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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 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

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.

Weekend Thoughts and Some Shopping…

February 26, 2021 By kimwheeler 20 Comments

Hello how are you all? Well sorry for the break here. I was just in a bit of a funk. I broke my right small toe by kicking it on furniture of all things, and what a pain. It’s essentially stopped all my active things which is a real bummer given spring is coming and I was hoping to get more toned after this pandemic winter. I’m trying floor workouts, but have had time for a closet cleaning too.

That closet clean got my wheels spinning. All of us having spent a large part of the past year at home, a lot of us have completely ignored 90% of our clothes. I think that gives us pause to reconsider what we wear, what we like and what we will wear going forward. Do we need restricting and uncomfortable clothes? Even if we get done with this pandemic this year, I don’t see skinny jeans and high heels coming back. So many of us have found the joys of relaxed pants, cute sneakers and slides and less formal clothes in general don’t you agree? Also some things are just about to be over in my opinion and high heels are on the way out. Watching the fashion at the inauguration I marveled how many still wore sky high stilettos with their beautiful coats. WHY ? They look dated, and make most women hobble. SO many cooler options now. We really don’t need them!

You know what else looks dated to me? A lot of makeup, overdone nails, fussy hair and you know what is current? Natural makeup, some roots in the hair, clothes that are a combo of relaxed and elegant- hence the sweat and blazer combo, sneakers with a dress, and so on. Think your home look, but just buffed up and polished a bit more..

I just listened to a piece on public radio talking to women who before the pandemic, were slaves to the daily routine of makeup, blow drying, nail appointments and all that and they feel freed of it all! Others have dropped the daily face makeup routine with the mask wearing. Why not a lot less?

On that note, of needing less… sadly my online shopping radar has naturally had a bit of an uptick sitting with my foot up, and I’ve scoped out a lot of cute things Retailers have realized people have no ‘events’ and what people want/need now are beautiful basics. I haven’t wanted to buy much this past year, given our ‘lifestyle’ is 99.9% staycation, but I went through the closet, pared things a bit and noticed I could add some pieces in the easy living category. :/

All of these below qualify as beautiful basics in my opinion.

J. Crew has finally gone back to its classic roots. I used to adore their catalogs in the early 2000’s and they have brought back the beautiful basics… Some things I would add to my wardrobe below, many of these things are on the 59% off sale this weekend!

I adore this eyelet blouse I can wear now and through summer. This silk camisole is also on sale and perfect for under these kind of blouses or for sleeping in.

I’m crazy for the tennis themed things they have and this Love Forty sweatshirt is on the sale.

This Petunia print Liberty floral button up is also beautiful. Anything from Liberty always is, and on sale, even nicer. There are matching swimsuits in this print called Mini-Floral Walk also! How fun to have this as a light coverup over it?

They have really done a super job of styling their cashmere pieces together and I love the shells with the sweaters half over the shoulder, the layered look with the new slouchier Boyfriend White Jeans they carry and this cashmere T.. all springy and classic. See all the cashmere from them here.

Also how cool are these Slouchy Boyfriend Chinos? After spending a year in the home in soft pants, the last thing I want is to go back to tight pants. I love the look of these and rolled up two ankle look could also be cute. Again a classic!

Love them with a white sneaker or something like these thin leather flip-flops. They also look cute as shown with the white denim above .

Isn’t the color great on these retro sunglasses?

Another retailer that keeps making pretty things is Tory Burch. I love her Lee Radziwell bags of all styles. The small cross bodies seem to be the easy bag to have now. I am really loving the mix of materials on them and colors. Each one is so unique..This suede/leather mix petite double is pretty and has a cross-body strap..

But then there are so many versions, all beautiful. I think she’s created a classic with it. A few of the many Radiziwell styles below. They remind me of the Birkin/Kelly bag without the outrageous prices. Still not cheap, but reasonable for the quality. Quality is the goal- longevity, classic looks, etc. There’s about 30 styles..Just a few below.

They also came out with this darling Printed Tote for summer -very cute.

Tory just came out with her own version of Birks and they are all the prettiest colors..

I have also been eyeing this swingy short dress which would go easily with slides and sneakers. I think you’re going to see more and more tunic dresses like this. They are versatile, comfortable and can be worn over jeans for an arty everyday look or dressed up.

I don’t know why I am obsessed with slides, but maybe laziness. They are just so easy. Tory’s Double T Sport Slides come in a pretty tan and off white, but I do love this black..

All my Tory shoes have lasted so long. Beautifully made!

Have you noticed the comeback of the 90’s polo style in sweaters? I love that look like this cardigan from Madewell. I like the Chanel pocket shape and the jacket look, but with knitwear ease. Would be pretty alone – or with a thin t-shirt and some long necklaces? Another classic.

I also like the sneakers Madewell has including these cute Veja ones in pink. If we are getting away from heels and all that we all need more sneakers in our closets!

Veja sneakers originate from Paris, but are made in Brazil from sustainable materials, including soles constructed of wild rubber from the Amazonian rain forest. I love all the Veja styles and they’re just as cute -sustainable and more affordable than the Golden Goose.

On my retail deep dive I just ordered this phone case from St Frank. I like the quality of their cases and this will be my third. Their other items I can’t speak for as I had some issues with delivery, and they never came, but the phone cases have come on time and been excellent.

They have many cool cases made off their textiles…A few others:

If you need some light and fun reading, this book, Long Live The Queen:23 Rules for Living From Britain’s Longest-Reigning Monarch looks pretty entertaining. Great lessons on resiliency, living with grace and simplicity using the Queen’s own habits and methods.

I’m in!

Another fun thing, I was reading Jeanne’s great blog, Collage of Life, and she shared she made a book of all her Instagram posts of the past year on a site called Pastbook. Its fast, made for you, instantly, and you can customize cover or remove a post. I just did the quick version, and edited the cover and added a back cover photo too. It came in a few days and is kind of a nice memory of the past year (okay a lot of home photos- LOL). I love seeing all the photos in a bound in a real book. Would be a nice gift for someone too. A glimpse of mine…

Let me know below your thoughts on all this wardrobe stuff.. Is anyone else feeling the same about their clothes and what they want to wear or don’t anymore?

So what are your weekend plans for this time of year? I think picnics in the car at a scenic spot are a good thing right now. My guys are off to ski and so I have time to do some masks, binge a few shows like Escape to the Chateau, and finish a book or two.

That is all for this week.. I am working on page about cabin style and a few other things relating to the remodel to add to the blog, so stay tuned.

If you missed it I just shared a walk through video of the entry and main rooms of our remodel on my Instagram this week and you can watch here.

Happy Weekend!

Kim

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

My Black Friday Picks and Holiday Gift Ideas

November 27, 2020 By kimwheeler 4 Comments

I hope you all had a good Thanksgiving. We had a small one with my dad in the yard and though it was small, it was still nice. I know this year is an exceptional one. Most people will try to do as much shopping for the holidays this pandemic year online from their homes. I also encourage everyone to shop small in your own town, instead of the mall, so these small businesses can survive. Many have curbside pickup and personal shopping hours. I will share some more of them on my Instagram stories during this next month.

The fact is, the less we are in crowds and with people, the safer we all stay right now. I have already told my family that we are doing less which helps. Expectations have to be lowered this year. Focus on better made items and buy fewer. It’s better for the planet and all of us. How are you all approaching this holiday season with the pandemic? Have you also been thinking smaller this year? I think in 2020 we can all give ourselves a pass on going all out as we might usually right? It’s the one upside maybe of this whole year!

In the better and less, and shopping from home theme, I have a few Black Friday shopping deals for you to check out and some gift ideas too. Sorry this is coming late on Friday, but many of these last through the weekend. Check to be sure.

Of course I have to share my favorite Serena & Lily which is having their best sale of the year, 20% off everything- INCLUDING SALE ITEMS! This never happens so check it out if you have been needing a nice item for the home… something I consider a gift for myself. I would often prefer that over a lot of smaller gifts, and something like a lovely lamp or throw lasts years and decades. Use the code TOGETHER to get 20% off – plus FREE SHIPPING!

My favorite S&L items: -The Porto Linen Pajamas are stylish and cool in summer and very warm in winter too. – I love the look of these Wood and Marble coasters, the Dot Baskets, the Tahoma Pillow Cover, and the Blantyre Alpaca Throw are just a few on my own wishlist. It’s also a great time to pick up one of their beautiful rugs or lamps for your home that will last years or a chair like my Edgewater Lounge Chair so many of you have asked about! Free shipping ends on 11/30 and the sale goes until December 2.

Tory Burch is having a 30% off this weekend (use code THANKS), on selected items some of her classics which always look chic or dated including her Simone Cardigan wool cardigan which comes in the prettiest colors. I love this layered for winter, worn backwards for evening or even over the shoulders with a sundress when warm days are here again. This will last you and upgrade your whole outfit.

Also on this sale is these marked down Brooke Ankle Boots in black leather and a pretty suede.

Some cute heeled boots on sale too, but lately all I buy is comfort shoes and flats. Another great buy is the tall Miller Lug Sole Boot– darling with leggings and big sweaters! Markdowns have the an additional 30% off reflected when you check out. These things go fast so don’t wait too long. Ends on 11/30.

Anthropologie has so much to love and is offering 30% off everything this weekend only with free shipping on items over $50. Standouts are this Nancy Eyelash Cardigan made in California, the Eleanor Velvet Tunic Dress, the Love Textured Sweater, this Sundry Vera Lounger Set (comes with matching scrunchie!) also made in California, these Florence Balducci Flannel PJ top and pants, these darling Elephant Pjs and these Sorel Mail Run Slippers.

For the guys in my life, Nordstrom is my go to for the hubs, my dad, and sons. A few ideas for the men in your life.. marked down right now are the Nordstrom Brand Quarter Zip on sale now $44 dollars, this green cotton/cashmere version in 6 colors, the Marc New York puffer for the cold (I’m thinking my Univ of Utah kid will need this), and this water-resistant puffer in oxblood and in black, these Adidas Soccer pants my younger guys love, and a hoodie in three colors for the younger men, and the Faherty Baja Beach Hoodie, which is a great quality brand.

Also good gift ideas that aren’t on sale, but go fast this time of year, are the men’s UGG robes (my husband loves his), and these Barefoot Dream’s full-length zip up robes for women. I have that on my own list!

Trina Turk has 25% off full price, 45% off certain styles, and 35% off sale. Love this cheeky champagne sweater, the Palm Springs Merino Crew Neck, this coat, and their Birkenstocks are an extra 25% off -something you never see.

Other sales to check out this weekend…

Bloomingdales– 25% off most things this weekend (exclusions apply) and an extra 50% off clearance. Uggs Short Zip Booties are the Deal of the Day at $109.

J.Crew is having 50% off all styles and 60% off sale items. Use code FRIDAY.

Madewell is having 50% off selected styles.

Athleta is having $20 off tights and also 20% off your purchase until 11/29.

Lou & Grey has 50% off everything plus free shipping. Use code BESTWEEK. I love their sweats and soft clothing!

Loft- the parent company of Lou & Grey has the same 50% off offer and free shipping with BESTWEEK.

Banana Republic has 50% off everything no code needed. I especially love this cute fuzzy beanie that’s 50% off now. Sale ends 11/28.

Williams-Sonoma is having 50% off many items and other great specials throughout the weekend. They aren’t on sale, but their gorgeous frames are always a great gift for a special anniversary, house warming, marriage or birthday. Some of their pretty rugs are marked down and I just spotted this amazing Breville/nespresso Espresso machine half off- a fantastic deal.

I’ll add more shopping ideas as I see them this weekend and in the next few weeks.

I hope you all have a lovely Thanksgiving weekend and use the extra days for some quality time- whether it be a walk, reading a book, time with family or dear friends, or just a few moments of zen.

Take care!

Kim

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