it comes to spring fashion pins over on Pinterest. Especially loving any look along the lines of this.

> This post further validated our belief that beauty does NOT have to be at the sacrifice of comfort.

> It’s no secret that we love weekend getaways to Palm Springs, but this Local’s Guide has us jonesing to get back STAT.

> We can’t get enough of Alison Canyne’s impeccably stylish NYC townhouse and her curated sale over on One Kings Lane.

xo,

Erin

Gifting with a Mission This Holiday Season

Decor

You all are probably well aware of The Citizenry by now! We’ve been obsessed with this line of artisanal pieces {and their mission} from day one {which we talked about here!}. So they were an obvious pick for us when it came to dreaming up a truly, truly special gift for our exclusive Holiday Pop-up Shop this year.

We worked with The Citizenry to design a limited edition gray and cream ombre Alpaca throw {with some serious fringe for drama!} that is so soft and beautiful you’ll never want to leave your sofa! Not to mention you’ll be one of only fifteen people lucky enough to cozy up with one!

This design process was particularly unique because we were not only working with The Citizenry’s founders, but also with their artisan partners in Peru, a small group of twelve weavers in San Pedro. It all started with an idea to design a classic, modern and uber cozy throw, which sparked a luxurious-inspired moodboard and as they say, the rest is history…

Keeping with a cool gray color palette – we wanted something that could seamlessly snuggle into anybody’s home- we chose a creamy white base color and a gradient of blue-grays for an ombre effect on the stripes. The hint of whimsy and drama came in with 7 inch fringe detail and from there, the weavers of San Pedro got to sourcing only the highest quality materials for this beaut!

We waited in anticipation to hear back from the group in Peru- hoping they had found the perfect material to develop the throw. Turns out they did! Super soft baby Alpaca was spun and woven by hand into 15 exclusive throws and on their way to the U.S.! We even have some behind the scenes pics of it being hand woven!

When we got the throw in the mail, it was like Christmas came early. Its handmade quality was even more breathtaking in person. Running our fingers through the fringe is a truly special experience- touching something so expertly crafted with skill and precision – that we helped design! This throw is really something we are proud to have been a part of.

The Citizenry has based their mission on supporting small artisans and makers from around the world to bring a luxuriously crafted and unique piece to people’s homes. Gift this ombre throw to the person who loves to travel, revels in the story behind design and deserves something special this holiday season! We can 100% guarantee they’ll cherish this Limited Edition Throw forever!

images 1 and 6 photography by Aubrie Pick // images 3-5 c/o The Citizenry // moodboard images via 1, 2, 3, 4

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!

Add Sparkle to Your Holiday Season with This Timeless Cuff

Fashion

If there is ONE style rule we strongly encourage, it is that every woman should have a small collection of fine jewelry. Starting with a bracelet {since rings are a bit more personal and earrings get lost under pretty locks!}, these pieces should be special, crafted with precision and care, and be so simple and everlasting that she never wants to nor has to take it off.

That’s exactly where Vrai and Oro comes in. A newly launched jewelry line run by two beautiful business savvy ladies, has found a way to offer fine jewelry that will last a lifetime, but doesn’t cost the arm you plan to wear it on! Vrai and Oro has eliminated the markups, bringing delicate pieces made of the highest quality materials {read gold & diamonds!} that can be worn everyday. So when we got the opportunity to dream up the most exquisite piece in our holiday boutique with a company we already own pieces from {and whom we’ve gushed over all year long!}, we took the chance to truly came up with something that we ourselves, would never, ever take off! And here she is:

This amazing cuff is solid 14k yellow gold. That’s right, solid gold, people. This price for solid gold is unheard of! We really wanted a cuff that wouldn’t get in the way, so it’s nice and thin and hugs around the wrist just right. The tapered ends give it that slightly edgy touch while still staying true to its classic roots. And because we wanted to make you feel extra special while wearing it, we added two brilliant cut .03ct diamonds on either end. Just the right amount of subtle holiday sparkle!

We are ob-sessed with this cuff. We worked with Vrai and Oro to get it just perfect- going through a couple of different steps of brainstorming and revision- really making the final piece not only beautiful, but timeless. We hope some of you lucky ladies will be able to don this truly remarkable gift on your wrist this holiday season! We’d love to see that it’s made someone’s smile a little brighter!

Remember, it’s an exclusive piece available in our shop here and only through the holidays! So we say, this Christmas treat yourself to something extra special. Or better yet, send the link to your husband/boyfriend/lover and remind him or her that EVERY woman deserves a little something sparkly to help ring in the new year!

images c/o Vrai and Oro // image 3 original photography for apartment 34 by Aubrie Pick

Retail Therapy: {Le Labo, San Francisco}

San Francisco

You know us- we’re always on the hunt for new visual eye candy. That can sometime require a little manual labor…ok, by that we just really mean getting off our butts and out of the office, but the effort is always totally worth it. One of our favorite things to do is to just walk a neighborhood to look at new window installations, check out the latest collections and scope out any recent additions. Recently, Team Apartment 34 decided to take a trip Fillmore Street, to not only rejuvenate our minds, but also our senses!

Amidst all of the beautifully decorated shops that line Fillmore, Le Labo, a boutique fragrance store, not only catches your eye with its gorgeous interior, but also lures you in nose first with the delicate blend of delicious smells. We’ve popped in and out of the store before, but this time we went with a mission of finding a signature Apartment 34 fragrance – that everyone on the team would love!

Immediately walking into Le Labo, you’re met with sensory overload {in the best way possible!}. First the interiors- delicate bottles of tiny fragrances line the tin tile-covered walls {making up for a perfect #shelfie shot!} and the natural light by the window floods into the rustic chic but homey decor. Mixed materials, industrial lighting, a cardboard coffee table and the awesome campaign-esqe sofa are just the right mix of industrial charm and contemporary craftsmanship!

Our main goal for the day was to pick out a signature Apartment 34 scent. We learned all about the intricate process behind Le Labo’s art of mixing fragrances- from the necessity of “human touch” behind the products {they pick each rose and hand pour each candle!}, down to the naturally compounded perfumes and individualized labeling that each customer receives. The label was the easy part- we’re packaging obsessed. But choosing a fragrance for one person is hard enough- so imagine the struggle we faced with an entire team- six different noses, trying to decide on a single favorite!

Here’s what the tally came down to:

-We loved the Rose 31 {btw, the number indicates how many “ingredients” are in each fragrance}, a feminine-meets masculine scent named for- you guessed it- the Centifolia rose! Romantic and mysterious- it smells amazing.

–Santal 33 is another one of Le Labo’s iconic scents and a major customer favorite. It was no wonder that we all gravitated towards this one. With notes of cardamom, iris, ambrox, sandalwood, we definitely felt the “American west” vibes.

–Ylang 45 was a strong, darkly floral scent. We liked this one for its sharp, woodsy notes.

– Pin 12 is a sophisticated and subtle blend of pine and amber – a perfect unisex fragrance.

The verdict? We narrowed it down to the Santal 33 home candle and the Pin 12 fragrance. Being home decor obsessed, in the end, we found a way to get the best of both worlds- Pin 12 home scent– a light and woodsy breath of fresh air for any pillow or rug. We now keep it in the office and spray the sofa in our reading corner to refresh the air every time inspiration is getting stale and senses could use a re-boost!

Le Labo is the ultimate luxury, whether you’re treating your body or your home, it’s amazing how confident and sophisticated you’ll feel walking out of there with such a mature and luxurious scent on your skin. And if anyone ever tells you different, riddle them this: “Beware of those who have no weakness for women and perfumes.”

original photography for apartment 34 by Aubrie Pick

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!

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

My Favorite Baubles + Office Makeover Sneakpeek!

Fashion

While I love the idea of putting together head turning outfits on a daily basis, the get-myself-out-the-door-in-10-minutes way of life doesn’t always make room for putting together complicated looks.

I don’t know if it’s the fact that Summer is around the corner, but stocking my closet with cool basics just feels so…right…right now {as we discussed earlier this week right here}. These days I find myself turning to a fool-proof uniform: a crisp button down, torn jeans {yes I jumped on the bandwagon}, topped with a leather jacket when I head out. Weekdays call for heels and weekends for sneakers {but I tend to go barefoot when we’re in the office!}. I keep the look interesting day to day by swapping out my accessories! That’s why I was so excited to be asked to be one of five bloggers to take over BaubleBar to showcase our favorite pieces from their spring collection. Having a collection of trendy pieces is the perfect way to update a wardrobe built on basics. I gladly took on the “challenge!”

This look epitomizes everything I’m loving these days; boyfriend jeans, tees and slip-ons. But do check out my BaubleBar wishlist on Shopstyle – even a romper for Greece made the cut, along with my favorite fashion jewelry pieces of course!

get the look: Mark and Graham Oxford // Zara denim // Crystal Nail Ring // Round Crystal Pendant // Gold Double Cage Ring // Willow Infinity Ring

In my look above I’m also rocking the Buried Bauble of the day. Don’t know what that is? BaubleBar offers Buried Baubles – for just $10! Today only you can find my Buried Bauble hidden in my ShopsStyle collection! Here’s a little hint to help you uncover it: This type of DISC will never go out of style.

You actually have the chance to snag a Buried Bauble every day this week! Be sure to head back to the site everyday to add to your accessories arsenal without breaking the bank. While you’re there, don’t forget to enter the BaubleBar and French Connection Sweepstakes (4/28-5/11) for a chance to win a prize valued at $5,000!

original photography for apartment 34 by Ashley Batz // styling by Apartment 34

This post is in partnership with ShopStyle. All opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting posts that keep Apartment 34’s doors open.

Sunny Spring Inspiration!

Decor

The infectious smile on Garance’s face below says it all: Springtime is here and the promise of sunnier days are upon us. After falling in love with Garance’s light lemon coat there is no denying that we’re warming up to the idea of adding pops of color to your home or wardrobe in celebration of the new season. And no color has us more electrified than striking yellow!

Now, you only need a small dose of yellow to make a major statement. A buttery yellow is just the right amount of color to cheer up a neutral outfit and a jolt of the hue on a pillow {or on a ceiling, hello!} brings a burst of energy to your space like no other color can. It’s just the color that we think of when Spring springs to mind. Each of the yellow picks below are most certainly makin’ us smile!

get your shop on: pillow // pants // makeup // sunglasses // book // candle // pumps // chair

Those silk floral jogger pants are purrrr-fect for Spring, especially paired with those amazing sherbet yellow pumps! Yes, please, I could work with that. What do you think of yellow? Is it a go? Or are you pumpin’ your brakes screaming red light?!

image 1 via Muuto // 2 via Yvonne Kone // photography by Line Klein // 3 via Elle Decor Italia // 4 via A Love is Blind // 5 via Hanne Fuglbjerg

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