I Like Variety

It has something to do with the spice of life, right? Well, this coat from Harputs Own is much more than meets the eye.

via vain and vapid

They call it the Swacket (sweater+jacket) and it is the ultimate utility item. I'm particularly diggin' the tweed. With all these options in one pretty package I could be convinced to kick my jacket habit. 

Maybe.

Helmet Head...

... just got chic. WAY chic.
Thank you Karl Lagerfeld. Yes, it's tweed. Now where's my white hot vespa?

*one of the many picks by Candy Pratt Price for the Fall Accessories Reportt at style.com.

Room of the Week 4.30

Inspired by yesterday's 'wild' post, I wanted to find a room that captured a similar energy, and found this little slice of heaven...

Let's be honest... wood paneling? I know. But, in following the theme of never saying never... I think it works here. And it's a great example of how to work with it if you've got it! A perfect blend of bold prints (zebra rug and ikat pillows) done in a way that's still soothing, but makes a statement.

Adding furniture with modern lines straight out of a West Elm catalog balances the woodsy cabin look, and a bit of ethnic influence and natural materials make it feel more tropical than campy. And, how perfectly does the space capture the second look from yesterday's post? The white boxes and vases complete this vignette by flanking the unusually tall window, devoid of treatments, letting in that beautiful woodsy view!

A Perfect Tabletop from Perfect Bound

Anne over at Perfect Bound asked me to do the most fun (and addicting!) post using an awesome new tool over at Brides.com. A virtual tabletop where you can mix and match available china, stemware, and flatware designs to create an eclectic and perfect place setting for your registry!

Anne has been creating some of her own settings inspired by spring runway looks, and asked me join in...

This is the one I created for coco+kelley, based on one of my favorites from the Diane von Furstenberg Spring 2009 collection. (click for a larger size), and you can find all the resources for this tabletop right here on the Brides.com website.

Should we do a little Rooms from the Runway action while we're at it?

I'd set either of these tables with this look! How great is that plum color for walls?? (rooms via domino mag)

Want more? I created a glam, modern tabletop for Anne over on her blog designed from a hot little Alexander Wang number. Go check it (and her cool new re-design) out!

The Bow Hits the Spot

I'm totally on the blazer bandwagon this season.

I love how this look by Keylee Tankus uses the bow to add a pop of color and a feminine touch to the boyfriend look. But really, the whole thing had me at the shoes.

Let's Go Crazy

I realized I've been posting a lot of dreamy subdued styles around here, so I think it's time we took a little walk on the wild side with this editorial...

Killah! I need this for my summer wardrobe please.

Just when you thought you were over Ikat...
(ps, my hair looks JUST like that in the morning.)

Love the neon punch paired with a soft black... or navy?

Zebra jumpsuit? Maybe not. But I'll take those heels. Dang.

*UPDATE!! Found the resource: Animal Instincts shoot at Marie Claire. Check it out for all the clothing sources!

Grey + Stripes = Perfection (Part II)

I've got a thing for grey stripes this spring (see previous post here!), which is why these rooms are callin' my name...

They can be soft and sweet like the stripes on the bedding in the all white bedroom nook (via esseegee) or bold (but not too loud!) like this wall featured in Domino.

If the walls are a bit much, why not switch things up and stripe your floors? (photo by erik piasecki). You'll never need a throw rug again. Of course I'm loving the mix of thick and thin stripes on these pillows (via city sage) to add a mild graphic detail to any room. Especially my bedroom, which is where these lovelies would most definitely end up!

Your Name Here

photo by Hugh Stewart

Apt #34 is now accepting sponsors for May.

Are you a shopkeeper, artist, photographer, stylist or designer that are looking to share their talent and wares? I'd love to feature you  as the monthly feature sponsor of Apt #34. 

If you have a small business, design or product that fits the Apt #34 style please join me! 

Email apt34blog (at) gmail (dot) com for more information.

Feathers For Your Fingers

My girl Carrie sent this fabulous feathery ring to me soooooo long ago, and every once in a while I go back to look at it because it's just so fun.

I would totally rock this for some whimsical occasion, and tickle people's noses all night long. Hee hee!

Great Escapes

Have you had your Max Wagner fix lately?

His work always brightens my day. Go now and be happy. 

More Morrison Please!

I am absolutely in LOVE with the summer collection from Morrison.

The hippie, organic feel these pieces have are so perfect for my dream wardrobe. Lots of neutrals and soft, flowing, yet flattering cuts...

While my style tends to be a bit more constructed for cold weather, in the summer I love to adopt a more relaxed look, and every one of these dresses is calling my name for lounging in the sun! Even their photography is wonderful... count me in as an official fan.

*update! for those of you who have asked, yes Morrison will be available in the US soon. they are working on an online shop set to launch in July, and are hoping to make themselves available in stores here as well! stay tuned...

Toast of the Town

We all know Toast for their lovely ensembles.

But did you know they do equally stunning housewares?

Their stripped cushions have such a great bold line. 

And their tableware has a great organic look and feel.

I'm particularly loving their brightly colored enamel cups --especially in that setting!

Never Say Never?

Just a week or two ago I was mentioning to a friend how I "don't do" cowhide. Can't stand it. It reminds me of bad kitchy country or attempts at mixing up ultra modern designs. Until this day, an interior containing cowhide has yet to grace the pages of coco+kelley. But... never say never my dears.

While I've been questioning some of the choices of Kelly Wearstler these days, this space is not one of them. I really like the mix of objects here. True to her style, there's a touch of glam with a vintage vibe, and she keeps it simple, which is when I like Kelly best. And, the cowhide? Well, I think it's an unexpected choice and a perfect way to compliment all the gold accents in the room - is it working for you?

And then, I stumbled upon this photo by Erik Johnson. Maybe its just because it's a detail shot done so well, but I actually like, again, the unexpected use of cowhide on the antique chair. A great contrast to the modern clean lines of the funiture (and how killer is that lucite table?). Note: Am also loving the red door and the touches of red carried into the living room.

While I'm still not convinced I'll ever make this textile my first choice in an interior design project... I guess these spaces teach us to never rule out the possibility of using materials we may not immediately be drawn to. What about you? Do you have a "never" on your list?

Dramatic Styles with High-quality from Marveolus Wedding Dresses

Dramatic styles with high-quality from Marveolus wedding dresses in white or ivory color. This material chiffon, satin silk and embroidery.

Wedding Dresses with Satin Silks, Chiffon and Embroidery Material

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Wedding Dresses in Dramatic Styles with High-quality

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Moslem Beautiful Wedding Dresses

Moslem beautiful wedding dresses festival.

Picking A (Wedding) Palette

I've been working with a client who is getting married in Maui this summer, but will be having her reception here in Seattle in October. Going from sunny beaches to the possibly rainy fall skies sounds like it would be a tough transition to make, but it's actually been very fun, thanks in part to the bride-to-be's open mind and whimsical ideas.

Part of the process was creating these two mood boards incorporating elements that she really loved: lots of paper and handmade details, lanterns, and a palette based on the aqua+chocolate brown that she's chosen for the wedding. I took these ideas in two directions - one above and one below - for her to base a palette and feel from.

The first board is a bit more whimsical with the addition of orange (a nice fall color) to her palette and uses more of the paper elements and lots of birdies and nests that add a cozy feel. The second board is a bit more beachy and soothing, adding some neutrals to the mix, but using more natural elements like succulents for a soft green, and seashells in soft pinks - an elegant an fresh take on the beach theme.

I actually loved them both, and am excited to work with the one she chose (incorporating some elements of both, actually!). Which would you go with?

*for sources please click photos

Apt #34 Guest Post

While darling Anne of The City Sage is soaking up rays in Maui I leant her readers some shopping advice.

If you'd like to start dreaming about warmer climates check it out here.

Couture Candy

Just a few pretty things to start the week of right...

The only thing better than the couture shows is seeing them in fantastic editorials like this one from UK Vogue shot by the fantastic Mario Testino. These three pieces were some of my favorites. (Dior, Chanel, and Givenchy)

Winner of the Tusk Giveaway!

Wowsa kids. You all outdid yourselves with the comments on this one, but only one reader is lucky enough to be the big winner...

Congratulations to LV who wrote, "Love all my Tusk so it's hard to choose, but the bag that really changed my life was the large security backpack. Whether filming in India, running to a meeting or on the playground with the kids, that bag can handle it all and look good doing it. Grown-up, functional, and stylish!"

Sounds like a loyal Tusk lover just got their hands on a fabulous new bag... and guess what? The fabulous peeps at Tusk added an extra little bonus to the giveaway...


A limited edition lip gloss case (which I LOVE!) that will be available as part of a Mother's Day gift with purchase very soon.

The lovely people at Tusk also wanted to thank everyone for their incredible feedback. Perhaps we'll have another giveaway from them in the future??

LV, please email me your pick for bag color and mailing address!! congrats!

Great Spaces

One of my favorite games is cobbling together my dream home from all the blog-based inspiration. 

photos by paul barbera and alexander van berge via moodboard

I love my light interiors but the dark elements in each of these spaces provide a strong anchor to ground reach room.

Happy {Carefree} Weekend

I plan on doing my best to escape the daily trails and tribulations this weekend. Hope you've got plans that carry you away a bit too. 

*E

Better Book Solution

The books on stairs idea was an overwhelming loser and I admit, I have to agree with the majority opinion. (Although I still love that photo). 

Now try this option on for size.

via {this is glamorous}

Much more manageable, no? 

We Interrupt This Sunny Friday...

I know I said I was out for the weekend, but I just found out that my guest post over at The City Sage is up and... well, it just happens to be perfect for the sunny day we're having here in Seattle, so if you're looking for a dose of sunshine and fashion and interiors... check it out!

...and, now I'm really peacin' out! Ciao ciao!