Supersize Me

I'm totally loving the look of the oversized accessories in both fashion and home decor these days.


asos portfolio clutch and room via mixer.se

A large piece creates a focal point and makes a stunning statement, either walking down the street or in your living room yet still doesn't seem totally in your face.

I'd love to turn this clutch into a work bag (practical no - but fabulous, yes!). And since I actually have high ceilings. that "desk lamp" would add the perfect quirk to the space!

Go big or go home people!

ALT ~ itude

If you've been bouncing around the blog or Twittersphere of late you may have heard about Alt Summit. It's a lifestyle blogger conference happening next week in Salt Lake City and this year I'm going to be there!

I could not be more excited to dig into all things creative/entrepreneurial/style-tastic. Not to mention finally getting to meet so many of my blogger friends face-to-face! That opportunity alone is worth the price of admission. But of course, there is the age of dilemma of what to wear!

Design conference + lifestyle bloggers + Utah + winter = ??? What is a girl to do?

I'm currently taking cues from these looks from See by Chloe.




The goal is relative comfort (for long periods of sitting), plenty of warmth  (for downtown exploring) and mad style (because it's Alt and you gotta bring it!).

I think this might be my day one look.

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

And if you're going to be there, do let me know because I want to finally put faces to blog headers!If you need wardrobe/packing planning help Alt Summit speaker and all around doll Kelly of Design Crush come up with this packing planner!

Apartment 34 Holiday Gift Guide

While fabulous gift guides abound this time of year, there is just too much goodness out there to not share a few favorite picks of my own, especially since they all come from my beloved Apartment 34 sponsors!

There's nothing that I love more than seeing the eyes of someone near and dear light up with the perfectly picked gift and I know you cannot go wrong with any of these choices.



#1 Wrap your wrists is style with the Gorjana Graham leather wrist wrap. I'm certainly a sucker for lots of wrist adornment

#2 Decorate your favorite seat with a bit of beauty and heart. Comfort & Samuel pillows are sustainably handmade in Africa!

#3 Give a precious friend some semi-precious stones with this stunning Agate bracelet by Wendy Mink. The color palette of grey and warm brown just might be my new favorite.

#4 If you're feeling the need to luxuriate a little bit, well, really a lot, this Hoss Intropia vest featured at my one of my favorite local Seattle-area boutiques, Promesse, is touchable-soft (trust me, I've touched it!) and will make you very popular at your holiday soiree!

#5 A go-to clutch is a must this time of. I love how the Gorjana Hudson Frame clutch is day-appropriate and holiday-fete ready with that pop of gold.

#6 Dressing on the Side tees are the sweetest treat. Because a cheeky tee never goes out of style.

#7 Cocktail rings are the ultimate accessory and a girl can never have too many - especially when they're rose quartz by Wendy Mink. I'd happily take one for each hand!

#8 Every year I find myself totally behind on my holiday card list, but a Happy New Year card solves all my problems - I think you can get away with sending them all the way 'till February at least!

#9 Wouldnt' it be great to mark each major milestone in your life with a signature scent? (I did that with our honeymoon. Now every time I spritz it on I think of Venice!). Misaki perfume from Cameo Nouveau looks just as good on your bathroom counter as it smells on you!

Happy shopping and happy giving!

We are offering a holiday season special for a December/January feature sponsorship of Apartment 34 and it's not too late to take advantage. Email apt34blog(at)gmail(dot)com for more information and current rates!

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

Cyber Monday Special

Now that we're all back at our desks and in front of our computer screens I suspect you, like me, are trolling for the best Cyber Monday deals.

Well, look no further than new Apartment 34 sponsor Gorjana. The California-based accessories company packs a powerful punch with their gorgeous designs ~ really anything a girl needs to kick their wardrobe up a notch! Here are just a few pieces I'm coveting.




And today only Gorjana is offering an extra special deal - 25% off all jewelry and handbags. So run, don't walk your fingers over to your keyboard and hit up Gorjana.



Just remember the golden rule. One for them, two for you! Happy shopping, and saving my dears.

*Mrs. E

If you would like to reach thousands of savvy online shoppers then consider sponsoring Apartment 34. We have a few holiday sponsorship spots left. Email apt34blog(at)gmail(dot)com for more information today!

Get Your Holiday Shop On

Luvies, my friends at Spool 72 just released their Winter 2010 catalog and to celebrate their lovely looks they're offering Apartment 34 readers a sweet deal - 10% off all purchases!

Feel free to flip through the sweet winter options,

Open publication - Free publishing - More vintage

And then head here for to pick up a piece or two - who needs to wait for black Friday?!

Gilt-free Shopping Spree

We interrupt this Wedding Wednesday to bring you a special announcement. If you're one of  few who has yet to hear about Gilt, the invite-only online shopping mecca for deals on fabulous designer finds...well...I'm almost hesitant to tell you about it because I don't want the crowds snatching everything up...but the getting is too good not to pass along.

Especially since Gilt is making its foray into housewares! In fact, at 9:00 am PST, a Gilt sale curated by none other than design blog extraordinaire ShelterPop will go live.

The sale is going to feature some of my most coveted lines for the house - lines like Missoni Home! ShelterPop asked what I might do with this Missoni Hudson rug. I immediately loved it because it would pair well with virtually any color scheme we end up choosing during the major remodel.









images 1,2,3 via delight by design, image 4 via bluepoolroad

Neutrals, reds, yellows, blues - you could center really any room around this rug.

And if you can't justify the purchase for yourself, a Missoni rug would be quite the crowd pleasing wedding gift, don't you think?!

Happy shopping luvies!
*Mrs. E
If you're not a Gilt member, you can sign up for the sale and get a $10 credit toward your first purchase. You'll want to move fast -- the sale only lasts through Saturday, October 9 at midnight (or until items sell out)!

Pretty It Up With Pattern

Maybe it's the sudden infusion of vitamin d from the Portland sun, but I'm totally drawn to energetic patterns right now. Ask my husband - not my norm! It's certainly an easy way to make a bold statement without saying a thing.

pillows via bestill, dresses catherine malandrino resort 2011, chair via elite leather company

I've long been a fan of using pillows to reengerize any tired room. The tiny investment can result in big change to the space. And a dress with a fabulous print is an instant outfit. No mixing and matching required. Throw on, go out and be the life of the party. While a statement piece of furniture may be a bit harder to pull off, it's such a great way to break the matched set habit. 

Because sometimes you just get tired of being quite, right?

Anchors Away

My dears, I admit I might be off trend here but when I came upon Daytrip Society, a brilliant online variety shop based in Maine, I was immediately smitten with all of their anchor-based gear. Anchors are still cool right??

via a cup of jo

Well, even if anchors aren't the hot thing anymore, I'm loving these options. They're quite sea-worthy if you ask me! You can check out even more here. 

Small Wonder

As my friends will atest, I'm a sucker for necklaces, especially ones with a single design element like a charm, stone, or bead. Every time I pass one I cannot resist. So of course when I stumbled upon A Small Collection I was immediately smitten.

I love the white on white with the leather strap and the gorgeous wood bead with the smallest pop of turquoise. Add them to a simple tank, skinny jeans and spring sandals and you're ready for an evening out.

Simple, stylish, stunning. Thank goodness they're only online - so I can keep my impulse shopping urges at bay!

Beautiful Bark

I stumbled upon Bailey Doesn't Bark and was immediately entranced (and not only because our dog's name is Bailey!). The company's housewares, jewelry and paper goods are both lovely and cheeky at the same time. 

all photos by bailey doesn't bark spotted via haute design

I love the simplicity and of course, their use of a neutral color palette. The Postcup is so genius!

Apparently, I'm not the only one enjoying their work as their waiting list for the porcelain pieces is already closed. I guess I could cheer myself up with the Ant On My Necklace necklace.

Wedding Wednesday {A Dress Sale}

For the lucky ladies who live in NYC and LA I just had to make sure you know about a rockin' trunk show that Morgan Le Fay is holding this weekend.

The truck shows will feature the line's new bridal collection as well as classic gowns they've designed over the past decade, all at 15% off! Every fashion forward bride should really check it out.

And if you see something spectacular will you let me know?! 

Madison Trunk Show
Date: January 28-29th
Hours: 10am-6pm
Location: 980 Madison Ave. @77th St.  New York, NY 10021
Contact: 212-879-9700

Soho Trunk Show
Date: January 30-31st
Hours: 11am-7pm
Location: 67 Wooster St. Btw Spring & Broome, New York, NY 10012
Contact: 212-219-7672

Santa Monica Trunk Show
Date: February 4-5th
Hours: 10am-6pm
Location: 1404 Montana Ave. Santa Monica, CA 90403
Contact: 310-393-4447

Malibu Trunk Show
Date February  6-7th
Hours: 11am-7pm
Location: 23410 Civic Center Way  #5D,. Malibu, CA 90265
Contact: 310-317-4447

I NEED It

January is a tough month. Coming off the holiday hangover, constant dreary weather, endlessly dark days and a loooong time till spring. The one good thing about it all is the January sales!

You can snag a great deal if you know where to look for them. I'd be thrilled to take home any of the steals at Need Supply Co.

Pick up their Voodoo Clutch, Selma Coat and Spell Belt and you'd still be getting away with highway robbery. 

Don't worry, I won't tell. 

A Blank Slate

I'd love to collapse into an all white bedroom every evening.

It is the perfect serene landscape to punctuate with vibrant intense color. These uber-saturated bags from Lena Frziak would certainly stand out against that background. 

Mmm, like festive Christmas ornaments, don't you think?!

room via everything fabulous and bags haute design