fall wardrobe

Fall Transition Pieces You Need Now

October 24, 2019 By kimwheeler 6 Comments

It was almost 90 degrees in parts of Northern Cal today, and yet last week I had my fireplace on and wore jackets! Fall clothes are especially my thing. I cannot wait for sweaters, scarves and boots, and to prep I cleared out my closet last week. For the first time ever, I stored my summer clothing to make more space and I highly recommend trying it. It’s easy to see my fall faves and to shop what I already own. I organized by color on some shelves..

I was all ready to kill it with my jackets, boots and wraps, then California decides to have a late Summer. Shakespeare actually refers to something called Halloween Summer, meaning the warm time when late October gives way to November. Clothing drawbacks aside, it’s a magical time that makes you want to get outside and capture some of those rays while you still can. It feels like a last chance at summer which I love, but what to wear? I can’t possibly wear boots or a sweater. I’d die by lunchtime on these kind of days at my age, I’m already warm.

So today I did this…Black denim and a plaid blouse-with leather sandals.

This blouse is an Anthro one from years back, still in the closet. For fall, my go-to will be these black Cali Denim from Madewell. I’m in love with the fabric of these jeans and the high waist works with all the shorter boxier tops, and with longer blouses you can try a half-tuck like I’m doing here. To me, they hold you in without feeling tight. I also like the baby flare and ankle length with my slides, sandals and mules. Another similar cute pair is these Everlane Cheeky Straight Jeans in Washed Black.

It’s warm enough that I will probably wear these Everlane sandals another few weeks off and on. In black leather, they feel more back-to-schoolish, if you will, and have been nice with the black denim and my other fall closet staple- grey jeans.

I’m loving the return of black and grey and that almost 90’s monochromatic look to fashion. The grey and black jeans work with so much. I bought this Paige pair for my London trip and they’ve been perfect for now. I paired them with a Grayson white button-up and the same sandals again on a warm day in Pebble Beach.

Something about these Paige brand Transcend denim jeans helps hold their shape better than regular denim and make them very comfortable. They don’t get baggy. They also do the grey Transcend denim in this style as well.

When you aren’t ready for boots, but it’s too cool for sandals, mules are the perfect transitional shoe. I’ve had my eye out for a good suede pair, including these from Jenni Kayne, but at The Rack the other day I found these below that looked good and felt well made for the cost.

Sometimes I can’t wait to wear my new sweaters. If it’s too hot, use it as a accessory! I bought this camo sweater back in August, but I wrapped it loosely around my waist. I also have on the shoulders in the photo above. I love the blue in this sweater which makes it kind of different and it’s also very soft. Sometimes I just have my sweater tucked in my bag, hanging out a bit for color. The if the weather changes, or your out for the evening, your set!

If you can’t do a full jacket try a sweater jacket with shorter sleeves. This Anthro sweater jacket was a find thanks to a meet up with my blogger pals, Mary Ann and Cindy last week at Stanford. (Photos on my Instagram. )

It’s bell sleeves and soft material made me like it right away. It’s also the perfect transition piece for California fall days and evenings. You can let longer sleeves peek out for a different look. Most of all, it’s just super cute on everyone- who tried it. Below I wore it with some of the same pieces for dinner out.

The top is also an Anthro top I bought more than a year ago, but they still carry, now with flutter sleeves. It’s a nice gold/silver tone that everyone comments on and is a fun piece to have in the closet for evenings and when you’re feeling festive.

My earrings are my Ippolita Jet Set earrings I bought at her show last year. I don’t own a lot of earrings, but these dress up anything and can work day or night. I pretty much wear these or my small diamond studs now. I’m trying to simplify and got rid of a lot in the last year with the two moves. It feels good to have less and just a few nice pieces that look good with most everything.

Lastly, Anthro brought back the most worn item I’ve ever owned. I originally bought the Colette Silk Cami, in a deep green version years ago for under a jacket at the holidays. Since then, it’s become something I love to sleep in and it feels amazing against your skin, under sweaters or blouses. I often regretted not buying others and then this year they brought it back in taupe, opaque white and black. I am tempted to get more than one color.

If you buy this, I promise it will be a wardrobe staple and for $68 it more than pays for itself. I am usually a 6-8 and bought a size medium which is very flattering the way it skims the body. It’s the perfect thing under a small cardigan or jacket when it is autumn! I just wear a regular bra with pretty straps with it and let them show if I remove a jacket or cardigan.

Two other very ‘fall’ items that popped up on my feed today and would work now…

Loving this plaid popover at Madewell, reminds me of my Anthro top I keep bringing out each fall, and you could dress this up with boots and a skirt beautifully.

How sweet is this Sydney Lace Blouse for any fall gatherings? I am a sucker for these autumnal colors. I noticed they paired this with black jeans also.

Looks like black jeans are big for fall!

I’ve really missed doing fashion posts with all the house stuff. This is how I’ve felt the last few months…

Coming soon I’ll have a beauty post and more fashion..

Hoping you all are able to find a few minutes each day to bask in this late fall warmth!

Kim

A Sneak Peek at Trina Turk Fall

October 15, 2018 By kimwheeler 10 Comments

I have always loved Back to School shopping and fall. Something about the change in the air, the crisp colorful leaves, and the holidays coming make me excited for plaids, soft sweaters and autumn colors. It’s also that time of year when I try to add a few cool new pieces to my wardrobe, so I am excited to be part of Trina Turk’s fall shopping party next Wednesday, October 24, 10-1 in Burlingame. I especially love the fall event which comes at the perfect time for holidays and other special celebrations- and cooler weather. Yay!

I am looking forward to seeing some of you there. Suzanne Bell, my partner in this, is also a Bay Area native and a super stylist- check out her blog- Ask Suzanne Bell. Together we will help you shop and pull together looks for you and find what looks great, plus you’ll get 20% off on your purchase and the boutique will have light nibbles and some drinks while you shop. It’s always a lot of fun for everyone.

Last week Suzanne and I pre-shopped the new collection and played dress up. We spent almost 3 hours there and had a blast finding so many chic things. Below are our most loved of this collection. I am always proud to collaborate with Trina Turk as she’s a California designer, a Northern Cal native gal like Suzanne and I, and many of her clothes are made in California. Her clothes are beautifully constructed, with elegant details and they are the kind of pieces you can collect over the years and go back to year after year and still adore. I have collected a few treasures each year and still wear all of them. Come and see the clothes in person if you can and bring a friend and have lunch on Burlingame Avenue, one of my favorite places. Now on with the show…

Wraps and ponchos are perfect for California fall weather and we loved the two on the top blog pic, which we wore wrapped, but you can wear them down as ponchos. So versatile and cozy.

Suzanne’s was a beautiful soft deep blue and I choose the plaid with my khaki. I’m ready for my cameo on Outlander now. (Is anyone else obsessed with that show?)

Speaking of plaid let’s go with that theme for a minute…

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Fall Shopping..

October 16, 2015 By kimwheeler 11 Comments

I know it’s fall, but here in California it’s summer still. Seriously, we are in the 90s again this week and it’s too much. I have called it quits for the summer clothes and started looking for fall inspired things to wear. I happened to run past Banana Republic in town and their windows just grabbed me. Burgundys, smoky neutrals and gold accents drew me in and I fell in love with all the autumn looks.

Banana seems to have a lot more modern shapes and styles since the designer from J Crew took over. Love the modern look! That said, some things need trying on as they may run big from their traditional sizes. The overall look is fresh.. Some of the best..

I love these Bridget T-strap shoes with edgy studs on the strap and would wear them with distressed jeans as well as dresses for fall.

This gold envelope clutch is a great size and I can see it becoming long time addition to the wardrobe for dressier evenings as well.

BR has a great variation of jean styles in store now with nice washes. I bought a pair of cropped flares, something I didn’t have. ( I swear I had a pair of cropped flares about 15 years ago and just donated them last year! Who knew they would be in again..) They are the perfect relaxed jean with chunky sweaters.

The ragged edge makes them darling with ballet flats, sneakers or even pumps.

These Aiden D’Orsay flats are also nice. I’m loving Burgundy tones right now and I think this particular one is so pretty in the suede. The J Crew version is chic too and I can vouch for their quality as I have the Crew ones from last year in a tan and still wear them tons. The D’Orsay style is brilliant as it feels dressier like a heel, but it’s a flat.

Banana has a beautiful color story with these burgandys, soft pinks, grey and taupes.
This Ashbury unstructured tote was another beauty.

I bought a few things from the burgundy family. My favorite purchase was beautifully made and lined Banana Republic swing tank. I think it will be dressy with skinny pants and heels and also transition to casual if layered with a long T and jeans for cooler autumn days.

I couldn’t resist getting this longer Banana Republic textured tank in a wine tone too. I have it on here with the Banana flared crop jeans and my own Sam Edelman booties that I have worn to bits. One of the best wardrobe pieces for fall and winter is boots in this taupe sueded tone. Banana has it’s own version and it’s pretty cute with a bit higher heel.

I bought one more item for fall..

It’s the softest brushed jersey top in a dark cherry.

I cannot wait to wear this one. Cool weather now please!

Banana Republic seems to have sales on the full-price merchandise running quite frequently, usually on weekends and beginning on Fridays. I happened to hit the sale on the past holiday weekend so prices were almost 40% off regular and 50% off clearance items.

I’m trying to add pops of color, like these burgundy pieces to the wardrobe to update it for fall and keep any new purchasing to things I don’t already have. I hoping these 3 shirts and the jeans are enough with my other closet stalwarts to get through most of fall and winter or until I cooler weather happens, if ever!

Have you added any new items for fall to your wardrobe? Do you have a strategy for seasonal shopping? Mine is usually clean the closet out first, donate, or resell, then shop. I find it helps me stay on track and add things I really need and less impulse items!! Always an issue. I’d like to to visit resale places like Crossroads Trading more often to find more unique pieces and wear more vintage! Jewelry included. It’s better for the earth too…

Kim

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

Monday Musings

November 4, 2013 By kimwheeler No Comments

Hello friends! Starting the week with a ton of things on my to-do-list, but wanted to take a minute to share a few things I’m loving now, and to ease you into Monday..

Quick turkey and Rice Soup. Perfect for a Monday night dinner. I made this last night in about 10 minutes and it was a hit. via Martha Stewart

Thanksgiving is on my mind now, my table and what to wear this fall.

I’d like to recreate something like this look above for my table. The persimmons and old silver are gorgeous together.

It’s gotten downright cold here in Northern California! I finally took out all my sweaters and boots this weekend, and sadly stored all the pool toys too. Sizing up the old wardrobe, I am in need of a warm everyday coat and I also want a pair of short suede tan booties for running about.

Love this worn so casually and open. The length is great too. Similar ones here and here.

How cute is this? Tan or light suede boots looks flattering with lighter jeans. I also love the less dressy more casual vibe they give. The closest I’ve seen to these tobacco colored booties are this pair from Nordstrom. Also these skinnies look similar and these Citizens at Anthro are pretty cute. For a long loose fit striped T nothing beats the selection and quality at Boden and this one is almost identical.