Spring fashion

Weekend – Cool Readers, Spring Things, J Crew’s New Direction & More

March 3, 2023 By kimwheeler 54 Comments

On this weekend post -cool readers, spring things, rustic scones, J Crew’s new direction, a little about my mom and more..

Hope your week was good. We had more snow and rain and the cold just keeps on coming here. I do believe this has been the coldest winter in California.

We haven’t been able to get back up to Tahoe as every weekend, some sort of bad storm has been either on or imminent! I thought you might like to see the current state of the cabin which I have already had cleared and dug out twice this year.. I’m hoping it’s still under there ..and maybe the igloo our kids built too..

That is the driveway view and right the porch camera. Another storm on way this weekend!

We did get some sun this week and had sunshine streaming in the front window..

Marlo loves the sun too. By the way my Alamere Rug that I adore is 20% off now.

On my radar this week

I am obsessed with this Cocojune coconut milk yogurt. It feels like eating whipped cream and is so yummy even plain. If I add a smidge of honey, walnuts it feels like a treat. This has all the probiotics and they are the first certified plastic neutral yogurt company in the U.S.-no plastic containers- all organic. More about them here. I buy mine at Whole Foods and you can get them here too.

Anthropologie has lovely new hand washes with the softest scents. ( I smell tested them all for you in person.) I LOVE the glass bottles which I would reuse afterwards. They make a sweet gift and I just bought the violet one for a friend’s birthday. A nice luxury for $24 . The Violet and Lily scents were my favorite and they also have the prettiest matching candles in a tortoiseshell glass.

I just got Colorscience Total Eye Renewal Therapy with SPF 35 for my sensitive eyes. I have the fair color which brightens the eye area and applicator helps with puffiness. I am going to a tennis tournament next week and need sunscreen -which can make my eyes water, and this does not. I am linking to the Dermstore because it’s 20% off there now ( and 20% off sitewide if you need skin things it’s a good time to buy.)

Ballet flats are having a big comeback and I think the look of a feminine flat is especially good contrasted with the bigger and wider jeans and pants. I have had my eye on this metallic pair- Sea by Chloe, love the look and the buckle. I envision a pretty white blouse and jeans with them.

Tangelos are in season and my dad’s tree is having it’s best year yet. I love them for the sweet/tangy taste and they are amazing in a Gin & Tonic, which I made last weekend ( took pic almost after the fact.) They also are great just a big wedge in fizzy water or as a snack with dark chocolate. We need all the Vitamin C we can get this cold winter!

I have Caddis frames and love them, but these aviators readers look a bit lighter in weight than their usual lenses and pretty in the slight blue and pink versions.

The Piazza small shoulder bag in Sandy Shore is a great light bag for spring, a nice update and alternative to the crossbody bag. Such a luxe color too.

J Crew’s New Designer Olympia Gayot

I loved reading this article in Bazaar about J. Crew’s new head of design Olympia. She has really has brought back some of the best of the older J. Crew and put her spin on things. She posts selfies of how she wears a lot of the clothes on her own Instagram which is fun to follow and includes vintage Crew catalog inspo as well.

Some of her best ideas have been the lady jacket that she has brought out in all sorts of versions and like this pink above with the white jeans, socks and loafers.. This look below is also so good. Olympia’s picks of the month are on this page.

Lemon almond scones

I was craving a scone and tea on one of the darker rainy afternoons this week and modified my favorite scone recipe from Rose Bakery in Paris by adding Meyer Lemons and almonds. This is the recipe, taken from their wonderful Breakfast Lunch Tea book. To this I add the zest and juice of one large or two smallish lemons and also one cup of sliced almonds. I also have a Instagram post with it.

A little about my mom Suzanne…

February is a bittersweet month for me as my mom passed away 8 years ago and she was also a February baby born on Leap Year. I recently found some of her high school pics. She was always telling me high school would be the best years of my life. While I liked high school, it wasn’t the same for me as it was for her!

My mom went to West Milwaukee High School, which no longer exists. She was a sporty person, playing volleyball, was the star of many of the school aquacades ( synchronized swimming, but they called it water ballet), and was on all the homecoming courts and prom things. These pics were from her senior year book.

Mom played on a night volleyball league with friends when we were kids. We had a pool and she tried hard to teach me her synchronized swimming tricks like dolphins and dives. I was never as good as my mom at holding my breath. She always wore nose plugs and could go for a long time under water. Both my parents were water people, my dad a water polo player and a lifeguard.. Neither my brother nor I became as sporty as them.

When I look at the photos I think of all the friends my mom had back in Milwaukee and how she gave them up and said goodbye to her family, (she was one of eight kids), to come west. She drove out here with girlfriends to see California, got a job working at a lab at Stanford, and never went back except to visit a few times. She was adventurous and wanted to join the Peace Corp..

She met my dad who lived in the apartment below she shared with her friend Karen in San Jose. Dad lived with his cousin, and they both married the boys downstairs!

My parent’s 1964 wedding. Reception was in my grandparent’s California backyard.

Mom below and with Griffy when he was small..

We only went back a few times as a kid to visit Wisconsin. Travel was expensive and that was the 70’s. It was rare for people to fly places. We went twice on a train and later twice made the trip across country driving. I wished we had been able to see Wisconsin when we were older with her and know more about her time growing up there. She wasn’t one to dwell on the past though, and loved her life in California. She missed her family very much though.

I just had to share this little bit about her on her birthday. Hope you don’t mind.

……

Next week I have Signature Style on Tuesday with Cindy, so check back in for some ideas on resort and travel dressing… I am leaving Wednesday to go to the BNP Tennis Tournament in Indian Wells, so I hope to have some cool things to share! If anyone you know if going – this post has tips.

On last weekend’s post, I shared 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.

Wishing you a great weekend !

Kim

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

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

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White Jeans for the Transitional Wardrobe

April 15, 2016 By kimwheeler 7 Comments

I kind of love this time of year. One day it’s cloudy and drizzly, and the next sunny and beautiful. I try to grab a few minutes outside and soak in some vitamin D when it’s warm. The next day it’s chilly and I’m by the fire with tea and a big sweater knowing the cool days are numbered.

The only wardrobe item that works consistently this time of year is white jeans. They are springlike, yet still warm. They feel fresher than blue jeans right now, which I’m about done with. Aerin Lauder’s look above is exactly how I want to dress. I love her off-handed style and the addition of the wintery leather jacket here. Another great look is a big sweater in a light beige or a heathered grey tone with white jeans. It’s all about adding a winter staple with the jeans to make it transcend the seasons.

White jeans, as a rule, do not look great super tight on most people. With the skinny jean trend still hanging on, it can be difficult to find a pair that flatters. You want your white jeans to fit, but not grab the thighs. The best look can be found with a thicker material jean, so look for pairs without super thin fabric. I prefer mine straight legged and barely clinging to the leg. I often buy them a size up. Full length or right above the ankle is the most flattering.

I like all the ways these white jeans are styled here, mainly with solids like camel, navy and black. White jeans should be a wardrobe staple and classic you can keep in rotation once you find the right pair. The French wear them all year and they can look especially great with flat sandals and a stylish sneaker or even an ankle boot.

My favorite pair I own are these Paige Verdugo white jeans. The fit is slim, but not tight and I bought a size up. They are ankle length, but at 5’4 they are full-length for me. I also love Frame denim which fits like a dream and this white Frame version is classic, not too skinny and is again longer than shown. I’m also eyeing this pair by Goldsign, and these relaxed Kick jeans by Current/Elliott with raw cuffs, which is more trendy, but cute!

Kim

Images via Pinterest

Teal Tones & Spring Inspiration

March 23, 2015 By kimwheeler No Comments

Hello! Hope you all had a happy weekend. We have apparently moved in summer here in California and spring just got bypassed. I had a very exciting last week (coming next), so I spent some down time this weekend working on my home. I noticed I’ve gotten this thing where I keep adding teal or yellow pieces and they look quite good together. Bright and cheering you know?

Succulents cannot be beat for houseplants. They pretty much grow themselves.

I have had browns and neutrals in my family room so added a few pillows…

Seemed to do the job of brightening things for spring (or SUMMER as it seems.)

I moved them from the living room below, where there are pops of teal, and neutrals.

Also a few cellos hanging around.. My son!

I love this heart pillow I got a while back. This yellow leopard I found a TJ Maxx.

The floral one has been in my closet of rotating pillows for a while..

(You know what I mean some of you? I love changing pillows out.)

Just got my C Home. Do you subscribe? The C Home comes out a few times a year and is a big inspiration for California home decor. That is Diane Keaton on the cover and her beautiful home is in this issue too.

This month had the Russian Hill Penthouse of Susan Swartz! What pretty hues and can’t beat her view!

A glimpse at the gorgeous colors in this month’s fashion section. C Magazine is wonderful and now my favorite. It’s got design, travel and just a lot of good stuff. I don’t hardly buy magazines anymore, but it’s a treat when this arrives.

Is it just me or is teal in so many other lovely things right now?

Teal and yellow also figure in these Liberty Edition Vans! They would be perfect with shorts and jeans and I cannot resist a floral, especially a Liberty one. Being a California girl, I’ll always love Vans.

Then yesterday, I got an email that these Caspian Ceramics got marked down at Pottery Barn! I want to add one to the colors here at home. I bought a similar one there last year in a cream color and it looks great in the kitchen too with flowers. More teal!

Lastly I love this J. Crew shirttail blouse, a shell almost, I bought in Sherwood green. This deep teal hue looks pretty with so much and I think this color flatters many people. It’s nice for summer and a layering piece right now with a light sweater like I have here. Yes I still wear them over the shoulder on occasion too…

So have you found teal or any other color this year to be compelling? This happens to me every season.

Back tomorrow with more beauty news! Have a good week.

Kim

Why I ♥ Trina Turk

March 16, 2015 By kimwheeler 19 Comments

There are a lot of choices in this world, especially when it comes to clothes. That’s why I appreciate designers like California’s Trina Turk. As I try to buy less in this world, I want to buy unique and special as well as good quality. That is the hallmark of a Trina Turk garment- beautiful details you won’t find in mass produced clothes, unique colors and fabrics, and above all- superior workmanship. That is why I loved our event on Thursday. It made me proud to partner with such a wonderful company. It didn’t hurt that the clothing was beyond gorgeous!

Thursday I spent the day helping customers find and mix many looks with the Spring II Collection at the Burlingame Trina Turk store. We had the best time and many just stopped in to check it out and try a few things on. After four hours in the store I decided that I loved the clothes and much more. Trina Turk comes out with 11 new collections a year, so the Burlingame location is always fresh with new items and their customers love. The clothes tend to move pretty fast here.

Above I am wearing the Patsy dress I chose and it’s also in the center window display.

Something about the very cool fabric and the darling ball trim on the bottom made it so whimsical. I just love it!

Planning what I was going to wear with my dress..You can see the neat fabric design.

It flatters, and my friend and blogger Jennifer of A Well Styled Life looked great in it too…

I love that most of the dresses are lined which makes them feel and look great.

Elizabeth of The Vintage Contessa came by and also tried on some new things from the collection. Elizabeth looks amazing in vibrant colors.

She knows her unique look and bought these Viva la Vida pants and also got this great Anissa dress below, which she plans on wearing as a top piece. Love Elizabeth’s style! She adds her own special twist to everything with great accessories and pieces like these.

Jennifer looks terrific in the classics like the chicest black pantsuit which everyone should have for a dressy evening.

Just add champagne! SO cute.

Yet she does color well and this Maize maxi dress was very pretty on her too.

With all the activity happening during the event, we had the pleasure of meeting Trina’s sweet sister when she stopped by. She’s local and we grew up in the same neighborhood and attended the same junior high … Small world!

Here she is with two of the terrific ladies, Betsey and Dana, who work at the Burlingame store. The staff at this store have a loyal following. They know the clothes and what looks great together as well as what flatters certain bodies. It’s amazing how spot on their suggestions were for some customers.

This cute customer paired this great fringe jacket with a silky strapless top and pencil skirt. Loved this look for it’s day to evening functionality! Wonderful too for a wedding and the reception after! Again a cute mod necklace really completed this.

Maybe it’s spring fever, but I am ready for more color and some brights in my wardrobe. I found these cute shorts and top that I didn’t notice before. (Confession- I found a ton of things in my four hours as expected.) I adore the fringe and the wonderful fabric. Those little details are what sets her clothes apart. The back has a deep V, but you can still wear a bra.

These kind of shorts are what one used to call ‘hot pants’ in the 70s when I was a girl and my mom shopped at the very chic Joseph Magnin for such things. Trina Turk reminds me a lot of that store and it’s hip vibe, which is still embedded in my brain!

This outfit is perfect with a long gold necklace and some pretty jeweled sandals for a night out.

On the subject of sandals, Trina’s shoes were the other thing we discovered Thursday. They are fabulous, comfortable and looked good with so much. These suede wrap sandals, which Jennifer modeled and bought, felt terrific on and were perfect with all the dresses and clothes. Jennifer ended up purchasing the soft metallic gold tone they come in. I love this blue too. Aren’t they modern? They have a kitten heel.

I’m also thinking these Catalina flats with rubber sole for running about this summer…Just add pretty bright toe color!

The Bellota sandal though, would dress up jeans and a blouse in a Palm Springs way!

So many floaty and feminine little tops too.

I spent time with the home goods. I’m always torn between home and clothing purchases! The pillows are gorgeous and I am planning to add some to my white couch and brighten up the house for Spring.

Just a few… There are rugs as well.

How awesome are these ice buckets? I see a poolside bar in my future.

Lovely, lovely things!

I do hope we get to do another event again because I think so many of you Northern Cal gals are just learning about the Burlingame location. The entire Trina Turk clothing collection is there and if you want clothes that are uniquely Californian you need to see it.

Thanks everyone at Trina Turk for the wonderful afternoon and my beautiful dress.

Hope you get to experience a little Trina soon. It will brighten your day for sure.

Kim

What to wear to a Summer Wedding or Occasion II

June 5, 2013 By kimwheeler No Comments

Kate Moss attending a wedding.

Summer is coming fast and along with that so many special events. That means weddings, graduations, reunions and vacations. I’m thinking that is why one of my most popular and older posts is what to wear to a Summer wedding… It can be a bit stressful finding the right thing to wear that is flattering and is appropriate. Sometimes you aren’t happy with your body or your closet.

Try not to worry. Remember the most attractive people are those who are confident and fun. It’s never the thinnest or ones wearing the most expensive clothes! Heck I personally think it’s the women who think out of the box and wear something older or vintage or totally different that impress me!

Jessica Alba is perfect here for a Summer wedding.

The thing is you need some time to plan what you are going to wear to any special event. You probably shouldn’t be looking the night before! Go through your closet a few weeks prior. This may be a good time to do a Spring cleaning out. Try on all your potential outfits. See what fits, what still works and what needs to go. Be ruthless. Take a good look at what you still love and has lasted. Notice what flatters you and forget trends. Know what you feel good in. That way if you need to shop you have some idea of what works for you. You won’t buy something just like you already own or buy something that just doesn’t flatter.

I just did this and for me I noticed the dresses and things that I still love and have lasted were J Crew. I also noticed shift dresses stay in style and I have several that are over 20 years old. One is a raw silk sleeveless shift with pockets and a scalloped hem from Ann Taylor. Also sadly, some dresses like halters no longer look great on me. I honestly look better more covered up than showing all my moles and spots off. I realized the most flattering length for me is right above the knee.

I purged my closet of 6 bags of clothes that had been there a while. It felt great to have a clean closet and smaller wardrobe. Everything had to fit perfect and be really loved. Shopping after doing this was surprisingly easy. I came home with nothing the first few trips because I knew exactly what I had and that I didn’t want to add anything that wasn’t going to be just what I needed. Loving this white bracelet, but…got one already! Another striped top was darling and hey I already own about 5. You get where I am going. It felt liberating to walk out of stores with nothing.

Time is crunched this part of the year so I have resorted to online shopping and it’s been amazing how many store I can hit from the couch. I’m especially enticed by the free shipping and returns at Nordstrom. You really have nothing to lose. I also find I can tell by the models body type if something is going to flatter me or not. I also read the customer reviews on items at the bottom of the page. Some customers state their height, weight, size and body type and will let you know is someting is too big or tugs or they had to order a size up. Very helpful.

Kate Bosworth in a floaty dress, clutch and pretty sandals at a wedding.

Another friend who is short on time calls the personal shopper at her local Nordstrom and they have many choices in her size already waiting for her along with possible shoes and bags. It’s all complimentary and many store have this. If you hate shopping or just can’t find the time, use these services! It’s just like when the stars use a stylist. They do the same for you. It’s great to have the opinion of someone who puts together clothes all day long. They know what works and what doesn’t! It’s free. You tell them your budget and they will work on making you look good within it.

I’ve linked to some of my favorite picks of all the pretty things out there this season. I have to say I spent some serious time online and there are more dresses than ever. I particularly like the sites that have culled certain dresses together and grouped them as wedding guest dresses. Makes it way easier. Nordstrom was one in particular and you can find it here.

For a Summer wedding the easiest option is a lovely dress, a pretty clutch and a small wrap or scarf to drape on your shoulders. Notice below. She’s got chic hair, small bag (don’t even thing of bringing your regular daytime shoulder bag), wrap or sweater, dressier earrings and pretty shoes. Simple.

In my search for a dress for my son’s graduation and to pack on my travels, I came across quite a few that are perfect for many occasions. I’m sharing some of my favorites and hopefully there is a link to each one on the description should you want to buy or find out more information!

Michael Kors at Nordstrom

One of the day looks that is flattering on almost everyone is the shift dress and if it has a print you can pair it some terrific wedges or a bright clutch for a graduation. I’d skip a necklace and add some larger drop earrings. Love this Michael Kors.

Trina Turk

A sleeveless shift here from Trina Turk is paired with flesh tone pumps. Some bright thick bracelets would look great with this.

J Crew

I’m loving this J Crew dress which is currently on sale and also comes in a coral. You can glam this up for evening with silver accessories or make it more day wedding appropriate with strappy sandals, a bright clutch and fun earrings.

Laundry at Bloomingdales

Have to admit, I’m loving all the prints and florals this year.

Carmen Marc Valvo at Neiman Marcus

Tory Burch

Modcloth

Nordstrom

This above, would be very cute on a young teen or pre-teen.

J Crew

DVF at Nordstrom

The lace trend is pretty and feminine. This DVF dress is perfection and also comes in navy and white lace over grey.

Vince Camuto

Eliza J- Nordstrom

Warm colors are so attractive on most people…

Sue Wong

Alice + Olivia at Neiman’s

I’m trying to include some sleeved items for those gals that want them like above. This would look great on anyone.

Ralph Lauren

One shoulder looks are flattering on many body types!

BCBG

Colorblock Tank Shopbop

Loving the blue this year as well.

Kate Spade at Nordstrom

Maxis dresses can be cute, but for a formal wedding, you’ll need to add heels and a wrap along with dressier hair if you plan on wearing one. The fabric shouldn’t be t-shirt material if you are wearing it to a formal event. Most maxis are beach and cover-up attire so keep that in mind and I don’t think I need to say here that flip-flops are not an option-unless it’s a beach wedding..Then anything goes!

Nordstrom

Lili Pulitzer at Bloomingdales

Patio Cross- Back dress – Banana Republic

Ralph Lauren at Nordstrom

This could be cute for a younger gal as well as a stylish mature lady…Don’t want to forget them.

Lili Pulitzer at Bloomingdales

Have fun whatever you do! Remember the fun people are always the most attractive no matter what they have on.

Do you have a go to you wear for weddings or do you shop for each occasion? Love to hear what all you ladies out there do!

Kim

Sweaters and Shorts

May 28, 2013 By kimwheeler No Comments

This time of the year, I’m ready for shorts and dresses. However, the weather can be flaky and days can fluctuate from warm to rainy and cool like we had this weekend in Northern California. The perfect solution is sweaters with shorts. I personally love this look.

I’m not talking the tacky cut-offs with raggedy edges and pockets sticking out -So Britney Spears ladies! Class up your shorts wardrobe and find some that are neither too short nor too tight. You don’t want them so long either..In fact a shorter length can sometimes hit at a more flattering spot on the leg than a longer short can, so try on many..

Loving the cable knit and penny loafers. Something about a sweater is just so cozy and yet the addition of shorts say Summer. It’s very East Coast where Summers in Maine and those regions can be very cool.

I’m not a huge Taylor Swift fan, but she looks very cute with these flats, little bag and sweater.

This Chanel sweater jacket looks great paired with relaxed shorts and perfect for a night out on Gwyneth Paltrow.

Kate Moss is known for wearing her cut-offs, but looks lovely in these classier shorts and cardigan.

My personal rule with shorts is always wear flats or a very low heel. There’s something about high heels and shorts that I find tacky. Pretty flat sandals or ballets are perfect. (Being over 40, I am careful where I wear shorts. I wear them at the park, beach, shopping and running about. Otherwise, I default to skirts, especially when traveling.)

I love a V-neck boyfriend or slouchier sweater paired with shorts, long necklaces and flats for day and jeweled T-strap flat sandals for night. In fact some of the best sweaters are probably in your husband’s closet right now! If not, J Crew has some great ones here and here and here. I’ve even bought them in the guys departments in smaller sizes as well.