Fashion

Signature Style- Holiday Outfit Ideas

December 7, 2021 By kimwheeler 15 Comments

This month we are doing Signature Style early as it is all about festive outfits for the holiday season. I’ve had more than a few people ask for ideas for Christmas parties. I have some pretty things I wanted to share and Sarah and Cindy do too.

I have always loved any opportunity to don a sequin or two and sparkly jewels. As a child, I was fascinated with what my mother would pull together for my father’s big company Christmas party each year. In the 1960’s, my grandmother made her a sleeveless dark pink velvet swing dress with a large bow above a cut out in the back. She had a big crystal flexible bracelet, chandelier earrings and brooch that matched. Each year my mother meticulously planned her look from the shoes, to the jewels, shoes and even lipstick. Another year we went to the very hip Joseph Magnin and she bought black velvet hot pants with a matching long sleeve top with white lace cuffs and collar- ala the Partridge Family! I thought all of it was TDF and I couldn’t wait to grow up and dress up for fancy parties

Fast forward to the life I live now, and fancy parties are rare. Companies don’t have those Mad Men era holiday shebangs much anymore- and when they do, they are less dressy, well at least here on the West Coast. In this pandemic age, many of us are choosing smaller gatherings, and many are entertaining at home. We need options for it all, so here’s a few fun things I have found and what works for me..

My Go-To Looks for the Holidays

Sparkly top + cute jeans and pretty sandals
Silky bias type skirt (or dress) topped with a fluffy soft sweater
Black blazer with a camisole and a fitted pant with big sparkle earrings to make it holiday.
Black dress that you can dress up with heels or make hip with boots or booties.

Always start with shopping your closet, and see what you own before you buy! Sometimes the coolest things are already in your closet. I also think consignment stores are a treasure of unique pieces.

Istart by laying all my potential outfits on the bed and then try looks with different shoes and accessories in front of a big mirror. Anything with a sequin or velvet should be a candidate, as well as shoes, bags, and costume jewelry with sparkle. Vintage pieces are especially cool. I have things from my mom and grandma that I use every year – beaded clutches and brocade bags and those Christmas pins as well.

The Bias Cut Skirt or Dress with a Sweater

How lovely is this look on Meghan Markle?

For an occasion that takes places daytime or an evening that is an early cocktail party or dinner with friends, a soft sweater over a silky bottom paired with a dramatic earring strikes a comfy, but still chic feeling.

I love that look and comfortable feel and tried it with a bias cut skirt I have and a new super soft cashmere sweater (on sale now and amazing quality), some kitten heeled booties and long pearl earrings that are vintage and a gold and patent clutch bag. I’d probably add some chunky crystal bracelet instead of the watch here..

Try the same look with a slip dress or satiny skirt and a soft sweater that has that fluffy holiday look.

If you don’t have that, the brilliant AllSaints has created a 2 in 1 dress, the Darla Tiana – a 90’s look slip dress with a wool/yak sweater to top it off when you want. It comes in three colors- a black, red/rust and a soft grey. Brilliant!

They also make this Rosetta dress with a bit more sparkle and a shorter sweater in gold and silver..

And Nordstrom has it’s own version of the AllSaints dress and it’s on sale now too..SO pretty. I love the versatility of these 2 in 1 dresses.

AllSaints has over twenty versions of the 2 in 1 Dress , another below, The Maren, and all are great for this kind of occasion! Just use accessories to make it elegant or casual wear for everyday. The options with these make them a good investment for your wardrobe.

If you already own a soft pretty sweater, Anthro has a few good bias slip dresses here in a pretty copper, and a leopard print.

More inspiration from the cute account Street Style Global on Instagram…

Other sources for satin skirts are Shopbop, which has a pretty bias cut skirt. and J.Crew has one also here.

The Sparkly Top + Jeans and Pretty Sandals or Heels

Do you have a Christmas exchange party with friends, or a holiday lunch out or maybe you’re inviting few friends over? Right now we are all trying to keep gathering small and when hosting at home, the easiest holiday look is a sequin top. Everyone should have one in their closet! This year I grabbed this one shoulder number that caught my eye. I paired it with jeans and my sparkly slides. This is a very California Christmas look as you all know we are so casual here. I paired it with my Valentino slides that have some sparkle.

I can’t find the exact same top anymore, but this below middle is similar same brand.. You can get these shirts for a song at Marshalls and similar places. The $300 ones aren’t that different and for the amount of wears, it makes sense to get a more affordable one. Buy one and you’ll always have something fun to wear when the occasion happens. At the very least you can feel cute at home while you watch the ball drop on TV on NYE. (That’s usually what happens here !) Below left they also have a pretty version in plus size and this one right from Marshalls is adorbs too.

The denim I am wearing is by AYR and made in LA, a very small company. You can choose your inseam and finishes and I LOVE how they feel and fit. They hold you in a bit, but aren’t too tight. They have to be the most flattering pair of jeans I have ever had. Being short, I like that I could choose the length and I chose the 25 at 5’4. They are called The Pop and have a raggedy edge in the Bomba wash I bought. Other options and finished hems are available. I want a white pair next!

The Black Suit or Jacket with a Bare Look Underneath + Fab Earrings

Another look I wore all through the 1990’s was a black jacket with a camisole or just buttoned up with no top under and skinny pants. It’s almost a suit look, but you add great earrings, or a cool pin and voila you are up for drinks, dinner (or dancing-as if that was happening anymore.) I think this look is uber chic.

I wore some dark plaid trousers, my hair up, chandelier earrings and matte black booties here..

Do you have some chandelier or dangly earrings? I have many pairs I have bought over the years and honestly some are 30 plus years old like the pearl drops that I bought in college and wear on the to pic. They were YSL and $20 on sale. Still my favorites! I love these Waterfall Sparklers, left , the Sparkle Drops middle that come in three colors, and both the baguette drops – all J.Crew.

If you don’t have a black blazer J.Crew has this wonderful stretch velvet option..And the classic, Regent Blazer.

Some slim fit trousers here.

I couldn’t find dark plaid pants, but I did find a source for a plaid circle wool skirt, which reminds me of my mom 1974 Christmas..I was so inspired by this look from Instagrammer Benedetta Magri? This is fun and chic…

The Black Dress + Your Own Cool Spin

Lastly when you have a more formal event, something for work that’s pretty upscale or party where you just aren’t sure what to do, the black dress is ALWAYS a good idea! I have three that I adore and have worn over. One is a silk shirt dress from L’Agence, another is an Elizabeth & James black A line in crepe, and a black silk sheath from Ramy Brook. All three dresses were an initial investment of around $300+ but they still look new and stylish and are the stalwarts of my closet. If you don’t have at least one flattering and well made black dress, and you have an event, this is the time to get one!

Below I’m in my favorite crepe dress left (so forgiving) and my Ramy Brook silk which can go all seasons.

I love black crepe as it is usually lined and skims the body. Ralph Lauren makes this classic left, and this one from Caroline Rose is a modern take on the classic.

Other classics sure to last are this Emporio Armani Drape Waist Knit Dress and this Theory Crepe Sheath.

The nice thing about the black dress is you can put your own spin on it with large earrings, elegant chains or a cocktail ring. Try a rhinestone pin in your hair and add a bag in a bright color or with stones. The possibilities are endless and you will always look smart. Don’t discount black booties which can make a simple black dress feel a bit more punk and cool. If you need black clothes inspiration, watch the Cruella movie. It’s amazing and fun.

Whatever you do, enjoy dressing up. After the past years, any chance to seems like a treat to me! Add some flair and think of this..which my grandmother would agree..

I kind of love that..Please go see what the style genius’s Cindy and Sarah have on their blogs..

Cindy Hattersley Design

Sarah London Style

Are you going to any work parties? Here in California, I know those things are largely not happening during this pandemic. I have a few plans with small groups of vaccinated pals and some meet ups with close friends for coffee and catch up outside. What about you?

Kim

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Brocade Baby.. & Other Cool Holiday Fashions

November 24, 2019 By kimwheeler 6 Comments

I saw these J. Crew pants and memories came rushing to me of watching my mom getting dressed for dad’s holiday work parties! It was always a big thing to my mother and I loved when she dressed up. I noticed there are many darling vintage looks out for the holiday season and just had to squeeze a post in about it. I am crazy for these brocades, jacquards and other fabrics that are woven with gilt threads. At some point in my life, I want to wear something beautiful like this to a holiday party!

These jacquard pants are so 1968 I can’t stand it. My mom would have completed this look with her big crystal bracelet, teased hair (thank you Aqua Net),and frosted pale coral lipstick back then. Why not recreate that fun this holiday season with some of the cute offerings right now in the way of brocade, jacquards and other lovely pieces that give a retro feel to holiday looks? I feel like these are things you can keep and wear in many ways year after year for the holidays, New Year’s Eve and other times you want to kick it up a notch.

These cigarette pants are 30% off now with code BRRR. I love them with the sweater for a casual chic look and some big crystal earrings or..

…the whole look! With the gold top, it is the best holiday hostess look ever in my book..

This gold jacquard comes also in a strapless dress, and a pencil skirt.

This cherry blossom top is also ADORABLE and cute whether it’s paired with jeans and drop earrings like here..

Or with the pencil skirt plus a faux fur chubby in a wonderful color!

Something about this little coat I really love and this color spicy jade! What a great name. I’d wear this with jeans more than anything.

The pretty buckle detail of these J Crew sandals is so fun.

The satin slip skirt is back from the 90’s and it’s as flattering and versatile as ever. The J Crew version is on my list especially this adobe color…

The nice thing about these skirts is they can go from easy daytime to night with just the change of a top. The vintage burgundy color is also a great look. These have an elastic pull on waist and are so easy to wear. All the colors here.

They also make a full length version of this skirt and I love it with the turtleneck. Isn’t this a gorgeous color?

The cute retro vibe of this daisy jacquard skirt is another one you could wear so many ways. The zipper is everything.

Another pretty brocade skirt – love the colors!

This Anthro multi-colored mini is fun. You can wear it with a silk blouse to a sweater and always feel festive.

I’m in love with the flowers and colors on this maxi dress from Anthro.

Anthro also offers this swing dress with brocade accents. I love that they have a large amount of its dresses in petite to plus sizes.

Anthropolgie has some darling brocade heels like these with the cutest flowers..

I am in love with these two strap Mary Janes..

They also made them in the prettiest pink..

This navy and gold swing dress would flatter a lot of shapes.

How about this cute gold blouse that has the same 60’s vibe? I’d pair it with cropped pants and flats.

If you want to play it casual, but still look holiday, these gorgeous jacquard pants with tiniest sequins fit the bill. The pattern and color are TDF and this could go with a soft sweater or a simple white button up and big vintage earrings…SO PRETTY!

Trina Turk always does beautiful jacquard and this pant outfit does not disappoint with its graphic design. Top here and pants and there is even a matching clutch! Trina is always a great destination for holiday looks. My brocade clutch I adore and use year after year, is also from Trina.

Madewell has their own version of the gold holiday pant in their signature crop and high waist. It could be very chic with a boxy cashmere sweater.

Accessories are always the most fun part of holiday dressing!

These Jeffery Campbell slides look like something from Dynasty- love it!

They also come in a magical purple..

If you need a higher heel these Jeffery Campbell sandals are Vegas fabulous..

They also come in a lower heel and other pretty colors..

Anthro also has these velvet mini clutches with a pretty chain for $58 if you need a evening bag. It comes in many colors.

Everyone needs a good drop earring for the holidays and it is nice to have a few of these in your jewelry wardrobe. These are $48.

And these hoops , at $38 are a little more on the modern side..

Another wardrobe basic is the sexy, strappy evening sandal. These Jeffery Campbells (he is clearly killing it in the festive shoe category), come in black...

and gold of course…Make sure your pedicure is pretty with these!

Try mixing these looks with vintage costume pieces if you are lucky to have them. This is a great time to add a brooch to a shoulder of a jacket or a top.

This year the holiday season is shorter, so it helps to be thinking what you might need and if you shop early, and pull a look together, you may be able to use it for multiple occasions.

Have fun mixing it up and look to vintage photos for inspiration if it helps! I love these.

Kim

P.S. If you missed the recent holiday dressing post, a group of us shared holiday look ideas with a lot of different looks and thoughts. Links on that blog post for more inspiration!

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Holiday Fashion Edit- Join Me and 6 Others for Ideas

November 14, 2019 By kimwheeler 22 Comments

Today I’m excited to participate in a collaboration with six other bloggers on holiday looks. We’re kicking it off to get you in the mindset for festive dressing. There is always some event you’re going to want to get a bit more fancy for. Today I put together three different looks that you can shop your closet for, or just add a few key pieces and pull a chic look together!

First apologies for the photos. I had a busy week and I had no photographer, but I hope you get some idea of what you can use in your own closet or what standout piece you might need to add that you can use multiple ways for dressier occasions….

Look 1- Casual Luxe Appropriate for the casual holiday lunch, Christmas open house, your kid’s holiday concert, holiday brunch with girlfriends, the class party, etc.

You are a step-up from the usual. This look I combined my favorite black Madewell jeans, a Rag & Bone Velvet top I have had for a few years, suede mules and dangly earrings.

Recipe- Add velvet, silk, angora or any luxe fabric to a black jean, plus a suede shoe or boot, and festive earrings with a hint of sparkle and you are good to go. This is why I keep two velvet shirts in my closet even though they get worn about once a year. I can rely on them to add that spark of elegance.

Look 2- The Evening Suit– Appropriate for holiday work dinner, cocktails, holiday dinners out, and even some fancier holiday parties.

Recipe – This look is simply black pants and any dark blazer you own. A silk camisole like I mentioned in this recent post is perfect for underneath or you can button the jacket up and wear a dark bra, something I did a lot in the 90s, and it’s pretty sexy. I added some sling-backs here that were in the closet, but any pump will look great. Again I’d go for some sort of drop earring and a clutch or flat bag with a chain.

If you don’t own a black or navy blazer you should. Mine is a dark navy and I have these simple Zara cropped pants . We underestimate how elegant this look can be, especially if you once wore a suit for work all the time, but it’s a matter of fit here, these pieces should skim the body and it’s okay to show a little lace and skin.

Look 3 – Retro Evening – or I call it, Nancy Sinatra at the Sands- appropriate for hosting your own holiday shindig at home, your neighborhood progressive dinner, tickets to the Nutcracker, Rosh Hashana or New Year’s at the home of friends.

Recipe –Vintage look cropped Jacket that I wrote about that has a collar that can be slightly rolled off the shoulder, add a shimmery top, the same black crops, vintage costume jewelry or brocade touches and sandals with stones like these Steve Madden ones.

I used a brocade Trina Turk clutch I own and my mom’s crystal bracelet and earrings from the 1960’s that I love.

I’m not very good with hair, but a twist or half-up bouffant sort of look really works with this along with the sparkly slides. It feels like you need to swan around with a vintage champagne coupe, yet it’s still comfortable.

Thanks for suffering through with my grainy photos, but I hope this will give you some ideas for making outfits of your own. Personally, I hate going to the store right before an event and trying on dresses. I almost always end up with something I usually wear once. By browsing your closet you can come up with something more unique. You may need to add some holiday go-tos, like the black crop trousers, velvet tops, blazer or jacket, and suede or sparkly shoes if you don’t already own them. These are things you don’t need to wear all the time, but they make for a well-rounded wardrobe of options when you have them in there!

Cool things you can add that will make you chic during this season are vintage costume or family jewelry. I love standout earrings, pins on lapels (that’s back again), and cocktail rings. Vintage clutches or bags with some sparkle are cool. Don’t forget a swipe of a pretty lip color and a little glimmer on the cheek and collarbones!

Just fun this season, and don’t overthink it!

Now pop on over to these other blogs and see what fashion ideas they have conjured up for the holidays! I’m honored to be included with these talented women…

The Gardener’s Cottage

Kim

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The Perfect Early Fall Piece -Blue Striped Shirts

September 6, 2018 By kimwheeler 4 Comments

I know fall is on its way with the pumpkin spiced lattes, but I’m still clinging to summer as some of the best days are those late summer and early fall ones. It’s still warm here in California and I like to transition to fall lightly with long sleeved, light blouses that can still be worn with shorts or white jeans or skirts. The ones that are appealing to me now are the blue striped blouses that everyone has some version of. Blue stripes still seem summery in that South of France kind of way, but can transition into fall and winter easily with the addition of a chunky knit sweater over the shoulders or layered with that perfect beige or navy cardigan, distressed jeans and loafers. Another fresh way to wear it is paired with camo jeans. I noticed a very stylish gal pairing her striped blue oversized blouse with a pair of camo pants and some cute studded sandals. It was one of those outfits you try to make a mental note to copy later..It was that cute.

Above last fall in one of my favorite blue striped blouses! I can’t find the same, but the fourth down is most similar.

Here’s a few that I would wear right now and also later..

This AYR shirt is cool with the bias cut pocket and oversized look and is on sale now.

There are some pretty feminine details on this Zara version.

Love the stars on this Rails shirt. If you aren’t familiar with Rails their shirts are a little pricey, but are beautifully made and fit and feel better than the average button up.

Love the bell sleeves on this one.

Another fun version by Vince Camuto.

The long cuffs are kinda mod on this sale blouse from Nordstrom.

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The Boyfriend Denim Jacket

May 31, 2018 By kimwheeler 6 Comments

Strategizing my packing for summer vacation always involves some sort of lightweight jacket that must be stylish, layerable and versatile enough to give some warmth while also be a topper for dresses and skirts. In past years I’ve taken a white jean jacket and last year my khaki army jacket worked. I’ve noticed the oversized jean jacket has been popping up all over and looks great with dresses as well as a chic layering piece with sweaters, tops and all shapes of pants.

LOVE this! My summer dressing inspiration photo.

It also has made me nostalgic for the late 80’s and early 90’s when those oversized jackets looked great and were worn by my boyfriends as well as myself. The ultimate look was with the collar up and your wayfarers on. I can still hear that Don Henley tune- Boy’s of Summer was it? Well you can’t go back, but this is one trend I think we can wear again. In California though the denim jacket is never really out of style it just morphs into different permutations of itself, no?

Below a few inspirations of the length and shapes seen out and about interspersed with some great vintage pics too. The look is longer and a bit roomier..

It’s okay to mix your denim.

Remember this trend with all the pins? An extreme version in Vogue.

You can still go for a more sculpted jacket shape if you prefer, but buy it in a larger size than normal.

This is still such a great look- collar up and cuffs too. Balanced with a skinnier pant I love it.

A ‘real’ boyfriend size with a shortened sleeve.

A vintage shot of Drew Barrymore wearing the look.

Vintage Vogue.

I like the idea of the jacket worn cape like over the shoulders for a night out.

This look is what you’ll get if you shop the men’s department- roomier and slightly covering the backside.

I bought this men’s denim jacket in small from Uniqlo and it has the perfect fullness and length to layer over sweaters and dresses.

This oversized jacket from Topshop is the perfect shape for that boyfriend jacket look..It comes in black and a darker denim as well.

I also like this ruffled version , this one by Madewell, and this also by them without cuffs, this version with rose embroidery from Allsaints, a color-blocked look, and this one with a pretty wash from Joe’s .

Other sources for this great look may be in the your husband’s closet or your nearest charity shop. Keep and eye out and find something unique and cool to complete your summer look!

By the way, if you are getting this post via Bloglovin’ I suggest you instead sign up for it via email on the box at the right. Bloglovin’ has not been consistent about delivering new posts this year and is not reliable. Signing up to get it in your inbox just is a single email when the blog is published and always works. Nothing else is ever sent to you. Facebook gives you the blog posts and other fun tidbits I share, but the Facebook feed can be tricky and you may not always see new posts on your feed. Just FYI for those asking about getting the blog regularly.

Thanks so much for reading!

Kim

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Style Yourself-Make A Cool Piece Work Many Ways

January 26, 2018 By kimwheeler 32 Comments

Are you having enough fun with your clothes?? Lot’s of serious stuff in the world going on, but in an effort to lighten things I’ve tried a littler harder to add some fun and funk with my wardrobe. I came across this cool Anthropologie sweatshirt and got so inspired I thought I’d talk about upping your style game and a adding a more pizazz to your everyday look.

Don’t we all get locked into a look at a certain age? You find what works for you, what feels good and stick with it. It’s rare to see women of my age -50s, experiment with fashion much. There are the standouts like my friend Elizabeth, who always inspires me and also Cindy who epitomizes chic. (I love their style series with stylish women too- on both of their blogs now). Yet many of us, especially in California, stick to jeans, sweaters and boots in the winter. I rarely see friends in dresses. The one effort I see across the board is usually some kind plastered nails, which looks dated to me, and a designer bag. Rarely do they experiment with the clothes and accessories. Why not? If you try to create a lab in your closet and use all the pieces of your wardrobe you will actually buy less and look more chic.

As Gilda Radnor once said…

This would be a lot of us, especially during winter no? I myself included have been wearing a very comfy uniform of track pants and a down vest most days which feels good, but I looks sad after wearing it so much. I am dealing with a few things, one being the care of my grandma in hospice. Days have been very dark, winter has been cold. I am ready for some lightness.

My first thought about the sweatshirt above was am I too old for this? Then is it too expensive $98 for what it is- a sweatshirt? For me it was a coup de coeur or love at first sight. I knew I could wear this a million ways so the cost would be pennies per wear. I also couldn’t wait to wear it- a sure sign something is right.

So how to style it many ways? When you get a sweatshirt like this- the norm is to wear it casually, but the way to make it current is actually wear it with dressier clothes. When you wear dressy with dressy you can tend to look staid and casual with casual you can look sloppy.

To look not old, and be more current and stylish -wear high with low. Wear your diamond bracelet (if you’re lucky to have one) with elastic bands on your wrist, wear a skirt with a graphic T-shirt, wear sneakers with dressier pants and dresses, and wear heels with more distressed jeans and sweats. Try to wear faux furs, sequins, clutches, dangly earrings and other evening accoutrement peppered into your daytime look. Wear a cocktail ring during the day, and so on!. This all works if it’s done in a measured way- a little here and there, but do be adventurous. Don’t worry so much if something looks right. You just have to do it and you’ll get braver as you step out of your comfort zone. The best part is you can create your own look and you don’t need to shop a lot. Find something of quality you love and be like a European and wear it a zillion different ways with what you already own.

A few ways to style a standout piece like my sweatshirt below using some of my other favorites. Please forgive the sad camera work done by moi. I just haven’t mastered the timer cam thing. I just needed to show a few ways to style what you have, especially right now when we all revert to wearing Michelin Man looks!

The sweatshirt with my favorite Trina Turk jacket, white jeans, a cashmere sweater wrapped around the hips, tall sneakers (these are Vince grey flannel and I love them) and my grandma’s vintage ear clips in purple stones- something I’d usually only wear at night, with messy hair in a ponytail. Aren’t these the coolest earrings? Seems a shame they sit in a drawer all the time. Why not trot out fancy things in the day?

A preppy look here layered with a white button-up, flared jeans (these are McGuire from L.A.), white sneakers, tortoiseshell looking J. Crew hoop earrings and an old camel coat I’ve had for a decade.

Add a fun faux fur you have over this sporty look and you’ll have another way to wear your evening wrap you bought for the holidays. This purple number is by Sanctuary and I bought it for parties, but how cute and New York looking is this for a cold day? So much more fun than the usual.

Here it is a longer dress coat and I love that look too. The dressy coat and sneakers are exactly the kind of yin-yang I am talking about and these Stan Smith’s have been uber comfy!

This may be my favorite look- with my Trina Turk trench, distressed boyfriend jeans and suede pumps plus YSL pearl drops I have had for 35 years. I only wore these for night. How much more fun wearing them daytime and why not instead of having them languish in the drawer? I love this coat to pieces. I was waiting for it to go on sale and there are still some on their site. It’s tweed covered in a waterproof material. It has a 1960s Courreges vibe to me and I am nuts about the buttons and trim details.

I am forcing myself to wear white jeans all year long as they always look cool and this look has a horsey or equestrian vibe with a square scarf (another treasure from a friend -a LuLu Guinness silk scarf from the 90s) knotted around the neck, a camoflage jacket, tan booties and pearl earrings. I call this look retro sloane ranger ala California. What do you think?

The easiest look and likely one I will wear the most is the mix of the sweatshirt with a navy blazer, my favorite Frame jeans, these ancient wedge leopard pumps and some new hoops with tassels I bought a J.Crew. Easy!

Try hoops with a sweatshirt. I am loving this sparkly pair from J. Crew too. The tassel ones are no longer available online, but you may catch them in the clearance section at J.Crew.

Lastly, anything looks good with a trench over it and I paired it with some jeans I cut myself cuffed, and some white vintage 1970 Trifari earrings from my grandma. My usual thing would be to always wear my little diamond studs for day, but white earrings in winter is unexpected and make the wording on the top pop. Way cooler.

Love to know your thoughts? More posts like this? Are they lame? I am not a good model, but I love fashion posts and it seems better than just photographing the clothes on a flat surface, no? Keep tuned for the closet and bath, cosmetics essentials posts coming.

Anyway, Happy Friday. The days are getting longer friends. In California it is staying light at 6p.m. so it is giving me hope spring is coming soon and more flowers!!

Kim

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Classic Style- Hand It Down, Dress It Up, Wear it Out

June 2, 2017 By kimwheeler 9 Comments

I often think there are too many choices in life today Life hasn’t been made better, but just messier. We struggle to for quality, but the quantity of life, and an abundance of things, like clothes, often prevent us from living the life we want. Classic Style by Kate Schelter is a guide to life as well as style and aims to set us straight in a world filled with too much spending, shopping and indecision. The author’s reverence for simplicity in our closets and regard for what is old, beat, handed down, thrifted, found and treasured is something I personally love.

Kate Schelter is an artist and has had spins as a Vogue photographer, celebrity stylist, and a brand consultant. This book is her little guide to life and it had me at the sub-title: ‘Hand it down, Dress it up, Wear it out.’ That is all I believe in a nutshell about clothes, style and spending!

Kate shows us the current culture’s obsession with new, shopping as a hobby and continuous consumption does not translate into style, but rather a messy life and wasted money. A beautiful life isn’t something you get with a credit card, but curated over time. Kate helps us appreciate the greatest hits from our pasts- like Vans, Vaurnets and Top-siders and as well as family heirlooms. In this view, classics never look old, and when they do wear, they get even cooler.

Classic Style will have you shopping your closet for past favorites, and coveting hand-me-downs again. Kate is practical as well as chic and reminds one that style cannot be had with the latest, newest and most expensive looks. Chic comes from your personal mix of old and new and sometimes McGyvered clothes. It’s all part of what creates real style, something that will not only make you look and feel good, but bring a calm to your life. Cultivate a look, a uniform and stick to it with daily injections of quirkiness and fun via little additions and tweaks.

Kate advocates for less and making firm decisions. Closets overflowing are a distraction from life’s more important and wonderful things you could be doing. You should love what you have and wear it all, but have less. Quality items are worth spending on. Treasure those things you have kept and wear them often, wear them out.

An original watercolor by Kate from her site.

Some of my own closet treasures are hand-me-downs. My grandfather’s lime green golf sweater, my mother’s 1960’s leopard corduroy tote and my father’s Coast Guard tunic are all items I wore and treasured over the years. I have a cameo necklace from a grandmother that is an Avon piece from the 1970s. It’s not worth anything, but sentimental value, yet it’s beautiful and people always remark on it.. My mother’s wedding and anniversary rings are stacked on my right finger and keep her in my heart always. My tiny diamond earrings, a five year anniversary present from my husband when we were young, are precious to me and will always be my preferred, over my larger and more expensive ones. These kind of the things give you a look all your own and tell your story too.

What you add to that mix should be things you find along the way- from your travels, from vintage stores, from happenstance and serendipity. Reading this will retrain your shopping brain. Reuse, modify, shop your own closet and second-hand stores. The most lovely finds are the items no one else has and already exist. Expensive and new does not equal stylish.

The best message of this book? Frugality is cool and you already have all that you need.

I seriously LOVE Kate and her book. Check it out for a fresh perspective and to break yourself of the consumption addiction, add more simplicity to your life and hone your own brand of chic.

Kim

Kate, below with her cute family and some of her art, in Domino Magazine. Pop over to Kate’s website that showcases her art, notecards, journals and more.

Get Ready For Spring at Trina Turk in Burlingame With Me!

March 4, 2016 By kimwheeler 23 Comments

Happy weekend! Thanks to a few weeks of beautiful weather here in Northern California I’ve been in a spring mindset. I’m looking forward to wearing sandals and dresses and lighter and prettier things soon. Fortunately, I am doing another spring event this year with the lovely Trina Turk boutique in Burlingame next Saturday, March 12, from 10-1.

We collaborated last year and many of you were able to stop in and see how beautiful Trina’s collection is in person. The quality of the clothes, many which are made in California, is wonderful. I also love the fun bags, shoes, and jewelry that pop with her collections. If you are thinking of Easter or a special event, this is your go-to spot for a frock. And if a holiday or beach getaway is coming you can check out her latest swim, coverups, totes and hats. Best of all, the Trina boutique in Burlingame will be giving 20% off any of the regular priced merchandise just for Northern California Style friends who come to this event. If your unable to make it, and there’s something you’ve been wanting you can call ahead of the event (number below), and have them ring it for you and ship it or I can get it for you and deliver myself if your in the South Bay. I’d hate for anyone to miss out on getting the 20% which they don’t do often and especially with the new Spring collection, which just hit stores.

I drove up to Burlingame last week to check out the new looks and took a few snaps to give you a peek. See for yourself how gorgeous her things are.

This super cute print is a collaboration of Trina with Portland artist Lisa Congdon. I’m crazy for the ball trim on the bottom of this Julieann dress.

The beach totes are so cool as are the towels.

Solids and jumpsuits are some of the classics Trina always carries as well.

More beautiful accessories!

Coverups, flip flops, and espadrilles!

Swimwear! Love the quality of the fabrics used.

I tried a few of the latest Spring collection….

This yellow tasseled dress comes with a slip and could be a fun dress for alfresco dinners or without the slip as a coverup. It may be a perfect travel piece for an island holiday?

Adored the bright color of this crepe Felisha dress with it’s pockets and modern shape.

Another cool retro print in a silky fabric which won’t wrinkle and again great for travel or poolside.

As a California girl I have to admit to having a love for fringy crochet pieces that harken back to the my 1970’s childhood. This dress had me thinking of summer nights out and dangly earrings..Cue the Eagles music.

One of my favorites might be this gorgeously made navy lace Alvah jacket. With a nude shell it’s kinda sexy, but with a solid it can be daytime proper. The girls at Trina ,who have amazing taste, had me try it with these plaid pants which feel really nice on and give it he Trina look.

It’s also cool with colorful shorts.. I can see it with jeans. I may be wearing it a totally different way if you come by the event!

Please try and come by! I’d love to meet some of you. I’ll be there helping style customers and friends with the latest looks and just having fun. The folks working here are the best and you’ll love meeting them. We will have refreshments and coffee and there will be time for you to shop and grab lunch after in cute Burlingame. We will be there from 10-1, but like I said if you are unable to make it, please call (650) 340-8540 at the Trina boutique before the event so you can get 20% off. Mention you’re calling about the Northern California Style event and they can ship it to you or I can bring it to you if you are nearby.

Looking forward to seeing some of you and hoping you’ll pop in!

Kim

The address of the boutique:

1223 Burlingame Avenue

Burlingame, Ca 94010

(650) 340-8540

Thoughts on Festive Attire

December 18, 2015 By kimwheeler 11 Comments

I hope you are enjoying the holidays. It’s been crazy. More posts with some fun things coming if I can find the time to get them written! I thought I’d share what I did clothes wise for holiday parties this year. It’s always a dilemma for me…Do I buy new or use something already in the closet and likely not worn much. This year I cleaned out anything that didn’t fit well, or look good, so I had nada. I had to hit the shops just days before a big event. Never the best idea. I did okay though.

My husband had his company holiday party aboard one of those Hornblower Yachts in San Francisco Bay last week. It was the most stormy night and wet, but I survived. I tell you I am not a fan of boats and especially in storms and at night, but I was a good wife, took the dramamine and bound myself with all sorts of compression bands and got through. I had one cocktail too.

My photo from the party of the Bay Bridge. Does this tell you anything about my state? Lol.

My 17 year old later told me I was texting him weird notes. Honestly, I don’t know what happened that night. Must have been the dramamine and the cocktail. People were great and I made it through with my new suede high heels with nary a wipeout with swaying planks and all. Can I just say how relieved I was to be back on dry land? The smartest girl at that party was the CEO’s wife who is the cutest gal ever and wore a long slinky sliver dress with short army green rubber boots hidden under her dress. Brilliant! I bet she was feeling comfy and steady all evening.

For this party, I really tried to shop for something that I would wear a long time instead of the usual flashy party dresses I often gravitate towards. When I got to the stores the dress areas seemed to be filled with all kinds of sleeveless looks and lots of sequins and brocade. They never look so great on me. I walked through the designer section at Nordstrom and quickly got helped by a young saleswoman who brought me things I didn’t even consider.

Once you get on some well made frocks of beautiful fabrics like silk, you’ll have a hard time looking a cheaper options. I did and then went back and bought two choices in the designer area. I tried some lovely things, even this Herve Leger bandage dress which actually looks a bit like a superhero outfit, but holds everything in perfectly.

Is this not gorgeous? Apparently they stretch as your body wears it up to 2 inches during a wearing. For the $1,400 price, they are considered an investment and they do make you look amazing. They have a hard time keeping them in stock. That said, I don’t think I have the lifestyle for this dress, but I did love another dress that I could see myself wearing a lot, especially with my more casual California life. Here’s what I wore. No this isn’t me sadly…

Okay it wasn’t this plunging…They unbuttoned the hidden clasp here. It’s also not as short in front and the back is not that much longer as it looks. This L’agency silk shirtdress really was very chic on. With the addition of suede burgundy sandals it felt like me, but festive. I can also wear this all year. The sleeves can be rolled back and I can add flat black sandals or slides and a jean jacket and I’m good for travel or spring and summer.

Dressing room pic. An XS on 5’4 me…

I paired it with a fluffy long sweater coat that gave it a little more festive feel and a pretty long necklace and gold cuff from J Crew and my mom’s diamond earrings. This box clutch (top photo) in black was a little item I grabbed when I was out the door and I love it’s modern look. I wish I took a photo at the party, but I think I was too spaced out on dramamine to think of it! 😀 I did have fun!

This is the heels that were surprisingly comfortable. Love them. Vince Camuto Court Sandals. I bought the berry color.

My dress traveled up to San Francisco in a garment bag without a wrinkle. I wore it the whole night and two nights later wore it to another party without having to touch it up or iron at all.
So while this was in the $400 range, I think it’s worth it for a beautifully constructed silk dress that I hopefully can wear for a long time.

I also considered this little number from Elizabeth and James. My husband, who loves brights, dug this so I still have it. I’m thinking about keeping it for a Hawaiian holiday that is coming. It also goes with the suede berry shoes and the clutch….Yet I can see it with my black leather flip flops from Tory Burch. I have had them for years and when in Hawaii those are my dress shoes. No one really wears heels in Hawaii. This dress is sheer with a black slip dress attached under it.

Me with my scarred up legs. Obviously not as short as shown. (The dress I mean!) I swear they have 6 foot models wearing size smalls.

This is the first time I really tried to shop for a holiday dress that I could use in my wardrobe instead of what feels festive. I think you can always make the a classic feel more festive with accessories. I already have a celery colored velvet shirt, a lace blouse, and black dressy jeans, a big furry black long cardigan, and black suede booties and flats that I mix up for more casual holiday gatherings already in the closet. I just add some flashy earrings or chunky bracelet from my grandma’s vintage collection and I’m good to go.

So what’s your holiday dressing strategy? Share what you do or add to make your look have a little bit of sparkle! I’d love to hear what you do or don’t in this crazy season! If you can add a photo that would be even better.

Cheers!

Kim

California Girl Carolyn Murphy’s Style

April 8, 2015 By kimwheeler No Comments

I’ve admired Carolyn Murphy’s homes, personal style, and green living ethic for a long time.

This home was featured in old House & Garden. I really miss that magazine.

This single mom gardens and has her own chickens too.

Vogue

Another home she had was featured in Vogue a few years back…

This Provencal inspired house was designed by Schuyler Samperton.

Love!

These two photos Vogue.

She’s very much the California girl and surfs.

I always love her clothes and how she puts things together.

Fashion wise she tends towards classic shapes.

She seems to wear a lot of black and white.

He’s a cute accessory. 😀

Makes me want a white dress in my closet.

I found this article on Into the Gloss where she shares what she uses on her lovely skin. Even though she’s a spokesmodel for Estee Lauder she admits using Cetaphil, Carmex and Spectrum coconut oil from the supermarket as well as Lauder’s Advanced Night Repair, which she swears by. I’m thinking I might need to try some myself looking at her skin!!

Kim

Images Vogue and Pinterest and HG.