#fallfashion

Fall Style Inspiration from Katie Holmes

November 7, 2019 By kimwheeler 8 Comments

I am going to try for a weekly fashion post as you all seem to like them. Today I thought I’d kick it off with someone who has been killing it right now in the style department, Katie Holmes. The girl recently split from her longtime boyfriend Jamie Foxx and she’s been upping her game big time. They say looking good is the best revenge, etc. Just check out this outfit above! I love the plaid, the t-shirt, long coat and messy updo. If you look at photos of her from a year ago, it’s like she’s a different person. Her skin and hair look luminous and she just looks chic and confident. Maybe she hired a stylist, but she’s always had an eye for fashion. Let’s check out some looks we can get pointers from..

I love this cinnamon blazer for fall and the off white flare jeans with the mules are a nice fall transition… The cute bun and glasses give it that throwaway chic look. Everlane just came out with a cinnamon coat in a similar color and Madewell has a modern car coat and this double breasted version. Try adding a coat or blazer with a color this fall to your rotation. This is a super daytime outfit.

I find New Yorkers the most relatable when it comes to everyday style to emulate. It may be that they get photographed frequently doing everyday things, not just for events.

Katie has a great way of mixing current fashion into her very achievable look. Again case in point here -cool boots, cute small bag – the rest is basic, but see how those two things elevate the whole picture?

Recently, she blew up the internet wearing a sweater set with a matching cashmere bra.

Sweater she’s wearing here from Khaite. I think I need those mules, especially here in California. These are Acne slide which are impossible to find now, but I see similar ones on sale now Nordys and also at Trina Turk in suede and these, a Frye version, which may be the closest to hers and are 40% off. I just ordered the Nordstrom mules to replace my sandals as it’s getting cooler her in Northern Cal!

Katie throws a little twist into basics with cool bags, unique shoes and chic sunglasses which make her stand out. She also has a new sexiness with her longer hair which looks great on her tall frame. As it’s already pretty chilly in New York, there’s a lot of good looks here to get fall inspiration from and a few items that could update what you already own such as..

She adds a cashmere poncho/sweater to a pleated skirt. A pleated skirt is a fun and easy piece to pick up and add a sweater to. A close version here at Zara.

Leather leggings or faux ones can be a luxe look for evenings out this fall and winter. This brand is supposed to be the closest to leather looking and I love these by Emerson Fry.

As I mentioned in the last blog, a pair of high waisted jeans, like they have perfected at Madewell, is worth investing in. I especially love this vintage pair and I own these and these are similar to Katie’s. They look great with a tucked blouse or swingy cropped top or sweater. Once you try a pair, you’ll see they hold the tummy in and make your butt look good too. They give you a nice defined waist. You just have to get used to wearing structured pants in the tummy. It does make you conscious of what you are eating, I’ll say that.

Long coats, dusters, and plaid. Houndstooth is having a moment. Here she uses a basic T, and evening heels to change it up. Plaid oversized coats are so cute and remind me one I had in the 80s. A fun version here, here at Nordstrom and a cute Topshop look.

Basic straight leg jean, sweatshirt and a cool bag to give it some flair. Some cute oxfords like this here

Add a double-breasted jacket to your fall look over a basic t-shirt. Extra points for camel color which always has a rich girl look. Pop on a pair of pumps with your basic denim jeans when you go out. Pretty simple, but looks like you’ve got style.

Think about adding a trench to your wardrobe. I have three and wish I had more. Nothing looks so Audrey Hepburn and you can throw it over anything. The little bag and leopard loafers with the hair back are perfect, but converse would be just as cute. Katie’s trench is Burberry’s classic Kensington Trench and this is a more moderate Sam Edelman version.

Another simple look, longer distressed jeans, sweatshirt and these are Zara pumps. The white pumps are a rock n’ roll addition and I love the little shoulder bag which is a Phillip Lim Alix bag. A little high, little low here.

Weekend in New York look. Try any long jeans in your closet paired with heeled boots, and a slightly sexy oversized sweater, again the glasses, the bun-perfection!

LOVE this look for the ballet. Prada suit with ostrich feathers. It’s fun and feminine. For a holiday party, consider a suit and jacket with nothing under it, add strappy heels and some feather embellishment, you’re done. So French and very hot.

A pretty short evening dress look with the dotted stockings. I wore these in the 90’s. This looks elegant and a bit more demure than the bare leg for a holiday party, still super sexy and cool. I think these are the same tights.

I love her modern mix of necklaces here. She wears a lot of dainty jewelry. Try a mix of fragile looking pieces and dangly earrings. Her makeup is basic eyeliner, bareish face, bronzer and a neutral lip. Simple chic.

If you don’t have necklaces like this you can find layered necklaces here, and tiny ones here and here and many choices at Madewell. These Kendra Scott earrings and these are similar drops.

You can get more Katie inspiration from her fun Instagram..

Hope you liked this fashion post! Let me know your thoughts and any other candidates I should feature. Kerry Russell is another one to emulate that I’d like to share.

Kim

Images Pinterest

Fall Transition Pieces You Need Now

October 24, 2019 By kimwheeler 6 Comments

It was almost 90 degrees in parts of Northern Cal today, and yet last week I had my fireplace on and wore jackets! Fall clothes are especially my thing. I cannot wait for sweaters, scarves and boots, and to prep I cleared out my closet last week. For the first time ever, I stored my summer clothing to make more space and I highly recommend trying it. It’s easy to see my fall faves and to shop what I already own. I organized by color on some shelves..

I was all ready to kill it with my jackets, boots and wraps, then California decides to have a late Summer. Shakespeare actually refers to something called Halloween Summer, meaning the warm time when late October gives way to November. Clothing drawbacks aside, it’s a magical time that makes you want to get outside and capture some of those rays while you still can. It feels like a last chance at summer which I love, but what to wear? I can’t possibly wear boots or a sweater. I’d die by lunchtime on these kind of days at my age, I’m already warm.

So today I did this…Black denim and a plaid blouse-with leather sandals.

This blouse is an Anthro one from years back, still in the closet. For fall, my go-to will be these black Cali Denim from Madewell. I’m in love with the fabric of these jeans and the high waist works with all the shorter boxier tops, and with longer blouses you can try a half-tuck like I’m doing here. To me, they hold you in without feeling tight. I also like the baby flare and ankle length with my slides, sandals and mules. Another similar cute pair is these Everlane Cheeky Straight Jeans in Washed Black.

It’s warm enough that I will probably wear these Everlane sandals another few weeks off and on. In black leather, they feel more back-to-schoolish, if you will, and have been nice with the black denim and my other fall closet staple- grey jeans.

I’m loving the return of black and grey and that almost 90’s monochromatic look to fashion. The grey and black jeans work with so much. I bought this Paige pair for my London trip and they’ve been perfect for now. I paired them with a Grayson white button-up and the same sandals again on a warm day in Pebble Beach.

Something about these Paige brand Transcend denim jeans helps hold their shape better than regular denim and make them very comfortable. They don’t get baggy. They also do the grey Transcend denim in this style as well.

When you aren’t ready for boots, but it’s too cool for sandals, mules are the perfect transitional shoe. I’ve had my eye out for a good suede pair, including these from Jenni Kayne, but at The Rack the other day I found these below that looked good and felt well made for the cost.

Sometimes I can’t wait to wear my new sweaters. If it’s too hot, use it as a accessory! I bought this camo sweater back in August, but I wrapped it loosely around my waist. I also have on the shoulders in the photo above. I love the blue in this sweater which makes it kind of different and it’s also very soft. Sometimes I just have my sweater tucked in my bag, hanging out a bit for color. The if the weather changes, or your out for the evening, your set!

If you can’t do a full jacket try a sweater jacket with shorter sleeves. This Anthro sweater jacket was a find thanks to a meet up with my blogger pals, Mary Ann and Cindy last week at Stanford. (Photos on my Instagram. )

It’s bell sleeves and soft material made me like it right away. It’s also the perfect transition piece for California fall days and evenings. You can let longer sleeves peek out for a different look. Most of all, it’s just super cute on everyone- who tried it. Below I wore it with some of the same pieces for dinner out.

The top is also an Anthro top I bought more than a year ago, but they still carry, now with flutter sleeves. It’s a nice gold/silver tone that everyone comments on and is a fun piece to have in the closet for evenings and when you’re feeling festive.

My earrings are my Ippolita Jet Set earrings I bought at her show last year. I don’t own a lot of earrings, but these dress up anything and can work day or night. I pretty much wear these or my small diamond studs now. I’m trying to simplify and got rid of a lot in the last year with the two moves. It feels good to have less and just a few nice pieces that look good with most everything.

Lastly, Anthro brought back the most worn item I’ve ever owned. I originally bought the Colette Silk Cami, in a deep green version years ago for under a jacket at the holidays. Since then, it’s become something I love to sleep in and it feels amazing against your skin, under sweaters or blouses. I often regretted not buying others and then this year they brought it back in taupe, opaque white and black. I am tempted to get more than one color.

If you buy this, I promise it will be a wardrobe staple and for $68 it more than pays for itself. I am usually a 6-8 and bought a size medium which is very flattering the way it skims the body. It’s the perfect thing under a small cardigan or jacket when it is autumn! I just wear a regular bra with pretty straps with it and let them show if I remove a jacket or cardigan.

Two other very ‘fall’ items that popped up on my feed today and would work now…

Loving this plaid popover at Madewell, reminds me of my Anthro top I keep bringing out each fall, and you could dress this up with boots and a skirt beautifully.

How sweet is this Sydney Lace Blouse for any fall gatherings? I am a sucker for these autumnal colors. I noticed they paired this with black jeans also.

Looks like black jeans are big for fall!

I’ve really missed doing fashion posts with all the house stuff. This is how I’ve felt the last few months…

Coming soon I’ll have a beauty post and more fashion..

Hoping you all are able to find a few minutes each day to bask in this late fall warmth!

Kim

On my Radar…A SF Hotel, Labor Day Ideas, Fall Fashion & More.

August 30, 2019 By kimwheeler 21 Comments

I have been wanting to share a some fun things so I thought I’d chuck a few things in a post for you to check out over the long weekend when you have time to peruse the web. Also some eye candy for you design lovers..

First this amazing hotel by my favorite designer and visionary Kelly Wearstler. How gorgeous is this Proper Hotel? It occupies a beautifully restored flatiron building in San Francisco’s Mid-Market area. The interiors are stunning and every detail is beautiful from the rooms to each restaurant space. I can’t wait to visit and have a cocktail on the rooftop bar! Below a peak of some of the beautiful…

The Proper has some fun happenings like wine maker dinners, afternoon high teas, brunches and this Sunday they have a Downton Abbey Tea 2-5. Link here for more info on events, including The Proper in Santa Monica, another gorgeous property. They are currently building sister hotels in Los Angeles, Austin, and have dream home for rent on Carbon Beach in Malibu.

One really nice thing is Proper Hotels are committed to giving back 1% of their money to uplift and support the surrounding community. Here is what they have already done.

It’s all in the details people!

Many different room types… I love the bunk room. Reminds me of a train berth and each bed has it’s own lamp, plugs and tv. Might be perfect if you are traveling with your kids- or just a friend. Better than sharing a bed!

La Bande is their coffee bar and aperitif spot. What a great spot to grab a piece of sourdough toast and an espresso or an aperitif at night with friends. This hotel is just steps from the Civic Center BART. I adore the art deco look in here.

The rooftop bar and craft drinks are at Charmaine’s. So lovely…

Hopefully I’ll get there in person soon and give you a full report!

In other cool news…

This is a fun little travelogue of Carmel and Big Sur by a swimwear designer who summers there in Vogue.

The designer, Lisa Moore’s collection of swimwear and coverups is called Cover for women, kids, babies and men too. Makes me want one of those cool bodysuits for the beach. Great idea when sunscreen is even questionable now and super stylish as well.

I don’t know if I wrote about these Everlane sandals in my last post with my poncho, but they are my go to sandal for transitioning into a California fall with their black leather. They are a great buy at $47 right now, made in Italy, gorgeous quality and kind of different from the usual flip-flop or flat. I’m obsessed with Everlane, which is doing things right. They are trying to create beautiful pieces, not trendy clothes that are made ethically at the finest factories in the world. They don’t believe in big mark-ups as usual retail does. So far their quality and company has exceeded expectations- AND they are a San Francisco Company! Love it.

Have you had time for books this summer? As usual I am reading more than one and dividing my time between them all. I found Chanel’s Riviera on my trip to London and it’s been diverting as it is educating. Check it out if you are into travel, history, fashion and France.

If you are a Francophile like myself, you might be interested in something my friend Erin just sent me a link to, The Oui Box. It’s one of those subscription box things and this is all French products. You can do it one time or bi-monthly, or annually. What a fun gift idea for a friend adores France too! I am tempted to try just one and see how much I like it.

The internet is crazy this week with this pic of Katie Holmes with a cardigan and her matching cashmere bra that was exposed. They say this is the modern version of a twinset! I do love her style and I love a cardigan worn as a sweater alone, not sure I could rock the bra. This looks like a very luxe knit which is from Khaite, a brand I did not know of, but has some beautiful and unique clothes. You can check out her luxury cardigan and more on their site. She looks like she’s living her best life and I’d say not missing Tom Cruise…I also love her simple look here of straight leg jeans and slides. So basic and classic, yet very modern and chic and a good inspiration to base your fall look on -sans exposed bra perhaps?

Speaking of brands I am just getting familiar with, Doen is another I am obsessed with. It’s a California company that creates lovely pieces with a nod to vintage California style and based in Santa Barbara. I am in LOVE with this Alda dress. I am going to write another post soon about the longer dress trend which was fully embraced by Londoners on my trip. It’s inspired me to look for one I can wear this fall with boots, like the beauty above.

On that spendy note, have you heard about Second Hand September? Ox-Fam is promoting this and it is to get people to pledge to buy upcycled and second hand items all through the month of September, a usually high shopping time. Do you know 11 million items end up in the landfill every WEEK! I think this is worth doing for 30 days. I am thinking of trying this with clothing, as I still am needing house things with the move.

I know how many cool finds are at Crossroads and other second-hand shops and it would give me pause before going fully into fall shopping and thinking more about what I really could use and what I may be able to find second hand. Worthwhile doing if you are one who gets caught up in buying for the new season. I will report back on how this goes..

Some things to think on.

Wishing you a great Labor Day. It’s so nice to have that extra day off isn’t it? I already feel relaxed! We will be celebrating our 23rd wedding anniversary by doing dinner with some dear friends. We are also hoping to take the family on a day trip to Santa Cruz or Carmel and do a beach walk and lunch if we can rally the troops.

More things to do in the Bay Area for Labor Day Weekend, like the Rose Soiree, on my pal Suzanne Adam’s blog.

I shared that on my Northern Cal Style Facebook page, along with other happenings and fun links, and all my posts, so follow if you haven’t already!

Posts coming soon on the second leg of my London trip, a Seattle getaway, and yes the house remodel! That’s a pic of my new entrance and door from my Instagram. Can’t wait to show you all of it. It’s nearly all finished.

I’d love to hear what are your plans or traditions for this end of summer. Are you at home relaxing or getting away for a last weekend of summer?

Whatever you do, enjoy the weekend friends!

Kim

Photos of the Proper courtesy of the hotel site.

Fall Fashion Trends You Can Actually Wear

August 22, 2019 By kimwheeler 14 Comments

Today I am fortunate to join a stylish group of bloggers for a fall fashion link up! The theme is trends you can actually wear- not the dramatic things on the runway, but items to make you look good and feel current going into fall.

Who doesn’t love to get a few new things for fall? I still call it Back to School shopping! I love this whole time of year and have many good memories of shopping with my mom for new school clothes. I suffered through many a torrid September school day just to wear a new argyle sweater or plaid wool skirt. Californians know of what I speak!

With that in mind, I tried to find something transitional, for those of us who reside in the warmer climes. We have cool mornings and evenings in fall and sometimes very warm days so we have to rely on layers.

This year leopard is big. Yes it’s still a thing- so if you haven’t added a piece with leopard to your wardrobe, well it’s time. Something about a leopard piece can give you a little extra style cred when added to your look. Right now there’s a lot out there so keep your eyes open for a cool piece to mingle with your regular items.

I scored two leopard items last week that can be used in early fall!

I spotted this Rachel Zoe blazer, above and I’m a huge blazer person. Blazers make you look trim and tailored and are versatile for travel. A well dressed gal needs a few in the closet. Don’t be afraid to go bold with a leopard print in this. It’s a nice change from the usual navy and won’t go out of style. A lot of people say leopard is a neutral and I agree when it’s not worn head to toe. I think mixing this frilly white blouses is unexpected. The cool part is the juxtaposition of the feminine lace and the punky leopard.

My other leopard item is a wool poncho made in Italy. A poncho is another must in the closet. I have several and no matter when I wear them, other women give me compliments. Personally, I love the way they look chic with little effort except throwing them on over a comfy t-shirt. You can wear them as a top all day- which I do in winter, or just as a wrap. They are the ultimate travel item as they can be your airplane blanket and a versatile topper in many kinds of weather. I never travel without one.

By the way I love these jeans, they are Paige and aren’t supposed to stretch out yet are super comfy. My sandals are from Everlane. Also very comfy.

This one is wool and I like it best with grey or white jeans and a pair of strappy flat sandals to look a bit California and boho in early fall. When it gets cooler, pairing a poncho with boots is always a great luxe look. Here I put it with my plaid Burberry bag because I like the mix of the two prints in similar tones. Cashmere versions are even nicer for summer and fall and can be small enough to shove in your purse. I have one of these topper versions that I just took to London.

Another trend is mixing leopard with camo or snake prints in any which way. It’s almost like interiors now- you can’t go wrong if you putting it together, just have a common thread like color and size of the print.

This is a little more unexpected, but I put my favorite old camo pants with the blazer and snakeprint slides..Something for a very casual day as the pants are pretty beat. Try mixing things up and things you would generally never put together. You’ll see a lot of this on the runways and magazines. Can you tell my tall son took this photo?

One way to find your style is to play dress-up at home and see what works when you have some free time. Do this before you shop with what you already own. Use your phone and take pictures of outfits in a mirror that look cool and save them in a fall looks folder to refer back to when you are feeling uninspired and are tempted to pull on the same old standbys.

Both pieces were lucky scores last week at T.J. Max. I went looking for baskets for my laundry room, of course got lucky with clothes. You just have to keep an open mind when shopping there. If I went for clothes, no doubt I would have gone home empty handed!

Similar leopard blazer here at Bloomingdales. Other leopard print blazers- here and here. Could not find a match for the poncho, but a pretty leopard wrap/poncho here... and I’m in love with this leopard pj set at Anthro!

Now pop on over and see what these other stylish gals have in store for you. I can’t wait to see what they pull together. I always get inspired from other bloggers more than anyplace else.

Brenda-1010 Park Place

Brenda-Brenda Kinsel

Mary Ann-Classic Casual Home

Annie-Most Lovely Things

Kim-Northern California Style

Cindy-Rough Luxe

Janet-The Gardeners Cottage

Susan-Une Femme d’un Certain Age

Here’s to fall friends.. the pumpkin spice lattes are en route and cannot come soon enough!

Kim

The Perfect Early Fall Piece -Blue Striped Shirts

September 6, 2018 By kimwheeler 4 Comments

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

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

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

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

There are some pretty feminine details on this Zara version.

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