• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Californians at Home
  • Home & Decor
    • Our California Remodel
    • Shop My Home
    • Lake Tahoe Cabin Style
    • Books I Adore
  • My California Closet

Northern California Style

Northern California Style

  • Home
  • About
  • Californians at Home
  • Home & Decor
    • Our California Remodel
    • Shop My Home
    • Lake Tahoe Cabin Style
    • Books I Adore
  • My California Closet
  • Shop My Home
    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

#targetstyle

Spring Style Inspiration

April 1, 2021 By kimwheeler 40 Comments

Today I’m so excited to join six other lovely ladies to share some fashion ideas to help you get a jump-start on your spring style. Each person did a spring style subject of their own choosing. I can’t wait to pop over and see what each one has in store for us!

Recently I’ve cleared out the closet and even sadly dusted some of my clothes. I’m sure most people can relate given the past year. I do think it’s been a lesson on just how many clothes we all own and what we now feel we can live without and also what we truly want to wear. When organizing and cleaning your closet, look at what you DO love! Make a list of things that you wear repeatedly, always love and that flatter you. Choose accordingly when you shop. I noticed I am always drawn to things like printed pants, but rarely wear them and the same with busy tops.

This process has made me see the things I really wear again and again, over the years are mainly classics of some variation or other. In spring that means good white jeans, pretty blouses, comfortable dresses, a lightweight jacket and flat sandals for me.

Maybe instead of buying a whole lot of new, buy less and pick better basics! Some things everyone can use this season:

-Some good white jeans (like discussed in this post)

-A new pair of blue jeans in an updated shape

-A well made sandal that will upgrade everything

-A nice quality white blouse

– A couple inexpensive dresses ( maybe a long and a short)

-A tote or cross-body in a lightweight fabric or straw.

With that list in mind, I added a few things to my closet this spring – An eyelet blouse a beautifully made classic from J.Crew. It comes with a light shell liner with snaps to attach it. ( It’s on sale now with an extra 50% too, a great deal for this regularly $110 blouse.) The different styles of eyelet on this give it a fun element, but eyelet will always be a spring and summer classic. (For those who asked I bought a size 6, which feels just right with some room for a bit of stretch for my size 5’4- 130ish for some indication of how the numbered sizes run. )

I wore it with my white jeans and black accessories for a transitional spring look. My J. Crew white vintage straight leg jeans are still looking great after buying these last summer.

I also added these new wide leg cropped jeans from Banana Republic. I wear my jeans a ton and I like this thicker no stretch pair that will give a updated look to all I already own like this denim shirt. These are also on sale now and come in petite, which we right for 5’4 me, – also in regular and tall.

I also added this sweet blouse from World Market. They have some pretty tops and coverups!

Once again I couldn’t resist the stripes and love the ruffles and embroidery. They have quite a few cute ones.

In the ‘buy better’ category I bought these Tory Burch Cloud sandals I had my eye on for sometime. They have the support of a Birkenstock type shoe and I love the blue denim color. They also come in white, tan, a pretty yellow and black. Every Tory Burch item I have ever bought I still own and that says a lot. I love the quality of her things. We could all use more of those kind of items in our closets.

My cross-body is honestly almost 10 years old or so – also Tory, and the closest they have now is this cutie in brown and black. I love the tassel and size for your phone and sunglasses.

In lightweight tote category, I spotted this striped cutie when buying the jeans. I don’t have a fabric tote and as I always love stripes, it’s a classic in this black/cream that it will go with so much. Also the new Banana Republic Cozy Slub long sleeve t’s are excellent. I love the one I have here in black are a perfect fit in medium and beautiful quality. I am going to buy white too. A good basic to have in the wardrobe.

My jeans here are a classic and one of my favorites for their straight leg fit and mid-rise. The Reese Straight Leg Kut from the Kloth. I have them in petite and they hit at the right place. Mine are a few years older and they have updated the hem. The sandals are a few seasons older from Everlane, but J. Crew has some thin leather ones that are similar.. I have them in white too and they run true to size.

I have also been looking for a lightweight jacket and noticed everyone wearing oversized blazers now, which looks so great. I have been rummaging through my son’s closets, but none are quite long enough. I found this black linen blazer that is machine washable and has a cute light blue collar you can pop-up. I will dress it up with dresses and skirts and down with my jeans and t-shirts. The longer and oversized look is fun and current.

Here I just threw it over my shoulder. It’s a versatile piece.

On a trip to Target, I spied two dresses that were pretty and fun. I find myself wearing dresses so much in the warm months. For everyday spring and summer, Target items seem to always be current, have pockets and wear well too. I found this maxi dress in a soft blue ( again kind of a theme here) stripe and thought this would be great for Easter, for weekends and even as a cover-up.

This tie-dye dress was so cute I grabbed it on the way out. This runs small and I bought a large. I love the gauze fabric. It might be my going out dress when the time comes again! It also comes in a lovely blue version!

Well that’s my fashion ramblings and philosophy – clean your closet, buy less and classics that update what you already own. A few new dresses are a nice seasonal thing to add as well and give you a little lift!

Please visit these fellow bloggers and see what they have for you in spring fashion ideas…


Classic Casual Home

Cindy Hattersley Design

Most Lovely Things

The Age Of Grace

Sarah London Style

Southern Hospitality

I also wanted to say thanks to all of you who stopped by and left comments on the last Californians at Home Post featuring my friend Elizabeth’s home. I never have had so many comments on a post so thank you and thanks Elizabeth!

Kim

Links may sometimes generate a small commission. Thank you for supporting the blog.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: #bloggerroundup, #springclassics, #springdresses, #springfashion, #springupdate, #targetstyle, #toryburch

Four Winter Coats to Love!

November 19, 2020 By kimwheeler 26 Comments

We are having a cozy week here in Northern California and finally getting some real weather! I love coats, jackets and any kind of outerwear and always manage to add a few more each year. I have some good finds to share with you for today’s coat collaboration with other bloggers.

Here’s my four favorites right now that I think will last many seasons..

A coat for the cold…and snow.

I’ve recently been up in Tahoe as we bought a tiny cabin there. (More on my Instagram.) I knew I’d have to get more serious outerwear for the snowy weather. I’ve heard so much about these famously warm Orolay jackets from Amazon, and I love the details and look. They are slightly oversized and very, very warm. They have multiple pockets and zippers, cool pulls and wonderful hoods. I originally wanted the grey version, but then went for the shiny version of the coat in khaki (the burgundy is TDF too.) It’s been good for hikes, walks in the snow and even a picnic on the lake when the wind-chill was 32 degrees! If you like being warm, I highly recommend this coat which has over 12,000 reviews. d A bonus is the HUGE pockets. You do not need a handbag as you can carry a phone, wallet, keys and more in them and still have two extra pockets for hand-warming. It also has those little sleeves that extend out to cover your hands and thumb loops. This coat has a lot of pluses. I wore mine with my EMU shearling boots and a beanie. It’s very warm with just a single sweater.

A lightweight throw on puffer you can take anywhere and stuff in your bag.

This cute polka dot jacket was not on my list when I went to Target, but you know how that is! The polka dots and the tan color attracted me right away along with the lightness. It’s been my go-to with our chilly mornings and warmer afternoons. I love that if I get overheated I can just jam it in my purse. This is the coat everyone in California needs. Besides the dots, it also comes in a chic black herringbone !

I kind of like to pair this jacket with a scarf and a contrasting sweater, but it’s a good one to grab to throw over workout clothes as well.

A Teddy Bear Coat when you want to be warm and stylish.

I admit I have been obsessed with these coats ever since I wrote about Katie Holmes in hers last year.

I love the way Katie styled it with sneakers and wore in with a nonchalance to run errands. The cost of hers is $3,690, and I actually tried it on her MaxMara version at the Stanford store last year. What warrants that price is beyond me! This year there are nearly similar versions at reasonable prices. They are big and if you are cool with that, then a Teddy Coat is for you! Lord knows we aren’t going places in the next few months so why not stand out on your next Trader Joe’s run? Californians will appreciate the light versions of this trend. Wear this with sneakers or black running shoes, denim or leggings. A little fancy with casual is how to rock these fun coats.

My coat is no longer available, but J.Crew has a version and a new color block version and in leopard (all on sale now.) Other options are a silky soft Teddy Coat by Sanctuary, this beautiful merlot color, a very pretty look in black at Banana Republic, and a blue night color in a stylish version at Gap.

A dressed up puffer for when you want a chilled elegance.

I went to Athleta in my town a week ago with my pal Jeanne to get a work out top and came home with a jacket! Like a bird to a shiny thing, I was initially attracted to this pretty metallic jacket which Jeanne bought- so fun.

Then this lovely jacket came into my radar- a black puffer which looked like velvet. I like the look of velvet, but hate the feel…anyone else like that? This jacket is nylon, but just looks like velvet. It has the cool ruching of a more expensive Italian puffer and feels like a designer jacket when dressed up. I think it’s fabulous with all black. It’s a grown up version of the ubiquitous down puffer, and paired with your yoga pants or jeans it gives everything a little upgraded feel.

This jacket is made of what they call feather dry down and is water-repellent. I love that. I got caught in the rain today and it rolled right off this coat! Wear these puffers with a dress or skirt instead of the usual long coat for a younger look.

I hope you’ll stop by the blogs of these stylish women and see how they are doing cold weather in style….


Cindy Hattersley Design

Classic Casual Home
Most Lovely Things

Thanks for stopping by!

Kim

Links on this post may sometimes generate a small commission. Thank you for supporting the blog.

Filed Under: Coats, Uncategorized Tagged With: #athleta, #bloggerroundup, #coatstyle, #orolaycoat, #outerwear, #targetstyle, #teddycoat, #wintercoats

Primary Sidebar

Featured Posts

Signature Style- Summer Wish List

The Beautiful Mauna Kea Hotel, My New Bed and Nightstand Options

Tips to Give Your Home a Summer Vibe

Signature Style- Resort Looks and Packing Tips

Signature Style- Summer Sandal Edit

Summer Picnic Ideas

Get My Posts by Email!

Find Me on Facebook

Northern California Style

Archives

Categories

Footer

Don’t Forget to Follow!

Blogger, writer and explorer sharing about my native California, and parts farther afield. Join me here where I chat about things to love in the worlds of design, fashion, home, travel and culture.

Currently Pinning

  • feeling all white
I don’t know where I saved this from, possibly P I don’t know where I saved this from, possibly Pinterest, but I’ve had it forever.  I need to remind myself this quite often! 

Our mindset is everything and I was inadvertently raised to worry about things. My mom was one of 8 kids and her mother warned them about the dangers of everything to keep them all alive in her mind.  I think that was seeped in my dear mom’s bones and passed onto us.. by no fault of hers. 

My brain defaults to that and I have worked hard to stop that sort of internal monologue. 

Remember worrying never kept anyone safer. We don’t care more about someone by being a worrier. We just need to expect good things will happen. 

Being a person who is always worrying is not good for those around you either. It hurts your family and their own feelings of security. The more I realize this, the more I feel impelled to reassure, not stress and trust all will work out… and might even be fantastic!

Hope you all have a Happy Friday - and trust things will work out! 

I’ll be back tomorrow with the weekend post! 

#dontworrybehappy #qoutesoftheday #imspirationalquotes
If you missed the weekend posts with Juliet and El If you missed the weekend posts with Juliet and Elizabeth, I shared this pretty Newport Beach Home by the talented @caseyhillstudio in @fredericmagazine photos @lauraresenphotography 💕 

The Chanel slingback is also the ‘it’ shoe of the season and so versatile.. I share the original, resale options, and some very chic copies..at a lower price point.. My favorite Vuori jacket is also back and in new colors.. and lastly the fab J.Crew at 40 book I am coveting.

This is my second go at posting a Reel on the weekend meander.. The first was taken down, for unknown reasons?  So let’s hope this works!

Pop on by our blogs for all the fun and more good ideas!
Links in our bios..
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

Have a great week friends. 😘

#californiahomestyle #californiastyle #jcrew40 #vuori #chanelslingback #caseyhill #fredericmagazine
Had a great cappuccino and avocado toast at the mo Had a great cappuccino and avocado toast at the most charming spot @bluestonelane in Los Altos with my dear friend April. So good to catch up with her. 💕 

I think this is one of the nicest spots to meet a friend! Make a plan to catch up with a friend this fall. 

#bluestonelane #losaltos #bayareaeats  #bayareacharm
I have this quote in my closet! It is smart to re I have this quote in my closet!  It is smart to remember we may already have what we think we need to look great.

Right now the season is changing and I - like everybody else, am super excited for fall clothes, adding new things to my closet, and refreshing my look. 

Hold off though. Before we buy anything or get ‘influenced’ from people like myself, we have to first look at what we have. 

I am constantly reminded that the best dressed people have less clothes and wear great pieces on repeat! 

Get in your closet and you may see you already have that perfect fall sweater or the ballet flat that’s everywhere!! The truth is your pieces may be cooler than the new offerings that are out there- and no one else will have them. 

Make this a goal to go to your closet before you buy for fall and I promise you’ll shop smarter  and get what you really love and need.

Have a beautiful Friday!! Here’s to sweater days soon. 🍂

#fridayinspiration #fallshopping #closetinspo #quotestoliveby
I haven’t posted many house photos lately. I jus I haven’t posted many house photos lately. I just realized yesterday how very much I’m enjoying being at home especially now windows wide-open and the beautiful weather. We couldn’t be more lucky here in California when the weather is as it is now. 🧡

My tomatoes finally turned red and my new fig plant that I added to the front yard in spring already has figs on it!  Marlo is enjoying the sunshine and fresh air too. She’s nearly 18 years old. 

Nothing better than this late summer early fall…Still the goodies of summer and the promise of fun things in fall without all the heat.

If you didn’t read my weekend post there’s a  wonderful inspiring story I shared about getting together with your neighbors and creating small micro neighborhoods…. and how the French love this time of year for socializing again too.. Lots to look forward to! 

Have a beautiful day.

#california #californialiving #northerncalstyle  #serenaandlily #latesummer #earlyfall #catlife #acalifornialife
It’s that fun time when I get to talk style with It’s that fun time when I get to talk style with the fabulous Cindy and since it’s September, we are sharing our Fall Wish Lists!  Are you ready for the change of season?? I can’t wait!

I had so much fun pulling this together. I sort of had to edit myself because there’s many cool new things out there, but we just have to find the right pieces that will make what we already have work and look updated and chic.. We have to be editors! I am just giving you some ideas. 

The best part about fashion right now is there really are no rules and we just had to find what works for us and our lifestyle and our bodies! 

Pop on by the blog, and I’ll share some of the trends like longer fuller pants, suit looks, those darling Chanel style jackets, and other pretty pieces. 

Cindy as always has some beautiful ways to mix it all and create your own look.

Link in our bios as always!! 
@northerncalstyle 
@cindyhattersley 

All the links are on the post, but comment if you are missing something you see here! 

#fallfashiontrends #falllooks #fallfashioninspo
Hello happy weekend! It’s that time for Meanderi Hello happy weekend! It’s that time for Meanderings post with Juliet and Elizabeth!  This week I am sharing this cute bar basket from @hudsongracesf my friends bought for me, and fall items that I am excited to add to my closet.

I am also chatting about the new movement to connect with your neighborhood and create smaller communities -and ideas on how to do it! 

Fall is a perfect time for this and in France it’s called la rentrée and it means the start of a new exciting season of getting back together with others after summer. 

More on the blog- along with my favorite fall soup I’ve made forever from @marthastewart . 

Stop on by our blogs- links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns

#fallstyle #fallvibes #fallsoup #larentrée #microneighborhoods #onlyconnect #trench 

P.S… This is my first time adding music to a static post.. Is this fun or annoying??
My motivation for Friday! I love @therealdvf and s My motivation for Friday! I love @therealdvf and she is still out there working and inspiring women. 

This quote! Only we can make ourselves truly happy and as women we so often taught to look outside of ourselves for that and that’s never a good thing. We have to learn to ask for what we want without apologizing and go for it ourselves.🩷

Happy Friday friends!

#inspiringquotes #quoteoftheday #dvf
What do you do when it’s rainy and cool in Tahoe What do you do when it’s rainy and cool in Tahoe? Well someone asked me today and  actually there is a lot to do and it’s one of the best times to go! 

Last weekend it was a cool 48 degrees and it felt like November even though it was Labor Day weekend. We enjoyed some sun and breezes so being layers!

You can pack a lot in the two days with great hikes and walks..and food!  Two good hikes- one at Ward Creek, another at Sugar Pine Point.. are perfect for now! Have some lunch by the river @riverranchlodge, take a walk on the lake and a drive on 89, end it by playing games and have a cozy dinner in with pot pies from Tahoe House bakery. ( SO good!) 

Tahoe when it’s shoulder season is the best kept secret. Though normally Labor Day would be hot here. Make some plans to enjoy the fall here! 🍂

Here’s to an early fall! I added a few autumn touches to our tiny cabin while I was there..

Yes I snapped that 🐻 bear! He was crossing the road. This is their season to bulk up so you leave no food in your cars..

#tahoe #westshoretahoe #sugarpinepointstatepark #wardcreektrail #shoulderseasontravel #ourgoldenstate #californiatravel
Hope you’re all having a good holiday weekend! I Hope you’re all having a good holiday weekend! If you have down time the Weekend Meanderings is up with my pals Juliet and Elizabeth with some fun ideas for you. 

On my weekend post-
Cute fall decor
Pretty towels on sale 
An autumn my dress and sweatshirt
The US Open’s tribute to Billie Jean King
Michelle Obama’s US Open look and her talented stylist! 

Stop on by our blogs- links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

#falldecorating #septemberdecor #bathtowels #serenaandlily #rails #evereve #michelleobamastyle #meredithkoop #usopentennis #billiejeanking
I can’t let this date go by without a tribute to I can’t let this date go by without a tribute to Princess Diana, my original style idol.  I recently found this book my dear mother bought me way back in the 80’s. Tucked inside was this torn page from American @vogue about this new girl’s style….Oh if they only knew what this young woman would be to the world. …

She was so much more than what she wore. She was a real life princess in her heart as well as title- touching so many lives. Who didn’t she care about or show kindness towards? She had it in her heart and that radiated in her face. 

These are a few photos that are my favorites and a few that show her fun personality that always shines through.. 🩷 Of course everything she wore is back in style again like this vest - the caps, the blazers, and floral prints. 

This day makes me hugely sad. 
If it wasn’t for the nasty British press ( who are still horrific), and paparazzi she would be here. 

#dianaspencer #princessdiana #ladydi
The weekend post with Juliet and Elizabeth is up. The weekend post with Juliet and Elizabeth is up. I have my 40th reunion this weekend so I’ve got what to wear to a reunion, an excellent book on rethinking how we age by the chic @annagmurphy , and  the story of how San Francisco’s Nordstrom changed the city and its unlikely success story. 

It’s all on the blog! 

Stop on by our blogs- links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

#whattowear  #highschoolreunion #highschoolreunionlook 
#bayarea  #northerncalstyle #californiastyle #agingbackwards #destinationfabulous

Copyright © 2023 · Northern California Style· Blog Design by Little Blue Deer