Bring It, 2011!

click on image to enlarge

There are a lot of motivating new year's resolutions, goals and lists floating around out there. Personally, I'm going with the idea of new year mantras. Reminders to live by on a daily basis. Above is my first one for 2011. I plan to post it on my mirror as a morning smack to the brain to remember to think big.

May your 2010 go out on the highest of notes and your 2011 be filled with endless imagination, opportunity and success!

Till next year luvies,
*Mrs E


images via 1|2|3|4|5|6|7|8|9|10| quote

New Year's Eve Fashion Fix

Did you, like me, fail to find that perfect frock for a rockin' New Year's Eve? Take heart, all is not lost. You can ring in the new year with statement making style.

Simply pull out your best LBD ( or insert t-shirt + skinny jeans, tank + mini, cashmere sweater + wide leg trousers per your personal fashionista preference) and add an outrageous statement necklace. Any of these from Tom Binns will do quite nicely.




Consider your fashion emergency solved and your NYE look practically perfect. I hope you get your new year off to a fabulous start!

Over the River and Through the Woods

Well my dears we are off ~ the presents are wrapped, the car is packed and we're ready to hit the road.

via blue pool road

We'll be making the rounds over the next few days, popping in and out of the homes of our nearest and dearest, hopefully leaving joy in our wake!

I wish you heaps and mounds of holiday cheer my dears. May your days be merry, your nights be bright and your celebrations be oh so joyful and light!

Till next week luvies,

*Mrs. E

I've Got A Crush {On Last-Minute Gift Wrap}

If you have yet to wrap your holiday gifts (or like me, even finish selecting them) then you might appreciate some of these lovely and creative gift wrapping options as much as I did. They make a pair of socks, a necktie or a bottle of wine (what else do you get your dad?!) a bit more bedazzled!

How about going for out-of-the-box boxes?



A recipe box painted with chalkboard paint makes a great reusable container for giving baked goodies. A regular cardboard box covered with adhesive cork shelf liner makes the perfect tackable surface for a sticky note gift tag, while lined paper makes great gift wrap and the perfect backdrop for the recipients name spelled out in alphabet stamps!  

Then there's there's my first love, simply elegant customized wrapping paper and gift tags.



Or you can make your own DIY wine cozies.



And any present will be on top of the heap when it's in a pretty package tied up with glittery strings.



Thanks to card maker Lion in the Sun, Mae Mae Paperie and Grey Likes Weddings for the inspiration.

Now go put on your best Christmas mix and enjoy some happy wrapping!

*Mrs. E

Wedding Wednesday {Holidaze}

I know the holiday season is not the most popular wedding time of the year, but having just attended a December nuptial last weekend, I've got winter weddings on the brain.

Then I spied the new JL Designs Couture Holiday Collection, combined with the recent Christmas-themed fete a gaggle of wedding planning extraordinaires threw in LA -- the perfect palette and styling inspiration that now has me totally on the holiday wedding bandwagon!


images by leo patrone via green wedding shoes and by mr. haack via jl designs

Especially when it involves a Chloe lookalike named Bossy!

Have you been to any particularly fabulous winter weddings? I'd love to see some shots of your faves. Do send them my way!

How Do You Hibernate? {Haute Design}

As the holiday draws ever closer, the dear and divine Sarah Klassen of Haute Design was kind enough to take a moment in the midst of the hustle and bustle to participate in my How Do You Hibernate? series. And I'm so in agreement with her answer!

How Do You Hibernate? {Haute Design}
Comfort for me begins with luxurious lounge wear and knit socks from my Grandma... I love curling up on the velvet sofa, with books and magazines, and a cup of cinnamon or green tea and cookies... usually, my laptop is not far, either.

Are you as ready to curl up with a good book (or laptop) as I am?!

Thanks so much for participating Sarah!

01 Matt Bird, Sarah Kaye Represents.
02, 03, Polly Wreford, Sarah Kaye Represents.
04 Jo Tyler, Sarah Kaye Represents.

Happy {8 Days Till Christmas} Weekend

Is anyone else incredibly nervous/freaked out/overwhelmed by the fact that Christmas is only 1 week away? That this is the last shopping weekend? That there are probably only 1-2 days left to get online orders placed and still get on-time delivery???

Can you tell I'm a little behind on my Christmas....well everything! Despite that, all I really want to do is curl up in warm, cozy spaces to fight off a lingering cold and do a little hibernating of my own this weekend.



images via dressing on the side, designlovefest & stars masquerading

Alas that is just a fantasty. In reality, we are headed to Las Vegas(!) for a whirlwind weekend wedding. I hope I can pull of a Vegas-worthy look despite my current mental state.

Do enjoy your weekend ~ find a moment of respite even if it's just over your morning cappuccino! I know I will.

Till Monday luvies,
*Mrs. E

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow

White is blanketing many parts of the world right now (save Australia!) but my heart just melted when I saw Pia's stunning photos of the recent snow in Amsterdam. Having so enjoyed our honeymoon trip there, seeing the streets the hubby and I strolled down and the canals we sat by now awash in white makes me wistful for a wintertime visit. It would be amazing to experience the city in this beautiful state.





images by pia jane bijkerk

Le sigh.

Happy {Golden Glow} Weekend

December presents endless opportunities to get your glow on and really, why not grab every single one?




1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

This weekend we're celebrating the hubby's birthday with nights on the town, a sumptuous dinner, and I suspect of bit of debauchery, as every good birthday should include.

What are you up to this weekend my dears? I hope you grab the chance to enjoy a little sparkle!

Till Monday luvies,
Mrs. E

Seeing Red, But in a Good Way

I'm not one to love the cliched Christmas red and green {I'm more of a gold, silver, and shimmer girl myself} but a little pop of a sumption crimson now and then does feel spot on this time of year!



images via tiny white daisies, hitchcock blonde, stars masquerading 

Perhaps I'll don a little red lipstick to brighten up the afternoon!

Cheers,
Mrs. E

Sending You Some Seasons Greetings!

I just couldn't resist sharing this fabulous holiday sentiment today as we've got the Christmas music turned up and the tree a-sparkling. It also looks like Chloe may have posed for this card!


card via sycamore street press

If you'd like to send out holiday cheer this year condsider becoming an Apartment 34 sponsor! You can reach thousands of style-savvy readers around the world in the heart of the gift-giving time of year.Apartment 34 is offering a holiday sponsorship special and there is one feature sponsor spot left!

Learn more about becoming a sponsor here. Email apt34blog {at} gmail {dot} com for more details!

Cheers my dears,
*Mrs. E

Happy {Twinkle & Glow} Weekend

December is coming on with a vengeance. What's on your dance card this weekend luvies? A bit of shopping? Trimming of trees? A good dose of holiday cheer?



Tonight is the annual ladies only Christmas party and gift exchange. The hostess~with~the~mostess always turns out a gorgeous a spread and fun, cheer and a good dose of silliness abound.



images via pretty stuff, everything fabulous and haute design

I hope you have the chance to don something sparkly and bright this weekend luvies. Tis the season!

Till Monday,
*Mrs. E

I've Got A Crush {On the Holidays}

This time of year flies by so quickly. This year I'm trying to pause and really take stock of the fun. Today I'm crushing on killer wish lists,



Eye-catching shine,



Subtle sparkle,



Luscious throws,



And sweet seasons greeting (from Apartment 34 sponsor Ralph's Grocery Shop!)



Welcome to December luvies!!

Cheers to the Shortest Day of the Year

Today we officially welcome in winter and say good-bye to ever shorter days!

via discover: interior design, unknown, we heart it and flickr

Truth be told I'll be happy to see the light returning. Starting the day in the dark and ending the day in the dark has never been my favorite thing. 

I'll be sure to enjoy some warm and cozy winter nights in the meantime!

Monday Work Wear {Holidays Edition}

This edition of Monday workwear is dedicated to those of you who, like me, are still working this Christmas week and therefore still happily blog-hopping.

Just because we're at the office doesn't mean we can't partake in holiday cheer, don't you agree! A pop or two of holiday red should perk you right up.

via fashion gone rogue, anthropologie, stockholm streetstyle, and blushing ambition

Whether you're snuggled under the covers with some hot chocolate or still diligently at your desk, I hope you have a wonderful week. 

Be sure to check back - I'll be here!