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floral style

Florals for Spring

March 27, 2014 By kimwheeler No Comments

Happy weekend everyone!

Thanks everyone who followed on Facebook and Twitter and left kind comments about my Blog anniversary. I am grateful to you all and the kind words about this space.

Are you all digging the florals right now? I know I’ve written about my love of the flower before here  and here, but right now, with Spring in every little corner here in Northern California, I am feeling floral love more than ever.

I’ve been wearing this J Crew floral ‘popover’ shirt a lot. Probably too much. It goes with everything and it’s comfy and feels fresh. It’s a silk/cotton blend and is a lot more blue than it shows online. I think it’s on sale and additional now too.

I’ve been planning a few strategic additions to the ole wardrobe for the warmer months and I am considering the addition of a few more flowery items.

They just make me happy!

Did you know if you Pin and item on Pinterest from another site, it will notify you if that item drops in price? Probably I’m the last to know about this, but it’s kind of cool. It’s especially nice if you’ve forgotten all about that piece. Very clever, actually sneaky, marketing

This notification thing happened to me twice this week. Once with a Pottery Barn item and yesterday with this Tory Burch sweater…

Tory sweater HERE 

 It’s still a bit pricey for $195, but the print is gorgeous. Might be the one thing to splurge on.

 I’m really trying to buy less, and buy better. I’d rather have perfect pieces that I love than a big closet full of sales and seasonal impulse buys. Makes life simpler too.

I can see this sweater with khaki shorts, distressed jeans or a flowy white skirt, all items I own already.

Summerfield Design

Yesterday I found this beautiful space on Pinterest and I had visions of doing our tiny dining room all in floral paper.

I like that this isn’t fussy and the bare woods, glass and white walls give it that California vibe.

Also, I was excited when I found this little lovely from Zara. More affordable and think how many ways this could be worn. It’s longer and I could even see it as a beach cover-up.

I have to say blouses are now my go-to items daily. They cover a multitude of sins by skimming over you, not grabbing like a tee or sweater, and you always look more put together. Maybe this is an over 45 thing, but has anyone else rediscovered blouses lately?

But back to flowers, How adorable is this MZ Wallace Tote? It was in my Nordstrom catalog and I’m crazy about this. MZ Wallace totes are super lightweight and perfect for travel as well as your day bag to chuck everything in, like I do.

I like to get one good tote for the Spring/Summer season. Usually I’m quite rough on warm season bags as they go on travels, trips to the beach, pool, and park. They often need replacing by the next year. (I won’t even mention that particular people around here felt a Jamba Juice could be carried in my tote last Summer!)

Even the inside is the print! LOVE.

No Jamba Juices will enter if I own this!

MZ at Nordstrom

  Lastly, I realized this week I have almost no cute skirts in my closet! I don’t know how that is possible, but I need to fix that quick.

 Next week, Adrienne, from The Rich Life on a Budget and Jill from Everything Just So are having their How I Wear My for skirts, and I would love to find a floral one to wear.

I love the skirt Reese Witherspoon has on here.

She lets the skirt be the star with her simple accessories.

Reese’s skirt by J Crew.

 If you don’t know about How I Wear My, it is a spot for readers and bloggers to send in photos of how they wore or styled a particular item. It changes monthly. Very fun, so check it out and maybe even participate! Entries are due by March 31.

Just also wanted to add these darling floral pants worn by my friend Andrea, of A Della Dress’s, daughter. Her name is Helene Yorke and she’s one of the stars in a Broadway production of a Woody Allen’s, ‘Bullets Over Broadway’ play right now. I can only imagine!! They interviewed her for Broadway.com and in her photo shoot she wore these pretty Tory Burch pants.

I love the juxtaposition of flowers with tough motorcycle jacket. Very modern!
Thanks for sharing with me Andrea. Wish I could see this show. Looks like it’s getting some great reviews too. If you are in New York, and get a chance, check this show out.

Lastly, in flower chat, this is the scene here in California right now.

If you haven’t seem my Instagram, I’ve been spotting California poppies all over the place this week.

I love how they give even the most cruddy little curb charm. . .

Clearly, these are volunteers, or seeds that blow about and find a home.

Also these trees in my neighborhood are this pretty pink for about 2 weeks.

I’m trying to take in all the beauty while it’s here.

Our Wisteria has already started to drop blossoms!

 I’m hoping we get another week or so of this!

It was hard to get a photo of the whole thing.

Honestly, it’s hard to drive the car in the garage right now.

(Don’t look at our cracked driveway that is being lifted by the Giant Sequoia to the right.)

Are you enjoying Spring’s little gifts? 🙂

Hope you all find a little flower today, wherever you are!

 Kim

P.S. There is still one day left to get your Savvy Sleeper Pillowcase is you missed, with a discount! I love these beautiful cases and Dale has generously offered a special 15% discount to Northern California Style readers now through March 28.Use the code ‘NorCal’ when checking out on Savvy Sleeper Site.

Filed Under: floral fashions, floral style, Spring

Mixing Leopard and Florals

September 30, 2013 By kimwheeler No Comments

I think I’ve had a love affair with leopard or animal prints since I was a small girl. I can still remember the feel and look of a boxy leopard print tote with faux tortoise handles that my mother owned. I adored that bag and once on a train trip back East, she let me use it as my own for all my books and coloring supplies! That was in the late 1960s, but by time I went to college in the 1980s animal prints were big again and I claimed it for my book bag. All my friends coveted that vintage tote. Oh how I wish I still had that bag.

 If you read the post before last you know I was just up in San Francisco and did a bit of all shopping with my pal Adrienne of The Rich Life (on a budget). Shopping with her I found a dream blouse that was both floral and leopard from Equipment! Love! So me, since I already have a Floral & Leopard Pinterest board.  I was going to model my new blouse here, but I’m saving it to wear in Adrienne’s (and Jill’s of Everything Just So), special How I Wear My – animal print edition this week. Send your photos to them by October 1st., to be included in their fun posts of readers wearing their animal prints.

tumblr

I also love a good floral as you know from this previous post. Leopard I like in smaller doses. Women my age have to be careful not to look like too cougar or Jackie Collins, if you get my drift.

That said, a little leopard gives you some fashion cred. The floral- a bit of innocence and femininity. Perhaps that’s why the mix of the two, strikes just the right note..There’s something inherently appealing about it to me.

Look what Alice Temperley showed at London fashion week for Spring /Summer 2014 in the four photos below. Lovely! Apparently she likes the mix and we’ll be seeing more of it come Spring…

 Dresses in both have been a big hit this year, especially loved this…

Dolce & Gabbana 

 And this..

Versace

 How great does Andie MacDowell look at 55?

via sadieandstella

Leopard and floral can look so pretty in a bedroom. I’ve always been crazy for leopard rugs, but not so sure how the hubs would be.

Pinterest

The  stylish Linda of Design in My View found these online at Zara Home and thoughtfully sent me the link.  I think they would be so cute at a ladies’ lunch with a hot pink tablecloth or cocktail hour. Thanks Linda!

Don’t ask how much, (too much), but Roberto Cavalli is making a floral/leopard collection for children. Bergdorf-Goodman link here.

This look works best if one of the prints is in a small accessory counter to the other one. For example, I’ve been crazy about this floral jacket and how cute would it be paired with a small animal print wallet/clutch?

Can’t find the original link, but similar versions here.
Prada zip wallet/clutch surprising found on Overstock.com
I also got a new leopard tote with my Neimans’ cosmetic purchase. It’s actually a really chic and not your usual freebee. I’m thinking it could be cute with a rose blouse I have…
A snap of my tote which I was using as my laptop bag as I worked at Peet’s this week. (Like my new sequin converse? :D)
Are you now craving something floral or animal print for your autumn wardrobe?
I hope I’ll see some of you on Adrienne and Jill’s, How I Wear My fashion show post later this week!
 Have fun with your prints!
Kim

Filed Under: Floral and leopard, floral fashions, floral style, Leopard, mixing floral and animal prints

Gather ye Rosebuds…

February 8, 2013 By kimwheeler No Comments

Maybe it’s that Valentines’ Day is around the corner, but have you noticed all the lovely rose-inspired clothes and decor coming for Spring and Summer? I’m enchanted all over again with the romance of roses…Suddenly, I’ve got flashbacks of wistfully shopping at Laura Ashley in the eighties. Oh how I longed for all of it and could afford very little. Well, here’s our second chance.. And if you’re a twenty-something or thereabouts it’s all new for you and I say work it!
source
For this look to work it needs to be paired with sparer and more streamlined decor and brighter or deeper hues. You don’t want to get all musty, fusty great aunt with it..

I remember this spread a few years back, in the beloved and now gone Domino magazine.. No one was using chintz roses then. How about chintz on brown leather? Love!

 Fashionistas need to mix roses with more modern shapes and rougher textures to avoid the Sue Heck look…(You do watch The Middle, don’t you? Sue’s character has a time machine wardrobe straight from my high school days c.1983..I don’t know how they find the stuff! By the way, the kids in this show are hilarious.)


Stella McCartney Collection. Brighter shades and no lace here!

Toms for Spring…

From my last trip to The Ivy…sigh..Their roses are always amazingly beautiful.

My stylish friend Leasa sent me the link to these gorgeous chintz roses on snakeskin Jimmy Choos…

nordstrom

Helena Bonham Carter. The original Room With a View is one of my all-time favorites. (You can watch the whole thing on this link. The young Maggie Smith and Judy Dench are also superb in this.) Fabulous movie. 

Preen S/S 2013
Having Laura Ashley déjà vu yet? 

From the 80s Laura Ashley catalogs.. I remember dreaming about these dresses and owned one not unlike these below. No wonder I didn’t worry about working out! The one time in my life I was quite tiny and… I was wearing these? How great is the hair?

 Such a romantic time. I see now why maybe I didn’t go on many dates. I had other things on my mind like emulating Lady Diana. Did I mention I was a bit of a late bloomer?

Anyhow, the Laura Ashley brand is back and the lampshades below are part of their new home collection… Fun!
Laura Ashley
Vogue U.K.
 
Stripes pair well with chintzy florals and look hip.
Street Peeper
source
 Something about the umbrella and this entry makes me want to run off to the Cotswolds and buy a little cottage..
She’s darling…hating her!
My dream bedroom.
Not that I’m sanctioning floral pants, (especially for my age- hello 1980s Guess?), but these are pretty cute on Miranda Kerr and I’m envious of her Sophia Coppola LV bag.

J Crew
These wedges are on my shopping list for Spring. Can you just see these with distressed jeans and a lacey white vintage blouse?!! A collaboration between Tom’s and Shabby Chic they are to be out later in February…
Toms

What do you think of this trend? Been there and still love it or all new to you?
xo
Kim

Filed Under: chintz in fashion, chintz style, Domino magazine., floral decor, floral fashions, floral style, florals, Laura Ashley, Toms

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Blogger, writer and explorer sharing about my native California, and parts farther afield. Join me here where I chat about things to love in the worlds of design, fashion, home, travel and culture.

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I don’t know where I saved this from, possibly P I don’t know where I saved this from, possibly Pinterest, but I’ve had it forever.  I need to remind myself this quite often! 

Our mindset is everything and I was inadvertently raised to worry about things. My mom was one of 8 kids and her mother warned them about the dangers of everything to keep them all alive in her mind.  I think that was seeped in my dear mom’s bones and passed onto us.. by no fault of hers. 

My brain defaults to that and I have worked hard to stop that sort of internal monologue. 

Remember worrying never kept anyone safer. We don’t care more about someone by being a worrier. We just need to expect good things will happen. 

Being a person who is always worrying is not good for those around you either. It hurts your family and their own feelings of security. The more I realize this, the more I feel the need to reassure, not stress and trust all will work out… and might even be fantastic!

Hope you all have a Happy Friday - and trust things will work out! 

I’ll be back tomorrow with the weekend post! 

#dontworrybehappy #qoutesoftheday #imspirationalquotes
If you missed the weekend posts with Juliet and El If you missed the weekend posts with Juliet and Elizabeth, I shared this pretty Newport Beach Home by the talented @caseyhillstudio in @fredericmagazine photos @lauraresenphotography 💕 

The Chanel slingback is also the ‘it’ shoe of the season and so versatile.. I share the original, resale options, and some very chic copies..at a lower price point.. My favorite Vuori jacket is also back and in new colors.. and lastly the fab J.Crew at 40 book I am coveting.

This is my second go at posting a Reel on the weekend meander.. The first was taken down, for unknown reasons?  So let’s hope this works!

Pop on by our blogs for all the fun and more good ideas!
Links in our bios..
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

Have a great week friends. 😘

#californiahomestyle #californiastyle #jcrew40 #vuori #chanelslingback #caseyhill #fredericmagazine
Had a great cappuccino and avocado toast at the mo Had a great cappuccino and avocado toast at the most charming spot @bluestonelane in Los Altos with my dear friend April. So good to catch up with her. 💕 

I think this is one of the nicest spots to meet a friend! Make a plan to catch up with a friend this fall. 

#bluestonelane #losaltos #bayareaeats  #bayareacharm
I have this quote in my closet! It is smart to re I have this quote in my closet!  It is smart to remember we may already have what we think we need to look great.

Right now the season is changing and I - like everybody else, am super excited for fall clothes, adding new things to my closet, and refreshing my look. 

Hold off though. Before we buy anything or get ‘influenced’ from people like myself, we have to first look at what we have. 

I am constantly reminded that the best dressed people have less clothes and wear great pieces on repeat! 

Get in your closet and you may see you already have that perfect fall sweater or the ballet flat that’s everywhere!! The truth is your pieces may be cooler than the new offerings that are out there- and no one else will have them. 

Make this a goal to go to your closet before you buy for fall and I promise you’ll shop smarter  and get what you really love and need.

Have a beautiful Friday!! Here’s to sweater days soon. 🍂

#fridayinspiration #fallshopping #closetinspo #quotestoliveby
I haven’t posted many house photos lately. I jus I haven’t posted many house photos lately. I just realized yesterday how very much I’m enjoying being at home especially now windows wide-open and the beautiful weather. We couldn’t be more lucky here in California when the weather is as it is now. 🧡

My tomatoes finally turned red and my new fig plant that I added to the front yard in spring already has figs on it!  Marlo is enjoying the sunshine and fresh air too. She’s nearly 18 years old. 

Nothing better than this late summer early fall…Still the goodies of summer and the promise of fun things in fall without all the heat.

If you didn’t read my weekend post there’s a  wonderful inspiring story I shared about getting together with your neighbors and creating small micro neighborhoods…. and how the French love this time of year for socializing again too.. Lots to look forward to! 

Have a beautiful day.

#california #californialiving #northerncalstyle  #serenaandlily #latesummer #earlyfall #catlife #acalifornialife
It’s that fun time when I get to talk style with It’s that fun time when I get to talk style with the fabulous Cindy and since it’s September, we are sharing our Fall Wish Lists!  Are you ready for the change of season?? I can’t wait!

I had so much fun pulling this together. I sort of had to edit myself because there’s many cool new things out there, but we just have to find the right pieces that will make what we already have work and look updated and chic.. We have to be editors! I am just giving you some ideas. 

The best part about fashion right now is there really are no rules and we just had to find what works for us and our lifestyle and our bodies! 

Pop on by the blog, and I’ll share some of the trends like longer fuller pants, suit looks, those darling Chanel style jackets, and other pretty pieces. 

Cindy as always has some beautiful ways to mix it all and create your own look.

Link in our bios as always!! 
@northerncalstyle 
@cindyhattersley 

All the links are on the post, but comment if you are missing something you see here! 

#fallfashiontrends #falllooks #fallfashioninspo
Hello happy weekend! It’s that time for Meanderi Hello happy weekend! It’s that time for Meanderings post with Juliet and Elizabeth!  This week I am sharing this cute bar basket from @hudsongracesf my friends bought for me, and fall items that I am excited to add to my closet.

I am also chatting about the new movement to connect with your neighborhood and create smaller communities -and ideas on how to do it! 

Fall is a perfect time for this and in France it’s called la rentrée and it means the start of a new exciting season of getting back together with others after summer. 

More on the blog- along with my favorite fall soup I’ve made forever from @marthastewart . 

Stop on by our blogs- links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns

#fallstyle #fallvibes #fallsoup #larentrée #microneighborhoods #onlyconnect #trench 

P.S… This is my first time adding music to a static post.. Is this fun or annoying??
My motivation for Friday! I love @therealdvf and s My motivation for Friday! I love @therealdvf and she is still out there working and inspiring women. 

This quote! Only we can make ourselves truly happy and as women we so often taught to look outside of ourselves for that and that’s never a good thing. We have to learn to ask for what we want without apologizing and go for it ourselves.🩷

Happy Friday friends!

#inspiringquotes #quoteoftheday #dvf
What do you do when it’s rainy and cool in Tahoe What do you do when it’s rainy and cool in Tahoe? Well someone asked me today and  actually there is a lot to do and it’s one of the best times to go! 

Last weekend it was a cool 48 degrees and it felt like November even though it was Labor Day weekend. We enjoyed some sun and breezes so being layers!

You can pack a lot in the two days with great hikes and walks..and food!  Two good hikes- one at Ward Creek, another at Sugar Pine Point.. are perfect for now! Have some lunch by the river @riverranchlodge, take a walk on the lake and a drive on 89, end it by playing games and have a cozy dinner in with pot pies from Tahoe House bakery. ( SO good!) 

Tahoe when it’s shoulder season is the best kept secret. Though normally Labor Day would be hot here. Make some plans to enjoy the fall here! 🍂

Here’s to an early fall! I added a few autumn touches to our tiny cabin while I was there..

Yes I snapped that 🐻 bear! He was crossing the road. This is their season to bulk up so you leave no food in your cars..

#tahoe #westshoretahoe #sugarpinepointstatepark #wardcreektrail #shoulderseasontravel #ourgoldenstate #californiatravel
Hope you’re all having a good holiday weekend! I Hope you’re all having a good holiday weekend! If you have down time the Weekend Meanderings is up with my pals Juliet and Elizabeth with some fun ideas for you. 

On my weekend post-
Cute fall decor
Pretty towels on sale 
An autumn my dress and sweatshirt
The US Open’s tribute to Billie Jean King
Michelle Obama’s US Open look and her talented stylist! 

Stop on by our blogs- links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

#falldecorating #septemberdecor #bathtowels #serenaandlily #rails #evereve #michelleobamastyle #meredithkoop #usopentennis #billiejeanking
I can’t let this date go by without a tribute to I can’t let this date go by without a tribute to Princess Diana, my original style idol.  I recently found this book my dear mother bought me way back in the 80’s. Tucked inside was this torn page from American @vogue about this new girl’s style….Oh if they only knew what this young woman would be to the world. …

She was so much more than what she wore. She was a real life princess in her heart as well as title- touching so many lives. Who didn’t she care about or show kindness towards? She had it in her heart and that radiated in her face. 

These are a few photos that are my favorites and a few that show her fun personality that always shines through.. 🩷 Of course everything she wore is back in style again like this vest - the caps, the blazers, and floral prints. 

This day makes me hugely sad. 
If it wasn’t for the nasty British press ( who are still horrific), and paparazzi she would be here. 

#dianaspencer #princessdiana #ladydi
The weekend post with Juliet and Elizabeth is up. The weekend post with Juliet and Elizabeth is up. I have my 40th reunion this weekend so I’ve got what to wear to a reunion, an excellent book on rethinking how we age by the chic @annagmurphy , and  the story of how San Francisco’s Nordstrom changed the city and its unlikely success story. 

It’s all on the blog! 

Stop on by our blogs- links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

#whattowear  #highschoolreunion #highschoolreunionlook 
#bayarea  #northerncalstyle #californiastyle #agingbackwards #destinationfabulous

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