On this post, all the pretty things from the Ba&sh fashion event at Bloomingdales, the perfect button-up that does not gape, and other good things.
It’s time for the weekend meander with Elizabeth and Juliet where we share things we are loving and on our radars.
I hope your week was good. I was busy with the kitties, but got the front porch mums finally. This year I used terracotta pots instead of my baskets. If you look closely you can see my orange kitten Rico looking out of the left side of the door glass…
They still have my real preserved leaf wreaths at Bunches in downtown Los Gatos for $38! I think that is a good price and mine is going on three years! You can get a pretty decorative pumpkin there too. Someone asked me if they ship. They might. I love that it is not plastic and real leaves.
These guys were busy as always getting into everything! They crash at night on the couch. They are eating so much too. A reader Liz, recommended the packing tape for the ficus tree and it’s been working keeping these varmints out of the dirt. Yay.
Ba&sh Fall Styling
My Ba&sh Paris event last week at Bloomingdales’s Valley Fair was a lot of fun. Ba&sh is a French brand that has a small collection every season of beautiful things. The founders, Barbara & Sharon = hence the name Ba&sh, wanted to create a line of their dream closet items and that is exactly what it is. I find talking to the women who are loyal to this brand, that they love slowly collecting these forever sort of pieces for the wardrobes. I agree! Think about buying one or two special pieces a year and less other things.
Leslie, the manager of the Valley Fair Ba&sh had the department all pretty with flowers, crackers and cheese, and little treats from Eataly. We also gave away goodie bags for attendees with some small French things like macarons, little Eiffel tower keychains, and chocolates.
I wore a Ba&sh dress bought last fall topped with a jacket I purchased earlier this year from them. First thing I did was check out all the pretty things before we got ready for the event. Fun seeing the sweaters and dresses. This may be their best collection yet, and according to Leslie, it’s selling out already.
I loved meeting the sweet people who popped by. One customer was going to the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame in LA for her brother’s induction! He is the bassist for Sound Garden. She bought a beautiful cape from Bas&sh to wear over a long black dress and heels.
Another new friend Jeri (below with Leslie), is a Ba&sh fan who has even collected their pieces in France. She lives locally and was once was a buyer for Macy’s, so no wonder she has a great style. I loved her own leather Ba&sh jacket with jeans and blouse.
Heidi my artist friend, loves fashion too. She tried on three of the coats- the wool wrap, the Maddie leather, and the faux fur. Ba&sh has some gorgeous outerwear. We wanted one of each! The fall chocolate browns in this line are lovely.
Ba&sh also has a chic snake print in a plummy brown in a long Sahara dress that Leslie wore, and a short version on me. Here we are twinning with jackets (I am wearing the Milos ) over them, and without. These dresses are versatile and with a jacket-are a very Parisian day look.
Leslie coaxed me into trying the same print in the Samy blouse with their jeans. I ended up buying them as they were comfy, flattering with some stretch. (They are described as low rise, but they hit above mid-rise in my opinion.) They are long and I will cut them or hem. Leslie had me try with their high bootie. I ended up getting the Samy blouse for co-hosting the event and am excited to wear the blouse and jeans together somewhere this fall!
I also loved this soft sweater dress with a pretty long gold zipper up the back. It’s very forgiving not tight, and I am wearing a small.
We sold a lot of the popular Elsy button back sweater . Jeri modeled it for me and Heidi tried it too- and ended up choosing it when she won our raffle for a top! This is a super versatile piece. I wear mine both front (with a cami tank), and backwards and it runs large. I have X small. It’s a great closet piece.
I also adored this Pietra dress, and pretty wool wrap coat. The gorgeous print comes in a blouse also.
Heidi won the raffle! I want to thank everyone who came. We always have so much fun.
Check out the brand next time you are at Valley Fair or Stanford Bloomingdale’s. You can also connect with Leslie and she can help you find Ba&sh pieces you can’t find online. You can reach Leslie by the brand’s Valley Fair Instagram account.
If you don’t live locally, you can see all the Ba&sh things I shared on my ShopMy boutique with links.
Perfection in a button-up
A few weeks ago, The Shirt by Rochelle Behrens reached out to me to see if I would like to choose one of their button ups. I picked a crop khaki shirt with white collar and cuffs. When it came, I was pleasantly surprised how lovely it was.
They are famous for their NO Gape technology that adds two small buttons that are invisible on the bustline area. You can’t see them, but they make the blouse lay perfectly smooth. As someone who has issues with this, I was impressed how good it looks. I also like the crop being 5’3, I don’t need to fuss about to tuck or not. This brand has many other styles that aren’t cropped, and pretty designs! If you want a nice button-up visit Rochelle Behren’s collection here.
The Victoria Beckham Documentary
I’ve been meaning to start this doc about Victoria Beckham for a little escape. It’s got great reviews. I really like her style and her clothes. I am looking forward to seeing more of her fashion and how she built her brand on this three part series…
Other Good Things
Elizabeth made some delicious looking Cranberry Pear Crumble Bars this week. These would be great for Thanksgiving too.
Have you heard of Marion Nestle? She is often on NPR and writes about food and politics and about what’s going on in America now. Yesterday she shared that many of the president’s top officials at the USDA, EPA, HHS, and FDA have connections to chemical, agribusiness, or fossil fuel interests. The top person at the USDA has been called the meat industries ‘fixer,’ which doesn’t bode well for us. Read more here on Marion’s great Food Politics blog. The NYTimes also did a great piece on 88 year old Marion. She’s been a trailblazer for getting our food to be healthier.
After the protest last weekend, I noticed so many homes in our town had YES on 50 signs. I decided we needed to represent. I found a good one here with a California Poppy on it too. There are more cool Yes On 50 Signs here. I thought this would look cute with all my pumpkins. I will finally remove my Cat People for Harris sign.
Have you voted? We dropped ours and Jackson’s off. We are still waiting for Griffin to come home and fill out his ballot. Make sure you get yours in soon! I already got a text that mine was counted, which is reassuring.
The White House
I am sickened about the demolition of The White House’s East Wing. No matter what the White House might have needed, Trump refused to do the appropriate review process for OUR historical home- yet another thing he has no consequences for.
I follow a designer architect in Wisconsin and she said not only is this wrong, and they are not following safety protocols, but Trump is using a construction company that has had is licenses suspended for things like asbestos, and they are based in the UAE, not even America. This totally tracks. He finds sketchy people for all his dirty work. You can follow Sarah Boardman Design here for more on it, and how the construction debris is being dumped next to the Potomac river with no environmental safeguard or permit.
For those who will say this is being paid for by the taxpayer, that is a fallacy. The money given is called bribes in normal speak, by companies who want to curry favor and this White House fully admits and exploits it. Rick Wilson of The Lincoln Project, has a great take on it here. Truman’s grandson is on this talking about how his grandfather restored the White House when it was literally collapsing. That is not this. Trump tore down trees planted by Roosevelt, and the First Ladies’ historic offices, but the main purpose seems to show he can do whatever HE wants. By the way, I hate the Courtyard Marriott patio he built over Jackie’s Rose Garden. It looks like a Panera. All to bring in more money for him.
No Kings
That said, with so many bad things in our democracy, I was glad we did the No King’s protest last Saturday. We joined friends in Sunnyvale, and even our small town on Los Gatos had over 1,000 people. They now know, we had over 8 million people, and that is still being counted! I was so proud of everyone. We even had a huge coalition of older folks from a retirement place that came in wheelchairs and walkers down to our big intersection with signs and flags!
I felt uplifted by the kind people out there and the messages about love and democracy- inclusion and love for our neighbors.Being out there feels like we are making change and galvanizing others to join as well. We need to keep the momentum going, as the movement is growing.
I encourage you to follow the No King’s and Indivisible for future actions and also Bay Resistance, which is doing great work pushing back on ICE in our communities in the Bay Area and mobilizing citizens to protect our neighbors. By the way, I took these photos and said I would shield people’s face, but every one, said they were proud to be out there and didn’t care. Also this little boy very much wanted his photo taken. He was so proud of his sign and BOTH his parents are veterans.
We are near the 3.5% – from Rachel Maddow…
If you want to guarantee success against authoritarianism, there is one more thing you must do: You must grow until at least 3.5% of the population is out in the streets protesting.
That is the 3.5% rule. Along with all the other criteria, if you manage to get that 3.5% of the country out in the streets with you, the historical data suggests your movement will win.
In the U.S., 3.5% of the population amounts to almost 12 million people. Yes, that is a lot of people, but consider the trend line here: For the big Hands Off protests in April, Indivisible estimated the turnout at three million people. For the No King’s protest in June, turnout was estimated at around five million. And on Saturday, Indivisible estimates nearly seven million people came out. Considering that growth, in just a few months, does 12 million really seem so far away?
On a happy and fun note, this adorable video of the Sixteen Candles final scene remade by a cute couple made my day. It’s one of my favorite scenes.
If you missed last weekend’s post, I shared a great soup, the Having People Over Book, a Diane Keaton film set in Hampstead, and more…
Have a great weekend,
Kim
Please stop by Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs for more good things…
PINECONES AND ACORNS
MAKE MINE A SPRITZER
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What a fun time at the Ba&sh fashion event!! Wish I could have been there. So many beautiful things and how nice that Heidi won something!!!
I wish you could have gone too. xo
Great post Kim. I have attended events where Rick Wilson was a speaker. He is hilarious and smart. Also an author. All of your encouragement and comments are very much appreciated by me.
Thank you for another well-written and interesting post. Congrats on your successful Ba&sh event.
Agree that in excess of 8 million protester is very encouraging for those of us who who are disheartened as the demolition continues.
Hi Carolina! Aw thanks so much.
I agree. Stay hopeful. We are slowly growing and we well get there no doubt.
We have to believe we have the power, and don’t forget they are hugely unpopular and we are only 10 months in!
Hugs to you.
Linda, that is so cool you saw Rick!
Hang in there and thanks for the support too. x
Hi Kim,
I always look forward to everything you have to share and say. Later on this weekend I will take the time to check out all the links that you shared.
Your wreath looks great, good price.
Love seeing Rico, and Alfie they are a cute pair, especially when they are sleeping and not getting into things that they shouldn’t. It looks like they have grown since you brought them home, or at least filled out.
The ba&sh Pietra dress looked great on you, the jeans too. You and Heidi are so cute together, real buds.
No, I have not heard of Marian Nestle, will check her out.
Your sign with the CA poppy YES on 50 is a terrific sign. Enjoyed seeing the signs you shared at the rally. Outstanding attendance, even people that have mobility issues.
Question for you, the Caudalie product to brighten dark spots have you used this? I have many brown spots on my face now, and lots on my body. They are so attractive 😠 my dermatologist can spray them but can’t of course guarantee they will not leave a scar. So I just leave them. The positive cute word they use to describe them is, “wisdom spots.” Well I must be full of lots of wisdom. As a young and foolish girl I used to bake in the sun, I was super dark, I think all of these freckles is a result of laying out in the sun. Those were the days.
I have not voted yet, it’s on my “to do list.”
Have a nice weekend.
Hi Katherine!
Yes I think the kitties have grown already! Aw thanks Heidi was a good pal for coming to this event.
I know people were amazing in their walkers and wheelchairs . I admire them hugely. If they can get out there, we all can.
Well the Caudaulie serum is supposed to lighten the spots, and I definitely saw a difference, but it takes a bottle to see the difference. For me it was a few weeks of constant use.
I also love how it feels on the skin, and isn’t as harsh as a retinol.
Hope you have a great weekend! x
Sorry to interject and not trying to steal Kim’s thunder, but recently had my brown spots (from sun damage) on my face lasered. Most did not leave a mark, but there are two which did, but they were rather large to begin with. Had the sun spots lasered on both forearms, but after a couple of months, they came back. Am a bit ho hum about laser (even medical grade). Am going to try CO2 fractionated laser for a deeper peel next year during winter and will give the Caudiale serum a go
Susan, I appreciate this note! A great point that dermo procedure can work really well.
I have also had IPL or now I think they call it BBL and three treatments helped hugely with those on the sides of my face, which I suppose has gotten the most sun in my life, from driving, etc.
Caudalie is all natural and takes longer to see results.
I think retinol works great if you go slow and using a drug store one first, like the Cerave or La Roche Posey to start. You can move to a stronger one or a prescription from a dermatologist! That is the gold standard and works if you are consistent! xo
Hi Kim,
Love your event and the beautiful clothes! Gorgeous pictures of the kitties! I did the No Kings march and I have voted so I am doing my bit. Have a lovely weekend friend.
Yay Francesca for being part of the protest!
Hope you have a great week too. xo
Hi Kim,
Great post as always!
The BA&SH event was really fun and I’ve worn my lucky new sweater already, and felt tres chic!
Changing the subject…I am sick to my stomach by the way DT is steamrolling over our democracy with his ego driven madness. I can’t even imagine what my parents would think. My dad served in two wars, was a lifetime 30 year military man. My mom escaped from her home country when the communist regime there was on the verge of throwing her in jail. They both believed in this country and the rights we have that are guaranteed by our 250 year old constitution. I can’t believe they would be undone in a mere 10 months. It’s crazy and sickening. The demolition without prior approval was the last straw. I wondered about the contractor who would take that on, considering the way the project was pushed through. Now it makes perfect sense.
I’ll be at the next protest too, with even better signs! It’s the least I can do. We will get to 12 million strong.
Rico and Allie have grown, the little cuties! I put semi large rocks(too big for the cats to move) into the pots to cover the dirt of my indoor plants when my kitties were small. I had tried everything else to keep them out, and this seemed to stop them and was at least somewhat aesthetically pleasing! They would climb in and sleep on top of them sometimes. I think the rocks absorbed heat from the sun.
Stay strong Kim and keep fighting the good fight! I’m with you all the way.
Xo Heidi
Heidi I was so excited you won! Thank you again for coming and modeling too! You will love that sweater for a long time. It looked great on you and on Jeri too.
I think about you so much with this democracy stuff knowing how many years your dad gave to this country, and what your mom escaped. It’s hard to see how fast this is all being torn down and with NO pushback at all. I won’t be quiet about it and I am so glad to know friends like you who feel the same. Thanks for being out there on No King’s too.
The rocks were a great idea.. That is my next step if the postal tape fails!
Hugs to you!
Cindy I do love your choices of clothing but the short blouse style may not work unless your waistline is trim..which yours is..so that will be passed over. Great ideas and color!. I missed the No Kings as I had signed up early to volunteer for a local charity function benefitting neighborhood children..so the next time for sure!! Appreciate the research and what?…the UAE is the contracting company? in the destruction..not demolition..of the White House area!! I am sickened and disgusted. This will be a trashy, gaudy, excessive, and bad design that will not fit in..good heavens..another faux gold palace?? This is another reason to vote ourselves out of this travesty. Thank you and enjoy your site so much.
Donnie, There are great regular blouses on their site too! In fact most are normal length.
So nice of you to help with local kids.
I know the whole thing with this demolition is suspect. Why not an American company? The manis always working some shady angle.
Yes you can bet it’ll be gaudy. x
Kim, you are my virtual stylist. I love seeing you at your events, you glow! Your love of fashion shines through.
Congratulations to Heidi!
Your front porch always looks beautiful! And $38.00 for a preserved wreath is a steal, they are much higher here.
The cats make me smile, they look adorable and mischievous! I am sure stye keep you on your toes.
Keep me posted on the VB documentary, I have heard good things too!
Have a wonderful and hopefully relaxing weekend Kim.
xo
Thanks Elizabeth! I feel lucky to get exposed to all these pretty clothes I would not have otherwise known about! I am learning to buy less and better things slowly.
Isn’t that a good buy for $38? It is not from China or a container ship, and no plastics to sit in a landfill someday. It is surprising how long a natural wreath can last- and I have a pretty exposed porch facing west!
I hope the Victoria doc is good too. xo
Kim! Working backwards to forwards, I heard updated counts are close to 12 million. Nobody wants this. Any of it. Nobody who’s actually paying attention anyway. And the East Wing. Good god. Rick’s piece was the best of the dozens I’ve read on the destruction of the East Wing. Even with the many atrocities we’ve witnessed from the orange man and his lackey’s, I didn’t believe he’d dare mess with historical buildings. Sickening. And a UAE contractor? What happened to America First? Well, we all know that nothing he says is to be believed. On to more pleasant topics. Love seeing you, Leslie and Heidi in all your pretty BASH things. I really adore your new friend Jeri’s suede jacket. Your kitties and growing so fast. I love seeing them on window watch! I know they’re a handful, thank goodness they’re so cute! xo
Thanks Juliet I am so glad to hear the numbers are growing! You are so right, whoever is playing attention! We need more people to wake up.
Yeah no America first only those who help his grift, and surely who will be jilted with the bill. I already heard the amount of money sets it up for him to profit off this as it won’t cost what he claims, but gives him $120 million for himself.
Wish you could have come to the event! xo
Hi Kim,
Always enjoy your blog, very informative, even the horrific news on the WH demolition taking place. I’m saddened, but not surprised to hear it’s a foreign company doing the work! It’s hard to know if anyone on the other side even cares, since there’s no pushback at all. I commend you for all your efforts to bring awareness to these issues. My city is doing its part too.
Your fashion event with friends was a fun read, the clothes are beautiful! Love the fall decor at your entryway, very welcoming with the natural wreath and real flowers! And your kitties! I’m a dog person, but love to hear about their antics and see the sweet photos. Aren’t they the cutest when they’re curled up sleeping?
Have a nice weekend….💗
Hi Cheryl!
I am sick about the WH. It feels like we have no recourse. We need some judge or someone to end the madness. This is not his house.
Aw thank you about the house. I love this time of year. I love dogs too. I know when they are sleeping so sweet! Hope you have a good week. xo
Unbelievable how trump and his gang is getting away with anything he wants and we can’t seem to stop him…
The protest seem to be just one action we can take, but Lord we need more help to end this fiasco. Thanks for speaking out on this situation.
Sheila It is so upsetting and I agree. We need action as a group and I am not seeing it from Congress.