On this post..home books that are inspiring me, a pretty spring blouse, a rattan lamp, a foundation you will love..and better options for your purged clothes.
Well this sure won’t be a winter we will forget here in California. We have snow! Our nearby surrounding hills are covered and our highway to the coast, just a few miles from my home, was shut down due to snow- a lot of it. I’ve lived here my entire life and we only had snow once in 1976. (I was in fifth grade and it melted by morning recess!)
I’ve been grateful for my long puffer coat, and my Ugg sneakers…my Tahoe clothes. I could only describe the wind as Chicago level cold! The cat and I have been holed up here by the fire and I’ve had her cat heating pad on non stop.
My pic of the hills I took.. and Caltrans pics on our Highway 17! I just had to share..
On my radar this week..
I’m forever searching for the perfect foundation and Urban Decay’s Hydromania Tinted Hydrator exceeds expectations. . I would venture to say like this better than my La Mer fancy foundation- it’s THAT good for $30. I bought light neutral and my skin has never looked better. It’s also a clean brand and vegan.
Trader Joe’s daffodils are bringing me joy at $1.99 a bunch, especially with these dark days!
If you love houses, Joni of Cote de Texas did a deep dive on Liz Lange’s renovation of her famous Grey Gardens house in the Hamptons. This is post is cram jammed in Joni style with history, architecture, two designer’s vision of the house – Mark D. Sikes and Jonathan Adler, and no detail left behind.. Read it here.
I’ve been a fan of blue stripe blouses forever and when this Mille blouse popped up on my feed, with its pretty sleeves and neckline, this will be a top to love for many seasons.
Can we talk about this Marion Rattan Lamp?! I love this… for a kitchen counter, side table or maybe darling in a bedroom.
New design books that are inspiring!
I need spring home inspo and magazines aren’t cutting it. Magazines are getting rarer and rarer sadly. Some great books at my local Books Inc. that I could actually browse through..so I bought a few new ones :
A different approach to home, Anita was a therapist who recognized a lot of her clients issues stemmed from how they were living at home. I like the unique approach and also the inspiring spaces. There are ways to bring more light, better sleep and even air to your home. Just a lot of fresh ideas here I’ve not seen before in a design book, this is chock full of good ideas and pretty spaces too.
House Beautiful Live Colorfully
Live Colorfully is a visual treat and is packed with so much inspiration. For those who want to add more color to the home, how to mix it with neutrals and also paint color suggestions for every tone.
Remodelista The Low Impact Home
A gem and guidebook for living mindfully and in style. Besides homes and family stories, this book has cool design ideas using unique things. I especially like the recommendations in the back for mattresses, sheets, rugs, home goods, paints and everything you can ever need for living a healthier life, and considering the planet while you are at it.
Julia Morgan- An Intimate Biography of the Trailblazing Architect
I love California and am always trying to learn more about homes and history. This wonderful book on Julia Morgan has been on my radar. As one reviewer said:’ “A closer look at the woman who helped build the American West. . . . as the patron architect of California.”
Besides showcasing her work, this book tells of her growing up in California, attending Berkeley, and her time studying in Paris. You also read of her family, her kindness to her employees and so much more we never knew. Julia Morgan is an oft forgotten genius who influenced so many and was the first female American architect.
Closet Stories – what are you purging/ keeping?
If you’re still following along my closet journey…This week I had a bit of a lightbulb moment when going through the bags I was purging.
I noticed almost all of the clothes were marked down items I had bought on sale, on impulse and thrown into the cart on a shopping trip because they looked cute and were inexpensive.
The things I have kept are things that I mostly have paid full price for. The point being I guess, is I bought the things I wear the most, with intention. Sometimes, I have bought something that was a stand-in for the item I really wanted, at a lower cost. Those never become my beloved pieces! I know we all do this.
Anyway, a little something to consider when you are purging and creating your perfect capsule wardrobe.. Look at those bags, were they impulse buys or sale things? Were they the item you dreamed of owning ?
Look at what you have kept? Are they things you adore and still do? That is how you should build the closet with less, slowly and with your ‘dream’ items of pretty things.
The truth about Goodwill donations…
Let’s talk about where those clothes are going now that you might have purged. I shared last week that I took some of my things that weren’t super pricey to a local consignment chain, Crossroads Trading. They gave me cash and half of the items I still have.
The fastest way to deal with purged closet and home items is Goodwill or Salvation Army trucks or drop-off, but you might be surprised to know that places like Goodwill keep the clothes on the sales floor for just 4 weeks. Great piece about it all here. ..More reasons not to buy that $10 t-shirt.
Greener Options…
For some of your items consider your local charity places like American Cancer Charity Shops or local charity shops in your community. Locally places like Happy Dragon(benefiting the EMQ charity), Dress for Success, One Warm Coat ( so needed this year), Front Line Communities, Sacred Heart Charity, will use your clothes to lift up people in struggling life and economic situations. I love all these charities and if you have others please share!
Other options are give to friends who would appreciate them. I also have the kindest ladies who help clean my house monthly and they often want my bags of things which makes me happy someone will enjoy them.
If you have pricier things you just don’t want to easily give away..
–Have a party with your friends. My friend blogger Suzanne Bell does this every year with her girlfriends and they all bring their nicest items and swap and make an evening of it.
–Have a neighborhood or friends yard/ tag sale and see what you can get. Usually the price you get for these things aren’t the best, but you often make connections with people coming to these sales and I have felt great about selling things at a lower cost that I know are going to a person who will love them.
Selling to an online consignment store.
The Real Real is one of the simplest and they will give you a point person who verifies what you have, send you a label and can even schedule a pickup. If you have a lot of things, they can even send someone out. They are picky and will only accept certain things. They also aren’t rated the highest as far as payout percentage, but they do do a lot of the work for you.
Vestiaire Collective pays a better rate, but you’ll need to measure and document and photograph what you have, so a bit more time and investment.
Poshmark is another option, as is Ebay and even Etsy. ThredUp, is another and will send you a bag to fill, but they won’t pay you much.
What if we did a blog tag sale ?
Our friend Elizabeth, aka Contessa suggested a blog tag sale. As Juliet has some nicer things also, so we were wondering what if we did something like this quarterly? We could share the item, say a price and take offers for some select nicer things… Would that be a good idea? I’m just throwing it out there to see. . I like the idea of making a connection with people who read the blogs as Elizabeth mentioned. Let us know your thoughts!
If you missed last weekend’s post I shared the John Singer Sargent in Spain show at The Legion of Honor, more San Francisco Stairs to discover, early spring outfits and more.
Wishing you a great weekend and I hope you all stay cozy!
Kim
Please visit my pals Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs..
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
PINECONES AND ACORNS
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So glad you suggested the foundation! I am in need of something different!
I list my purged items on Poshmark and have had some success. I also donate items to a non profit thrift shop that supports battered women and for housewares I donate to the Assistance League that funds local programs for the underserved.
I need to purge more because I get attached to things I do not use.
Here is a suggestion for future blogs. Date night looks, casual but more elevated than daytime. My wardrobe is so tailored!
Mary Ellen glad you had success with Poshmark. The charities sound like really good places to give to.
I love the date night looks! Thank you for that idea. Agree I want to wear something different, elevated is exactly the right word! I love it. Stay tuned..
Snow in Northern California? Wow, how fun! I’m a big fan of urban decays all nighter setting spray and will definitely check out the hydrating foundation. Right now I use Missha BB cream combined with L’Oréal’s LUMI Glotion which gives light coverage with a soft glow, highly recommended! Love all of the design books, I’ve been wanting to get the Home Therapy book and will check out the others. I love Elizabeth’s idea of a blog tag sale too!
Ginger I have to look for the setting spray. I love a foundation that has a little glow, but not too much shine..Is that crazy? I will look for both of those thank you. I think you will love the Home Therapy book! It’s really got so many good ideas.
I truly enjoy reading your posts but must say the tag sale idea turned me off. Might be just me.
Thanks so much Cynthia! I hear you! Maybe we ewill just link to them somewhere.
I’m with you girl – the La Mer foundation was like chalk paint IMHO…
I also saw that cute lamp. Where can I use it????? 🤔
Thanks for the observation about your sale items. I completely agree. And therefore, I don’t buy much on sale. Because it’s usually forced and I never where it. And I actually have a tab open on my browser called “Waiting For Sale”. Nothing much in there ever goes on sale. It usually sells out first. You’re on to something… Love Contessa’s tag sale idea, but then you have to ship it, right?
There is a place here that takes clothing and textiles. It sells or donates the clothing and recycles the textiles to keep them out of the landfill! What a great concept! Hoping there’s a place like that everywhere soon! Bye Kim! xo
Gray surprising I didn’t love it either and kept thinking I should for the cost! Isn’t that the cutest lamp?
Funny I am now seeing clearly why I need to buy when I really love things only. Good idea having the tab open. I do that too waiting on certain things..
Yes if we did a tag sale we’d have to ship.. Maybe we just do it on Poshmark or something and link to it?
Nice you have a place that recycles the fabrics. I do know they can’t do it with things that are part polyester and part cotton and the like which I did not know. It’s very hard to separate. Yes we need more things like that! Have aa great weekend Gray.
The other time I make bad decisions on purchases? When I shop with a friend. They mean well and inevitably find something or love something for me that left to my own devices, would never make it home. Lesson learned. I always try to pass things on to local thrift stores but my mantra is “ buy less and better”.
Love the wicker lamp!
Penelope, I agree! Sometimes they mean well, and they don’t want today things look badly! You are so right – better and less! xo
Good morning, Kim! Isn’t this snow crazy … so happy and fortunate to be snug as a bug … at home. Driving into Walnut Creek yesterday was like looking up at the Sierra’s. Crazy. Thanks for the foundation recommendation … I’ll have to try it. And striped shirt and lamp! I’ve been looking for a lamp like this for Jim’s treasured Asian bar and this might be just the thing. I ordered the Home Therapy book … one can never have too many decor books, right. And this one serve double duty. I’ll be curious for your review on the Julia Morgan book, I’ve always been fascinated by her and love her work. I’ve received some positive comments on the tag sale idea … and thinking it could also be a way to raise a little cash for a favorite charity. Anyway, we shall discuss! Also, I agree with Penelope on shopping with friends!!! xo
Love the idea of giving the money to a charity!! xo
Just want to let you know how much I’m enjoying your blog. You always have the best mix of books, decor, fashion, beauty, cooking, travel and even some commentary on social issues (which I appreciate.) One of the best out there!
Francoise thanks so much for the note. Aw you made my day! I really appreciate it.
Clothes are my nemesis. I’m all over the place with my purchases, often influenced by sales and, well, influencers. If I’m honest, I’m also a bit of a snob-in-reverse; I cringe at links to $200+ pairs of jeans and $400 sneakers. I’m practically ecstatic when someone I follow links to something from Target. I realize I should know better. I should take the time to investigate why those jeans are $200 (such as they are made in the US from materials grown in the US by people who are paid a good wage) and whether or not those $400 sneakers are of a quality and comfort level that would allow me to dispose of the six pairs that I can’t wear for longer walks because they give me blisters or slip on my heel. As a result of my bias, I don’t think I could point to six things in my closet that I honestly love, and when my husband finds me shoe-shopping online he wants to run for the hills. At 68 this old dog (raised by a teacher and a housewife, sewed my own clothes, saved my lunch money for new shoes–cue the violins, lol) could stand to learn a few new tricks!
Sarah, I think we are a product of our upbringing.. Americans have been brought up on sales and deals and Target, Homegoods and getting a better price. Shopping is all about a deal, and not so much getting the right thing..No wonder we have closet issues. ..It’s not just you. I was also in the same mindset…. In contrast for example, the French and Italians aren’t concerned with sales and rather buying the perfect item! If we were all taught to shop for the right thing, vs all the time, and on sale, we could do so much better.
I am still trying to make better choices too! xo
Kim, I agree, it’s a difficult transition. It also ties into what we feel we “deserve” or are “worthy of,” but equally important to me is having a degree of pragmatism and establishing priorities—needs vs wants, giving vs acquiring. Lots to mull over!
Absolutely! I hear you on both issues. I love that you share your thoughts on this. I’m trying to figure it all out myself! xo
KIm,
Loved your Instagram live this week with Juliet; SO much to think about when donating. I’m so glad you mentioned it!
I think a blog tag sale sounds like a fun idea!
That little lamp from Pottery Barn…I had that as a favorite a few weeks ago, I have yet to see it in person, but I love it!
Stay cozy in California! I cannot believe this weather lately!
xx
Thanks Annie! Maybe we can all do a blog sale together for charity.
Oh I didn’t see you had that lamp too. It is a good one.
Take care I hear you guys are also getting some crazy weather. xo
I have you to thank, Kim for helping me “release” some clothing to charity. I could do more, I think I will buy the book about Julia Morgan. Fascinating!!
Mary Ann, It’s such a good time to do it.. Love the Julia book!
Hi Kim,
Ah so cute, “cat heating pad nonstop,” keeping one another warm so sweet. Fur children are the best. The cold and all that snow is really something you had. Snow is so pretty but as long as it goes away quickly and melts in a big hurry.
The pretty stripe shirt looks really nice. I hope you purchase that. It would look pretty on you.
How wonderful that you got yourself motivated to clean out and donate so many clothes that you just did not need anymore. CONGRATULATIONS! I gave away so many of my pretty clothes to our granddaughters at Christmas. It felt so good because they loved everything, Giving away starts with friends and family if possible. All of my pants are designed around sneakers now. How I miss cute sandals and fun shoes. Just being thankful for what I have.
You are so right usually the great clothes in your closet were not purchased on sale.
The yellow daffodils are so joyful looking. Like the picture too, it’s really cool looking.
Hi Katherine! I know Marlo is pretty spoiled here with us being empty nesters now. How wonderful your granddaughters can enjoy your clothes! That is the best. I am sure they will treasure them too. I agree friends and family are the best way to give some things too!
I hear you sneakers do require different pants sometimes..I just love that they have so many cute ones now too.
Aren’t daffodils the best?
Hi Kim – I love your blog it is always full of great information! I know what you mean about the weather – good thing you have the cozy wardrobe for Tahoe that you can put to good use as we get through this crazy winter weather.
That urban decay foundation sounds good. I have been loving the Shine Cosmetics BB cream foundation for the last year. I found it through one of IG designers I follow and I absolutely love it. It is a women owned small company and cruelty and paraben free. I wear the shade Empowered and I have pretty much stopped wearing my high end foundations unless I need more coverage. Also addicted to my Caudalie Beauty Elixir facial mist.
I love home decor books and thank you for the recommendations – putting them on my list and especially the book about Julia Morgan. I haven’t had a chance yet to read the deep dive on Grey Gardens but going to do that this week.
I have also been purging my closet and clutter clearing this month. We are lucky to have a wonderful hospice thrift shop here in Amador County and they are wonderful about taking clothes and home goods. I used to use Tradesy for selling my more expensive items but they are no longer so I may try Poshmark or one of the others. Last year I gifted my daughters and granddaughters some of my nice handbags and it felt great to know they will enjoy using them.
Thanks again Kim for sharing all your tips with us!
Hi Michele,
Lol sometimes I wonder if I have too much on the blog.. LOL! It’s my brain. I have a lot of tabs open all the time.
Yes so grateful I brought home my warm UGG sneakers and giagantic long puffer that is usually in Tahoe. The cold doesn’t seem to stop does it? I seriously think this is the coldest winter in California yet.
I’ll check out Shine! Thank you for the recommendation. I love face mists too. Right now I have the Trilogy one and have had Caudalie and love it. Just what we need when the dry heater running so much this winter right?
How great you found a good hospice thrift spot. Sometimes those local spots are the best. I also love that your granddaughters are enjoying your bags! How wonderful.. That is so cool.
Hope you had a good week! x
Great read especially on another rainy California day.
I’m a huge Julia Morgan fan. Have you been to the Berkeley Club? It’s fabulous and you can do lunch or dinner there….or spend the night. They also host small music events (which I really want to do).
Also thanks for the tinted moisturizer recommendation. I use Laura mercier and find that it’s too cakey still. Maybe just my soon-to-be 64 year old skin 🙂
Thanks for all your efforts Kim. Love what you’ve been building here
Hi Cathy! Boy so many rainy days right? I have not been to the Berkeley Club! I will investigate. Really enjoying her biography.
I agree about cakey.. This is the issue with a lot of foundations. This covers which I need and them looks natural.. not sitting on the top of my skin!!
Aw thank you so much. xo
Kim, I love your snow photos! I cannot believe it has only snowed one other time in your lifetime! This is a pretty cool thing then. Although, if you do not have the clothing for it, it is a pain in the butt.
I miss snow, we didn’t even get flurries this year. Although to be honest, it doesn’t usually snow very often here. We just got lucky last year with one big snow.
Joni is an amazing blogger, her in depth posts are amazing. I have to be honest, I do not like any of the changes at the house, except the pillars holding up the tree. The rest is not my style at all.
I love these books! I will have to check them out. I miss magazines! Although to be honest most of the ones that I read are from the UK and France.
The great closet purge continues here as well. I am just tired of holding on to clothes and things that no longer suit my style or lifestyle. I think it would be great for you and Juliet to have a blog sale!
I sell some of my stuff on the real real and the rest I donate to a women’s shelter.
I hope that you and your sweet cat see some sun and wam weather soon Kim.
Have an amazing week!
xo Elizabeth
Well yes on the ground here.. and it still hasn’t really happened though just up the road a few miles they had it and our surrounding hills are covered. It’s been the coldest winter yet here.
That house sure is fascinating and I agree isn’t it look so charming before? It had a real beach cottage vibe that is sort of lost now!
Yes miss magazines! IU have heard Flower is a good one. My faves are AD and Veranda.
We should all do a sale and donate to charity..
Have a lovely week!
xo