#springstyle

Weekend Meanderings -Designer Melissa Penfold, Woven Baskets for Plants, a Lunch Spot & More.

May 14, 2022 By kimwheeler 27 Comments

It’s Weekend Meanderings time with Elizabeth and Juliet, and our chance to share things that grabbed our attention this week.. Let’s get started!

Village Bakery and Cafe

I had a lovely lunch outdoors at the Village Bakery and Cafe in Woodside last weekend as part of my Mother’s Day weekend with my family. I had been asking to come back here when the weather is nice, and we were fortunate to have a beautiful day. The cafe has the prettiest outdoor space patio and delicious food…

If it’s a cooler day you can opt to dine indoors which has a cozy clubby vibe with little lamps on the bar and tables. It feels like you are transported to a fancy English pub. They also have a wonderful bakery (the brownies!) to grab a treat to go after, or a more casual to-go lunch. This spot is a great day out and the center has a cute tennis store and home and garden shop.

Just some of the amazing selections at the bakery!

Boxwood and hydrangeas in baskets

One thing I love about the Village Bakery is it reminds me of Belgium and France with their boxwoods in woven baskets.

I want that look in my yard and have been stuffing hydrangeas into baskets all over. I have found the best baskets at Target. ( By the way my outdoor chairs and all of Serena & Lily is 20% off including sale stuff, use code GOFORIT.)

This seagrass basket is $26 and a good size for a boxwood or hydrangea. I line it with a plastic tray so the basket will not rot, and also take it out occasionally for heavy watering.

These by Kooboo are also perfect and more expensive, but a heavy rattan that may be very durable.

And there is this also at Target by Studio McGee in a lighter rattan that might be nice.

You can find liners to protect the baskets and let the plants drain here.

By the way, my lovely Weekend Meanderings pal, Juliet also has pretty baskets on her front porch too, which I must share. Do you follow her Instagram? She’s so fun.

Emily Joubert

If you go Woodside, and even better have lunch at The Village Bakery, you must stop at my most favorite shop ever, Emily Joubert, which is adjacent. This is probably the best home store in the Bay Area and they also have a new location in San Francisco.

Emily Joubert has a wonderful garden area with unique plants, outdoor furniture and pretty pots. Indoors holds a brilliantly curated selection of design and cooking books, pillows, dishes, fragrances, pajamas and baby gifts. Cards and jewelry as well. You can find their shop online and also follow the pretty Instagram. I love the story about her shop, named after her grandmother, who like mine, was a big inspiration.

I bought myself this lovely book..

Melissa Penfold

Melissa Penfold is a bit under the radar as she’s an Australian, but also was the longtime design columnist for the Sydney Herald. I found her book on one of the magical piles of decor books I haven’t heard or seen before at Emily Joubert.

The wonderful thing about Melissa’s book is it’s not your usual design tome filled with one designer’s projects. She begins by sharing some of the best in home design from across the globe. She shows spare, traditional and classical beauties all reimagined with fresh touches and a modern sensibility. Then she tells the story of her own stunning country home in the highlands outside of Sydney.

Her book is a treasure trove of decorating advice and no nonsense approach to a quality life using found treasures and well made basics. Interspersed in this book are great guidelines and ideas I want to underline or highlight and go back to and revisit. I’ve never felt this way about a design book, but it’s a decor bible of sorts for those who want to build a beautiful home to last a lifetime, not full of the latest trends.

I love these two of many great gems in this book:

“Get rid of everything in your life that doesn’t measure up, whether it’s chipped cups or stained linens. Avoid matching sets of furniture, bath fittings, or bedroom suites;
the most effective and affordable approach is to mix beautiful basics with one-offs.
A sumptuous cushion elevates a plain sofa into the style stratosphere, a basic round metal
table looks brilliant with an antique French chair. The most successful rooms defy categorization
because they reflect their owner’s individuality and life experiences.”
“Home is the ongoing story of a person and should be decorated with things that please the eye, soothe the senses, and move us in some way. It takes a lifetime of collecting to finish a room.”
Melissa Penfold

You can buy her beautiful book here and get more inspiration on her Instagram.

The perfect pants for spring/summer and travel

I recently got these new light cream pants from Anthro. They totally different than any other pants I own, but I liked the shape and light fabric. When I put these on they just felt great right away. I like that I can pair it with a blazer for a modern look or a tank or with this striped tunic top for a daytime casual look. They are a great addition to the spring/summer closet, and so lightweight they feel like nothing on which is nice for travel and hotter days. I like the two pockets on the front and they hit at ankle length.

The pants are here, up to plus and tall sizing, also in a black, which I am considering, and a khaki and 12 other colors! People love these pants and they are highly rated so check them out and also look at your local Anthro for these!

* UPDATE I just noticed they are sold out of many sizes of the white/cream. Will try to share here if they get more in. I believe this is a newer pant, so maybe they will restock. Many sizes in other colors though..So frustrating so check in stores too.

Other options are these Theory white cropped pants (similar material), and these by Nic+Zoe, this pair at Madewell, and these at J. Crew.

The striped tunic is from Madewell and my straw tote is from Mango and I added my wool tassel from Tancredi & Morgan, another similar tassel here on Etsy (both are made by women artisans in Guatemala.)

Loads more straw totes on this post if you missed it!

Well that’s my meanderings for this week now please go see what fun finds and ideas my friends Elizabeth and Juliet have for you..

PINECONES AND ACORNS

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

Wishing you all a beautiful weekend.

Thank you for being here!

Kim

If you missed last week’s blog with outdoor pillows, lemon shortbread cookies, a fun idea with thrifted finds and more that post is here. I also shared a great Asian noodle salad this week.

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

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Easy Chic for Spring/Summer with White Shirts

April 21, 2022 By kimwheeler 34 Comments

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

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

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

Why are white shirts so chic?

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

They go with everything.

Layers! Need I say more?

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

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

I love seeing all my white shirts together..

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

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

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

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

Some street inspo

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

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

A few I like below…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kim

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Flower Power

March 3, 2022 By kimwheeler 21 Comments

Right now everything in California is blossoming and you just have to look down to see California Poppies and volunteer daffodils peeking out from the sidewalk. Those little flowers are a sort of a salve and a small distraction with the war and things right now.

Flowers have been popping up at the shops too. As usual retailers trot out all their latest floral offering about now, but this year I’ve noticed the 70’s trend of meadow flowers on fabrics which I just love. It transports me to a time of wearing spring maxi dresses as a small girl, homemade bedspreads by my grandmother and Holly Hobbie books. Can anyone else envision that time? If you’re a lover of florals these look fresh and pretty and in my enthusiasm I thought I’d share the profusion of flower items I am excited about. I hope you you will enjoy this small floral diversion…

I am coveting this beautiful dress from California company Rails. Such a pretty fabric and style!

I just received Anna Spiro’s new book and it’s very beautiful and filled with good advice about decorating and living. It’s inspiring to say the least and if you want to see how to mix florals and patterns this is your guide.

Fittingly this Anthro dress fabric is called 70’s floral and I’m here for it. I know at some point my mother or I had a dress in a similar fabric!

Anthro now has organic cotton percale sheets in a lovely floral. Other pretty prints as well.

Learn how to create beautiful arrangements with foraged finds in Field Flower Vase..

These Maje Pjs are kind of a splurge, but I adore the beautiful print.

If you want flowers, but can’t commit to color this Summerside Wallpaper is a good compromise and a cool retro look. Wonderful for a hallway or bedroom.

Pottery Barn is offering a flower field to sleep in with the Amelia Floral Duvet and shams.

I like the ease and pattern mix of this pull-on skirt from Free People.

Incorporate flowers into your food from cheeseboards to cakes to picnics and more with this lovely book Floral Provisions.

This wrap midi-dress with mixed small florals is sweet and could be worn with a long sleeve t-shirt under it too.

This Maggie Suit from Free People is so darn cute and comes in a plum and a toffee..

Flower Infused Cocktails has over 60 beautiful drinks to try. I see a girlfriends cocktail hour in the future!

Another luxe item, but fun are these Ferragamo Floral Sneakers..

Start the flower vibe at the front door with this HELLO doormat ..

I’m obsessed with this silk cotton floral blouse from Me & Em, a London based company that has come up on my radar. I keep getting beautiful catalogues from them.

How pretty is this Hollyhock wallpaper from House of Hackney- and dreaming of where I could use it..

I might opt for the blue version– also could be a fun look on the long wall walkway next to my office space.

Love this Drawstring Maxi with the side stripe also from Me & Em.

Just made for Easter or Passover are these Cecelia Slides at Anthropologie. I would wear them with swingy white dress in summer too.

Do you love wildflowers? We get some amazing blooms in California and if you love to see them as much as I do, you can follow a Facebook group called The California Wildflower Report. You have to request to join and you’ll get to see wonderful photos from people’s travels to some of the blooms. Right now there is a lot of activity on the page!

The Flower Hunter is filled with inspiring floral tablescapes for the seasons and lovely stories to go along with it. Probably one of the highest rated new books and just in time for spring.

The Lynda dress from Anthro has that 70’s floral vibe, but a casual air and would be a good one to have for daytime dressed down- or nights dressed up this spring and summer. Or wear now with boots!

Target has this blouse in this pretty vintage feeling color mix and a few others that are just as lovely.

These Sandro Jeans are half off now and I LOVE the embroidered flowers!

If you like the wildflowers look and are interested in cultivating that feeling in your yard and borders, this Instagram account, Cameron Gardening from the UK, is filled with inspiring visions and ideas for your yard.

This top from Tuckernuck is so cool and I had to include it!

I thought these adorable jeweled flower Teva-like sandals would be a good way to wrap up this flower centered post! I think I may need these. I envision these with a black dress this summer…

Here’s to more flowers this spring and soon please!

Thanks for being here.. and don’t forget Saturday’s Meanderings is coming up tomorrow.

If you missed last week’s Meanderings post you might like- Afternoon Tea in SF, Blue Button Downs & More.

See you tomorrow!

Kim

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

Spring Dresses

April 20, 2021 By kimwheeler 20 Comments

A bit of news for those of you who have liked fashion posts… I will be joining Cindy Hattersley and Sarah London on their monthly fashion collaboration. Those ladies have so much style so I hope I can be a valued contributor to their wonderful series!

Today the theme is spring dresses and as there are more possibilities for leaving our homes this spring, dresses suddenly hold more excitement than last year. This year we might be seen a bit more and just the few times I’ve been out the last week or so, people absolutely seem to be stepping up their style game. I for one, am enjoying seeing people who aren’t in their sweats and comfort clothes!

So, in the name of research here, I did some surveying and tried on spring dresses from an array of retailers. As I have stated in previous posts, I am trying to purchase less and shop thoughtfully. What I do buy I want to LOVE, I mean really love. I also want it to be quality. I’d rather have one nice dress that I can wear over and over than 4 cheaply made dresses. That said there is a place in the warm weather wardrobe for a few light dresses that can be housedress/coverup/ market run frocks for those dog days of summer. My go-to for that last year was the light sundress with pockets dresses from Target. They still have a version. and Anthro has almost the exact copy I bought last year, below (more colors too), a bit nicer quality and fit. Most everyone looks great in this and it’s light and versatile..

Spring dresses need to be light and comfortable ! That should, be a given, but doing my investigations, one of the biggest issues is so many dresses are constructed of heavy stiff fabric with overdone layers. It was sad because many cute dresses just felt oppressive on, something we all want to avoid on warm days. Given I’m 55, this hot thing takes on new significance. I know others can relate..

So here’s what I think we can all use and maybe you can use this as a guide shopping:

-Something of quality to wear daytime everywhere, is versatile, can be casual or dressed up.

-Something floral and pretty, a skirt would be versatile.

-Something for dinners out and social gatherings (when they happen.)

-Something for a special dinner or a holiday trip.

Of course those dresses can overlap and do duty in the other categories too. With three or so quality dresses, you can sail through spring and summer with just a few changes of sandals and pretty accessories. Shop well, buy less, and remember better things will give you a lot of pleasure to wear. Once you decide to choose higher quality, you realize you need less, as slipping on that perfect frock makes everything else seem not as necessary. It’s kind of the same when you splurge and get a nice bag. You don’t need a lot of the others and it simplifies life.

You can run out the door feeling polished.. Have fun with the add-ons. The goal is to have all the things in your closet be items you have a crush on. Nothing sub-par should be in there. Make that your goal- a pretty capsule wardrobe for spring and warmer days. Get rid of the extra bulk in your closet gathering dust. Let it go to another home to be loved and have only what you are crazy about.

Dress 1- A nice quality T-Shirt Dress. This is the Tory Burch’s Basket-Weave Dress. I love this as it is comfortable and cute fabric. It’s a bit upscale for a t-shirt dress and I like that. You can wear it everyday, or out for a dinner date. It’s also a nice vacation dress as it doesn’t wrinkle. I bought this on one of her sales and I deliberated about a more fancy dress, but made made myself buy something I’d get a more wear from and this dress will be worn a zillion times this spring and summer, it’s so easy, so pennies per wear.

Dress 2- This dress is called the Daily Practice Dress by Anthropologie and it is a well made dress for casual and could be dressy too. It’s a very comfy and super breathable stretchy cotton that feels great to wear. It could double as a cute cover-up and comes in more colors, some pretty prints as well. It does have a lower open back, but with a black bra, it wasn’t really noticeable. (My tag sticking out you can see, but you get the idea.) Everything in Anthropologie’s new Daily Practice Line is made for the California casual lifestyle and I want all the pieces! They fit the easy life we all have now, but with dresses and feminine top, etc.

Dress 3- An Satiny Embroidered Dress. This is the Viveka Dress from Anthropologie. It’s a dressier look, but still light made of cotton with a layer on the skirt. I like the embroidery and I love a white dress summer dress. This is a creamy white and it’s comfortable too. This would be a vacation dinner dress, for special gatherings and date nights go to – nice to have in the closet. Flattering, not too short or too tight.

Dress 4- An easy little black dress. This Ramy Brook Jo Dress is light and the way they are constructed they are very flattering. These dresses have a casual California vibe to them also. This Jo dress is on sale at the Rack now and I haven’t seen this version before with the gathered adjustable 3/4 sleeve. This dress feels so soft on and I will wear it any chance I can. It’s also light enough a slim black pant or leggings could be worn with it for a chic daytime look- maybe trip to the art museum or a day in the city? They have some other colors and versions on sale at the Rack here. I’m tempted to grab another with those sale prices.

-5- In the floral group, because it is spring and we all need a little flower, I love a skirt that be worn in so many ways. This Free People skirt fit the bill for me as it was nicely made, super comfy with an elastic waist and pockets- and I was crazy about the print. I am wearing a XS here as they are roomy. I paired mine with one of these new Daily Practice T-shirts from Anthro and a sweater over the shoulders for cooler mornings and nights. ( By the way the sweater over the shoulder look is back and so practical.) I also loved the new Daily Practice Boy Meets Girl T, and the Richie V-Neck T.

My Perry Bombe Cross-body here is my favorite small bag- so light, holds a lot, with two separate zip compartments and is still a best seller at Tory Burch. I’ve had mine a few years now and it still looks great. It’s the right length and adjustable. Cute new versions in canvas and woven and the taupe is lovely.

I also have several versions of the Miller Tory Burch sandal on in these photos. I can highly recommend the newest their Cloud version with super comfy soles! I have the light blue. Love them! All of my sandals from her I am still wearing many years on!

I hope you enjoyed this spring dress chat! Please pop over to Cindy’s blog, Cindy Hattersley Design and Sarah’s Sarah London Style to see what they are sharing for spring dresses. I can’t wait to see what they have for us with dresses today!

Kim

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Spring and Easter Styling Ideas

March 24, 2021 By kimwheeler 8 Comments

Well it certainly doesn’t feel like Easter is just a few weeks away. This week has been chilly and wet here in Northern Cal. I wore my sleeping bag jacket to the grocery store yesterday, but that hasn’t stopped me from thinking about my Easter table and decorating a bit in the house too.

Right now there are a lot of fun Easter and spring looks everywhere. I add just a few things to the house for spring with natural elements and a couple of whimsical bits or a bunny or basket. This look caught my eye on the Crate & Barrel website. Love the pretty cherry blossom branch. You could forage your yard for these or something in the blossom family.

They also sell these faux branches, which look very realistic and could be good in a glass vase too mixed with some real branches and flowers. I like the fringe napkins and the light grayish blue plates.

At my local Anthropologie I noticed these darling ceramic berry baskets in the kitchen area. Imagine them with dyed eggs and the rest of the year to hold berries or lemons.

They also have these stripe/gingham kitchen towels in sets of three. Perfect Easter tones and they would work also as napkins on a brunch table too! I like the idea of mixing the three different patterns on white or pastel dishes.

Anthro also has this gingham table runner in a tan and citron tone or a orange/pink version. Something about gingham is so appealing to me in spring. I think this would be pretty with many small vases of daffodils.

The addition of nature on your table and it is the easiest and cheapest way to bring spring to your table. We usually use my mom’s vintage pink plates, and I look in the yard, or the grocery to see what inspires me.

This is one of my favorite inspiration photos from an old Juliska ad. The fern and plants in the glass with the moss could be easily replicated with different jars and glasses and fern or small flowers with a the moss. Of course the blue dishes are beautiful and might work for a Passover Seder too. I don’t own any Juliska, but I might start collecting some. Gorgeous.

Etsy is a great place for Easter tablecloths. Hand blocked linens are very popular now and have that feminine look that is perfect for spring and summer tables. I love the tones in this one..

This is also a lovely look..

This is one that can be a tablecloth/pareo/or wrap.. so pretty !

Love this too...

More Easter color tablecloths here and more hand blocked tablecloths here.

More inspo..these cute cupcakes from the Firmdale Hotel website? You could copy this look with little eggs and candy flowers!..

What about Easter clothes? Are you inspired to get something spring-like this year? I am definitely wearing a dress of some kind. When we were small, my grandmother loved Easter and my grandparents would always take us out for dinner and a pair of Easter sandals and those would be our shoes until school started again. I would always ask for a small white purse to match too. Sometimes I would get one if I was lucky. Easter dress used to be a big thing and I still love the tradition.

Maybe you can start with a cute mask to get in the spring feeling? I love this set of three in spring greens from Terrain.

I also just bought more masks from my talented friend MeiLei who gives her proceeds to charity. The quality of her masks is so good and she adds a pretty lining that always contrasts well with the front fabric. You can browse her Instagram account .

These floral slides are just so spring I had to share them…

I’m considering this Tory Burch gingham tunic on sale now. It’s a bit sheer so it would make a good coverup as well as a light dress for summer.

I just spotted this bag on sale at Bloomingdales… Very sweet in linen! I can see using that all spring and summer and especially for trips to the beach.

I’m also kind of obsessed with this Bamboo Ring bag.. It’s nice to have a basket purse with a Easter or spring look.

Tory Burch has this adorable cross-body on her spring event sale now. The lining thrills me!

It seems like longer tired dresses and puff sleeves are big this year. There are a lot of cute versions of what Bloomingdales calls the ‘housedress.’ Really? Is that because we are in our homes now as much as our mothers and grandmothers once were thanks to Covid? It hasn’t been so bad, but most of us are not wearing housedresses! Here’s my picks of the best longer looks..

Here’s a versatile look similar to the one with the yellow bag above by Aqua for Bloomingdales. You can dress this up for Easter Brunch or Passover Seder and also wear it with casual slides and a bag like above for summer. I’d add a fun necklace or whimsical earrings.

Also love the straps of this gingham number by Lucy Paris and can be paired with a jacket or a wrap if it’s a cooler day.

Toile is always a favorite and cute in this blue look. I love the neckline.

A sweet floral on this Aqua floral midi look..

This cutie by Wayf would be closer to a housedress to me, but also good for spring with a cardigan and in summer as a coverup or with flip-flops for everyday.

Another by Lucy in Paris again.. Would you feel like a character in Bridgerton? Something about it is appealing, not sure about on someone of my age.. I’d wrap a soft shawl around this.

This more structured look by Rebecca Taylor..

And Target has this smocked dress that is very cute and many colors worn in teal by Juliet of Make Mine a Spritzer on her last post.

This block print dress looks like the easiest thing and you can dress it down or up..

This from Tuckernuck is a great spring look..

This Zimmerman dress is a bit more money, but perfection for Easter or anything special this spring or summer.

This maxi is from Anthro and love the embroidery..

And I just had to finish with these darlings by Jeffery Campbell…

Hope you find something you love or to inspire you!

Happy Spring!

Kim

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Spring Dresses for a Mood Boost

April 1, 2020 By kimwheeler 6 Comments

Hello my lovely friends. I thought I’d veer off the usual topic today and go a little crazy with some spring dresses. This week I made a decision to thoroughly shut down the news and did a deep dive into books, good shows and it’s been somewhat restorative.. The pretty California weather this week has really helped my mood. I also cut out the nightly ice cream habit my husband had gotten us into since quarantine and even began a little ballet workout besides my two walks. Maybe it’s spring and the lighter days, but is anyone else feeling some optimism? Even the announcement that we will be doing this for another month was fine with us. I don’t think we are eager to give up this slower pace of life just yet.

In my happier mindset I gathered a few dresses to consider. I know some of you said you’d be open to looking at some spring fashions also. We will be out and about someday soon. Why not get the closet cleaned out while you have time and add a pretty thing to look forward to wearing?

I have not done any shopping except for a few books since I’ve been in. I just wasn’t in that mindset, but doing this post I realized retailers are hurting now. Clothing is dramatically reduced now and you may get a dress for a song. Most of the items linked here are on some sort of sale, so look for the sale codes.

This simple shift dress at Anthropologie caught my eye. The texture, simplicity and pockets make it a cute dress for running about in warmer weather. I would love this with brown leather flat sandals, hoop earrings and a ponytail- the look many moms wore summer days in the 1970’s. It’s classic chic and perfect for a BBQ or date night.

I was attracted to the print on this blue midi dress. This looks so easy to throw on and I’d pair it with a crochet tote and some slides and you could be set for lunch out or a candlelit dinner at your own abode.

If you don’t have a midi-dress this is the season to try one. I personally like the shirtdress style of this Anthro dress below, which feels like everyday wear and can even be worn with boots in cooler months. The pattern is particularly cute and retro. Most of the Anthro dresses come in options for plus sizing and many in petite.

I have always love Marimekko patterns since I was young and this tunic would be a classic to keep for years. It can be worn without the belt for more of a shift look.

Madewell has this cute wrap midi dress and it’s sweet.

I’m a fan of denim dresses and Madewell has a lot of them now. This one is my favorite, but check them all out here.

This linen shift by Tory Burch has retro detailing.

Back in February, I ran to Target to get paper towels and found this white denim dress at the same time I found that cute top from the previous post. I snapped this pic in the dressing room, but it shows how cute this is for a inexpensive dress. It comes in plus sizes also. I bought a size medium so it was a little longer and not tight. It’s sitting waiting on a hook in the closet, but I know it’ll get some wear this summer.

As long as we are at Target, I also love the red of this long dress. It comes in a black with polka dots also. I just think this would be cute for poolside or out to dinner with a big beaded necklace.

Anthro’s shift dress has a fun California boho feel.

This pretty Diane Von Furstenburg dress is in silk and is something that would flatter most any body type. I’m also just in love with the blue tone and roses.

Something about this little print crepe dress is so appealing. I love the necklines and sleeves and the green botanicals.

I think white is such a flattering color and everyone should have one pretty summer white dress in the closet. This See by Chloe dress is charming with its ruffle cuffs.

This J. Crew shirtdress would be a top ten in my closet during summer with its pockets and you could add a belt to change it up. Right now it’s 40% off with code SPRING.

I keep going back to this red floral dress also by J. Crew. I love the ruffled collar and again casual feel with the pockets. This comes in black as well and is the thing we could all use to pop on and go.

This halter dress from loft is darling.

Trina Turk also has a cute halter style with its Sunglasses Dress. Love this print and the yellows.

I also fell in love with this Doen number..

A woven tote or purse is another thing to think about adding charm to spring looks. This Bali Classic Tote caught my eye..

I adore a delicate flat sandal and this Daydream Strappy Sandal ticks all the boxes here..

I hope you find this a little hopeful and distracting right now with all that is happening. I have also been requested to do a jeans and white button-up post..so that is coming! This week I plan to get to my closet and began pulling out my spring things and see what is a keeper and what’s to go.

I finally shared a video tour of our bathroom remodel on my Instagram if you want to check it out. I’ll be doing a post soon on all the materials. Please follow along on Instagram where I post daily and for fun, Pinterest.

Hoping you are all coping okay and taking care of yourselves. A lot of us are also doing double duty caring for an extended family group. It can be a lot, so be good to yourself and take time for you, so you don’t get run down.

Kim

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House Update & Spring Finds

March 28, 2019 By kimwheeler 19 Comments

Hey friends how’s spring in your neck of the woods? Hmm, I feel like I’ve talked a lot about the weather this year haven’t I? Finally, we had some gorgeous weather last week with flowers and California poppies blooming everywhere. It was in the 70’s and I even got my sandals out, but here we are again back to the wet and cold! What the heck? I have booties and my anorak with my eyelet blouse on today because I refuse to go back to winter. I’m doing some spring here dammit. This is California!

Finally the house remodel seems to be making progress. I am seeing light at the end of the tunnel. Only problem now is a lot of the pressure rests on me to make choices and be firm about them, not always my strength. I have been obsessing on lights the last week or so. We chose all the outdoor ones and next came the main rooms (see the previous post), and now the bathrooms- the lights and mirror thing. I knew tile was going to a lot of choices, but I hadn’t given lights etc that much thought- thus my descent into mirror and lighting madness in the past week. After researching all the options on the planet, (seriously), I went with Restoration Hardware for most of the lights which seem to be very affordable for the quality, given what is out there. RH mirrors are also fab though very expensive and so I am still figuring that out. I’m not spending $1,000 or more per mirror.

One of the issues with my bathrooms is that they don’t have enough room for side lighting and a mirror over both sinks. A serious bummer as that is the most flattering light. Anyhow, after getting over that I found some options to the usual strip lighting that is over the top of mirrors and can look dated. A more contemporary option, like above, is a sconce that is hung slightly over the mirror- or a hanging pendant. For the boy’s bath I chose a RH hanging pendant that is pretty cool. That will work for them as they don’t need serious lighting like I do. You people over 45 know what I mean..

This cool wood Kieran Walnut Mirror is a Lamp’s Plus find.

I like their pendants with these mirrors or a black steel rimmed one..Still deciding.

For our bath, I want a simple rectangle mirror with a gold or silver border. The fixtures in there are polished nickel and for lighting above the mirror, I love this double sconce for its wrench detail which is a different version of the boy’s pendants. This comes in nickel or a burnished brass, both pretty.

I also chose a small flush mount chandelier from RH Child to give the bath a little fancy and to contrast my modern Victoria & Albert IOS tub.. Who knew RH Child had such cool stuff and more a bit more affordable. It is just the bathroom. Also, what does that say about me?? I still have little girl taste? I AM trying to stay young. 😀

Hoping it all comes together.

I’ve done so much overthinking in the past two weeks- kitchen and dining lights, cabinet styles, wood tones, and tiles. I think I actually lost weight from it all and I began having hot flashes again like 40 times a day. I sleep barely at all. Last night we had a huge storm and my cats headed to my bed with all the noise and my older cat, Hobbes decided he needed to spoon with me. GAH. Talk about sweaty. My husband asks why I don’t kick them off, but how can I? He’s so old now. Anyhow, this is why I am the definition of haggard lately…and craving every carb possible..

On that note, I did get out for a spite of retail therapy. Gosh there are so many lovely things for spring and I am ready to bust out the pretty blouses and slides and pack away the sweaters. We are planning a college tour trip with the high school junior to So Cal, so California’s weather better shape up by then! Here’s to more sun ahead and a few things on the radar I thought you might like in case you have a spring jaunt coming.

I can never have enough floral or blue and how cute is this J Crew popover blouse for Spring?

I think I may have to get a pair of these new Birks with the silver buckles and metallic blue. They also have a rose and gold version which is so cute. I love these with white jeans and casual dresses.

In the pink theme, I saw this darling bag -perfect for a holidays for evenings out or for summer days! It comes in a natural too for $69 at Nordys.

I am dying to get this beach tunic for So Cal. I would wear this with cropped jeans as well as by the pool.

While we are thinking spring break, I’d like to see how J. Crew’s reissue of this 1993 underwire suit fits. It’s a pretty plaid and it has proper coverage on the backside too. It sure looks cute here…And they have a long shirt dress to match it that can be worn as a coverup too! How chic would that be?

And check out this fun tote for travel at Anthropolgie from a Danish company.

And how about this fedora with the leopard trim band? That would be a chic vacation hat!

I’ll end with these Cora slides which are TDF!

Okay well back to reality and stay tuned -another blog post is on the way to share a gorgeous California themed book with you all. We are almost to the weekend!

Kim

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The Boyfriend Denim Jacket

May 31, 2018 By kimwheeler 6 Comments

Strategizing my packing for summer vacation always involves some sort of lightweight jacket that must be stylish, layerable and versatile enough to give some warmth while also be a topper for dresses and skirts. In past years I’ve taken a white jean jacket and last year my khaki army jacket worked. I’ve noticed the oversized jean jacket has been popping up all over and looks great with dresses as well as a chic layering piece with sweaters, tops and all shapes of pants.

LOVE this! My summer dressing inspiration photo.

It also has made me nostalgic for the late 80’s and early 90’s when those oversized jackets looked great and were worn by my boyfriends as well as myself. The ultimate look was with the collar up and your wayfarers on. I can still hear that Don Henley tune- Boy’s of Summer was it? Well you can’t go back, but this is one trend I think we can wear again. In California though the denim jacket is never really out of style it just morphs into different permutations of itself, no?

Below a few inspirations of the length and shapes seen out and about interspersed with some great vintage pics too. The look is longer and a bit roomier..

It’s okay to mix your denim.

Remember this trend with all the pins? An extreme version in Vogue.

You can still go for a more sculpted jacket shape if you prefer, but buy it in a larger size than normal.

This is still such a great look- collar up and cuffs too. Balanced with a skinnier pant I love it.

A ‘real’ boyfriend size with a shortened sleeve.

A vintage shot of Drew Barrymore wearing the look.

Vintage Vogue.

I like the idea of the jacket worn cape like over the shoulders for a night out.

This look is what you’ll get if you shop the men’s department- roomier and slightly covering the backside.

I bought this men’s denim jacket in small from Uniqlo and it has the perfect fullness and length to layer over sweaters and dresses.

This oversized jacket from Topshop is the perfect shape for that boyfriend jacket look..It comes in black and a darker denim as well.

I also like this ruffled version , this one by Madewell, and this also by them without cuffs, this version with rose embroidery from Allsaints, a color-blocked look, and this one with a pretty wash from Joe’s .

Other sources for this great look may be in the your husband’s closet or your nearest charity shop. Keep and eye out and find something unique and cool to complete your summer look!

By the way, if you are getting this post via Bloglovin’ I suggest you instead sign up for it via email on the box at the right. Bloglovin’ has not been consistent about delivering new posts this year and is not reliable. Signing up to get it in your inbox just is a single email when the blog is published and always works. Nothing else is ever sent to you. Facebook gives you the blog posts and other fun tidbits I share, but the Facebook feed can be tricky and you may not always see new posts on your feed. Just FYI for those asking about getting the blog regularly.

Thanks so much for reading!

Kim

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Weekend Things

May 13, 2018 By kimwheeler 15 Comments

Hi how is your weekend going? I’ve been trying to find time to post as there are many cool new things for spring. Lately I have been busy finding and planning a move into a rental during our remodel and trying to sort our summer vacation and activities. This time of year gets so busy doesn’t it?

I thought I’d share a few good finds and new things I am loving- this time it’s mainly from World Market, which has done well with their spring collections.

I’ve been wanting to sit in the yard more and have friends around. The yard looks sad after winter so I spent yesterday at the garden store and the World Market to try to pretty it up. According to my dad, Friday is the day to shop garden centers for plants and they get the stock for the weekend so things are not picked over and less crowded. I bought hydrangeas, lavenders, geraniums and ivy and a few houseplants. Just popping those in and changing out some half dead pots made a huge difference in the yard!

Next I hit Cost Plus which has all the supplies you need for a fluffing up your yard or entertaining alfresco. Cute too. Their buyers are doing a great job unlike Pier 1.

I’ve got a black and white theme going thanks to my striped umbrellas and rug I added last year from Ballard Designs. They are hands down the best investment ever. The 11 foot umbrellas are amazing for their shade and ease of use and they have weathered the winter beautifully. I highly recommend them. I did it all by mail and even ordered extra 50 pound weights to hold the umbrellas down. I was sick of not having enough shade a a lot of faded umbrellas in different colors. I even sprung for the Sunbrella or whatever it is this time.

I was glad to see World Market’s outdoor selection of pillows in graphic black and white made in a heavy duty fabric of recycled plastic bottles!

Also fab are these darling macrame pillows . I bought one in black and another in natural. I put them outside, but may move them inside as I like them so much. They have a real vintage 70’s California feel to me.

Also a good buy- this beverage container. I really needed something prettier than a galvanized tin for all the wine bottles and this looks lovely filled with rose’ and white wines and ice. They call this the textured party tub.

They had a fantastic selection of rose from France, Spain, Argentina, New Zealand and California. I bought an assortment to have in my frig for impromptu gatherings and you get a discount if you buy 4 bottles and you can mix the brands. I also buy the small glass bottles of Pellegrino water which are cute in a bar for entertaining and hard to find sometimes.

I like to investigate the clothes when I am there and last year I found my favorite white blouse that I wore all summer. It is often of hit or miss. Right now they have 4-5 racks of cover-ups, dresses, caftans and tops. Without a dressing room I took a chance and bought this black shift dress. I loved the detailing on the edges and the print.

I didn’t take a photo with it on, but with these J. Crew earrings and some strappy black flats it’s perfect for summer travel or parties. They no longer carry the earring online, but they have this newer version here or you may catch a pair in the clearance section of the stores.

I got lucky as it fit fine, not too big or tight. Sizes there can sometimes be large or sometimes just right. I am usually a size 8 and the S/M fit. I threw it on last night! It’s great when you can find a good dress while shopping for pillows and chips. 🙂

Some of the lovely offerings right now at World Market in the clothing. More here online.

I made another accidental discovery there – Guinness potato chips. I grabbed them yesterday and everyone seems to think they are something special. They have a salty/sweet twist to them and they pair well with a glass of rose!

I also made a trip to the store last week for the Buddha I saw on Cindy Hattersley’s Rough Luxe blog. See mine on the top photo above on my dining table. I love it. Cindy has an eye for cool things and did a great post on styling your kitchen along with a few other bloggers. I loved the placemats from that post too and some of the dishes and generally all she does!

When in the Big Island in April our hotel used the most perfect Japanese stoneware mugs that were tall, narrow and kept your coffee hot, and felt great to hold. I found an almost exact match in these Akari cups.

They also have these lovely blue plates with Cherry Blossoms made in Japan.

Oh and before I forget the new outdoor chairs..So many excellent styles.

How chic are the Negril Chairs ? They also come in black. One in the corner of a bedroom would be nice. I want a pair for my porch.

I also am crazy for these Andalusian All Weather Wicker Chairs! They are mod and fun. If you need a refresh in the yard or home or are having a gathering World Market is good place to start.

Have a beautiful weekend and I do hope the moms out there get spoiled a bit. I am planning to sit in my yard tomorrow, put my feet up and read the paper while the family makes me French Toast. Afterwards I’m having the boys put some plants in for me and tomorrow night my youngest has a cello concert. Tonight we are getting takeout and I hope watching a movie of my choice, for a change!

My mom and grandma are on my mind this weekend. We had so many good years with them, so many family backyard barbecues and brunches over the years. It’s not the same without them. I know many of you are missing your moms too. Thinking of all of you and all the wonderful women that are gone, but will never be forgotten. They live on in us all.

Kim

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Trina Turk Spring 2018

March 17, 2018 By kimwheeler 8 Comments

All of you who read this blog regularly know I am so fortunate to occasionally be asked to do an event in collaboration with California designer Trina Turk. Trina has the most lovely clothing and her beautiful modernist boutique in Burlingame is probably my most favorite spot to shop. I love the people there and I always find something unique to add to the cherished pieces of my closet. I am a bit of a collector when it comes to her things.

This coming Thursday I am honored to host a special spring shopping and styling event at the boutique in Burlingame. The time is 10:30-1, and anyone who pops in will get 20% off of all regular merchandise. I am also excited because I am doing this in conjunction with Suzanne Bell, a very stylish local blogger.

Suzanne writes AskSuzanneBell where she shares all the cool places she shops as well as great finds and terrific style ideas. I have been following her a long time on Instagram and found so many cute things thanks to her great eye. She’s also a local realtor with her husband and a mom and is a lot of fun. Come join us! We will have refreshments and Suzanne and myself will be on hand to help you find a special piece that is just right for you or for an upcoming event or holiday you may have on the calendar.

A few weeks ago Suzanne and I went up to the Trina store in Burlingame and see the latest collection. We had a ball trying things on and taking photos. One thing about the Trina store is the longer you are there, the more you find. Some things that you have to try on before you see how good they look and feel. I love that they get many many collections throughout a season, so there is always something new in store. Trina creates her own fabrics, which makes her clothes so different from many others and they are designed and mostly made in California. When you go to a Trina Turk Boutique you’ll find bags, shoes, jewelry, sunglasses, resort wear and so many other cool pieces she chooses to compliment the clothes. That is why it is an old school boutique experience to me and rare to find now a days. You have to visit even if you cannot get to our event!

Here is a just a small preview of what is now in store at Trina Turk…

Some beautiful floral silks right now with hand painted design. I am in love with these!

The Cattleya dress is even more beautiful in person. This is a stretch silk! The wrap belt was added.

A great pairing here!

Some great sandals, hats and totes for your next getaway!

The lunchbag clutches are fun.

Another great floral in the Amando dress and cool bag. A nice wedding guest look or dinner out dress.

These chambray wrap Odette pants are so comfy and the tank is darling too.

Suzanne loved this Boho dress with gold accents with gold slides.

More vacation essentials.

The Arboretum dress was perfect for Easter and upcoming holidays.

The Springey dress felt great on in silk georgette and is another great getaway dress.

Suzanne, helped by Dana the store manager looked adorable in the Tamika top and palazzo pant!

In the same fabric I loved the Bonita dress which also comes in a dark navy with this floral. This dress looks great on everyone with it’s neckline and sleeves.

I also thought Suzanne looked great in this Anissa stripe and floral dress which could go from pool to cocktails.

This Cayson dress is super casual, but stylish and would be a summer go-to for me.

Another look at the Odette pant which looked great with the Bree top which is the same as the dress above.

I also like the ease of this Kaiko dress in the snapdragon color. So easy to throw on with cute sandals or put the sleeves down and add a boot in cooler weather. It reminds me so much of a early 70s dress my mom had.