Why My Eyeglasses are My New Favorite Fall Accessory

Fashion

So I have a little secret. I’ve been carrying it around with me for more than 20 years now. But it’s time I think I finally come clean with you. I have terrible vision. Not just a little bad. Not kinda bad. Like I can’t see six inches in front of my face bad. But after the trauma of getting eyeglasses as a child in the 80’s – they weren’t cute my friends – I swore I’d never wear glasses again. And here I am, decades later still hiding my terrible eyesight with contacts.

But in the intervening years, it turns out eyeglasses have gotten way cuter, way less expensive and much less of a pain to get. Case in point, Zenni. Since discovering this amazing site, you can consider me a glasses convert!

Cute right?! I’ve always been convinced I just can’t look good in glasses, but Zenni has the largest collection of affordable glasses online. And their website has the coolest technology – you can upload a picture of yourself and actually preview what a pair of glasses will look like on your own face! So genius. After taking Zenni’s quiz to determine the ideal frames for my face shape, I flipped through a million styles, from ultra modern to uber hipster before settling on these cute round tortoiseshell frames in a chestnut hue. And I love them! I consider it an eyeglasses miracle.

Ordering my glasses through Zenni was so super easy too. It’s key that any glasses I wear fit and are well made cuz I really really need them to see. To order from Zenni, I simply inputed the prescription numbers my eye doctor emailed me, selected my picture perfect frames, and then I got to add a variety of the bells and whistles Zenni offers – every pair of their glasses come with a UV protection and an anti-scratch coating, but I nearly decided to get lenses that convert into sunglasses! Maybe on the next pair. The frames arrived at my door with their own case and cleaning cloth and I’m really impressed with the fit. These frames are super light and super comfortable. Nothing reminiscent of my childhood glasses nightmare.

What do you think? So good right?? I’m so feeling this new glasses look that I decided I needed to do a little shopping for a fresh fall outfit to highlight them.

Thankfully, just down the block from my favorite co-working space, the Assembly, (you caught my tour of it right??) sits one of another San Francisco gem – the concept boutique called Le Point. They carry super unique pieces, hard to find brands and local Bay Area designers. Plus the store is just real purdy. Added bonus.

While I usually associate wearing glasses with hiding at home in my pjs, there’s something about these frames that make me want to dress a little smarter. A chic sweater. Maybe a midi-dress. Or a really really good coat. Ready to do some serious business.

I was loving how the warm caramel of the sweater played up my tortoiseshell frames and the balloon sleeve offered an interesting detail. I think I’d pair them with my favorite high waisted black culottes and a patent leather slide.

I had so much fun day-dreaming about new looks in which to strut my new glasses-wearing style. Are you thinking I should add that yummy brown sweater to my options? Zenni’s eyewear selection if so affordable and they offer so many varying styles, I’m actually considering picking up another pair or two to create a whole slew of new fall looks! Do I hear a second?

For more fall style inspiration, CLICK HERE.

original photography for apartment 34 by andrea posadas

This post is a paid collaboration with Zenni. All thoughts and opinions expressed are 100% my own. Thanks for supporting collaborations that we’re excited about and that keep Apt34’s doors open.

If the Suit Fits…

Fashion

I have a little fashion story to share with you today. Back in the 2000’s (in another life it seems) I worked in politics in Washington, DC. I commuted daily on the Metro, packed in like sardines with my fellow suit-clad commuters. Many of the woman wore sneakers. Bright white, mom sneakers. This wasn’t a choice motivated by fashion – quite the opposite – it was pure utility. And it looked pretty terrible (sorry ladies).

As an early 20-something I looked at these women and scoffed. I swore I would never forgo my heals. You would never catch me trudging down the sidewalk in sneakers before swapping in my heels at the office.

Fast forward. I’ve long since left politics, or any kind of office for that matter, but I’ve recently noticed a fresh suit trend sweeping across street style. But this time the wearers don’t seem to be headed to stuffy, traditional offices, though perhaps they could be. Instead, it appears the suit is being worn simply as a killer ensemble.

But here’s the kicker (pun intended). You can rock these suits with sneakers! This time, the footwear isn’t meant to ease commuting – though it certainly would. Instead, many a very cool lady are rocking the suit + sneakers just for the swagger and I’m loving it.

There are a few keys to this trend. The look of these suits definitely has a 80’s vibe. They tend to be double breasted and a little slouchy. A little oversized. Makes me think of Murphy Brown (dating myself! can you believe it’s coming back??). If you’re feeling sassy you can rock your jacket sans shirt beneath. The pants are usually cropped to show off that ankle.

The key with the shoe is to kick your runners to the curb (thought the ugly sneaker is also making a comeback). Instead, a slim white sneaker creates a streamlined look.

While I can go weeks without actually departing my house for any substantial human contact, there’s no reason not to at least look like I might be headed to a meeting. I think I kept one of my suits from my DC days. Maybe it’s time I finally pull it back out of my closet. There’s a chance a 20-something might scoff at this mix of fashion and practicality. I’m completely ok with that.

What do you think??

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isabel marant sneaker

For more fall style inspiration, CLICK HERE.

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How to Build Your Fall Uniform

Fashion

Finding your style is a bit like a never-ending quest. I’ve certainly swung from one side of the style pendulum to the other (evidenced here). But with fall around the corner (sorry to break it to you), I’ve been thinking about my favorite fashion season – and how I’m excited to get dressed again! No Lululemon allowed. This post from 2016 still sits at the tippy top of my style goals. Appears I may have officially found my uniform.

Fall is always the best style season of the year. Before you’re buried under winter coats, but the summer’s glow has yet to fade, now is the time to play. You can have fun with proportion, with textures, with adding a little edge. I’ve always been a fan of menswear influenced style. It gives off a subtle sexiness while being incredibly practical for daily life; think wide-legged pants, flats and a cozy sweater or two. When you mix them all together you get a decidedly strong, but thoroughly feminine approach to taking on the new season on in style.

Continue to scroll for some of my go-to favorite looks.

Extra-wide culottes paired with a snug sweater have me like whoa. Especially in this creamy, caramel-y warm color palette. And yes…those so ugly they’re really ridiculously good looking shoes are starting to appeal to me too.

All white is always alright in my book. Those denim culottes are also calling my name and I just might have to add a white blouse to my white shirt arsenal.

A classic trouser feels fresh when it’s cropped and is an easy thing to get you out of my your denim rut. I love the dress up / dress down combo of a classic tee and loafers.

A touch of blush & metallic lend a girlie touch to borrowed from the boys staples like bomber jackets and more loafers. Metallic is a bonus.

A peacoat never goes out of style. To make it more wearable in this early part of fall when the weather just can’t make up its mind, pair yours with some bright whites and a chunky open toe sandal.

I’m a big fan of adding a few choice pieces to my closet around this time of year. Especially ones I know I’ll love for a long time – rather than just buying into the it-trend of the moment. Any of these options would make my closet very very happy for years to come.

For even more fall fashion inspiration, follow my My Style Pinterest board HERE

images via goop

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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?

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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?

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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

The Skinny on Fall Style

Fashion

While my personal style posts have been much fewer and farther between (thanks, motherhood and late 30s) this post from a few years back is a look I’d still gladly rock today (though I admit, the heels would probably be traded out for flats). But even years later, I’m loving this look and thinking I need to recreate this fall style when I’m back from Kauai!

As fall officially creeps up on us, it’s time to break out your favorite cool-weather pieces. But as I sifted through my sea of dark jeans, black coats, and cream sweaters, things were looking a little too…shall I say predictable? Truth is, I’ve been dying to push my boundaries and try the new hot hue in town: oxblood.

Oxblood, maroon, wine, whatever you like to call it, it is technically not a neutral, but I’m here to convince you that it’s an incredibly wearable color that you’re going to want to get your hands on this season. I can attest, you’ll want to wear it with everything.

When looking to make my first wine-colored purchase, I was thrilled when I came across oxblood waxed skinny jeans. Talk about an upgrade from your basic denim. These have just the right amount of sheen and their extra stretch makes sure they hug in all of the right places, making a super chic foundation for a sophisticated fall look.

I liked the idea of pairing the oxblood with another great neutral: navy. The two dark colors together make a killer team. They have a similar depth of tone and a richness that really compliment each other well. There’s no harsh break for the eye, just one smooth color-blocked palette. And you know me, I love a good turtleneck.

And of course, you have to top off the quintessential fall ensemble with a great coat. A classic peacoat shape, lush plaid pat, ern and fabric like tweed or harringbone will bring in texture and add a shot of sophistication to your style. Try the streetstyle du jour – draping it on your shoulders (no longer du jour, but I still do it all the time!) The architectural lines of a draped coat compliment the skinnies and make your stems appear to go on for days.

get the look: oxblood skinny jeans // tweed coat // satchel // pointed toe d’orsay pump // navy turtleneck // sunglasses

It’s official, oxblood is my new “neutral” this season. It’s totally breaking me out of my comfort zone and dare I say, I really like it! Who knew I would be turning my back on basic black and opting for a little punch of color this fall.

Now the question is, will you?

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original photography for apartment 34 by Aubrie Pick

Share Your Flare this Weekend

Fashion

I’ve often been accused of being overly sentimental. I can have a hard time throwing things out. I kept a shoe box of notes passed in freshman algebra, books that I haven’t read in years but love, and clothes. My tendency to hold onto things has caused overstuffed drawers and overflowing closets. I’ve tried to get on the purge bandwagon – capsule wardrobes being the rage at the moment – but with fashion’s pendulum swing, I know it’s only a matter of time before styles from the past come back around.

Case in point, flared denim. I rocked this look hard circa… 2000 I’d say. Then the jeans had an had overly dramatic bell bottom – and a lot of sparkly butt pocket detailing. I was in college. It kinda worked. Ok, ok, probably not my best choice. But low and behold, after a decade of nothing but skinnies (with the occasional boyfriend jean) here comes flared denim again and I’m loving the modern update.

I snagged a new pair of Hudson Jeans from Zappos recently. I know a lot of people hesitate to buy jeans online but I haven’t been in a single store since Carter was born! Plus who ever has fun trying on jeans in a dressing room?? With free shipping and free returns (for a year – holla) you can order and try on to your heart’s content. It’s like Christmas everyday.

But back to these flares. I gotta say I’m into the look. Dark classic denim, understated detail, high waist and a bit of stretch – perfect for the upcoming holiday season. {As is my attempt at a fashion face in the pic below. Did I pull it off??}

If I was going to caution you about anything when it comes to this look, it helps to be taller than about 5’6″ or 5’7.” It can be hard to get the taper right if you’re petite. But if you can find the right fit, you’ll suddenly look six feet tall!

You know the adage. What once was old will become new again. As I round the corner heading further from 30 and closer to 40 this weekend – yes, I just typed four zero. gulp. – it feels a little odd to think about styles I wore in junior high being back in vogue (choker necklaces anyone?!). Thankfully, I think this flare look will stick around for quite some time. There will be no need to purge at the end of the season.

And that gives me ammunition when the husband asks why I need that walk-in closet in our new house.

what i’m wearing: hudson jeans | jcrew blazer | madewell scarf | celine bag | emerson fry pumps | sunnies | tw steel watch {similar}

original photography for apartment 34 by emily scott

This post is in partnership with Zappos and Hudson Jeans. Thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. Thanks for supporting collaborations we’re excited about and that have kept Apartment 34’s doors open.

Spotted at NYFW: {The Devil is In The Details}

Fashion

The other week we shared our favorite fashion trends spotted on the streets of New York City, during New York Fashion Week! We were in the thick of the madness as the city’s hubs began to fill with fashionistas strutting their stuff, while quite literally streets shut down and people stared. It was one of the most exciting experiences about fashion week- after all, people watching is always a good idea! But with so many amazing outfits zooming past, it’s hard to take in every detail that our fellow trendsetters have meticulously paid attention to while getting dressed. So we fanatically snapped our lens through the frenzy to capture a few. We’re obsessed with these ensembles – no detail overlooked!

We love this very SJP moment – cobalt blue pumps paired with plaid. YES.

Bold stripes on a traditional pinstripe have us rethinking how to be playful with button-ups this fall!

Raspberry red lip + cream vest coat + a plain white waffle knit made show stopping with suspenders and metallic clutch? So many good things here – this sophisticated combo is fashion week gold.

Sleeves are having a major moment, make them ruffled!

Funky high waisted and wide legged pants (with awesome fringe!) and gold shoes? This unique look reminds us to have fun with fashion.

Thumb rings and wrist-wearable monogramed clutches. Noted.

Rock an uber modern faced silver watch and people won’t know what hit ’em. Something from the fashion future, certainly.

Which details are you in love with most? We can’t wait to incorporate these inspired moments into our looks this season!

original photography for apartment 34 by joanne pio

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