Retail Therapy: {Lou & Grey}

Fashion

I’ve got to confess, there’ve been a few things I’ve been missing while pregnant – big time. Not gonna lie, the list ~~starts with~~ includes enjoying a really nice bottle of wine, sashimi, seeing my feet, but also shopping. Simply looking without touching lost its luster a long time ago and so I’ve generally held off on any retail therapy because really – what’s the point?? Even if something were to fit in the moment, that doesn’t mean it’ll fit in a week! But I recently decided that some quality girl time was in order, so I called on my gal Jeanne to take a trip to Lou & Grey with me. As soon as we crossed the threshold, I thought I’d died and stepped into retail therapy heaven!

While I’d heard of Lou & Grey due to their partnership with Loft, I was pleasantly surprised to learn one of only three dedicated Lou & Grey boutiques recently opened on Santana Row in San Jose. While a bit of a jaunt from San Francisco, it was well worth the drive. We walked into what I can only describe as a “spa like” shopping atmosphere. This store is seriously gorgeous!

The space is designed beautifully in soothing grays and soft whites with fabulous copper accent lighting, curated art collections and a great selection of local artisanal items ranging from bath products, to chic home accessories, to jewelry. It was quite the little treasure trove in there.

And then there are the clothes of course! I’d describe the Lou & Grey collection as plused up basics. Think cool slouchy tees, structured boxy sweatshirts, menswear inspired button downs and on trend jeans. I was really impressed with the exceptional attention to modern cuts, cool silhouettes and fun details like drop shoulders, interesting stitching or killer pockets. Sure, I was still a bit limited in what pieces would work with my current shape, but that didn’t stop me from filling my dressing room! Jeanne and I both had a tough time narrowing down our choices, but you may have spied my final selection in the recap of my baby shower earlier this week! I’ve never met a jumpsuit I didn’t love, especially one that I could fit into at nearly 9-months pregnant!!

shop my look: white button down, black jeans, sunnies {for $15!}, hat {similar}

I’m already so excited about the Lou & Grey goodies I picked. Be sure to check on Instagram later today for a sneak peek at some of my finds. And I’m counting down the days until I can go back and get this shirt dress. Well, let’s be honest, and probably half of the store too! Did I mention that Lou & Grey is also crazy affordable? Like prices so low you look twice to make sure you’re getting that number right. I’ve already started compiling my list of faves below. Good thing I’ve cleaned out a lot of room in my closet!

[show_shopthepost_widget id=”584375″]

In the mood for more Retail Therapy?? CLICK HERE

original photography for apartment 34 by ashley batz

This post is in partnership with Lou & Grey. All thoughts and opinions are 100% our own. Thank you for supporting collaborations that we’re excited about and that keep Apartment 34’s doors open!

Retail Therapy: {Moorea Seal, A Sweet Seattle Shop}

Fashion

Even as online shopping gets easier and easier, there’s really nothing I love more than discovering small boutiques! Walking into a beautifully curated space, discovering hidden treasures and artisans you might not otherwise uncover – I think it could be my official hobby! That’s why on a recent trip back home to Seattle, I beelined straight to Moorea Seal, the new bricks and mortar version of the online shop {and Pinterest account!} I’ve long been obsessed with.

It completley lived up to my expectations! The sweet, jewelbox of a space offers the perfect mix of modern home accessories, jewelry, bags, shoes and paper goods – really every version of my kryptonite.

I was particularly smitten with this hand carved and cast bronze pendant necklace designed by a maker out of Portland, OR called Tiro Tiro. It was VERY hard for me to walk away from that little beauty!

Everywhere I turned there was something new to oohhh and ahh at. Even though they’re still hanging in the home I grew up in, I’m seriously this close to getting back on the wall weavings bandwagon! The totally neutral color palette of the one below had me immediately! It’d be a beautiful soft piece to hang in a bedroom. Note to self if it’s still there the next time I’m in town!

I’m only sad this lovely shop didn’t show up until after I bid Seattle adieu. It’s literally in walking distance of the orignal #34. Thankfully, I can stalk Moorea Seal online in between Seattle visits, but I’m excited to see what new wonders the shop has brought in on my trip!

original photography for apartment 34 by Belathee

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

Retail Therapy: A Zen-full Tea Shop

San Francisco

Next Tuesday is officially the first day of Fall. Can you believe it?? I KNOW. We can’t either. Good thing we’ve found the coziest haven from the ever thickening San Francisco fog; the most incredible tea shop you ever did see. Samovar Tea Lounge recently opened its newest location in the popular San Francisco Mission District and hipster hearts, including our own, are exploding all over the city!

Walls of custom made ceramic vessels and caldron-like copper pots steam brewing tea. Black-washed floors make the already subtly lit stone walls seem beautifully cave-like and a single bench stretching the entire room just begs you to stay a while. But {if you can believe it} there’s something more than this instagram-worthy space that has us convinced we’ll be making tea trips over coffee runs all season long! The answer is yes and it comes in the form of two words: chai tea.

We haven’t spied a space that does ‘cozy and inviting’ better than this one. Bundled up in a leather jacket and scarf, briskly walking down Valencia St., it’s pretty much impossible NOT to duck out of the chilled air and stop into Samovar. It’s something out of a movie, really. Tea is being stirred and ladled out of huge hammered copper pots and employees clad in crafty leather and canvas aprons are offering you a flaky scone and butter with your piping hot drink.

But the real treat is actually the tea itself. We’re here to tell you that their chai tea is the best chai you’ll ever put to your lips. Rich and milky, it’s the perfect drink to make you warm inside -we’d take it over a cup of jo on a brisk fall morning and that’s saying A LOT. It doesn’t hurt that it comes in a gorgeous ceramic mug of which we’ve already tried our luck at purchasing a set for ourselves only to find out they’re a custom cup just for Samovar. Nooooo.

Next time you’re in San Francisco, or if you’re a local and have YET to visit Samovar on Valencia, you need to move it to the top of your list. Fall is right around the corner and we promise, Samovar is tea-licious! —Bianca

original photography for apartment 34 by Aubrie Pick

Retail Therapy: {Haus of Half Hitch Pop-Up Shop}

Fashion

As we discussed earlier this week, I’m a sucker for a great object d’art, the more unique and personality filled the better! That’s why I’ve long been a fan of my friend Carrie Caillouette’s online shop Half Hitch Goods. Carrie’s curated the most spot-on collection of unique finds – not just for your house but also for you! Half Hitch unearths makers and artisans to collect unique pieces that you’ll want to keep forever. Their mantra is “thoughtful goods for thoughtful people.” How can you not feel that?! So when Half Hitch launched a Pop-Up Shop in San Francisco’s Hayes Valley I was SO excited to see what Carrie had in store.

I wasn’t disappointed!

The curated collection {housed in what’s usually the florist shop Birch} is a stunner. From one-of-a-kind vintage Moroccan rugs and throws {that Carrie brought back with her from her recent trip to Marrakech!} to classic blankets from Faribault Wool Mills in Minnesota, you’ll want to take a mix of luxurious textiles home with you! We had to restrain ourselves.

Speaking of home, there are bright and colorful woven baskets with grains of sand still in them from the deserts of Morocco and hand carved wooden spoons, spatulas and the most amazing pie server that are not to be missed. And don’t just think about yourself {preaching to the choir}. Any of these special items would make a gorgeous house warming gift for a dear friend!

If you’re in the mood for some fashion Carrie also partnered with Bay Area designers to bring in highly covetable wares. The Podolls have an assortment of women’s and baby garments to choose from. With a passion for green design, their line is sustainable and hand crafted right in our backyard. And as we showed you yesterday – is stunning.

And Metier SF, another local gem specializing in vintage jewelry, have carefully curated a collection of vintage necklaces, bracelets and rings specifically for the Haus of Half Hitch shop. They also brought in tassel necklaces and key chains/wall hangings from local designer Ariel Clute. They were so stunning we couldn’t walk away without one {as you might have seen here!}.

This is much more than just a store of stuff. Carrie has redefined the idea of treating yourself or someone you love to a truly special, lifelong gift. Perhaps you’d like an original watercolor paintings from local artist Emily Proud, sweet chocolates from San Francisco chocolatier, Dandelion, handmade handbags, vintage wall mirrors or special collaboration pieces including limited edition mugs by ceramicist extraordinaire, Helen Levi, herself! The options are endless.

So what are you really waiting for? All Bay Area peeps, go visit this beautiful pop-up before it’s too late. Haus of Half Hitch is open this month only. Do yourself a favor and make a trip over to Hayes St. before July 30th! Then you get lunch here afterwards. You won’t regret it. — Erin & Bianca

Not based near San Francisco? No worries – you can shop Half Hitch Goods online right here.

original photography for apartment 34 by Aubrie Pick

Retail Therapy: {Jessie Black, San Francisco}

Fashion

It seems like everyday there’s a new restaurant or boutique to check out in San Francisco – it’s one of the things we really love about the city- it’s ever evolving. But it’s not everyday that a new spot opens up with THE sweetest shop owner of all time. Because, really, a space is only as amazing as the people inside. Jessie Black, Pacific Height’s latest luxury retail haven, is our fave new boutique, not just for the luxuriously soft lines of cashmere they carry, but for the lady behind the brand, Ms. Jessie Black, herself!

This sweet boutique is truly one of the most unique shopping experiences in San Francisco. In the store fragrant coconut wax candles burn, french music plays, piles of purposefully “not-too-neatly” folded cashmere scream “feel me!” – every sense is brought to life.

We love the fact that Jessie designed her store around luxury textures and they are indeed everywhere! The space is beautifully accessorized with chunky knit blankets, plush woven rugs and the softest cashmere pullovers you’ve ever felt. And with a plate of macarons often put out for guests- the store is a treat, in more ways than one!

Our favorite element has to be the fact that the shop is home to one of San Francisco’s most unique changing rooms: “the boudoir.” Jessie wanted to create a space where guests would feel right at home so her dressing room includes a bed, armoire, and gorgeous accessories- everything to make the room feel like a real bedroom. When you’re ready to try on a cozy sweater, you draw back the curtains and have the entire boudoir to change in! Jessie even encourages guests to throw the clothes on the bed {just like you would at home!}, rifle through the drawers where you’ll find fine silk lingerie and open the cupboard where the latest cashmere jacket and folded cotton t-shirts are hung- all for sale!

And if the boudoir isn’t enough, there is a beautiful patio where you can enjoy the sunshine and stay awhile- truly making Jessie Black your home away from home!!

If you get a chance to chat as you comb through the shop’s sweet details you might get to hear Jessie’s infatuating story. A true world traveller {she’s lived everywhere from Paris to Monte Carlo, London to New York and happens to be Australian!}, her work embodies the places she’s been:

“I have been lucky enough to live in Paris, London, New York and Monte Carlo. Working in each of these great design capitals has been an incredible opportunity and really shaped my design aesthetic. Each city has its distinct style and energy. I took a slice of inspiration from each of these cities. I love the chic minimalism of Paris, the classic nature of London, the boldness of New York, the old-world sophistication of Monte Carlo and the freshness and diversity of San Francisco. Sydney for its natural beauty!”

We asked Jessie about her road to opening a luxury retail store. Early on with an MBA in the luxury goods sector, she learned opening a boutique is no easy feat. So Jessie hired on Parisian boutique manager, Carla, who has quite the resume herself, working at Christian Lacroix and Chanel and is especially grateful to her husband, whom would work her trade shows {Maison et Objet Paris, to be exact!}, ironing bed sheets and serving coffee to guests for days straight. Talk about a keeper!!

Jessie’s love and passion for her craft, her sweet-as-pie personality and her gorgeous store are three things everyone should have the pleasure of experiencing. If you are shopping in San Francisco be sure to pop in to feel some of the softest cashmere you’ll ever touch {get this– she uses the same atelier as Chanel!} and of course, bite into a scrumptious pistachio or passion fruit macaron! — Bianca

For even more of our San Francisco favorites, CLICK HERE!

original photography for apartment 34 by Aubrie Pick

Tasty Tuesday: {Souvla, San Francisco}

San Francisco

This is a deep and honest confession- I have never been a fan of Greek food, ever. The yogurts were slightly foreign for my taste buds {I was never a Danables kid!}, spices just a tad too aromatic and robust for my palate and the desserts failed to live up to the much praised “baklava moment” – the after-tasting-it-you-never-look-at-desserts-the-same, moment. But before you put me through the fire, I’m also here to tell you the San Francisco neighborhood Hayes Valley’s new Greek hot spot, Souvla has me running to my fat Greek seat at the table!

Chef Charles Bililies souvlaki gem is the new go-to lunch, dinner or dessert spot any day of the week!

What made me ever step into a Greek restaurant in the first place? I discovered the joint while shopping on Hayes and literally being stopped dead in my tracks. The clean white inside, shiny grey stools outside and olive trees flanking the doors sung a sweet song from the exterior. And when you walk in, you’re greeted by copper mugs, {just like in Greece as Erin’s trip to Mykonos proved!}, a gorgeous tiled bar and dried olive branches mixed with vintage kitchen utensils hanging from the walls.

And the food is just as beautiful as the space it’s cooked in. Salads are served in big blue-rimmed enamel bowls. Sandwiches are wrapped in cute paper packaging and the wine is served in traditional copper mugs. You can even watch the chickens crisp up in the rotisserie. And for a non-greek goer, like myself, the menu is easy- you pick a meat and decide if you want it in a salad or sandwich. Furthermore, if you’re like me, you’ll order both! Because everything looks so yummy. Let’s not forget about dessert: Greek frozen yogurt with your choice of toppings like Greek olive oil and flaky sea salt {yes!}, baklava crumbles {double yes!} , sour cherry syrup or wildflower honey. Seriously- mind-blowing. It’s no surprise as Chef Bililies comes with a pedigree a mile long including working for culinary greats like Thomas Keller and Michael Mina!

And while the food is sincerely the best part of the experience, I’ve since come back to both eat and stare at the Nikos Economopoulos photograph on the wall {and plot a plan of how to walk out of the restaurant, unseen, with an 8ft art piece under my arm!}. Obsessed.

Hayes Valley is a fast changing neighborhood and the addition of Souvla is just what the popular couple of blocks needed- a casual, affordable, fast and delicious dining experience leaving you dreaming of spit roasted pork and what? Harissa yogurt! Greek food lovers, I get it now. —Bianca

For more of our San Francisco favorites, food related and otherwise, CLICK HERE!

original photography for apartment 34 by Aubrie Pick

Retail Therapy: {SHED, Healdsburg}

Gotta Getaway

It’s not everyday that an incredibly well designed and gorgeous space opens up in most cities, let alone in the teeny tiny Northern California town of Healdsburg. You may have remembered spying our vist to ‘The ‘Burg’ on Instagram a few weeks back and while we were there, we certainly weren’t going to miss our opportunity to check out the much talked about open-space market/resaurant/coffee shop/bar/general awesome hangout, SHED!

Word of Shed spread rapidly and it’s tempting us city dwellers to drive past the likes of Napa and Sonoma and take the extra 30 minutes it takes to get there! Focusing on quality artisan-made goods, Shed’s shelves are filled with tried and true pieces for your home and garden. It’s all the stuff that makes us swoon. Everything from artisanal brooms {yes they exist!} to oversized marble pestles and mortars can be found here. You can stock your pantry with locally made jams and gourmet olive oils as well as come home with something from the in-house larder! No matter what you’re in the market for, you definitely won’t leave empty handed- even if you do just walk away with some fresh blooms!

In the middle of the market, you’ll also find a cafe to sit and enjoy a cup of jo, as well as some crave-worthy bites. We couldn’t get enough of their gorgeous toasts {we do love a good tartine afterall}! Goat cheese and pickled watermelon radish toast called our name, but the herbed artichoke toast made us go back for seconds. Yumm.

Our absolute favorite thing had to be Shed’s fermentation bar! Never heard of such a thing? We hadn’t either.

Turns out, it’s a bar that serves all kinds of naturally cultured and fermented drinks that are made in-house or by local brewers. Kombucha, Kefir, natural sodas and beers are on tap, as well as local wines. And you can even have the bartender mix up a house-made Shrub. What’s a Shrub you ask? Let us explain.

Shrubs are drinks that actually date back to the 17th century. They’re made by combining fermented vinegar with fruit and sparkling water. There’s a reason they’ve stayed around this long- they’re a refreshing treat in your mouth! They’re sweet-tart, effervescent and really quite lovely. We ordered the Carrot + Coriander and the Grapefruit Shrub and could have easily kept on going through the entire menu!

If you’re making your way up to wine country this summer, take a well worth it detour to Shed! Who’s already snuck away from the city and enjoyed a glass of wine there? Better question, who’s ready to do it again?! We are!

For more fabulous things to do and see round the Bay Area this summer head here.

original photography for apartment 34 by Aubrie Pick

Retail Therapy: EQ3 comes to San Francisco

Decor

I love where we live in San Francisco. The little micro-neighborhood of “Mission Creek” has only continued to improve since we moved into the Loft 2.0 {almost two years ago, what?!}. First came Heath Ceramics, then the bar Trick Dog, Marla Bakery, Salumeria, SightGlass Coffee just opened- the list goes on. And now the ‘hood just got even better – because EQ3 is moving in down the street!

While the official grand opening of the showroom is actually tomorrow, we got an exclusive sneak peek of the hot new US flagship. Even though the final touches were still coming together, the impressive {and massive!} space did not disappoint!

I’ve actually know about the Canadian-based modern furniture company for years. The original #34, aka my condo in Seattle, was furnished with a ton of EQ3 pieces as they were one of the only places to find modular furniture created especially for small spaces back then. I’m glad to discover they’ve grown up right along with the rest of us!

Now they not only offer their own lines of everything you need; sofas with custom upholstery and leather, beds, dining sets & shelving, but they also carry classic and highly covetable designers including Herman Miller, Vitra, Alessi, Sagaform, Urbio and Marimekko. And they’re showing it all off in the newly renovated 12,000 sq ft of space that was the old DWR store, adjacent to the design district. It’s bright, light, airy and huge. There’s even a Marimekko pop up shop-in-shop happening!

If you need another excuse to pop over to my hot and happening neighborhood, tomorrow’s grand opening celebration is most definitely a good one. You’ll certainly make the guy who hung all the lights up there even happier than he aleady looks.

You’ll likely be pretty happy too as the grand opening just happens to coincide with the annual Herman Miller sale. That means you could take home the iconic Eames Chaise at up to 15% OFF! Holla!! There’s also a killer giveaway for all you Instagram lovers out there. If you Instagram {or tweet} about the new showroom with the #EQ3SF hashtag you’ll be entered to win some cool EQ3 pieces.

Just no climbing the walls in celebration!

original photography for apartment 34 by Aubrie Pick

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