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closet organization

Inspiring Home Books, a Pretty Spring Top, and a Rattan Lamp I’m Loving..

February 24, 2023 By kimwheeler 30 Comments

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.

Cat by fireplace. Town & Country gas fireplace

My pic of the hills I took.. and Caltrans pics on our Highway 17! I just had to share..

San Jose Mountains topped with snow Feb 2023
California's Highway 17 covered by snow 2023
Highway 17 covered by snow 2023

On my radar this week..

Urban Decay hydromaniac foundation
daffodils in a white Pottery barn vase
Liz Lange's Hampton Remodel
PB Marion rattan lamp
Mille stripe blouse

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 :

Home Therapy

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.

Home Therapy Book by Anita Yokota

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.

House Beautiful Love Colorfully book

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.

Remodelista The Low Impact Home book

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.

Julia Morgan: An intimate Biography of the Trailblazing Architect book

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.

California Closets light grey closet organizer in home.

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 ?

jeans stacked in a closet

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

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Daffodils in a Pottery Barn white vase

Filed Under: Books, closet organization, home decor Tagged With: #springstyle

Fall Wardrobes and Making Your Closet Like a Boutique

October 1, 2014 By kimwheeler 30 Comments

Lovely October is here and it’s feeling little cooler here in Northern California!!  I have actually begun thinking about fall clothing and shopping.
I have a weakness for tweed jackets and distressed jeans and this combo at J.Crew got me excited! I bought both since they were my style and I know I’ll wear them for years. Jacket is no longer online, but you can catch it in stores on sale now I believe.
These necklaces were lovely and on sale. 

I am also crazy about these these D’Orsay suede flats in this grey taupe.  I could see them going with almost everything and dressed up or down. I’m hoping to add them to my fall shoes this year.

However, I swore to not add a single thing until I went through the old closet. That means trying on pants, skirts, and everything again. Looking over what was worn or not in the past year, seeing what  could be revived, and also pitching what was just done. Ugh a lot of work, but so worth doing. This prevents you from buying the same things again you already have and helps you find what you may have forgotten about!

After purging and making a list of what I could add, I purposely rearranged the closet to seem more like a boutique.

First, you’ll notice this closet TINY. It’s not a big walk-in like most Californians have. When we moved closer to town, we gave up our big master bedroom for this older ranch home and now have a small master. This closer was nicely done with a organizer, so I made it work and downsized what I owned which was actually a good thing.

Now I try to treat it like a small jewel box and have all my prettiest things out where I can see them and wear them. I added a few photos, jewelry, some good smelling lavender sachets from France and even a fun rug. You can do the same and it will inspire you to keep the closet neater as well.

On top I have my blouses, which are some of my best pieces (yes I do like prints), and those are all on wood hangers. I try to organize by tones- navy, blues, pinks, blacks, browns and warmer colors. It’s nice having your newest pieces out in front so you will see them.

Right now I have just put away many of my sandals and have my fall and winter shoes out.

I used some of my birthday money to buy this amazingly soft sweater and Toile sweatpants. I put them out on a shelf, so I can see them and think about ways to wear them.

Being a Californian, jeans are what I wear the most and they take up less space folded. I have two stacks- light and dark. This little bowl with a few green bracelets reminds me to wear them and the dog holds some of my other favorite pieces. I always love the pretty bowls Anthro has for bracelets and odd bits.

Then I have fall dresses and sweaters and jackets.

This bottom row hold casual tops like denim, button-ups and Ts.

A little tray is a nice touch to hold special pieces you wear daily. I LOVE this Liberty hankie from my friend Jeanne and it makes me happy to see it there.

Other shelves hold my lace tops that are too old and fragile to hang, more handbags (I keep them forever) and my treasured Panama hat from Montecristi Hat Company. I did find this fun Garcons-Filles sweater at Madewell on sale. Super cute and soft.

Coats and Jackets are up higher and in front now that it’s getting cooler.

It looks like I have a lot of clothes, but I honestly have a lot I have saved over the years. I try my best to buy quality things and love nothing better than taking old pieces out and wearing them in new ways. Some of my things are 30 years old! I keep though only things I do wear. If I don’t wear it, it goes no matter how nice it is, or how much it cost originally. I just don’t want an archive, nor do I have the space.

I still had a a plethora of scarves collected over many years as well as jewelry and so I decided to use our armoire that previously held a television. It also has had incarnations as a chest for my linens.

I added a small cork board to the back to make an inspiration board for the season. I thought it might be fun to see and get ideas when getting dressed. I tore some of my favorites I saved.

Hmm, looking at this I’m all over the place, but basically I was going for a hippie bohemian feel with a little Ralph Lauren thrown in. That sounds contradictory, but what can I say? It’s me and I’m eclectic?  😀

Scarves I folded on the top by color. I used some of my favorite trays from around the house to put the things I’m wearing currently and that work for fall. I also put a Volcano candle from Anthropologie in there. The smell is divine and you needn’t ever light it. A few of my favorite clutches I added as well.

I used an old glass pedestal dish for my wood and leather pieces. That turtle I treasure. I bought it on the street in Fiji almost 20 years ago and wear it on a cord.

I’m also wearing a lot of bangles in gold right now. There’s a very old Dior piece, Alex and Ani bangles from a dear friend, and collected bits from here and there.  These earrings were also a gift and my favorites as well as the tennis pendant, Harlow star necklace and the gold J. Crew necklace -a recent find on sale here. I thought the warm chestnut color of the alternating stones would be a good compliment to my new jacket and other autumn shades.

This old silver candy dish of my grandmother’s holds my silver bits. In here is a glass cameo from another grandmother that I treasure. I like the tarnish on this dish and do not polish it.
Scarves are so addicting!! I need to see what I have so I do not buy more!

This little carved dog was found at my grandmother’s house as a little girl. I believe it’s from a trip to Japan that my grandfather took. As a child it was my Barbie’s dog. I love having it around for sentimental reasons so stuck in in my armoire. Adding bits like this make it a joyful and personal space.

It takes some time to make your closet pretty, but once you start treating it like a boutique you will look forward to shopping your closet each morning. Some people even have the space to paper their walls and add chandeliers! How lovely would that be?

One thing that I did not mention is that my husband does not occupy this space. When I saw how tiny this was, I kicked him out to another closet in our spare room and he was kind enough to acquiesce. If your are able to do so, it’s nice to have your own little world in some part of the home. I live with three men, so this is my little luxury since they take over the rest of the home!

I know Jenna Lyons and many others even have turned rooms into closets…(Hey a good thing about empty nesting?!)  Pottery Barn knew this and now sells the goods to create such a fabulous space! Ahh, a girl can dream!!

With wardrobes in mind, I’ve gotta share my latest read,  I’ll Drink to That, a wonderful bio of 86 year old Betty Halbreich, Bergdorf Goodmans’ personal shopper for 40 years. It takes you from her meticulous childhood closets filled with stacks of ribbon tied, fresh white nightgowns, to her life’s therapy -creating wardrobes for the famous and often crazy clients. Loads of fun and it gets you thinking about clothing and how what you choose to wear changes your outlook on life and so much else.

Wardrobe thoughts?? Any strategies you use to organize your closet for seasons?

I hope this inspires you a little to create a pretty and inspiring environment for your wardrobe!

Kim

Filed Under: closet organization, Fall fashion, fall wardrobe, J. Crew, shopping your closet

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Still have my rain boots out, as more rain is comi Still have my rain boots out, as more rain is coming next Tuesday, but the sun is shining and it’s a Friday! ☀️( What is it about Tuesdays this year?) 

I bought some tulips for myself at Trader Joe’s last night and looking forward to a day out in SF on Saturday for Max’s birthday, which is today.❤️ 

More on The Weekend blog tomorrow -and Juliet @makemineaspritzer and I did a LIVE yesterday which is up on her Reels page if you missed it. 
Thanks everyone for your thoughts on the gun problem in this nation. Both Juliet and I am just sick about it. 
I don’t plan to shut up about it until we get some change. Our kids don’t need to live this way.. 
Being quiet about it isn’t helping us. So many, many good people out yesterday calling for action and demanding change and it’s giving me hope. ❤️

This Sunday there is a @momsdemand meeting nearby and if you are local I can send you the link. Leave me a comment below. I am going with my husband and anyone who wants can join. I’ll share it on stories too. 💪🏻
Another dark morning, but trying to brighten the k Another dark morning, but trying to brighten the kitchen up with some blues and greens!  I think we need to bring the sunshine in ourselves. I did a little field trip and braved the heavy rain yesterday with my friend Elaine to visit the new @westelm in Campbell. It’s nice having a home store you can drive up to and park nearby. I bought a few new glasses for my shelves and a pretty decanter. Will share more about this new shop on my stories. 

Stay cozy today. ☔️

#kitchendecor #kitchenremodel #openshelving #westelm
Here we are again. More families destroyed by the Here we are again. More families destroyed by the inability of our nation to take a stand against the gun lobby, manufacturers and politicians supporting them.  Little children and their teachers gone. I don’t want to hear about freedoms.. Those are faux freedoms gun culture enables. 

What about the freedom to go to school and feel safe without being gunned down? The freedom to go to the grocery store, the movies, a festival or a concert, a nightclub without fear of being killed? We all are in danger in all places. States with strong gun laws are at the mercy of the states with the weakest laws, as we have no walls between us. 

We don’t need to live this way. We just need to get together and stop the madness. NO OTHER first world nation lives lives this way with guns and weapons meant for war, easily had by anyone who wants them.  People are afraid to vacation here. It’s only a matter of time before every one of us is touched by this unrestricted gun culture. Let’s stop being complacent.  We must absolutely demand our politicians use their power to change this. The Tennessee Representative for this district sent out a holiday card with his family holding automatic weapons…like it’s some kind of joke. These are children’s lives. And what about those who are left behind losing a loved one or experiencing this horror and surviving? 

This photo from @shannonrwatts - please follow her. This is a child today being brought to a reunification center for parents awaiting news. ☹️

I know some of you only want happy posts, but can we agree we aren’t doing enough here and we all need to take part? 

Other accounts trying to make change:
@momsdemand 
@everytown 
@changetheref 
@march_fourth_ 
@giffordscourage 

Call and donate to your local politicians who take a stand on gun control. Know where all of them stand on guns and share it. If you can, donate to those in other states who are fighting the good fight and need the support. ❤️

I love this country and I really want change. 

#gunreformnow #shannonwatts #momsdemandaction
On the weekend meanderings… More tips on shoppin On the weekend meanderings… More tips on shopping Homegoods plus my finds from there I added to give little pop of spring color to this room. I’m also sharing some good white jeans, a new book to inspire, a wonderful face, lotion, and more! 

 Juliet and Elizabeth’s have good spring things on their posts too!
Stop on by our blogs- links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 
Hope you all have a sunny weekend!
Well after all this weather, and so much indoor ti Well after all this weather, and so much indoor time, I’m officially sick of everything and I am ready to give the home a little refresh. Homegoods and TJMaxx have some great spring items and a promotion with items from France, Italy, etc. They can be a good source for outdoor pots, new pillows, rugs and decorative bits. It’s good time to find a ‘few’ emphasis on few, new things for the home. They carry unique items, many one offs, but you have to be a discerning shopper.. What to look for and what to avoid on this little clip. 

I’ll be taking more about how to shop smart at these sort of places on the upcoming blog as well. What’s been your experience at these stores? I have had good luck and bad and I think you have to be smart about what you choose and don’t fill a home with these things. 

I’d love to hear your thoughts on shopping there. More tips from my last trip there on stories and saved on shopping tips. 

#californiahomestyle #springhomedecor #homegoods #homegoodsfinds #homeaccesories #northerncalstyleblog
A little spring in the kitchen while another storm A little spring in the kitchen while another storm rages. Met a friend downtown and we had to dash as the storm hit and power was out minutes later. Stay safe everyone!
I thought I’d reshare our pool bath/powder room I thought I’d reshare our pool bath/powder room today as my builder @mikemccloudconstruction shared it too. I still love the way it came out! I had saved many inspiration pictures of how I wanted this to look. I was lucky Mike helped me make this happen. A good builder who listens and has ideas as well, helps so much. I’m sharing some of  the extra details up close. 

I loved this blue sort of organic watery tile for a pool bath. I also knew I wanted an open shelf for all the pool towels so people could grab them on the way out the door. The @serenaandlily mirror definitely has that nautical almost porthole, sort of look and picked up the unfinished oak color. I used an RH pendant light and the sink is Victoria and Albert. The counter is from a slab of @vadaraquartz that I spilt and used in the laundry as well as the boy’s bath. I choose an inexpensive cement tile for this space and the connecting laundry/mud room which works with drippy pool feet!  It’s been almost four years and all still looking great! 

DM me if anyone wants details I left out! I thought I did a post on this, but maybe not! I need to do that with all the baths. 

Hope you all have a good week and get some nature in the first day of spring! 

#californiaremodel #poolbath #poolbathroom #powderroom #serenaandlily #mikemccloudconstruction #northerncalstyle #lunabaytile #vadaraquartz
On the Weekend post.. Do you love toile? I adore i On the Weekend post.. Do you love toile? I adore it and I am sharing some pretty toile pieces, beautiful woven leather bags in fun colors, cute sweatshirts, a trench coat that stands out, the new book about the story of J.Crew, and more! 

Juliet and Elizabeth have great things to dive into this weekend too…

Stop on by our blogs- links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns

Have a great weekend! Hope you got a little sun while it was out. ☀️

#weekendpost #bayareablogger #paloalto #evereve #toile #cos #madewell #jcrewbook #northerncalifornia #californiastyle #trenchcoat
Do you stress about what to pack for getaways and Do you stress about what to pack for getaways and resort vacations? This month’s Signature Style is for you! Cindy and I are sharing our tips and favorite sources for warm weather looks.  You need a few good pieces like a great linen jacket, a swimsuit you love, a couple of coverups, and a pretty dress and you’re nearly ready. More ideas and suggestions on our blogs! 

Hope there is a sunny getaway in your future!☀️
As always links are in our bios and stories..
@northerncalstyle 
@cindyhattersley

#resortwear #resortdress #resortpacking #whattowearresort
Just a little clip of some of the stylish looks se Just a little clip of some of the stylish looks seen at the @bnpparibasopen . I always love to see how people mix it up including the guys! Nice to see so many cute looks and cool hats. Loved the Day Glo brights and florals the best. Hope you get some ideas if you are going to this tournament or doing something fun in the sun soon! ☀️

Thank you to all the sweet people who kindly let me share their looks ! 

Also, due to weather..the Signature Style resort dressing post with Cindy is postponed until tomorrow. Sorry I had no Internet here in Los Gatos yesterday and 89 mile an hour winds so I have been unable to work! Back at it today. Hope you all are doing okay after yesterday’s storm! 

#bnp #bnpparibasopen #tennisparadise #whattowearbnp #tennis #tournamentlooks #indianwells #northerncalstyle
How beautiful is this? We are the embodiment of lo How beautiful is this? We are the embodiment of love in our actions.  This is a wonderful account and @yung_pueblo ‘s book ‘Lighter’ is top of the NYTimes list too. 

Happy Monday. 💛
Are you watching the @bnpparibasopen ? I just got Are you watching the @bnpparibasopen ? I just got back from three whirlwind days with pals and we had a ball. It was so good to be in the sun and and warmth -with snow capped California mountains as a backdrop.  We went in the beginning part of the tournament which we always do, and got to see Andy Murray, Sabalenka, Zverev, Raducanu, and so many fantastic other players. We basically eat, slept and breathe tennis for two days straight and we loved it!  You can still catch play on the @tennischannel 🎾

I will share another Reel of all the stylish people.. Something about tennis brings out the sharpest dressers and there was excellent people watching. 

If you love tennis, this is a bucket list tournament. They call the fifth slam and it’s getting crazy popular so plan a year ahead of you want to go. We reserved our hotel that was walking distance a year ago. More tips on my BNP post that I update each year. 
Link in bio! 

#tennisparadise #bnpparibasopen #indianwellstennisgarden #bnp #bnptips  #andymurray #zverev #raducanu #sabalenka #tennis #californiatennis #discoverpage #tennislove #tennisgirl

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