Hello how are you all? Well sorry for the break here. I was just in a bit of a funk. I broke my right small toe by kicking it on furniture of all things, and what a pain. It’s essentially stopped all my active things which is a real bummer given spring is coming and I was hoping to get more toned after this pandemic winter. I’m trying floor workouts, but have had time for a closet cleaning too.
That closet clean got my wheels spinning. All of us having spent a large part of the past year at home, a lot of us have completely ignored 90% of our clothes. I think that gives us pause to reconsider what we wear, what we like and what we will wear going forward. Do we need restricting and uncomfortable clothes? Even if we get done with this pandemic this year, I don’t see skinny jeans and high heels coming back. So many of us have found the joys of relaxed pants, cute sneakers and slides and less formal clothes in general don’t you agree? Also some things are just about to be over in my opinion and high heels are on the way out. Watching the fashion at the inauguration I marveled how many still wore sky high stilettos with their beautiful coats. WHY ? They look dated, and make most women hobble. SO many cooler options now. We really don’t need them!
You know what else looks dated to me? A lot of makeup, overdone nails, fussy hair and you know what is current? Natural makeup, some roots in the hair, clothes that are a combo of relaxed and elegant- hence the sweat and blazer combo, sneakers with a dress, and so on. Think your home look, but just buffed up and polished a bit more..
I just listened to a piece on public radio talking to women who before the pandemic, were slaves to the daily routine of makeup, blow drying, nail appointments and all that and they feel freed of it all! Others have dropped the daily face makeup routine with the mask wearing. Why not a lot less?
On that note, of needing less… sadly my online shopping radar has naturally had a bit of an uptick sitting with my foot up, and I’ve scoped out a lot of cute things Retailers have realized people have no ‘events’ and what people want/need now are beautiful basics. I haven’t wanted to buy much this past year, given our ‘lifestyle’ is 99.9% staycation, but I went through the closet, pared things a bit and noticed I could add some pieces in the easy living category. :/
All of these below qualify as beautiful basics in my opinion.
J. Crew has finally gone back to its classic roots. I used to adore their catalogs in the early 2000’s and they have brought back the beautiful basics… Some things I would add to my wardrobe below, many of these things are on the 59% off sale this weekend!
I adore this eyelet blouse I can wear now and through summer. This silk camisole is also on sale and perfect for under these kind of blouses or for sleeping in.
I’m crazy for the tennis themed things they have and this Love Forty sweatshirt is on the sale.
This Petunia print Liberty floral button up is also beautiful. Anything from Liberty always is, and on sale, even nicer. There are matching swimsuits in this print called Mini-Floral Walk also! How fun to have this as a light coverup over it?
They have really done a super job of styling their cashmere pieces together and I love the shells with the sweaters half over the shoulder, the layered look with the new slouchier Boyfriend White Jeans they carry and this cashmere T.. all springy and classic. See all the cashmere from them here.
Also how cool are these Slouchy Boyfriend Chinos? After spending a year in the home in soft pants, the last thing I want is to go back to tight pants. I love the look of these and rolled up two ankle look could also be cute. Again a classic!
Love them with a white sneaker or something like these thin leather flip-flops. They also look cute as shown with the white denim above .
Isn’t the color great on these retro sunglasses?
Another retailer that keeps making pretty things is Tory Burch. I love her Lee Radziwell bags of all styles. The small cross bodies seem to be the easy bag to have now. I am really loving the mix of materials on them and colors. Each one is so unique..This suede/leather mix petite double is pretty and has a cross-body strap..
But then there are so many versions, all beautiful. I think she’s created a classic with it. A few of the many Radiziwell styles below. They remind me of the Birkin/Kelly bag without the outrageous prices. Still not cheap, but reasonable for the quality. Quality is the goal- longevity, classic looks, etc. There’s about 30 styles..Just a few below.
They also came out with this darling Printed Tote for summer -very cute.
Tory just came out with her own version of Birks and they are all the prettiest colors..
I have also been eyeing this swingy short dress which would go easily with slides and sneakers. I think you’re going to see more and more tunic dresses like this. They are versatile, comfortable and can be worn over jeans for an arty everyday look or dressed up.
I don’t know why I am obsessed with slides, but maybe laziness. They are just so easy. Tory’s Double T Sport Slides come in a pretty tan and off white, but I do love this black..
All my Tory shoes have lasted so long. Beautifully made!
Have you noticed the comeback of the 90’s polo style in sweaters? I love that look like this cardigan from Madewell. I like the Chanel pocket shape and the jacket look, but with knitwear ease. Would be pretty alone – or with a thin t-shirt and some long necklaces? Another classic.
I also like the sneakers Madewell has including these cute Veja ones in pink. If we are getting away from heels and all that we all need more sneakers in our closets!
Veja sneakers originate from Paris, but are made in Brazil from sustainable materials, including soles constructed of wild rubber from the Amazonian rain forest. I love all the Veja styles and they’re just as cute -sustainable and more affordable than the Golden Goose.
On my retail deep dive I just ordered this phone case from St Frank. I like the quality of their cases and this will be my third. Their other items I can’t speak for as I had some issues with delivery, and they never came, but the phone cases have come on time and been excellent.
They have many cool cases made off their textiles…A few others:
If you need some light and fun reading, this book, Long Live The Queen:23 Rules for Living From Britain’s Longest-Reigning Monarch looks pretty entertaining. Great lessons on resiliency, living with grace and simplicity using the Queen’s own habits and methods.
I’m in!
Another fun thing, I was reading Jeanne’s great blog, Collage of Life, and she shared she made a book of all her Instagram posts of the past year on a site called Pastbook. Its fast, made for you, instantly, and you can customize cover or remove a post. I just did the quick version, and edited the cover and added a back cover photo too. It came in a few days and is kind of a nice memory of the past year (okay a lot of home photos- LOL). I love seeing all the photos in a bound in a real book. Would be a nice gift for someone too. A glimpse of mine…
Let me know below your thoughts on all this wardrobe stuff.. Is anyone else feeling the same about their clothes and what they want to wear or don’t anymore?
So what are your weekend plans for this time of year? I think picnics in the car at a scenic spot are a good thing right now. My guys are off to ski and so I have time to do some masks, binge a few shows like Escape to the Chateau, and finish a book or two.
That is all for this week.. I am working on page about cabin style and a few other things relating to the remodel to add to the blog, so stay tuned.
If you missed it I just shared a walk through video of the entry and main rooms of our remodel on my Instagram this week and you can watch here.
Happy Weekend!
Kim
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Good morning Kim,
I agree, I never want to wear high heels again! But I do look forward to getting dressed up again, someday. I’ve been trying to stay fairly put together everyday during this shut down, and make sure I look decent in case, you know, the UPS guy shows up. Or if I have a big outing to the grocery store!, Anyway, I agree with most of what you’ve said here. I’m just not ready to let go of my makeup routine, not that I wear a lot. I just feel better “finished”. Some cute pieces posted here, I’ll need to check several of them. Especially the lightweight cashmere. So nice.
I like the idea of a book of instagram posts! I always wanted to do that for my old blog, too. Your photos are always so gorgeous I know the book has to be as well. What a nice record of the past year.!
Hope your toe is much better now. Spring is right around the corner, and things are going to get better and better for everyone.
XO
Heidi
Heidi, Right? Why would we wear heels? You have a lot of style…and hey right we may get a door delivery! ;D As far as makeup, I have to say I need base. If I could go get IPL or laser I could do with less, but this pandemic (and age) has brought out a lot of spots that aren’t going away with the usual methods. I feel haggard without some tinted moisturizer, but I am doing less. Heidi you are one who should do the book, as you have all your lovely art to look back on! I’m feeling hopeful also today! That new vaccine may be a game changer for us all. Hugs.
Ummmmm – that bag is $600 !!!!
I know, but still better than the $6,000 people are paying for Chanel and Hermes, etc. If you think of it over time, the daily uses over the years it is not that much. Back in 1981 I paid all my savings for a Gucci. I think it was $300. That was 40 years ago so I don’t think that it so much given inflation and the cost to manufacture. I have been looking at the vintage bags on the Real Real and other sites and I am stunned people are paying $3,000 and up. And I would venture that the $600 bag is very well made. Still, I hear you and in this pandemic some cannot afford such a luxury, or anything. I share merely to show there are options of higher quality if you want to buy less and buy better. Thanks Patricia for your feedback. I do value it. xx
WELL< I AM A HEAD OF THE CURVE IN THE HIGH HEEL AREA!I GAVE THEM UP 35 years ago when I married the ITALIAN HE WAS SHORTER THAN ME!
IT was hard back then to find CUTE COMFORTABLE FLATS they have come along way!May I suggest the Bay Area company BIRDIES for FLAT SHOES!
I seem to LIVE in these!
I noticed the HIGH HEELS and DRESSES AT the INAUGURATION TOO thinking its FREEZING!!!WHY?THEY ARE SITTING OUTSIDE!
I wonder how many catch colds after that………………..
YOU MAKE ME LAUGH AS I CAN COUNT AT LEAST THREE TIMES NOW WHERE YOU HAVE BEEN CLEANING YOUR CLOSET!!!!
YOU DO THAT A LOT!
GOOD FOR YOU!
I NEED TO CLEAN MY NEW CLOSET OUT TOO…………..I AM SLOWING GETTING RID OF THINGS I NO LONGER LIKE ON ME.
I have a couple of friends who benefit from my cast off's!
LOVE THE INSTAGRAM BOOK!I READ JEANNE TOO…………….thank you for showing the photos of it!!!!
ENJOY YOUR QUIET TIME!
MY ITALIAN will be installing our new HOT TUB SO that means I AM ON MY OWN TOO!
XOXO
Elizabeth, LOL Right? Well, it’s been more than one closet! Thank you for the recommendation of Birdies. I hear people like them. Yes the inauguration outfits were pretty, but the shoes just not hip. Boots and cool flats or wedges would have been better. I think the stiletto is something men love and women tolerate. No more for me. Last time I wore them I though I might need foot surgery after. Well your closet is SO Pretty! You know we will all take your cast offs if we are so lucky! I wish I was tall and willowy as you are. Jeanne’s blog is always good. Wow a hot tub..This is going to be so good for you maybe? My men love our jacuzzi. xoxo
Hope you recover quickly. I still like high heels but probably won’t be buying anymore. I love my tennis shoes and flats. We certainly have save on our wardrobe budget. It’s been a learning experience during covid in so many ways. Loved the home video!
Sheila, You are so right, about saving and learning from this past year. They have said a ton of people have saved more money in the last year than ever before. That is great too. Maybe we can all find we need less frivolous shopping and think about investment and quality comfort items. Thank you about the home video.. Still working on it! xo
I have always loved high heels. Unfortunately they no longer love me. So I am actively looking for comfortable but still stylish sneakers. I’m also glad JCrew is showing some of their basics again. I just bought 4 of their cotton long sleeved t shirts. Love the fit. I have some that are over 10 yrs old and still look good. Oh, and I LOVE the St Frank Luba cloth phone cover. Very me! Haha
Marianne, I am feeling the same about the heels. Glad to know you were happy with the J.Crew shirts. I see they have many different fits also now. Love that you have some from 10 years ago. That is a testament to the quality- and the style! I love pulling things out that look good still and feel new. I have a few J.Crew items that I should carbon date! They’ve been in the closet as long as I can remember. I do hope they go back to their roots! I agree such a cute phone cover. xo
What great taste you have! I could have placed a few orders 🤣 especially love those sunglasses. They are divine! And the Tori slides… hope you get a pair, will be good for a sore toe! Hope that’s on the mend. Until then, enjoy the TV and the couch!
Sarah x
Sarah I just ordered those glasses. Thanks so much. I know slides work so well for foot issues too. xo
You read my mind!!!! We can look good and feel comfortable at the same time… men do it on a daily basis😂. Yes to all the clothes, purses, shoes and phone cases..my favorites were the white pants and camel shirt over a white blouse❤️ There are plenty of stylish shoes that you can actually walk around in and clothes that skim the body, not squeeze it. Your blog was such a breath of fresh air….but I’m so sorry about your toe..that broken little piggie can be a BIG pain.
Linda
Linda, LOL thanks so much- about the toe and this post. Glad to hear others feel the same about our future clothes! I agree that camel/white combo was perfection. I think going forward skimming is what want- that’s the perfect description, not tight, and certainly not uncomfortable. xo
I love all your choices, Kim! Really nice selections. I agree that we’ll all want to adapt to more comfortable clothes in the future-cute and comfy!
You’re right about the high heels! I’m with you on that! I like to walk!
Linda
I’m in complete agreement … tight, high, fussy … no thank you. Last week I had a little outing and put on a loose fit jeans, black penny loafers and a JCrew turtleneck. I looked in the mirror and had a flash. back to the 90’s and one of my favorite run-around-town, or casual day looks. I’ve worn the same thing twice since and it makes me happy. And, you’re right, 90% of my wardrobe is irrelevant now. That said, I’m eyeing those slouchy chinos … but can’t decide on color. In a past life I might have ordered several … but I think differently today. I’m so sorry. about your toe and know how frustrated you must be. I’ve been in a funk as well and struggle to put one foot in front of the other … and I have 10 working toes. Spring is in the air and there are better days ahead. xo
Juliet, I just love the visual of that outfit! I just was online looking at 90’s J.Crew catalogs. So much to love about that era and the classics with a twist. Maybe that’s where we go from here. It’s apparent we need less frivolous and more basics that make us happy like you said! Hang in there Juliet. I find this time of year hard sometimes too. We are almost to some change and the ability to get out with this vaccine. xo
Hi Kim! I stopped wearing heels years ago due to foot issues. It is very hard to find any kind of attractive shoe that I can wear, so I just trudge along in my ugly but comfortable shoes. I really love the Tory Birch tote, but the unbuckled bags are making my OCD act up lol. It is so good to see your post, I do love to look at your beautiful home!
Kelley XOXO
Kelley How are you? I agree about heels! I am hoping more cool choices are coming as so many people are preferring comfortable shoes – and need them. Can you do Birkenstocks at all? I find certain pairs comfy, and there not at all, so depends on the style! Funny you mentioned about the unbuckled bags, I wonder about that too. Walking around like that would drive my mom nuts.. She would say it’s so insecure. It seems to be the thing now, and I can see others feeling the same. You are always so nice about my house. Hope you’re doing well Kelley. Sending hugs.
I honestly love everything here … you could be my personal shopper!
I’ve recently bought a cardigan very similar to the Madewell one, including the cute pockets! It’s in a caramel/tan shade. and it looks lovely with white.
We’re definitely in agreement about high heels … I haven’t worn any of my higher boots this Winter, loving my flats! Although I am looking forward to wearing trainers, espadrilles and sandals as soon as it’s warmer … again flat or a low/medium wedge.
The last high heels I bought were for my daughters wedding and that’s the only time I’ve worn them! They were actually really comfortable on the day but I had a lower pair ready for the hours of dancing in the evening!
I hope you’re feeling some improvement with your toe … so frustrating as well as painful. Take care …
Rosemary