C+K SPONSOR: INTERIOR DESIGN SHOW WEST

Ok, all you north of the border friends - listen up. Northwesterners too. Heck, anyone who has a passport and is ready to jump across the country lines with me for the love of interior design. If you haven't heard of Interior Design Show West, then you're missing out.

As Western Canada’s premiere residential design show, this annual event in Vancouver BC features 200 exhibitors showcasing quality products and services to an audience of industry professionals, architects, designers, consumers and media. And by quality we mean high end, relevant vendors and speakers! For example...

Their opening day - Friday, October 15th - two incredibly talented designers will be speaking to attendees. The first, Karim Rashid, has such an amazing philosophy on modern design and the world today. (Just read the quick synopsis for an idea on how mind-blowing this session will be!). His innovative perspective should make for quite an opening event!

That evening, the keynote speaker will be none other than the adorable Sarah Richardson - popular designer and star of four fabulous shows: room service, design inc., Sarah’s House series, and Sarah’s Cottage. She will be joined by her sidekick (and one of my faves) Tommy Smythe who will actually be conducting the interview live with the audience! They're collecting questions now, so if you have any, be sure to post them on the IDSWest Facebook page!

The show opens on October 15th to the trade until 4pm. After that, it will be open all weekend to the general public! (For a full schedule and tickets, go here.) Have any of you ever attended? Are you planning on it? I have to say I'm very tempted to make a little road trip out of the weekend and head north to Vancouver to check it out myself!

IT'S MY PARTY...

A few weeks ago I shared with you the initial inspiration board for my birthday... well, since then let's just say I've decided to glam things up a little more with some rockstar personality and punches of color...

Still thinking that the palette will be a lot black and white with touches of metallic, but I'm also wanting to incorporate some vivid reds and pinks too! Plans are underway for a festive tabletop for the intimate dinner and a little transformation of the venue we'll be taking over for the after party. I can't wait to share it all with you!

*images via lonny mag, the chanel paris-shanghai collection, she is frank, tom binns and kate spade

New York Weekend Recap {And A Jo Handbag Giveaway!}

Our jaunt to NYC flew by so quickly, I can hardly keep track of everything that went on. In a mere 48 hours I think I saw all of lower Manhattan while networking my little blogging butt off.

The festivities kicked off with an uber-glamorous dinner party thrown by the uber-glamorous lifestyle expert Kelley L. Moore. The lady outdid herself on the tabletop, I'm tellin' ya. Did you spot the personalized pop-art place cards?? Bah-nanas!



photos by me!

Not only was the whole Rue Crew and Cassandra there, but I also had the pleasure to meet Will of Bright Bazaar and Julie of Create Girl. Let me tell you, when bloggers get together, the good times flow ~ I've even got video to prove it!

On Monday, I had the privilege to go to HGTV headquarters for a hosted lunch with an even broader contingent of design bloggers. The best moment was listening to Melissa, the brilliantly hilarious mind behind the Lil Bee read her birth story to the whole room. It includes going into labor while in the midst of an HGTV interview!


design star emily henderson, rue mag founder crystal, melissa of lil bee

After lunch it was time to get gussied up and off to the Rue Magazine launch party! Another fabulous opportunity to put faces to blogger names. Here I am with Coco+Kelley and High Heeled Foot in the Door! I was also so thrilled to meet Mackenzie of Design Darling and Brook of Fabulous Doodle, among others.


 high heeled foot in the door, cocokelley and me, dress by Meme shoes from Aldo!


Caitlin and i, and the required shoe shot!

The husband and I did manage to squeeze in a romantic dinner at Mario Battali's Otto Pizzeria before we jetted back home.

Sadly, I didn't do any shopping in NYC for myself. However, I did pick up a giveaway for YOU, dear readers! New York based Jo Handbags have graciously provided my absolute favorite Niko bag to give away to a very very very lucky Apartment 34 reader.




So, run, don't walk to leave a comment on this post my dears. Be sure to include your contact info. Tweet about the contest and you'll get a second entry!

A winner will be chosen at random at 9:00 am on Monday, September 27!

THE ART OF ARRANGING (FLOWERS THAT IS...)

I'd love to introduce to you today another new contributor here at c+k! Miss Lyndsy Sullivan of Yellow Brick Blog will be covering fun little events out of Los Angeles as they come across my desk. Not only does she have one of the most sparkling personalities I've ever met, but she brings fun everywhere she goes. And, I should know - she's one of my best friends! I have a feeling her adventures will leave me missing my days in LA, but I'm so excited that she'll be sharing some of these opportunities with us... especially this one! Take it away Lynds...

The Beastie Boys song “She’s Crafty” is most definitely not a song I would use to describe myself. In the fifteen years Cass and I have been friends, I have watched her style and design skills grow while what little skills I had all but disappear. Which is why I was extremely flattered that she would think of me to attend a design class at Floral Art on Abbot Kinney in Venice. Flattered... and totally nervous.

I decided to attend the “Simple Modern Masterpieces” class, and as I walked through the door of the adorable Floral Art shop, I was greeted with a delectable cocktail, smiling fellow classmates and the gorgeous owner Jennifer McGarigle (who looked as though she had just finished shooting a J.Crew catalog).  Jennifer has owned Floral Art for six years and used to offer the design classes only in private, but decided to open them up to the public (which we all thank her for!).

The gorgeous store was bright and dazzling, just brimming with beautiful flowers, vases, home accessories and anything else your heart could desire. After two cocktails and a little bit of mingling it was off to the back of the store to begin our class. Once I was settled into my workstation, Jennifer and her creative team coached us on how to create our very own submergible floral arrangement.

*top left: Jennifer demonstrating how to arrange. *top right: Floral Arts examples.

*bottom: classmates creations

I worked with flax leaves, palm fronds, green tea leaves and orchids to create my masterpiece. I was pleased with my final arrangement but of course wanted to tweak it for a more professional look after it was too late. What I found the most exciting was that although it would require additional practice on my part, I left feeling creative, inspired and like I could really use these skills on my own at home.

My final arrangement!

Of course, I jotted down some tips to pass along to all of you to master your own submergible design!

• Waxy flowers and leaves work best – orchids, anthuriums, colored calla lilies and the leaves I listed above generally last 5-7 days; roses, peonies, and hydrangeas will last 24-48 hours
• Green Tea leaves are key to creating a base to allow your flowers and leaves to stay in place.
• Once your arrangement is complete, drop in a cap full of bleach to keep your arrangement from turning into a science project.  

It was a truly wonderful experience for me and I cannot thank Jennifer or Cassandra enough for allowing me to partake in all the fun! This class is such a genius idea for those of us who need a little extra help in discovering our inner floral artist, and desire a truly tasteful centerpiece to come away with!

If you live in LA and have a love for florals, I would recommend signing up for a class. The skills you take home with you (in addition to your own arrangement!) will have leaving you feeling a little more “crafty”. Oh, and be sure to pet the darling Daisy Pickles when you walk out the door!


*first photo {via here} all other photography by lyndsy sullivan.

HAVING A BALL: A SWANK HOUSEWARMING WITH KEVIN SHARKEY

So, the post that should have gone up on Monday, had I not hiding in bed with the flu (thank you for all your well-wishes!) would have let you know that it's just under two months until my 30th birthday. (Yikes!)  And I've decided that the only good thing about this, of course, is the the chance to put together a fabulous little soiree!

Well, as timing would have it I found my first bit of inspiration in the housewarming party Kevin Sharkey (SVP and Executive Editorial Director of Decorating for Martha Stewart Living and Executive Creative Director, Merchandising for Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia!) threw as a part of his big apartment reveal. What I love about Kevin's style is that it's eternally tasteful but surprisingly playful at the same time...


Kevin set a swanky mood with metallic balloons covering the ceiling and a bathtub filled with Veuve and lined with nibbles. And, if you're going to party in the bathroom, you might as well make the shower a lovely little scene of indulgence with piles of Hermes boxes, right? (I might prefer mine filled with birthday gifts, since my one lonely box may not do the job.)

The tiers of Oreo cookies literally takes the cake as one of my favorite details of the party. Topped with sparklers it's such a fun (and pretty!) way to indulge in a childhood favorite (complete with milk, of course!).

But the best part has to be the entertainment for the evening...

The most glamorous game of ping pong I think I've ever seen in my life! Keeping score on mirrors with Chanel lipstick? Yes please! (Did you notice that gorgeous reflected view?) Monogrammed orange paddles? Naturally. A dirty martini, sparkly little cocktail dress (that's Alexis Stewart, by the way!) and a killer serve completes the night.

So, what is it exactly that I'm inspired by for my own party? The ability to combine this fun and casual atmosphere with cocktail attire and glamour, of course! Sounds a little bit like my interior design style, no? Well, plans are in the works and I'm not going to give anything away just yet, but here's a little more of a peek at some ideas...

Silver straws, gold lined cupcakes, dancing the night away, maybe some balloons a la Sharkey and a decadent deco feel. Stay tuned my dears... the countdown is on!

*photography courtesy of martha stewart, straws via brook farm, cupcake photo via flickr, invitation design by hello tenfold

Gettin' Gussied Up

Well my dears, I hinted at a big announcement for Apartment #34 last week. A lot has been happening in my world of late, but little of it has been in blog world. The big announcement is....that is all about to change!

After more than 2 years and nearly 900 posts, I think it's high time I pretty this place up a bit!

image by anna aden via flickr

In the coming days and weeks you're going to see changes in a variety of things here including a subtle facelift for Apartment #34, long overdue updates to links, new weekly features (Tasty Tuesdays anyone?!) and new sponsors. 

My most exciting endeavor is a little something I'm calling Apartment#34creative. While planning my wedding and reception, I caught the creative services bug something fierce and so now I'm hoping to take all I learned and help others create the special occasion of their dreams! 

This is all in the beginning stages, but I was just too excited to wait to tell you. Things are going to take awhile to set, so keep checking back and let me know if you enjoy what you see or have ideas or suggestions. 

And if you have a party you need help to plan it's not too early! Feel free to email me now apt34 {at} gmail {dot} com. I aim to make Apartment #34 your go-to destination for all things style. I hope you'll like it!

Cheers, 

Mrs. E

PS. The winner of the Wendy Mink giveaway will be announced at 4:00 pm this afternoon - so enter now!

SERIES SUBMISSION: INSPIRATION IN THE IVY

I'm so happy to have the lovely Camille from Camille Styles here today to showcase her amazing eye for events and details. She would be a wonderful addition to coco+kelley with her entertaining tips and inspiration boards! Take it away Camille!

Today's inspiration board drew from a little fantasy of mine... over the weekend we walked the construction site where our new home is being built, and for the first time I realized that I'll have this wonderful patch of earth right outside the door of my future kitchen. Immediately my mind filled with images of climbing roses, terra cotta pots overflowing with lavender, and trailing vines covering the walls surrounding my secret garden...

There's something a bit mysterious about cascading branches of ivy (perhaps because ivy walls are so often used to conceal the most glamorous homes?), and I'd love to host a springtime party that celebrates the old-fashioned simplicity of this humble plant. Cafe tables scattered across a stone terrace, perfectly-manicured topiaries, a picnic overflowing with spring's bounty, and glowing lanterns that take the party into evening hours. Just like the namesake restaurant, it all comes together for a look that's chic and effortless with a dash of intrigue.

*Images: {Row 1} Bicycle, Amy Butler via The City Sage; Lanterns, Martha Stewart Weddings, Cheese Labels, Style Me Pretty {Row 2} Drinks & Courtyard, Snippet & Ink; Kiera Knightley in Atonement {Row 3} Ivy Bouquet, Martha Stewart Weddings, Library Wedding, Snippet & Ink; Pizzas, Kristi Schiffman; Ivy Garland, Elizabeth Messina.

I have to say that I've never seen Ivy look so appealing! What a fabulous board. Ladies & gents... what do you say? I think there's always room for more event inspiration around here...

C+K SPONSOR EVENT: SPRING FORWARD IN STYLE!

For the past few years here, a little revolution has been brewing my dears... a style revolution! Designer fashion has finally come to Seattle, and I couldn't be happier. When The Bravern in Bellevue opened last year, it brought us such shops as Jimmy Choo, Hermes, Tory Burch, and (finally!) Neiman Marcus. Talk about eye candy!

Visiting the Bravern is always such a little treat (I especially love lunching at Neimans), but beyond the fabulous shopping, there are some seriously fabulous events being held, one of which is this weekend!
Spring Forward in Style will be taking place this Friday and Saturday, March 19th- 20th, from 10am to 8pm, and participating stores will be offering the chance to sip champagne and sample handcrafted cheeses as you preview the season's hottest new styles - including some gorgeous Jimmy's like these... the perfect pop for spring!
For all the info, check out the Bravern's website, join them on Facebook, or follow them on Twitter! And, for coco+kelley readers, if you stop by any of the concierge desks and register, just let them know you heard about the event here and you'll receive the new Spring edition of the Bravern Signature tote bag... see you there? I certainly hope so!

*post sponsored by CSM management

DRAWING ROOM

Curtains drawn back with a floral garland and a bar with a drawn facade? So adorably playful and perfectly genius!
What a sweet entrance this would make for a fabulous (and quite girly) party! And, so easily done at your own home, too. Just rig up the entryway with a curtain rod and drape lengths of fabric to the floor. Faux flowers wired into a garland and sewn on would probably be the hardest part. If you're talented enough to sketch up your own facade, kudos to you! It's a perfect way to disguise a table that might not perfectly match the decor.

How fun would this be for a (dreaded) Valentine's Day shindig?

PS - have you seen trailers for the movie? Killer cast.

*image from elegant bride via perfectly put together

Tufting + Blue

If these aren't the most fantastic slipcovers for an event, I don't know what is. The faux tufting is killing me!
And so are the draped walls and the chandelier. A truly genius little idea! And possibly a very ambitious DIY project for a willing bride (and her helpers).

*photography via jennifer kloss

It's (Parasol) Party Time!

Half Past Lavish (I know, awesome name, right?) is an event company here in Seattle that puts on some very fun little soirees, and they recently sent me an invitation to attend their Parasol Party that will be taking place this Thursday at the Clise Mansion on the Eastside. Guess what ladies? If you're in the area... it's officially girl time.
This is the first year of the event, and it promises to be a fantastic little evening where us gals will have the chance to stroll around the gardens under beautiful parasols, sipping on cocktails, eating gelato, shopping, getting a little polish change (lord knows I need one!), and enjoying a fashion show highlighting local designers.
The best part, of course, is that all sales from the Parasol Sale (not the event itself, but all parasols sold that night) will go to the American Heart Association. All guests who come are also entered in the drawing for free copies of Confessions of a Shopaholic and $50 and $100 gift certificates to local spas. Sounds like a nice way to spend a Thursday evening, right?
Interested in going? One coco+kelley reader will get a pair of free tickets to the event. Just email me at cocokelley(at)gmail(dot)com and let me know you want in! I'll let you know when the tickets have been given away. You can also get tickets for you and your BFF right here. Doors open at 7pm. See you there!

*update - the complimentary tickets are gone... go get your own and i'll see you there!

City Sounds & Styles from Banana Republic

I just got word that Banana Republic will be hosting a little event in Seattle one week from today to launch their latest collection from newly appointed Creative Director, Simon Kneen.

Being slightly music obsessed, I'm loving their City Stories campaign for spring featuring artists like Sarah Bareilles (have you heard her live? amazing.), Liz Phair, and OK GO (makes me wanna dance!).

I'm also loving the bright pops of color mixed with grey for the collection! Rumour has it that the design detail being brought in by Simon is going to be quite innovative - like wire management in the outerwear for ipod earbuds.

For more information on the Seattle event next Thursday, click on the invitation below...

See you there!

Project Red Dress: The Runway Review!

Last week I mentioned I would be attending Project Red Dress with Stacy from the fabulous blog, La Boudoir. And since any runway event deserves a little review... here we go!

All the red dresses and the most impressive hair I've ever seen in a student runway show.

These were the judges top three picks, and ours too. In case you can't tell, I'm rooting for the first one. As Nick said, "it's a two-fer!" Take off the top, and you've got a hot little red jumpsuit under! (Which would you choose??)

Not gonna lie. We got a little bored waiting for the judges deliberating... so... fashion check. Lovin my new clutch from.... Forever21 (yup - on sale even!). Stacy's pearls were perfection. My dress? From here.

Still deliberating? Let's recap my favorite details. Fabulous chandelier at the Fairmont. Red gingham dress (definitely my pick out of all the red dresses seen that evening). Killer, KILLER boots. And, the best shoes on the runway by far.

And now for the winner...

Did you pick this one? I loved it, buuuuuut (can you see what's coming here?). The bow detail is such a trend right now, I kind of wished they had gone with my favorite - a little more original and definitely a bigger risk. Of course, all of the finalists did an amazing job, so congrats to all three!

For more photos from the event, pop over to photographer Barbie Hull's blog! Thanks for the use of some of your images, Barbie!

February Sponsor: Zinke Design

When Arin from Zinke Design emailed me about becoming a sponsor on coco+kelley, I was surprised (and excited!) to discover that in addition to writing a very cool blog and designing stunning events, Zinke is now offering a small selection of pretty little goodies for brides and gals...

Is it just me, or haven't you always wanted to own a lush little sleeping mask?

And how sweet is this silk cami and bloomers set? So luxurious to sleep in...

Their event portfolio is full of beautiful weddings and inventive designs - definitely worth a browse!

Thanks to Arin and the team at Zinke for joining us on coco+kelley as a sponsor! I'm thrilled to have you!

If you're interested in advertising, please email me using the link on the left for more information!

Back In Seattle...

The little engagement party for my friend Nora in Portland was a great success this weekend....

Mmmmm....cheese....

I was super proud of my little floral arrangement!

Four of us girls worked all day to put together this amazing spread.

... the best part might have been when the power went out around 11pm... we lit a ton of candles, poured some more champagne, and kept the party going! Hope your weekend was as full of friends and fun as mine (and if it wasn't... maybe you should start planning for next weekend?)

After being out of town, I'm spending the morning playing catch up. I'll be back later today with a little giveaway and more fun!