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US Open Tennis, Pretty Sale Towels and Michele Obama Style

September 1, 2023 By kimwheeler 25 Comments

On this post, some cool happening at the US Open, pretty things on sale, Michelle Obama’s style at the Open -and her stylist and more good things…

I’m writing this post from the little cabin in Tahoe and it’s currently a rainy, blustery day and a cool 45 degrees here tonight! It’s been a nice change and so cozy with the fire on here and I was so glad I brought a sweater. It feels like November and I am not hating it, after the really warm summer.

It’s just Max and I here this weekend, and we are hoping to take a small hike at Sugar Pine Point State Park on Saturday. Today we worked and I fluffed the cabin up a little for fall after doing cobweb duty.. I am sharing a few photos below..

Are you ready for fall decor? I am taking baby steps, but I am really ready for all clothes! I love, love, love autumn and can’t wait to get my jackets back on!!

On My Radar …

I love sweatshirts and this Stacy Pullover is On Sale at Eververe…super soft and I love the puffy shoulder. What a great transitional piece that will work now with long shorts and through fall with so much.

I had to return a dress and instead just bought this Tiger’s Eye dress at Rails. I love the autumn vibe. It runs a little small and I bought large. Rails is also having a sale here, use code LDW30.

Target has woven pumpkins for $3 and I bought a few for my cabin as I can’t have real ones up here. I found them at the Target dollar area. Online they are $5 . I put them next to the smaller leaf arrangement at my cabin.

Target has these pretty leaves in a vase in two sizes. I grabbed them before they were gone, even though it’s early September.. I bought a small for the cabin and the large one for my family room. ( Both in photos above.)

My Reunion

It was a special night and I am so glad I went. Wonderful to catch up with all my friends from grammar, junior high, and high school. I would share the group photo, but you know some people may not appreciate it.

This is a small snap of the amazing women- Kim, Rosie and Tami who planned it and our group..

It was held in a cute Mexican Restaurant and our party was on the patio with a taco bar and a DJ! We had a photo booth where you could take photos and text the to yourself. That was a great idea and their small business by two local young women is Photo Booth Girlies. If you have a party – a great idea!

The dress I ordered from Rails, did not fit, so I wore a black Ramy Brook dress I have had for years that is easy to wear and I hope flatters. I actually had forgotten it was in the gallows of the closet… This is the only good one I have of the dress, with my dear pal Lance, so I hope he doesn’t mind if I share..

My dress is no longer available, but one is here in blue on Poshmark.

This dress below left by Ramy is similar, and this right, is nearly identical except for the neckline. They are longer than they show. The fabric feels amazing like the finest silk, but they are polyester and wear well and easy to travel and care for. These dresses will be great closet classics.

Bang for you Bucks- Fresh towels

New white washcloths are such an inexpensive thing and tidying up last week I noticed I had a lot of old washcloths.. I love having them stacked bath shelves and and I noticed how shabby they looked.

I popped over to Homegoods and picked up three stacks of sets.. One was from Brooks Brothers, and other Tommy Bahama… and another random brand. All are super soft, absorbent and for under $30, I feel like I’m at a spa with a nice pile for my face and how pretty do they look?

I recommend heading there for washcloths as they get stained and we are pretty hard on them. If you can’t get there – some here.

I’m pickier about the bath and hand towels. My favorite bath towels are these by Serena & Lily with the fringe. They wash beautifully and stay soft and absorbent..and they look pretty!

They are on sale now ( 56% off?!).. I will pick up a couple a few times a year when they are on sale.

I have these towels in the boy’s bath and the stripe in the pool/powder room bath. These beautifully made towels wear well and look better than any towels I have ever bought.

The whole Serena & Lily site is up to 40% off , so everything is marked varying percentages off, so it’s a good time to get fresh towels or grab anything you have been wanting.

US Open Stuff..

Are you following the Open? I love tennis so of course I’m watching as much as I can! How awesome is this poster with Billie Jean King made by Brazilian artist Camila Pinheiro? (Love her art you can follow here.)

This poster is part of a special celebration commemorating 50 years of equal pay at the US Open. Billie Jean King led the fight for it after winning the 1972 women’s title, demanding the next year that the women’s prize money equal the mens. She also formed the Women’s Tennis Association in 1973 that year and played the famous ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match where she beat Bobbie Riggs. I watched that with my mom! Do you know that still remains the most watched tennis match ( and top sporting event) ever with 90 million viewers around the world?!

The USTA is pushing for King to get a Congressional Gold Medal as no female athlete ever has and she has done more for women’s equality in sports than anyone. Sadly, it took 34 more years for all the tournaments to follow suit and give equal pay? Hard to believe..

I love this poster. I think Billie Jean is a badass and someone I hugely admire. I ordered one for my office wall. The poster found here, supports the Women’s Sport Foundation which she founded to enable girls and women reach their potential in sport and in life.

By the way, Juliet shared how to make the drink of the tournament the Honey Douce here! So cute with melon balls for garnish..

Michelle Obama Style

I also loved seeing President and Mrs Obama at the tournament…She looks great in her denim dress. I love her style always..

Her dress is an Oscar de la Renta, and she paired it with a cropped sweater. You can find similar dresses here , here and here. Her cute espadrilles are by Chloe here. If you need a cropped sweater to wear over your summer dresses – this is on sale at J. Crew- and so is this cashmere cutie.

I also loved her pretty black bracelet stack and they are Sydney Evan bracelets.

They are lovely and you can find Sidney Evan bracelets here in all sorts of colors and charms. They are fun to collect and wear together.

Mrs Obama is styled by a very talented young woman, Meredith Koop. Michelle obviously loves clothes and together they come up with some fantastic looks…. Great fall dressing ideas.

You can follow Meredith where she posts Michelle’s looks and sources on her Instagram

Well that’s it from my little corner of the world…

If you missed last weekend I shared a fantastic and uplifting book on mid-life and aging, what to wear to a reunion, and the story of Nordstrom did for San Francisco…

I hope you have a great holiday weekend,

Kim

Please stop by Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs..

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

PINECONES AND ACORNS

If you’d like to get an email when I publish, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month and every Saturday for Weekend Meanderings.

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What to Wear to a Reunion, Inspiration for Loving Mid-Life, and What Nordstrom SF Did for the City

August 25, 2023 By kimwheeler 29 Comments

A fantastic and uplifting book on mid-life and aging, what to wear to a reunion, and the story of Nordstrom did for San Francisco…

It’s that time again for our weekend roundup of good things with my friends Elizabeth and Juliet! How has your week been? First of all, I must share that Whole Foods has had hydrangeas for $2.97 and I decided to grab them and red dahlias to brighten things up a bit around here. I’m not ready for fall decor..but I’m ready for some kind of change. ( Though apparently pumpkin spice lattes are to be had -you PSL people know this already. )

Can we call this time summfall? It could be a mix of summer stripes and fall tones and so on..

I’ve been thinking about life …and my age a bit more this week thanks to my 40 year high school reunion this weekend. It’s hard for me to believe. I’ve gone to every reunion, even though the people I hung with at high school haven’t gone for a while. The last few, I had fun talking with peeps from elementary and junior high.. I love seeing my school people!

This will come to no surprise, but I wasn’t part of the popular crowd in high school. I had a little friend group of guys and girls and they made those years special.

I’ve been wondering what to wear and even though it’s nearby and at a cute casual place, I still want to look good! I have a few pieces in my closet that will work, but I like to consider what’s out there..

IMHO you want to look like you’re not trying too hard. Someone said you don’t want to look as if you’ve ‘let yourself go’…. An old saying I feel is very sexist. What does that even mean? Rarely have we heard that said about men ! We should just be who we are now and be proud…

So here’s a few things that made my radar for a school reunion… I’m attracted to colors right now, as color makes you feel upbeat and vibrant.. Of course you can’t go wrong with black always flattering and elegant.. I think you should look for items that make you stand out a bit, in a good way…

On My Radar – School Reunion Ideas..

Something about this FarmRio number is just fun and modern and the little keyhole is just enough sexy without being too much.

I love these drop cross earrings which come in this turquoise or navy.

This dress looks tight, but it’s the most lovely forgiving fabric and feels fantastic on. I tried a Medium on last time I was in store and it’s body conscious, but still flattering. It forgives. I should have gotten it.

I ordered this Rails dress that I meant to buy earlier this summer. It’s on sale now at Nordstrom. I love tie dye… also cute in fall with a boxy cardigan or jacket. I pick this up Saturday so I hope it works.

I love these pebble glass drop earrings! The right size and elegant/mod look.

This black cotton Anthro square neck dress is shown midi, but it’s full length on me with pockets, adjustable straps, a side zip and expanding back. I was able to pull a medium on without unzipping. A versatile dress, it could work with a t-shirt under it also. ( I don’t know why I cut my head off, but was trying to show it’s full length.)

I love bias cut dresses -everyone needs one they are so good on and feel great. This luster crepe dress also comes in navy. I’d dress this down with flat sandals and gold bangles. This is a great classic in pink that would also be super with a blazer and heels for a party or dinner later in the year.

If you want a top.. here’s a few that will pop…

I adore this floral top you could pair with linen pants in summer and later some faux leather trousers. The ombre sequin button-down comes in petite and plus also and would be cute with soft blue jeans and pretty sandals. This organza beaded blouse would be cool with black dressy shorts or flowey linen pants.

Destination Fabulous

Thanks to my Insta friend Jude, I am working my way through this fabulous book and marking so many great passages. It has hugely inspired me -especially on a week I have a 40 year reunion..

Destination Fabulous is by Anna Murphy, the Fashion Director of The Times in the UK, and I have shared her book, How Not To Wear Black before. This latest book is about rethinking mid-life and aging. It’s all about changing mindset and rejecting society’s expectations on aging. Instead of disparaging our age we should be finding what and who we really want to be. This half of life should be liberating and the best part.

She also wrote this in reaction to being one of the only fashion people in the Front Row of fashion shows that hasn’t done botox and fillers.. This is her on the Times magazine..

The truth is in America we get a very skewed view of aging when everyone on tv has unreal aging – we see it on newscasters or the Kardashians/Real Housewives/and on actors. We need to see LESS of that and more real faces. No wonder we are hard on ourselves.

Anna’s aim is not to judge people who have chosen this route, but to realize this ‘way of aging’ is being sold to us, and it’s not a long term solution… She suggests we age naturally with less invasive alternatives and find more to love and feel beautiful about in ourselves besides unlined skin.

She has great natural tips and that include face, hair, body and dressing.

In a culture where we are told we need fillers, thin bodies and hair dye to remain relevant, Anna has embraced none of that- and exudes a vibrancy and youthfulness no vial could buy. She does it through her attitude of exploration, positivity and taking care of her self, and having a hell of a good time with her clothes too.

This book will make you rethink what we are being programmed to believe about our mid-life selves. We need positive reinforcement about how fantastic this part should be -and is.

Someone said this book can be life changing and I could not agree more.

You can also follow Anna on her Instagram.. I love her exuberant style..

The closing of SF Nordstrom and its success story

Back in May, Peter Hartlaub of the Chronicle wrote a piece about the opening of the beautiful San Francisco Nordstrom back in 1988 and its lasting impact on the area. I remember it well, working for Nordstrom at the time and it was a huge deal when that incredible store opened….

For all the negative we hear about SF, this was an uplifting story that gives hope.

The closure, on Friday, can be seen as a huge failure. I think it is sad, but the retail landscape is changing. People no longer flock to malls as they once did, and so many now love to shop online. The pandemic also seemed to be the death knell of malls and large retail stores, as people learned to rely on delivered goods.

You could say the homeless issue was also part of the cause of this, but the true back story of this Nordstrom was that it was a real gamble to place it on Market in the first place, instead of upscale Union Square back in 1988. People called the area seedy even in the 1980’s and Emporium at the other end of this mall had struggled for years with the street people and panhandlers. My aunt was a buyer for the Emporium and knew the struggles.

The Nordstrom family took a gamble and bought the top floors for themselves at a bargain and later helped develop the parking garage and more. People said shoppers wouldn’t come to this upscale retailer in a crime ridden area, but they did -and how they did! The store was a huge success and beat all the dire predictions about it.

Look at this incredible photo of the unique spiral escalators that brought people to the top floors on opening day Oct 7, 1988, by The Chronicle’s Frederic Larson.. (This amazing building should not be torn down!)

San Francisco Centre on opening day 1988.

60,000 people visited the first day by noon. That is not a typo. From the article:

“The mall contracted 18 valet parkers, but it wasn’t enough. The upscale store with its Champagne bar, spa, fireplace and piano player did $2 million in business on its first day. It had what Nordstrom officials later called “without a doubt … our strongest opening in Nordstrom history.”

By taking the chance, Nordstrom paved the way for others in that area, the SFMOMA, Yerba Buena gardens, Moscone Center, upscale hotels, and the Salesforce Building and park and so much more. I hope Nordstrom will continue to thrive. They just did the same in a down area of New York City a few years back..

I think nearly 38 years on, the struggles with the homeless are still in this area, and clearly the city, no matter who runs it- has to take action that works and look to others cities that have done better. The city has had decades to fix this and they still haven’t. II know there is a solution out there.

I just like people to know this has been a struggle for a long time and kudos to Nordstrom for all they did for San Francisco..The entire article here.

If you missed last week’s post, it was a walk through some of the prettiest staircases of San Francisco, what to do with your tomato bounty, cute sneakers, and a podcast you will enjoy..

That’s it for this week.. I’ll share all about my reunion next week!

I hope you have a lovely weekend,

Kim

Please stop by Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs..

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

PINECONES AND ACORNS

If you’d like to get an email when I publish, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month and every Saturday for Weekend Meanderings.

Some links will generate a small commission here, which helps make this blog possible. Thanks so much for your support!

Fresh Kitchen Inspiration, The Historic Claremont Hotel, and Chic Shorts

July 29, 2023 By kimwheeler 36 Comments

A great new book with fresh ideas on kitchen renovations, our stay at the historic Claremont Hotel in Berkeley, easy chic shorts, a glamorous outdoor birthday bash, and chat about the Barbie movie..

Are you thinking of remodeling your kitchen or updating it? Before you go on Pinterest and see a million white perfect kitchens, you need to read Uncommon Kitchens by former House Beautiful editor, Sophie Donelson.

This book shows you how the heart of the home can be fun, different and not so generic. We don’t need to choose a white counter and a white backsplash!

There are so many options, but when you start the remodel process, we all tend to go with the safe options. The best for resale options. Forget that and create a home that feel authentically you. That’s what these people have done.. The advice in this book is new and fun.

A few photos from the book..

There’s something about a cluttered Downton Abbey style old kitchen that is so appealing to me.. Also lovely are the streamlined modern ones with fresh colors and rustic touches..

The book has excellent advice about getting out of the cookie cutter box called the kitchen and creating something totally different. None of the appliances and cabinets are set in stone and it is freeing to consider the possibilities. Many of these kitchen were remodels where the original kitchen was left intact and tweaked.. The interviews with the designers and owners give you so many lightbulb moments.. Like that kitchen choices are not irreversible there are many ways to change things up for a new look!

On My Radar Chic Shorts..

During summer I’m usually a sundress person, but with the elastic waist pull on short that is everywhere, many very chic looking, I have been spending a lot of this summer in shorts. They are just so comfy!

I especially love the ones in gauze material that require zero ironing like these from Madewell..now on sale..

I have also been wearing this pair with paper bag waist I shared previously from Rails and they also have a cute stripe one in stripes with a drawstring…

One look I have been wearing a lot are the Rails Leighton short and top in cream ( I also have the top in black. I wear Medium.) I love these little tops which are supposedly cropped, but on my 5’4 frame they just work with mid-rise to high waist pants and shorts… They come in a variety of colors.

How cute is the same short and top in blue? The Hibiscus color with the long sleeve top is also so good. I bought these shorts in small as they run slightly big. The gauze is so good for hot weather and travel.

Short sets have been on my radar. I’m seeing them all over. Matching sets reminds me of the Slim Aarons’ pics from decades past. I’d add cute sandals and jewelry to these and wear them out for evening too.

I found more cute pull-on shorts at Target and most are no longer online, but these tan animal print shorts are and I love the big pockets. Very comfy..

By the way, my legs are not great, have cellulite, broken veins and lots of scars. I really stopped caring about them being perfect! You have to wear what feels good to you, but I think we’ve moved to a place where we don’t need to have 20 year old legs to wear shorts. Find a length and style that feels good to you.

For the pale legs, I can’t deal with the smell of self tanner, but have used the daily Jergens Daily one before for a little color. Juliet shared on our LIVE this week she uses the Loreal Glotion bronzer and so have I, which can just rub in like lotion and it gives a bit of a glow and blur which is nice if you feel you need color.

The Claremont Hotel

Have you stayed at the Claremont Hotel before? Last week Max and I were invited to a special birthday party for my friend Elizabeth. It was an evening soirée, so we stayed at a hotel as she lives more than an hours drive away. Both Juliet and Elizabeth live in Orinda, and they recommended the Claremont. I was excited to see this historic and beautiful hotel in person!

The area where the hotel is situated captures a stunning view of the San Francisco Bay and the skyline of San Francisco. The site with 13,000 acres was originally bought in the mid 19th century by William Thornburgh, who became wealthy from the Gold Rush and built a castle like home. A fire destroyed all the area, and it was sold it all to an investors who envisioned a luxury resort. Building was begun in 1906, and opened in time for 1915 for the Panama-Pacific Exposition.

The famous spa and tennis courts were added in later years, as well as a rail link called the Key Line, that ran out the back steps of the hotel over the Bay Bridge to San Francisco in 1939, which was removed with so many other rail lines in the late 50’s. More about the hotel history here and here. The hotel is now run by Fairmont and has great service and we thought the food was excellent too.

We booked a Deluxe Room, which was not inexpensive….Still when we checked in, our room faced a roof full of air conditioning units and a dark hillside. I called down and very politely asked for a change. The people at the desk asked if I’d be willing to throw down another $100 for a great room with a view, and I acquiesced. I figured I was already out a bit what’s another $100?

We wandered the grounds while that room was getting prepped.. We checked out the fantastic pool and health club, a cute snack spot and the main restaurant…It was an unusually hot day and the pool was full of families, many who belong to this as a club.

When we returned the kind lady at the desk gave us the key and to our surprise gave us the Tower Suite! That’s the top room which has it’s own rooftop patio… Big enough for a party. We couldn’t believe it! We were thrilled and then realized we had to scramble and get ready for the party.. I wore a vintage Trina Turk I’ve had and love.

In the morning we choose to order room service so we could spend more time in our very cool room. We watched the fog roll in and out with our coffee and the zillion dollar view of the Bay and SF skyline! The smoothies were excellent.

So the moral is I guess, always ask nicely for a better room? I highly recommend a visit to this beautiful historic hotel. If you can, ask for the Tower Suite because it may not be occupied like the night we were there.

If we had more time, we would have tried the spa and the restaurant. It’s a beautiful spot for a night away and exploring cool Berkeley. After checking out, we took a meander through the darling town. It’s been too long and I had forgotten about all the charming streets and ivy covered homes.

Contessa’s Soirée

Our friend Elizabeth, who we call the Contessa, had a lovely outdoor garden dinner party for her 63rd birthday. It was in her favorite colors green, yellow and orange and guests and her tables were adorned in the color. Elizabeth and her husband Giampiero are the best hosts. More about it on my Instagram this week, and on Elizabeth’s blog with all the details- flowers, her beautiful dishes and linens and her opera photo op…. here!

Elizabeth in sequins with Giampiero..and her stunning table. Don’t you love the colors? Guys were instructed to wear boutonieres and ladies caftans.

I was excited Max got to meet Juliet’s husband Jim and Giampiero. So many lovely people it was an unforgettable night in true Contessa style!

I think as we get older the most fun may be to throw your own party. Take a cue from Elizabeth and style your own party, with your favorites colors, food, music and with those you love!

The Barbie Movie

Our weekend was so busy and fun and we rushed back to catch the Barbie movie as Jackson’s girlfriend Kristin bought us all tickets a few weeks prior. She asked us all to wear some pink and the guys complied too. Griffin was home for a few days so we all went along with her family. It was good people watching – many dressed in pink and I have not seen so many women at a movie in a long while.

One of the most entertaining parts of the film is seeing the sets which were built like a real Barbie doll house size and 23% smaller than ordinary furniture as Barbie’s dream house it. They did a fantastic job and there was no computer graphics which is hard to believe.

The message was a good one.. lots to think about. Some hilarious parts and Ryan Gosling was excellent as Ken. A part that stuck with me- Barbie ( Margot Robie) must leave her stilettos behind and wear Birkenstocks to journey to the real world.. and then its shocked to see it’s not run by women, but rather men. For Ken it’s a dream and he can’t wait to share the patriarchal world he finds with the other Kens. Yikes.

We still live in a patriarcial world. Men are most of the leaders of the world. Men are the reason for our wars and political strife. If women ran the world, I believe we’d be in a much better place. That’s what was on my brain when I went home that night. What is stopping us from running the world and why its it taking so long? Why are men in our own country trying to turn the clock back on everything?

I’m curious to hear your thoughts if you went.

Home of the week..

Finally more homes are up for sale and I had some time to peruse and this little gem in Carmel by the Sea is a dream. If I won the lotto, I’d buy this place in an instant. I love the beautiful windows, pretty kitchen and multiple patios and decks…

On Tuesday’s post, I joined my dear pal Annie of Most Lovely things for her Tartine Tuesday using California plums and apricots. My blog and recipe here– and Annie’s with strawberries and goat cheese here.

If you missed last weekend’s post, I shared, Slim Aarons’ beautiful photography, and choosing wallpaper for bedrooms.

Thanks for being here and have a lovely weekend!

Kim

Please visit my pals Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs..

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

PINECONES AND ACORNS

If you’d like to get an email when I publish, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month and every Saturday for Weekend Meanderings.

Some links will generate a small commission here, which helps make this blog possible. Thanks so much for your support!

Slim Aarons’ Style and Bedroom Wallpapers

July 21, 2023 By kimwheeler 50 Comments

On this weekend post, Slim Aarons’ beautiful photography, and choosing wallpaper for bedrooms.

This week it’s a short post. My son Griffin is home for a few days and I had less time for blogging..It’s been nice having him here. He’s has been working in Utah where he goes to school and enjoying some camping.

Serena & Lily Carson bench with blue pillows

I can’t believe he’s starting is senior year of college in a few weeks. I still get happy when I see his huge shoes in the entry. ( Honestly I don’t know how his shoes get so beat.)

Last weekend we had to get back up to the cabin. Our refrigerator gave up the ghost and after Max tried unsuccessfully to resuscitate it, we had new one delivered from Lowes in Reno. I think the hard winter did it in.. There was a bright spot though, hanging with our friends Elaine and Todd who were also in Tahoe..

Tahoe Tavern

Elaine and her husband Todd invited us over to their townhouse in the historic Tahoe Tavern. We took a walk on the beautiful dock and the pool set on the West Shore of Tahoe. I shared this on my Instagram this week, but I knew right away I was looking at an iconic photo when we walked up to their pool….

I later found the photo and sure enough it was a famous Slim Aaron’s photo of Tahoe Tavern in 1959. Slim traveled all through the Tahoe region and published many of his iconic pictures are set at the CalNeva Lodge, Zephyr Cove, and the Nevada side.

I went back and with the help of Todd, took a photo in nearly the same spot! Fortunately the beautiful property at Tahoe Taverns and the pool, retain the charm. Only things missing are the diving board and at the becapped swimmers..

Since the photo on my Instagram got so much chat and attention, I thought I’d share a little more about Slim..

Slim Aarons

Long before Instagram was making beautiful people in beautiful locations a thing, Slim Aarons was creating a world of a similar sort. Slim, born George Aarons in 1916, begin his foray into photography taking photos at West Point and later earned a Purple Heart as an Army combat photographer in some brutal conflicts in North Africa and Europe.

In the post-war era, wanting escape, he shifted to shooting what he called ‘attractive people doing attractive things in attractive places,’ for Life, Town & Country, and Holiday magazine. The world was ready for fun and frivolity after the war, and he had a way of documenting it like art, making the setting as important as the subject.

I first became aware of Slim Aarons’ world when I came across this book at my grandmother’s church bazaar. Bored and sifting through some dusty books, this gem popped out at me like a ray of sun on an overcast day. Inside are vintage photos of the good life from San Francisco to Palm Beach, places like Acapulco and Capri.. ski slopes, beaches, polo fields and beyond..

I was entranced by the Kodachrome images of bright clothes, bejeweled people and aqua blue pools..No one looked perfect, but they all had a certain kind of style that was so appealing. A Wonderful Time was released in 1974. I bought the book probably in the early 90’s. Much later, maybe at the advent of Instagram or Pinterest, Slim’s photos had a resurgence again.

Slim ( a nickname due to his 6’4 stature), melded easily with the society groups and celebrities and thus was allowed in where others weren’t. It was only later revealed after his death, unknown to his wife and daughter, he was actually the son of poor Yiddish Immigrants and had a mother with mental health struggles. He was not a New Hampshire orphan as he claimed.

What a life he created! He captured a time and place, the post-war era like no one else.. A few of my favorite photos from the style book.. Many of these photos remind me of my grandmother and mom..

You can still buy Slim Aaron’s prints and originals. The originals will cost you more, some in the thousands, but official prints can be found at Ist Dibs, and Chairsh and auction houses.

Prints like Tennis in the Bahamas ( one of my favorites) and the Tahoe pic and the Neutra House in Palm Springs and more can be found here, thought I’m not sure they are licensed and you have to frame them yourself.

It seems like a new Slim book comes out every few years and often with new photos from his huge archive housed at Getty Images.

I own two newer books, Slim Aarons Poolside, and Slim Aarons Style. Adore both… I give the Style book an edge with it’s writing and background and more unique photos I haven’t seen-and both have Tahoe photos in them.

All the Slim Aaron’s books here and a new book Slim Aarons The Essential Collection will be published in October and you can pre-order it.

If you love Slim Aaron’s Style as much as I do there are a few ways to bring that same vibe to your look.. Do you own any vintage jewelry? You’ll notice in theses photos, everyone has fabulous costume gems on. I especially love the large earrings and the chunky bracelets. I have many of my grandmother and mom’s vintage earrings.. I wear them when I go to a fun party or feel festive.
I brought these to Hawaii which were my grandmother’s…

Shop for colorful pieces and things that have a vintage feel! You can find unique vintage pieces on Etsy.

Anther cool idea is to find vintage family photos and have them blown up at places like FedEx. Photos from the same era look like a Slim Aarons and are even more special if your family is in them! I plan on doing this myself and will share.. I just have to find the time.

Choosing wallpaper for bedroom…

Thanks for hanging with me through this bedroom finishing. I appreciate all the feedback and now that I have the bed.. It was good to hear your thoughts on the nightstand and though there were so many choices ( all of them here if you missed it), I think I am going with the Villandry fro Ballard below..

I am pushing through to choose wallpaper.. My normal MO at this stage would be to check out and I am forcing myself to compete this! I think the fact that it’s not a ‘public’ room, it’s easy for us to do the least for a main bedroom. I decided to wallpaper the whole space, not just one wall.

This is what it I narrowed it to..

Twiggy Sisal in Sky below left, or Fog below right, by Schumacher…

So far the Sky is our top choice…

I also adore pretty Acanthus also by Schumacher..

Aventurine has a subtle look and is a performance type that can also be wiped down. Maybe I should use that instead for my long wall and entry?

From Serena & Lily …I like this blue Deauville paper …

I also like their Palmetto paper

If we go with the Sky colorway of the Twiggy Sisal..Here’s my collage/mood board for this space..

I love this Merrin Rug . It’s hard to find rugs with aqua colors in them. This has a faded look and hopefully wouldn’t be busy with the wallpaper. The Villandry Nightstand with the bamboo and caning look is my favorite.. We already have the Bernhardt Bed and the Serena & Lily chair. I really want a full-length mirror I can lean on a wall and I think this Mallorca Mirror is so pretty. Hmm decisions! I love both lamps.. The shape of the shade small cream one is kind of nice, but then so is the pretty floral….

I’m going for serene and I think this mix feels like it…

California beachy bedroom with aqua tones.

bed/ wallpaper/ rug/ nightstand/ mirror/ stool/ chair/ pillow/ floral lamp/ cream lamp/

I’ll be back next week with On My Radar and other fun things. Hope you have a lovely weekend.

Thanks for being here,

Kim

Please visit my pals Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs..

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

PINECONES AND ACORNS

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Style at Ralph Lauren’s Wimbledon & Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks

July 14, 2023 By kimwheeler 19 Comments

On this post – stylish people and pretty surroundings at the Ralph Lauren Suite at Wimbledon, inspiring stories from the tournament, and what I’m buying at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale…

Well hello here we are in mid July ..hard to believe. The heat is coming and I am dealing with the downtime with tv tennis…I am grateful for the distraction and fun of Wimbledon in this heat!

I am enjoing every second of Wimbledon and I know a lot of you are with me. Even my friends who don’t play tennis love it…I find it so fun to have on all the time. Maybe because it’s one of the few sports that isn’t loud and- well it is all very polite and proper isn’t it? I love the tennis whites that are required, the spectator style which is much fancier than other sporting events, the strawberries and cream.. and of course Pimm’s Cups!

Pimm’s Cups

I adore Pimm’s and when you are visiting England in the summer, it is offered everywhere. Whether you are at a pub, castle, museum or cafe, you’ll find it on the summer menu. It’s a light on alcohol cocktail ( we need more of those), that tastes like an ice tea. It is usually served with strawberries, cucumber and mint as garnish and a lot of ice. It’s the perfect refreshing drink on a summer’s day. I promise you will love them!

You can make a little pitcher if you are having friend’s over- and if you are watching Wimbledon you can serve them!

Pimm’s Cup

A light on alcohol refreshing summer drink. The drink of Wimbledon that says English Summer in a cup.

5 from 3 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Drinks

Cuisine British

Servings 1

Ingredients

2 oz Pimm's Number 1 Pimm's is a gin-based liquer with botanical and fruit notes.
4 oz Lemon-lime soda (Sprite or 7Up like), or ginger ale. In the U.K. they call lemon sparkling sodas lemonade, but they are not the same as American lemonade -so do not use that. Schweppes Lemonade is great, otherwise go with a Sprite type of soda or I like ginger ale- not ginger beer.
1 Persian Cucumber
2-4 fresh strawberries, cleaned and halved
1-2 sprigs fresh mint
1-2 slice apple

Instructions

Use the 1 part Pimm's to 2 part soda formula for a single drink. Pour over a tall glass with ice and stir. Garnish with cucumber spears, strawberries, mint springs and an apple slice or two.
To make a pitcher use the same part formula and have the extras in glasses to garnish as each person wishes.
On this photo I used Elderflower 'Lemonade' soda from the UK also excellent and found at World Market. I also used lemon or tangerine slices if I ahem them on hand.

There is also a Pimm’s Spritz recipe that is going around ( in case you’re over Aperol), and that adds prosecco to the mix in a one part Pimm’s, one part sparkling wine, and one part lemon soda.. I sort of prefer the lighter alcohol version myself.

Wimbledon chat and spectator style…

The Wimbledon weeks may be my favorite part of summer and the best years to me are always the ones with players making Cinderella runs. It’s never the superstars winning again. I love seeing underdogs come up the ranks, especially those who are older and have been hanging on the tour in the 100’s and beyond for years.

This year has been exceptional as two unexpected players had their moments in the sun and what fun.

American Christopher Eubank is a 27 year old who long lingered at the 100’s and was even a sportscaster for the Tennis Channel for a while. He played for Georgia Tech, but had not had much luck as a pro. He came to this tournament and plowed his way through some very tough opponents including number 4 Tsitsipas. His streak ended with a grueling five setter with Medvedev, world number 3, in the semis. His fun demeanor and amazing ability of a 6’7 guy who seemed surprised himself, charmed the crowd. He’s has now found a place in the hearts of tennis fans and had a standing ovation as he left the Centre Court below.. I hope we see a lot more of this late bloomer!

Maybe the most inspiring yet though is the story of Ukrainian player Elina Svitolina, who came in unseeded just having a baby in October, with a wild card entry. She mowed through opponents at this tournament in some fantastic matches. In a remarkable match she beat her friend, world number one Polish player Iga Swiatek. Her attitude during this tournament has been that of luck to be there. She was undefeated until the semi’s where she lost to Czech player Vondorousova, who will play the final with Ons Jabeur.

Elina said this after beating Iga for a place in the semi-finals ..

I think the war made me stronger. I don’t take difficult situations like a disaster. There are worse things in life,” she said. “Having a child, and the war, made me a different person. I look at the things a bit differently.
Elina Svitolina

It’s incredible someone is dealing with the horrific war affecting her homeland and family was able to do this tournament.

I’m thrilled also to see another crowd favorite Ons Jabeur, of Tunisia, who they call the nicest player in tennis, still trying for the top women’s title. They say she has wizardry and loves to mix it up on the court. After defeating number 2 Sabalenka on Center Court Ons said ‘The old Ons would have lost the match and gone home. I am digging deep.’

She has a mental coach like many of the top players now have. She said she now uses anger to help her.

We could all use mental coach! I will be rooting for Ons this Saturday to win, but excited for both women as Vondorousova is also an unseeded player! An amazing final.

Spectator Style

Ralph Lauren hosts and dresses celebs for the game as they are the supplier of the Wimbledon uniforms. Juliet and I were loving the lunch tables at their tent..

How pretty are the flowers with baskets? I want to steal this idea.. We both said we adore this and the Ralph Lauren china..

Photos: Ralph Lauren Home and RL Polo and Wimbledon.

Ralph Lauren dresses some celebs and others and the look is pinstripes and preppy look.. Below Emma Thynn and Sienna Miller..

Other celebs spotted..There was a lot of white and eyelet and suit styles…

On My Radar- The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

For this week’s radar, I thought I’d share a few things I bought or have on my cart (hopefully still). things go crazy fast … I usually share my picks and by time I go shop they are all gone!

I do think Nordstrom has gone back to having some better things this year. This sale is a fall preview and the prices go back to full-price. They have with some of the nicest things I have seen in years I also like the catalog was resurrected.

If they would just let everyone shop on the same day, that would be better. I sort of hate the ‘people who spend more’ get priority BS. Plus I never know if I am what level.. Could be a me problem.. LOL.

I wear silver jewelry and this sterling Monica Vinader charm bracelet is versatile as links can be easily removed or added and each link opens to add charms. I was thinking of adding my mom’s old silver charms and other silver pendants I have to this to create something unique.

I mentioned these Olu Kai flip-flops that I live in on my Hawaii post. These are nearly identical. I have the black and I just ordered the silver! I can’t stop wearing them.

I feel like I wear Ray-Ban Wayfarers 99% of my life, so I was excited to see this new version in a clear frame. I love the shape of these frames and the lenses are always excellent.

The nicest robe– okay this isn’t on the sale, but I just bought it for a friend who has been needing some extra love. It’s the softest summer robe and I liked it so much I went back and got one for me too. It’s cozy without being too warm. Perfect for our cool California mornings and nights.

I always try and look ahead to fall with this Anniversary sale ( since it had it’s origins as an autumn preview), and buy a pair of jeans. I perused ALL the jeans ( there is still a load of skinny- who is still wearing them?), and choose these mid-rise straight legs from Madewell. I have another pair of their Kick Out Crops and I like the longish ankle grazing length and fit. I think this casual wash will be good paired with sweaters and so much else.

I also spotted this new Clementine dress from Rails on the sale. I adore Rails and it’s a good one to wear now, and with these tones into fall with boots and a jacket or sweater. I like that it’s cotton, not polyester…Their dresses are well made and have skirt slips already built in. This style will flatter most everyone.

If you missed it, this week was my monthly Signature Style with Cindy and this week we shared our swimsuits and coverups. If you need a good one, check out the posts. My post here and Cindy’s here.

Juliet also did a great post on white dresses– who doesn’t love them for summer?

I hope you are enjoying some lovely summer days.

Thanks for being here,

Kim

Please visit my pals Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs..

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

PINECONES AND ACORNS

If you’d like to get an email when I publish, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month and every Saturday for Weekend Meanderings.

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What to Pack & Wear for Tahoe- Summertime Edition

May 16, 2023 By kimwheeler 25 Comments

On this post, tips on what to pack and what people are wearing in Lake Tahoe at the summertime!

In my mind there is no more magical spot than Lake Tahoe in the summertime. I spent my summers on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe as a girl. My parents would save their money and rent a cabin or A-frame in Chamber’s Landing, which had a terrific beach. I still think the best summer day is one spent biking in swimsuit to the beach and ending with an ice cream cone from the corner grocer..You can still do that on the West Shore and the pine scent of the air and the cold lake on a hot day just brings back those memories of carefree kid days. The West Shore still feels very much old school in that way to me..

I am so fortunate to now own a small vintage kit cabin not far from that same area on the West Shore.. I count down the days until I can be there. Now that I have spent more seasons recently here, I feel like I can give tips about what you need for a getaway here.. The fact is, I always overpack and wear the same things on repeat as it is VERY casual everywhere.

Tahoe is not a swanky place. In winter you sometimes see people with expensive ski jackets and such, but the truth is, at its heart Tahoe is mostly log cabins and people doing things outside!

Things to leave home– your heels and designer bags and makeup..

Things to bring- hats and sunscreen and – anything you might wear for a campfire or hike- and a few others..

Tahoe looks I wear…

A puffer with shorts and flip flops

A sundress with Tevas

Shorts over swimsuit

Cord shorts with a white blouse

Chunky sweaters with shorts

Fleece with jeans and sandals at night ( I call it the out to dinner look!)

Fleece jackets over skirts

I like to throw white jeans into the mix, a few cute pieces like a coverup and easy sundresses..The chicest people here have air dried hair and no makeup or the natural look. The biggest thing you really need is a hat and sunscreen- and good sunglasses. The higher altitudes makes it an easy place to get super burned even on a cloudy day..

A few looks from the past year or so..

What to Pack for Tahoe May – October

As in most of California, nights and mornings are cool, especially in the Sierras. Make sure you bring lots of layers and warm jackets as well as swim gear and shorts.

Light jacket – ideal would be a light puffer, or windbreaker
Fleece or sweatshirt for cooler days and nights
Several t-shirts long sleeve and short
Leggings or athletic sporty pants- or beach pants like these.
Jeans – and I’ll bring a white pair too
Windbreaker or light jacket- this by Vuori is nice.
Shorts
Swimsuits and rash guard
Coverup- or one that can double as a dress- This is almost just like mine on bike and this is similar .
Casual sundress or two.
Button up blouse to pair with shorts or pants for going out.
Tevas or some kind of sporty sandal.
Flip flops I love these by Olukai.
Hats-one with a cord for biking or boating and beach or a baseball cap.
Sneakers or hiking shoes.
Sunscreen.. I love this one.
A mini backpack or sling bag you can take on hikes and walks.
Sunglasses- I love Ray-Bans. This is a new style thats cool and the classic ones are my everyday pair.

Great pieces to consider:

Love this Uniqlo ultralight puffer and this windbreaker is also a great one.

I wear shorts most of the time in summer in Tahoe and these J. Crew Chinos and these Carve cord shorts are my go-tos.

I always have hats and I love ones with cords so I can wear them riding my bike or on a kayak or raft. This is a crushable option from Carve and this is another option – both with cords.

I love this rash guard/sun dress by Carve. Very flattering and with UPF 50 coverage, which you need up here in the mountains and on the water.

I always have a felt hat I bought in Switzerland at the hardware store! I wear mine in the fall and spring a lot in Tahoe. This one is very similar.

You have to have sandals for the beach in Tahoe. It’s super rocky.. I have these thin strapped Tevas – my favorite shoe to wear up there.

You need casual pair of jeans or sport pants. I love these Carson relaxed jeans and these Vuori Ripstop pants and these joggers for comfy cabin time.

These new Ray-Bans are pretty and come in a deep blue and this gray.

Photos are linked…

You have to have one of these. You can jam it in a bag.

Great if you need a cord for wind for the beach,boating or biking

Love these sneakers that are uber comfy.

If you are visiting Tahoe and need ideas for the West Shore this post has some of my favorite spots…and if you are going in winter you may like this post with a Tahoe Winter Ski look.

Now please stop by my friends who are sharing their tips for packing and holidays in their special parts of the country..

Cindy Hattersley Design

Fashion Should Be Fun

Thanks for stopping by! I’d love to hear what you bring to Tahoe or favorite spots there..

Pleases leave a note in comments. Hoping you all get a little lake time soon!

Kim

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How to Style White Denim!

May 11, 2023 By kimwheeler 40 Comments

Today on the blog, styling white denim, some shopping tips and current trends. White jeans are something we all have in the closet, but some pairs are more flattering than others. Let’s talk about what works..and how to wear them.

I am excited to join some friends today …and we are all chatting about white denim! I’m a huge lover of white jeans. I like white denim in summer and spring with pretty blouses, strappy flat sandals, and also with solid basics like grey, camel, navy and black.

Michael Kors often talks about how to look wealthy ( or how to fake it he says), and one of his pieces in Bazaar called, ‘How to Look Like a Million Bucks,’ involved a stack of fresh little black t-shirts every season and white jeans ala- Jackie O. I keep that image in my mind when I think of how I want to look in white jeans. I love the slightly cropped straight white pant she was wearing here. That’s a very current and flattering look.. Grazing the ankle. Frank & Eileen has a similar trouser jean here I’ve been wanting. It’s pricey, but their things are really nicely made and tailored..

For flattering white jeans..

Buy a thicker material. You do not want your jeans to be see-through.
Go for a straight leg, not a jegging or skinny fit!
Consider where they fall. Just above ankle can look great with most shoes. Much shorter and you risk wearing capris, which isn’t as flattering. A longer flare can work with a heel.
Look at the material. You want a tiny percentage of synthetic with the cotton for comfort. If you get 100% cotton they will be stiffer, but they also won’t lose their shape at all. Some of the baggier new styles are all cotton.

Here’s a few ways I’ve been wearing my white denim lately.. I’ve been wearing a lot of gold colors, tans and black in this transitional season..Short jackets like this cropped trench is another I love with my white jeans.. I added a slim jacket with the baggier jeans on left.

This Rails Steffi Jacket above has been a great piece I have worn with so much..

The little denim jacket is always a good partner too….This one was a great price.

Below, my favorites and some current options that are intriguing…All are linked on photos..

These mid-rise come in petite, tall, regular and plus sizing.

Some styling ideas…

White jeans with white blouses is one of my favorite looks. I have a collection of white blouses and I like to pair them with white denim.. This is a baggier pair by Mother in the middle, and the J Crew straight vintage on the left.

White jeans and black..and tan or grey..Always a classic- winter or summer. And yes you should wear white jeans in winter with sweaters and jackets like I did this year… It feels resort-ish in the middle of dreary weather..

Baggier white jeans and skinnier tops and jackets.. This is a modern look and pairing the bigger pant with a more fitted top half will prevent you from looking blocky. Balance the wider pant with a longer slim jacket, or top and a more feminine shoe like a pretty sandal, heel, or a flat with a pointed toe will help..

White denim and blue shirts is another favorite look..The middle one from Rails is the Camille top and I love the style and it comes in a pretty white and rose.

I also love a white blazer and white jeans and it looks so good on Olympia Gayot of J. Crew..A good white denim jacket is a must have as well in the closet! J. Crew has a white denim version of their lady jacket which is fun…

A few other jacket options…links on photos.

I hope this gave you some ideas for styling your white denim! Remember think Jackie O when you choose them and style them. Go for classic looks. You can also follow me on Pinterest and my board White Jeans Forever!

Now check out what ideas and tips my friends have for you white denim..

Most Lovely Things

Cindy Hattersley Design

Classic Casual Home

Design Indulgence

La Vie on Grand

Thanks for stopping by,

Kim

If you’d like to get an email when I publish, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month and every Saturday for Weekend Meanderings.

Some links will generate a small commission here, which helps make this blog possible. Thanks so much for your support!

Weekend- Finding French ‘Joie’, a Chic Tote and Cute Inexpensive Summer Sandal

April 28, 2023 By kimwheeler 44 Comments

It’s time for weekend meander.. with my pals Elizabeth and Juliet! On this post, a book all about finding French Joie, a chic woven tote, rattan hurricanes and the cutest inexpensive sandals you need for summer.

Garden Talk

How was your week? We have had some really lovely weather. I’ve been paddling around barefoot in the yard and putting in some new plants and flowers. I feel positively euphoric after this long dark winter. I finally got some pretty plants for the front porch and I asked Instagram pals what survives hot weather… This spot get so much heat in the afternoon. Thanks to everyone’s suggestions, I ended up with these fabulous geraniums that were at my local OSH.

I was advised to try marigolds, succulents, dianthus, lobelia, sunpatiens, and lavender. Our garden center had such slim pickings though geraniums were all I could find. They were huge and lovely, so I hope they will survive. I also put in some kangaroo paws and another hummingbird favorites like yarrow in a few pots on the porch. I love seeing the porch with flowers and birds!

Guys, I have to be totally honest, my beautiful California native front yard was looking like an abandoned lot after all the rains. We do NOT use poisons or weed killers, so it was quite the train wreck. I found a wonderful garden guy who is helping me and Max maintain it, but it’s been a rough patch. It’s finally looking a bit normal, but it’s been a battle. I had no idea al this rain could wreak havoc.

Next week I will start my tomatoes in the garden, so if you were waiting for the right time, my gardener dad says next week we should be good one to begin digging for us garden peeps here in California! So start getting your beds ready.

French Joie

What is it about the French? All I have to do is read a few paragraphs about how they live and I can feel my blood pressure lower.

Last week I ordered the new book Joie, by Ajiri Aki. I follow her Instagram and was reading a bit about the book on Vogue. I clicked over to read the book sample and was hooked. It’s a lovely book, filled with little encouragements to take some cues from the French and live a less fraught, less hurried life with the goal of finding the ‘joie’ in all the little things.

Ajiri is so fun and relatable. She’s an American of Nigerian descent who grew up in Texas, and spent time in New York before landing in Paris where she married a German and is raising her darling kids. Many things in this book remind us to slow down and stop rushing through life! This book also made me laugh. I loved her story of getting baguettes for the French parents at the super marche instead of a bakery (to their horror), and also wondering why people had so much time to hang out and socialize, when there was work to do. So American!

My takeaway from this book is to stop stressing about everything. Take more time for loafing and smelling the flowers. It’s good for the soul. We have no chill here. The tips on beauty.. the French love themselves as they are.. wrinkles and flaws included.. We need to wear less makeup, let hair dry naturally, dress to appreciate the bodies we have and feel good in our own skin! We Americans try too hard and it shows. Frankly, I’m ready to try try the French method. Check back if I start looking like a street person in a few months… just kidding! Let’s all try and be more French shall we?

This book would be a lovely gift for Mother’s Day or a friend. You can buy it here and follow Ajiri here on Instagram and where she sells her French tabletop treasures at Madame de la Maison. She will be in the Bay Area next weekend signing books- in Oakland at Sweet July and at SF’s Hudson Grace, if you’d like to meet her. More on that here.

Speaking of France…. Max and I are going to try and throw together a trip in early summer there. We had a trip planned last fall, but Max and his entire team was laid off where he worked and we were sort of unsure about going as he had to interview for other positions. He began a new job in January and we are hoping to do the trip we had planned to Paris and Loire Valley…

I am mentioning because I am wondering if anyone has recommendations for towns or hotels they like in those spots? We stayed in an apartment in Paris years ago, but have not been to the Loire region! You guys always know the best places and have great tips, so thank you for anything you have!

On my radar

I was inspired by the Joie book and went and bought myself some flowers for the week and this little yellow bunch ( sorry I don’t know name) for $5.99 from Trader Joes of course, made me feel so happy and still are each time I walk into my office!

I have had the hurricane I used as a vase here for a long time. The closest I could find that was a decent price was this at Wayfair. It would be pretty with a candle in it when not being used as a vase, or even as a utensils and spoon holder on a kitchen counter.

Jeffery Campbell makes fun shoes and his take on the Gucci sandal in rubber is really cute for $44 and in four colors, I can’t decide which to get! It’s the perfect little shoe to tuck in a bag for a getaway, for poolside, or with a pretty pedicure and white jeans…without the Gucci price. Anthro has all four colors. Shop all his cool shoes here.

I was at the mall last weekend and saw this uber cute tote. I thought it was a Valentino with it’s puckered look, but it’s actually an AllSaints and I love the two tones and that it has both shoulder straps and handles. This might be my new go to bag for the warmer months. More color variations here.

This dress…

I know I shared this H&M dress last week and I was excited to already get to wear it. I had it on all day Friday and it’s super comfy. It may be my favorite little day dress in the closet right now. I am going to order a black or pink version before it sells out..like the blue stripe has already. I bought a Medium and I am 5’4 and 138 pounds. The sewing and material are very nice and the sleeves make this a more expensive looking piece, but what a great grab and go everyday dress!

Keep Tahoe Blue- the history behind it

Max forwarded me this terrific article on the history of the Keep Tahoe Blue stickers and the foundation and history behind it. Did you know back in the 50’s they proposed a high speed freeway ringing the lake, housing for 500,000, and a bridge over Emerald Bay? Once they realized the clarity of our mountain lake was vulnerable – science and those in the community got together. What they have built and protected is impressive. Read the fascinating history here.. and you can follow @KeepTahoeBlue .

Japan Travel & Packing

If you missed it, I had fun this week sharing a guest post on travel to Japan, by my dear friend Jeanne Chan, who just came back. She has been there before and knows what to pack, where to go and shop, and most important, some of the tricks and tips for travel there.

Did you know that Japan really has no public trash cans and that you have to bring your own towel or hanky for the bathrooms? So many interesting things.. Read Jeanne’s travelogue and good travel tips here.

And if you have a getaway to Mexico don’t miss Juliet’s post last week on what to pack here!

On last weekend’s post, I shared thoughts on Earth Day, a new Ethos stores, the perfect spring and summer sandal, an empowering book, a charming San Diego beach house, and thoughts on the Brooke Shield’s documentary.

Have a beautiful weekend,

Kim

Please visit my pals Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs..

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

PINECONES AND ACORNS

If you’d like to get an email when I publish, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month and every Saturday for Weekend Meanderings.

Some links will generate a small commission here, which helps make this blog possible. Thanks so much for your support!

Early Spring Outfit, Sargent at The Legion, and More SF Stairs

February 17, 2023 By kimwheeler 26 Comments

The John Singer Sargent in Spain show at The Legion of Honor, more San Francisco Stairs to discover, early spring outfits and more

How was your Valentines week? For Valentine’s I made Max dinner using our bounty of lemons. He loves this Martha Stewart Chicken Piccata recipe, I have made forever. I also made the Nigella Madeira cake I have shared before here.. ( SO easy and fantastic.) I would have taken pics, but I was flustered making three courses and the dessert all at once.. This is my pic from summer time..

Max brought me these tulips and I’ve been enjoying the color with all my citrus..

Sargent in Spain at the Legion of Honor

For our Valentine date, Max for my took me to the Legion of Honor in San Francisco last Sunday to see Sargent in Spain. It documented American artist John Singer Sargent’s many visits to Spain over thirty years and his love for the art, architecture and culture.

Beside his works done in and inspired by Spain, it had mementos he collected and works of great Spanish artists he studied and emulated, beside his own. Two of those were El Greco, and Goya. The museum shared how this was part of Sargent’s ‘dynamic visual practice’ in which he expanded his repertoire to include so many diverse styles and mediums of art.

Sargent’s paintings of his sister and friend.. The two of them under mosquito nets they invented themselves.

We bought tickets to the exhibition ahead of time, and arrived around 11:30. We had an early lunch in the cafe, and wandered the Sargent rooms for an hour and a half. I thought it was a wonderful exhibition.

I loved this woman’s green coat and matching bag..so beautiful with her hair. Museums always seem to have the most stylish people! Her little bag is from the Super Mini Slouch bag from Anthro. My stylish pal Jeanne just bought it in orange. It includes a tiny zip pouch and comes in many colors and is a pop of color for your spring look for $46.

The Bowles Porcelains

Afterwards, I walked through the amazing Bowles porcelain collection. The collection was donated by Mrs Constance Bowles Peabody, who amassed a unique collection that spans countries and centuries. There are some exquisite pieces and the natural light of the beautiful all glass room really shows them to their advantage.

The story of Mrs Constance Bowles is interesting. She was a California native whose Irish immigrant father who worked the SF docks as a child and founded what became a huge global shipping enterprise. She married Henry Miller whose great-grandfather owned the largest amount of American land ever held. He was a rancher who once bragged he could drive his cattle from Mexico to the Oregon border without leaving his own property! Mrs Bowles family also donated two islands off the coast of Marin to the government that are now bird sanctuaries. More about Constance and these two California pioneer families in her obituary from 2016 here.

…. Those were just the two exhibits we took in that day. There is much more to see at the Legion. We also walked the grounds of lovely Lincoln Park and took in the sea views. The museum is perched over the ocean and though it was sunny, the fog was hugging the edge of the cliffs and the fog horns were sounding.

If you pay for entry to the exhibit, you can use the cost ($56 for two of us), toward a membership. I did that when I bought a few souvenir posts cards. The yearly membership is $119, so that shaves some cost off and you can revisit with a guest as much as you like to both The Legion and the De Young and also get invited to special previews and events etc..

The John Singer Sargent exhibition ends May 14, 2023, and moves on. This is it’s first stop !

More San Francisco Stairs

Afterwards, we found another of San Francisco’s famous stairs nearby. These are the Lincoln Park Steps and they are particularly pretty, and adjacent to Lincoln park, which leads to the museum.

At the museum bookshop I spotted this book which would be a good one for those who wish to explore more of San Francisco, Stairway Walks in San Francisco: The Joy of Urban Exploring. I just ordered one for Max. This staircase was on the cover!

New Jeans for Spring

While I was at the museum two people asked about my jeans. They are by Mother! I was shopping last weekend with my pal Jeanne at Stanford and saw them..I loved this new shape and that they have less stretch, but are very comfy.

They sold out of them already at Anthro, but they still have them here.. I also loved these Mother Jeans below right. Both slightly different. The one at the right has a bit more stretch and runs smaller.. I think both have an updated feel.. The wider pant being fresh and modern and the straight leg great for an everyday jean that will only get better over time. I try and buy these domestic made jeans. Mothers are made in California and though I do have inexpensive jeans too, these better made ones always seem to last me years and feel so good on.

After I bought the first pair, I went back and got the other. Since I am going for less in the closet and better, and had some money from selling clothes I had purged…I justifed both as a good 2023 wardrobe investment. Two pairs of jeans in different styles that fit and feel great will pay for themselves in amount of wears over time!

Closet Stories

Last week Max moved to Jackson’s old closet where he also has his office. It was his idea as he gets up at 5:30 many mornings to bike and it is hard to not turn on the lights, etc.

I was thrilled to have the whole remodeled closet to myself and instead of spreading out and taking up all the space, I decided this was a great time to truly purge and create a smaller wardrobe I have always wanted. I just want less and to make life simpler.

With more space I can really see what I have now. I have talked about closet cleanup many times before, so y’all probably don’t want another run down on that.. However, one thing that struck me as a good way to clean out is not to try on everything, but instead ask yourself this one question, ‘Will I choose this?’ I know with so many items in my closet the answer is ‘no.’

Let’s be honest, we all have things that we bought that still look great, were expensive, or still in style, but if you are bypassing them every time you get dressed, you should say goodbye to them. They are taking up space in you closet and your life! I think that has helped me this time more than ever.

We all have a lot of clothes and choices, and if we know we are going to choose something else, don’t hang into things just to have them. The less you have the better you dress. You also buy less. It’s quite freeing and I purged a lot.

What to do with those clothes? On my Instagram I shared my experience taking the clothes to the Crossroads Trading Company, which buys back your clothes and gives an immediate payout, unless you have something quite pricier, then they send you money when it’s sold. All the steps to do this are saved in my Closet Stories story highlights..You can also try The Real Real for selling designer items.

Early Spring Styling Ideas

After cleaning out the closet I have been thinking about what was missing and that was jeans that have a current look and straight leg and some long sleeve light tops for spring. I did a little collage with my two new pairs of jeans I linked to above..

I love this gauze cotton blouse from J. Crew which comes in pretty colors, but I like the black and white especially. The COS top has a super cute modern shape and bell sleeves I want it in white, black, but this blue would be fun with the tiny Anthro bag in green. The Chanel look sandals in a tweed and the leather slides from Madewell are great additions to update my shoe wardrobe for spring… and the small COS black shoulder bag is coolest shape to tuck under the arm or carry by its strap.

Houses of the Week- Pacific Grove

This week I wanted to highlight the charming and under the radar small town of Pacific Grove. Pacific Grove is located between Monterey and Carmel and famous for its Monarch butterflies. Steinbeck lived here for some time and most of its homes are walking distance to the rocky beaches and coast. It has a tiny downtown and homes feel more old Cape Cod than glam beach house.

The two homes I picked to share went on the market this week and darn it, both are already contingent, but I am keeping them on here anyway..

This home is surrounded by oaks and faces a pretty park..Beautifully updated.

The other is a cottage and I love the charm of this home and especially the Dutch door, the kitchen and the shelves in the only bedroom. It also faces a park…How clever is the wineglasses stored in the chandelier? The kitchen is darling!

You can peruse more Pacific Grove listings here.

If you missed last weekend’s post I shared a San Francisco brunch spot and hike, some new books, cute khaki pants, my new porch flowers and more..

Wishing you a great weekend and thanks for stopping by!

Kim

Please visit my pals Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs..

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

PINECONES AND ACORNS

If you’d like to get an email when I publish, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month and every Saturday for Weekend Meanderings.

Some links will generate a small commission here, which helps make this blog possible. Thanks so much for your support!

Dining Room Refresh Ideas, San Francisco Homes, and Cosmetics I’m Loving Now

January 21, 2023 By kimwheeler 49 Comments

On this weekend post, San Francisco houses, skincare I am loving, ideas for a dining room refresh and more..

How’s your week been? We finally ended this week with sun and I feel so upbeat and happy!

While it was dreary, I found these yellow pillows on a Homegoods run and added them to my little office to give it some brightness. A little yellow seems to be the thing just now.

Found these pillows online there that are nearly exact as mine, but with matching piping instead of the dark on mine.

I also took my dear dad for an eye surgery this week. He’s 84 and his primary recommended he get Blepharoplasty where they lift excess skin from your eye so you can see better. His insurance covers it as it affects his vision. . He’s a very active person and having his peripheral sight diminished is not great.

Many older folks just get used to it, but did you know any impairment of your vision or hearing can contribute to cognitive decline and even dementia? I just wanted to share as many of us have this hereditary issue or our parents do, and this procedure can help keep vision clearer and in turn, you can stay more active.

I will do it if I need it when the time comes and thank my dad for being a good example of taking care of yourself! He still drives everywhere, cooks a ton and gardens and I am so proud of him. It’s been almost 8 years since my mom passed and it hasn’t been easy for him, but he inspires me so much to stay busy and interested in life!

A little Dining Room refresh

Starting the new year always gets me focusing on what changes I would like to make and I’m so not excited by my dining room. I need a change in there and I think it begins with new chairs..

I fell in love with this Mesa chair and thinking of getting two for the ends at my black dining table and if I like, switch them all out.. They will make it a it more airy than my skirted chairs, which have put in their time, and I will likely sell.

Other ideas on my inspiration board…

Love these two rugs, both on huge sale plus additional now…. The Larkin Rug has warmer tones and would be pretty with these accent pillows. The Glenwood rug I love mixed with the stripe pillow– a little casual with the floral. The blue and gold pillow is a beauty from OKA.

I’ve also been eyeing black cabinets for extra dishes, cookbooks and pretty things and the silhouette on this solid wood cabinet with the oak wood interior is beautiful. Of course I had to add two vases. The chambray vase comes in two sizes and is so springy- and the clear and lovely shape of the clear Pilar vase is a classic.

The cabinet is something I can really use and have thought about…Other options are the same cabinet is also in ‘drifted oak‘ below, this iron cabinet with drawers, and this large wood one.

If you are thinking of changing things up, Serena & Lily is having a fantastic sale, with 20-25% off depending what you spend and additional on many items already reduced, so if you had your eye on something, like a chair or rug, ( especially the rugs!) this is a good time to get it.

Skincare and cosmetics I am loving right now..

I’ve been loving this Skinceuticals Redness Neutralizer which was suggested at Blue Mercury and I can’t tell you how good this feels on -in this cold winter it truly helps with my redness.

My Blue Mercury SPF 30 Daily Moisturizer has been excellent and leaves a lovely look on the skin.

The Clarins Total Eye Lift I buy about once every 9 months to a year..My eyes can’t tolerate much else and this always feels so good and makes my eyes look less tired.

I’m crazy for Ilia Limitless Lash Lengthening Clean Mascara and gave it as a gift to a few friends. Once you try it, you will love it. Makes my fine straight lashes look lush. Dior Lip Addict Glow Balm in Mahogany is all I wear in winter. Love the moisture and color, which looks natural, but gives color that stays.

I was given this lovely Necessarie plant based body wash for Christmas which leaves my skin feeling clean and moist. I also now adore the lotion that has a creamy richness I so want in the winter months.

San Francisco Homes

I had to share this San Francisco home in AD this month.. very different and built for two tech execs and their family… More pics online.

Architect was John Maniscalco and design by The Archers. The gorgeous hand painted tiles are by artist Bruno Grizzo.

A San Francisco Story…

When we walked through San Francisco’s Presidio Heights last week, I came across this amazing home being renovated…On the photos I shared, a friend Linda remarked on the Maybeck Houses there. That intrigued me, so I did a deep dive on Bernard Maybeck, architect of many San Francisco homes and the Palace of Fine Arts. Maybeck was an instructor at UC Berkeley after studying at Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. He was a mentor to Julia Morgan and most of his projects were in San Francisco.

This home we snapped was his most famous SF home, The Roos House, which was a sold in 2018 for 11 million.. It was built in 1909 for the nineteen year old daughter of an Orpheum Theatre partner as a wedding gift. Elizabeth Meyerfield choose Maybeck for his theatrical style, and the architect had free rein while she and Leon Roos, of the Roos clothiers empire, (later Roos-Atkins) took a European honeymoon. How very Downton Abbey!

The home is constructed of redwood and has twenty foot ceilings in the back portion.

At 9,000 sq feet, with little changes over the years, and in the same family until the recent sale, it’s an architectural gem. I couldn’t help fawning over the 2018 real estate photos and wondering what renovations the new owners are making. The home has views over the Presidio and to Marin and the Golden Gate.

If you want to know more about Maybeck’s homes this book looks like a good one. More interesting SF history on this article about the Roos family, immigrants, who who began as clothing suppliers in Virginia City during the Gold Rush and later set up shop in San Francisco and ‘carried the largest inventory of ready-made clothing in the world, employing 70 men, including six tailors’ at the peak of their success..More about the Roos House here and real estate photos here.

Elizabeth Taylor’s wedding gowns

I loved this revisit of Elizabeth’s eight weddings and unique gowns. How gorgeous is this yellow she wore to her first wedding to Richard Burton in 1964? I think I’m yellow obsessed right now.

My grandfather actually attended her first wedding to Conrad Hilton, above. My dad’s father worked in the frozen food industry, and was the head of American sales for Minute Maid when frozen orange juice was first invented in the early 50’s when they lived in Fullerton. He was a friend of Conrad Hilton Sr., who was an investor in the business and was invited! More of Elizabeth’s beautiful gowns on Vogue here.

Yoga With Adriene

I started back on yoga this week with Yoga With Adriene’s 30 Day Start and I think anyone could do it. She begins slowly and with 20 + minute daily videos, you gain some basic skills, strength and flexibility. Even by day three, I can feel a difference.. It’s free and so why not give it a go?

https://youtu.be/dlkG7LQJjY0

If you missed it, Juliet and I did our first Live of 2023 on Thursday. We chatted about couches, popovers, the Prince Harry book and more and you can still watch it here. We plan on trying to do this each Thursday at 9 am Pacific time, if you want to catch the next one! Thanks everyone who left comments and chimed in!

If you missed last weekend’s post I shared a California spin on the chocolate chip cookie, day trip to SF’s Laurel Village and Presidio Heights, the winter coat you may be missing and more..

Have a good weekend and I hope you enjoy some sunshine!

Kim

Please visit my pals Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs..

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

PINECONES AND ACORNS

If you’d like to get an email when I publish, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month and every Saturday for Weekend Meanderings.

Some links will generate a small commission here, which helps make this blog possible. Thanks so much for your support!

#californiastyle

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Instructions

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On My Radar- The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

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Now check out what ideas and tips my friends have for you white denim..

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Japan Travel & Packing

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The Bowles Porcelains

More San Francisco Stairs

New Jeans for Spring

Closet Stories

Early Spring Styling Ideas

Houses of the Week- Pacific Grove

A little Dining Room refresh

Skincare and cosmetics I am loving right now..

San Francisco Homes

A San Francisco Story…

Elizabeth Taylor’s wedding gowns

Yoga With Adriene

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