On this post – stylish people and pretty surroundings at the Ralph Lauren Suite at Wimbledon, inspiring stories from the tournament, and what I’m buying at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale…
Well hello here we are in mid July ..hard to believe. The heat is coming and I am dealing with the downtime with tv tennis…I am grateful for the distraction and fun of Wimbledon in this heat!
I am enjoing every second of Wimbledon and I know a lot of you are with me. Even my friends who don’t play tennis love it…I find it so fun to have on all the time. Maybe because it’s one of the few sports that isn’t loud and- well it is all very polite and proper isn’t it? I love the tennis whites that are required, the spectator style which is much fancier than other sporting events, the strawberries and cream.. and of course Pimm’s Cups!
Pimm’s Cups
I adore Pimm’s and when you are visiting England in the summer, it is offered everywhere. Whether you are at a pub, castle, museum or cafe, you’ll find it on the summer menu. It’s a light on alcohol cocktail ( we need more of those), that tastes like an ice tea. It is usually served with strawberries, cucumber and mint as garnish and a lot of ice. It’s the perfect refreshing drink on a summer’s day. I promise you will love them!
You can make a little pitcher if you are having friend’s over- and if you are watching Wimbledon you can serve them!
Pimm’s Cup
Ingredients
- 2 oz Pimm's Number 1 Pimm's is a gin-based liquer with botanical and fruit notes.
- 4 oz Lemon-lime soda (Sprite or 7Up like), or ginger ale. In the U.K. they call lemon sparkling sodas lemonade, but they are not the same as American lemonade -so do not use that. Schweppes Lemonade is great, otherwise go with a Sprite type of soda or I like ginger ale- not ginger beer.
- 1 Persian Cucumber
- 2-4 fresh strawberries, cleaned and halved
- 1-2 sprigs fresh mint
- 1-2 slice apple
Instructions
- Use the 1 part Pimm's to 2 part soda formula for a single drink. Pour over a tall glass with ice and stir. Garnish with cucumber spears, strawberries, mint springs and an apple slice or two.To make a pitcher use the same part formula and have the extras in glasses to garnish as each person wishes.On this photo I used Elderflower 'Lemonade' soda from the UK also excellent and found at World Market. I also used lemon or tangerine slices if I ahem them on hand.
There is also a Pimm’s Spritz recipe that is going around ( in case you’re over Aperol), and that adds prosecco to the mix in a one part Pimm’s, one part sparkling wine, and one part lemon soda.. I sort of prefer the lighter alcohol version myself.
Wimbledon chat and spectator style…
The Wimbledon weeks may be my favorite part of summer and the best years to me are always the ones with players making Cinderella runs. It’s never the superstars winning again. I love seeing underdogs come up the ranks, especially those who are older and have been hanging on the tour in the 100’s and beyond for years.
This year has been exceptional as two unexpected players had their moments in the sun and what fun.
American Christopher Eubank is a 27 year old who long lingered at the 100’s and was even a sportscaster for the Tennis Channel for a while. He played for Georgia Tech, but had not had much luck as a pro. He came to this tournament and plowed his way through some very tough opponents including number 4 Tsitsipas. His streak ended with a grueling five setter with Medvedev, world number 3, in the semis. His fun demeanor and amazing ability of a 6’7 guy who seemed surprised himself, charmed the crowd. He’s has now found a place in the hearts of tennis fans and had a standing ovation as he left the Centre Court below.. I hope we see a lot more of this late bloomer!
Maybe the most inspiring yet though is the story of Ukrainian player Elina Svitolina, who came in unseeded just having a baby in October, with a wild card entry. She mowed through opponents at this tournament in some fantastic matches. In a remarkable match she beat her friend, world number one Polish player Iga Swiatek. Her attitude during this tournament has been that of luck to be there. She was undefeated until the semi’s where she lost to Czech player Vondorousova, who will play the final with Ons Jabeur.
Elina said this after beating Iga for a place in the semi-finals ..
I think the war made me stronger. I don’t take difficult situations like a disaster. There are worse things in life,” she said. “Having a child, and the war, made me a different person. I look at the things a bit differently.
Elina Svitolina
It’s incredible someone is dealing with the horrific war affecting her homeland and family was able to do this tournament.
I’m thrilled also to see another crowd favorite Ons Jabeur, of Tunisia, who they call the nicest player in tennis, still trying for the top women’s title. They say she has wizardry and loves to mix it up on the court. After defeating number 2 Sabalenka on Center Court Ons said ‘The old Ons would have lost the match and gone home. I am digging deep.’
She has a mental coach like many of the top players now have. She said she now uses anger to help her.
We could all use mental coach! I will be rooting for Ons this Saturday to win, but excited for both women as Vondorousova is also an unseeded player! An amazing final.
Spectator Style
Ralph Lauren hosts and dresses celebs for the game as they are the supplier of the Wimbledon uniforms. Juliet and I were loving the lunch tables at their tent..
How pretty are the flowers with baskets? I want to steal this idea.. We both said we adore this and the Ralph Lauren china..
Photos: Ralph Lauren Home and RL Polo and Wimbledon.
Ralph Lauren dresses some celebs and others and the look is pinstripes and preppy look.. Below Emma Thynn and Sienna Miller..
Other celebs spotted..There was a lot of white and eyelet and suit styles…
On My Radar- The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale
For this week’s radar, I thought I’d share a few things I bought or have on my cart (hopefully still). things go crazy fast … I usually share my picks and by time I go shop they are all gone!
I do think Nordstrom has gone back to having some better things this year. This sale is a fall preview and the prices go back to full-price. They have with some of the nicest things I have seen in years I also like the catalog was resurrected.
If they would just let everyone shop on the same day, that would be better. I sort of hate the ‘people who spend more’ get priority BS. Plus I never know if I am what level.. Could be a me problem.. LOL.
I wear silver jewelry and this sterling Monica Vinader charm bracelet is versatile as links can be easily removed or added and each link opens to add charms. I was thinking of adding my mom’s old silver charms and other silver pendants I have to this to create something unique.
I mentioned these Olu Kai flip-flops that I live in on my Hawaii post. These are nearly identical. I have the black and I just ordered the silver! I can’t stop wearing them.
I feel like I wear Ray-Ban Wayfarers 99% of my life, so I was excited to see this new version in a clear frame. I love the shape of these frames and the lenses are always excellent.
The nicest robe– okay this isn’t on the sale, but I just bought it for a friend who has been needing some extra love. It’s the softest summer robe and I liked it so much I went back and got one for me too. It’s cozy without being too warm. Perfect for our cool California mornings and nights.
I always try and look ahead to fall with this Anniversary sale ( since it had it’s origins as an autumn preview), and buy a pair of jeans. I perused ALL the jeans ( there is still a load of skinny- who is still wearing them?), and choose these mid-rise straight legs from Madewell. I have another pair of their Kick Out Crops and I like the longish ankle grazing length and fit. I think this casual wash will be good paired with sweaters and so much else.
I also spotted this new Clementine dress from Rails on the sale. I adore Rails and it’s a good one to wear now, and with these tones into fall with boots and a jacket or sweater. I like that it’s cotton, not polyester…Their dresses are well made and have skirt slips already built in. This style will flatter most everyone.
If you missed it, this week was my monthly Signature Style with Cindy and this week we shared our swimsuits and coverups. If you need a good one, check out the posts. My post here and Cindy’s here.
Juliet also did a great post on white dresses– who doesn’t love them for summer?
I hope you are enjoying some lovely summer days.
Thanks for being here,
Kim
Please visit my pals Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs..
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
PINECONES AND ACORNS
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Do you follow the habitually chic blog? She was just a guest of Ralph Lauren at Wimbledon and wrote about it-with tons of pictures. I thought of you the minute I saw it. You should check it out.
Yes wasn’t Heather so lucky to get invited? Wow that was like a dream to me! I don’t know if anyone can go..but it seems to be invite only. Maybe someone can go to the RL Bond Street store in London which has a mini version of it all.
I do and I really enjoy it
75 this summer lived all my life
In queens never went to a match
I love RL clothes, all the fun
The whole thing is just 👍
XOXO CONNIE
Connie so glad you enjoyed it! My dad says 75 is the new 40. xoxo
Kim!! We’ve been loving Wimbledon! And I love reading your takes! Seeing Svitolena play for her country was so inspiring!! Love seeing the fashion too! I missed a lot!! Where do you find that??
Xx
Thanks Annie… I know Svitolena just won my heart. What fighter and inspiration.
The fashion was on The Ralph Lauren account. Some on Hello and Pinterest and UK Bazaar.
We’ve been watching Wimbledon non stop! Just loving all the tradition and class. Love seeing the Ralph Lauren tent! Thanks for such a great tennis post.
Thank you Diane! So fun to see it all isn’t it? Enjoy the weekend.
Kim, good morning!
Every time I turn on Wimbledon I think of you! I am not a tennis player but I do enjoy watching all of the excitement there. Between the players, ball boys/girls and the spectators there is a lot to enjoy and take in.
Strawberries and cream, yes but I prefer mine whipped. I love a good Pimms, I think I will try the spritz!
As for RL, he can do no wrong in my book. Elegant, classic and beautiful.
I loved Juliets white dress post, a white dress is perfect all summer long.
I hope that you have a leisurely and lovely weekend and find a respite from the heat.
xo Elizabeth
Aw thanks Elizabeth! So much fun isn’t it? I’m with you whipped cream is my preference too. Yeah Ralph and Wimbledon are really a match made in heaven. He meets all their standards and exceeds the expectations don’t you think? Keeping it all pretty and traditional!
I hope your weekend was great! x
Hi Kim,
I love Wimbledon and watch it religiously every year. It always reminds me of my dear Papa who loved it too and for a brief while we had a “tennis court” in our very English garden and l would watch my brothers’ take turns marking out the court with the white chalk…l think it was!? Until it all disappeared for another year. Summer ritual.
Completely agree about Nordstrom’s sale. Only the wealthy get the really good things it is hideous. So much inventory is gone by the time l get there. Back to the finals I would love it if Carlos Alcaraz won and Jabeur. Happy weekend Kim 🙂
Francesca how wonderful! I love that your Papa did that.. What fun that must have been. My mother was a huge fan of tennis and Wimbledon and I think that is why I love it.
Yes isn’t that ridiculous sort of how the wealthy get priority? Everyone should have the same level. I don’t care for it at all and of course encourages people to spend more every year to maintain their ‘level.’ More segregating our world.
I want Ons and Alvarez to win also!
x
Wimbledon has been great and such a fun event. I haven’t play tennis in over 20 years but have loved the game. So much color in the outfits now. And great new players coming into the limelight. Hope Carlos success. Thanks for the recap. Tennis all weekend!
HI Sheila! I know something about tennis that’s so appealing! I’m so happy about Carlos! Hope you enjoyed the weekend too. xo
Hi Kim,
It’s so healthy that you have been immersing yourself and throughly enjoying Wimbledon it’s a great diversion. You have a deep appreciation for the sport and follow the players. Enjoy!
Gee I don’t know about Nordstrom and why they created days and the levels when you can go on line and purchase. Nordstrom is customer friendly and their approach creates chaos, and frustrations and divide. It is not a win win, I understand why they have done it, however because you buy less you are treated less than.
I hope their marketing/sales department makes major changes and structures their Anniversary sale so everyone can shop at the same time. This is not the “Nordstrom Way” that they are known for.
On a positive note I really like your idea on the silver charm bracelet, it’s meaningful and sentimental. I hope you are able to purchase it at the reduced price, Good luck.
Hi Katherine! Thank you I’ve been loving this little treat of all things tennis this summer.. I agree 1000% with the level thing at Nordstrom.. So elitist if you ask me. It absolutely does not seem like the Nordstrom way.. I may send them a letter. I used to work for them and this is not the way they started out.
Isn’t the charm bracelet darling? I hope I can make it special. xo
Having so much fun watching Wimbledon this year … and swooning over the Ralph Lauren Suite. The table settings! What a dream to take tea at RL Suite at Wimbledon. It’s almost too much for my brain to manage. The celebrity attendance is also fun. And the fashion. Emma Thynn and Sienna Miller definitely got the brief! Do you know I’ve never had Pimm’s Cup. What?! Jim says it’s very good and as you say light in alcohol so I should be able to a handle it. I’m going set up a Pimm’s Cup bar soon … maybe it will help get over the loss of Wimbledon viewing after tomorrows final. And speaking of finals, I was so sad for Ons today. Looks like you and I are eyeing some of the same pieces in Nordstrom’s sale. This is the first year I’ve actually purchased anything during the sale … and It was really enjoyable. Jim went and picked up my loot today. And he got a little something too. Hope you’re enjoying the weekend and staying cool watching the final days of Wimbledon. xo
me too Juliet. It got us through somme sweaty days here. I don’t feel so bad sitting inside watching it all. I researched about that RL suite and sadly I don’t think I’ll ever get to see it as it’s by invite only. Sob.
Jim is so right.. I made them this weekend with 7-up, cucumber, peaches, strawberries and mint…The fruit after is so yummy too. To me it tastes sort of like a lightly sweet ice tea.
I just adore Ons and I am hoping next year she will win, but gosh darn it’s SO much work to just get to the finals and the fact that she beat 4 top 5 players to get there is heartbreaking! On a happier note, I was thrilled about Carlos! What a charmer and amazing player-at only 20! He seems so sweet.
I have not purchase anything at the sale for a few years either! I saw you had those flip flops. You will love them! How nice I should have picked mine up. That was smart.
Hope your weekend wasn’t too hot.xx
Havenot had TV on at all so haven’t seen ANY OF WHAT YOU SPEAK ABOUT!
So out of THE LOOP!!
Busy week here things to do !!
Over and Out🩷
At least the weather has picked up for us Northern Cal Ladies!!
Xoxo