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Signature Style-My Life In Lipsticks and Some New Favorites

June 7, 2022 By kimwheeler 37 Comments

Hello it’s that time again for our monthly style report with Cindy and Sarah. This month we are talking about lipsticks!

Ancient History

Do you remember your first lipstick? I remember exactly what mine was. I was nine. I know. Well it began in my fourth grade class where we were doing collages with magazines, (something I loved), and my chic teacher, Mrs Reyerson had magazines like Vogue to cut out and I was in love with the photos and the fashion. I went home and wanted to buy Vogue too, but mom said I was too young.

We met in the middle with a Seventeen Magazine subscription. That was back in the old days when magazines were huge and oversized and glossy. I poured over those pages, and could spend hours on my bed looking at the images of college girls in their knee high socks and pendleton skirts wishing I was a teenager. (I should have been doing something more productive, but hey it was the 70’s…) Thats’s why in 1974, or ’75, Yardley Pot O’Gloss was all I wanted. I could be persistent about these things and mom finally gave in, with the agreement I wear it ONLY in the house… I nay have broken that rule a few times.

This was the ad for it back then.. Imagine my mother when I showed her this.. She was a patient mom.

Oh the 70’s.. You have to love they were selling sex and straight up about it.

Later on my friend Laurie Montilla and I learned how to make our own lipgloss in third grade. Her sweet mom let us take ALL the lids of the family salad dressing bottles and mix vaseline with blush and eyeshadows to make our own colors! I thought this was the coolest thing on the earth. Later we progressed to Maybelline Kissing Potion with the glass roller ball in middle school. Remember that goopy stuff? And then there were the big Bonnie Bell Lip Smackers.. I believe I had Dr Pepper on a rope!

I felt I had reached the lipstick pinnacle when mom took me for some real makeup for my first dance in tenth grade. She said if I was going to wear makeup, it better be something of good quality, so we went to Macy’s and I was allowed Borghese Opalescent lipstick with a matching eyeshadow. I think my mom liked it as it had little color and I wasn’t looking too made up. I was in heaven and that was 1981.

Flash forward to now, and I own just about ten lipsticks! I don’t like to hang onto things and clear out my drawers every 6 months or so. During the pandemic I wore balm a lot, but I really need lip color as I have zero lip tint and I’m a beige blob essentially.

Do you Know Your Best Colors?

Even though I’m fair, light pinks don’t really pop on me and I need something middle of the road. I like colors with a cooler base with my skin. For some reason bricks and orangey reds don’t do well on my skin, though I have gold undertones.

Trying colors on underside of my arm, which is most closely to your face. From top, Pillow Talk, Toujours, Spark, Like, Dry Rose (discontinued), Whirl pencil, and Clarin’s Lip Perfector #16. All below.

Are you aware if you look better in cool or warm lipstick colors? If you are, it can help you from making mistakes when shopping for makeup. One way to tell is go to the colors you have always loved and feel good in and notice if they have a warm base like bricks and corals or a cooler one, like fuchsia that has a closer to purplish base. You’ll know the you have the right tone on, when your eye color will pop a bit and your skin looks good.

Also I have lipsticks that have changed color while on my lips. That can happen. Everyone has a different PH to their body and if so, take that lipstick back. They count on people not doing it, but I always save my boxes, just in case. Sephora and Blue Mercury are both great about that- as long as half the product is still there.

Where to Shop?

As summer is nearly here and the change of seasons, I thought it wouldn’t hurt to throw a new lipstick or two into my mix. I can get into a rut with colors and brands. One of the perks of this blogging stuff is I’m forced to do a bit of research, and this lipstick post got me into the store and blotting away at all kinds of brands and colors. I normally do not have the patience…and seeing myself in the department store mirror…can be frightening. LOL… and I’m not always keen on the help, though they mean well.

I spent some years working in cosmetics at Macy’s and Nordstrom while I was going through college. I worked the counters at Lancome, Estee Lauder, and Borghese. I wore a lot of makeup back then, and did a lot of applying on myself and others.. Now I’m more inclined to shop small instead of at the mall or just order online.

I did find a few new things in this adventure. I spent some amount of time at my little local Sephora and Blue Mercury. I find both those places to be less stress, easy to get in there to try things on my hands with accessible alcohol, Kleenex and remover. They let you play around without too much intervention and I kind of like that. I highly recommend them. if you’ve got makeup counter aversion like me.

Here’s what I came home with..

Three new lipsticks I bought and love..

First up, I have been wanting to try Pillow Talk by Charlotte Tilbury. Pillow talk is the most popular lipstick in America. They say a tube is sold every two minutes and apparently its appeal is the nude pink shade that is flattering on many skins and a secret matte formula made with orchids, that isn’t drying. Bonuses are the beautiful tube, quality ingredients and long wear for $34.

I bought the original formula and though it looks quite dark in store and on my hand (weirdly online it looks almost beige), it was the perfect medium tone pinky color. In the bathroom at home, it looked even better. (Me in my unfiltered glory… I apologize I really didn’t know a better way to show the colors!)

Secondly, what I was missing in my lipstick wardrobe was something with a little sparkle. Working at the Borghese counter and there was one color with sparkle all the women were mad for called Fiamma Garnet and we just could not keep it stocked!

There is something to having a little sparkle, but not too frosty that looks great on everyone. So I hunted Sephora for something similar. (Honestly, right now there are a lot of muddy matte colors are out there..) I found a wonderful dupe, Spark, by Sephora. It’s prettier on than in the tube and almost kind of neutral. It’s a lovely formula and only $9. You can also layer this over a more long lasting lipstick for a little gleam. I love many in the Sephora house line and you can find it all here.

While I was looking I found Nars Pour Toujours, which has a mauve sheen and is matte. I forgot to model it, but this is the online pics. It is more matte than Pillow Talk, but goes on softly and is deeper mauve than these photos show.

Nars lipsticks are formulated without toxic ingredients and wear fantastically for $26.

Favorites I already own and love..

I have one lipstick I have been loyal to the past couple years and that is LIKE, from Glossier. Love the formula which is called Sheer Matte that feels good, looks natural. I’m just crazy about this color, which seems like your lips have been blotted, and I haven’t found anything similar. I’m not crazy about the other shades, but the Jam color is a deeper version of this.

Also Glossier has one of my favorite mascaras which makes your natural lashes look pretty and long and wears so well, never flakes or runs, yet easy to remove.

Another fave, Clarin’s Natural Lip Perfector is a forever love. It’s the one gloss that isn’t sticky. It has the perfect consistency and I love the sponge applicator. I love the natural and all the colors in this soft balmy gloss which lasts and feels great. I have one in my bag all the time and for tennis too. (By the way Clarin’s Total Eye Lift is my eye cream of choice and it’s wonderful for sensitive eyes. It’s fabulous and I hope they never stop making it.)

I also love Chanel’s Lip Duo, which has ultra long wear color and the prettiest gloss on the other end to dab on top. I save this for when I’m going out. This is also one of the best selling lipsticks and at $42 pricier, but so good! I don’t own a lot of Chanel makeup, but everything I have has been worth the cost!

I recently rediscovered this gem, all time best-seller and universally flattering Clinique’s Almost Lipstick in Black Honey. It’s appeal as it looks unique on every person and is a sheer balm that feels great on.

My go-to lipliner for years has been MAC Whirl, which is described as a dirty pink and the closest to natural lips and so I stick with it. I like to line my lips from the corner in after lip color is on, blot, go back to add more to the center and a bit to the edge and cupid bow and blot. You just never want to notice it. I love their pencils, which never break and last forever. I’d say I buy one of these a year. The whole color range here

I am always looking for brands that are better for the planet and use less toxic ingredients. Beauty Counter is a good one and I love their Sheer Conditioning Lipstick. I have had the raisin and the clear and need to try this petal color next.. Love the quality of their things and mission to get toxins out of beauty products, lipsticks especially!

Please share in comments, what are your favorite lipstick colors and brands and if you prefer mattes, glosses or balms? Have you found anything new lately?

I’m always curious where we are headed in the lip department as it seems that’s the one thing that we continue to buy, during recessions, wars, etc…except during the height of the pandemic when we were in masks. Apparently lipstick sales have rebounded since. Kind of an interesting story of how they chart lipstick sales and sometimes even when they surge it means people are saving money in other places.. Full story here on Forbes

Well, I hope you enjoyed this lip chat, now please see what Cindy and Sarah have for you in the lipstick realm. I can’t wait to see what they love…

Cindy Hattersley Design

Sarah London Style

Thanks for being here!

Kim

You might also like last month’s Signature Style post on Crossbody Bags.

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month! Thank you so much, as Bloglovin seems to have stopped working and I no longer post as much on Facebook and plan to do less there.

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Signature Style -Talking Sunglasses & Readers

March 15, 2022 By kimwheeler 14 Comments

It’s that time of the month again where Cindy, Sarah and I bring you something new to consider in the world of style and today its glasses. Springtime is here and it’s a good time to reassess our sunglass choices, and also see what’s new out there as well. As long as we are talking glasses, well who doesn’t need at good pair of readers after age 45? I’ve got options for both and even some sunglass/readers!

First of all, let’s look at some of the trends happening now.. White frames are big, like these Celine ones above. Metal squared and octagonal looks are another trend, as are square versions of the wayfarer shape like these on Marion Cotillard, (some similar styles below.)

If you’re close to my age, you likely know what sunglass shape looks best on your face. I know I look best in Wayfarer glasses. I have kind of an oval longish face and they have been the most flattering on me.

I’ve been wearing some version of these iconic glasses since high school. I’ve replaced many pairs over the years, but I’m pretty wedded to the black polarized New Wayfarer which looks great on almost everyone. I always buy mine from the Ray-Ban site and they come perfect, new and untouched.

Wayfarers have a long history of being the favored choice of style icons like JFK, Blondie, Rick Astley, ( I want to attach the video here LOL), and Madonna. The Wikipedia on Wayfarers is so interesting and tells how they came about and that they were considered ‘dangerous’ looking and very ahead of their time, being made in plastic.

My dad even wore them on his honeymoon with my mom in 1964. Here they are on their way to Catalina Island on a boat. I think they both look so cool here.

Polarized vs UV Protection Lenses

You need UV protection on any glasses you wear. The addition of polarization is smart choice as it cuts down hugely on glare, prevents squinting (i.e. wrinkles later), and your vision is much clearer with it. It’s especially important for those who drive a lot, or are on the water often, to have it. Let’s be frank though, in California we can all really use it, and some decent sunglasses, we get so much sun.

My Wayfarers with the polarization are great for tennis. I chatted with an ophthalmologist in Hawaii on my last trip there who told me she recommends Ray-Ban Wayfarers to all her clients as they protect the eyes better than any other sunglasses out there, so that made me feel good. Most people wear standard size Wayfarers, but if your face is tiny or you’re a young person, small is an option. A size chart for them on the Ray-Ban site.

You need to check out the entire site as there are more Wayfarer versions than you can imagine, but Ray-Ban has another new popular wayfarer called the Meteor. I especially like the Havana tone. I try to get a new pair of sunglasses every year to add to my collection, and these are next on my list…

I also love the polarized take on the wayfarer by Maui Jim called Shore Break. These are also an excellent brand. The color options are pretty..

Aviator style sunglasses are hugely popular and look great on everyone, but you must choose ones that flatter and they do differ.

My friend April can wear the more teardrop shape and had these pretty black and gold ones on when we met for coffee. I asked her if I could snap a photo because she looked so chic with her gold chains and the black aviators with gold accents.

Hers are by Ray-Ban here. I loved her whole look! You may remember she used to write the blog, Ms B in the Bay Area, and we hosted a few Trina Turk events together.

I look better in a more rounded aviator and these by Burberry fit the bill. I owned these same glasses about 12 years ago and wore them until they fell apart after years of wear. I was excited when I found that they still sell them at The Sunglass Hut. Apparently they are their all-time most popular aviators. I love the weight and lenses which are polarized.

Ray Ban also has a more rounded aviator slightly less pricey and it comes in gold with brown lenses, gunmetal or green lenses..

How do you read on holiday? If you’re on a vacation in the sun, you need readers that are also sunglasses. I have a pair of Eyebob sunglass readers I bought years ago and they are still the first thing I make sure to pack with my reading materials when I’m headed to Hawaii or anyplace sunny. I’ve had this pair 6 years now, here I am in Italy with mine..

The nice thing about the Eyebobs is you choose the style and then the lenses and the magnification. I love the beautifully custom crafted lenses. They are bifocal sort so you can walk around with them and then on a lounge chair read without anyone knowing you’ve got readers on. They aren’t cheap, but worth having a nice pair for travel and for the beach and pool. I like these two styles..both linked on photos.

Have you heard of Caddis Readers? They have a sort of cult following. They also have a good selection of chic sunglass readers, like the Porgy below. They are also progressives so you can walk around with them when you’re not reading.

They are very well made. I have their regular reader in the Miklos style and I love them. They are oversized and a bit heavier than a normal reader. They also have blue light blocking built in. Mine are in matte gopher color and I’d love another pair in the light blue or cream. These are unisex and anyone would look good in them if you like oversized.

Other options at lower cost are these $68 Kate Spade Readers, These $40 clear frames by The Book Club and these. The Book Club brand has a lot of cool choices for great prices.

Well, that’s my two cents on glasses. Please go see what my lovely pals have for you in the glasses realm today on their blogs. I always love what they share..

Cindy Hattersley

Sarah London Style

Thanks for being here!

Kim

You might also like last month’s Signature Style post on Leopard in your Wardrobe.

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Guest Room/Office Refresh With Peel & Stick Wallpaper, Daybed and Desk Chair

March 9, 2022 By kimwheeler 22 Comments

Today I am joining a talented group of women sharing ideas for a ‘Spring Refresh’ for the home.

My refresh came from using peel and stick wallpaper in our guest room/office that really gave it a happy feel.

The room was the bedroom of my oldest who moved out more than a year ago. It looked pretty sad without my son, who took his furniture too. My husband Max took it over as his work from home space when Jackson moved out. Max had ordered one of those desks that rise to work standing as well as sitting and got the ugliest chair on the planet from Office Depot! He refuses to change or upgrade the chair, so his part is what it is.

A before photo..

I had scattered some rugs we had in there to stop the echo.. and he had a hideous office chair that was peeling..

I wanted this sometime guest space look cozy with a daybed, I even wrote a post about daybeds if you’re looking for options. I just couldn’t commit to anything. The space was tight. I needed a daybed that wouldn’t make the room feel crowded.

When younger son Griffin came home from college at the holidays, he decided to change up his room and ordered and received a new bed and mattress in 3 days. He inspired me!

Why was it so hard for me to pull the trigger on getting a daybed for this space or making any decision? I forced myself online and found a daybed with a small footprint and mattress. Both arrived in two days! Then I bought a rug for the room which always seems chillier than the rest of the house. The same day I ordered a peel and stick wallpaper..

Who was I?? LOL.

It all shipped super fast, surprisingly. The bed went together in ten minutes and then there was the matter of the wallpaper…

The peel and stick wallpaper requires you get a couple tools and Max bought them at the local Ace. After watching a few Youtube videos, he liked this one from Young House Love, he was ready.

Max had some moments of frustration with the second piece, see pic three :D, but after getting the hang of twisting the paper a bit and matching it, he finished in about 2 hours. I think the engineer in him found it a challenge, but not one he wants to do again soon. I was thrilled with the more luxe vibe of the room. The nice thing about peel and stick is you can lift and replace it as many times as you want on the wall until you get it right.

We used Madali Wallpaper by Nikki Chu found on Wayfair. We followed the instructions and ordered four rolls which gave us enough to do the whole wall and have a bit of excess in case of mistakes.

Her papers are fun. I also love this one and this, below and all the peel and stick wallpapers at Wayfair here. If you’re going to try it yourself, this is the way to go.

For the daybed, I used a grey quilted coverlet (this is similar) and I just tucked it around the whole mattress. At the ends I found two long pillows (similar here on sale now) that approximated bolsters and fit the twin perfectly. I added a few other pillows we have in blues and soft grey.

A little round glass table that used to be outside, was squeezed into the corner and I topped it with a lamp from my local store (Harvest Home in the Bay Area) I had my eye on for a while. I wanted anyone who was staying here to have a light to read by, and a place to plug in a phone, have a glass of water and so on. The rug is also from local shop Home by Ling Interiors. The rug is very low profile, so it works with a desk chair on it.

I also have a Mattituck Armchair chair in here from Serena & Lily (on sale now.)

I’m pretty pleased with how it turned out and shocked we got this all completed by March!

I would recommend the Corrigan Studio daybeds from Wayfair. They are currently out of mine, but they have this and this option too.

We were going to do a gallery wall of bird pictures, but we both kind of liked the simpler look of this beach print with the wallpaper. It felt calm and picked up the colors in the room.

Let me get real here though..this is Max’s desk section. I have zero say or control over the chair, cords, etc. The window covering was chosen by Jackson and is a flat Roman shade in Tobin Navy linen from Smith & Noble.

A real office chair!

One thing I hated though was Max’s old office chair he got at an office supply warehouse place. It not only had the lines of a 70’s Buick, it was peeling like one and had gross faux leather and took up a LOT of space in the small room. He was committed to it though, as he spent like $199 on it. Oh brother.

Well, after having to go back into work and getting a new chair there, he was influenced by how comfortable that chair was.. So we finally got him a real chair for at home too and he noticed after working in it all day, he has no leg or back pain like he had before. We found it it out at the Design Within Reach store in Palo Alto, and sat in every chair, but we both loved the Setu Chair with ribbon arms.

AFTER with his new chair… It takes up way less room and is light and so nice and unobtrusive too..

If you need back support, this is your chair. I love their description of the Setu:

Sit in Setu — The Setu Chair defines flexibility, moving with the user, with a clean aesthetic that suits nearly any home or office space. It’s no accident that this chair is designed for a healthy back – Setu is Sanskrit for “bridge” and borrowed from the yoga pose Setu Bandhasana, a strengthening backbend.
Herman Miller

It weighs just 17 pounds and also won a certification for highest quality of lowest certification for low VOC furniture. I am thinking of now saving for one and I love the white frame version. His cost around $795, but if you think of the days, hours and years you are in an office chair, it’s worth the extra cost and some employers will contribute to the home office cost too.

A few similar items if you like this room..

Click on the photos to go to the item.

So I am wondering how many of you have tried peel and stick wallpaper? How did it go? I am now thinking of doing this in my younger son’s room with a dark paper, and also my closet with a floral. It’s an easy way to make a big impact and bring a chic vibe to your home.

Please go to the links below to visit my talented cohorts and see what their idea of Spring Refresh is!

Most Lovely Things
Cindy Hattersley Design

Classic Casual Home
Dimple and Tangles
5th and State

I’ll be back on Saturday with Weekend Meanderings!

Kim

You might also like my post this week on all things floral, Flower Power.

Some links will generate a small commission. Thank you for supporting the blog

Weekend Meanderings- Elegant Bar Bits, Cool Shoes, Fun Rings & More..

March 4, 2022 By kimwheeler 18 Comments

Hello friends. It’s time for our weekend guide to cool things with Elizabeth and Juliet. What a week with this war. It’s hard to believe how fast things have turned horrible and amazing how this whole world ( or so it seems), has come together behind Ukraine. So many are doing so much for others it’s incredible the love for others we do not even know. I tell you it gives me hope. Bay Area bakers and chefs are raising money for Ukraine –read here in the Mercury News today. There is so much more humanitarian aid needed than even a week ago for the now more than one million refugees who have fled their homes. Most people have just one bag and the clothes on their backs. Can you imagine walking away from your whole life? According to Save the Children, which has a Ukraine Refugee Crisis program, which you can donate to, there are 44 million people in Ukraine and if this war continues, the UN says we could see 5 million refugees at least.

Where they are now- from Save the Children.

There is also the Polish Humanitarian Action, The UN Refugee Agency, and a list of more good aid agencies on Forbes . Thank you for letting me share this and if you’re able to donate in some way please help.

Rearranging the House

In the fluff section, I rearranged and moved things this week in the house. I just had that itch and when I do, I want things to feel fresh after usually ignoring stuff for a while. One thing was adding an older throw I’ve had over my little free table in the office and relocating my ivy there with a candle and framed pictures. Do you move things about when the seasons change? Give it a try, move tables, lamps and furniture and add in a few plants. Sometimes it’s all we need for a spring update. By the way, Trader Joes has the best plants now- Monsteras for $12! A good place to get a few new friends.

Bar Elegance

I also redid my little bar this week. I was inspired by a pretty shop in Menlo Park I popped into called Anthem. Everything was stunningly beautiful and quite pricey. I didn’t buy anything, but I noticed the bar and tabletop area was flowing with polished silver, brass, natural bone and marble etc. The glasses all gleamed and everything had a sparkle to it. Think modern Ralph Lauren..I went home and polished my vintage silver, dusted the glasses and put my stone and gold napkins rings and prettiest bar towels out. I added some of my more elegant books and tried to achieve that same luxe look..

I still could add few cool pieces like this rattan ice bucket, tortoise shell goblets, basketweave bottle opener, and these pretty tumblers, , Hammered Cocktail Shaker , Maui Ice Bucket and bone photo frame.

You can also find vintage bar things, which are super cool on Chairish , One King’s Lane and 1st Dibs. Garage sales and your parent’s home is another great place for bar tchotchkes going undiscovered.

Comfortable Kicks

Last week shopping with friends I saw these J Slides and I loved the heel and the look. This is my first pair of J Slides and I am so loving the comfort of these and the height which is perfect without making me even feel like I have any heel at all.

In fact these are so comfortable I left them on today in the house, something I never do. I just didn’t want to take them off! Have you tried J Slides yet? They are so easy to slip on and I feel like they’re a nice alternative to boots in this transitional season.

Cocktail Rings

I found the ring above in the sale section of Anthropologie. I’ve always wanted a fun ring to wear on the first finger and I am also loving the abundance of costume rings that are now all over. Anthro has a super collection here.

Nordstrom has a great collection too and J Crew has some fun things.

Resident Alien

Okay this is going to sound like someone took over my body, but I’m going to recommend a show I am loving on the Sci-Fi Chanel , Resident Alien. First let me say, I am not a fan of sci-fi at all, but this show got me with the great characters, the children especially, and the dialogue which is so darn funny. The premise is an alien crashes into a small Colorado town and assumes the body of the local doctor. He plans to destroy everyone on earth, but ends up loving life in the small town and the people. His mishaps as a doctor and also with one boy, who can see his true form are hilarious. It’s a good escape.

Adelle’s New Home

Have you seen Adelle’s new homes she bought from Sylvester Stallone? She paid $58 million, but apparently he originally wanted $110! Looks like the land and views are phenomenal. I suppose she’s going to do some renovation! I can’t wait to see what she does with it. More photos here.

Now please pop over and see what great ideas my friends Elizabeth and Juliet have for you this week..

PINECONES AND ACORNS

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

Wishing you all a beautiful weekend, and thank you for being here!

Kim

You might also like my post this week on all things floral, Flower Power.

Some links will generate a small commission. Thank you for supporting the blog

Flower Power

March 3, 2022 By kimwheeler 21 Comments

Right now everything in California is blossoming and you just have to look down to see California Poppies and volunteer daffodils peeking out from the sidewalk. Those little flowers are a sort of a salve and a small distraction with the war and things right now.

Flowers have been popping up at the shops too. As usual retailers trot out all their latest floral offering about now, but this year I’ve noticed the 70’s trend of meadow flowers on fabrics which I just love. It transports me to a time of wearing spring maxi dresses as a small girl, homemade bedspreads by my grandmother and Holly Hobbie books. Can anyone else envision that time? If you’re a lover of florals these look fresh and pretty and in my enthusiasm I thought I’d share the profusion of flower items I am excited about. I hope you you will enjoy this small floral diversion…

I am coveting this beautiful dress from California company Rails. Such a pretty fabric and style!

I just received Anna Spiro’s new book and it’s very beautiful and filled with good advice about decorating and living. It’s inspiring to say the least and if you want to see how to mix florals and patterns this is your guide.

Fittingly this Anthro dress fabric is called 70’s floral and I’m here for it. I know at some point my mother or I had a dress in a similar fabric!

Anthro now has organic cotton percale sheets in a lovely floral. Other pretty prints as well.

Learn how to create beautiful arrangements with foraged finds in Field Flower Vase..

These Maje Pjs are kind of a splurge, but I adore the beautiful print.

If you want flowers, but can’t commit to color this Summerside Wallpaper is a good compromise and a cool retro look. Wonderful for a hallway or bedroom.

Pottery Barn is offering a flower field to sleep in with the Amelia Floral Duvet and shams.

I like the ease and pattern mix of this pull-on skirt from Free People.

Incorporate flowers into your food from cheeseboards to cakes to picnics and more with this lovely book Floral Provisions.

This wrap midi-dress with mixed small florals is sweet and could be worn with a long sleeve t-shirt under it too.

This Maggie Suit from Free People is so darn cute and comes in a plum and a toffee..

Flower Infused Cocktails has over 60 beautiful drinks to try. I see a girlfriends cocktail hour in the future!

Another luxe item, but fun are these Ferragamo Floral Sneakers..

Start the flower vibe at the front door with this HELLO doormat ..

I’m obsessed with this silk cotton floral blouse from Me & Em, a London based company that has come up on my radar. I keep getting beautiful catalogues from them.

How pretty is this Hollyhock wallpaper from House of Hackney- and dreaming of where I could use it..

I might opt for the blue version– also could be a fun look on the long wall walkway next to my office space.

Love this Drawstring Maxi with the side stripe also from Me & Em.

Just made for Easter or Passover are these Cecelia Slides at Anthropologie. I would wear them with swingy white dress in summer too.

Do you love wildflowers? We get some amazing blooms in California and if you love to see them as much as I do, you can follow a Facebook group called The California Wildflower Report. You have to request to join and you’ll get to see wonderful photos from people’s travels to some of the blooms. Right now there is a lot of activity on the page!

The Flower Hunter is filled with inspiring floral tablescapes for the seasons and lovely stories to go along with it. Probably one of the highest rated new books and just in time for spring.

The Lynda dress from Anthro has that 70’s floral vibe, but a casual air and would be a good one to have for daytime dressed down- or nights dressed up this spring and summer. Or wear now with boots!

Target has this blouse in this pretty vintage feeling color mix and a few others that are just as lovely.

These Sandro Jeans are half off now and I LOVE the embroidered flowers!

If you like the wildflowers look and are interested in cultivating that feeling in your yard and borders, this Instagram account, Cameron Gardening from the UK, is filled with inspiring visions and ideas for your yard.

This top from Tuckernuck is so cool and I had to include it!

I thought these adorable jeweled flower Teva-like sandals would be a good way to wrap up this flower centered post! I think I may need these. I envision these with a black dress this summer…

Here’s to more flowers this spring and soon please!

Thanks for being here.. and don’t forget Saturday’s Meanderings is coming up tomorrow.

If you missed last week’s Meanderings post you might like- Afternoon Tea in SF, Blue Button Downs & More.

See you tomorrow!

Kim

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Signature Style: Leopard in Your Wardrobe

February 15, 2022 By kimwheeler 20 Comments

It’s that time again for Signature Style with my chic friends, Cindy Hattersley and Sarah London and this month we are bringing you leopard! Leopard print is a classic and has never gone out of style. Some say it’s a neutral, but I think it adds a bit of punctuation to an outfit and instant style. Do you have leopard in your closet? Well if not, it’s time to add some!

My first memories of leopard are from a leopard print boxy tote bag with tortoise shell looking ring handles my mom had in the 1960’s. On a train trip with her to Chicago when I was five, my coloring books were stored in it during trip. I later used the same bag in the early 80’s to tote my college books to class. It was vintage by then, and super cool, and I sadly wore it to pieces. This bag reminded me of it, with the color and texture of my moms!

I’ve always been attracted to leopard due to its cool factor and rock n’ roll vibe. When I think of leopard, people like Debbie Harry come to mind. I’m not opposed to a little cool in my wardrobe and right now, after the past few years, I want my clothes to be anything but boring. I have a wardrobe full of solids, and yet a lot of patterned pieces and accessories that add a little punk feel and youthful spirit to my mix. I think everyone needs that with your basics.

How to wear leopard:

Choose a leopard print in an investment piece, like a nice handbag, coat, boot or shoe that can mix into your wardrobe in many different ways over years. Plan on keeping it long-term, so buy well.
Leopard in a silk blouse or cashmere sweater adds a fun pop of chic to basics.
Consider leopard in better quality materials and skip it in looks like leggings, tight dresses and stretchy lycras which can look ‘cheap’ and feel more cheesy than chic.
Be choosy about the leopard print you add. Let it punctuate an outfit.
Head to toe leopard is a lot, unless you want Alexis Carrington vibes or a big statement look. That said, you can mix leopard prints of different sizes, for a whimsical feel.
Some of the best foils for leopard are red, pink, black, white and surprisingly floral.

Leopard twinning with my friend Elizabeth, aka Contessa.

I am fortunate to own a leopard coat I bought a few years ago from Emerson Fry. It’s probably my most favorite piece of clothing and I have get more compliments on it than anything. It’s my go-to when I want to feel stylish and stand out, like when I wore it to a blogger conference.

It gives me confidence, and makes my solids look cool. The heavy linen works in most months here in California so I wear it all year long. Cost was around $350 and I’ve worn it more times than I can count. It was made in Brooklyn (yay), and it still looks like new. I know I have many years more to wear it. Emerson Fry still makes the exact coat, which is a testament to its longevity!

Definitely shop second hand for a leopard look. Vintage leopard coats are the coolest thing on the planet and if you can find one or something that looks like one, you’re lucky. Kate Moss created her signature style from her vintage leopard coat and she has so many..These are just a few..

I was lucky to have been gifted a vintage faux leopard short jacket from my friend Contessa and I just adore it. I have worn it casual, layered over a sweater with jeans, over a leopard dress, and with white jeans and so many ways..

Online there are so many of these vintage coats to be found like this one at ThredUp, and also check your local thrift and consignment. I also found this gem by The Great, their ‘vintage’ leopard coat.

More leopard coats here, and I love this one by Stand – just marked down, below left, and this by Bernardo, right also on sale…

Other options are adding a great accessory like this MZ Wallace tote, or a cute pair of sneakers like these high tops at Madewell, and this Gigi NY Crossbody.

I like this Claire V. Leopard bag top photo (like my mom’s), which is a classic and will always give you look a bit of style. I have a green version from them and they also have a smaller cross-body version below..

I also love the look of these slides by Birdies. People love these shoes and they are highly rated for comfort.

A leopard dress or two in the closet are nice to have in your rotation. I do own a few leopard dresses. One that is versatile and I wear so much is this T-shirt dress from Jenni Kayne. The leopard is so small it’s basically a neutral, but it’s a great basic to go anywhere. My only gripe is that the viscose wrinkles easily, but otherwise, I love the style and I can dress it up or down.

I also just bought this fun leopard shirt dress from H&M. They have a lot of leopard now. I bought this to wear as a top, a tunic, and a swim coverup as well as a dress.. The stores have a lot of this shirt dress, but it looks gone from the website! The material is the same as this dress, also cute in leopard.

Where do you stand on leopard and animal prints? I’d love to hear everyone’s thoughts and I can’t wait to read Cindy and Sarah’s blogs today about leopard! Stop by their blogs at:

Cindy Hattersley

Sarah London Style

Thanks for being here!

Kim

You might also like the post, ‘Reloving What You Own- Signature Style.’

Some links will generate a small commission. Thank you for supporting the blog!

Cozy Bedrooms & Upholstered Beds

February 1, 2022 By kimwheeler 18 Comments

Is your bedroom an afterthought? The last place you buy things for or decorate? Do you feel like it’s a place to stash stuff your not using – or worse yet fold the laundry? Have you put the bedroom, as last on the list? Then this is a great time of year to start thinking about how to create a little sanctuary for yourself in the bedroom.

I have been guilty of all of the above, even with a recent remodel. The bedroom was last of all the things to get chosen and I never really finished it, or bought the bed I want. The pillows and things in there are ones from other parts of the house that I’ve changed out. My bed is 25 years old and so tall I have a hard time getting into it as does my geriatric kitty!

One of my close friends feels the same about her bedroom and we have been putting our heads together while I try and help her make her space more inviting too. I’ve got bedroom ideas swirling around my head this week so I thought I’d share them.

Some inspiration to give boring bedrooms a more inviting feel..

My main gripe with my bedroom is that it’s bland, and a bit dark and not cozy to me. I want to want to go curl up in there and watch shows, read books and make it feel like a sanctuary. I’ve treated it like an afterthought and it looks like it. My friend also has the same feeling about her space. Hers needs a boost of coziness when she comes home from work and snuggles with her family and dog in there to watch shows and read.

There is no one way your bedroom should look. It helps if you can translate your personal style to your bedroom. It’s the one place you can really make personal. I saved these images through my Pinterest Boudoir board. These are full of layers, pretty color, rugs and pillows – all the elements of a magnetic bedroom.

The elements of an inviting and cozy bedroom.

Upholstered pieces – upholstery on headboards, beds, chairs or benches can go a long way in bringing a soft feel and look to a room. An upholstered headboard is one of the most affordable updates and widely available. (If you’re concerned about stains get your headboard in a Sunbrella or performance fabric.)

Rugs and more rugs. Look for rugs made of wool and that have some some fluff and soft feel under foot. You can also layer rugs or have another fluffy one by the side of the bed where you step out.

Layer your bed. Sheets and a duvet are a start, but I like a coverlet type of blanket like this from Crate & Barrel. I also have this soft blanket at the foot of the bed to wrap around me when reading on colder nights.

PIllows. You need good ones to sleep and then two to three more to fill the bed.

Throws are a great idea. I have my nicest ones in a basket by the bed.

Lighting is everything in this space. The last thing you want to do is use your overhead cap lights in the bedroom. Think spa, not hospital. It’s a bonus if you can have a pretty chandelier or flush mount light, but you still need lights on each nightstand to read by, preferably dimmable.

A chair or a chaise in a corner makes for a inviting spot to relax or read and just the vision of it creates a sense of retreat for your bedroom. Places to sit and read or a bench to put your shoes on are nice to have, fill the spaces and give a inviting look instead of empty corners. Just seeing a place to rest gives the feeling of a retreat in our minds.

Nightstands need not be matching and if you have room, can double as a bureau that can hold extra clothes. I always had my night clothes in my previous night stand. Consider it can be extra storage you may need.

Keep your night table pretty, not cluttered with things. If you’re a big ‘stuff’ person, consider drawers in yours and keep the top of your night stand calming and pretty with personal photos, books, a pretty tray for a water glass and dish as a catchall, and even a small vase with flowers.

Paint or wallpaper can create a mood. The bedroom is a great place to go with a romantic color or wallpaper that conveys a mood or feeling. I love being enveloped by a print and that can make the whole room feel like a small jewel box.

Don’t forget art. Choose art thoughtfully and something that has a lovely feeling, even romantic quality. Soft colors tend to look great in bedroom spaces.

Pretty drapes or window coverings make a huge difference. I went with white linen/cotton drapes for my bedroom sliders, but had a trim piece put on the edges to give it a bit more luxe look. Consider ribbon or trim for drapes and lightshades, to add a little more special to the space.

My current mix of bed pillows and throw.

Consider a headboard when space is at a premium and you want change without a huge investment

To give a neutral bedroom a little boost, you can go with something like this Sunbrella Katherine headboard with a pretty shape by Ballard Design. It’s in a Sunbrella, which makes it nearly impervious to sun and stain. This Idol Frost tone is soft and can go with off whites and sea glass shades and other softer colors.

If you’re adventurous you can go with something more fun like this Sunbrella Ikat pattern Ally headboard. I love this.

Other options in the Ally Headboard are this Cornflower Print( sunbrella) left, and pretty Kavi Blue print.

All of Ballards headboards are made in North Carolina. There are many styles. If you want tufted there this Camden headboard in the Kylie fabric..

And this Sophie Headboard in Cleo, or this Ally Headboard in Sunbrella Salt Pique.

Upholstered complete beds are also on the affordable side and there are so many choices once you start looking. West Elm has the coolest option for a kids room in two sizes and many colors.

West Elm also has this Emmett Bed ready to ship around $1,000 and for a few more weeks, other fabrics too.

The same headboards I showed above are available in beds like the Giselle from Ballard which is a classic destined to look good for a long time. Here in Dotty Navy by Sunbrella. The styling possibilities are endless with a color like this.

There are some very affordable options at Pier 1, but I really like the height and shape of their Shabby Chic Jubilee bed. It comes in three colors and in a nice linen looking fabric. You could make this look less ‘shabby’ with some simple linen sheets and pillows. I think the look and shape are beautiful.

At Pottery Barn, I like this Elliot headboard – or bed which has an enveloping look with folded in sides. Here it’s shown in a basketweave performance fabric in Ash and comes in different heights. Don’t forget to consider your height if you plan to lean against the bed when reading at night. All the Pottery Barn upholstered beds and headboards here.

This is a classic good looking upholstered style from Wayfair..

Once you have a bed, you need to add cozy with color and texture, especially if you opt for a neutral color bed like above. Check out the texture added to this room with the pillows, throw, nubby rug and feature wall.

Helping my friend we started pulling together some room looks based on her wall color, Sherwin Williams Silver Spoon. We found the Giselle upholstered bed, in the Faygo print, and she loves the Grace nightstand in the blue grey. I want her to also have nice reading lamps like this pretty Greer Lamp from Ballard and I like the Adelaide rug to ground the bed, even though the room is carpeted, and to give it another layer of cozy and pull the colors together…

I thought the Connelly Bench and the Pottery Barn pillow look good in this mix.

In a second version for her, we addressed possible wear on things from her darling doodle who loves hanging with the fam in the bedroom. For that reason we thought she could also go with the darker Pique Denim in the same bed and the washed wood version of the same side table. With those two I like this rug, this ceramic lamp and a Ballard X Bench in Indigo Sunbrella..and for fun I tossed in the Terra Pom Pom Pillow.

There are a lot of options! She is still deciding.

Meanwhile, I’m still trying to noodle my own bedroom space. I’m considering an upholstered bed from Ballard like my friend, but with this shape and in a neutral color like below, if I wallpaper. For wallpaper, I love this by Farrow & Ball shown below. I know I want some cozy textures from throws, rugs (maybe one extra fluffy one when you step off the bed.) I also adore this Dayna Upholstered bench, this Larkin rug is beautiful, and this lamp from OKA which is a British home site I am obsessed with.

What do you think of what I have so far?

Do you have an upholstered bed or headboard? What do you love or hate about it? Do you like color and personality in a bedroom or more serenity? Love to hear your thoughts.

Also beginning this weekend, I start a new regular weekend collaboration with some wonderful bloggers, so please pop by the blog this Saturday for the first of my weekly favorites! I’m super excited and I hope you’ll enjoy it.

Thanks for being here!

Kim

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Californians at Home- San Francisco Designer Mary Ann Pickett

January 20, 2022 By kimwheeler 23 Comments

It’s been a minute since I had a ‘Californians at Home’ post, but we are off to an exciting start in 2022, with my fun and stylish San Franciscan friend Mary Ann Pickett as our guest. Mary Ann is a blogger who writes the very popular, Classic Casual Home which many of you know. She also is a busy designer and mom of two grown kids. She’s had a culturally rich life, living all over the world, and I am excited for her to share her pretty San Francisco hilltop apartment with you and also her style secrets and insights into California living!

Tell us about yourself, Mary Ann.

Thank you so much, Kim, for having me visit today. It’s really an honor to be here with you and your readers!

A little about me…I was born in San Bernardino, California. Both my parents and one set of grandparents were also born in southern California. I went to school in Northern California at the University of Santa Clara and spent some time in San Francisco before meeting my husband Howard in Los Angeles.

Once Howard and I were married, the career moves started. We lived in New York (our daughter was born there), Chicago, Orlando (where our son was born), Paris, Fort Lauderdale, Newport Beach, and finally back to San Francisco.

I’ve always been involved in building and designing our homes but it was in Fort Lauderdale (about twenty years ago) where my decorating business took off after helping one of my husband’s business associates with her home. My sort of “California casual” style was popular there and my client list quickly grew by word of mouth.

What elements define your interior design style?

I love to use elements that have meaning to my clients… incorporated with pretty fabrics like linen blocked prints and updated accessories like lighting. I believe that if you make small tweaks every year or so, you won’t end up with overwhelmingly dated interiors.

How has your personal decorating style been influenced by living in San Francisco.

We live in a 1920’s highrise apartment with a Beaux-Arts feel. There are views of the Bay from practically every room, so I wanted to make the interiors almost an extension of the blues outside.

The French antiques that we purchased when we lived in Paris, fit with the architecture. And personally, I feel like every seat should be comfortable.

What do you love most about your apartment? What do you love the least?

I DO love the views! From the kitchen and dining rooms, you can see the Golden Gate Bridge and from the living room, you can see Alcatraz Island and the eastern portion of the Bay Bridge (especially at night when it’s lit up).

It’s fun to live in a place that tourists value so highly (I love walking my dog, Chief, and helping people with directions)and we have wonderful restaurants that are so convenient.

What I miss is having an outdoor space…even just a small garden. And a barbecue grill would be nice to have again.

What paint colors did you use in the interiors?

All the walls are Benjamin Moore White Dove and the trim is similar to Navajo White. The landlord let us paint the ugly pickled pine cabinets in our galley kitchen Benjamin Moore Revere Pewter.

What is your most recent purchase for your home?

A new narrow tray to update the coffee table …can’t have too many trays!

What is your favorite piece (or pieces) in your home that have meaning to you?

We have a French demi-lune table that was in our childhood home. I asked my mom if I could paint it and she said sure.

We also have artwork from Paris and as I mentioned, some antiques like a bookcase in the dining room that stores dishes and a commode in the foyer that holds all our table linens. Storage is key in a small place!

Can you recommend a few home shops in San Francisco that you love?

Hudson Grace and shopping on Sacramento Street is fun. So is Elsie Green in Concord and Emily Joubert in Laurel Heights/SF.

How would you describe your fashion sense?

I wear clothes like my interiors…classic and casual.

Since I’m only 5’1″ tall, I like retailers with petite sizes (Anthropologie, Banana Republic, J. Crew) but I am not opposed to getting things tailored (something that I learned in Paris as most French women like a good fit).

For my daughter’s wedding last year, I found nice dresses at Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus. I also like comfortable shoes since I do a lot of walking in San Francisco.

Thanks for having me over, Kim! Always a pleasure to spend time with you!

Thank you Mary Ann for opening your home to us and sharing your San Francisco life with us!

You can subscribe to Mary Ann’s blog HERE and Instagram HERE.

Get the Mary Ann look..

Blackbird Camo Birdies, Beaufort Tray, Striped Glass Vase, Jacqueline Pillow Cover, J.Crew Pintuck Shirt, & Mirabelle Rug.

Like this post ? Save it on Pinterest…

Visit Mary Ann’s blog, Classic Casual Home today, where she also is having me on as a guest!

If you enjoyed this post you may also like Californians at Home, Cindy Hattersley

Thanks so much for your patience. More Californians to come this year!

Kim

Some links will generate a small commission. Thank you for supporting the blog!

‘Reloving’ What You Own-Signature Style

January 18, 2022 By kimwheeler 27 Comments

It’s time for the first Signature Style post of 2022 with my compatriots, Cindy and Sarah and we decided to begin with a post that encourages you to look in your own closet before you buy anything this year. As Sarah, who came up with the idea, says can you ‘relove’ what you already own? I think we all need to try and on today’s blog are ideas on how.

A lot of us are addicted to shopping, to that high we get from a new item, but we can retrain ourselves to stop looking at stores and online ads for inspiration. We can look right in our own closets if we spend some time seeing what we own and what we can do with it.

I know I’ve said this before, but the best way to prevent yourself from buying what you don’t need is know your closet. That means spending a couple hours taking the closet apart every season, (that’s 4xs a year), clean it out, straighten and organize by type and then color. Try on every sweater and pair of jeans and shoes, dress and coat. Lay out the hanging pieces on your bed and then look at each and every one.

If you’re able and have the space, store some of your out of season clothes in another closet or space, so you can see only what you are able to wear now. A crammed closet isn’t conducive to shopping it, and I like my clothes to have space to breathe.

Think of your closet as your own personal boutique and make it appealing.

Start arranging your closet to be attractive and inspiring. Make it smell pretty with sachets or a candle (unlit). If you have the space hang cool art, wallpaper it or create an inspiration board. Then get it curated by season.

Go through your jewelry, shoes and accessories and select things that will work for that season.

Right now in winter, I like to have my sweaters folded neatly by color, and put coordinating accessories in same tones near them just as a shop would. What I see when I walk into my winter closet now is coats, jackets, leather bags, scarves and sweaters and boots. In spring and summer, I have blouses, sundresses, woven bags, sandals and short

If you can’t see things, you won’t wear them. You can’t have everything out at once, so each season pretend you’re a buyer for boutique and select accesories for this particular time of year. An example is my crystals and colored stone earrings have been on my tray for the holidays and in summer I’ll drape my Hawaiian pearls on a cord on my small mirror and have my vintage white Chanel enamel earrings and colorful clip ons from my grandmother on my tray.

I’ll pull out all my flat sandals and slides and put them in cute baskets in warm season. Now they are away and boots, sneakers and loafers are on the shelves. Another idea is to pull forgotten scarves out of a basket and pair each one with a jacket or coat by wrapping them around the hanger with it. You can do the same with necklaces if it helps you to remember to use them.

When you like an outfit, snap a photo and save it on your phone

Take a photo when you leave the house in something you like or in a look you’ve pulled together when going through the closet. Then group them on your phone as work outfits, date night, evening look, or weekend, travel, etc. You’d be surprised how you can forget pieces you own, and looks you’ve worn. When you’re feeling uninspired, look at that album.

For example this is one on my phone with outfits so I can remember what worked and what is in the closet.

Try new ways to wear what you own..

Take jeans and denim and update them by cutting the hem yourself with sharp scissors and chalk. There are many tutorials online. Hello new fringy cropped that look like expensive brands. Mending jeans and adding stitching and patches has become a look. This book is a good one for unique jean hacks.
Sweaters have so much potential. Turn a sweater backwards for a sexy back v neck. Wear one as a scarf around the neck, or draped on your shoulders as a pop of color or and tied around the waist of a dress. I also love layering my sweaters and try them with different blouses you own to see which ones work well together.
Dresses don’t need to sit out winter. Wear your dresses layered over jeans or leggings. Play around with the proportions and see which jeans work best. Try a sweater over your dresses or a long sleeve top under a spaghetti strap type. Add sneakers to dresses to update them, (preferably not the ones you hike or run in.)
Pull apart 2 piece outfits like a suit or a skirt and matching top and wear the pieces separately. You’ll have exponentially more outfits and looks.
Don’t let your evening wear be just for night and gather dust. Bring these fancy pieces down to earth by pairing them with everyday items. Try a sequin top for day with denim, chandelier earrings with a sweatshirt, a velvet dress over skinny jeans with flats, a black dress worn over leggings with a leather or denim jacket.
Dress down your ‘work’ or tailored pieces. Start wearing your blazers and jackets out as your daily topper. How many of us have beautiful jackets that never get worn? I use my jackets all the time and love them with a t-shirt or a sweatshirt to dress them down. I like them in winter with a big scarf wrapped over them for warmth and in summer over sundresses. Tailored skirts and slacks look fresh with a sweatshirt or a big oversized sweater, or white sneakers with and a t-shirt.
Use your bags in new ways. Straw bags tend to be summer things, but Jane Birkin wore her woven totes with fur (or faux preferably), and people like my friend Contessa use their all year long. Leather bags can be changed up by switching your straps. So many have removable straps, or options to add a shoulder strap so look at what can be converted to a cross-body if you want. Guitar style straps here at Madewell, and some of the coolest ones here on Etsy. Older bags are more chic now than new, as seen by the huge market for vintage bags. If you are so lucky to have saved older bags start wearing them again! Or as we talked about in this recent post, take a load off and start using a canvas tote you might already have, like all the cool kids.

Spend a few hours playing dress up.

For fun, I thought I’d show you what looks I created with a old Equipment dress that has been sitting in the closet for a few years. I love this dress, but don’t have many opportunities to wear it, so I thought I’d show you looks I pulled together using other closet pieces, over blue jeans, grey skinny jeans, with leggings and with different boots. I also I tried an oversized sweater over it, a velvet bomber, and a moto jacket. I used bags I’ve had and it was fun to see all the options I hadn’t even thought of.

For Inspiration go to Street Style Instagram accounts or Pinterest.

I still read magazines, but I don’t think I’ve found an outfit I wanted to copy from one of them in years. Everything is so fantasy driven now. I do however find a lot to inspire me on Instagram and specifically for me, street style accounts where real people are snapped in various cities of the world. These people will give you ideas on how to style what you already own. Screenshot looks and out them in an album on the phone to refer back to.

Some of my favorites are

Photos below from the Street Style Global Instagram..

Pinterest is another place to find looks to love and I have been saving my own favorites under Jeans Love, The California Look, Style, Fall and Winter Style, and Spring/Summer Wardrobe.

I also love the Parisian Chic Look Book which has tons of ideas of how to add style to your wardrobe basics…

Also inspiring is Classic Style and How Not to Wear Black. Love all three so much.

Another fun idea is to do a wardrobe swap party with a group of friends. Everyone brings 5 or so pieces that are nice that they no longer wear and they are hung or displayed on tables or racks. You draw numbers and everyone takes turns selecting pieces. It is a great way to keep clothes in the cycle, not the landfill and pass something nice onto another.

Having too much is as bad as not enough. If you’ve paid a lot for something, and have a hard time parting with it, but will never wear it, as Marie Kondo says, be thankful for it and pass it on to another who can enjoy it. Don’t let things sit when others could be using them. Dress for Success in San Jose is a great place to help women who are trying to succeed in the world and can use those items that are gathering dust.

When you are ready to shop again, get to know consignment and thrift stores near you. It’s a great place to sell some of what you no longer want and also find unique and better quality things for a song. Make a commitment to bring only better quality items into your wardrobe this year. Save for the good stuff as I talked about in this post, or find them through thrift and consignment. Stop going for the quick high at places like Target if you can. I’ve yet to have a cheap item stand the test of time – trend wise or wear wise, but I’ve been grateful I saved for better items that still look good, even cooler, year after year and give whole wardrobe an upgrade.

If you find a consignment shop you like, the best thing to do is be a regular. That way you see when the better things come in and can grab them. In the Bay Area, my favorites are Crossroads Trading (the Blossom Hill location) and Filmore & Fifth in Palo Alto. Other options abound online too now.

I can’t wait to read Cindy and Sarah’s blogs today about shopping the closet. Stop by their blogs at:

Cindy Hattersley

Sarah London Style

Thanks for reading and please share below your thoughts on shopping your closet.

Kim

Some links will generate a small commission. Thank you for supporting the blog!

Quality Items to Spend Your Holiday Gift Money On

January 11, 2022 By kimwheeler 23 Comments

Every January I write a post on quality items to spend your holiday cash or gift cards on. This is the time to think a little before blowing it all. As kids, my mom would say as soon as we got some cash in a card, it would burn a hole in our pockets. My brother would run off to Radio Shack to get some kind of circuit board kit and I would be off to Contempo Casuals at the mall. Anyone who is near my age and grew up in California will remember that trendy spot of colorful edgy clothes!

After I bought myself an angora sweater or a glittery blouse, I was always wishing I had saved for something better and one year I did. I drove myself up to the city -San Francisco, and marched into the Gucci store and bought myself a small oval bag for the prize sum of $400, which was a lot of money back then for a twenty something. This is the same exact bag- now being sold for $500 online and some want $1,000 for it!

I wore that bag until it gave out. It upgraded all my less expensive items and got so many compliments over the years. I felt chic and didn’t need other bags, just that one. Not sure where it ended up, but that taught me a lot about how a quality item would be a smarter investment than several less expensive purses. My grandmother always said buy nice shoes and bags and everything will look expensive. My mother and dad always believed in buying better things for the home as well.

I still get a Christmas card with money (thanks dad) and as I’ve gotten older I tell my sons to hold onto it and buy one nice thing. You can blow $100 on three okay things, or buy a good pair of shoes to elevate all you own. Now it’s more likely closer to $200, but you get my thought process here. If you’re so fortunate to have a little wad of cash from the holidays, think about buying things that have long-term payback. Think about things you wouldn’t normally get yourself.

Think quality over quantity. Think long-term over what you want right now. Ask yourself will you want this in five years?”

This is a good mantra to keep in mind as we enter a new year- and when you’re shopping.

Good Things To Consider Spending Your Holiday Money On..

Number one to me is always a house item. How many of you still have rugs and lamps that have been bought when you first got married? When you got your first apartment? I rest my case. Rugs and lamps are the work horses of the home and yet how often do we upgrade or replace? They don’t usually break down and so we continue on with just okay items that could make a BIG difference in your space and quality of life!

Rugs are the biggest bang for your buck and a beautiful place to get rugs is Serena & Lily. This is not a cheap place, but it’s an excellent place. The rugs are beautiful and fantastic quality. My Stella Rug is wool and it has been excellent and shows little wear. I recently moved it to my main living space and I am still love how pretty it is as well as soft. Just this rug alone gave the whole space a luxe look.

I prefer wool rugs for long wear and maintenance, but I also have one of their Seaview runner in polypropylene in the kitchen, below left, and a one of their recycled denim rugs, right, in my den/office (similar here.)

Both have been wearing well! I also like their Carlsbad Rug, which is a soft blue in geometric pattern.

Pottery Barn also has excellent rugs and their wool ones have yet to wear out for me. I’m currently obsessing on this lovely Gena Rug which is hand loomed and think it is elegant for a bedroom!

I also like this wool Gabrielle Handtufted Wool Rug and the Capitola Rug

Lamps are another fantastic investment! I finally replaced my Pottery Barn dark gold bedside lamps after having them 26 years. They still work and are now off doing duty with my sons. Talk about money well spent!

One of my goals in 2022 is to finally replace my bed and get some lamps that are as good as the ones I just passed to the kids. I’m kind of in love with these Dauphine Lamp that would be a lovely paired on a bedside. This lamp also comes in a lovely floor lamp if you have a space that needs some elegant illumination..

I also love this Tinsley lamp which could work in so many spaces – an entry table, bedroom or the family room. It’s cute and adds a nice whimsical touch to an area.

How great are these Faris Ceramic Lamps from Pottery Barn? They come in an ivory or black, in large or small sizes.

Another pretty option from PB for the bedside or in a living room is this cool Bennett Recycled Glass Lamp.

New towels are a good way to start the year. Get rid of your old nasty towels. I have bought these towels and they are wearing so well, I just got another set -and they are on sale now.

Sheets are also a good idea and linen sheets are worth the splurge. They are so comfortable and warm in the winter, I forget they are also a dream to sleep in, in the summer. I have two sets of these.

Probably my most favorite home purchase last year was this Celeste Coverlet from Crate & Barrel. It’s the most beautiful looking layer and it feels like a dream. I have this over the sheets and in the winter it’s our blanket under the duvet too. It provides a soft layer and smoothing this over the sheets in the morning and folding the comforter at the end makes the bed look effortlessly pretty.

Coats are another smart use of your money and that if bought well, should last many years of wear. Coats give you instant style and I think a wardrobe needs a decent trench, a good wool coat, and a puffer to start. Look at my last post for some good long puffers to keep you cozy and stylish in the colder months.

A well made black wool coat is something that will feel great every time you put it on and a good one won’t be too heavy and have nice details like this Rails Bristol Wool Coat. I especially love the back details.

J.Crew has been a great go-to for coats as they use special mills in Italy to craft beautiful and long-wearing wools and my J.Crew Cocoon Coat is still excellent shape after almost 10 years! They have had this coat since 2006 and this year it’s in different colors, but same great styling.

They also have another version with a higher collar and buttons in a forest green and black. Love!

And if you’re ready for a truly beautiful piece this reversible coat by Armani gives a wardrobe so much versatility.

As I mentioned above a good quality pair of shoes is always something I think about when I want to splurge a little and tall boots are something I bought a few years ago and am still loving so much. I bought a flat, lug sole riding type boot and they create chic outfits paired with leggings and sweaters, jeans and blouses, and casual dresses. For the cost my pair has had hundreds of wears and has many years still left in them. If you don’t own a nice pair, they are something to consider.

I found a similar pair also made by Tory Burch and if you prefer more classic styling she also has this version on the right..

One thing I’ve bought myself is a better jewelry when I have extra dollars. It’s smart to invest in some good pieces when you can, that will last you years. Ippolita is an Italian American designer who I wrote about on a blog post here. I adore her beautiful pieces that are made to fit the female body and are like art pieces you can collect.

She says 99% of her sales are from women buying the jewelry for themselves! That says a lot. So if it’s time to give yourself a lovely piece of jewelry her silver pieces are an affordable way to began like I did with the Jet Set Earrings. Last year I also bought myself this simple bangle I pair with my watch. I also love her lollipop necklaces like this one below. Her whole collection gold and stones as well as silver here.

A wonderful cashmere or wool sweater is something you can appreciate for years. AllSaints makes lovely ones and I’ve managed to add one of their sweaters to my wardrobe almost every year. My favorite is many years old and is nearly identical to this asymmetrical one and is a mix of wool and yak and doesn’t pill. I also love this Arvid Cable Knit Sweater in grey. Many of their excellent sweaters are marked down too. The whole collection here.

Brochu Walker is another brand with gorgeous sweaters and I’ve had the short sleeve off the shoulder sweater and the long sleeve, the cardigans with the built in collars and hem on my wish list for a while. Who wouldn’t agree these are gorgeous and could give you so many fun wardrobe options!

Lastly, a good bag, as my grandmother told me, can last you decades. Styles change, but I find the older bags I have spent some money on, still look good and are even cooler than new. That said, if you are in the market for a quality bag that isn’t thousands, I like London based Demille, . They make excellent hand crafted bags in Spain and have a charity called, A Bag, A Life, which funds lifesaving vaccines and medical treatment for children in SOS Villages.

It’s no wonder so many people feel proud to carry these bags which I think are fairly priced for a luxury bag and helping the world at the same time. I would prefer to see these kinds of bags become the ‘it’ thing to carry versus the extremely expensive designer bags.

The Santa Monica with Chain above, is darling (many colors) as is The Los Angeles (in white here) and The Marrakesh Crossbody in tan.

Other ideas for spending your holiday cash..

A photo shoot of your family by a professional done outdoors. So many great ones you can find locally now on places like Instagram.
A piece of unique art by a local artist or one you’ve been following. I think original art is one of the best ways to give your home a personal look and feel.
Use your money to by a series of classes – cooking ( Sur La Table is always a good one), a new language, dance or painting. Do something challenging you haven’t tried before.

I hope this was a fun post and though I know a lot of these items are expensive, what I want tis for people to think about is buying less, buying better and like Europeans, think of purchases as investments to last a long time. Sticker shock is something Americans have an issue with. They have no problem coming out of a department store with $200 worth of clothes, but will balk at a pair of shoes costing the same. The result is a lot of inexpensive items that don’t last and end being donated or in landfills. The new year is a great time to reset our spending habits and shop less and shop better when we do.

If you can’t even go there with these higher cost things, second hand is what everyone is doing now and the best way to shop for these better pieces. I will share my sources for great second hand finds and chat about shopping your closet on our upcoming Signature Style on January 18th so stay tuned!

Kim

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