Happy {Bright and Shiny} Weekend!

After a bit of a stumbling and bumbling week how perfect is this?



This weekend I'm letting the blues go and instead I'm going to pick pink! I plan to lay back, soak in the sun, and enjoy the beautiful colors of summer in Seattle.


I hope where ever you are, you can do the same.

photos found via The English Muse (stunning blog - be sure to check it out!)

Shoe Lust

There's nothing that sets my heart to pitter-pattering more than fabulous shoes. These certainly fit the bill.


I don't know what they are, I just know that I want them. They're from a gorgeous wedding in Australia shot by Sugar Love Weddings and I'm now on a mission to track down what they are!

To top it all off, the bridesmaids dresses from said wedding are the prettiest I think I've ever seen (and not matching - my favorite!)



All by Rose and Ruby, you don't even have to be in a wedding to look that gorgeous. I'm loving these options from their ready-t0-wear collection.


 

Across the Pond

Those brits know what they're doing when it comes to eclectic style. I'm simply drooling over this apartment.


Did you spot the bookcase wallpaper?


Love the letters on the mantel - they're making me want to redo my own.


How freakin' fabulous is that light fixture?! I'd kill to have it over my dining room table.


Read more about the industrious owners and how they completed this brilliant remodel on a super-tight budget here.

Happy (2nd Anniversary) Weekend!

Today, my dears, is my 2nd bloggety birthday. You know what that means!!! Next week we will be CELEBRATING! Two years means a pretty darn big archive (905 posts to be exact!), so I figure we'll take a little trip down memory lane with some old favorites and new inspirations.
Looks like it's time to break out the tiara! Hope you all have a fantastic weekend - sip a little bubbly for me! Oh, and if you're thinking about doing a little shopping... I'll be adding new pieces to the Etsy shop all weekend, and Revival is having a moving sale! You know I'm still dying for this settee...

xo,
cassandra

Blog Out Loud - LA Bloggers Event!

So.... whatcha doin next Thursday? Well, if I were still living in LA (which I sometimes REALLY wish I were), you'd find me at Patio Culture on Abbot Kinney. Nope, not shopping (this time). Just attending what's sure to be a kick ass little event...
BlogOutLoud
First of all, let's make one thing clear. This event is NOT just for bloggers. But it is put on by them - two gals I happen to adore, actually - Rebecca at loving.living.small and Megan from beach bungalow 8.

This event is for those who want to start a blog, grow a blog, have a blog, don't understand what the heck this whole blogging thing is anyway... basically it's for anyone interested in what we do and how we do it.

Being the first in what we hope to be a series of events, Blog Out Loud will start a real conversation that will help answer all your blogging questions and many more. Because yes, even bloggers who have been doing this for a while still have questions about where this whole blog thing is going, what others have learned along the way, and does anyone else stay up until 2am doing this every night?

I hope those of you in the area will attend (and report back!), but for those who can't the whole evening will be recorded and available on the website. As for me, I hope to be attending (speaking!?) at the next one! Help make this first one a success so the next can be even better!

Ray of Sunshine

I just wanted to thank everyone for the kind words and encouragement today. They meant a ton and got my engines revving. Since the sun is shining down outside and tomorrow is Friday I'm going to put on an outfit like this



and head out for an evening with my girls. Nothing soothes the soul like friends, wine, food and good times.

Art Drawing Pictures

wedding clip art

Art drawing pictures wedding clip art

Free Elegant Wedding Clip Art

Free Elegant wedding clip art

Free elegant wedding clip art

Bell Birds Wedding Clip Art

wedding clip art

Bell birds wedding clip art

Wedding Clip Art

wedding clip art

Wedding clip art

And On The Fourth Day... Romance Was Born.

Is it just me, or does it seem like every time you blink it's another fashion week somewhere? Well, this time, it's the Aussies who have been strutting their stuff with the SS 09/10 collections, and while I haven't had much time to look at all the shows, the amazing setting and designs from Romance Was Born (discovered via hudson) have left me in a state of girlish delight...
This is the stuff little mermaids dream of - a fantasy world of pretty little beach girls and evil sea queens pieced together with shells, starfish, florals, tulle, crochet and... lace eyebrows?
Indeed! Just look at the detail that went into setting the stage for this show...
They even had a little something for the boys...
I really loved every little bit of this little make-believe world (any other Seattlites reminded of the Fremont solstice parades?). Right down to the shoes...
*gorgeous photography by daniel boud, runway shots via australia vogue

Room of the Week 5.28

I discovered this gorgeous home via the pages of Western Interiors, which introduced me to designer Renea Abbott whose explanation of her design philosophy had me jumping with agreement! "I always like to throw in a little bling, a teeny bit of sparkle, to an otherwise clean and contemporary spacee.”

Yes, yes, yes, Renea!! You know that's my philosophy. A touch of glam factor for every room - usually in the form of beautiful chandeliers or gilded mirrors. So, of course I had to use this space for today's Room of the Week.
The first hint of glam is the high back chair with its gilded arms, and those luxurious pillows as well! The candlesticks also add a touch of drama, and the bench in front of the fireplace is fantastic. But, let's not stop at one room - there's so much more gorgeousness to explore in this Houston home...
Why hello ginormous chanel bag and gilded chandelier and mirror and table. You must have known I was coming for a visit! (Yes, even I can admit, that's a bit much.) I do really love the clean hallway and that gorgeous little settee though. A perfect mix of modern and traditional, with the wood floors providing a touch of warmth.
Ahhhh...the bedroom. The far chest and table lamps are a bit traditional antique for my taste, but I would gladly take the rest.. especially the ceiling which keeps the room from feeling to stuffy. Again, loving the gilded gold in the chair. In fact, I love all the variety of seating options in here - not for actual conversation of course, but for preventing me from throwing my clothing all over the floor! And the chaise to lounge on by the fire. Lovely!

Feeling Burnt

Dear readers, I can't quite put my finger on it - it may be leftover from my fun in the sun, but I'm finding inspiration a little hard to come by at the moment.


photo via veer

There is so much amazing beauty, creativity and thoughtfulness out there in the blogworld and I'm finding myself wondering what can I bring that's unique? 

I come back here everyday because of my readers - I've so enjoyed getting to know you and love to treasure hunt for you every day. So now I'm hoping you might help get me over this hump by telling me what you like. What do you most enjoy about Apt#34? What do you crave? I'm curious - what inspires you?

Giveaway! Susan Najarian Artwork

If there's one thing I can never have too much of, it's beautiful artwork gracing the walls. (Well, that and throw pillows...) So, I am thrilled to be having my first artwork giveaway here on the blog! Even more thrilled that that artist, Susan Najarian, is a Seattle local who does absolutely fantastic pieces.
Her encaustic (beeswax and resin) paintings are just so lovely, they would lend inspiration to any room! Wouldn't they make a beautiful little housewarming or wedding gift too? A piece that's not too big can always find a place in someone's home.

You know the drill lovelies. Please visit Susan's Etsy shop and let us know what your favorite piece is by leaving a comment below. The winner be drawn on Monday, and will select their favorite 5x5 painting as the prize!

Gorgeous, Glamorous Gadabout

For a gal who is completely addicted to notecards, I sure haven't been blogging about them much lately! So, allow to me to share one of my new favorite finds - Gadabout. The designs are so chic, and completely customizable...
Perfect little cards for an interior designer, don't you think? I would love writing little thank you notes to my clients on these!
For the fashionista - why not a little design of you in your favorite ensemble? Oh sweet vanity. Don't you love the little addition of color, and the subtle monogram?I especially love the idea of capturing some favorite jewelry pieces. How personal! For more designs, check out Hanna's blog which is where she currently sells her pieces. I love the way she describes her work...

"My prints are a collection of what I've found and what I'd like to find. They are glances of where I've been and where I hope to go. They are familiar and foreign, eclectic and classic. But, most of all they speak of the life of a Gadabout, a traveler, an aimless pleasure seeker, and the first one to know that a hand written note should always follow."

Wedding Inspiration: Vintage + Pastels

One of the largest trends we've seen in fashion in the past few years has been the return of the vintage dress. The wedding world is no exception, and I have to say that after seeing this wedding over at Snippet & Ink, it's a trend I can get behind!
I mean, how awesomely fun does this group of ladies look with each of them wearing such unique dresses, pulled together by the tulle shoulder wraps and beautiful bouquets?
I know when I hit the vintage stores in Seattle I always spy some fun 50's style dresses that I would love to have an excuse to wear! There are also some great ones on etsy...
Imagine assigning your maids with the simple task of finding a fun vintage piece in any pastel color they adore... these could all be options.
There's also the option of going for a little vintage inspiration in new dress, like these gorgeous creations from Samuelle. Just look at that detail! So dreamy.

And for the bride? Well, of course, there's always white. But, I might just have to suggest this amazing yellow gown to top things off...

While it would certainly take the right personality to pull this whole look off, I do think it's such a fun idea - and probably much more affordable than most wedding and bridesmaid dresses! What do you think? Could you handle it?

*etsy dresses clockwise from left: here, here, here and here

White + Light

Still quite dreamy and lazy from the long weekend, this editorial from Harper's UK is so fitting my mood...
The oversized rhinestone headband is calling me.
Dreamy feathers and a flowing white (Gucci) dress. *sigh* I'll take both.
Love the layers of textures here... and of course the sun streaming through the window panes. Could we just pretend it's still the weekend for the rest of the day?

A Fresh Collection From Jess. L.C.

You may have noticed that one of our sponsors here at coco+kelley has debuted her new line just in time for summer parties. The Astor St. collection from Jess L.C. is sweet and simple - perfect pieces for layering or on their own - and I am loving the option of soft greys, whites and greens...
Or, you can opt for the pops of perfect color, including some bright corals which I happen to be loving at the moment!
Jess' company also has a fantastic little blog, Makeunder My Life, which includes some really great weekly topics on everything from recipes to accessories advice and the weekly 'exfoliation' (which I love!). Check her and her collection out!

Musical Rooms

Had such a lovely long weekend in Montana (minus the horrible traffic on the way home last night), where I got to meet the boy's family for the first time. One of the many things I learned? Their current home was designed around the piano room, which reminded me of these two spaces I've been filing away for a bit of quick inspiration...

I grew up with a piano in our living room, and miss it now and then. I think their lines add such beauty to a space! Not to mention the musical benefits, of course. Have any of you incorporated usable or vintage instruments into your decor?

*photography via floto+warner, domino

Recovery Road

Coming back to reality after a weekend in paradise is happening - slowly. 


the lovely pacific ocean in Baja, Mexico

So bare with me - I'll be back in full force soon!

Wedding Bands Diamonds Bridal Jewelry

wedding bands diamonds

Wedding bands diamonds bridal jewelry

Baguette Wedding Band Bridal Jewelry

Wedding bridal jewelry

As Art Deco as William Van Alen, our baguette diamond wedding band is meant for those perfectionists who appreciate the combination of precision and beauty.