On this Weekend Meanderings.. why an army green utility jacket can give a cool edge to all your closet staples, a Hawaiian twist on banana bread, British home tours to binge and more..
It’s that time again for all the good things that we want to share with Elizabeth and Juliet.
Hi friends, how was your week? Well believe it or not, a day after I returned from Utah and wrote that self-care post (HA), I came down with some weird virus and literally have been feeling awful for nearly a week. Yesterday was my first normal day and I am thankful. No doubt I picked up something while traveling. I’m so glad to be normal today. Nothing like being unwell to appreciate the status quo right? I’ve been playing disco music and acting like I’ve won the lottery around here!
The army green utility jacket
Onto something more interesting, specifically fall clothes! I am a jacket nut, and today I’m focusing on the utility jacket.. often known as an army jacket. I have four and I am always looking at others.. These jackets give you an instant cool girl cred and just work with so much. They’re the piece you’re going to take on the trip, throw in the car and toss on when the night start turning bit cooler. They don’t need maintenance, rarely show dirt or wrinkles..They work over a white feminine dress in summer and over that chunky fall sweater you can’t wait to wear. Know this, it’s one piece that will pay for itself over and over again in your casual chic closet!
About a month ago when I was shopping for the conference with summer dresses on the brain, this cutie by Paige was next to the dresses and I grabbed it. I can’t resist a utility jacket in a new shape and I knew this might be gone next time I came.
I think I already shared that I wore this on the plane trips to Utah and Georgia..This jacket has some stretch which made it instantly comfortable. I also like the length, updated feminine shoulders, and cool buttons. The cuff has more buttons that can be undone and rolled back.
Some inspiration on how to style these from Kate Moss who has been wearing army/utility jackets from her early days and still is.. She shows the versatility of these jackets..I think it doesn’t hurt to have a casual version of this jacket and a more tailored one in your closet! I like how she goes to black as a foil for it. Truthfully though, this khaki green works with so many colors..
Naomi Watts in a casual look.. and Kate dressing it up..
And maybe my favorite is Victoria Beckham’s look..
I remember buying these at the army surplus stores in the 80’s.. Now seems everyone has some version of this.. What used to be the jacket of anarchists, Sex Pistols and Blondie is now mainstream!
Other offerings out there are this by Anthro (cute crop style with embellishments), and at right this more classic, Marrakech Ari Utility Jacket..
Liverpool Los Angeles has a pretty tailored look below left, and I love the vibe of this soft linen version from Michael Stars, right..
I also like this fun jacket with embroidered daisies and this blazer version by Free People.
One with unique embroidery by Sundance.. and below right an Army coat with that vibe, by Emerson Fry, that’s on my fall wish list. I love their coats!
And another I am adding here thanks to a reader Theresa, with a good eye..This cute and classic jacket is at Nordstrom and in a few colors. I like the details here and price.
So keep your eye out for these jackets when you start planning you fall closet edit. They can be found in all price points.. and online upcycled too at The RealReal, Thredup and other spots.
My stylish California pal, Cindy Hattersley had a fantastic post this week about jackets and had some good choices for cargo jackets so don’t miss her blog!
Hawaiian Banana Bread
I was really craving some banana bread the other day after pics popped up of the Hawaiian version I tried to replicate after our last trip to the islands.. It’s a riff on a simple, but excellent banana muffin recipe originally from Gourmet Magazine. We just leave the bananas a bit chunkier and add coconut flakes. Other variations are to add a few extra banana slices to the top, and to my version here I added walnut and chocolate chips. To make it more Hawaiian, add macadamia nuts in place of the walnuts and omit the chocolate..
Hawaiian Banana Bread
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 C Flour
- 2/3 C Sugar
- 1 1/2 t baking powder
- 1/4 t salt
- 1 C mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 C=1 stick melted butter
- 1/4 C milk of your choosing
- 3/4 C coconut flakes for sprinkling top
- 3/4 C chocolate chips (optional)
- 3/4 C macadamia nuts or walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F. Mix flour, sugar baking powder and salt in a large bowl with a whisk. In another bowl, mash bananas lightly with fork, mix in egg, milk and melted butter. Stir banana mixture into dry ingredients just until blended and stir in nuts and chips if using. Pour into a prepared bread loaf pan (9 x 5 ish), bake 50-55 minutes. For muffins bake 32 minutes.
British House & Garden Home Tours
One of my favorite things is to watch house tours on Youtube and British House & Garden magazine has the best ones. I also appreciate the way British people live in their homes. They are so personal, comfortable and inviting. Americans could take a few cues from them about things being less precious and more enjoyed. This tour of former Vogue editor Lucinda Chamber’s home is a great example and a fun one to watch..
Loot
My latest television obsession is Loot, with Maya Rudolf. I began while I was sick, and though I wasn’t crazy about the cast at first they really grew on me and this show was just heartwarming. It’s a good escape as well as feel good and I needed both last week.
-Also this weekend Serena & Lily is having 30% off rugs, so those who asked about my rugs, the new one in the dining room, Alamere and my living room Stella, as well as the kitchen runner – this is a good time to get them, if you want them arriving before the holidays- and on sale!
-For those who asked, I finally set up a more complete shop on my Liktoknowit , or now LTK and you can shop on that site’s app if you prefer here! You can always shop the tabs at the top of the blog as well.
Well that is my weekend meanderings for this week.. Please check out Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs to see what good things they are sharing…
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
PINECONES AND ACORNS
Thank you for being here! Hope your weekend is wonderful.
Kim
If you missed last week’s Meandering’s post, I talked about making yourself a priority, skincare tips, improving your sleep, Salt Lake City, a book on moving to the French countryside and more.
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Love my utility jacket and you are right they are versatile. Mine is an oldie from jcrew and it’s been everywhere. I have had my eye on Nili Lotans cambre jacket forever… https://goop.com/nili-lotan-cambra-jacket/p/
Jackie, J. Crew had some of the best ones in the past! Hang onto those. I love the look of the Nili Lonton one. You have a good eye. What a gorgeous piece. I see there are a few versions of it on the RealReal for a good price! Thanks for bringing it to my attention! Such a pretty design.
Glad you’re feeling better! Love this post – utility jackets are such classics and great for travel. Your new one is so cute. Took me some trial and error to find the right one. I bought the Anine Bing version on Poshmark. So cool but those chest pockets were not flattering on me. I sold it and moved onto the Liverpool and it works so well and didn’t break the bank. Especially love it looks great with dresses or more tailored pants. Still wear my Madewell version too.
Thank you Laura! Wow how nice you found one on Poshmark..and Anine Bing! It’s true that some styles can be more flattering than others with the pockets, etc. The Liverpool is a great design! I am loving that brand now and the prices are good too. That was a great choice! I love that you have more than one..
These jackets look so cool but that khaki color just turns my face green. Do they work/come in other colors or is the alternative just a Jean jacket?
Glad you are feeling better.
Penelope Thank you! I definitely think there are variations on these ‘khaki’ jackets. She are a very army green, some lighter and more tan, and some come in a stone color. I think it’s a matter of finding what color flatters you. I am better in mid color greens and the deep ones with a brown tone, not so much. All these ones I shared, some somme in multiple shades.. xo
Not to be overlooked is the brand “1882” denim jacket at Nordstrom for only $59.! Comes in several colors as well.
Thank you!!
Sorry, the Nordstrom brand is “1822” for the utility jacket.
Theresa thank you! Very cute style and color options! I will add it to our group here. xo
Love how many of these you were able to find! I was browsing in Target a few years ago where I usually don’t shop for clothes except work-out gear. I spotted a jacket of this style which I tried on in front of a mirror. A woman walked by and said “you should get it”. It’s by A New Day and looks a lot more expensive than it was. As Penelope mentioned, this can be a tough color to wear but I think you have to find the right shade of olive for you. Some have a more a yellow tone, some more gray.
Travel is to blame for getting ill so often so I’m glad you’ve bounced back.
Wren, I think Target has somme this year too! I agree, it’s not whether these are expensive, but how they look on! A New Day has some great things. One of my favorite blouses is that brand. You’re so right, the color of these jackets also can vary and some will be just right for a person, and others, not so much. For sure travel got me down, even though I wore a mask on the plane, in the airport and in many tight space, you’re just with so many people! xo
Loot was enjoyable!
I have not owned an army jacket that’s what Old people referred them as since the 1970s. As I recall I loved mine too because of the two front pockets big squares these short jackets I cannot wear. Which reminds me I have a short denim jacket that you might like so I must remember that the next time I see you it was given to me! I can’t wait to watch the YouTube video on the British homes I’m slowly getting into YouTube it’s only taking me what 20 years Sandra got me there to watch her videos which I absolutely adore !
Xxx
Elizabeth, I still call them that.. Your jacket sounds cool. Honestly the big pockets are so helpful in travel! Yay for Youtube right? I could spend a lot of time there with all the fun videos.xo
Kim, your utility jacket spread has made me excited for fall! I adore these jackets. Your new Paige jacket has a bit of a blazer vibe which I really love. Speaking of love … banana bread!!! With a Hawaiian twist. Yes, please! Pinned and printed. Yum. I’ve been meaning to watch Loot … looks so fun and Maya is good in everything. Just subscribed to House & Garden YouTube channel … thanks for the tip. Love a good house tour … especially an English house tour. So glad you’re feeling better and ready to dance your way through the weekend! xo
Juliet I am always excited for fall clothes! I feel like back to school brings back so many good memories of shopping with my mom and dreaming of sweaters I might save for! I love the Paige jacket’s blazer feel too. Loot is a good escape.. Defiantly stay with it after a few episodes- it gets so good.Don’t English people have the key to ultimate domesticity?? I really love how they live. xo
KIM
Your Hawaiian Banana Bread sounds fabulous! It took me awhile but I have embraced the cargo jacket! I hope you are feeling better!
Cindy… Loved the jacket post and you look fantastic in that cargo jacket. xx
Lovely post Kim! That utility jacket is so you! Must get mine out, thanks for the inspo. And that Banana Bread looks so good! Yum !
Thanks Sarah! I know they’re just the coolest jackets..I bought another online upcycled and can’t wait to share. xo
I recently came across your blog and I love it! And it turns out we are neighbors, I live in Willow Glen 🙂 Love the variety of home, garden, fashion and personal musings 😽
Hi Valletta! So glad you found the blog. Thank you so much. I love Willow Glen!
Kim,
So sorry that you have not been well. Don’t overdue it you don’t want to have a relapse. I cannot wait to try this version of banana bread! I love banana bread and my foavite recipe is from Cooks Illustrated, I add all sorts fo things but have never added coconut.
I love jackets and coats! I do not have a cargo jacket, I will have to be on the lookout for one.
Love watching home tours from HG, so many fabulous houses. You are right about the English, their collected homes are amazing and the live in every room and enjoy all of their stuff passed from generation to generation.
Have a wonderful weekend,
xo Elizabeth
Thanks Elizabeth! I am taking it slow this week and gosh darn it have gone back to masks in public spots as I am feeling like my immune system has let me down lately. Those house tours are so fun! Thanks you have a great week too. xo
Funny you should mention the home tours. I have been watching Homeworthy Home Tours the past week or so. Amazing homes and so many New York apartments featured. What they do with the small spaces! Not sure if you watch Antiques Roadshow but appraiser Nicholas Lowry’s apartment is crazy! I just looked at the video today…personally not my taste (I hate clutter). He is quite a character. We actually saw him in person when we had the opportunity to attend AR in Coronado 4 years ago.
That banana bread looks amazing. I was sad when Gourmet magazine shuttered. I subscribed for years. Some of their recipes I saved and I still make often.
Linda
Homeworthy tours are very good too. Isn’t it amazing how inventive people can be with small spaces? I have to go right now and watch Nicholas’s home. I love AR too! I do think Gourmet magazine was one of a kind and their recipes never failed. It’s a damn shame they are gone.
Glad you are feeling better too! I was laughing at the disco music.
Linda it just makes me feel so upbeat! Thank you. xx
So glad you’re feeling like dancing again Kim! I think sometimes we don’t realise how unwell we felt until suddenly we realise we feel better!
I was very late to the party , only buying my first khaki jacket last year but it quickly became a much loved part of my wardrobe.
Great post about them and I particularly love the more structured Paige one that you bought.
The recipe for Hawaiian Banana bread, sounds delicious… I’m contemplating adding pineapple along with the coconut sometime 🤔
Great post, as always Kim … thanks for all your research and constant inspiration! I’m planning on watching the home tours later. Interestingly I’m more likely to be inspired by yours and other US homes lol
Rosemary xxx
Rosemary so true about feeling normal. I do love the look of that Paige jacket! Hey what a much more Hawaiian twist! Pineapple sounds amazing and would make it even more moist! I will have to try that and Max would love it. Isn’t that funny your English and admire our places and I see how unique yours are! xo
Hey, Kim! Glad to hear you’ve recovered from your travel bug. I always look forward to your posts. I had to stop mid-read to browse and order an army jacket! Found a good deal at Gap, and if it doesn’t work (length, color of green…), they have such easy returns. I’m trying not to over-do on the online shopping, so a good sale helps with the justification. Do I need another light weight jacket? I live in Portland so it seems it is mostly too hot (this year especially!!) or it’s raining and I default to North Face gortex (which is also olive, come to think of it…). Oh well! I always admire the army/utility jacket on others, and personally I love a soft olive. Goes with everything!
The banana bread sounds wonderful. Alas, my husband is counting calories and I shouldn’t tempt him by baking. Will save it for another time when we have the young adults here to share it.
Stay well!
Julia, Good luck Gap always seems to have something in that category! And some Gap things really last for years. I love soft olive too. Thanks I hear you about watching what you eat. I have really limited my sugars too. This was shared with the guys or I could not have it here! Too tempting. Thanks so much. xo
Hi Kim,
Happy to hear you are feeling better!
I love a green utility jacket! Seeing your post reminds me I have one that I love, but oddly the elbows are worn through and are threadbare, but your post is reminding me to find it and have it repaired, maybe even some sort of patch from fabric.
That Hawaiian banana bread looks so good!!!
xo
Annie
Hey Annie I bet that would look really cute patched! Love the fabric idea… I know you could make it look great. xx
Hi Kim,
I’m sorry you picked up a virus from your travels, it’s no fun being sick. I like your sense of humor.
Take TLC of yourself.
Ha! Well what can we do right? Thanks so much Katherine! xo
Madewell also has a great army jacket.
https://www.madewell.com/northover-jacket-99106467750.html
Thanks for your awesome blog, Kim.
Karen O’ in Saratoga
Thank Karen! That’s cute style! Aww thank you! xo
Hi Kim,
Glad you finally recovered from that bug. Sorry you were sick, yuck that’s crummy!
I ordered the jacket from Nordy’s . I have one but it is so lightweight I never wear it. It’s more of a shirt, not great when you need more warmth. I’m hoping the one I ordered will fit the bill. Nice to have alternatives to my blazers and jean jackets. I also have my Dad’s army jacket hanging in the closet, has his name/rank tags and everything still on it. But it’s huge on me. Wish I could wear it, maybe I’ll get it altered! It’s really warm and the real deal.
Cool websites to check out and I’m def in need of a new show to watch. Thanks for the tips!
Xo Heidi
Heidi that is super cool you have your dad’s jacket. I love that. You should see if you can alter it and wear it.. or save it for a grandchild ! Thanks I am grateful to be back to normal.xo