COCO+KELLEY: CALL FOR CONTRIBUTORS!

Some of you may remember that back in November of last year, I put a call out for interns here at coco+kelley. I was focused on building the blog and my new design business, and it seemed like a perfect solution! Then... a most fabulous opportunity came my way over the holidays and 2010 found me working as a home merchandiser at Anthropologie! It is a dream position for me, and I couldn't be happier.

As you can imagine, life has been busy busy. I spend my days juggling my 'day job' with coco+kelley blog posts and clients, working to stay inspired and original with my content while bringing the same energy to my merchandising. All of this, of course, means I had to completely revisit the idea of interns and what role they would play here. Well, I've finally figured out the next step, and I'm so excited to get started!
SO...here's the scoop! I'm going to begin this process all over, and start by seeking contributors to the blog itself. I'm looking forward to building on current content, bringing back past series, and starting new topics! As far as what I'm looking for... as long as your ideas fall within the 'lifestyle' category, you're good to go! Here's what I'm looking for:
Start by thinking of a topic you'd like to blog about on a consistent basis. Do you love to entertain? Maybe your contribution is a Creative Cocktails or Small Bites weekly post. Live for tracking down ways to mimic gorgeous rooms on a budget? Perhaps your niche is a Cheap Chic article! Art, entertaining, travel, fashion, weddings, decor... it's all open to proposals.

For the next two weeks I will be accepting 'applications' in the form of blog posts. They should follow my formatting style and be delivered in proper html coded form (either within an email or attached in a document). Photos need to be sized at 500 pixels wide and should be high quality. Please let your own voice shine through! However, I ask that you stick to the tone and aesthetic here at coco+kelley. All submissions will be due by April 15th.

After I sort through the posts, I will select my favorites. From April 26th - 30th, those posts will go up on coco+kelley for the true test - capturing the attention and affection of the readers! From these posts, the new contributors will be selected! Right now I am hoping to pick 2-4 people to blog on a schedule that is tbd (no more than once a week).

If you have questions, please feel free to email me at: cocokelley (at) gmail (dot) com. Because I am hoping to fill these positions with writers and designers who can format their own posts, I will not be offering assistance in this area. And, for those of you still interested, yes there will also be internship positions coming soon! Looking forward to see what beautiful pieces arrive in my inbox.

xoxo,
cassandra

*images via lonny magazine and {this is glamorous}

THREAD SOCIAL: STRIPES + BOWS = SUMMER PERFECTION

If Heidi Merrick is my number one pick for spring wardrobe dressing, then Thread Social would be a very close second...
Loving the wide variety of stripe selections from the Spring, Summer and Resort collections, my favorite color combo of peach + navy, and those incredibly fantastic shoes! Not to mention the fabulous folds, frills and bow details on necklines and shoulders. One for every day of the week perhaps?? I'm thinking so!

Wedding Wednesday {It's Party Time}

My dears, as we reach the last day of March, I feel the need to pause and take a moment to reflect. So much has been going on and so much is about to happen. For starters, we leave for our wedding in just 3 weeks! So much work has been done and we're in the home stretch now. That alone is enough to break out the party gear.

And then the darling Caitlin of Sacramento Street (who happens to be getting married very shortly herself!) pointed out that I overlooked another important milestone - the 2 year anniversary of Apartment 34! In fact, today is my 800th post. I can hardly believe it.

When I started this little experiment more than two years ago I never could have imagined this is where I'd be today. I never thought it would take me on this journey or connect me to such wonderful people. It makes me want to put on my party shoes and kick up my Louboutin-clad heels.

photos via erin ever after and kiss the groom

As I'm about to take the most major step of my life, I can't predict where the years ahead might lead. I do know that I cherish the pleasure and privilege of sharing all these random thoughts and ramblings with everyone here. This little blogging experiment has grown to mean so much to me. It has brought me great strength, joy, courage, creativity and warmth. The fact that you seem to enjoy it at all is a small miracle in and of itself. 

So thank you, dear readers, for two great years - and here's to what's next, whatever that may be!

Cheers,

*E

IN THE DETAILS: COZY THROWS, TIPTOES + WINDOW SILLS

Just few fun touches to try around the house...
Add a bright throw to any room - whether you think it 'works' or not! It will add a fun and playful touch, and it won't be long until we're swapping out winter comforters for for lightweight quilts.
There's no way opening this window to let in a little sunshine won't bring a smile to your face! Our bedroom is a rich grey just like this, and I'd love a pop of aqua to add a bit of visual depth and cheer to the room. I mean really. How could you not love this lamp?? So unusual and sweet! It's one of my favorite little corners.

*rooms via western interiors, martha stewart and room by tom scheerer

Sole-full Decor {Spring Edition}

I'm loving the mix and match of the spring trends. They provide the perfect amount of versatility and my favorite, tons of sky-high heels. Translate it all into decor and no matter which direction you go, you really can't take a wrong turn. 

You might prefer sweet whites,

Or perhaps spring pinks,

then there are the supple neutrals,

And the exuberant brights. 

shoes dolce vita, elizabeth and james, fendi, louboutin, all rooms via {this is glamorous}

Really, there's a look to suit any mood. Now if only changing decor was as easy as shoes! That's why I invest in big closets.

I LOVE BEING A GIRL...

Those boys don't know what they're missing.

*dress by 3.1 philip lim, bag by valentino. both available at net-a-porter

BRING IN SPRING

After a sunny little weekend I have visions of springtime dancing in my head...

I'm ready to surround myself with sweet, colorful flowers...

From tabletop arrangements to fresh floral wallpaper. That's a sure to fight away the grey clouds creeping in this morning...

*images via j.crew and lonny magazine

Monday Work Wear {Spring Boots}

The arrival of spring in Seattle has also brought on an onslaught of spring showers. All the better to keep my favorite boots in rotation. I'm particularly in love with versatile booties that can help you ride out the unpredictable weather.

And while I've been hesitant to get on the clog trend, these clog wedges are causing me to reconsider my position.

all looks via vanessa jackman

I hope you keep breakin' out your boots this week my dears!

Happy Monday.

*E

I've Got a Crush

On nerd glasses,

On McQueen,

On sweet polka dots,

On prints and blazers with tights,

on simple slumber,

on fashionable sustainability,

And on the fact that it's Friday - woohoo!

Happy weekend my dears!

HAPPY (IN THE SHADOWS) WEEKEND

It's finally time to shed that winter coat...
Spring has been making brief appearances in between our usual Seattle showers this week and these soft-lighted photos speak perfectly to how it's felt. A little dreamy and slow. A soft flux of dark and light. Slightly timid and sleepy ... but then...that doesn't sound like a bad way to spend a weekend, does it?

What will I be up to? So glad you asked, because I could certainly use some help with it...

I'm finishing up some updates for my Seattle Design Guide at Design*Sponge, so if you're a local, please share your favorite shops and haunts with me! It's sad to see that quite a few of the places I originally included have closed... perhaps that means I should do a little shopping this weekend to support the ones that are still around? Hmmm... sounds like a plan to me!

Until Monday...

xo,
cassandra

*photography by jason nocito

RING IN SPRING GIVEAWAY III: ROYAL SCENTS

Last year, I featured the fabulous line of Royal Apothic candles created by one of my many LA acquaintances, designer Sean O'Mara. After experiencing them myself, I, like many other fans, was begging for a perfume version of the simple fresh scents...
Ummm... wish granted!! Not only that, but Royal Apothic is now carried at... (you guessed it)... Anthropologie! We just got our shipment in the other day, and I have to say that I loved every one of these extracts - on their own, but also paired together to create a custom blend.

For our final spring giveaway this week, we have a set of three perfume sticks for you to experience yourself! Violette Pastile, Fig, and a special addition, Hydrangea (not available in Anthropologie stores yet!).

So! Here we go again... one last chance to win this week! This time, leave us a comment letting us know what your favorite spring or summer scented memories are. For me, it's the wisteria blooming in my parents backyard.... now that's a sign of spring!

*the contest is now closed... thanks everyone for your fantastic comments! so much beautiful, scented nostalgia!

ROOM OF THE WEEK 3.25

For years now I've had a very small clipping of this room saved in my files... no source, no idea where it came from, and no real look at the detail of the space. So, you can imagine how excited I was when I stumbled upon it on the site of photographer Douglas Friedman!
I've been completely intrigued by this table for some time now, wondering... is it a desk? A vanity? A space to pen fabulously written letters to best friends? To while away hours going through those stacks and stacks of books? Whatever the purpose, the design is clear. Glamour, glamour, glamour. I mean... that chandelier! That mirror! That gorgeous red! Are you kidding me? I swoon...

I'm Loving...

A mix and match of grey home decor and vibrant accessories this spring. 

images via ish and chi, better living by design, vogue, symmetry via design crush

Grey is my usual wardrobe staple and I reserve color for my furnishing or accessories, but I think it would a refreshing way to bring balance to the new season by switching things up. I leave the neutrals at home and bring the color out into the world!

Wedding Wednesday {A Flower Dilemma}

A hazard of planning your own wedding, especially a destination wedding, is hitting your knowledge limit. Well kids, I think I've come to that point. With one month to go (exactly!) I've hit a snag - flowers.

I have a huge love affair with flowers and have always had an image of how my wedding bouquet would look. That image didn't include peonies that cost $40 per stem - which apparently is your only option in Mexico!

images via unknown, unknown, sunday  suppers, jose villa, everything fabulous, unknown

As much as it pains me to let the peonies go, I cannot build my bouquet with $40 flowers.

So flower enthusiasts, wedding planners, botanists, amateur gardeners, professional gardeners, grandmas, former and future brides, really anyone who knows about flowers, do you have any suggestions?!

This harried bride would appreciate it so much!

RING IN SPRING GIVEAWAY II: FRONT PORCH INSPIRATION

Until the day I have a huge wraparound porch to decorate and sip my summer drinks on... I'll gladly lose myself in this inspirational book instead!
Our second spring giveaways is the fabulously inspiring book, Perfect Porches by Paula Wallace with oodles of dreamy decks, patios, gardens, in the city, country and everywhere in between!

This simple, sunny one might actually be my favorite... So, today, leave a comment letting me know what outdoor setting has left you with sweet memories or serious inspiration (your best friend's backyard? a local park? the beaches of Capri?) and I'll be drawing the winner Friday!

*update! the comments are now closed for this giveaway and the winner will be drawn shortly! good luck!