A fantastic and uplifting book on mid-life and aging, what to wear to a reunion, and the story of Nordstrom did for San Francisco…
It’s that time again for our weekend roundup of good things with my friends Elizabeth and Juliet! How has your week been? First of all, I must share that Whole Foods has had hydrangeas for $2.97 and I decided to grab them and red dahlias to brighten things up a bit around here. I’m not ready for fall decor..but I’m ready for some kind of change. ( Though apparently pumpkin spice lattes are to be had -you PSL people know this already. )
Can we call this time summfall? It could be a mix of summer stripes and fall tones and so on..
I’ve been thinking about life …and my age a bit more this week thanks to my 40 year high school reunion this weekend. It’s hard for me to believe. I’ve gone to every reunion, even though the people I hung with at high school haven’t gone for a while. The last few, I had fun talking with peeps from elementary and junior high.. I love seeing my school people!
This will come to no surprise, but I wasn’t part of the popular crowd in high school. I had a little friend group of guys and girls and they made those years special.
I’ve been wondering what to wear and even though it’s nearby and at a cute casual place, I still want to look good! I have a few pieces in my closet that will work, but I like to consider what’s out there..
IMHO you want to look like you’re not trying too hard. Someone said you don’t want to look as if you’ve ‘let yourself go’…. An old saying I feel is very sexist. What does that even mean? Rarely have we heard that said about men ! We should just be who we are now and be proud…
So here’s a few things that made my radar for a school reunion… I’m attracted to colors right now, as color makes you feel upbeat and vibrant.. Of course you can’t go wrong with black always flattering and elegant.. I think you should look for items that make you stand out a bit, in a good way…
On My Radar – School Reunion Ideas..
Something about this FarmRio number is just fun and modern and the little keyhole is just enough sexy without being too much.
I love these drop cross earrings which come in this turquoise or navy.
This dress looks tight, but it’s the most lovely forgiving fabric and feels fantastic on. I tried a Medium on last time I was in store and it’s body conscious, but still flattering. It forgives. I should have gotten it.
I ordered this Rails dress that I meant to buy earlier this summer. It’s on sale now at Nordstrom. I love tie dye… also cute in fall with a boxy cardigan or jacket. I pick this up Saturday so I hope it works.
I love these pebble glass drop earrings! The right size and elegant/mod look.
This black cotton Anthro square neck dress is shown midi, but it’s full length on me with pockets, adjustable straps, a side zip and expanding back. I was able to pull a medium on without unzipping. A versatile dress, it could work with a t-shirt under it also. ( I don’t know why I cut my head off, but was trying to show it’s full length.)
I love bias cut dresses -everyone needs one they are so good on and feel great. This luster crepe dress also comes in navy. I’d dress this down with flat sandals and gold bangles. This is a great classic in pink that would also be super with a blazer and heels for a party or dinner later in the year.
If you want a top.. here’s a few that will pop…
I adore this floral top you could pair with linen pants in summer and later some faux leather trousers. The ombre sequin button-down comes in petite and plus also and would be cute with soft blue jeans and pretty sandals. This organza beaded blouse would be cool with black dressy shorts or flowey linen pants.
Destination Fabulous
Thanks to my Insta friend Jude, I am working my way through this fabulous book and marking so many great passages. It has hugely inspired me -especially on a week I have a 40 year reunion..
Destination Fabulous is by Anna Murphy, the Fashion Director of The Times in the UK, and I have shared her book, How Not To Wear Black before. This latest book is about rethinking mid-life and aging. It’s all about changing mindset and rejecting society’s expectations on aging. Instead of disparaging our age we should be finding what and who we really want to be. This half of life should be liberating and the best part.
She also wrote this in reaction to being one of the only fashion people in the Front Row of fashion shows that hasn’t done botox and fillers.. This is her on the Times magazine..
The truth is in America we get a very skewed view of aging when everyone on tv has unreal aging – we see it on newscasters or the Kardashians/Real Housewives/and on actors. We need to see LESS of that and more real faces. No wonder we are hard on ourselves.
Anna’s aim is not to judge people who have chosen this route, but to realize this ‘way of aging’ is being sold to us, and it’s not a long term solution… She suggests we age naturally with less invasive alternatives and find more to love and feel beautiful about in ourselves besides unlined skin.
She has great natural tips and that include face, hair, body and dressing.
In a culture where we are told we need fillers, thin bodies and hair dye to remain relevant, Anna has embraced none of that- and exudes a vibrancy and youthfulness no vial could buy. She does it through her attitude of exploration, positivity and taking care of her self, and having a hell of a good time with her clothes too.
This book will make you rethink what we are being programmed to believe about our mid-life selves. We need positive reinforcement about how fantastic this part should be -and is.
Someone said this book can be life changing and I could not agree more.
You can also follow Anna on her Instagram.. I love her exuberant style..
The closing of SF Nordstrom and its success story
Back in May, Peter Hartlaub of the Chronicle wrote a piece about the opening of the beautiful San Francisco Nordstrom back in 1988 and its lasting impact on the area. I remember it well, working for Nordstrom at the time and it was a huge deal when that incredible store opened….
For all the negative we hear about SF, this was an uplifting story that gives hope.
The closure, on Friday, can be seen as a huge failure. I think it is sad, but the retail landscape is changing. People no longer flock to malls as they once did, and so many now love to shop online. The pandemic also seemed to be the death knell of malls and large retail stores, as people learned to rely on delivered goods.
You could say the homeless issue was also part of the cause of this, but the true back story of this Nordstrom was that it was a real gamble to place it on Market in the first place, instead of upscale Union Square back in 1988. People called the area seedy even in the 1980’s and Emporium at the other end of this mall had struggled for years with the street people and panhandlers. My aunt was a buyer for the Emporium and knew the struggles.
The Nordstrom family took a gamble and bought the top floors for themselves at a bargain and later helped develop the parking garage and more. People said shoppers wouldn’t come to this upscale retailer in a crime ridden area, but they did -and how they did! The store was a huge success and beat all the dire predictions about it.
Look at this incredible photo of the unique spiral escalators that brought people to the top floors on opening day Oct 7, 1988, by The Chronicle’s Frederic Larson.. (This amazing building should not be torn down!)
60,000 people visited the first day by noon. That is not a typo. From the article:
“The mall contracted 18 valet parkers, but it wasn’t enough. The upscale store with its Champagne bar, spa, fireplace and piano player did $2 million in business on its first day. It had what Nordstrom officials later called “without a doubt … our strongest opening in Nordstrom history.”
By taking the chance, Nordstrom paved the way for others in that area, the SFMOMA, Yerba Buena gardens, Moscone Center, upscale hotels, and the Salesforce Building and park and so much more. I hope Nordstrom will continue to thrive. They just did the same in a down area of New York City a few years back..
I think nearly 38 years on, the struggles with the homeless are still in this area, and clearly the city, no matter who runs it- has to take action that works and look to others cities that have done better. The city has had decades to fix this and they still haven’t. II know there is a solution out there.
I just like people to know this has been a struggle for a long time and kudos to Nordstrom for all they did for San Francisco..The entire article here.
If you missed last week’s post, it was a walk through some of the prettiest staircases of San Francisco, what to do with your tomato bounty, cute sneakers, and a podcast you will enjoy..
That’s it for this week.. I’ll share all about my reunion next week!
I hope you have a lovely weekend,
Kim
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Hi Kim
I’m so glad you’re enjoying Destination Fabulous. It’s such a super book and Anna’s articles in the paper are always a joy to read, as she’s both thoughtful and perceptive. She’s a great role model for all of us who are over 50.
Jude x
Jude, Thank you so much for the recommendation.. I really enjoyed it and yes her writing is inspiring! We need more role models like Anna! xo
Kim,
It is always nice to have a a SF perspective from someone that knows, lives and loves the area. I will be honest when I see it on the news it is scary! I have been several times and loved it but with all of the negative news it doesn’t make me want to schedule a trip there anytime soon.
Nordstroms like many other retailers are struggling, the world is changing. There are many reasons, things are getting more and more expensive, people shop differently and with the ability to shop prices on the internet people are looking for the best deal and sometimes it is not at their favorite retail store. It is a fascinating story though. Thank you for including your thoughts and the facts about the neighborhood.
Aging…something apparently only women do. It’s funny because there is no expectation, that I know of, for men to look younger and stay young. In fact you often read about older men who flock and are attracted to younger women. Somewhere recently I read that men think the ideal age of women is 26! This is different tangent but I simply do not understand relationships with huge age gaps. What the heck does a 26 year old woman and a 80 year old man have in common?
Women are bombarded every single day and have been forever to look good, stay in shape, make sure their significant other is taken are of and that the house is immaculate. Reality tv and social media has made it so much worse.
I personally have no problem with women doing whatever they like, botox, fillers, and all the rest. What I do not like is the lies they tell about how they do it or what they do. The Kardashians are the worst. Kyle for years lying about her lips and breasts, lots of young girls looked up to her and she continued to peddle the lie about the lip liner.
We are too hard on ourselves and life is too short to worry about this stuff. YOU looks amazing, you take care of yourself, eat right, exercise, get your vitamin D and enjoy life and it shows.
Speaking of aging and looking fabulous, Cindy and Sandra are my inspirations! They are both beautiful inside and out and living there best life and it shows.
I hope that you have a wonderful time at your reunion! I am sure that whatever dress you pick you are going to look AMAZING! Because you are!
I just ordered Destination Fabulous! Thank you for the tip!
Have a wonderful weekend Kim!
xoxo
Eliazabeth, I hear the same from people who don’t live here about San Francisco. As you know, I go up there a lot and the issues have been there for 40 years at least, now drugs are making it worse and people allowed to camp on the street. All that has to go, but it’s go to take the will of city and police and places to house and help people. The same people who hate on this so much also don’t want tax dollars used for anything. It confounds how will fix it all. This isn’t all of SF just certain areas. Nordstrom changed this for a while and helped hugely.
Wow th 26 year old female being ideal is insane. That’s practically a child. What men did they survey? Yes agree if women have procedures, it’s good to be transparent. Agree Cindy and Sandra are inspiring… Thank you I am excited about the reunion! xo
Kim…..Thank you for your piece on Anna Murphy. When you talk about aging with confidence, could there be any better prototype than Linda Wright? Class is always your best beauty tool!
Carolyn, I adore Linda too! She’s awesome and her Instagram posts are so honest and relevant. Class is everything! x
Only great memories of SF Nordstrom in the late 90s once we got inside. I was there several times during business trips and recall being shocked at first by the homeless population. Major department stores located in my area have been closing for some time now but this SF one is especially sad for me. Thank you for sharing the history.
I have no doubt that you will pick something wonderful for your reunion. But WOW those beautiful cross earrings would be great for any special occasion.
Pretty sure I am past middle age, unless I live to 140, but still curious about Destination Fabulous.
Hi Carolina! Yep it’s been a problem for a long time on Market Street sadly. I just hope there is some way we figure this problem out for the people out there – and for the city.
I think those earrings are so cool too!
You know I don’t even know what middle age or mid-life is anymore.. I guess it’s beyond 40 and that’s a whole lot of us.. Me being closer to 60, I am not mid-life either. xo
The article about Nordstrom closing makes me kind of sad. For many years, I shopped there but I never quite learned the escalators! How to get up or down and from which side, which may have been intentional to make you go to areas you otherwise might not. Once on, you had a 360 degree view as well as above and below. At the Union Street Macy’s, I remember finding the ladies restroom upstairs and realizing it was the old I. Magnin ladies done completely in marble. That would be cost prohibitive these days! Thanks for sharing about the books; let’s have each other’s backs as we navigate aging. I know I sure don’t feel like a grandma – stay active and have a young attitude.
Wren I know.. The escalators could be tricky!
I was a huge fam of the I. Magnin on Union Square. They had a little mezzanine area with the Chanel accessories store and even as a 20 something with zero dollars, you could go and peruse the chains and flowers! No one lined up and it was a pretty shop. The whole Magnin’s store was a gorgeous marble gem and it was sad when Macy’s shut it down and expanded into it. One thing I do like it the wreaths in the windows at Christmas they still do.
Yay Wren for sure.. and you don’t look like a grandma ( or what we think of as grandma) -just a chic gal I admire! Attitude is everything.xx
💝
Thank you for a lovely thoughtful post Kim and have a wonderful time at the reunion. So many lovely clothes, the floral top and pink dress are still calling my name !!! I added Anna’s Instagram to mine and going to read the book. Sounds very apt; yesterday l was in Pottery Barn and one of the assistants who was helping me is someone l have known and “chatted to” for a long time and we are now grey haired women in our late 50/60 range. Both of us started off complimenting each other saying we looked good and “ love your natural hair” and then it quickly took a turn to personal honesty (our own) as to what we did not like about our appearances-thinning hair, lined neck,double chin-and then just as fast we swerved back to saying how grateful we were to be healthy and strong and having/wanting/hoping to adopt this mindset of liking oneself. All in a matter of minutes. Do men do this when they meet? So true and so hard acceptance and positivity about getting older but l am going to start that today. Happy weekend Kim,going for those dahlias thank you!! xo
Hi Francesca! Thank you. I love both of those too! Yes follow her Instagram -it’s so fun.
I love your conversation at PB. Women are so hard on ourselves and yet other women don’t see us the way we do! They may be admiring us..and we just think of our faults. I love women’s honesty with each other.. No men aren’t worried are they? We have to see the beauty ..as we are!
I hope you have a beautiful weekend!
xo
Hi Kim, enjoy your school reunion this weekend! And yes we need to be positive about ourselves however we look and dress. I love my natural hair color and wish I had stopped coloring it years ago!
Julia xx
Julia you inspire me with your beautiful hair! I love that you let it grow and the silver color! it’s stunning on you. xo
Hi Kim,
I like that you treat yourself/home to hydrangeas and dahlias. They are both beautiful flowers, that lift spirits. We have many silk flowers and tall trees in our home. I just pretend they are real.
YES, too much emphasis are put on aging. We all earned our wrinkles/character lines. Then to be asked, “would you like me to airbrush your face for this photo?” That can be taken as an insult. Yes that happened to one of my clients. YES!!! Love it “we should just be happy who we are now – be proud.” Kim you are right on!
How exciting your 40th reunion. FarmRio keyhole dress is sassy and fun. The drop cross earrings are fabulous. I like all the dresses and tops. I really love the Rails dress ~ I’ve always been attracted to tie dye. It’s more casual but hip.
All the looks would be beautiful on you. Is the venue casual or more upscale? Also as you know the weather dictates and inside or outside. Good luck. You have outstanding taste I know you will wear what makes you feel your best. Comfort is everything for me.
Destination! Fabulous looks great. Thanks for sharing.
Nordstrom on Market Street back in 1988 leave it to the Nordstrom folks to make this move. I always preferred Union Square. ❤️ walking into I.Magnin, The news media puts lots of negative stories out there on S.F., a BAD bum wrap. It’s too bad. The homeless situation is upsetting, it seems like it’s so much worse. My forever friend has lived in SF since 1966.,Still walks and explores The Tenderlion. We were invited, thank you, but we will pass.
Katherine, I know your trees and flowers probably look gorgeous in your house.. You have to in Arizona! As far as the airbrushing..I can’t imagine being asked that! Sort of an insult by the photographer I think. I love that Farm Rio dress also! Very sassy and fun. I love the Rails dress, but sadly it did not fit, so I went with another… I love tie-dye too. I agree comfort and it was casual and on a patio,
so that made it easy!
Yes it’s tough the stories of SF are rampant and always negative, but the city is actually a pleasant place, except for certain areas that need help badly. I’m going to try and continue to show the good and hope change happens. xo
Kim … right now you are probably at your reunion and I can’t wait to hear all about it and what you wore! I know you will look and be fabulous … just like Anna. I have her book How Not to Wear Black … and just ordered Destination Fabulous, so thank you! Aging is not for sissies that’s for sure, and there are a lot of things I still worry over in terms of my appearance, but I have to say it’s a lot less than in my younger years. There’s something liberating about getting older and just not giving a f– anymore … about a lot of things. That’s not to say I don’t care or intervene where I can … just that it’s not an obsession as it once was. And thank goodness for that. It’s incredibly sad about Nordstrom closing in the City. That store has always been a destination … and icon in my eyes. I didn’t visit it as often as I would have liked … more when I worked in the City. Now it’s more of a special occasion thing once or twice a year and always during the holidays. But habits have changed. Where I used to go to our local outdoor mall every single weekend, I rarely do anymore and so I admit to being part of the problem. Our habits have changed … more so since the pandemic. I like to think I’m still doing my part to keep Nordstrom in business though … just not the brick and mortar store. It’s a real conundrum … because I love the store, love to visit the store, and would be devastated if our location closed. The article on the history is fascinating. I feel like the store has always been there, but it arrived just before I started working downtown. And that’s a long time ago. Anyway, I could go on and on … but I’ll spare us both and stop. Thanks for always sharing such interesting and noteworthy things. A lot to think about. But, back to you and your reunion … have the best night! xo
Juliet this book is good.. I agree the best part of aging is caring less about what others think! Make yourself happy and that’s what matters. Agree the store was really special and darn I really hope they keep the building and do not put a soccer stadium there.
I am with you.. always a pleasure to visit a Nordstrom!! People need to get to the stores more if they want them to survive.
xo
Hi Kim … another really interesting and beautifully written post! I honestly don’t know how you achieve this week after week but I’m so glad that you do! I also know that it takes a lot of time and research … but what makes your posts so great is your writing style and choice of topics!
Thank you for bringing the Anna Murphy book to my attention… I think it’s just what I need to read at the moment! Hopefully it’ll be in my local book store but if not I’ll order it online …
So interesting to read about Nordstrom in SF and yes, so sad to hear it’s closing. The building sounds iconic … those escalators!
I also find it so interesting reading about your honest perspective on SF and the homeless situation. The news reports are always so overly negative … or that’s how they come across.
Department stores here are also closing …. Leaving huge empty buildings in the centre of towns, with no obvious use … one here has been empty for years and is in such disrepair 😞 Another is due for demolition/ renovation and a new hotel built on the site.
Online shopping is practical but I miss seeing and actually feeling the fabric of items before I order … then the guilt of returning, having read that many returns end up in landfill … which I can’t figure out at all …
So excited for you attending your reunion. I just know you’ll look gorgeous, whatever you choose to wear! Have fun! Looking forward to reading about it and which dress you chose.
Have a wonderful week! Rosemary xxx
Thanks so much Rosemary. Yes I am sure you can grab that book in the UK! I am just glad we got it here.
Yes the buying the store was in is gorgeous and deserves to be preserved!
I hate hearing about these stores going away.. I’m like you I need to see and touch things..Yes SF is portrayed like some kind of lawless place with street people everywhere and crime. It’s not the case except for a few areas that need help! The news gets more attention by being negative of course.
Thank you!! xo
You are going to be the most beautiful woman at the reunion!! Loved this post.
Anna has such great style. I want more cute jackets like hers.
You’re sweet. Thanks Mary Ann. I know adore Anna- and jackets.
Hi Kim
I don’t know what is going on. I am leaving comments on blogs and they disappear. Maybe I am banned!! Have a blast at your reunion. You don’t have to travel far, right? I agree with Mary Ann you will be the most stylish woman there!! I guess we are exactly ten years apart. I just returned from mine! I hope SF can get their act together. It is such a beautiful city.
Thanks Cindy! Don’t worry about the comments! Yes I’m so lucky my reunion was about ten minute drive! I hope you had a fun time at yours too.
Hi Kim! Love that tie dye Rails dress. Is that what you wore/are wearing? Great colors for this time of year! I decided about 6 months ago to start to grow out my natural color/gray/salt and pepper/whatever it looks like now. It just felt like the right time, and so far so good, but I do get a bit panicky about it every once in a while. I exercise pretty much every day, and am blessed with good skin, but getting older has still brought out a lot of insecurities in me. It is tough for women. Definitely interested in the book! Have fun at reunion!
Molly it’s really appealing isn’t it? Sadly the Medium did not fit me, and I didn’t have enough time to exchange, so I went with something else.. I love that you decided to grow your hair out.. I’m sure it looks great.
I am with you, no matter how much we exercise and take care, we still have doubts.. It must be part of the aging process. I try and listen to uplifting podcasts like Kym Showers. That helps a lot… a lot of it is our mindset.xo
Hi Kim,
Well you did it again. Another great post. So interesting and always informative!
I am sure whatever you wore to your reunion was fabulous and you were absolutely the coolest California gal in the place!
Sad about Nordstrom, but I get it. People’s shopping habits have changed for sure. Also, it’s probably easier all around for them to get out of that area. Expensive and not that nice anymore.
My daughter lived on Polk street, right around the corner from the Civic center. One street over was a full homeless encampment, with tents lining each side of the street. It was not a friendly place. Filthy and scary. I worried about her living so close to that because she walked everywhere and to get to the library meant going through or past it. She said she needed to be vigilant whenever she went out. There just isn’t an easy answer to this problem, because there are so many different circumstances and so many obstacles.
Anyway….
The book sounds interesting. On my list!
Enjoy the long weekend!
Heidi
Aw thanks Heidi. The SF street area has to be fixed if they want any nicer places to stay long term. They can’t have some of the city nice, and others like a war zone. I personally don’t agree with letting people live on the streets. It’s all because we refuse to house them. We need to find some place to relocate people and get them back on their feet. The drugs on the street and using it like a living space can’t be an option. It’s going to take more investment and will to do it. I can totally see how Maia was nervous being around there. I would too.
I think you’d love the book!
xo