On this Weekend Meanderings.. an overnight getaway to San Francisco and Kelly Wearstler’s Proper Hotel, mirrored backslashes for light and sparkle, my newly recovered patio set, tennis bracelets, and more.
It’s time for some cool finds and things you might want to know about -with my pals Elizabeth and Juliet. I hope you are having a good Labor Day weekend and some time to rest and reset. Going back to school after August holidays is called la rentrée in France, and people welcome the resetting of rituals and daily life after vacations and being away. They are excited about getting back to their friends and familiar things. I kind of love that too.
I was born on Labor Day, which seems funny. My mom always joked about that. I love September, it’s my favorite month, and looking forward to fall! This Labor Day weekend we are staying home and having a little barbecue with our family. We did however do a little midweek getaway though…
The Proper Hotel in SF
Max planned for us to have our 26th anniversary dinner at Villon in San Francisco on Wednesday. When I realized it was at designer Kelly Wearstler’s Proper Hotel, I was super excited. I have been wanting to go see it in person for a while and shared about it on this post. The Proper is in an historic flatiron building that has been thoughtfully renovated with its original marble floors and architectural details kept and enhanced.
We decided to stay there for the night, so we could have a drink at the pretty rooftop bar/speakeasy, Charmaine’s.. before doing the Chef’s tasting menu at Villon. We were surprised the tasting menu was $85 which seemed a great price, extra for the wine pairing, which Max did and it was really enough wine for two to share.
Max waiting for another course below, it was a lot of fun.. even thought he looks bored (He’s not good with long dinners..) I would recommend this for a special occasion night in the city!
Love the rooms which were a black and white theme and had an eclectic mix of wallpapers.. and a smart little marble table to work on and a mini setee, and a chair.
The Proper is the perfect name, as it has everything you would want in a proper hotel- beautiful design, dreamy rooms, uber comfy beds and linens, two restaurants, Villon, and Banda-a tapas bar, a rooftop bar, and room service.
On top of Charmaine’s rooftop bar with the cutest little fire pits. I’m wearing one of my favorite easy dresses- this leopard t-shirt dress by Jenni Kayne ( on sale 20% off with code LDW20 this weekend), with my new Paige jacket I wrote about last week on the army jacket post..
The public spaces are inviting, comfy and gorgeous. You can enjoy a bite or a drink, all day in the main lobby..
Villon, where we did the dinner and breakfast.. Isn’t my yogurt beautiful?
It’s a great spot for a little getaway for two. If you appreciate beautiful spaces and design, delicious food and great service, you’ll love The Proper. It’s a bit of a sanctuary from the bustle and bustle of the city.
I now want to get to one of the other Proper Hotels. There are also hotels in Downtown Los Angeles…
and Santa Monica ..in California..
Don’t you love how each hotel has it’s own design vibe? That is very Kelly Wearstler and if you aren’t familiar with her you can see more of her on her Instagram. She also has cool personal style and I find her dedication to design and dressing fascinating..
Aesop Skincare Products
Like everything Kelly Wearstler does, the bath amenities at The Proper were top quality. I was lightly familiar with Aesop Products, and loved getting to try the Geranium Leaf body cleanser gel, and Bergamot Rind shampoo and Bergamot conditioner, and I fell in love with this line!
I’m sensitive to smells, but these beautiful formulations are light and so fresh and natural. I also like how they left a pretty scent in the bathroom, but not necessarily on my skin, but enough for me to enjoy the essence in the shower without being overpowering. They are plant based and were formulated to solve skin issues. Aesop products are natural, cruelty free and a B Corp which means they do good by the earth and their employees.
I splurged a little and bought those three products before I left the hotel and I love how they look in my shower. No more mismatched bottles. I think these will last a long time- and it feels like a spa in my bath.
Aesop products sold at Neiman’s (I linked to the hair products there as they are out of stock elsewhere.) The line is also at the Skinstore where this weekend the entire line is on sale 25% off with code LABOR. I like the Skinstore and the brands they carry and have ordered many things from them. They also have a 12 piece gift bag with $130 purchase now. Most brands are included in the 25% off is you need other skincare or cosmetics.
My newly upholstered patio set
I was so happy my old nasty outdoor cushions I wrote about procrastinating on, were done in just under a month including choosing and ordering the Sunbrella fabric. The local spot, Krupp’s Upholstery could not have been more pleasant helpful and I can now verify they do beautiful work. They even made the cushions better by restuffing them and relocating the zippers so the cushions could be used on both sides. I also love the back cushions that they stuffed with an outdoor down alternative that has support, but feels great. Even Max said you could never buy already made cushions this nicely made..
This is the before..
This is the little patio area off of my office. I’m so glad I did not give this seating set away. I could not find the right size cushions and the all weather wicker was wearing beautifully.. after almost 10 years. I really almost donated it, but I’m so glad I chose to re-do the cushions.
On the base cushions I chose Sailcloth Salt and the accent pillows I chose Fretwork Pewter. Both are made by Sunbrella.
I highly recommend this Krupp’s a father/son family business in Campbell. This is not a sponsored thing, just a wonderful local small business that I wanted to share.
Mirrored Backsplashes
I loved this piece on Thomas O’Brien, on Frederic this week and how his secret for bright kitchens is mirrored backplashes. They aren’t as disco as you would think and lend light and a sparkle to what can sometimes be a dark space. Look how great these kitchens where he employed the mirror trick are..
In this bar he did the same..
I also have a mirrored bar backsplash.. Mine is different in that it is tiles that are slightly glazed with a gold. I think it gives a bit of elegance to a modern shape bar and open shelving. It’s another trick to bring light to a space. I would totally do it again…
This is a shot of it. Sometimes with the tiles, it can be hard to photograph and looks busier in pictures than it does in person.
My bar has washed oak cabinets, dark gold modern pulls and floating shelves in the same material. The bar top is part of one of the two slabs of quartzite I used in my kitchen called Dolce Vita. It’s a natural stone that wears amazingly well. I have a hammered sink and dark gold faucet.
The backsplash tiles are called Yesterday’s Glass by Jeffery Court. I chose them as they reminded me of my parent’s dining room in the 1970’s. We had this glass mirror on one wall and back then you bought it the hardware store and I believe it had peel off backs! It was a DIY by my mom. She loved how it reflected her chandelier. I wish I could find a photo of that room.
I love this little brass giraffe guy I just bought at Anthro for the bar. Right now he’s holding citrus.
Anyway, mirrored backslashes are a great trick, that can look clean like Thomas did, or glam and are a fun often forgotten option.
U.S. Open
Have you been glued to the U.S. Open? This season really stared off with a bang with the big night honoring Serena. I hadn’t realized how long she has been playing…Seems like forever. I was so lucky to get to see her and Azarenka play one night at the Indian Wells tournament with friends. She and Venus are legends.. and a lot of people wanted to get a glimpse of her last matches.
Did you know the Arthur Ashe stadium is the largest tennis stadium in the world? I did not and the night they had her first match there was not one seat left! The game will certainly not be the same without Serena. She had a long run and great to see a woman still competing at the level she is after 40.
Chris Evert and her Tennis Bracelets
Chrissy Evert is back announcing many of the matches after battling Ovarian Cancer. A great article about how she detected it early which was very lucky here in NYTimes this week. It’s so great she is doing well! She inspired me to start tennis as a kid.
If you are a fan you remember her tennis bracelet and how they were once the thing and are now back. Tennis necklaces are everywhere too.
She was the first to wear them and now she is getting proper credit for them on a collaboration with jeweler Monica Rich Kosan, who launched a collection with her. They have a wide range of styles and prices.. I love the whole collection.
Bloomingdales also has this more affordable version which looks pretty nice and Anthro has this tennis necklace which is a great fake.
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 post I shared how army/cargo jackets can give a cool edge to all your closet staples, a Hawaiian take on banana bread, British home tours to binge and more..find that post here.
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Hi Kim,
Such a wonderful post thank you l loved everything!!! Happy anniversary 🙂 l am going to try and persuade my lovely one we need a mini getaway in SF and do everything you two did !!! Looks so wonderful…happy weekend and enjoy the mental change of the season; back to school, back to routine. Like you l love the change,now we just need the weather to get on board especially here in California. Take care xo
Hi Francesca, Yes it’s such a perfect little getaway! I hope you get to do that. I am so looking forward to the season change.. now please let’s have some cooler days. I can already feel the chillier nights and am excited for fires in the morning someday soon. Have a lovely weekend! xo
Your house is so cute…just the right size. I do love a tennis bracelet. I haven’t worn mine in a number of years…not even sure why. Breaking it out for dinner tonight lol.
Thank you Jackie about the house. Yes good idea..get those tennis bracelets out!
Oh and I like the JK dress which led me to her site…dang. I ended up with the the same print in the skirt. Looks easy and something I could make work most of the year swapping out tops and footwear. Labor Day discount too yay. 🙂
Jackie, I didn’t know there was a Labor Day discount at JK I will point that out! I love the skirt in the print.. It’s such a good classic that is cool for the closet and I bet flattering too. Have a great weekend.
Love this post. Happy anniversary! My husband surprised me with a tennis bracelet for our 25th this summer. Not sure how he knew they’re a thing right now. I do need to find 2 gold bracelets to wear with as I think the combo will look extra pretty. Upto now haven’t been much of a bracelet person. We’ve been glued to the Open too with my son being a big tennis player. Definitely the end of an era, but happy a new generation of players will garner more of the spotlight now.
Laura your husband has good taste- and instincts apparently! Love the idea of wearing it with two gold bracelets! I received one for my anniversary two years ago and I wear it all the time. So fun watching the Open and if you have a tennis playing son, even more fun. I agree, I look forward to seeing the next generation of players! It wasn’t even possible the last 20 years I think as the Williams really donated the game!
That FLATIRON building brings back memories!
That was downtown San Fran headed to the Financial Disrict.Right?
Many moons ago it had a book store in the bottom floor I want to say it was called City of Lights but I think that was more into North Beach?
On Washington Square anyone remember?
The hotel rooms were offices.
Kelly looks like she is 22!
Is she from Los Angeles?
Glad you got away to the big city and happy happy BIRTHDAY!
Xxx
There are a few flatiron buildings I think in SF! You are talking about City Lights Bookstore? Yes it is still there in North Beach and a gem.. Isn’t it where Jack Kerouac and the Beat generation people hung out? Last time I was there we walked the up Filmore Steps and ended up by Coit Tower, grabbed pizza by the slice in North Beach and checked out that bookstore which has a great kids section too. Yes it’s off Washington Square, a great place to eat your pizza slice. Kelly does look 22 and I just read an article where she doesn’t really eat..food, just juice. Not sure that I could do that. Los Angeles – and she has a stunning historic home with a pool and the tennis court you would love. xo
Hi Kim,
What a nice get-away you had. Happy Anniversary and a joyful happy birthday to you.
The cushions turned out so well, what excellent crafts people. What a smart decision to keep the wicker furniture.
Your mirrors in the bar area are beautiful, so unusual. You have excellent taste.
Thanks Katherine! Your are very sweet. Have a lovely weekend! xo
Wonderful post Kim! I’ve read it twice already. Must get to SF now.
Thanks Janet! September and fall is the perfect time to go! xx
Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary Kim! This was a lovely post, lots of variety. I love the story of Chris Evert and the tennis bracelet – you might be interested in this blog, many great articles about jewellery: https://theadventurine.com/culture/jewelry-history/chris-evert-tells-us-the-true-story-of-her-tennis-bracelet/ She also writes about other celebrities and their jewellery, and she has a podcast too.
Your overnight in San Francisco sounds wonderful – those flat iron buildings are really stunning, Toronto has one as well.
Thanks so much Patricia! I just love that blog. What a fun read ! Thank you for sharing it. Aren’t the flat irons cool? Toronto is on my list of cities to get to someday. Have a lovely weekend!
Thanks Kim! I was actually thinking that perhaps I heard about that blog from you? Can’t remember!
We are getting ready for our big trip – flying to Glasgow tomorrow night, we’ll be on the Isle of Skye on Monday, then Lewis & Harris for 3 nights before heading to the east coast to see family and friends.
It’s new to me, but very cool! Love it. Oh my that sounds like a fantastic trip! The Isle of Skye and Glasgow.. Have the best trip and a lot of fun. I think you are going at a great time of year.
Hi Kim, You’re really working that Anniversary with Bernardus AND SF! The Proper looks more like someone’s home with so many unique furnishings and decor. It’s so nice that Max figured out the dinner plans. Kelly’s clothing style is outrageously chic. I love how your patio furniture turned out. That area looks made for lounging with a good book.
Happy Birthday Monday. A little bird told me about a celebration for you. 💐
Wren I know!! I think kind of a birthday thing too.. Doesn’t it look so different than the usual hotel? Max did well! I think he was making an effort as he’s going to be gone for a while climbing Mt Whitney.. Kelly has great style.. outrageously chic is a perfect description. I’ve already been enjoying time out there reading! Are you getting some outrage heat down there? Guess I’ll be indoors for a while. Aw Thank you Wren.. xo
Yes, it’s so typical that just as school starts, we get this blast of Indian Summer. It’s 101 in SLO right now. I’m going to Avila Beach this afternoon for an outdoor Pops concert. Even there it supposed to hit 96 degrees. I’m wearing clothing as light as possible! Happy Birthday and keep workin’ it, Kim!
SO true! Wow 101! Have fun win cute Avila. Can’t believe the beach is so hot too.. Aww thanks Wren. xo
Happy Anniversary and Happy Birthday Kim! The hotel is beautiful what a treat that must have been. I was laughing at the picture of Max. My husband and I went to dinner for our 25th anniversary at a French Restaurant. We had to wait 2 months for a reservation. It was a 3 hour experience. They had a four course menu and the wine pairing. Good thing we only opted to share the wine flight because they brought us champagne beforehand and then halfway through the meal plopped down a drink with grapefruit & citrus liqueur in front of me. Next time we said we will spend the night at a hotel up there..it was a 45 min drive home!
Your cushions look great. Good idea to have them recovered.
It’s soooo hot here. 100 degrees and high humidity through Labor Day. 🥵
Thanks so much Linda! It’s fun doing those multiple course menus- and the wines, but it can be exhausting! Wow I don’t know if Max could survive the three hours- and the drive back! I don’t know when your anniversary was, but I hope it was lovely! Gosh stay cool! We are all cooking this week. xo
I was the person that commented on your instagram that our weddings were a month apart. 10/5/96. 😊
Happy Anniversary and Birthday to you, Kim! I’m so ready for Fall as well, but it will be some time before we get some cool weather in Northern CA. We are in for a heatwave this weekend. Wasn’t Serena awesome in the Open?!! I admire her and sis Venus. Indeed an end of an era. but I’m so happy for her to embrace her new season of life in retirement. I have always loved Chrissy, and enjoyed her comments at the Open. Enjoy your birthday! 🎉
Thank you Karen! I know seems like summer was so mild and here we go with the heat! Loved Serena and agree happy for her to be able to have a new way of life. I hope she adjusts and loves it! xo
Kim, happy Anniversary! And happy Birthday to you! I hope that you have a wonderful celebration on Monday. The Proper is gorgeous, what a wonderful way to celebrate. Love Kelly Wearstler, her designs, and style are beautiful and unique.
Your dress and jacket are perfect together!
Your new cushions look so nice on that patio set! Thank goodness you did not donate them. Thank you for promoting this small business, times are tough for so many and especially small businesses.
I had no idea that Chris Eveeret was the icon behind tennis bracelets. I have one that my mother-in-law gave to me and now I am off to check out the beautiful ones that you have linked.
Have a wonderful weekend! xo Elizabeth
Thank you Elizabeth! Isn’t Kelly the coolest? I know so happy I kept this outdoor set..How wonderful you have a tennis bracelet. I have a feeling a lot of people are taking theirs back out this week as so many are talking about them and wearing them! Have a super holiday weekend! xo
Happy Birthday, Kim- it looks like you celebrated in style! What a great night out- and I glimpsed you Aperol spritz in the table as well!! I’m glad you redid your patio set- it looks like new!
I’m off on our Mediterranean cruise today- and I’ve packed a few things you gave suggestions on from your blog! My favorite is my TB linen jacket!! I should have packed my tennis bracelet- darn!
Thanks Martha! Yes Ha-I love Aperol. Glad you packed that TB jacket! It’s so perfect for the Mediterranean too. Can’t wait to see your photos! You’re going to have to wear your tennis bracelet now.. xo
Kim, I’m in heaven with this tour of the San Francisco Proper Hotel. Everything about it is perfection. The color … oh, how I love color. The rooftop deck looks super cool. What a nice overnight getaway. Happy Anniversary, by the way! I’m sensitive to smells too, and lots of great beauty products don’t work for me because of that. So I love to find good quality products that have no, or minimal and natural scents. I’ll definitely give AESOP a look … or sniff!!! Your new upholstery looks amazing … I’d be spending all my time in the chairs off your cute office. And, of course, I love your bar … the glass is stunning. And its fun to see glass used in kitchens … it’s not something I would have considered, but I totally love the look. It’s hard to see Serena leave tennis … she’s been such a force for so long. I guess we once felt that way about Chrissy Evert as well. I hadn’t known about her ovarian cancer diagnosis and so glad they caught it early. She was a favorite of mine too and the inspiration for my tennis lessons. I didn’t keep up with it like you have … and I regret it. And now that you mention it I remember the tennis bracelet thing from back in the day. My dad was an avid tennis player … and viewer. Remember the Billie Jean King and Bobby what’s-his-name match? Maybe on Wide World of Sports … a Saturday staple at our house. But, I digress. Hope you’re enjoying the long weekend and staying cool. xo
Juliet I watched that Bobbie Riggs vs Billie Jean King match with my mom and my dad and uncle. It was called Battle of the Sexes.. We were screaming and so thrilled when she won! MY dad and uncle couldn’t believe it.. Actually the movie with Steve Carrell is SO good! Yep my dad had Wide World of Sports on every Saturday.. I can still see that guy on the ski jump crashing when they had ‘the agony of defeat’ come on.. HA! Hope you’re staying cool too. xo
Kim! First, I love seeing the San Francisco Proper Hotel. It looks gorgeous, as do you in your Jenni Kayne dress! I also love Aesop hand soap, body and hand balm….the hand sanitizer; the shops are all unique and so beautiful! Small, but very well done.
I love that bright kitchen with the mirror backsplash! It instantly made me think of your bar!
I didn’t know that Chris Evert was responsible for the tennis bracelet either…I read Juliet’s comment! I’m glad shes finally getting the credit!
xx
Thanks Annie! I can so see you loving The Proper! It has your kind of aesthetic! Aesop too- so good. My hair now looks so great from it. Not sure the secret. I’m kind of loving these kitchens with the mirror… anything with more light is a win. I’m glad Chris Evert is finally getting credit too. xo