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#whitejeans

How to Style White Denim!

May 11, 2023 By kimwheeler 40 Comments

Today on the blog, styling white denim, some shopping tips and current trends. White jeans are something we all have in the closet, but some pairs are more flattering than others. Let’s talk about what works..and how to wear them.

I am excited to join some friends today …and we are all chatting about white denim! I’m a huge lover of white jeans. I like white denim in summer and spring with pretty blouses, strappy flat sandals, and also with solid basics like grey, camel, navy and black.

Michael Kors often talks about how to look wealthy ( or how to fake it he says), and one of his pieces in Bazaar called, ‘How to Look Like a Million Bucks,’ involved a stack of fresh little black t-shirts every season and white jeans ala- Jackie O. I keep that image in my mind when I think of how I want to look in white jeans. I love the slightly cropped straight white pant she was wearing here. That’s a very current and flattering look.. Grazing the ankle. Frank & Eileen has a similar trouser jean here I’ve been wanting. It’s pricey, but their things are really nicely made and tailored..

For flattering white jeans..

  • Buy a thicker material. You do not want your jeans to be see-through.
  • Go for a straight leg, not a jegging or skinny fit!
  • Consider where they fall. Just above ankle can look great with most shoes. Much shorter and you risk wearing capris, which isn’t as flattering. A longer flare can work with a heel.
  • Look at the material. You want a tiny percentage of synthetic with the cotton for comfort. If you get 100% cotton they will be stiffer, but they also won’t lose their shape at all. Some of the baggier new styles are all cotton.

Here’s a few ways I’ve been wearing my white denim lately.. I’ve been wearing a lot of gold colors, tans and black in this transitional season..Short jackets like this cropped trench is another I love with my white jeans.. I added a slim jacket with the baggier jeans on left.

This Rails Steffi Jacket above has been a great piece I have worn with so much..

The little denim jacket is always a good partner too….This one was a great price.

Below, my favorites and some current options that are intriguing…All are linked on photos..

Love this fun pair by Rails.
A perfect straight leg and an 11 inch mid-rise.
These mid-rise come in petite, tall, regular and plus sizing.
A lot of people love these by A Golde.
This crop version also has sizing options and is mid-rise. The perfect California casual jean.
Love these with the eyelet and fringe..
Great material thick and has a bit more stretch to it. I did not get petite at 5’4 and it’s perfect above ankle.

Some styling ideas…

White jeans with white blouses is one of my favorite looks. I have a collection of white blouses and I like to pair them with white denim.. This is a baggier pair by Mother in the middle, and the J Crew straight vintage on the left.

White jeans and black..and tan or grey..Always a classic- winter or summer. And yes you should wear white jeans in winter with sweaters and jackets like I did this year… It feels resort-ish in the middle of dreary weather..

Baggier white jeans and skinnier tops and jackets.. This is a modern look and pairing the bigger pant with a more fitted top half will prevent you from looking blocky. Balance the wider pant with a longer slim jacket, or top and a more feminine shoe like a pretty sandal, heel, or a flat with a pointed toe will help..

White denim and blue shirts is another favorite look..The middle one from Rails is the Camille top and I love the style and it comes in a pretty white and rose.

I also love a white blazer and white jeans and it looks so good on Olympia Gayot of J. Crew..A good white denim jacket is a must have as well in the closet! J. Crew has a white denim version of their lady jacket which is fun…

A few other jacket options…links on photos.

I hope this gave you some ideas for styling your white denim! Remember think Jackie O when you choose them and style them. Go for classic looks. You can also follow me on Pinterest and my board White Jeans Forever!

Now check out what ideas and tips my friends have for you white denim..


Most Lovely Things

Cindy Hattersley Design

Classic Casual Home

Design Indulgence

La Vie on Grand

Thanks for stopping by,

Kim

If you’d like to get an email when I publish, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month and every Saturday for Weekend Meanderings.

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Filed Under: Fashion, Uncategorized Tagged With: #bloggerroundup, #californiastyle, #fashion, #whitedenim, #whitejeans

How to Shop Homegoods, An Easy Weeknight Dish and White Jeans

March 24, 2023 By kimwheeler 36 Comments

On this week’s meander, tips for shopping Homegoods, an easy one pot dinner for weeknights, white jeans, a great moisturizer, a book and more..

It’s time for our weekend meander with Elizabeth and Juliet..Can you believe it’s spring already? The weather felt like Tahoe this week, and it’s still raining with more to come, but let’s see what we can do inside to make it feel like springtime.

When I am sick of looking at things, the first thing I do is mix up my throw pillows. For spring, I take out the wool or fleece pillows and put out my cotton florals and brighter cotton throws stuffed in the closet.

I will put a green plant on the coffee table or island and maybe change up the books I have around.

A succulent  plant on a kitchen island
This plant is so happy in any location. I don’t know what it is!

In the bedroom change up your duvet cover and maybe the throw? Can you add pretty pillowcases or use brighter ones in your closet? Add a throw and a small posey next to your bed.

When it’s time, I put a new plant by the front door and add a pillow by the bench at the entry. I had done this a month or so ago, but the storms were too much for them and I will try again soon.

I was really craving some color in my neutral main space so I added these blue pillows from Homegoods I found this week.

The Edgewater Chairs and Stella rug (super marked down) are both on sale 20% off now at Serena & Lily.

Tips for Shopping Homegoods/TJMaxx

When we are sick of looking at the same thing indoors for so long, it feels good to add a few new things. You can move stuff from other rooms around and try them in different spots. When I just need something fresh to inspire me, I will occasionally hit Homegoods at this time of year. During seasonal changes they get big shipments and it can be the best time to peruse their offerings.

I found the Vogue book and the box for a spring update for my rattan tray. ( On sale 20% now.) Someone told me the box looks like one of the Aerin pieces!

Serena & Lily Beaufort tray with a book and plant

Why go to Homegoods? Sometimes the answer is simply, it’s not at the mall, and it’s nearby. No other place has so many home related items plus clothes. You can find some good things and I did a small PSA on it on my Instagram this week, but you need to be smart about how you shop there. Mixed in with some real finds is also a lot of junk, to be frank. At times it can look like a cyclone hit it. Other times it’s a treasure trove.

A few tips:

  • Go with a mission. Know what you need or it can be overwhelming and you’ll bring home stuff you don’t need. Last week I went for pillows and a box for the coffee table remotes.
  • Look for name brands and nicer looking pieces. Homegoods buys a lot of one-offs and that is something I like. It’s a bit of a hunt and if you are into that kind of thing, you can have luck here. You need patience. Often you will need to make a few passes on an aisle to see something, often under other stuff.
  • Search out pieces that bring your certain look to your home. Could this be found at a nicer boutique? Does it feel special and something you will like for a long time? These are the questions I ask myself before buying.
  • Certain times of year they have promotions like Treasures of Asia, World Traveler, Made in Europe and such. These are times to get some quality pieces that they have small amounts of. Right now the Provence promotion is on. I also look for items made in America.
  • When shopping for throw pillows, find cotton or linen pieces sewn nicely with zippers that allow you to replace the inserts. I found some beautiful block print pillows this time for $20 each. I keep my eye open for them everytime I go, and I snagged them. They haven’t had them since last summer. If you replace with your own inserts, (I love these and I buy 22 x22 for the 20 x 20 pillows), they look custom. Avoid synthetic materials. Beach towels from Turkey are amazing, so are the decorator and coffee table books.. and the rugs- many good ones. Look for wool and name brand rugs.
  • What to avoid… I have learned the hard way the furniture is not a good purchase. Two outdoor wicker sets failed me within a year, an indoor bench lost its leg and broke. Sheets seem to be hit and miss and often not sized right or poor quality. Seasonal things – i.e bunnies and hearts, signs with sayings, fake florals and wreaths – just say no to all those. Stick with nice accessories and try not to overbuy. Your goal is to not change up the whole house with new stuff, but find one to two things that inspire and freshen things up with what you already have! Remember quality not quantity.
  • Locations can vary hugely. Right now the Almaden location is loaded with things, but a day later I stopped by the Cupertino location and they had none of the items I shared. Some may get their shipments later, or a completely different mix.

You can also buy online and they update their site daily. Right now some quality offerings that caught my eye..

This Fortessa (great brand) hobnail glass set, Floral Goods cotton pillow, this pretty blue ceramic vase, , grey ginger jar, this yellow hand block cotton pillow, and and this Kinfolk Travel book I want.

Fortessa hobnail glasses in blue
floral goods tan cotton pillow
light blue Chinoiserie vase
Grey Ginger jar
yellow block print pillow
Kinfolk Travel book

On My Radar..

Epicurean Hydro Plus moisturizer
How We Show Up book by Mia Birdsong
Sheers to You Treat Color nail polish By Essie
white Madewell Perfect Vintage jean
vintage brooches on a handbag

This week I had a facial.. I try and do that at least quarterly and it’s a nice re-set for the new season. The aesthetician recommended Epicurean Hydro Plus Moisturizer... I am sensitive and dry and yet can’t do heavy. I am so happy with it and my skin loves it too.

I caught an NPR talk this week about self care and setting boundaries, and many people praised this book by Bay Area writer Mia Birdsong. They call, How We Show Up the most inspiring and uplifting book they have read in a long time. Another person said their book club was obsessed with it. With that endorsement, it’s my next read.

I have been getting many compliments on this Essie nail color, Sheers To You, which is pinky with a bit of reflection and makes your nails look fresh. The Treat and Color is also good for your nails.

These Madewell Perfect Vintage Straight Leg White Jeans are highly rated and come in Petite and Tall sizes and 25% off now. I love the look. Comparable, but with mid-rise are these by Rag & Bone (also on sale now!)

A friend sent me this link to the darling Flower Magazine and this article about using vintage brooches on handbags, clutches, headbands and other ways. I found it inspiring and am digging out my colorful brooches to see what I can play around with.

An easy weeknight dinner

Max and I often buy boxes of dark baby greens and use them in sandwiches and meals all week long. One easy dinner I often do is tortellini cooked and then drained. I sauté mushrooms, (sometimes zucchini too), and then add the cooked tortellini, and add a bit more olive oil and grated fresh parmesan and a bit of salt and pepper. I serve it on a big bed of the greens and top with toasted walnuts. The night I took this pic I added some leftover tomatoes and sliced almonds. This is a good end of the week meal to make with the veg left over in your refrigerator and some frozen tortellini. A one dish meal with all your greens.

Tortellini and mushrooms on a bed of greens

If you missed them, Juliet did a great spring table idea post, and Elizabeth shared 13 Self-Care Ideas for Spring.

On last weekend’s post, I checked out the first Evereve store in Northern Cal, and a vegan restaurant, toile pieces for spring, some beautiful woven bags, a book on J.Crew’s history, and more..

Thanks for stopping by and have a happy weekend – with some sunshine I hope!

Kim

Please visit my pals Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs..

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

PINECONES AND ACORNS

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Filed Under: home Tagged With: #californiahomestyle, #californialiving, #homegoods, #shoppingtips, #springstyle, #whitejeans

Winter White Jeans for an Uplift

January 4, 2021 By kimwheeler 13 Comments

Have we all now spent about a million hours in our leggings and sweats? I’m not saying to totally abandon them, but just about now we may need a sea change in the clothing department. I have been cleaning out the closet as I always do about this time, and I actually had to dust my clothes. How sad is that? I am not wearing leggings for another 30 days straight again.

One kind of pant that I always want to wear in January is the white jean. I wore this combo above today from the back of the closet! I’ve done a few posts about this and I never fail to be motivated by the boost a little white gives the wardrobe. No doubt you have a pair or two. If you are in the market for some new ones, the current look is straight leg with less stretch. Look for thicker material, little or no stretch and a less tight fit for a current feel. I like to pair them with loafers, sneakers or even a boot. Paired with some luxe fabric like a chunky sweater, a tweed jacket, shearling or faux fur and you have a simple California winter chic look.

Below is some inspiration for you to change up that January look. Notice how all these jeans are not tight and are on the thicker side. The less or no stretch versions keep their shape and look more tailored.

Vogue editor Tonne Goodman wears white jeans with a dark upper half every day…

Don’t be afraid to pair contrasting dark shoes or boots to white jeans to make them work in the colder seasons.

Normally I like to go into the store and try on several pairs before I write about them. This year I went on reviews and photos to recommend some pairs that will work for winter.

The classic choice for white denim are these by AGolde for those who like a 11.5 inch rise and mostly cotton…

A classic by Frame a little longer length. Love the quality of all my Frame jeans.

This pair by AGOLDE are 100% cotton. You know they will hold shape.

I also like this wider leg look by Joe’s – 99% cotton.

Others to check out are are these 7 for All Mankind Crops, another pair by Frame, and these lovelies by Rachel Comey.

These white jeans by Old Navy are 99% cotton and seem to have the right shape and length and a raw hem which I like.

I also have these Vintage Straight Jeans by J. Crew and they are a heavy jean that holds its shape.

If you have a nice oversized cable knit or oversized man’s sweater, try that out with your jeans. Don’t be afraid to raid the men closets in your life. So many good sweaters are likely there waiting to be loved!

Other good pairings with white denim … this cotton mock neck sweater. This is a classic piece that would look terrific and very Ralph Lauren with white jeans and a pair of loafers.

This Jeni Kayne chunky knit sweater has been on my radar too. Love the way they show it with these jeans and boots.

I’m a fan of the loafer and white jean combo. These Veronica Beard loafers just got marked down…

I also love the Tory Burch loafer with the horse head chain.

And her backless loafer.

And of course Gucci loafers are a great investment. I think they cost about three times the other loafers, but they will look even better with wear and I would expect this shoe to be something that would look good for a decade at least. So if you want investment pieces for the closet, a classic loafer will never fail you.

They come in a cool off-white now too.

Have a great week and have fun breaking out of the legging rut if you can.

Kim

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

Filed Under: Uncategorized, White Jeans Tagged With: #whitedenim, #whitejeans, #winterwhite

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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.

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A little reel of the pretty @bernarduslodge in Car A little reel of the pretty @bernarduslodge in Carmel Valley. We try and get here at least twice a year for a little weekend retreat. 

It’s in the perfect location as you can enjoy all the charms of Carmel -and soak up the sunshine while you’re at the resort just up the road from the coast. The rooms, pools, gorgeous gardens, and mountain views are soothing. It’s my happy place and if you are near Carmel, I can’t recommend it enough. 

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On the weekend blog I shared my favorite summer gr On the weekend blog I shared my favorite summer green salad. It’s the traditional with a few twists to make it have more flavor and crunch. A nice option for a Memorial Day barbecue if you’re having one today.. Link with details in bio.
@northerncalstyle 

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I am thinking today of all those who gave their lives for our nation and democracy. ❤️ Their families are especially on my mind. 

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On the Weekend blog.. a @rails Summer capsule! I b On the Weekend blog.. a @rails Summer capsule! I brought some of these beautiful pieces with me on our weekend away in Carmel and loved how well they all work together!
More deets on the blog plus where we stayed and some pretty snaps of Carmel in bloom.

Don’t forget to visit my pals Elizabeth and Juliet too.

 Our links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns

Have a beautiful weekend .
This is a perfect time for a trip to Carmel-Monter This is a perfect time for a trip to Carmel-Monterey Bay as everything is blooming and the magic carpet in Pacific Grove is at its peak beauty! 

The beautiful flowers in the charming towns and the on cottages make it such a treat to visit. We had a fun two days and I’ll do another little reel on our pretty hotel in Carmel Valley. 

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This plant is a peperomia plant which is so easy to keep alive! Yay. It loves to grow in cool shapes and needs just a few ice cubes here and there..

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Mary Ann/Florida @classiccasualhome 

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I can’t wait until my youngest Griffin is back home for a bit from college. My favorite days are the ones when we are all together as a family again.  I love being with Jackson and Griffin more than anything and they just make me laugh so much!  I feel so lucky to have very kind sons …except they make me feel so short 🤣..and I couldn’t be prouder. 💛
On the blog today.. How to style white denim!  I’m excited to partner with some lovely ladies today and we are all sharing our ways to wear the closet classic- white jeans! 

I am showing what I’ve been wearing lately and some of my favorite pairs as well as a few cool options that have come on my radar!  It’s all about finding what works for your body and choosing the right fabric etc.. 

Are you a white jean fan??

Please visit my friend’s blogs ..All our posts are linked on our bios..
@northerncalstyle - me!
@most_lovely_things - Annie
@classiccasualhome -Mary Ann
@cindyhattersley - Cindy
@sherryhdesigns - Sherry
@lavieongrand - Noelani

#whitedenim #whitejeans #whitejeansoutfit #whitejeanstyling #whitejeansforever #whitejeanseason #californiastyle
If you miss the weekend post and still need some M If you miss the weekend post and still need some Mother’s Day gifts I have some fun ideas for you.. I love market totes- especially with flowers in them, beautiful wraps, some inspiring books for summer living, and a few other little luxuries.. 

If you need some local fun, I will be a the Palo Alto @Rails store on Saturday where they are having a Mother’s Day event with 20% off and a gift with purchase! Stop by and say hi.

Pop on by my blog post for all the details and more gift ideas… 

Don’t forget to visit my friends, Juliet and Elizabeth if you miss their weekend posts too..
 Our links as always, in our bios or stories:
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@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns

#mothersday #mothersdaygift #giftideasforher #californialiving #momsday
Do you love @rails beautiful California clothing? Do you love @rails beautiful California clothing? I don’t know what your weekend plans are, but on Saturday the new Rails at Stanford is having a fun event with 20% off, light bites, and a little gift with purchase.. 

I’ll be there for a few hours to help you pull together looks for summer or shop for a Mother’s Day gift - maybe for yourself? 

If you haven’t been to a Rails store, they are so inspiring and have the whole collection for women and men. It’s great to see the clothes up close and how gorgeous they are. 

Please pop by if you are at Stanford  Shopping Center and say hi! I would love to meet some of you.  I’ll be there 11-12:30, but the event is on all day and the Rails team is so great! 

Maybe a fun day out to shop with a friend or your mom and have lunch after at Stanford? 

Looking forward to this and meeting some of you! 

#rails #stanfordshoppingcenter #paloalto #railsclothing #californiastyle #californialook
It’s time for May’s Signature Style and Cindy It’s time for May’s Signature Style and Cindy and I are sharing our Summer Wish Lists.. ☀️My wish list has one shoulder tops, longer skirts and the super flattering small jacket- plus some other cute finds and accessories.

I’m sharing it all on the blog and Cindy is too..

As always links are in our bios and stories..
@northerncalstyle 
@cindyhattersley 

Looking forward to seeing you there!  If you want the links they are on the blog or I can send you the link in a DM.

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