Michael Kors Archives - Northern California Style

Just a fast post while I’m running about this week. I cannot believe it’s already been a week since I was in San Francisco with my blogger besties. Isn’t it funny how time always flies by after a getaway?

Though I wish I could beem myself back to last week and the beautiful Hotel Monaco, I’m scrambling this week to get Thanksgiving for 16 ready and also tick some of those Christmas boxes off before the after Thanksgiving madness!

I want to not stress about the holidays and I am for once #gettingitdoneearly! This is so not my modus operandi, but people can change no? I hit Target the other day and got an amazing amount ticked off and there was much to choose from. That was my problem last year…Things were picked over already quite early. I got most my wrap there. I’m kind of picky about wrap and hate garish stuff. I generally like simple and graphic styles and like to go with 2 shades so all the ribbon easily coordinates. This year I pretty much did Kraft paper brown, black whites, cream and deep red.

Here’s a little hint, check out the dollar section. Last time I went there I didn’t do this. All the good ribbon and labels are there! Thanks Most Lovely Things for the tip! Some pretty high-end bits and bobs. I loved what I got so much I turned my pantry into a wrap station and even cleared out a cabinet for all my goodies..

I find umbrella stands so useful to hold wrap!

Now for turkey day, I turned my house around. Do you ever do this? My husband hates this with a passion, but I prevailed. I turned our largish and long living room into the dining room. I moved my glass table and dining table…

I love this wing-back chair at the head of the table. My husband had real issues with it as the height of the seat is lower than a regular chair. Men! I told him fine I’d sit there with a pillow!

Please don’t judge my tables yet, as I haven’t figured out my theme, tablecloths, etc yet. I’m not so great at tablescapes, but I like to try and make it look festive.

I then made the dining room, which is small, into a conversation area. I did this by dividing a sectional and adding our other sofa and ottoman. I added a standing lamp too. It’s perfect for a cozy chat pre-dinner. Everyone has a spot for their cocktail and I’ll add bowls of nuts and pretty napkins. I really wanted an area everyone could socialize, but be close to the dinner area. People like my 96 year old grandma can hear what everyone is chatting about in here…

Pictures are a bit odd and off-centered. Haven’t decided on the wall things yet. Naomi, please disregard my messy throws! This is still in laboratory stage!

I don’t know about you, but I love changing spaces up and I think keeping rooms exactly as they are supposed to be is one of the biggest flaws with American decorating. Change your home, change your life! Try to think out of the box! Use all your spaces! Why be boring?

Cats have expressed approval…Isn’t that all that matters?? 😀

Already one of my kids brought a laptop in here and put his feet up. It feels intimate and I may just keep it like this. I like having more space for dinner parties and guests won’t feel cramped to get in their seats. I think it will be a win-win. The only thing is where do I put the Christmas tree now???

Speaking of Christmas, I realized I have almost zero red in my wardrobe. When I was up in San Francisco with Adrienne and Heather, I found a red layered Calvin Klein shell that’s a great basic piece that can be dressed up or down. Adrienne loved it too and also got it. I’m thinking of ways I can wear it for the holidays and also for Adrienne’s next How I Wear My post which is Red! (The leather pants look pretty cute don’t they? Not sure if I could pull that off.)

Calvin Klein top- Macy’s

Well yesterday I ran to TJ Maxx for some Thanksgiving table items and found something I’ve been wanting, but resisted buying, due to the price. It’s a wristlet that is a wallet/phone holder. I’ve seen a few girls out with them and they are so simple for evenings -or just a walk or a bike ride. Perfect for when you don’t want to carry a lot. The Michael Kors’ versions are particularly nice, but run closer to $100. I found this red one for $39 yesterday! Now I have something to pair with my top, and two red items in my wardrobe! (Note..the top is not as blazing as it looks here!)

Have you embraced this new wallet/phone thingy at all? I swear as I get older I want to carry less and less and even a purse feels like baggage at times!

Tomorrow I’m off to get all my veg from the Farmer’s Market in town. I’ve really been enjoying the winter market (well, I guess it’s still fall officially), and all the offerings. With the baked good there and holiday music, it almost feels like the Christmas Markets in Europe. I’d love to be there one Christmastime and have roasted chestnuts!!

This is me at the market last Sunday..My hubs took this. DO not look at the bagels..SO not going with the organic vegetables, but I have teenage boys to keep full!

Have a great weekend and I’ll be back soon with my Thanksgiving set up.

I would love to hear any ideas you have about Thanksgiving or getting ahead on the holiday thing…

Oh and I am not shopping on Black Friday and definitely not Thanksgiving. I plan on enjoying the natural world and get nowhere near a mall! And how about this below? Totally agree. As one smart person said, “How can you be thankful for all you have when you are out scrambling to get more?” That really epitomizes it doesn’t it?

A special black-themed post is in the works though!

xx Kim

P.S. Persimmon tree spotted on one of my morning walks. Two Californians told me this week they never had one! Wha? Seriously good! Persimmon 101…Eat it like an apple! It has a core called a calyx, that you can just avoid by slicing the sides off and eating those. I love slices in a green salad with pomegranate seeds and toasted walnuts. It’s a good Thanksgiving salad too!
– Also make sure if you are buying it to eat you get the tomato-shaped ones-fuyu. The other heart-shaped ones are better for baking and more acidic.

In Greece.

I love Michael Kors and his very American, but glamorous sportswear. He is a funny guy too. I recently found an interview with him I had torn out from Allure in 2005. It’s great advice and so true still! I posted it on my inspiration board and I thought I’d share it with you. I’ve included some of my favorite images of Jackie Kennedy Onassis and her sister, who Kors says is a big inspiration to him.

How to Look Like a Million Bucks

An Interview with Michael Kors

Fashion designer Kors lives in New York and vacations in Capri.Looking rich isn’t about owning a yacht. It’s appearing as if you’ve just stepped off one. Once you’ve nailed the basics, like having killer shoes and great hair, it is all about the upkeep.

Disregard the weather. Strappy sandals in winter, sunglasses on a cloudy day, these are signs of the glamorous life. If you look like you should be in St. Barts in December, then you are above the elements. But if it’s snowing, wear mink gloves for goodness sake.

Jackie O with her children in Greece.

Fake it. Start every season with a stack of little black tees. Whenever you put on one, you’ll feel like a Bouvier sister. Then find a good pair of cubic zirconia studs and rings. It will seem as if someone gives you great gifts, you can afford them yourself, or they were in the family. All work in your favor.

Jackie and Lee.

Own it. Buy an expensive dress, and wear it often. It lets people know that you didn’t borrow it. Classic socialites, such as Nan Kempner, went out in the same gowns over and over again because they were, in fact, theirs. And save up for brown crocodile pumps. They can be worn with everything, and unlike black, brown croc develops a patina that looks better with time.

In the red. A woman with money has beautiful skin. So make sure yours has a little natural shine and stick to makeup in neutral shades, such as taupe or slate. The one exception is red lipstick. Wear this with nothing else for a full Katharine Hepburn moment. It should look very nonchalant, very throwaway like you just woke up, washed your face, and went out with red lipstick.

Polish up. A rich girl always has beautifully manicured hands, but doesn’t act like she thinks about them. This means no French manicures or bold colors (pick soft pink or beige tones instead). Keep the nail length short enough to suggest you go horseback riding.

Head for broke. Nothing sets you apart like a gorgeous mane of hair. You want fabulous color and lots of shine so if you aren’t a whiz with the blow-dryer, spend the money on a blowout. And when you pull your hair back, use a tortoiseshell comb or barrette. It’s the scrunchy of the rich.

I love that last sentence! How chic they were. I think the clean lines and luxe accessories with perfect grooming were a large part of their fabulousness. . .