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

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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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Friday Finds

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Happy October! Today just a quick post to share a few good finds I’ve had on my radar and mentioned on the gram in the past week. I haven’t done one of these for a while, so I thought I’d cull everything together in one crazy post!

So far I’ve only filled my Centerpiece Bowl from Crate & Barrel with gourds and little pumpkins on the island. Last year I had these guys in another wooden bowl.. I guess I sort of go with a similar theme, wooden containers always!

I’m getting excited for fall clothes and just bought this shirtdress at J.Crew. It’s now on sale which I missed. I love how they styled it here.. ( hard to see, but it has pin tucks.) I’ll report back when I receive it… I also bought this necklace…

In the interim, these corduroy shorts by Carve have been my go-to. Love them for fall days with sweaters and sweatshirts. I like the mid-rise and 4 inch inseam. They have a retro vibe and comfort I really love. I bought mine at REI, but I don’t see them there anymore, but they can also be found here at Amazon.

There are so many pretty colors I may get another pair. I like the thyme and tan and cinnamon shades. You can also buy them here at Title Nine where they also come in a longer 10 inch inseam.

I wore the shorts for day all over Tahoe last weekend. It was so nice to be back there again after two months of scary fires and smoky weather. It’s a beautiful time to go to Tahoe and they need the tourists badly. We did some bike rides and picnics and just enjoyed fall walks.

I wore the shorts with my Frame scalloped black sweatshirt – one of my favorite things.

Frame has a beautiful fall collection this year. Everything is chic, casual, and modern. The whole collection here. I want to add a few more pieces to my wardrobe. They are a bit more pricey, but beautifully made and classics with a twist.

While I was in Tahoe, I found these cute mugs for the cabin. I adore the Swiss Cross pattern for mountain homes and these mugs were at a shop in Truckee and , but can also be bought here.

Looking for them online, I found this cozy Swiss Cross throw I will get for the bottom of the guy’s beds at the cabin.. or maybe here at home. They are highly rated and come in a grey too. It’s a great look folded on a the end of a bed or on the arm of a couch.

Amazon does SOMETIMES have good things and occasionally I find stuff. Two other things I’ve loved from there lately..

One is these wooden beads that popped up when I was buying some floor cleaner! They looked nice and so I figured why not? They are surprisingly even cuter in person and I have them on a book stack in the media room..

My other new obsession from Amazon is this soap called Hand Ritual. Made in the CALIFORNIA! The bottles look great, smells light and lovely and my hands feel soft. My designer Debbie who did the space planning for the home brought the soap over when she took photos of the house and I was hooked. It’s also vegan, plant based and cruelty free. Looks cool in the guy’s bathroom..

I finally bought this book – Danielle Rollin’s A Home for All Seasons. I was looking for a book to inspire me with the holidays coming and this is a great one. Clearly most of us don’t have the funds she does to entertain, but I am finding the way she lives- the beautiful organization of the pantry and linen closet, along with the beautiful desk and stationery and pens something we could all do in our own way. Why not make every space lovely? This gets me motivated to make my house just as organized and pretty.

Don’t forget if you have been waiting on any Serena & Lily purchases they are having their big fall sale now, until October 5th. They are having 20% off most everything. I am buying a few more of their gorgeous towels. I have loved the softness, and quality so much! Two years later they are still soft and not fraying one bit. Use the code NEWSEASON until October 5th.

Have you all been watching more shows? Max and I have been getting into more since fall has come. We broke down and got Apple TV and it’s been worth it for Ted Lasso alone. That show has to be the most uplifting program I’ve ever watched – and who doesn’t need that now? I’m just trying to figure out how to get my dad to be able to watch it also. The Morning Show we have started and while not as upbeat, it’s full of good acting and fab homes and the wardrobes of Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon which I’m loving.

Remember this sweater from my jean posts? Well Mary Ann from Classic Casual Home just bought it in petite and she looks great in it with boots. I think it’s appealing with the flowers. It’s rare to see a nice cashmere sweater with a good print. A few other friends have bought it too. I just wanted to share cute Mary Ann’s way of wearing it. She bought it in a petite and it comes in plus and regular too.

I am sorry I’ve been slow posting the last month. I have been easing into fall, but have two posts coming in the next weeks- a cozy home collaboration and talking about leather- or faux leather, for Signature Style so stay tuned.

Have a beautiful autumn weekend !

Kim

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On Bathing Suits..And Body Image

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It’s that time again when I begin to drag out the warm weather clothes and contemplate what will I want to keep, or still look good, and what will go. I love thinking about what new items I might add to my mix for summer. Swimwear looks trickle in from the pretty mail catalogs that and magazine features. At the same time each year, it seems to me something on my body gets less ‘fit’ through no fault of my own! I eat better and I have better habits, but still it happens..Anyone else feel that?

Many years, I have attempted the buying of a new pretty swimsuit, gone to try them on even, only to retreat back to the classic dark one pieces in the bottom drawer. Those dark suits I rely on to best cover the parts I don’t love.. namely my stomach, back fat, a wrinkled chest. Somehow the dark made me feel like those bits are somewhat more concealed and hidden. It is almost like I am trying to recede on the pool deck. Then there’s my large collection of coverups that I add on top..

This year, no more. Have I lost weight? No, I am probably up about 12 pounds from the pandemic. Also, I haven’t worked out as much thanks to a broken toe. What has changed is my attitude about things. After a year where a huge amount of our fellow Americans died or were seriously ill, and where vacations were rare, I’ve thought a lot about how I look at my body and my life and how much I judge myself.

Marianne, a sweet reader from Florida, who has become an Instagram friend, sent me a note about something I shared… about baking originally. We both shared we wanted to drop about 10 pounds and then she sent this note, which I loved..

“I just thought of something. Until I was 41 I weighed 120 pounds, nice slim and muscular, but I never wore a bikini and actually hated myself in a bathing suit. Now I am 140 pounds, and I think I don’t look so bad in some bikinis. I’m just not so hard on myself I guess. I know I don’t look fantastic, but darn it, I’m OK. Youth is wasted on the young. I would rock that body now!”

I could have written the same paragraph, as could many of us. I loved it so much I reread it a few times. This is what we all need to hear more of. Could we all not starts to say the same about ourselves, and at the same time change how others feel about their bodies too?

How many of us have looked a a photo just five years ago and thought, hey I didn’t look so bad? Did we feel we looked as good as we did? Probably not. Let’s not waste precious years worrying about being perfect. Let’s all love ourselves as we are. Each of us have attractive features that are unique to us.. Embrace them! We all deserve the swimsuit we want to wear. And we don’t need to be sucked in or hoisted up unless we really want to. We just need to be us and feel pretty. Get dressed in front of the mirror, stand tall, know your body and love it, flaws and beauty spots.

Like most everyone, I have spots, red bumps, dry skin, veins, cellulite. I try not to focus on those. At the pool or beach, most people are too busy worrying about their own appearances to judge yours. This year, let’s stop waiting for the dream body and realize it’s the one we are living in now. Someday we may get more fit, or less, but we are pretty darn good in this moment.

Image Robin Piccone

Are you feeling the same?

If you don’t know where to begin, I recommend hauling yourself off to a store that carries a lot of suits. In our area that is usually Macy’s- or Bloomingdales. Go on a weekday or weeknight, when the dressing rooms aren’t bustling and take many, many styles in. Try a few, find the numbers that work and the brands.. Then go back out and get another pile. Try again. Take your time. Even if you go home with nothing, you’ll get an idea of what brands and sizes work for you. Take photos with your phone camera to remember which ones work- or that you liked.

I am a 6 in most clothes, but have swimsuits that are size 12, so it’s hard to predict what sizes you need in a swimsuit! Don’t feel badly if it’s a lot bigger than other clothes. Fit is what matters. Once you find a style that flatters, and makes you feel great, you can consider that a brand one that works for you! If shopping for suits is a real pain, you might consider buying the suit you love in more than one color, to get you through a few seasons!

Below, a few suits I’ve been considering…I’m choosing across a broad range of style, but a few brands I know are good quality -and some unique styles we might find appealing and different. Please share if you’ve found a swim brand that you especially like. I love hearing from you!

J. Crew has outstanding suits for the price and quality. I have had many over the years. I used to love their maillots back in the 90’s ! Read their reviews for fit. I love when someone kindly states their weight and height and what size worked for them, immensely helpful in ordering the correct size! This one piece suit is what I bought for summer and it’s supportive and beautifully made. I also loved that it is a Liberty print! It’s on sale right now..

I also love this new one in scrunchie fabric- and cute colors.

Last year I bought this one shouldered J Crew number and I still love it and think it’s pretty flattering and chic with the bow on the shoulder. Comes in an assortment of colors..And this year they have a new version without the bow here in pink. I do think this design is great on a lot of body types.

I also adore the scallops on this red cutie, (other colors available)

and the reissued 1993 Underwire Swim top, which are often hard to find. Cute bottoms to match too.

The full collection of J. Crew suits can be found here. They have a wide range of suits up to 3X and long torso sizes.

I have always loved the look of a sweater over a bathing suit… From the J. Crew lookbook…

Anyway, back to suits..La Blanca is another brand that makes great suits. This Goddess suit has been highly rated is adjustable from the back to make tighter or looser.

This La Blanca Tankini is pretty and has underwire and you and choose the bottom style you like. ( Also in a pretty soft aqua and white.) I also love this Animal Instinct Cross-Back Suit.. This comes in a bikini version too with a longish top.

More great classic and well-made La Blanca styles here.

This unique bikini look from BLEU by Rod Beattie. Rod Beattie is a Southern Cal swimwear designer who worked for decades for Anne Cole and La Blanca and began his own brand in 2010. I like that the shoulders are covered here and the upper back, places that are always so hard to get sunscreen on (and a place of lot of skin cancers.) This is has more bottom coverage too, but still looks sexy.

Nordy’s has more Bleu By Rod Beattie suits. As one reviewer said these are bathing suits made for women, not teenagers!

Robin Piccone is a California swimwear designer who began her career by crafting neoprene into women’s swimsuits for Body Glove. Those suits were trailblazers and are now in The Met. Her line is consistently well made and I have had several of her suits over the years. I am loving this Robin Piccone top which has more support than it shows (I wish they would use models who are not size 0!) Many styles of bikini bottoms too.

This one piece has been highly rated and has underwire – more colors in addition to this red and bougainvillea..

More Robin Piccone styles here.

Trina Turk is one of my favorite California designers and always has fabulous swimwear in gorgeous fabrics and in fabrics she designed herself. Her Paddle Suits have SPF 50 coverage, for those who want more protection and in the water an extended time…

She was the first to do off the shoulder swimsuits like this below, too. All Trina’s swimwear here.

Athleta has swim now too and in many unique styles too. This Seascape Tankini looks easy and flattering with a built in sport bra..So many styles – many with support of sports bras which is nice. All the Athleta swim here.

Lastly Tory Burch has some excellent swimwear. I love her one piece styles. How cute is this gingham suit?

I also love this Floral Cutout, and this Climbing Vine suit..

All of Tory’s darling swimwear is here and also here.

I’ll continue to add any good links to sources for swim here as the season progresses.

Thank you Marianne for inspiring me and letting me share…Hope this might change your mindset a little about swimsuits and how we see ourselves!

Kim

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Good Things This Weekend

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Can you guys believe we have been in this pandemic for a whole year now? I remember the exact moment it sunk in that it might be a lot more than a few weeks at home. We were having one of our pantry dinners we so diligently turned out for weeks on end, and Max said, ‘You know it’s more likely we will still be in this until August or more.’ That seemed so scary to me and here we are a year later.. A year that has changed everyone in some way or another. I do feel hopeful though, especially this weekend I noticed so many seniors eating outdoors and doing things. It made me a bit emotional seeing so many of them having fun after this past year.

Anyway, without going on, I have a few things to share this week. I’ve come to realize now I am living in sweatshirts.. The ruffled ones specifically. Guess that’s my flair right now. It’s been chilly and wet and there are a few good ones from Target that are cuter than a lot more expensive ones out there. This is my most favorite..

There’s very few sizes left in my color, but there is other colors in most sizes and a few other colors..

(UPDATE: This sweatshirt already sold out online in most colors since I wrote this a day ago! Darn I hate when that happens…You may have luck finding it in the store as it is now a sale item. I did find other ruffled sweatshirts from Rebecca Minkoff, also this one at Nordys, this at The Loft, and this in black. )

I also own this one below, which one of my sons said looks like Moira from Schitt’s Creek, which I consider a compliment!

I usually wear it with jeans, and black tennis shoes, but the jogger pants with the ruffle pockets do make a cute look.

They also have this ruffled version..

I’m also crazy about J.Crew’s new sweats. I already own two of the Vintage Cotton Terry Sweatshirts and they are super soft. The matching pants are flattering and slim fitting, but run large so you need to size down one size to get that look.

They have a lot of tennis themed things, which I am nuts about and this new addition with little racquets.

I just saw a woman at the grocery in head to toe cream/beige sweats and these sneakers..

It just looked really cute all one tone and luxe for sweats.

Other odd stuff that’s been occupying my headspace is this chicken pot pie recipe we made last week that was seriously amazing. It was maybe the addition of cognac to it? We did one change omitting pearl onions, which we could not find. The recipe is from the website, Once Upon a Chef and Jenn Segel’s recipes are so far 10/10 for everything we have tried. (This recipe can also be made with mushrooms instead of chicken and oat milk. In the recipe comments many have done that. )

I also have her potato leek soup on my regular rotation. The pot pie recipe is just the thing for the cool and wet days we’ve been having.

We just baked ours in these cute stackable porcelain bowls from Crate & Barrel, because our ramekins were too small. These bowls are fantastic for storage as they stack and they can go in the oven up to 350 We did them at a bit above that though the recipe calls for 425 and it was perfect.

Lastly, I wanted to share with you that Serena & Lily is having their Spring Design Event with 20% off sitewide, using code NEWLEAF. If there is something you had your eye on, this is the time to get it as sales are just a few times a year. You know I love their things and already have one of their new Alamere Rug in runner size in my cart. I think it will be great in our hallway… I love the shades of this rug.

Other favorite rugs are the Porter Denim & Suede Rug, the South Shore Rug, I have in my bath, the Stella Rug in our dining room, the new Ashbury Moroccan Style Rug is also beautiful- and the new Valmere Rug – both so cool.

The Montana Mirror in my pool bath/powder room is gem and a few people have asked about it after seeing the bath on Cindy Hattersley’s blog last week, where she was so kind to feature my home.

It’s a beautifully made piece. I have the medium in natural, but it also comes in white or in natural with navy stripes, and more sizes.

You may need towels like I did and the Fouta Striped towels ( I have the hand towel above), are seriously the nicest quality and come in other tones as well.

The Healdsburg Towels are in my main bathroom and still feeling soft and looking great a year on..

Anyway, so much to love from them! The lamps are gorgeous too and there are beautiful pillows as always…and bedding! The Sale ends on 3/16.

My Mattituck Armchair and Avery Throw– also on the Serena sale.

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but I’ve done a few updates to the old website. The blog turns 10 this year and I am working on changing up things a bit. You’ll notice I added a few pages at top, My California Closet which has things I wear and have in my beauty drawers and in my closet. The house link has a few drop-downs which I am still working on. The Shop My Home, will have things I have used in my home like rugs, lamps, dishes, etc – and also California inspired picks. Another, Our California Remodel, will be information about the remodel, as so many inquire about materials, flooring, paint and floors. The Lake Tahoe Cabin Style will be cabin inspired items I am using in my Tahoe place or that could work in a more rustic setting, and Books I Adore will be many my favorite books or new ones that are on my radar…So stay tuned and hopefully they will all be finished soon.

Thanks for being here and I hope you enjoy the weekend- even though we lost an hour!

Kim

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Black Friday Picks

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Hope you all had a good Thanksgiving. We have family visiting and it was so nice to host now that the remodel is done. The day after we always go for a family hike or walk and never shopping. I do like to peruse the deals on Black Friday online though and last year actually got a few great things and a jump start on my Christmas shopping which was nice.

Many retailers began their sales early this year, so I’m linking to a few of my favorites and some of the best buys I like. These sale prices are varying- all are on Friday, some longer. My recommendation is to not hesitate if you like something, as things go pretty fast.

J.Crew is having a blow out 50% off most things on site. This jeweled button popover is just one of a ton of darling things at this fantastic sale.

This ruffle neck sweater (so many colors) is another cute item. Use code FRIDAY at checkout. The men’s area is loaded with cute sweaters for gifting too. Many cute J.Crew items from this post may be on the sale.

Serena & Lily is having their Thank You Event and on this blog post I shared some of the best things and my own purchases.

I have my eyes on is their gorgeous pillows– especially this Bayview Pillow.

Lamps are a good home investment and they have the prettiest collection. I’m loving this Bari Lamp so much!

Other good buys on this sale from them are (below from left), the Seaview Rug, the Henley Wool Throw, the Dalton Flannel Robe the Healdsburg Bath Towels and the darling Bedford Tray– all these and everything you love from Serena & Lily is 25% off with code Thankful right now!

Madewell is having 30% off your purchase with code GIFTWELL. This Mercer sweater is darling in all its shades- a best seller.

It’s a great chance to pick up a pair of their amazing denim! The Cali-demi boot jeans are so flattering.

Trina Turk is also having 25% off on Black Friday. I’m loving this Boscage leatherette dress.

Trina Turk is a super place to get a special occasion holiday dress or top during the sale. Check out their collection of cocktail looks.

Neimans has a few gems, especially in the handbags…

This Tory Burch clutch is so chic for evenings and for travel. It’s marked down to $166 for Black Friday Sale and for every $200 spent you get $50 off including beauty items, so you could add a fragrance or a regular item you buy during this time and get another $50 off!!

This Coach 1941 bag is $120 off at $375. Love the style and the crossbody strap.

This Rebecca Minkoff Suede Tote is the prettiest blue and $203.

Neiman’s Mens Black Friday Sale here.

Nordstrom has some terrific buys on their sale:

This Avec La Filles Moto Coat is adorable with the details and a nice closet addition for $219- 30% off.

This Barbour Plaid Scarf is 50% off at $34! So cute for a guy or gal.

I think Ugg Slippers are one of the nicest gifts that last forever and right now this cute style is 30% off at $69 and comes in tan also.

This pink is pretty cute too, especially for young gals you might need to buy for, and it comes in an orange version also.

This Soft & Cozy Pj set comes in a bunch of cute colors for $49.

Love this Madewell sweater in all its colors- regular $98 it is $58 right now..Cute for a sister, mom or friend.

These Ugg Jogging pants are nice for hibernating at home this winter. Love this color and they are $52 – 40% off.

Gorjana Necklaces are nice and this pendant is 50% off at $34.

Something about this Ted Baker Stripe Sweater is really attractive and it’s marked down 40% to $92.

Love this Baja Poncho Hoodie for the special beach bum in your life by the wonderful brand Faherty, now marked down to $112 from $188.

For the young guys in your life this RVCA Packaway II Hooded Anorak is perfect for throwing in a backpack, but ready to repel rain and wind and is just $39 right now marked down 40%.

I like to get my husband a Bonobos Shirt every Christmas as they fit him so well and he likes the whimsical designs. This Slim Fit Dinosaur Shirt is 30% off at $54 and that is a great price for the quality of these shirts.

Bonobos also makes this slim fit t-shirt with ski jumpers $40, 30% off. I know my sons would love it.

This Vince Classic Fit Stripe T is also a good deal at $65 it’s a 40% savings.

More of the Black Friday and Cyber Sale at Nordstrom here.

Nordstrom is also having their Buy 3 get 1 Free Mascara Event on Saturday the 30th. Pick any 3 mascara, any brands and get the third one deducted off the bill. All the Mascaras here.

Another approach to Black Friday is where a company decides to give to a charity instead of give you a price break. I love that Everlane is giving $10 for every purchase on Black Friday. Since 2014, Everlane has raised over $800,000 for initiatives that help improve the lives of factory workers and clean up the environment. This year they are donating to Oceana to help end single use plastic.

Their Square Silk Shirt is a classic and beautifully made.

I also love this lightweight jacket which comes in many pretty colors. The unique pockets and oversize design is nice.

Their Mac Coat is another great item in other pretty colors as well as this fun blue check.

Go to Everlane’s site to read more about their giving. Their men’s gift guide has sustainable cashmere and jackets as well.

I hope these give you a few ideas and a head start on your holiday shopping! I know things can go fast, so I’ll check back and make sure items are still available. Most of these sales, are for the weekend, but some are just Friday, so check that.

I’ll be back with Cyber Monday post and a Thanksgiving recap! Wishing you some quality time this weekend with nature, family and friends.

Kim

Brocade Baby.. & Other Cool Holiday Fashions

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I saw these J. Crew pants and memories came rushing to me of watching my mom getting dressed for dad’s holiday work parties! It was always a big thing to my mother and I loved when she dressed up. I noticed there are many darling vintage looks out for the holiday season and just had to squeeze a post in about it. I am crazy for these brocades, jacquards and other fabrics that are woven with gilt threads. At some point in my life, I want to wear something beautiful like this to a holiday party!

These jacquard pants are so 1968 I can’t stand it. My mom would have completed this look with her big crystal bracelet, teased hair (thank you Aqua Net),and frosted pale coral lipstick back then. Why not recreate that fun this holiday season with some of the cute offerings right now in the way of brocade, jacquards and other lovely pieces that give a retro feel to holiday looks? I feel like these are things you can keep and wear in many ways year after year for the holidays, New Year’s Eve and other times you want to kick it up a notch.

These cigarette pants are 30% off now with code BRRR. I love them with the sweater for a casual chic look and some big crystal earrings or..

…the whole look! With the gold top, it is the best holiday hostess look ever in my book..

This gold jacquard comes also in a strapless dress, and a pencil skirt.

This cherry blossom top is also ADORABLE and cute whether it’s paired with jeans and drop earrings like here..

Or with the pencil skirt plus a faux fur chubby in a wonderful color!

Something about this little coat I really love and this color spicy jade! What a great name. I’d wear this with jeans more than anything.

The pretty buckle detail of these J Crew sandals is so fun.

The satin slip skirt is back from the 90’s and it’s as flattering and versatile as ever. The J Crew version is on my list especially this adobe color…

The nice thing about these skirts is they can go from easy daytime to night with just the change of a top. The vintage burgundy color is also a great look. These have an elastic pull on waist and are so easy to wear. All the colors here.

They also make a full length version of this skirt and I love it with the turtleneck. Isn’t this a gorgeous color?

The cute retro vibe of this daisy jacquard skirt is another one you could wear so many ways. The zipper is everything.

Another pretty brocade skirt – love the colors!

This Anthro multi-colored mini is fun. You can wear it with a silk blouse to a sweater and always feel festive.

I’m in love with the flowers and colors on this maxi dress from Anthro.

Anthro also offers this swing dress with brocade accents. I love that they have a large amount of its dresses in petite to plus sizes.

Anthropolgie has some darling brocade heels like these with the cutest flowers..

I am in love with these two strap Mary Janes..

They also made them in the prettiest pink..

This navy and gold swing dress would flatter a lot of shapes.

How about this cute gold blouse that has the same 60’s vibe? I’d pair it with cropped pants and flats.

If you want to play it casual, but still look holiday, these gorgeous jacquard pants with tiniest sequins fit the bill. The pattern and color are TDF and this could go with a soft sweater or a simple white button up and big vintage earrings…SO PRETTY!

Trina Turk always does beautiful jacquard and this pant outfit does not disappoint with its graphic design. Top here and pants and there is even a matching clutch! Trina is always a great destination for holiday looks. My brocade clutch I adore and use year after year, is also from Trina.

Madewell has their own version of the gold holiday pant in their signature crop and high waist. It could be very chic with a boxy cashmere sweater.

Accessories are always the most fun part of holiday dressing!

These Jeffery Campbell slides look like something from Dynasty- love it!

They also come in a magical purple..

If you need a higher heel these Jeffery Campbell sandals are Vegas fabulous..

They also come in a lower heel and other pretty colors..

Anthro also has these velvet mini clutches with a pretty chain for $58 if you need a evening bag. It comes in many colors.

Everyone needs a good drop earring for the holidays and it is nice to have a few of these in your jewelry wardrobe. These are $48.

And these hoops , at $38 are a little more on the modern side..

Another wardrobe basic is the sexy, strappy evening sandal. These Jeffery Campbells (he is clearly killing it in the festive shoe category), come in black...

and gold of course…Make sure your pedicure is pretty with these!

Try mixing these looks with vintage costume pieces if you are lucky to have them. This is a great time to add a brooch to a shoulder of a jacket or a top.

This year the holiday season is shorter, so it helps to be thinking what you might need and if you shop early, and pull a look together, you may be able to use it for multiple occasions.

Have fun mixing it up and look to vintage photos for inspiration if it helps! I love these.

Kim

P.S. If you missed the recent holiday dressing post, a group of us shared holiday look ideas with a lot of different looks and thoughts. Links on that blog post for more inspiration!

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