Northern California Style

Northern California Style

Good Finds- Summer Edition

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Happy Friday! We are having some crazy weather here in California. It’s raining in June! I’m loving it, but I feel for all the graduates today and the end of year picnics that were planned. I honestly can count on one hand all the times it rained in summer as a lifelong Californian. I remember one time my mom let us run outside in our bathing suits during a July rain. This is very unusual though for us and reminds me of the summer of 1973 when I spent time in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin with my favorite auntie and cousins. 
So after the last post about less shopping, here I am talking about shopping again! However these are ideas for summer events and gifts one might need to get. Everyone seems to be in the summer mood here already. Many friends have already taken off on vacations while others are hosting grad parties. or invited to them. There are a few good things I stumbled across in the last week or so I thought I’d share…
Cost Plus is hitting it out of the park nowadays with so much of their merchandise. I went for potato chips (I didn’t need those either), and came home with two blouses, a scarf and some other goodies.

 I cannot resist a feminine cotton blouse for summer, and I find them much more flattering and cool than any t-shirt. I’ve been coveting the whole Chloe collection, but unless I come into some money, I won’t be spending that kind of money on a summer blouse, so enter Cost Plus!

The racks of pretty cover-ups, caftans and blouses had me as soon as I walked into my local store.  I zeroed in on the white blouses and the quality was quite nice. I also found a scarf in aqua and a packable hat for travel. If you cannot get to your local one they have most of the styles online here too.
 Here I am with one of them on. (Look away from the cat beds and terrible carpet please.)

I really like the quality and look of this Lila top. There are also dresses, wraps and ponchos. Most of these are around the $30ish price range which seems fair and adds a bit of Bohemian vibe to the summer closet!

Are you going to any grad parties or summer gatherings? I love these special edition bottles of  Chandon for gifts. Super cute even just to have on your summer bar counter! I think it’s only in stores, so grab some before they are out. I bought a few to bring to barbecues.

You can pair a bottle with one of these darling tea towels that are summer-themed…

I bought the popsicle one, but thought these posh pup version, below are adorable too.

Just some of the tea towels at Cost Plus below. Many have that Anthropologie vibe at half or less of the cost. Just saying.. 
I like their new woven placemats and napkins and table linens for summertime. 
If you are giving a gift card or money this season, I love these little raffia wallets from J Crew to tuck them into. I bought a pineapple and a flamingo one for some gift cards. There are also striped ones and colorful leather ones that hook on a bag. 

 


Are you a house guest at someone’s home this summer? The Picnic is a lovely idea for a hostess gift. It’s beautifully illustrated and full of great ideas for picnics and makeshift summer feasts. There are games, recipes and cool things to try plus the book is just so pretty and makes me dream about picnics, which is almost as good as the real thing. It would also make a sweet engagement present.

Love this book!!

We are fortunate to be invited to two weddings this year and the wedding gift can be tricky. However, my new favorite store Hudson Grace in Palo Alto at Town & Country Shopping Center is just the place to go for this. They sell the most basic and beautiful housewares and also a few luxuries. I bought one of their perfect white round bowls, which I am using for salads and everything. I’m obsessed with it.

 I like to keep it on the counter with citrus or other fruits.

I also am in love with their Tart Kumquat dish soap which smells divine.

Hudson Grace was started by two friends. He was in design at Gap and she for Williams-Sonoma. Their collection is the practical yet beautiful pieces you want in your home- gorgeous white dishes and serveware, luxe linen napkins, big wooden bowls, beeswax candles and rustic serving planks. It’s just what you would imagine a California home to have -unfussy modern things. It’s a great store to choose a wedding gift. I’d love to collect these well designed pieces like this and purge the rest of the jumble I own someday.

     
There are other Hudson Grace stores in Montecito, Marin, San Francisco and Brentwood. You can read more about the founders, Monelle Totah and Gary McNatton and their own homes and style here.
Happy weekend to you all!

Kim

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Comments

  2. Juliet says

    Cost Plus? Who knew? Well, I guess you and Elizabeth knew! What lovely and fun things. I also love Hudson Grace. Such elegant simplicity. I miss the Marin store now that this lifelong Californian has relocated to the PNW where summer rain is quite common. Uh oh.

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  3. deeds says

    I think Cost Plus is west cost if I remember my travels correctly which leaves me out of running our for that adorable white blouse…You must enjoy wearing it for both of us…Great suggestions and apropos for summer…Enjoy the rain…I would love that…THX for sharing a lovely blog…

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  5. bunacat says

    I have not been to Cost Plus in years, but it looks like I might "have" to make a special trip! I do love your top with the little hanging balls! CUTE!

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  6. MsBintheBayArea says

    How did I miss this post? I'm planning a trip to Cost Plus tomorrow…..I haven't been there since last summer. When did they start selling clothing? I LOVE that white tunic you are wearing with the darling fringe!! I know..I can't even believe we had rain in June. What is going on?! I'm off to find that top online now. April xo

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