#californiastyle

Californians at Home- Meet the Creator of The Mom Mystique

May 11, 2020 By kimwheeler 27 Comments

Today I am excited to share with you the beginning of my new series, Californians at Home. I’ll feature stylish Californians and how they decorate, entertain and what they love. I am fortunate to have met many cool people in the Bay Area and farther out and I think you’ll enjoy seeing the inspiring way they live here in the Golden State!

Kristin Maxwell came into my circle through tennis. I instantly took a liking to this fun and stylish gal who I only later surprisingly discovered is also a blogger. Kristin recently relaunched her website, The Mom Mystique and I enjoy her weekly newsletter which is filled with good ideas and finds and always a little touchpoint that seems apropos to the moment. When I visited her pretty home for a girl’s lunch a few months ago, I knew she would be a great person to interview about California living. I love her taste and how she lives…

Tell us a little about the Mom Mystique and you! How did you start blogging?

Hi! I’m a Mom/StepMom to four teenage boys and one teenage girl. I’m a born and bred Midwesterner that moved West a few years ago to marry my best friend of twenty years.

I started a lifestyle and family centered blog about seven years ago when my kids were young, and found I really loved the exercise of writing, creating content, and connecting with my community. I moved back to California (we lived here once before when my boys were little) from Minneapolis in 2016 after my divorce, and once the dust settled, I knew I wanted to start writing again. I came up with The Mom Mystique because as a Mom of teenagers, I found that my kids really knew nothing about me as a person, and who I was before I became a Mom. I was, in a way, kind of mysterious to them.
They were surprised, and I like to think, proud, to learn that in addition to making school lunches, folding laundry and driving carpools, I spent summers in Brazil and Spain as a teenager; worked at a winery in France in college and studied at the University of Copenhagen for a semester; went ice climbing in Switzerland, crisscrossed Europe alone with a backpack more than once; toured vineyards all over Australia, and excelled in my career in the wine business. They seemed shocked I had skills other than loading and unloading the dishwasher. 😉

I always say that by nature, teenagers seem to walk around with mirrored lampshades on their heads, completely oblivious that anyone other than themselves exists. These conversations actually opened their eyes to the fact that this person they had been living with their entire life actually had an entire existence before they arrived on the planet and had accomplished some pretty amazing stuff, therefore, spawning the genesis for a new writing platform. It was at that point that I decided it was time to put the proverbial pen to paper again and start to document this amazing new life we were leading. We had become a modern day Brady Bunch. All we needed was an Alice. And the kids actually really like being a part of the blog and it’s given them new material for them to make fun of me.

I love your home and its California vibe. Tell me how you decorate. Is it organic? You seem to have a great eye and a mix of high and low which feels very chic and personal.

Thank you! I am a complete study in contrast when it comes to my decorating method and style. Sometimes I make purchases on a whim, other times I belabor a simple decision to death, which drives my husband crazy! I love mixing styles; high and low, pattern and color. I’m a huge fan of Home Goods and Target, but also One Kings Lane and 1st Dibs. The hunt is part of the process and when you start playing with a room, you just know when it feels right. I would say I gravitate toward a timeless, traditional style because I love the classic color combinations of royal blue and red, a greek key pattern here, a cherished collection of ginger jars there. Throw in a zebra rug and a few leopard pillows to top it off, and that to me feels like a layered, lively, lived in look.

I love your pretty dining room. It is preppy and traditional, but in a modern way. Is this part of being a mid western gal?

I’ve found that my innate style runs toward classic traditional, which has a very Midwestern/East Coast sensibility about it, but with a relaxed, welcoming California vibe thrown in. I love having people around our table and I’m not afraid of mixing, matching and layering textiles when I entertain.

A few snaps of her colorful dining room that overlooks her lovely front yard space.

You recently remodeled your kitchen with the cool idea of adding a lounge with a banquette instead of a large island. How did you decide on that, your finishes and have any tips for others?

Well, the banquette was actually sort of a design accident, but it turned out to be my favorite feature in our new kitchen. We wanted to do a fast, inexpensive refresh of the space and with our family, a “lounge” vibe seemed like a perfectly appropriate thing to do with that dead space in the room. I came up with the idea of a faux leather banquette and a couple of barrel cocktail tables, and it instantly felt like you were sitting in a club! It completely opened up the space and made it so inviting; everyone hangs out in the kitchen anyway, so why not be comfortable.

You have a blended family and currently a houseful of older kids. How are you all managing during this pandemic? How do you make your home be a place for all of them, which it seems to be?!

With five teenagers in the house, I was a little nervous about how they would all fare during this time, but it turned out the one that has had the biggest struggle, is ME! I’m a bit of a neatnik and I like my routine, so this new controlled chaos took some getting used to. To be honest, the kids have actually been FANTASTIC! One of the kids even said, “I don’t want this quarantine to end.”

We are so fortunate that our kids all get along well and “blending” was never an issue, so I think having built-in companions at home has helped alleviate some of the loneliness and isolation that other kids have felt during this shelter in place. In addition to “school”, three of the kids have been putting in hours at the family business to make extra money and pass the time. They are also pretty disciplined about working out everyday. We have done the puzzles/games/movies thing, and of course allowed too much Xbox like everyone else. The hardest thing has been dealing with major disappointments like my son coming home early from his freshman year of college, and my step daughter missing the end of her senior year and delay of her graduation ceremony and all the special activities that surround that truly monumental time. We’ve all had ups and downs for sure, but all the kids have been truly patient, resourceful and resilient, and we couldn’t be more proud of them.

The lovely color and finishes of her newly remodeled kitchen space.

You seem to be an effortless entertainer. Are there any tips you can share?

I’m glad it appears that way! Lol! I will say, it always helps to have someone to entertain alongside. My husband is the self-proclaimed “better chef” of the two of us, so he is usually behind the meal planning. I do the table, appetizers, and pour the wine! And a good playlist always helps, which again, comes from my husband.

How does California influence the way you live and decorate?

Stuffy and pretentious are not the norm here; fussy, fancy and formal do not describe California living to me. Personally, I want my home to be classic, casual and comfortable. With five teenagers, two black French bulldogs, and a husband that is prone to spilling red wine- the goal for our home is beautiful + bulletproof.

Is there a favorite dish that is your specialty or cookbook you return to again and again?

I love everything Ina, and have nearly every one of her cookbooks. I can confidently say I make a killer lasagna and a decent turkey burger, but I cannot operate the BBQ and have yet to master carbonara.

I love this area Kristin designated for pantry/wine storage!!

I know you are a wine aficionado. Tell me what California wine you are loving right now.

Oh, so many! Right now, I find it’s more important than ever to support our local vintners and growers by buying domestic, and I tend to lean toward my favorites in Sonoma County. Angels and Cowboys Rosé is a household staple, as are the wines from Reeve, Scribe, Banshee, and Lioco.

Do you have any tips you learned from a mom, grandmother or family member that was passed down to you?

My Mom is a beautiful entertainer and I blame my textile obsession on her. I would be embarrassed to tell you how many cloth napkins, placemats and tablecloths I own. No matter what night of the week it is around here, dinner is always served with a cloth napkin.

A chic spring table setting for a girl’s lunch.

Is there a favorite candle or fragrance you use in the home?

Honestly, I’m not married to one particular scent, but I do love Jo Malone Orange Blossom candles.

Do you have a style idol?

I love Jackie Kennedy, Lee Radziwell, Carolyn Murphy and Aerin Lauder for their traditional, classic, sophisticated style and beauty. And I also admire Lauren Santo Domingo from Vogue and Moda Operandi fame, as well as stylist Ann Caruso and Olivia Palermo.

You, like me, seem to adore travel. Favorite spot or dream trip you are planning?

That is the one thing I’m really missing right now, travel. We had a trip to London planned for spring break that we obviously had to cancel, as well as a family vacation this summer to Greece, so those two destinations are top of my list as soon as we are free to fly again. I also really want to go to Morocco, Vietnam, the Maldives, and do an African safari. In no particular order.

Kristin style….

Joe Malone Orange Blossom Candle, Two Tone Zigzag Basket, Magnolia Stoneware, Ina Garten Cookbooks, Twig Flatware, Blue and White Dishes, Basketweave Seagrass and Black Rug.

Thank you Kristin for kindly opening your home to us. Some photos were taken by me before this pandemic and others are Kristins by Betsy King Photography. Follow her blog and wonderful newsletter at The Mom Mystique and on her Instagram.

Hope you enjoyed this and another Californian is up soon!

Kim

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Weekend Update- My New Garden and Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

May 2, 2020 By kimwheeler 12 Comments

Hello I wanted to check in with you all and see how you faring. We made it through April and it looks like May could mean some loosening slowly of restrictions here in California. There is a little feeling of hope in everyone it seems and even tennis could be back in my future ! We’ve done well with our numbers and people here in Northern Cal have been mostly good about trying to do the right thing. Masks have become protocol and I am proud of us for all getting on that so fast and adapting it to our lives.

My family has gotten out more than some. My guys have done some hikes and bike rides with the family and I have been shopping for my dad and delivering to him. How about you all? Today I talked to a friend whose family has not left the house in the seven weeks and they have three kids.

The bright spot this week was putting in our garden! Dad brought us tomatoes he had grown from seed as he does every year. Jackson my oldest, did most of the work and my dad just gave a few social distanced directions before leaving us with the plants. I’m so grateful to have my dad nearby and helping us.

Jack and I are pretty excited to change up the garden this year by adding some larger containers of herbs and lettuce as well and flowers to hide the air conditioning unit. The walls have Bower Vines which replaced an invasive Potato Vine that was driving my neighbor nuts.

Carla, my landscape designer said these will spread out and cover the fence, but not take over. I will share our progress as the garden grows. If you are thinking of getting a victory garden in, now is the time, as the frosts have passed and the days are getting warm, so plants can take root and thrive in the hot months.

Max snapped this photo by the garden gate when we were back there the other day and you can see a bigger view of the rest of our yard. I shared more pictures this week on my Instagram stories, and how we came to own this very large and winding pool and a yard with a massive amount of brick!! We’ll never afford to replace it all so we’ve come to love its old school charm.

I am slowly working on each area and I have to say gardening has been good for me. There is something about being out there even if I am just pulling weeds and trimming, feels like I am working towards something and it’s calming. I am upping my garden game and even ordered some pots and supplies. You can still get supplies by delivery or curbside pickup at local nurseries during our shut down, so I am trying to support them.

On Instagram people asked about my camo shorts and they are my go-to for gardening and pretty much everyday when it is warm. They are from Sundry, one of my favorite companies with a cool California vibe and made in Los Angeles.

They have some adorable things marked to nearly half like this cool Mama sweater just in time for Mother’s Day.

And I know these shorts would be chic worn a million ways this summer.

This heart sweatshirt is also fun. I seem to be living in my shorts and sweatshirts lately. I love the softness of Sundry tops. If you appreciate comfy and cute weekend clothes, they are the place and right now that is everyday for most of us!

One other Mother’s Day thing I highly recommend and I literally live in now, is my linen Serena & Lily pajamas. I have the pink and I would one day love to get another pair in white or this cute striped set.

S&L pajamas are beautifully made in Portugal and easy to care for. I just pull them out of the wash, tumble for a few minutes and smooth them and air dry in the sun. Serena & Lily is having 20% off everything now with code ATHOME so it is a good time to pop over there if you have been considering any of their beautiful home goods.

My flip flops I also was asked about and they are Tory Burch red toile and they are on sale now for $39!

My yellow top above is a Liberty fabric blouse from J.Crew. Right now J. Crew has all shorts and swim on sale at 60% off. That never happens. I love these swimsuits with matching coverups! Maybe a early summer gift for yourself..

SO cute.

People love to give flowers for Mother’s Day so I wanted to call out a wonderful Farmgirl Flowers. If you aren’t already familiar, they are a SF company that delivers flowers by bike in the city, and also ship over the country. They use only farms that are pesticide free and pay fair wages to their employees. Many of their bouquets are benefitting charities too. I like that they use upcycled burlap to wrap bouquets. Keep them in mind when asking for or ordering flowers this year. Men always appreciate hints too.

I think their selections of bouquets are lovely…

Another local company Tancredi & Morgen in Carmel has sweet Mother’s Day kits. I love the packages they pulled together with their lovely curated things and some of those packages are on sale. I think it’s good to support local businesses now so they stay in business. I have loved their shop forever and have many things I treasure from them. They have free shipping and local delivery!

Some very lovely things and cool cards with them.

I hope you have a good weekend. There’s no beach is in our immediate future, but we are getting to know our neighborhood pretty darn good with all the walks! The New York Times had a great read for your weekend on how we are connecting again with our neighborhoods, one of the unexpected benefits of being stuck at home. You know we were all rushing about so much going here and there before this pandemic, many of us never had the chance to know our neighbors well, and a whole lot of us are now taking the time to do that which is so good for our communities!

One more thing, on my Instagram this week, I am asking people to post a photo of that brings back memories of travel to a special place. It can be a treasured souvenir, like my bowl from Positano I shared (below), or a place you want to get back to someday when we can all travel again. Tag your photos #dreamingofmytravels and I’ll pick a random winner at the end of the week to win a travel book, soap from Hawaii and a few other fun things.

Have a good weekend and take care,

Kim

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Staying Cozy With Serena & Lily Pajamas

January 31, 2020 By kimwheeler 12 Comments

January felt long, however a heap of cleaning and purging got done here. I feel like I am beginning the year with less which feels great. In 2020 I am committed to choosing better quality things when I bring stuff into the house. In purging, I decided to get myself some nicer pajamas and clear out all the sad bits that have been taking up what should be a pretty PJ drawer. So I was a happily surprised when Serena & Lily offered to send me a set of their Pajamas. Quality items like linen pajamas are what I want to add to my life. Serena & Lily’s motto is living well begins at home.

I chose the Positano Linen Pajamas as I know how long linen lasts and how wonderfully soft it gets the more years you have it. The Wild Rose color was my first choice- so lovely. They are woven in Portugal with eco-friendly European linen. I love the details like the pant pockets (have to have those), and the pretty edging, and buttons.

So far I’ve been lounging more than usual in the new year. I like to hang out and work, read and plan meals and stuff on my bed when I don’t have to dash off somewhere. These pajamas are cute as much as they are comfy so I feel presentable if anyone comes to the door too. (A S&L favorite above – Jetty pillow cover.)

My usual morning look – my readers, pony tail and almond butter toast. LOL.

Linen is often thought of as a warm weather fabric, but it’s actually cozy and warmer than cotton, and also is light and breathable in summer too.

So many cute quality pajamas and luxe robes to choose from at Serena & Lily…

I honestly love everything in the pajama category especially the Porto Linen Stripes in a flax or blue chambray. Also cute are the Cavallo White Linen Pajamas which have a timeless chic feel and remind me of Diane Keaton who always is in white luxurious pajamas in her films. And the Positano Linen Robes are another classic choice in a pretty collection of seven colors for year round chic!

I purged the linen closet as well this month and ordered the Positano Linen Sheets in the same pretty shade for our bed. This is my first set of linen sheets and they feel much warmer and softer than my percale ones, which was unexpected!

The sheets come also in a French Blue, Indigo and a soft Eucalyptus. The linen gives it a undone look to the bed that fits the California casual look.

Speaking of California style, I have a few new Serena & Lily additions to the house since fall and I haven’t shared on the blog yet…

I finally chose a table for the entry! The Blake Raffia Console Table fits perfect in my little entry space and with the woven raffia it has that natural vibe. I chose the natural color, but it also come in a pretty grey and a navy that are also gorgeous like below…

I love the two levels on this table for trays and books. The raffia reminds me of Hawaii.

I still want to wallpaper the entry, but with my Carson Bench, below on one side, the console and my pretty light -this little space is almost finished.

Love my Capiz Scalloped Chandelier !

I also just added the coolest chair. I knew as soon as I saw the Edgewater Lounge Chair, it was my style. It’s the most comfy chair in the house and since everyone wants to claim it, I ordered another.

The seat is very big and and I can really curl up in it. My pillows here are the Addie Stripe in the foreground and the Winter Beach Pillow Cover in the back.

I think I may move both of the chairs in my new media room, but this one sure makes this room look cute and is easy to move wherever we want it. Right now we are loving it by the fire.

I finally chose a new rug for the laundry room. The tile is a very strong statement and so I wasn’t sure if a rug would look good here, but it’s been chilly on the feet and I want one for when I’m folding laundry, wrapping and other tasks. I finally decided on the South Shore Rug in Oyster. It works with the tones in here, is made of recycled plastic, is water and UV resistant, so perfect for the busy laundry area and super soft underfoot.

I’m in my new PJs here. The cute Teak Step Stool from S&L is still used so much by us all and is great for me in this space with all the tall shelves.

Connected to this laundry space is the pool bath that I finally am putting the finishing touches on. The Montara Mirror in the medium size was a perfect accent with some tropical flair.

I love it with the tiles. A little natural element with the modern.

Below you can see this Montara Mirror in white, on their site with the same Blake Console table I have in the entry, but in grey. So pretty! The mirror comes in three sizes and also in a navy color.

I’ll share the whole pool bath soon in another post.

I’ve been slowly cranking away on the Hawaii post and I’ve also been posting stories on Instagram where I can share more in an easier way. Last week it was a Santa Cruz getaway and our family’s most favorite recipe, so follow along on my NorthernCalStyle Instagram please and we can chat more!

I wish you all a cozy weekend and some pajama time.

xo Kim

Thank you to Serena & Lily for sponsoring this Northern California Style post. All opinions and writing are all my own as always.

Pantry Perfection – 10 Bloggers Show You How

January 23, 2020 By kimwheeler 23 Comments

Isn’t this a timely post? When I was asked back in December to join this great group I was excited as I knew it would force me to organize in the new year. Nothing gets you to pull things together like others seeing your space, so I spent the last week thinking hard about how I use this -what I need it for and where I was just wasting space. I feel a lot more streamlined now and excited about this area.

I am sharing a utility room, not a pantry per se, but more a laundry, mud and all around place for everything we need to run the household. I feel fortunate to have this space and have tried to make good use of it on the remodel. It was one of my favorite parts that came with the original house. I did a previous post on the renovation of it here. Today I’ll show you what it holds and how I decided to organize it.

Previously this space was connected to the kitchen and held extra serving pieces and also dry goods. Now that the kitchen is moved to the center of the house, it freed up a lot of space. I wanted to use it wisely. My cute step stool is from Serena & Lily and we love it. Super sturdy and useful.

I have the usual laundry pullout which is the tall drawer, a cut out for our cat box and some deep drawers. I always wanted a designated wrapping spot and I love having counter (material is Vadara, a quartz,) to work on, so I stocked the deep drawer right below it with tape, pens, tags and all that. My house paper and some black wrap are all I really use and also plain bags. I did a little video about how everyone should have a house wrap on Instagram here before the holidays.

After the holidays, and a lot of wrapping, I reorganized and restocked. This drawer holds cords and ribbon, cards, tags, pens, tapes, hole punches and various scissors. A little shopping bag keeps all the ribbon I save and reuse. Everything I need is here. I love using cord and also making my own tags and this plain woven twine and black wrap is something you can get together here.

The lower deep drawer is for more house wrap and gifts. I keep a few on hand for impromptu girlfriend birthdays when I see something cute.

Above this I use the three shelves for entertaining. I do not have a china cabinet, and as I took out most of my upper cabinets in the kitchen, I needed this for things used occasionally. My holiday pieces are in the island and can be accessed behind the barstools, but these are things I use more often like tablecloths, votives and vases. I also keep extra bottles of hand soap and guest towels for when we have people over- to pretty up the bathrooms.

This basket is holding my extra textiles I use for runners and impromptu tablecloths, and also pillow covers. Some of the things are just fabric remnants I kept from my grandma’s home and others fabrics I just adore. My latest is a handmade Hawaiian sarong from my Big Island trip that I plan to use as a table covering come summer. Isn’t it cool?

I like having the vases, here not hidden under the sink and also the votives, and battery and beeswax tea lights. Everything I need to entertain is really in one place now and it simplifies it.

The laundry has some cool fabric baskets on the floating shelf, that just look great and is also where I keep some extra towel storage. Similar basket here. The little basket is for napkins and dish towels. We use cloth only, so I do a load of napkins once or twice a week. I scored with these Tommy Bahama grey baskets. They are sturdy and go with the tones in the house. I am unable to find them anywhere on the web for you all, but Homegoods has a few here and there. In the search for the cloth baskets I found a one-woman textile studio making beautiful woven basketscalled Woven Grey. Check out her Instagram too. Her things are beautiful. Her name is Kathleen and her studio is in Oakland! I think I have to order a few for the home. Made in California and I love supporting local artisans.

I am still loving my Electrolux washer and dryer two years on.

I keep this laundry basket on the counter when it’s not in use for clean, folded items.

The two drawers under the seat are for shoes. As my husband and I are the only one to use them, we have them for ourselves. The boys tend to come in the front door and their shoes go in a big basket when they can be bothered!! Baskets on the shelves hold baseball hats and gloves.

I just switched to one of my Trina Turk pillows that matched the floor tiles and the whole area. I still need hooks to hang coats and bags here.

My drawer has my most used shoes, my cross-body, umbrella, stocking cap, baseball hat and shopping bag. These are all the things I need to grab on the way out the door.

Lastly the two small drawers, above the cat box opening, hold extra keys, batteries, rubber bands, flashlights and other junk drawer usuals.

Thank you for letting me share my little space with you. I can’t wait to get some ideas on making my food pantry pretty too as it needs a reboot just about now! Pop over to these lovely blogs and see what they are doing in the new year in their pantries.

If you follow me on Instagram, I will link to all these lovely gal’s accounts there too!

Have you been tidying up in 2020? What tips do you have for keeping the clutter away ? Please share with everyone any insights below.

Thanks so much!

Kim

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The Collected Look -Style Tips From 8 Bloggers

January 20, 2020 By kimwheeler 40 Comments

When I think about the collected look I think of people with style. What gives someone style? It’s not designer handbags or the latest cute booties. It’s not the newest clothes or haircut. The people who show up looking like Deborah Harry in the same kind of jeans you gave to charity a few years ago, have style. Stylish people know what looks good on them. They keep the same chic pieces in rotation and wear them like nobody’s business. They know what to hold onto and what always looks good. Being stylish takes effort, but it’s fun, smart and can be green too.

I’m not sure how stylish I am, but I’ve been kindly included with eight bloggers to share our versions of the collected look.

If you want to have style, instead of hitting the stores, first you must clean and purge your closet. This is something I am pretty dedicated to and do religiously multiple times a year. It always reminds me to wear and rediscover things that have been lying fallow in the back forty.

When you have culled the closet hopefully find some unique things that you love and still look great. These things that have stayed with you for years, perhaps decades, if you are close to my age. Those are the things that can take an outfit from bland to standout. Those are the bits that only you have, that give style, and make your look different than the rest.

Remember anyone can buy a designer bag and sadly many women believe that is something that’s going to make you stylish.. A lot of time, it’s just the opposite. I’m not opposed to good handbags, but sometimes people can look a little like they have no taste. You can have the latest $2,000 bag, but so can 40 other people at the mall! That is not style to me.

What is style is the cool pieces you collect and pull together. My friend Elizabeth (Contessa), is not fully dressed without her piles of bracelets and necklaces and lashings of color from a caftan or scarf. Ani, dear friend and another California gal, has a look that is super delicate-with dainty jewelry and lovely, feminine soft tops paired with cool jeans or khakis. Another friend E, adores Hermes-toned orange, pairs it with grey and has made it her signature color. My pal, Jill tall and willowy, has made her gamine cropped hair and pretty tailored clothes her signature. All of these gals look stylish because of the collected bits they put together in a unique way.

My ‘collected look’ usually means a jacket, and I mix with it vintage things I’ve found, inherited, and others I’ve hung onto for decades.

My Theory denim blazer I found for $12, at thrift store is so flattering I am getting compliments on it, five years on. I like showing the cool lining on the cuffs and here paired it with an oversized white James Perse T, pearls on a cord from Hawaii and my Stella bag.

Lately, my favorite extra piece is this faux fur shrug, handed down to me by dear Elizabeth. I wore it through the holidays, but I wasn’t ready to pack it away, so have been wearing it as a topper over my black Everlane turtleneck during the daytime.

A little leopard goes a long way in the style department, and vintage versions exponentially so. (By the way, shoes are old Zara- Stella McCartney lookalikes, but similar ones here. Jeans – Madewell demi-boot.) The Coach messenger bag I wear as a cross-body. It’s an 1970’s version I found years ago at Crossroads Trading for a few bucks. It is made and designed so beautifully, it’s a pleasure to wear, and I feel very French, as they love these bags.

The coolest part about the shrug is that no one has anything like this, and of course it came from someone I adore and love and so it is like a little hug from her when I wear it.

A few more looks where I’ve mixed it up..

My moto jacket and satin skirt with vintage danglers and a 30 year old Furla handbag I saved for, can’t part with.

Another decade old dark blazer jacket, pearls on a string, and a vintage slip of my grandmother’s worn as a top, ( I hacked it off with scissors.) Madewell jeans and white booties I bought a year ago.

Same Theory jacket, scarf from Kew Gardens, and Chloe sunglasses. I love using sunglasses as a hair accessory. (Working on the selfies obs.) I added cool teal J. Crew loafers I scored at a thrift shop, but they didn’t make it into photo.

Another idea is a knit stocking cap on chilly days with big glasses. Think Ali McGraw in Love Story. You don’t always need to wear a puffer with such things. Just add a massive scarf.

For the collected look, shop your closet, add special, unique things and hang onto the cool stuff. Reuse, recycle and reinvent items. Check out vintage shops like Crossroads Trading, and online places like The Real Real and your grandma’s house and your husband and kid’s closets!

Then have confidence in your own look. Mom always told me, ‘Kim, you don’t want to look like everyone else.’ It made me upset in seventh grade, but it’s in my brain now, thank you mom. Individuality is everything when it comes to style.

My favorite Oscar Wilde quote I have pinned to my desk.

Books I love on collected style-

Classic Style , Paris Street Style , The Cool Factor, and The Parisian Chic Lookbook

Now go visit these stylish blogs and see their take on the Collected Look-

apart from my art-sandra

classic casual home-mary ann

most lovely things-annie

rough luxe lifestyle-cindy

the age of grace-eugenia

the gardeners cottage-janet

the real golden girl-kimberly

the vintage contessa-elizabeth

What’s you collected look? Please share in the comments!

Kim

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My 2019 Favorites

January 1, 2020 By kimwheeler 12 Comments

Wow the holidays flew by! I hope you are enjoying a break before the new year. Hard to believe it’s a new decade. I love this time of year and the downtime to clean up, put away and reassess before the new year starts. Of course there are always many after holiday sales, but I thought it would be good to start with a post on my favorite things of 2019. This is things I have used, loved and would buy again!! It’s also a good reminder to myself to think how many things I purchased the past year I can say I still love, still work and were worth every cent. In the new decade I’m going to try and think hard when shopping and ask myself if the item will fall into this category, and if not, reconsider. Micro-resolutions! That’s the mantra apparently… Things you can actually do.

Here’s my list of things I would buy again and I will be enjoying into the new decade and were worth every penny!

My white Grayson Cozy Cotton Shirt is probably the most worn item in my closet and spans the seasons as a perfect layering piece for now as well as my go to shirt for spring and even summer paired with shorts. I love this brand Grayson which I discovered this year and I now own the white as well as a cool striped number. What makes these shirts so nice is the fit and the open collar that is flattering. Beautifully made they always feel good and look great on. In the new year I need more items like this in my closet that work for so much and make everything look good!

My Serena & Lily Carson Backless Bench has been a bright spot in our entry and a welcoming spot for everyone coming or going to stop and gather their things or put on shoes. It get used so much, I don’t know how I lived without a bench before. It also sets a pretty tone for our small entry and gets a lot of compliments with its lovely weave and design. I like to change the pillows often and this is my January look! The grey pillow is one of my favorite S&L pillows and there are many new ones like this Auckland Cover, I love the fringe on this Avalis Pillow , and this cute pompom and look of the new Perennials Texture Loop Pillow.

My Serena & Lily Balboa Barstools are probably the most used and also my most favorite item I have added to our remodel. They still look terrific after lots of wear from the boys and the pets. The white Perennials basketweave cushions are still repelling stains and are brush away spots easy and still look like new! The Marin-based Serena & Lily whose mantra is, living well begins at home, were all over a friend Angela’s beautiful new remodel I got a peek of at a recent holiday gathering. What really caught my eye were her pretty Riviera Backless Stools I snapped a photo of in her gorgeous kitchen. So fresh and California chic. Her runner looked like this Seaview rug I have in Earth color.

Other favorites from Serena & Lily are my Malibu Chandelier in my dining room and my Capiz Scalloped Chandelier pendant in the entry that so many have asked about and set the California look I like so much in the house! Right now they are having their Winter Tent Sale, so it’s a nice time to pick up something for the home with your holiday money. Always a better long term investment over clothes.. but speaking of clothing..

Another wonderful item I added to my closet this year and have worn too many times to admit is my Everlane Cashmere Square Turtleneck. I have the black and I would love the light oatmeal. It’s the perfect modern shape and so well made it still looks fresh after a zillion wearings. Everything at Everlane, a San Francisco based company, is produced ethically. Read more about how they track and monitor every step of a garment’s evolution from the thread to the shipping, to stores, something they call radical transparency.

You can feel good when you shop there and I would rather have one of their beautiful sweaters than multiple lesser made items. Once you have one of their coveted items, you’ll understand why they are so loved. Lucky for us in Northern Cal, they recently opened a store in Stanford Shopping Center.

This Bissell ICONpet Cordless Stick Vacuum was an idea of my husband’s and my first reaction was I already have a Miele Canister I love and I don’t need it. I can now say this vacuum is a brilliant idea. It’s a combo handheld and stick vacuum. I use it many times a day to pick up cat sand, kitchen crumbs and dust bunnies you cannot otherwise see without its powerful light. The light is a real innovation and vacuuming in the evening with this thing is even better than day. You have never seen the true state of your floors until you have a light like this attached to your vacuum. I am using the wood floor attachment so I love it for my new hardwood, which will preserve it even longer. Still, the best part about this vacuum is thew ability to scoot around the house with no cord and do a fast house cleaning on one charge. Ours is mounted on the garage wall and the boys like using the handheld part to clean their cars. It’s life and house changing!

Chantecaille Ultra Sun Protection 45 and Primer is the loveliest skincare discovery I have made this year. I was talked into it when I bought the Future Skin Gel Foundation (also excellent), but I think this actually made the biggest difference in my skin appearance – i.e. my pores, vibrance and dark spots- and it’s good SPF is not heavy, but is a daily essential in California! I’m not going to lie, this stuff isn’t cheap. I wish it came in industrial size, but fair warning you will love it and see a difference in your skin.

I am also obsessed with this Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Longwear Concealer. It has a light texture, is easily blended and works not just under the eyes, but all over the face to conceal and brighten without feeling heavy. I love how it seems invisible, but it’s definitely working.

One more in the beauty column, but can’t go unmentioned, is Glossier’s Lash Slick Mascara, which is amazing at making my small, stick straight lashes look lifted and pretty all day without flaking, dark shadows or weighing them down. So many of the new ‘false’ lash formulas are heavy and goopy and make brittle older lashes like mine just flat and clumped. Glossier has perfected this product and nothing else comes as close in my book for wearability and ease of removal too. You can also layer it for more dramatic lashes. I also am crazy for their eye creme called Bubblewrap, which you can buy as a duo with the mascara right now for $34! I love so many of Glossier’s simple and brilliant products.

Something I reach for every day is jeans and the ones I’ve worn more than anything this year and have replaced most of my others, are these Madewell Cali Demi-Boot Jeans in different washes. They aren’t too high waisted, flattering and look cute with heels to sneakers. I love the quality of the denim they use, and my black pair feels like satin on!

I’d love to hear what items made your 2019 favorites list! Please share things that were great finds and that you can’t live without in the comments!

Before we start the new year, I wanted to say It’s been almost a decade since I began blogging and many of you have been here all along and many new friends have popped on by too. I so value your comments, your friendship and your feedback as this blog has evolved! Thank you for all of it and here’s to a new and exciting year and decade! May it be the best ever and I hope to share more new discoveries, travels, cool people and journeys with you all. I have changed and evolved and so have you. You guys inspire me and you are the reason I am still plodding on in my small corner of the world. Keep sharing your thoughts and feedback – many of it coming on my Instagram and some on my Facebook page. Thank you friends!

Happy New Year and decade to you,

Kim

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My Holiday Gift and Home Picks From Serena & Lily’s Thank You Event

November 26, 2019 By kimwheeler 4 Comments

Today starts The Thank You Event at Serena & Lily with 25% off and as a partner in design with them, I want to share my picks for holiday gifts and a few of my own things I’ve chosen to get the casa Christmas ready! This event runs November 26- December 3, so you can get a jump on your present shopping and the house spruced up early.

This is the latest Serena & Lily addition to the remodel, our new backyard furniture. I know we are going into winter, but as Californians we use our yard most of the year and I wanted to get this Pacifica Sofa for a long time. We finally bought it during the last sale plus two of the Pacifica Lounge Chairs.

What do you think? I am loving the quality of this furniture and the yard is feeling like another room with that indoor/outdoor vibe! I just need to get one of those heaters for evenings.

Two years ago we sat in the backyard on Thanksgiving. Not sure if we will be doing so this year with rain in the forecast. I’ve had my grey striped Avery Alpaca Throw out here on the deck for the chillier nights!

That Avery throw is one of my most favorite things and would make a kind gift for a special someone- or for yourself for the winter.

Throws are something I always love to receive and I have gifted many over the years. Check out the Serena & Lily throw collection during this event as there is something for everyone. There is nothing nicer to have with you on the couch at night than a luxe throw and they look so good as an accent or a pop of color.

A bench is always a welcoming item if you are having holiday parties and guests. Recently I added the Carson Bench to my entry. Its unique design was based on a bench found at a Paris flea market and it has a vintage look. I’m in love with this piece, how beautifully it’s woven, and the dark stripes. It is a great space to drop my handbag and for everyone coming and going to gather shoes, etc. We mostly don’t wear shoes in the house, so having a bench or seat is really essential in the entry! I am having fun playing with the pillows on this bench. I already had this Thanksgiving one and I love my Winter Beach Pillow’s Bohemian look. I plan on pairing it with something red for December.

Serena & Lily also makes a few other great rattan benches and the Sunwashed Riviera bench was another I considered, especially in this pretty mist color.

I think an entry needs a mirror and I’m crazy about the Cayman Mirror..

I also just ordered this cool one for my pool bath. If you have been following along my remodel saga, this small bath is finally finished, except for the mirror. The Montara Mirror has many sizes and I like the beachy rattan for a pool bath vibe. I’m excited to finally have it together for the holidays because this is also our powder room most of the year. I’ll share a picture of it as soon as the mirror is hung!

This is a snap of the pool bath.. Don’t you think the rattan will be good with this? Just a sneak peek. More to come..

Always a great choice during sales and the Thank You Event is a rug and if you read this post on rugs, you know I just added this Stella Rug, which I am so loving and it completes the dining room.. My Mailbu Chandelier helps make this probably my favorite space in the house.

My friend Debbie who writes Debbscorner on Instagram is renovating her Berkeley home and just got the Stella rug in the runner version and sent me the photo. I love it!

Debbie also just finished a guest room and choose these Serena & Lily linens. What a nice mix of the soft blue Cavallo Linen sheets and the grey dotted pillow! Thank you Debbie for letting me share. You chose some lovely things.

Some of you may be freshening up a guest room like Debbie, so bedding and linens are another smart buy during the sale. These Classic Ring Sheets are their newest and would also chic in a guest room.

Also in my cart this week is The Ryder Denim Rug. It’s got that very California casual feel with its mix of denim and wool. It will be good for our media room which I am setting up as a space for my turntable and record collection, books and reading and also as a space for the guys to hang out and for us all to do board games. French doors in that space open to the pool, so a durable as well as cute is important in a rug here.

Mary Ann Pickett, my friend is an interior designer who writes Classic Casual Home has the runner version in her stylish San Francisco home office. I LOVE this space she created. She also has the most amazing views. More of Mary Ann’s gorgeous home on this post.

Isn’t that lamp cute? She also got that at Serena & Lily.. The Flynn Table Lamp also comes with a wicker shade if you prefer.

Check out the S&L lighting during the sale. Their table lamp collection is especially cool. Lamps are just one of those things people keep for decades so they are worth spending a little more on and they can really make things look upscale. Like good accessories, a few nice ones make everything look better.

My current favorite is this Halsey Table Lamp with its bamboo shape and Hawaiian vibe. I would love it in the media room. Stay tuned..

Everyone is busy this holiday week, but if you need anything for the holidays take a few minutes to check out the Thank You Event as things can go fast sometimes.

Some great picks from this sale event for the holiday home and gifts…

These Salento Linen Napkins are so beautiful and also come in navy, flax and white in sets of 4, 8 or 12. What a kind gift tied and so cute with the prettiest tassels. I love the sky color.
You are all set to style your holiday drink station with the South Seas Bar Cart. I love that you can roll it outside in the summer and use it in between for photos and books.
These Wood and Marble Servers are gorgeous and are the perfect hostess gift for someone who entertains. They have that California vibe and I’d love to add these to my special pieces to my entertaining bits!
These Beachside Serving Boards are the perfect size for an expansive holiday cheese board or just cool on the backsplash.
The cute Whale Spreaders are darling for the cheese board or a fun hostess gift with a bottle of wine.
I love that the Pinecone Wreath can be used year after year and with it’s luxe velvet bow, is so classic and pretty for Christmas. It would be lovely on a colorful front door or on a French Door or window.
The Westwind Toile Trays have been on my radar for some time with their soft blue and darling design made of birch. I kind of think they are perfect for the bedside to corral things and protect a side table.
A sweet gift for friends or to make your house smell like the holidays, the Christmas Coastal Candle was made in South Carolina of soy and smells like pine, douglas fir, cinnamon, clove, woody cedar and lasts up to 50 hours. The Blue Jeans, White Shirt candle would be just the thing for a few California girlfriends I can think of.
The Dalton Flannel Pajamas are on my own Christmas list and come in chambray and fog colors and are made of eco- friendly cotton in Portugal for snuggly nights.
For the beach house vibe, the Henley Wool Throw is it. Made by hand in Peru, it will be something everyone fights over on cozy winter nights.
For the world traveler in your life, Holiday is a beautiful tribute to the vintage Holiday magazine that was published from 1946-1977. If you are like me and adore vintage fashion, travel and photography, this book is a gem!
Serena & Lily’s La Jolla Baskets are always a great thing to get during sales as they are one of their signature items and you cannot find similar baskets made as beautifully. They are so cute for blankets in the family room, laundry, toys and shoes by the entry. I can think of so many ways to use these!
The Dip Dyed Stools are another S&L signature and have been popping up everywhere as plant stand which looks so cute with ferns. I would use mine in the bath to hold towels and soaps. Love the grey and navy colors too.

Exclusions on this sale are items in the sale section, gift certificates, art, and Limited-Edition PUBLIC® C7 Bike.

The code for this sale is THANKFUL.

I hope you find things to help with your gift shopping and holiday home prep here. Wishing you all a happy Thanksgiving week!

Kim

Marlo posing with my Addie Striped Pillow on our new sofa!

I wrote this post in partnership with Serena & Lily. Links may generate commission. Thank you for supporting the blog.

Serena & Lily Spring Event & Discount

March 19, 2019 By kimwheeler 2 Comments

Hello friends! It has been a crazy last few weeks.. I was off in Indian Wells for the BNP Tennis tournament (more on that coming) and when I got home I hit the ground running trying to finish all the design decisions for the house. I’ve had my head down figuring this out and nary a second to blog. It’s been lights, mirrors, cabinets and more lights.. Just when I thought I was going to lose my mind, I found out Serena & Lily’s Spring Design Event starts today, March 19- 25 and everything is 20% off with code INSPO online and in store. That sealed the deal for me as I had a few items in my cart for the house that I am absolutely getting this week. I thought I’d share my picks and a few other gems for you to check out from this great Northern California (Saulsalito based!) Company.

I am crazy about this Capiz Honeycomb Chandelier. To me it has just the right mix of California with a bit of disco thrown in. I love the mix of gold and shells and I want this in our peaked entry of the house. I think it will set a fun mood right away when you enter!

One of my other favorite Serena & Lily items has to be their Malibu Chandelier. It has a beautiful look with hemp rope and the white and gold beads that have a look that makes them seem like glass.

There are large and small versions of this cute fixture and I think the large above my black table and with my grey linen chairs, will continue the California vibe. Our table is in front of an expansive French door and I think the chandelier will be nicely spotlighted there.

Also on my list is this smaller version of the Capiz light in scalloped version which would be super in a bedroom or bath.

Other great deals to check out..

These Balboa Counter Stools in the pretty Mist color..

This Carson Bench would be darling in an entry or at the foot of a bed!

Fun for spring and summer entertaining is this Cayman Round Tray..

I’d love to use these Brela napkins for a poolside dinner I hope I will be sometime soon.

Serena’s gorgeous Grasscloth Wallpaper is also something I want to do and the colors are lovely, especially this cactus which I could see in a bedroom or powder room or a hallway..

Other faves are the Ryder Denim Rug

And the Halsey Table Lamp..I love the Hawaiian feel of it.

I am also mad for the Blake Raffia Console Table, which comes in a pretty grey and a natural as well as this blue. Perfect for your entry with a mirror and I do love it as shown here as a bedside table.

The Positano Linen Pjs in Wild Rose are in my basket too.

More of everything lovely on the full Serena & Lily site here. Don’t forget to use the INSPO code and the sale goes until Monday the 25th.

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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