Happy {Long!} Weekend

How good does it feel to have a holiday weekend ahead of us?! {so sorry international readers, wish you did too!}I'm so happy I could do a little jig.

This weekend is going to be dedicated to serious down time. Oh, and producing another video for this lovely lady! It's going to be oh so good.

As New York Fashion Week comes to a close {tear}, there are mounds of style inspiration to plow through too. Here are a few fave bits and pieces from the fashion-filled week:

~ My favorite fall trends are the knits in this collection and the neutrals in this collection
~ JCrew also killed it, I'm not gonna lie
~ So did Marc Jacobs
~ And so did the style bloggers that rocked the Polyvore runway!!
~ Taylor convinced me that I need this shirt
~ And I want to convince you to enter to win a free Ellington Handbag!

I hope you have plans to kick back a bit and enjoy the extra time we have. Here are five more Noteworthy Newbies to help you wile away the additional hours!

Noteworthy Newbies
~ Art and Lair
~ Glitter and Ganache
~ Glitter and Gold
~ Maiya
~ Super Swoon

Till Monday,

image by sarah rhoads photography

A Moment of Zen

There's nothing better than a gratuitous pretty spaces post. And since decor porn has seemed a bit lacking this week, I just couldn't help myself. We can call it a mini version of I've Got a Crush...this time on spaces I just wish I could escape to!

Like ones with counters that have pretty clutter,

Kitchens with killer light fixtures,

Entries that feature herringbone floors and leather wrapped mirrors,

Or living rooms that feel cool, clean and inviting all at the same time.

Ok, decor fetish satisfied. I hope it was good for you too!

ps, click on images for sources!

Arty Dandy

The search for great art for the loft continues. DIY is most definitely still an option, but there are {many!} skills I just don't possess. Some things are better left to the professionals and the work of Buenos Aires artist Jazmin Berakha has just sky rocketed to the top of that list.

Your eye may deceive you, but if you look very closely you'll see that's embroidery you spy! Her figures have so much life and sweetness. And I love the geometric patterns and poppy color. Jazmin's work was just on display in a Paris art gallery, so I doubt it will be gracing our walls anytime soon. 

I guess I'll just have to stay mesmerized from afar for now!

Wedding Wednesday {Calling All Spring Brides}

Since we're in the midst of New York Fashion Week madness, it was only right that this week's wedding post be fashion focused.

It's impossible not to be inspired by the runway and the 2012 Jenny Packham collection is like walking into a bridal fairytale.

I just love this long gown with the lovely sweeps of yellow. It's such a fresh choice for a spring wedding, don't you think? It could be the perfect bit of color that stands out in an otherwise mellow wedding palette.

I can just imagine birds spontaneously bursting into song Cinderella-style as you saunter down the isle in this beauty.

If this look wets your wedding planning whistle, you can see the entire collection for more where that came from right here!

A Valentine's Gift for You!

Given that the theme of the day is love, what better way to show some than with a Valentine's Day giveaway. Especially a giveaway of something I have boundless affection for: bags!

Apartment 34 sponsor, Ellington Handbags is about to hook you up luvies.

Portland, OR based Ellington makes some stunners that any girl would have a crush on. I'm particularly smitten with their new Naomi Drawstring bag, the shape that is popping up everywhere for spring! It makes my heart go pitter patter.

That's why I'm so excited that Ellington has generously offered a Naomi Drawstring bag for one very lucky Apartment 34 reader!

Here's how to enter*:

~ Visit Ellington Handbags and pick which bag you have the biggest crush on
~ Leave a comment on this post {don't forget your email address} telling us which bag you love & why
~ Hope the Valentine's Day luck rains down on you!!

One winner will be selected at random on Tuesday, February 21.

Happiest of Valentine's Days to you - I hope this giveaway makes the day especially sweet.

{*Sorry, limited to US residents only.  $259 total value. Winner will be contacted by email once comments close and announced on the top of this post soon after. Good luck! Photos by Ellington handbags}