On this post, adding garden stools to your yard or home, trying the book table look out, a book for English Country House lovers, J. Crew’s new resale site and more..
It’s that time of the week where Juliet, Elizabeth and I share what’s new, cool, and caught our attention.
Wow what a week for Californians! If you live here, especially in So Cal, I hope you are doing well. We have had some serious storms and rain here.
Last weekend we headed to Tahoe with the kids as everyone had a free weekend and there was finally snow. They had given each other igloo making tools for Christmas and have been wanting to try them! ( Never too old!) We went up early Friday, but by Saturday morning we knew another storm was coming, so we high tailed it out of there by the afternoon to beat the storm. Grif and Max skied and I picked them up. ( I had sweaty palms driving in snow, but I’m getting better at it.)
We had almost two full days together. I love when the these twenty-somethings are like kids and having fun. They all appreciated the break from school and work..I stayed in the cabin and watched and made sure they had enough hot cocoa!
The kids left the igloo without a top as they didn’t want anyone trapped ( bear, bunny, or kids).
The book stack look..
With all the indoor time this week, I changed things up a bit at home and decided to try the book pile look on my coffee table. I have oodles of books, so it was just a matter of making them look good. After messing around with them I came to this configuration.
I’m sure Max will be wondering where he can put his feet up and coffee. I tried to leave some space for that at the end.. We’ll see how long this lasts!
I moved my Beaufort Tray to the dining table and added my heart napkins I bought from the White Company back in October with a little begonia from the grocery store, and a heart paper weight I had. I also hung a felt garland we have from the chandelier to make it a little festive for Valentines. ( They sold out of the napkins, but these are nearly the same and so cute.)
My Caliente placemats here. FYI- they now have them in sets at Homegoods and nearly identical.
Blue garden stools
I want to pretty up the yard for spring and on my list are blue garden stools -ala Mark D. Sikes’ California brick patio, below. At dinner I noticed this cute vignette at our local Luna Mexican restaurant the other night with the dark version of the stool. The look of one tucked next to planters is lovely. They are also nice for drinks.
I found two at my local Homegoods. I thought I’d bring them home and experiment…With the weather being horrendous though, they are hanging out in the house and looking cute.
The other is next to my chairs in my office. Great little drink table..
Hopefully we’ll have sunny days ahead and I’ll try them out in the yard. They are fun little decorative pops and you can find them in all price points.
Here’s a few of the stools that are out there and some tall woven vases and more..
J Crew Always – a new resale site!
J. Crew is encouraging people to upcycle their clothes and buy pre-loved clothes for the planet. Their new resale site in conjunction with ThredUp is wonderful and I’m slightly obsessed with it.
It’s still under the radar a bit, which is good. I noticed many looks from the Jenna Lyons era. I also have my eye out for those pieces that got away, like a swing trench with oversized buttons I once coveted! I noticed the ‘just in’ selection changes every few hours and the prices are good, so if you see something grab it. I’ve bought from ThredUp and it’s been easy to return. For example this cute gingham dress is $36 ! If it was my size ..
With this initiative, J. Crew also has a separate weekly drop of vintage pieces from the 80’s and 90’s handpicked by their team. (Check back if they have sold out.) You can also turn your hand-me- downs into J. Crew credit now, If you send in your clothes to ThredUp .More info about that.
So why buy pre-owned when we can have new? Clothes from past seasons are cooler, and more unique. It’s also a smart way to buy higher quality clothes at a more affordable price.
Fact: 73% of pre-owned clothes are sent to landfills or incinerated, instead of being reused or recycled.
Make it a 2024 Goal to incorporate more upcycled things in your wardrobe!
You can take this test to see how your carbon footprint rates here. Mine, as expected, could be better. At the end are tips on how to do better A lot of it has to do with how often you wash clothes, how you wash them, and how much you shop, and if you ship things.. Very eye opening!
My score..
I need to shop resale more, and buy less. I actually am good about washing on cold and air dry at least half my clothes, which helps.
If you don’t shop resale and vintage clothes, what is holding you back? I’d love to hear. If you feel icky about thrift stores, find local resale shops that look and smell nice for shop online. Stores like ThredUp and TheRealReal, won’t sell clothes that aren’t clean, and you can return most things. One of my friends has the coolest wardrobe and she finds most of her things at TheRealReal. I die over what she finds!
On My Radar
Are you all watching the big game on Sunday? One thing I know for sure is we will have veggies and dip and I want to try the healthier ranch dip that I keep seeing on Instagram. You take a cup of cottage cheese, and add 3 T of ranch seasoning, and (optionally add 1/2 c buttermilk and /or greek yogurt.) Whip it all up in a blender of food processor until smooth. I found this recipe where you can add your own seasonings instead of a packet, which is probably healthier.
At Kepler’s book a few weeks ago, I fell in love with Flora Soames’ beautiful book, The One Day Box.. This book is for those who love the more is more English Country house aesthetic and for the textile lover.
Are you following actor Kelly Rutherford on Instagram? Her account has gone viral thanks to her elevator selfies and I do love her taste and outfits! I noticed she had one of those Rue de Verneuil tote bags in plaid. I bought a small one on my UK trip.
Next Tuesday, Cindy and I will be discussing denim and jeans for February’s Signature Style. I’ve been doing a deep dive on all the latest styles and options for all our body types, so if you are a jean girl, like so many Californians, you may want to check it out, or make sure you are subscribed to the blog at the bottom of this post!
Thanks to everyone last week who gave me denim feedback! I saved every single recommendation in my notebook and spent a lot of this week trying on new brands and styles! I can’t wait to share with you all.
On last weekend’s post, I ventured into gingham and cottage core, fun pops of red, a new book on style, and the Dish hike/neighborhood walk to check out in Palo Alto.
Happy Weekend and go Niners!!
Kim
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Hi, Kim —
Hooray to J. Crew for starting this resale site! This is so smart, and encouraging of sustainable shopping. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has purchased something and kept it past the return window — but haven’t worn it. This is especially true since I stopped going downtown to the office everyday during the pandemic. Really, I could purge so much! In exploring the site, there is a list of brands they don’t accept (Target, Old Navy, H&M), so that’s good to know…
So honest of you to post your carbon footprint score, Kim! I love that about you.
Meanwhile, I’m looking forward to your jeans review, as that little voice in my head is telling me that I need a pair of full-length, wide leg jeans.
I will be watching the big game tomorrow, but cheering on the Chiefs, as the Seahawks are out of the running!
xo
Julia, So true, this has happened to me too with J.Crew returns. I did not see that ThredUp is not accepting those, but I do think they are more fast fashion, and it makes sense. I am sort of embarrassed that I am not doing better with my carbon footprint. I think I need for sure to buy more second hand and share it.
I hope I have some good options you’ll like with the jeans. I have a soft spot for the Chiefs, as it’s my uncle’s city. Should be a fun game! xo
Kim, can you tell me about your sneakers in the picture with the trenchcoat? Thanks!
H Arlene, They are from Zara. I just got them and really like them. They run true to size. You can find them here..
https://www.zara.com/us/en/sneakers-p15015310.html?v1=311282444
Hi Kim,
Glad you and the family got up to see the snow, and happy you came home before the deluge on Sunday! Love the garden stools! Fabulous idea J. Crew has to resale products. I’m going to share this with my friends. Enjoy this sunny weekend.
Go Niners 🏈❤️
Hi Auntie! I know I was really so thankful to be back home with the crazy storm. I still have one of grandma’s garden stools!
I love the resale site too. Yes spread the word!
Hope you guys have a fun weekend and enjoy the game! xo
Such a great post Kim! I loved the pictures in the snow. You made some beautiful memories on your weekend trip. I always enjoy reading your post. You always share something new to me which is hard to find these days. Bravo!
Kathysue😘
Thank you Kathy! We were lucky to have some good snow and together time, even though it was fast. Aw thanks!
Hi Kim,
Wowie, you covered so many interesting things as usual. It was great seeing the kids together in Tahoe. I feel for you guys having to turn around and get out, but it was so smart. You know the area and what you have to do.
The stools are so cool, you did so well with your purchases. Also the gingham dress is vintage looking. I can see that look on you. It’s darling.
So wise and smart of J Crew to start a resale site. When I was in the work world and going to nice places I would find some high end fabulous things at upscale resale shops. Some things looked like they were never worn. It was so much fun to find wonderful things.
I look forward to seeing the jean post that you and Cindy have been working so hard on. Kim,
the jeans I ordered and shared with you are not available till April, maybe on back order or did not have them to ship in the first place. It’s okay I can wait.
Yes, go Niners, my girly gut tells me the Chiefs might be the hero’s. I love both teams, Niners
are who I’m routing for. This will be a super exciting game.
I’m off to get ready for a Valentine Piano concert on Zoom who is performing from his home in San Francisco. Danny plays often, I love the piano, music enriches the soul.
My ❤️ for you:
A Hug is the shortest distance between friends,
Sending you 1,000’s of Hugs… Happy Galentine’s Day❣️
❤️🌹❤️
Hi Katherine! Aw thanks I felt lucky to get together with the kids even though it was short. I loved that gingham dress! Too bad it’s not my size.
I believe you about finding great things. Once you get smart about where to shop, it’s sort of like a treasure hunt!
I hope the jean post won’t disappoint. I’m so glad you sent those jeans and it’s worth waiting for them.
I like both teams! Should be fun. Wow have fun at the concert. Sounds like a lovely idea.
Aw thanks for the hug. So sweet. Hope you ahem a beautiful week and fun Valentines!
Hi Kim! Love your coffee table with the books! I have a large upholstered ottoman as a coffee table. I love it, but the uneven surface makes decor kind of tricky… I have a blue and white garden stool in my living room and just got a green one for the shower. They are so flexible. How fun that J Crew has a resale site now! Time with the “kids” is so precious!
Molly, it’s like Tetris with books! Ha.
See and I miss my ottoman and tray as it’s way more comfy than this table.
I love your blue and white garden stool! I have it in my cart. The shower is a really cute idea too.
xo
Hi Kim, Loved the snow pics and the cute igloo. Ditto on your styling of the books. So fun to change things up in our homes. I’m really glad that J.Crew has a re-sale site. Too many clothes are thrown into landfills. I took the quiz and was surprised but happy to see my score was very low. Since being retired from my profession , my shopping has dropped off considerably. I no longer need so many clothes, and my lifestyle has changed to more casual and comfortable clothes. That being said, I can live vicariously through you and other instagramers and see all the lovely outfits! Xo
Hi Karen! The igloo cracks me up. Who knew that would be a thing?
I do love changing things up every once in a while.
I think the resale site is the best idea! Cool stuff too. Yay you for a low score. I agree once you are out of the working world, you need less!
Have a lovely weekend!!
Kim! Thanks for the heads-up on J.Crew’s resale site … I love it and can’t wait to get over there and some digging. What a shame you had to come back from Tahoe early … but good thing you did. Better safe than sorry and I hear you on the sweaty palms/white knuckle driving. Love the igloo kit … I wonder what state the roofless igloo will be in on your next visit. It’s so cold over here … can’t imagine the temps up in Tahoe today. But the sun in out so there’s that. Adore your Valentine touches … and those napkins! You now I’m a fan of the garden stool. I placed a small cocktail tray on my front porch stool last night. I’m on the look out for one to put next to our bathtub. You had great luck at Home Goods … I’d better run by ours and see if they have anything as nice. That dips looks delish and I’m intrigued by the cottage cheese. I always have a crudite plate alongside my less-healthy Super Bowl food options, so I may try this instead of my standard dip. Hope you have a great weekend and stay warm and cozy! xo
Oops, I meant to say something about your coffee table book situation. Its fabulous. Obviously. And seeing that Dominic Dunne books makes me think it’s time to reread his collection of wonderful books. The Two Mrs. Grenville’s is probably my favorite … and with the Feud series running, it got me thinking about it again. Our coffee table is off limits due to Jim’s foot habit but I’ve done something similar on our dining room table … since we don’t use it much. Books, books, and more books is my attitude toward everything. xoxo
Dominic was so great and I always love his pieces in Vanity Fair! Haven’t read that book, but yes this Feud series is totally his kind of thing isn’t it? I’m loving the jewels and the clothes and the actresses, but Capote’s so awful. Gosh the domestic violence in it, with his relationship, I didn’t expect.
Yes your shelves look six pretty. Never enough books! xo
Juliet, thanks! We will have to keeper eyes out for some great vintage pieces. It should be interesting to see if the igloo fares well. last year’s was smaller and the kids left a big candle in it. Then we got 20 feet of snow and it was buried! Never saw it again until April and it was gone, but the candle survived! LOL.
Yes you have some cute garden stools. Cute idea to do that!
Yes trying the healthier dip – hope it’s as good.
Have fun today! xo
Yes, go NINERS! I’ll make your ranch dip suggestion tomorrow, Kim.
Karen I hope it’s good! I’m excited to try it too. x
Hello Kim,
I’m happy to hear that Tahoe got a good amount of snow in last week’s storms. I wasn’t happy hearing that the snowpack was dismal the week before that. I’m with you completely on driving in the snow – it makes me very nervous. It’s good you stepped outside of your comfort zone, though, and did it anyway. That’s how you’ll get better at it.
Oh, those blue and white stools are just beautiful! They look great inside the house, right where they are. I think you’ll need to consider buying more for the outside!
The carbon footprint quiz was fun, and I actually scored quite well. I’m working hard to develop a simple daily ‘uniform’ and purchase things that are made well in natural fabrics. Plastic clothing (nylon, polyester, etc.) just don’t appeal to me anymore. I’m looking more at cottons, wools, and linens.
Today is a beautiful day – I hope you’re enjoying the outdoors!
Janet
Hi Janet! Yes we finally got snow. It was worrying. Yes I am trying hard to make myself be brave and try things instead of shutting down. I survived, a little sweaty, but feel more confident now.. You are so right!
Thanks I was wondering if I should just get more stools for the outside..
Good for you on the quiz! I think natural fibers are another thing we all have to try harder to buy. Agree I can’t even buy a polyester blouse now, They feel awful. The natural fibers just breath and feel better against your skin.
Hope you’re enjoying the sun too. xo
Kim,
I am sorry that you had such a rough week weather wise. But how wonderful to have a wee bit of time with your kids. I love that they built a fort! It is the little things in life that bring the most joy and memories.
Your table looks beautiful! I too have a lot of coffee table books. But we have ottomans instead of tables, to make life easier for the pups and they do not like too many books on their space. Hopefully Max won’t mind your restyling.
Speaking of restyling, your Valentine touches are beautiful.
I’ve seen the JCREW preloved section before, lots of stores are doing that now days. Coach, and I believe AMAZOn and I Saks 5th avenue. Saks sells pieces that are from Rent the Runway. It is a great idea. I wonder how much they actually re-sell.
Love your blue and white garden benches! I have one in my master bath, it has moved around the house and sometimes I take it outside.
I just ordered that book! I love the maximalist look of and English country house and all of the history that goes along with it.
Have a wonderful weekend Kim.
xo Elizabeth
Elizabeth, they are so funny building the igloo! They really were into it. I hear you about your pups! Pets take precedence! Ottomans are so great too.
So far Max has said nothing!
I think the new resale sites are where we should be headed. The more we share and normalize pre-loved clothes, more will try it! It’s just an unknown to a lot of people. They need to know how great these sites are, and the pretty things they can find.
You will so love that book. It’s very you- and she’s Churchill’s great-granddaughter, so there’s the history component you’ll adore.
Hope you have a beautiful weekend.
Kim! I love thst JCrew has a new vintage site! J Crew always—however, I think I’m going to be annoyed when I see so many of my things that I’ve given away! So many of the sweaters that I gave away thinking they were outdated, but were so well made!!
Madeline and I love buying vintage! She has found so many treasures!! It’s fun and a great way to have a wonderful wardrobe with fewer pieces, but well made items. I need to look at TheRealReal!
Love that trench you are wearing kim!
Annie, I know more cool things to find! I know I was thinking the same. Makes yoou wonder, so we need a box in the garage to store certain things and revisit 7-8 years later? you know everything comes back. It’s a matter of do we have the space for it all? Yes those old roll-necks sweaters were so good. I just gave away a beautiful cashmere one last year too small.
You and Madeline must have so much fun. Thank you the trench is my J. Crew outlet one! Still the best. Bought it in navy too. xo
I’m making that cottage cheese dip as well! I thought was a great way to have a dip that was higher protein and a little bit healthier than the normal Super Bowl fair. I will definitely tell my daughter about that J.Crew site she buys a lot of J.Crew.!! it’s great they’re doing that. Glad you had fun in Tahoe. It was probably very smart of you to come home early. We have spent hours sitting on Highway 80 not even moving when trying to come home in the middle of storms.!!
Martha, it sounds good and yes the more protein less fat thing with the same taste is appealing!
Gosh I know, I have had too many nightmare drives on 80, to even chance it. I never want to be stuck on a snowy road with zero visibility again. xo
Kim,
I am sorry that you had such a rough week weather wise. But how wonderful to have a wee bit of time with your kids. I love that they built a fort! It is the little things in life that bring the most joy and memories.
Your table looks beautiful! I too have a lot of coffee table books. But we have ottomans instead of tables, to make life easier for the pups and they do not like too many books on their space. Hopefully Max won’t mind your restyling.
Speaking of restyling, your Valentine touches are beautiful.
I’ve seen the JCREW preloved section before, lots of stores are doing that now days which is a great thing. Coach takes old bags and not only refurbishes them they make them into complete new bags. Saks resells items from Rent the Runway and there are some beautiful pieces, not inexpensive but beautiful. I personally love pre-loved pieces, the clothing was so well made in the “old days.”
AS for the garden benches, they look fabulous just where they are. Another trip to Home Goods may be in order.
I am not sure how I missed this beautiful English country book! I am off to order it, English country maximalism is my favorite style.
Have a wonderful weekend Kim!
Kim you always have so much fun stuff!! I did not know that J Crew had a resale site. I love Thred Up and buy from them often but you do have to be careful as they sell things as is and I do mean as is. As long as you are aware you can find some great bargains! So glad you got to Tahoe. It must be gorgeous right now!
Cindy, I was so excited about that site! ThredUp is good, but I may sure I can return what I buy there. I have gotten one great Tory Burch pieces from them. Love your jean post. xo