Wear/Where // Valentine's Day Edition

Thought this series was dust, didn't you? Nope, we're bringing it back in full force . . . and with lots of love this week!

from Gaby // Whether your plan is having a romantic dinner with your guy or a fun evening with your besties, Valentine's day is a special occasion, and as such, you got to dress for it! Naturally, this day calls for the obvious red, so why don't you make a statement with these radiant trousers, and this creamy red lipstick that promises to stay on for hours? I like how these graceful bow sandals (aren't they stunning?!) soften up this geometric sequin-embellished tank, don't you? And of course, we can't leave some jewelry behind, and what better occasion to wear those gold stacked love rings and this golden bouquet ring? (you got the love, you got the flowers kind of thing?) And because to me, nothing speaks more sexy than the one and only Tom Ford, you really can't go wrong with his sensuous black orchid fragrance ;) To finish the look, this Glitter clutch is the perfect show stopper! 

  placemat // stemware // flatware // plate // candleholder // sequined heart // gold rimmed glasses

 

Okay, so you've got the card, you're wearing your finest, lipstick's on. Now let's get that table set! Start with a graphic punch (these placemats will definitely get the job done) and layer and bold hit of black and white. To keep things monochrome but still dramatic, serve your champers or vino in gorgeous black opaque stemware (holla!) and get that special occasion gold flatware out. Classic water glasses with gold rims round out the look without scrimping on style. Every romantic meal (heck, every meal) is best with candlelight, so plan to have a few of these on the table for a hit of color. Dress up that card delivery with a heart clip that truly sparkles (and, bonus, you can repurpose that bad boy later).

What do you think? Do you guys usually make plans for Valentine's Day? Do tell!

Where/Wear, Art Inspired

Helllllooo. Boy, do I have some fun news for you kids today! After some deliberation, Gaby and I have decided to bring our Where/Wear column to our own blogs. And today is our official first installment. Holla!

Inspired by a very beautiful painting by the extraordinarily talented Mallory Page, we bring you an unexpected combo of color and style . . .

WEAR (aka Gaby's outfit genius)
When I saw this painting (by Tobe's suggestion I have to add) I immediately thought of that gorgeous peacoat, a piece that is intended to make you stand out, just as that painting is intended to be the focal point in a room. This is why I left the rest of the outfit simple yet chic, like that cablecross sweater, those legging-style jeans and dark brown leather riding boots. But of course, simple doesn't mean that you have to leave some fun elements out, right? I think that leopard-print driving gloves add the perfect hint of texture and print to this look! And to complete the outfit I couldn't leave out a fabulous leather tote and some gold accessories like a braided snake-chain bracelet to be layered with this link chain bracelet. 

WHERE
Could that seriously please be my living room? Building a space around Mallory's art meant keeping things generally neutral so her work could really be the spotlight. A dark leather couch grounds the piece, and yin-yang is achieved with a white parsons coffee table. I dig the visual weight of that table and that the white keeps things feeling fresh and bright. A couple of metallic stools add a touch of glam and extra seating in a pinch. The navy Pagoda lamps (pretend there's one on either side of the sofa) and injection of leopard add color, pattern and the bit of whimsy that are basically essential in any successful room. Agate coasters round things out with the ever-necessary natural element. Boom! A room almost as delicious as that outfit.

contributing column // where, wear

we're at it again . . . this time, inspired by the gentlemen in our lives.

come visit, ya'll

contributing column // wear/where

erin's on vaca, so you guys have the supreme benefit of seeing us over at apartment 34 again today with some beach inspired goodness!

come on over . . .

guest series // wear where

hey, hey, hey! you kids miss me yet?

i'm hoping to put a little recap of my nyc/blogfest experience together for you, but in the meantime, you can come see gaby and me over at apartment 34 for another installment of wear/where. there may or may not be brass elephants involved (in other words, you know it's gonna be good). please do come by and tell us what you think.

miss you guys. ox

house guest // the vault files

today's house guest is none other than gaby from the vault files! i seriously cannot put into words how much i adore this girl's style. she's going to make me go broke with all of her beautiful fashion finds and stellar advice! she's also the super talent i'm sharing the apartment 34 where/wear column with, and i couldn't enjoy collaborating with her more.

take it away, gaby!

. . . . . . .

Hi everyone, Gaby from The Vault Files here, thrilled and honored to be a house guest on Because it's Awesome! I was very excited when Tobe contacted me to take part in this great series, and because I'm moving back home in a couple of months (I've been living in a very VERY remote island for the past 15 months) I couldn't find a topic more fitting than redecorating.

Do you ever feel like you want to throw everything out the window and start from zero? I often do, but, before actually doing that, I like to keep in mind some small (and not so expensive) changes that can go a long way:

And just as in Fashion, try to identify what can stay as is, what has the potential to be reinvented, and what needs to be tossed/donated/sold ;)

Do you have any tips on redecorating? I would love to hear!

Images credits: Pinterest / Dan Duchars via Desire to Inspire / Crate & Barrel Colette Bench / Caitlin Wilson Textiles Pillows / PopOColor Duralee red Ikat pillow / PopOColor Reversible Blue & White Ikat pillow / Ikea Hemnes Drawer Chest / Molly Madfis Campaign style chest