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Spring and Summer Fashion

Weekend Fun- An Easy Dress, Beautiful Lipstick & the Bag Organizer You Will Love

March 10, 2023 By kimwheeler 24 Comments

On this post, a block print dress for spring and travel that will be a go-to, a lipstick that helps the endangered species and is also a beautiful treat, the best tote organizer, a fun podcast and more..

How has your week been? You over the rain yet? I almost feel bad telling you I am lucky to be in a sunny locale…I am on my first girls’ getaway since the pandemic at the BNP Tennis tournament in Indian Wells. It’s a big tournament and they often call it the fourth slam because all the big names go. I am with my dear friends Bari and E, who are also tennis lovers. We haven’t done this for four years due to Covid and such.

It’s two straight days of – watching practices, doubles and singles.. The Indian Wells Tennis Gardens are a tennis lovers paradise with tennis shops, and cute places to eat and drink and more. It’s everything tennis and tons of tennis crazy people. We are also doing a little spa treatment and then back home..

You can follow along on my Instagram for more pictures and I’ll have more to share next week. For that reason this post is a bit brief today.

On my radar this week …

I came across This Old Thing, a clothes centered podcast with Brit Bay Garnett who was at British Vogue and stages fashion shows for Oxfam, and is called ‘queen of thrift.’ She chats with people who also love clothes and vintage. She talks favorite outfits from childhood, thrifting and great thrift treasures, tips and more. I especially enjoyed costumes designer Sandy Powell’s episode. You can listen on Spotify or where you get your podcasts. Bay says you can’t build a beautiful wardrobe without second hand

Emerson Fry has the prettiest collection of India Block prints always and this dress and here in blue, would be great on everyone. These are light and great to pack for a getaway or hopefully be worn on repeat someday when it is warm and water isn’t falling out of the sky!

With tennis on my brain this week, I spotted this cute canvas tote from Scotch & Soda, with a vintage tennis vibe..A fun one to use as a light purse on sunny days out or to fold and bring as a shopper.

Chantecaille is one of my favorite brands for their products which are cruelty free, vegan, but also very luxe. They are committed to helping the planet and their Wild Meadow Collection is the latest committed to help a region, this one being the Carpathian Mountains and meadows in Romania which ‘ripple with wildflowers, butterflies, and 200-plus bird species, are among the most biodiverse in Europe.’ This area holds some of the last of their species and is being infringed upon by agriculture. This lipstick is a bit pricier, but one of a beautiful collection that gives back and helps. I just adore the tube and the colors Crocus or Carpathia look pretty in this super hydrating lip color.

Beautiful product by a local Bay Area mom..

My friend Lauren has a company she started called Tote Savvy. A mom of three, she created her organizer when she realized she did not want to carry an ugly diaper bag. I so remember that feeling! Her smart organizers fit in most regular bags and she has expanded to three sizes. They took off and they are super popular not just with moms, but with people who love to be organized.

These inserts can easily moved between your bags and have a place for everything. I just ordered the Mini Tote insert for my trip. You can buy them on her site along with travel accessories and other cute bags, and darling gifts for mom and baby too. More ideas on how fans style them on Tote Savvy Instagram.

This week Juliet, Annie, Mary Ann and Cindy all did posts on refreshing your house for spring..All chock full of fun ideas.

If you missed last weekend’s post, I shared cool readers, spring things, rustic scones, J Crew’s new direction, a little about my mom and more..

Thanks for being here!

Kim

Please visit my pals Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs..

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

PINECONES AND ACORNS

If you’d like to get an email when I publish, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month and every Saturday for Weekend Meanderings.

Some links will generate a small commission here, which helps make this blog possible. Thanks so much for your support!

Filed Under: Spring and Summer Fashion Tagged With: #californialiving, #springstyle

Spring Colors, White Jeans, and Skin Cleansers

January 28, 2023 By kimwheeler 45 Comments

On this post..spring colors that are trending in home and fashion, white jeans to add a lift to your winter staples, skin cleansers you might need and more..

Well this has been a sad in California with two terrible shootings. So many innocent people living their lives, dancing with their friends, celebrating, and others just trying to make ends meet. All were at the mercy of unhappy or unstable people with access to guns.

The need for the assault weapon ban is urgent. When we let the assault weapon ban expire, mass shooting rose 245% in America. I don’t give up hope we can do this and it’s going to take reeducating our nation and pointing out that the majority of countries in this world, live with sane gun regulations and have gun deaths in the single digits each year. We need to prioritize human lives over guns. It’s that simple.

Gabrielle Blair, has written some common sense posts it, and I recommend her thoughts. We must imagine and do the hard work to create a life in America with less guns because if we keep going as we are, we are doomed.

White jeans to give your winter wardrobe a boost

I found my basket of white jeans on the closet floor this week and thought I’d start wearing them with chunky sweaters and jackets. Just about now, white jeans are a mood lifter and just what we need to give the warm winter staples a punch. You’ll find adding a white jean to your black sweaters super chic and neutrals like greys, camels, and beiges looks very luxe and transitional for the seasons.

white jeans and shacket in winter
white jeans and black sweater

Get your white denim out and try mixing it up. I’ve seen very cute looks with white jeans, winter boots and puffer jackets too..

When I shared the photo on Instagram, a few people wanted suggestions for good white jeans. I suggest a thicker cotton and straight leg, not a skinny. Mine are these (very few left), but another option with zip fly are these from J.Crew . Other options are these from Paige, these from Mother always rated highly, and these from AGOLDE, and these in off-white, and these Gap jeans are a great price.

2023 Spring Color Story

This week on our Instagram LIVE with Juliet, we discussed the 2023 color trends, and for spring the colors are most definitely skewing towards pastels, think Easter colors, with a twist. Pinks have a purply or magenta hue, there is a lot of lavender, soft pistachio greens ( you could call it celery if you prefer) and baby duck yellows. This seems to be the case with interiors as well as clothes. You will see these tones in home decor, usually as a punctuating factor in a neutral rooms and with bits of dark blues, Kelly greens, and magenta thrown in there.

This is just a sampling of the this trend in my mail this week..

2023 color story
By the way, I loved the Mothers & Sons article and photos in Town & Country and Viola Davis’s home AD is beautiful..as is she. Love the yellow on her! Yes I still subscribe to a few magazines!

I am noticing a lot of yellow+magneta ( kind of fresh), baby blue+mauve ( the 80’s forever ), and the celery thrown in with all these tones..(Max once dubbed this color ‘Shamrock Shake’ which forever wrecked the way I felt about a Sage wall, but I digress.)

I have added a few pieces in pastel to my neutral coffee table with a book, a box for my remotes, and a pretty candle..

coffee table styling with Serena & Lily tray and grasscloth box
The tray from Serena & Lily on sale now. Box and pot found recently at Homegoods. Book is Vibrant interiors

Spring Color Trends in Fashion..

This color story continues with retailers. J. Crew got on this trend tout sweet and has many pretty options and even t-shirts, should you only wish to dip your toe in this pastel kaliedescope. Did you know the term, ‘tout sweet’ evolved from American soldiers mangling the French ‘tout de suite’, which means immediately, during WWI? Sort of interesting! …AND back to the subject.

I made a collage of these trending tones and the point isn’t to wear them all together, well you could, but more to inspire you to add a piece in these shades to your spring look..It just takes a new shoe, a top or a bag to mix with what you already own..and if you own any of these colors, get them back out!

Spring color story fashion 2023

I love the Lady jacket in denim, Nicole Wittenberg Sweet William T-shirt, and this stripe shirt is giving me vintage Esprit vibes, pink loafers, pink cashmere sweater (wonderful to wear as a scarf too), Tevas in sherbert tones, jeans from J. Crew, Gucci Violet Sunglasses, and the prettiest spring green crossbody bucket from Tory Burch.

Skincare Part II – Cleansers

Last week I shares my skincare faves and neglected to share my cleansing routine, which is really the most important thing and can improve your skin perhaps more than any cream. I have to be honest, I get lazy during the cold months and sometimes don’t wash efficiently at night. After the holidays I stepped up my cleansing by adding this organic Klorane micellular cleanser which removes all my makeup easily before my regular cleanser. It also helps my cleanser be more effective.

Klorane Micellaire Cleanser
Shiseido WASO gel to oil cleanser
Indie Lee toner with hyaluronic acid

I clean with this gel to oil cleanser which I love for these drier months, from Shiseido’s Clean and natural Waso line. I also added a toner. I’ve been sans toner for a long time, but I kept reading how important this step is to remove the residue and set the skin up for your night routine. I choose this Indie Lee Toner with Co-q10 and hyaluronic acid, which is also clean with no toxic ingredients.. Just the addition of these two steps improved my skin visibly in less than a week! My skin looks clearer and much brighter. Step up your cleansing and you will see changes. A good habit to begin in the new year.

The Sea Glass House

I will be bringing back my house of the week soon, but real estate listings have been lean. I did notice one of my favorite houses on the scenic drive around Carmel Beach is up for sale. You can see all the details on Sea Glass here. Who wouldn’t mind living in this glass house?

Carmel Sea Glass House
Kitchen in Carmel California beach house
Glass House in Carmel, Ca.

Other things..

First Lady Jill Biden’s beautiful inaugural ensembles were added to the Smithsonian’s First Ladies exhibit this week. I loved her dresses, especially the white by Gabriel Hurst. Included were all had custom masks, as it took place in the middle of the pandemic. She is the only First Lady to ever have those. I wonder what we will think when we look back one day…and what we lived through and are still emerging from..Read more about Dr Biden’s dresses and the ceremony here.

Without wading too much into the Prince Harry debate, as I know it’s quite charged, I listened to his memoir, and there are a million articles and opinion pieces on it all, but I felt this piece in NYTimes really said something none of the others did and I quite liked it.

Cindy had a very stylish California girl on her Ageless style this week. Wren is a friend I have made through Instagram, and a very sweet person who lives in SLO ( San Louis Obispo), and has fantastic casual chic. I think you’ll love this post on her!

white and cream ensemble on Californian women, Wren.

Next week I’ll be joining a few others on Thursday with fun Valentine’s Day ideas.. so if you aren’t subscribed, you can below!

If you missed last week’s post – I shared ideas for a dining room refresh, San Francisco houses, skincare I am loving, and more..

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Kim

Please visit my pals Elizabeth and Juliet’s lovely blogs..

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

PINECONES AND ACORNS

If you’d like to get an email when I publish, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month and every Saturday for Weekend Meanderings.

Some links will generate a small commission here, which helps make this blog possible. Thanks so much for your support!

Filed Under: Featured, Spring and Summer Fashion Tagged With: #californiahomestyle, #spring 2023color, #springfashion

Easy Chic for Spring/Summer with White Shirts

April 21, 2022 By kimwheeler 34 Comments

Hello, I’m on my fourth day of Covid as I write this and though I could be resting, I’m feeling grateful today for sunshine and getting better and I wanted to share something I am passionate about- white shirts!

Today I am joining a stylish group to talk spring and summer fashion and at the end you can hop over and visit their blogs and see their thoughts too.

White shirts were top of my mind when I think of lighter dressing. I love a white shirt and now that warmer days are on the way, I’ve pulled out all my white blouses, laundered them, and have them front and center in my wardrobe.

Why are white shirts so chic?

They are universally flattering. It’s like one of those photography umbrellas held up to the face, but by your shirt!

They go with everything.

Layers! Need I say more?

They flatter much more than a t-shirt as they skim the body!

Classic style.. Katherine Hepburn, Diane Keaton, Lauren Hutton, Sharon Stone..the list goes on. ( I almost forgot Carolina Herrera!! She is the white shirt queen.)

I love seeing all my white shirts together..

Nothing beats a closet clean-out. DO this before you shop. Try on every piece too. I love collecting pretty pieces..Some I have had for a long time..

I personally love to wear my eyelet and lacy blouses with something tougher like distressed jeans or a leather or camo pants..

Some of the newer shorter and fuller shapes can be fun too.. Less tucking, and they look good with high waisted pants and skirts. If the sleeves are too big, just roll them up. Details like the poet’s sleeve and wider cut shirts can give you an updated look while still being a classic piece..

My most favorite white shirt currently is this which has poet’s sleeves. It’s a newer look with jeans and a sweater over the shoulders for cooler days. It can also work as above (tied with a knot), with a skirt and slides for spring/ summer. They no longer sell this shirt at Banana, but a nearly identical one is here at Anthro, my Seychelles Slides here, and the skirt I’ve had for a while. (This pink look was going to be my Easter outfit before I got sick… I’ll trot it out again.)

Some street inspo

Let’s see some inspiration and ideas for styling your white shirt.

All these images and more on my Pinterest Board, White Shirt Style.

A few I like below…

I chose a few classic and also some newer styles and shapes. You need classic, modern, and feminine white shirts to round out the closet. If you’re in the market, these are a few good ones..

Everlane Boxy Oxford
Alex Mill Ruffle Poplin
White Company Eyelet Blouse
J.Crew Cotton Popover
J.Crew Smocked Top
Aqua Lace Tassel Top
Aqua Statement Blouse
Banana Republic Ramie Shirt
Banana Republic Sleeveless Shirt
BR Linen Stripe Shirt (also in white)
Tuckernuck Oversized Oxford
Anthro Ruffled Blouse

The other button-ups I really like are from Grayson. I have their Hero shirt in tissue cotton, but it comes in many different white fabrics here. I love their fit and quality.

A reader reminded me also of AYR, a wonderful California brand that has the Deep End Cotton Oxford, below, that has a brilliant design for a half-tuck, or not. I am ordering this! I also LOVE their denim which you choose your rise, length etc. I recently bought The Pop jeans.

I hope you are rethinking about how to style your white shirts. Look for inspiration and play around and don’t be afraid to raid the guy’s closet for an oversized look… Most importantly, clean out for spring, purge what no longer works and see what good pieces will update everything and last! Think less things and better and shop consignment and vintage. Some of the best pieces are like new and beautiful additions to a unique look and wardrobe!

By the way, I’m doing okay after three hard days of Covid. I’m thankful I was boosted and vaxxed. I can’t imagine this without it. I haven’t been sick in years and I’m grateful to be nearly normal on the fourth day…My husband most likely brought it back with him on a recent trip out of state. Take care everyone!

Thanks for being here.. Please visit these style bloggers who are also doing Spring/Summer fashion today and I know will have some fun things for you..

CLASSIC CASUAL HOME
CINDY HATTERSLEY DESIGN 
MOST LOVELY THINGS
AGE OF GRACE
SARAH LONDON STYLE
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY 

Have a great rest of the week and see you Saturday for my ‘Weekend Meanderings’ post.

Kim

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month! Thank you so much, as Bloglovin seems to have stopped working and I no longer post as much on Facebook and plan to do less there.

Some links will generate a small commission. Thank you for supporting the blog!

Filed Under: Spring and Summer Fashion Tagged With: #spring/summerfashion, #spring/summerfashion2022, #springfashion, #springstyle

Weekend Thoughts and Some Shopping…

February 26, 2021 By kimwheeler 20 Comments

Hello how are you all? Well sorry for the break here. I was just in a bit of a funk. I broke my right small toe by kicking it on furniture of all things, and what a pain. It’s essentially stopped all my active things which is a real bummer given spring is coming and I was hoping to get more toned after this pandemic winter. I’m trying floor workouts, but have had time for a closet cleaning too.

That closet clean got my wheels spinning. All of us having spent a large part of the past year at home, a lot of us have completely ignored 90% of our clothes. I think that gives us pause to reconsider what we wear, what we like and what we will wear going forward. Do we need restricting and uncomfortable clothes? Even if we get done with this pandemic this year, I don’t see skinny jeans and high heels coming back. So many of us have found the joys of relaxed pants, cute sneakers and slides and less formal clothes in general don’t you agree? Also some things are just about to be over in my opinion and high heels are on the way out. Watching the fashion at the inauguration I marveled how many still wore sky high stilettos with their beautiful coats. WHY ? They look dated, and make most women hobble. SO many cooler options now. We really don’t need them!

You know what else looks dated to me? A lot of makeup, overdone nails, fussy hair and you know what is current? Natural makeup, some roots in the hair, clothes that are a combo of relaxed and elegant- hence the sweat and blazer combo, sneakers with a dress, and so on. Think your home look, but just buffed up and polished a bit more..

I just listened to a piece on public radio talking to women who before the pandemic, were slaves to the daily routine of makeup, blow drying, nail appointments and all that and they feel freed of it all! Others have dropped the daily face makeup routine with the mask wearing. Why not a lot less?

On that note, of needing less… sadly my online shopping radar has naturally had a bit of an uptick sitting with my foot up, and I’ve scoped out a lot of cute things Retailers have realized people have no ‘events’ and what people want/need now are beautiful basics. I haven’t wanted to buy much this past year, given our ‘lifestyle’ is 99.9% staycation, but I went through the closet, pared things a bit and noticed I could add some pieces in the easy living category. :/

All of these below qualify as beautiful basics in my opinion.

J. Crew has finally gone back to its classic roots. I used to adore their catalogs in the early 2000’s and they have brought back the beautiful basics… Some things I would add to my wardrobe below, many of these things are on the 59% off sale this weekend!

I adore this eyelet blouse I can wear now and through summer. This silk camisole is also on sale and perfect for under these kind of blouses or for sleeping in.

I’m crazy for the tennis themed things they have and this Love Forty sweatshirt is on the sale.

This Petunia print Liberty floral button up is also beautiful. Anything from Liberty always is, and on sale, even nicer. There are matching swimsuits in this print called Mini-Floral Walk also! How fun to have this as a light coverup over it?

They have really done a super job of styling their cashmere pieces together and I love the shells with the sweaters half over the shoulder, the layered look with the new slouchier Boyfriend White Jeans they carry and this cashmere T.. all springy and classic. See all the cashmere from them here.

Also how cool are these Slouchy Boyfriend Chinos? After spending a year in the home in soft pants, the last thing I want is to go back to tight pants. I love the look of these and rolled up two ankle look could also be cute. Again a classic!

Love them with a white sneaker or something like these thin leather flip-flops. They also look cute as shown with the white denim above .

Isn’t the color great on these retro sunglasses?

Another retailer that keeps making pretty things is Tory Burch. I love her Lee Radziwell bags of all styles. The small cross bodies seem to be the easy bag to have now. I am really loving the mix of materials on them and colors. Each one is so unique..This suede/leather mix petite double is pretty and has a cross-body strap..

But then there are so many versions, all beautiful. I think she’s created a classic with it. A few of the many Radiziwell styles below. They remind me of the Birkin/Kelly bag without the outrageous prices. Still not cheap, but reasonable for the quality. Quality is the goal- longevity, classic looks, etc. There’s about 30 styles..Just a few below.

They also came out with this darling Printed Tote for summer -very cute.

Tory just came out with her own version of Birks and they are all the prettiest colors..

I have also been eyeing this swingy short dress which would go easily with slides and sneakers. I think you’re going to see more and more tunic dresses like this. They are versatile, comfortable and can be worn over jeans for an arty everyday look or dressed up.

I don’t know why I am obsessed with slides, but maybe laziness. They are just so easy. Tory’s Double T Sport Slides come in a pretty tan and off white, but I do love this black..

All my Tory shoes have lasted so long. Beautifully made!

Have you noticed the comeback of the 90’s polo style in sweaters? I love that look like this cardigan from Madewell. I like the Chanel pocket shape and the jacket look, but with knitwear ease. Would be pretty alone – or with a thin t-shirt and some long necklaces? Another classic.

I also like the sneakers Madewell has including these cute Veja ones in pink. If we are getting away from heels and all that we all need more sneakers in our closets!

Veja sneakers originate from Paris, but are made in Brazil from sustainable materials, including soles constructed of wild rubber from the Amazonian rain forest. I love all the Veja styles and they’re just as cute -sustainable and more affordable than the Golden Goose.

On my retail deep dive I just ordered this phone case from St Frank. I like the quality of their cases and this will be my third. Their other items I can’t speak for as I had some issues with delivery, and they never came, but the phone cases have come on time and been excellent.

They have many cool cases made off their textiles…A few others:

If you need some light and fun reading, this book, Long Live The Queen:23 Rules for Living From Britain’s Longest-Reigning Monarch looks pretty entertaining. Great lessons on resiliency, living with grace and simplicity using the Queen’s own habits and methods.

I’m in!

Another fun thing, I was reading Jeanne’s great blog, Collage of Life, and she shared she made a book of all her Instagram posts of the past year on a site called Pastbook. Its fast, made for you, instantly, and you can customize cover or remove a post. I just did the quick version, and edited the cover and added a back cover photo too. It came in a few days and is kind of a nice memory of the past year (okay a lot of home photos- LOL). I love seeing all the photos in a bound in a real book. Would be a nice gift for someone too. A glimpse of mine…

Let me know below your thoughts on all this wardrobe stuff.. Is anyone else feeling the same about their clothes and what they want to wear or don’t anymore?

So what are your weekend plans for this time of year? I think picnics in the car at a scenic spot are a good thing right now. My guys are off to ski and so I have time to do some masks, binge a few shows like Escape to the Chateau, and finish a book or two.

That is all for this week.. I am working on page about cabin style and a few other things relating to the remodel to add to the blog, so stay tuned.

If you missed it I just shared a walk through video of the entry and main rooms of our remodel on my Instagram this week and you can watch here.

Happy Weekend!

Kim

Some links may sometimes generate a small commission. Thank you for supporting the blog!

Filed Under: Spring and Summer Fashion, Uncategorized Tagged With: #chinos, #handbags, #iphonecases, #queenelizabeth, #springclothes #classicclothes. #jcrew, #toryburch, Libertyprints

My Spring Favorites From Nordstrom

April 27, 2017 By kimwheeler 6 Comments

Nordstrom has been sending me many updates about their spring and summer essentials. There are so many cute new things it’s easy to want everything. Fortunately, I just did a major spring cleaning and that included my closet. I donated and sold back 7 bags of clothes and shoes. In that process I did a good survey of what I really need for spring and summer and do not want to add anything unless it is something that is missing or needed replacing. I love the streamline and less cluttered feel of my closet and want it to stay that way!
 Looking at all the lovely offerings from Nordstrom this spring, I found some pieces that will update my warm weather clothes I already own like white jeans, striped pull-overs, my Stan Smith Sneakers, nicer T-shirts, floaty tops and leather sandals. 
Here’s what I think are some of the prettiest offering from the Nordstrom Spring looks and what I am considering adding to get me through spring and summer…
I love a little fringe and this Vince Camuto Ulla Woven Tote and it’s 40% off now.
On my last trip into Nordstrom, next to the tote was this another fringetastic option..
I tried on these Michael Kors Shaw Espadrilles  and they were super comfy.  They come in a denim color too. The perfect shoe to run out the door in and light enough to pack for travel. 
Another option in the espadrille department that I like are these Tory Burch leather trimmed ones. Just a very cute design. Love these with white jeans.

Gentle Souls ‘Break My Heart’ sandals have been on my radar for a while and now that I have a summer trip to Italy planned, I am going to splurge on these. I need a comfy sandal that has a good soul and these are top rated for comfort as well as style. I plan to pack just these, some cute sneakers and a pair of flip flops for the few weeks I am gone. Hoping these could transition from day to evening.
This Hinge cotton and linen bomber jacket is a nice lightweight jacket for warmer weather. An update on the jean jacket perhaps.
I also have been noticing a lot of these floaty jackets  which  are also very flattering as a layering piece over a longer tank or top. This utility jacket in a model material would be nice for warm weather travel too. I like the khaki color for summer.

The Gibson Bell Sleeve Poplin Top is a fun addition to your classic jeans and feels so ladylike.

Shorts are a necessity for California summers and I am always looking for some that are age appropriate and yet not frumpy. I love the length and casual look of these Sanctuary Habitat Shorts.  They are not tight and can be made longer by opening the side snaps. They also come in black and a cool cadet green. 
If you like shorts, getting a better quality jean shorts will look and feel so much better than tight and cheaper ones you can find everywhere. If you get just one pair it is worth it as they make everything look good. The 7 For All Mankind version have a relaxed fit that is very flattering and the length on these is also adjustable.  The comfort though will make these all you want to wear. I like them with flow blouses and flat sandals as well as sneakers and sweaters.
If you don’t already own some nice Ts this is the time to stock up and get a few good ones that make everything look nice. The Madewell Whisper V-Neck Ts are flattering and for the price look like a more expensive T. I think it’s nice to get a fresh white and black one each year, but this blue is nice and there is also a blush pink which is quite pretty. These have a soft fit yet still look chic and tailored.
Sanctuary Lace Trim Shift Dress. The perfect throw on piece and to pack. Dress it up or add flats or flip-flops and you have nice casual look for day.
Speaking of flip-flops every year I invest in another pair of Tory Burch flip flops. They are my go to all year long for trips and fast errands. They make everything look pretty and are well made. My past years then become my yard ones. You don’t realize how beat flip-flops can get after a summer, so think about upgrading and get a fresh pair each summer. 
The Tory version is good for packing for a holiday as they can go from pool to a beach dinner if you need. These Tory Burch Flip Flops are my favorite this year, but many new styles are out, all darling!!

Everyone needs a easy denim dresses for summer and this Madewell Raw Edge Shirt Dress is the throw on piece for everything as you can dress it up or down.

This is another denim Madewell dress which is cute as a coverup, or run around summer days with darling sandals. It’s on sale and I love that it just shows a bit of shoulder.

I have a weakness for t-strap sandals and noticed this new version of the classic Bernardos. I love them in platinum, black, and even the red.

What are your spring and summer clothing go-tos? I love to hear everyone’s strategies for updating your seasonal wardrobe.

I really think it’s enormously helpful if you clean out and take stock before you buy. Then you see what you really need, what was worth buying and it prevents impulse shopping. A cluttered closet is not a good thing. You want less things and only things that you really love and that make you look and feel good and that will hopefully last.

One strategy is not to shop as a pastime and shop with specific things in mind. It helps me a lot!

Kim

Filed Under: Nordstrom Spring Picks, Spring and Summer Fashion, Spring and Summer Wardrobe Planning

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On the blog today… The prettiest Montecito getaw On the blog today… The prettiest Montecito getaway on @archdigest, spring yellows, a cookbook, and an easy tortilla soup.. and more! 

Please visit Juliet and Elizabeth blogs …links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns
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. 💛

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