Fall fashion

Weekend -The Sense of Place Book, Pants Talk, the Cutest Jacket, and Fall Porch Stuff

September 23, 2023 By kimwheeler No Comments

On this post, a fantastic new home book, cool pant options for fall, the cutest cozy jacket and fall porch stuff..

I hope your week has been good. I have been busy getting a few things spiffed up here for fall..and bought myself a new cozy jacket!

Max and I did a deep clean of the porch from the summer… ejected the spider webs, cleaned the windows and the house lights and it felt fresh. I added some cute mums to the front porch as you do -when fall happens and you notice your summer plants look like scorched earth I got a few at Ace and others at Trader Joes.. I grabbed a few pumpkins there too.

I was excited to see these multi-colored mums at TJ’s. I bought these a few years back and hadn’t seen since, so snagged them. The best way to keep mums alive is set them in a plastic tray and water them from the bottom, so they don’t dry out in our hot fall afternoons.

The baskets are from Target and have lasted from last year. They have them back in stock! These are another option. I would get a plastic tray for the inside at a garden center.

I have my mom’s bench still out there and a wreath of petrified leaves I bought last year at our local Bunches florist. Amazingly it survived the garage storage. I added a few smaller mums from Ace hardware to the other pots in the front..

Pant Talk..

Can we talk about pants? I was excited to finally be wearing my white jeans from Mother ( this is also similar) the other day with my early ‘fall’ shoe which are suede Birkenstocks...

Someone asked about my toe polish and it’s a good fall nail color by OPI – Taupeless Beach!

My friend Bari and I were having lunch outdoors the other day and kept spotting women with cute pants on. I asked a few of them about their outfits and where did they get their pants?

Here in California, pants were not an option the past few months.. and I really missed them. I’m in the market for more good pants. I’ll share the ones these ladies had on..and a few others..

On My Radar Pants Edition..

I loved this ‘flight’ pant in black cotton that we saw one gal in. She styled it with cute slides and a feminine blouse. With the gathered cuff these look modern and bridge the gap between a sweat pant and a jean. They are by L’Agence and can be found here and here. I think it would be a good pant for travel as well.

The other stylish gal had a mid-rise jean with a cuff and this Pilcro jean looks as similar as I can find. Hers was no longer available. This jean is adorably cuffed and will show off ballet flats or whatever is your shoe vibe in fall. This jean comes in regular, tall, petite, and plus options.

I also saw a gal walk in with a carpenter type jean and a pair of small heels -so, so cute and this pair has the same feel.

The Yaya Jean by Anthro is one of their most popular and I’ve been meaning to try it. This blue pair calls itself a mid-rise crop, but looks classic and has a 27 inch inseam which can work for a lot of people. I like this dark blue, but it also comes in light and other options like corduroy and in black and in others sizes options, and this pair with a Paris map on it!

The Sense of Place Book

I arrived home yesterday to get my Sense of Place book I’ve been waiting on by San Franciscans Caitlin Flemming and her mother Julie Goebel. It did not disappoint!

Inside there are inspiring homes from all over the world . What I love about this book is the gorgeous photos by Stephanie Russo and also the interviews. Each home owner is such an interesting person and has their own way of living authentically and uniquely. This book includes tips on how to add personal touches in your mix at home and a great shopping resource at the end.

Of all the home books I have bought in the past year, ( and there has been a lot), this may be the most inspiring. I quickly read it as soon as it arrived and plan to sit down and inhale it all again with a nice cup of tea on this cool fall weekend.

The cover is a bit monotone, but the homes inside run the gamut from earthy to extravagant and colorful as do their interesting occupants. Some of the best were stories of Penny Morrison..who lives in Wales, Lily Resenfeld of Larkspur, and Malene Birger in Mallorca…

My favorite home may be of the author herself, Caitlin Flemming who lives in SF’s Marina neighborhood in a white walled home of pretty textiles, wood furniture with cool finds and sentimental treasures. Love it! ( photos here and above from the book.)

If you buy one home book this year, this is the one to get!

Cozy, Cute and California Casual..

I visited my pals over at Rails in Palo Alto this week and they sneakily had this Denver Jacket hanging up in the fitting room when I went in to try a sweater.. I was instantly smitten with the soft material and denim! After I tried it on I abandoned the sweater and walked out with this cozy and cute jacket that I know will be a great piece all fall and winter here in California..

It’s also on sale for a time right now here.

I also bought a coat, ( I have an outerwear addiction), but I’ll save more about that as next week Juliet and I are doing a little fun post on the ‘quiet luxury’ trend. We have talked about this for months and finally are doing it.

House of the Week

Sorry I’ve lagged on the real estate thing, but this Carmel cotta g e popped up and I had to include it.. They had me at the Dutch Door, fence and the name- Rose Cottage!

I love the window seats at the table and the stone fireplaces..

This one is also a cutie in the Carmel area.

If you missed last weekend, I shared the Chanel it shoe of the season-and the best dupes, a pretty Newport Beach home, and the J. Crew 40th Anniversary book..

Have a beautiful weekend,

Kim

Please stop by Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs..

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Fall Style Inspiration from Katie Holmes

November 7, 2019 By kimwheeler 8 Comments

I am going to try for a weekly fashion post as you all seem to like them. Today I thought I’d kick it off with someone who has been killing it right now in the style department, Katie Holmes. The girl recently split from her longtime boyfriend Jamie Foxx and she’s been upping her game big time. They say looking good is the best revenge, etc. Just check out this outfit above! I love the plaid, the t-shirt, long coat and messy updo. If you look at photos of her from a year ago, it’s like she’s a different person. Her skin and hair look luminous and she just looks chic and confident. Maybe she hired a stylist, but she’s always had an eye for fashion. Let’s check out some looks we can get pointers from..

I love this cinnamon blazer for fall and the off white flare jeans with the mules are a nice fall transition… The cute bun and glasses give it that throwaway chic look. Everlane just came out with a cinnamon coat in a similar color and Madewell has a modern car coat and this double breasted version. Try adding a coat or blazer with a color this fall to your rotation. This is a super daytime outfit.

I find New Yorkers the most relatable when it comes to everyday style to emulate. It may be that they get photographed frequently doing everyday things, not just for events.

Katie has a great way of mixing current fashion into her very achievable look. Again case in point here -cool boots, cute small bag – the rest is basic, but see how those two things elevate the whole picture?

Recently, she blew up the internet wearing a sweater set with a matching cashmere bra.

Sweater she’s wearing here from Khaite. I think I need those mules, especially here in California. These are Acne slide which are impossible to find now, but I see similar ones on sale now Nordys and also at Trina Turk in suede and these, a Frye version, which may be the closest to hers and are 40% off. I just ordered the Nordstrom mules to replace my sandals as it’s getting cooler her in Northern Cal!

Katie throws a little twist into basics with cool bags, unique shoes and chic sunglasses which make her stand out. She also has a new sexiness with her longer hair which looks great on her tall frame. As it’s already pretty chilly in New York, there’s a lot of good looks here to get fall inspiration from and a few items that could update what you already own such as..

She adds a cashmere poncho/sweater to a pleated skirt. A pleated skirt is a fun and easy piece to pick up and add a sweater to. A close version here at Zara.

Leather leggings or faux ones can be a luxe look for evenings out this fall and winter. This brand is supposed to be the closest to leather looking and I love these by Emerson Fry.

As I mentioned in the last blog, a pair of high waisted jeans, like they have perfected at Madewell, is worth investing in. I especially love this vintage pair and I own these and these are similar to Katie’s. They look great with a tucked blouse or swingy cropped top or sweater. Once you try a pair, you’ll see they hold the tummy in and make your butt look good too. They give you a nice defined waist. You just have to get used to wearing structured pants in the tummy. It does make you conscious of what you are eating, I’ll say that.

Long coats, dusters, and plaid. Houndstooth is having a moment. Here she uses a basic T, and evening heels to change it up. Plaid oversized coats are so cute and remind me one I had in the 80s. A fun version here, here at Nordstrom and a cute Topshop look.

Basic straight leg jean, sweatshirt and a cool bag to give it some flair. Some cute oxfords like this here

Add a double-breasted jacket to your fall look over a basic t-shirt. Extra points for camel color which always has a rich girl look. Pop on a pair of pumps with your basic denim jeans when you go out. Pretty simple, but looks like you’ve got style.

Think about adding a trench to your wardrobe. I have three and wish I had more. Nothing looks so Audrey Hepburn and you can throw it over anything. The little bag and leopard loafers with the hair back are perfect, but converse would be just as cute. Katie’s trench is Burberry’s classic Kensington Trench and this is a more moderate Sam Edelman version.

Another simple look, longer distressed jeans, sweatshirt and these are Zara pumps. The white pumps are a rock n’ roll addition and I love the little shoulder bag which is a Phillip Lim Alix bag. A little high, little low here.

Weekend in New York look. Try any long jeans in your closet paired with heeled boots, and a slightly sexy oversized sweater, again the glasses, the bun-perfection!

LOVE this look for the ballet. Prada suit with ostrich feathers. It’s fun and feminine. For a holiday party, consider a suit and jacket with nothing under it, add strappy heels and some feather embellishment, you’re done. So French and very hot.

A pretty short evening dress look with the dotted stockings. I wore these in the 90’s. This looks elegant and a bit more demure than the bare leg for a holiday party, still super sexy and cool. I think these are the same tights.

I love her modern mix of necklaces here. She wears a lot of dainty jewelry. Try a mix of fragile looking pieces and dangly earrings. Her makeup is basic eyeliner, bareish face, bronzer and a neutral lip. Simple chic.

If you don’t have necklaces like this you can find layered necklaces here, and tiny ones here and here and many choices at Madewell. These Kendra Scott earrings and these are similar drops.

You can get more Katie inspiration from her fun Instagram..

Hope you liked this fashion post! Let me know your thoughts and any other candidates I should feature. Kerry Russell is another one to emulate that I’d like to share.

Kim

Images Pinterest

Fall Fashion Trends You Can Actually Wear

August 22, 2019 By kimwheeler 14 Comments

Today I am fortunate to join a stylish group of bloggers for a fall fashion link up! The theme is trends you can actually wear- not the dramatic things on the runway, but items to make you look good and feel current going into fall.

Who doesn’t love to get a few new things for fall? I still call it Back to School shopping! I love this whole time of year and have many good memories of shopping with my mom for new school clothes. I suffered through many a torrid September school day just to wear a new argyle sweater or plaid wool skirt. Californians know of what I speak!

With that in mind, I tried to find something transitional, for those of us who reside in the warmer climes. We have cool mornings and evenings in fall and sometimes very warm days so we have to rely on layers.

This year leopard is big. Yes it’s still a thing- so if you haven’t added a piece with leopard to your wardrobe, well it’s time. Something about a leopard piece can give you a little extra style cred when added to your look. Right now there’s a lot out there so keep your eyes open for a cool piece to mingle with your regular items.

I scored two leopard items last week that can be used in early fall!

I spotted this Rachel Zoe blazer, above and I’m a huge blazer person. Blazers make you look trim and tailored and are versatile for travel. A well dressed gal needs a few in the closet. Don’t be afraid to go bold with a leopard print in this. It’s a nice change from the usual navy and won’t go out of style. A lot of people say leopard is a neutral and I agree when it’s not worn head to toe. I think mixing this frilly white blouses is unexpected. The cool part is the juxtaposition of the feminine lace and the punky leopard.

My other leopard item is a wool poncho made in Italy. A poncho is another must in the closet. I have several and no matter when I wear them, other women give me compliments. Personally, I love the way they look chic with little effort except throwing them on over a comfy t-shirt. You can wear them as a top all day- which I do in winter, or just as a wrap. They are the ultimate travel item as they can be your airplane blanket and a versatile topper in many kinds of weather. I never travel without one.

By the way I love these jeans, they are Paige and aren’t supposed to stretch out yet are super comfy. My sandals are from Everlane. Also very comfy.

This one is wool and I like it best with grey or white jeans and a pair of strappy flat sandals to look a bit California and boho in early fall. When it gets cooler, pairing a poncho with boots is always a great luxe look. Here I put it with my plaid Burberry bag because I like the mix of the two prints in similar tones. Cashmere versions are even nicer for summer and fall and can be small enough to shove in your purse. I have one of these topper versions that I just took to London.

Another trend is mixing leopard with camo or snake prints in any which way. It’s almost like interiors now- you can’t go wrong if you putting it together, just have a common thread like color and size of the print.

This is a little more unexpected, but I put my favorite old camo pants with the blazer and snakeprint slides..Something for a very casual day as the pants are pretty beat. Try mixing things up and things you would generally never put together. You’ll see a lot of this on the runways and magazines. Can you tell my tall son took this photo?

One way to find your style is to play dress-up at home and see what works when you have some free time. Do this before you shop with what you already own. Use your phone and take pictures of outfits in a mirror that look cool and save them in a fall looks folder to refer back to when you are feeling uninspired and are tempted to pull on the same old standbys.

Both pieces were lucky scores last week at T.J. Max. I went looking for baskets for my laundry room, of course got lucky with clothes. You just have to keep an open mind when shopping there. If I went for clothes, no doubt I would have gone home empty handed!

Similar leopard blazer here at Bloomingdales. Other leopard print blazers- here and here. Could not find a match for the poncho, but a pretty leopard wrap/poncho here... and I’m in love with this leopard pj set at Anthro!

Now pop on over and see what these other stylish gals have in store for you. I can’t wait to see what they pull together. I always get inspired from other bloggers more than anyplace else.

Brenda-1010 Park Place

Brenda-Brenda Kinsel

Mary Ann-Classic Casual Home

Annie-Most Lovely Things

Kim-Northern California Style

Cindy-Rough Luxe

Janet-The Gardeners Cottage

Susan-Une Femme d’un Certain Age

Here’s to fall friends.. the pumpkin spice lattes are en route and cannot come soon enough!

Kim

Trina Turk’s Fall Collection & Our Event Saturday !

September 8, 2017 By kimwheeler 4 Comments

I am so fortunate to be doing a shopping day with Trina Turk this weekend. My friend April of Ms B in the Bay Area and I spent a few hours up at the Burlingame store yesterday and got to preview the fall looks and I have to honestly say it is her prettiest fall collection ever.

I’m especially in love with the beautiful deep florals and pretty shapes of the dresses and tops.

This pink shirtdress might be my very favorite with its easy feel, pockets and zipper front. It has luxe cuffs with the nicest gold button detail too. I could wear casual or dressed up with heels like these Sunset Blvd pumps- also part of her fall collection.

Trina’s handbags are super cool this season…

This mauve color is very hot and I like the tassel it comes with.

This tote and clutches are all great fall pieces! I’m contemplating this leopard Raquel Clutch which is a perfect size for daytime as well as nights.

Loving the boots and how cute is this box bag?

These luxe boots also grabbed my eye as they are different by Pour La Victoire and the box bag is also a way cute for a special event with a fall dress.

More pretty boots and standout bags! Kind of in love with this bucket bag and these Frye boots (marked down) in this color!!

This Merge clutch is also modern and fun.

April and I had fun trying on some of our favorite looks. It’s nice to see how things fit and some items look so different on. We wanted to be prepared to help anyone who comes to see us Saturday.

This lace Dreamland dress was one of the very best, so flattering with the bell sleeve and lace neckline. Wouldn’t it be the perfect dress for Thanksgiving or a special fall dinner with these deep colors?

An elegant dress with gold details and the most sublime green.

How cool is the Jones patented tweed coat? Even cuter on. And yes it is water-repellant, so you can just wipe it dry. Lightweight too and doesn’t wrinkle so it may be the perfect travel piece in fall.

I have to say right here that items like this coat are what makes her collections so neat. One of a kind pieces that become even cooler as you keep them over the years are what I love about shopping at Trina and looking back on all her different collections, I wish I had bought a few more of them as they get better with time!

Always love the Trina jewelry.

A cute ladybug sweater.

This leopard vest, tweed jacket and sporty flowered bomber were just a few of the jackets.

This dress is a great pick for upcoming parties. April in the black version below…

The Panache dress is another fun cocktail dress.

Also this Splendid dress!

April looking graceful in the navy version of the Panache dress.

For daytime and more casual wear this Jaxson dress was adorable on April.

The Keleigh is another shirtdress with cute contrasting cuffs and belt.

The Opulent jacket in a tattersall check has a very cute back detail …

This jacket is beautifully made with a deep red lining with navy polka dots and the darling buttons. I’m kind of a jacket junkie. I think nothing looks more polished than a little jacket. The picture doesn’t do it justice and the special details in her clothes them even cooler.

So many beautiful items. I’m just showing a fraction.

April loved this chambray dress, a fall version of the blue one she owns. This has a grayish wash on it and we agreed this is the perfect throw on dress that felt great.

Below is the black version of the zip up shirtdress I wore in pink at the top of the post.

Simple and yet so chic! Hard to decide what I like more black or the pink Darya dress, but it is something everyone would love to have in the closet.

More snazzy accessories…

Lots to love at the beautiful Trina Turk Burlingame store. I didn’t even show swim, coverups, sunglasses and so much more.

Downtown Burlingame is a cute spot and a great chance to enjoy a day out with a friend and have lunch.

The team who work at this Trina store are very cool ladies and know what looks great. If you can’t make my event, visit them sometime. The store itself is a modern gem- beautifully designed and always a joy to see what they have from this California designer. You can find more of her fall collection on the Trina Turk site.

Want to know more about Trina who is a San Jose native and California designer? Read my previous post here.

See you Saturday!

Kim and April

Trina Turk Burlingame Store
1223 Burlingame Avenue
Burlingame, CA
(650) 340-8540

What I’m Loving – Friday Favorites

September 30, 2016 By kimwheeler 7 Comments

Since it’s Friday I wanted to share a few goodies I found in the past week..

First, how yummy does this slow cooker white bean soup from Martha Stewart look? I vow this fall to use my slow cooker more and this little post gives some great tips about using it better and some new recipes I want to give a shot at.

I finally visited a Blue Mercury beauty store and I love it! I don’t know why it took me so long to find get to this gem. Our town of Los Gatos has one and I love this small curated shop with just the right amount of brands for me to browse without getting overwhelmed as can often happen in a big department store. Best of all, there’s one sales person who is very knowledgeable about all the brands, but not hovering if you know what I mean. They give generous samples too.

One thing I discovered is that they carry Photo hair products from France. I used this line years ago when I worked at Nordstrom and the shampoos and conditioning cremes are miracle products. They are plant-based which I also like.

I bought a tube of Phyto 7, a leave in conditioner which is still wonderful and made my hair look so healthy I postponed my highlight appointment a few weeks. My hair is fine, but if you have thicker more coarser texture the Photo 9 does the same job. You can use it as a hairdressing on the ends and before blowdrying, or as a regular conditioner. The small tube makes it easy to travel with.

Travel has been on the brain for me lately and one of the things I need is an always packed beauty bag with some good size samples or products that do the job. Blue Mercury has an anniversary bonus (above pic) going on and it’s free with a $150 purchase, but it’s amazingly generous and has many good sized travel essentials. If you buy any of the brands they carry, you might get this bonus while they still have it! Obviously it’s nice to visit the Blue Mercury in your town if you have one if not, they are online.

I received a sample and now I’m addicted to their M-61 Power Glow Peel Pads and they really do work wonders. You use them just three times a week at night. It works for rosacea skin like mine as well and I woke to brighter, smoother and prettier skin everyday last week. The price is good for $28 for the smallest box and you can cut a pad in half to use another night as they are fairly large. A few other things they sell that I love is Bliss’s Triple Oxygen Serum, Clarin’s Super Restorative Eye Concentrate and Nars Sheer Glow Foundation.

I’m also love with the home of Suzanne Kasler, one of my favorite designers. One King’s Lane has her gorgeous Atlanta home including a curated sale with some of the similar things she decorates with. Her style is classic, but always with pretty and feminine details! I need more pink accents and florals in my home…

I also caught a few of the clips from Milan Fashion Week online this week and British Vogue has a good slideshow of many of the street styles. Something about the natural chic of Italians always intrigues me.

I’m super excited for cooler weather which we are supposed to get next week finally in Northern California after a week of some 100+ temps! I’m so ready to wear my boots and jackets.

I spotted this sweater at J Crew yesterday and think it’s the perfect transitional piece. Adore the ruffle sleeves, it’s loose fitting and lightweight…perfect for now.

This blouse from Anthropologie I have already bought and planning to wear this weekend in San Francisco on a belated 20th anniversary getaway with my husband. I know it’s going to be cooler in the city and this just feels fall like.

Are you all ready for fall too? I haven’t gotten any pumpkins out yet, but I’m excited to get the white ones out on the porch next week. Pumpkin bread is on the horizon too… Yay!

Have a great weekend everyone!

Kim

Join Me at Trina Turk This Wednesday!

September 12, 2016 By kimwheeler No Comments

I’m thrilled to partner with Trina Turk again this Wednesday at their lovely Burlingame boutique. If you have never had a chance to see her clothes in person, it’s the perfect time to stop in, view the new collection and get 25% off the fall looks. Trina Turk is the place I consistently find unique or cool pieces to add to my wardrobe! It’s also a great go-to if you have an upcoming special party or event.

I like to support Trina Turk as her company is headquartered in California with design and production here too. The clothes are not only pretty, but have quality workmanship and lovely details that I look for when I shop.

I’ll be there 10:30-1:30 wearing my favorite pieces from the fall collection in my own way. I’d love to meet you there and help you find some of the best looks for fall.

Here’s some of the beauties that caught my eye when I stopped by last week…

The accessories line is really hot right now with some gorgeous bags and collectable necklaces and rings. I’m kinda crazy about this bag and the colors and these cocktail rings!

Trina’s super comfy silky dresses are in this dark lovely floral for fall.

Again more wonderful details.

More great bags!

A Trina twist on plaid!

There are always fabulous pantsuits each season.

Wrap dresses.

Elegant blouses.

The clutches are the perfect shape and size!

Wearing two of the separates Trina style with contrasting patterns! This skirt is woven and also comes as a sweater dress version that is darling.

Trina’s athletic line is so nice. Love the bags, jackets and slides here.

If a holiday is on your radar, you can always find a chic swimsuit and coverup year-round here.

How cute are these pom-pom sandals?

I highly recommend a day out on Burlingame Avenue. It’s one of the best shopping streets in California with some darling independent boutiques as well as chains I like and a great number of fun sidewalk cafe lunch spots. The uber-popular Lemonade from Southern California also just opened on the avenue. Bring a friend and stop by and say hi if you can this Wednesday!

Kim

Loving Right Now..The Denim Dress

September 24, 2015 By kimwheeler 9 Comments

I just got back from a weekend at the pretty Parker Palm Springs. I’ve always wanted to visit this gem and finally got to see why it’s one of a kind. I can’t wait to share all about it in an upcoming post. When I was there I stopped at the Trina Turk flagship store in Palm Springs and picked up this little shift. I was desperate for something light to wear and this dress was so easy, cool and could transition from day dress/coverup, to night with ankle wrap sandals and some vintage earrings from the 60’s like I brought with me. Plus it has pockets and that usually seals it for me. I bought mine at Trina, but it looks like Nordstrom has more inventory of it right now. It runs large, so I bought a 2 and I usually wear a 6. It falls straight and looks better a little short. (Top photo I am wearing it on the way out to dinner- below on the way to the pool.)

I’m still loving the denim trend and hope to wear it into fall and winter. Other cute denim shifts for this transitional time are this chambray shirtdress from J.Crew, a darker also pocketed version from Zara, this classic shape from Club Monaco, this relaxed version from Banana, and I love this long sleeve version from Gap which could be cute with boots and a colorful scarf come fall. This more unique denim dress from Frame, and this cute long sleeve one from Hudson are on my fall possibilities list. All of these could work with a long sleeve tee layered under in cooler weather too. I’ve bought a lot of dresses this summer that I plan to make work in cooler weather with booties and jackets and sweaters on top.

I’m looking forward to cooler weather are you?

Back soon with more Palm Springs stuff!

Kim

Fall Wardrobes and Making Your Closet Like a Boutique

October 1, 2014 By kimwheeler 30 Comments

Lovely October is here and it’s feeling little cooler here in Northern California!! I have actually begun thinking about fall clothing and shopping.

I have a weakness for tweed jackets and distressed jeans and this combo at J.Crew got me excited! I bought both since they were my style and I know I’ll wear them for years. Jacket is no longer online, but you can catch it in stores on sale now I believe.

These necklaces were lovely and on sale.

I am also crazy about these these D’Orsay suede flats in this grey taupe. I could see them going with almost everything and dressed up or down. I’m hoping to add them to my fall shoes this year.

However, I swore to not add a single thing until I went through the old closet. That means trying on pants, skirts, and everything again. Looking over what was worn or not in the past year, seeing what could be revived, and also pitching what was just done. Ugh a lot of work, but so worth doing. This prevents you from buying the same things again you already have and helps you find what you may have forgotten about!

After purging and making a list of what I could add, I purposely rearranged the closet to seem more like a boutique.

First, you’ll notice this closet TINY. It’s not a big walk-in like most Californians have. When we moved closer to town, we gave up our big master bedroom for this older ranch home and now have a small master. This closer was nicely done with a organizer, so I made it work and downsized what I owned which was actually a good thing.

Now I try to treat it like a small jewel box and have all my prettiest things out where I can see them and wear them. I added a few photos, jewelry, some good smelling lavender sachets from France and even a fun rug. You can do the same and it will inspire you to keep the closet neater as well.

On top I have my blouses, which are some of my best pieces (yes I do like prints), and those are all on wood hangers. I try to organize by tones- navy, blues, pinks, blacks, browns and warmer colors. It’s nice having your newest pieces out in front so you will see them.

Right now I have just put away many of my sandals and have my fall and winter shoes out.

I used some of my birthday money to buy this amazingly soft sweater and Toile sweatpants. I put them out on a shelf, so I can see them and think about ways to wear them.

Being a Californian, jeans are what I wear the most and they take up less space folded. I have two stacks- light and dark. This little bowl with a few green bracelets reminds me to wear them and the dog holds some of my other favorite pieces. I always love the pretty bowls Anthro has for bracelets and odd bits.

Then I have fall dresses and sweaters and jackets.

This bottom row hold casual tops like denim, button-ups and Ts.

A little tray is a nice touch to hold special pieces you wear daily. I LOVE this Liberty hankie from my friend Jeanne and it makes me happy to see it there.

Other shelves hold my lace tops that are too old and fragile to hang, more handbags (I keep them forever) and my treasured Panama hat from Montecristi Hat Company. I did find this fun Garcons-Filles sweater at Madewell on sale. Super cute and soft.

Coats and Jackets are up higher and in front now that it’s getting cooler.

It looks like I have a lot of clothes, but I honestly have a lot I have saved over the years. I try my best to buy quality things and love nothing better than taking old pieces out and wearing them in new ways. Some of my things are 30 years old! I keep though only things I do wear. If I don’t wear it, it goes no matter how nice it is, or how much it cost originally. I just don’t want an archive, nor do I have the space.

I still had a a plethora of scarves collected over many years as well as jewelry and so I decided to use our armoire that previously held a television. It also has had incarnations as a chest for my linens.

I added a small cork board to the back to make an inspiration board for the season. I thought it might be fun to see and get ideas when getting dressed. I tore some of my favorites I saved.

Hmm, looking at this I’m all over the place, but basically I was going for a hippie bohemian feel with a little Ralph Lauren thrown in. That sounds contradictory, but what can I say? It’s me and I’m eclectic? 😀

Scarves I folded on the top by color. I used some of my favorite trays from around the house to put the things I’m wearing currently and that work for fall. I also put a Volcano candle from Anthropologie in there. The smell is divine and you needn’t ever light it. A few of my favorite clutches I added as well.

I used an old glass pedestal dish for my wood and leather pieces. That turtle I treasure. I bought it on the street in Fiji almost 20 years ago and wear it on a cord.

I’m also wearing a lot of bangles in gold right now. There’s a very old Dior piece, Alex and Ani bangles from a dear friend, and collected bits from here and there. These earrings were also a gift and my favorites as well as the tennis pendant, Harlow star necklace and the gold J. Crew necklace -a recent find on sale here. I thought the warm chestnut color of the alternating stones would be a good compliment to my new jacket and other autumn shades.

This old silver candy dish of my grandmother’s holds my silver bits. In here is a glass cameo from another grandmother that I treasure. I like the tarnish on this dish and do not polish it.

Scarves are so addicting!! I need to see what I have so I do not buy more!

This little carved dog was found at my grandmother’s house as a little girl. I believe it’s from a trip to Japan that my grandfather took. As a child it was my Barbie’s dog. I love having it around for sentimental reasons so stuck in in my armoire. Adding bits like this make it a joyful and personal space.

It takes some time to make your closet pretty, but once you start treating it like a boutique you will look forward to shopping your closet each morning. Some people even have the space to paper their walls and add chandeliers! How lovely would that be?

One thing that I did not mention is that my husband does not occupy this space. When I saw how tiny this was, I kicked him out to another closet in our spare room and he was kind enough to acquiesce. If your are able to do so, it’s nice to have your own little world in some part of the home. I live with three men, so this is my little luxury since they take over the rest of the home!

I know Jenna Lyons and many others even have turned rooms into closets…(Hey a good thing about empty nesting?!) Pottery Barn knew this and now sells the goods to create such a fabulous space! Ahh, a girl can dream!!

With wardrobes in mind, I’ve gotta share my latest read, I’ll Drink to That, a wonderful bio of 86 year old Betty Halbreich, Bergdorf Goodmans’ personal shopper for 40 years. It takes you from her meticulous childhood closets filled with stacks of ribbon tied, fresh white nightgowns, to her life’s therapy -creating wardrobes for the famous and often crazy clients. Loads of fun and it gets you thinking about clothing and how what you choose to wear changes your outlook on life and so much else.

Wardrobe thoughts?? Any strategies you use to organize your closet for seasons?

I hope this inspires you a little to create a pretty and inspiring environment for your wardrobe!

Kim

Hello Fall!

September 23, 2014 By kimwheeler 17 Comments

It’s finally here! I am so excited for fall. After what seems like ages of so much warm weather, I am looking forward to cool nights, fires, soup, sweaters, boots, scarves and that goes with the loveliest season of all.

So many gorgeous shades of fall!

I’m fluffing the house, getting it cozy, and rearranging with all my fall toned favorites.

Charleston Mag

I’m looking forward to many evenings of homemade soup!

Pumpkin Sage Soup! Recipe here.

A few new things to smarten up the wardrobe would be nice too.

And then there’s the entertaining…So many good reasons to get together with friends!

Pear, walnut and ricotta crostini. Recipe here.

Curb appeal is big in autumn, so you’ve gotta get your gourds on people!

Coats!!!! I love them soooo much!

Vintage Vogue.

I think some chunky sweaters and a little leopard would be nice.

Branches, twigs !!

Camel is my favorite color come fall.! Supergas sneakers similar to hers here. Finding a camel color coat seems a challenge this year, but I found this Anne Klein on sale and also this one, and also a shorter version by Kenneth Cole and I like the design and slim look of this Tommy Hilfiger version as well. All are on sale at Macy’s right now until Sept. 30th I believe. I hope to add one this year to my wardrobe as I finally donated my own camel coat which had a decade at least on it. Always a classic that won’t go out of style!

Wishing you a lovely first day of fall with some crunchy leaves, dappled sun and warm soup!

More fall inspiration on this post Why I Heart Autumn and on my Pinterest boards, I Love Fall and Fall & Winter Fashion.

Are you all as excited as I am? I think we may even get some rain this week. I know, actual weather!

Kim

Photos via Pinterest and sources noted above also.

Why I Heart Autumn . . .

November 10, 2013 By kimwheeler No Comments

Today is probably the prettiest fall say so far here in Northern California! Every tree that can has turned the brightest colors and the winds are blowing everything around. Walks are imperative right now to fully appreciate the beauty about.

Shockingly, a few radio stations are beginning their holiday music programs next Tuesday! What? When an Instagrammer posted Rudolf and Christmas trees at a local store complaining, his responses were mostly,”Christmas is never too early,”and the like. At my local grocery and the shops the holiday tunes are already blasting…I know, I’ve already got a holiday gift list going in my head, and a card photo to take, but hold on.

Hello It’s Me

The best thing about fall is it stops you in your tracks and makes you slow down. Seriously, it is so gorgeous you can’t help pausing to take it all in. Christmas sadly, is all about hurry and tick off those boxes and jam it all in. It’s coming, but why rush it? There’s also some nice down time after Thanksgiving, time off that’s a bit of a small gift before the avalanche. No way am I spending those days shopping!

With that thought, I’m presenting you all the fall loveliness I’ve been gathering for a while. Here’s to autumn!! Christmas, you wait your turn. Don’t you know how to queue up?

I’ve heard pinecones called winter’s roses. Lovely!

Carolyne Roehm

Williams-Sonoma

Apple-buttered sweet potatoes via BH&G

Becoming Minimalist

Beautiful fall tablescape. via Anthropolgie

Found on Pinterest. Original Link here.

How fab is this look? Similar lightweight scarf in the prettiest yellow at Bloomies. I’d love to have a short tan jackets like hers. The leopard pumps are a classic and cute versions are everywhere now and Nordstrom has so many versions you should check them out.