#fallfashion

SIGNATURE STYLE – FALL DENIM REPORT

September 9, 2021 By kimwheeler 24 Comments

Can you believe it’s September? As much as I love summer, I am ready for the change to-fall and warm clothes. Denim is always uppermost in my mind when I think of my fall wardrobe. Here in California it’s our uniform so much of the time, so I was excited that Cindy and Sarah wanted to do denim for our Signature Style series this month. I do get a lot of inquiries throughout the year from readers who want flattering jean recommendations. Hopefully this post will help and I’ll share my personal favorite brand and a few new discoveries for Fall 2021.

This year it looks like the straight leg is gaining more traction, and as women embrace more comfortable clothes after a year plus at home the momentum for them is just getting stronger. The challenge is finding the right pair that suits your body type. I prefer the straight legs that are cropped and have a more slim cut as a petite person. The ankle flair is also a strong second to the straight leg and that jean shows off your sneakers and booties. Wide legs and mom jeans are also trending, but you have to find what feels good and flatters you. I think we can all agree the skinny is slowly going out.

Before buying any jeans, I urge you to look at what you already own. It takes 1,800 gallons of water to grow the cotton to produce just one pair of denim jeans. The manufacturing processes also use toxic dyes. Many companies, especially those who manufacturers premium denim in the U.S., are using uprecycled cottons and less toxic chemicals and less water in manufacturing. Buy mindfully and consider denim from places like Crossroads Trading and other consignment stores that have great denim collections. Upcycling is what all the young people are doing, and we need to get onboard. I have found one of my coolest pairs of jeans that way.

Take some time and bring all your jeans out, try them on by a full length mirror and see what you still love. Keep only what feels and looks good. You can also have some altered to be ankle length or ankle flair, which is great with booties. If you’re brave, take a pair of sharp scissors and cut them to be ankle grazing if you want a change.

Assesing my jeans I have 12 pairs, including an almost 17 years old pair from Gap. I don’t know how it kept making the cut, but it’s a straight leg, mid-rise and no stretch classic pair. I would say most of my jeans last me at least 5-6 years and are a mix of Frame, Paige, Anthropologie, and a few other premium brands, and some found at consignment.

Right now the pair I love best is from Frame and I have had at them 6 years, and they still sell the style, Le Garcon . They feel great on and don’t have too much stretch, are slim at the lower leg, but not tight at the waist and hips.. That’s a great cut that is slimming, but doesn’t feel like a skinny jean. About a year or ago, I realized they would look more updated with the hem cut and a bit shorter so I carefully cut them.

Here I am wearing them back in 2016 on a trip to SFMoma..

Frame is considered premium denim, is made in California with higher standards and sustainable practices and materials. They have a section of extra sustainable styles- like the straight leg here (below left)and I especially love this slouch pair, (center), and this gorgeous pair made in Italy , (right.)

I also did a trip last weekend to Anthropologie to see what they have as I have bought a few of their house brand denim, Pilcro and like them. I tried three pairs and the Slim Boyfriend Jeans below, were my favorite. I bought these in regular, but they have petite, tall and plus sizes in these.

I appreciate that they are 32% recycled cotton which is good for the earth. If you’re on the short side like me, or are short-waisted, consider petite as the rise is 2.5 inches shorter, so they won’t feel like the waist is too high. The regular size has 9.5 inch rise, which wasn’t extreme. The gauze blouse is new from Cloth & Stone, one of the best brands. I loved this color for fall!

Another way to style these same jeans is with the cuffs pulled up instead of rolled. I especially like this look with boots. Try it if your jeans are usually rolled for a more structured look.

This rose cashmere sweater was another item I fell in love with at Anthro. I’m a sucker for florals.

Also by Pilcro, Anthro’s in house denim brand, is The Wanderer Jean, which I would call a painter’s pant back in the day, and are deemed ‘relaxed’ fit, but they also say ultra high rise. Those two don’t go together in my mind. Still, they are cute and new and will give a updated look to the wardrobe for sure. I’m still thinking about them.

It looks much cooler on the model and I like how they have clogs with it. A perfect transitional autumn look and feel!

This jean comes 3 different washes, and petite and plus sizes, and the cotton is from a special mill in Turkey that is dedicated to environmental practices. Many of the Anthro jeans are coming from places like this. Look at the details in the description before you buy!

I also tried the Selvedge Borrowed Boyfriend Jean by Pilcro and it’s made at a mill in Milan, which is called ‘the greenest mill in the blue world’ and does not use any toxins at all in their process, which can pollute waterways. I love that so much. It comes in tall, petite and plus and is what I would call an old school jean, not much stretch, but won’t sag on you and I think will soften up over time. It’s a classic straight leg and because of this special mill and cotton, this jean is a bit more expensive.

The super soft Pointelle Cardigan was another good find and a classic I’ll wear a lot this fall. I’m thinking of getting another in black while they have them..

Speaking of cost for denim, an Instagram friend read I had my old Gap jeans and she remarked she still had her Guess jeans! Do you remember those? They were quite pricey back in the 80’s, like near $100. I remember saving for them. That was nearly 40 years ago. You know what’s remarkable about that? Costs of denim haven’t gone up much in 40 years. You can still walk into Gap and buy jeans for $50 or less. Is that a good thing? Not necessarily. Beware of cheap denim, the labor may be child labor or people working in horrible conditions for low wages and it may be made with polluting chemicals.

Since I called out Gap here, out of fairness I checked out the denim they did have that was made with their new Washwell program which saves millions of liters of water. No initiatives yet for the chemicals or information on factories and labor practices, but it’s something. The Mid-Rise Girlfriend was a decent jean with almost no stretch, but a classic look and unfitted leg. I think these had a lot of extra fabric in the hip area, so you can size down, but actually felt okay on and comes in petite and tall and run $48 (online), or $69 regular price in store.

I liked the wash and with their classic Gap Organic Button-up shirt button down you could do worse. The Deconstructed Mid-Rise Girlfriend (center), is also cute and I like the raw hem. High Rise Vintage Slim Jean (right), which wasn’t at my local Gap, but looks like a chic simple cut too.. All below are using the Washwell technology.

Gap has a lot to choose from, but still had a ton of ‘jeggings’ at my local store. I’m not sure why you would buy those, but they have truck loads. They could also give the store a good vacuum and clean the fitting room mirrors, but I digress..I was kind of saddened the brand is not being cared for like it once was.

In other news, Vogue just has an article that Old Navy will be the first retailer to integrate plus sizes into the regular women’s up to size 30. Old Navy already has done this and so you can shop for the denim in all sizes which will be helpful and more equitable as half of women in America are considered plus and now their sizes will be with all the others, not off in a corner.

J. Crew is also expanding their denim and has up to size 23- 37 in jeans. These Vintage Slim Jeans seen like a perfect straight leg look… I’ve been wearing their white jeans all summer and plan to continue.

Please share your musings on denim in the comments. Do you like the new straight legs or are you still a skinny jean person? What brands are your favorites and have you shopped thrift or vintage for upcycled styles? I’d love to hear.

Please visit Cindy Hattersley and Sarah London with their own takes on Signature Style for denim on their blogs today!

Kim

For more inspiration and more ideas for to style denim, you can follow my Pinterest Board, Jean Love.

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Friday Fun Things

September 25, 2020 By kimwheeler 34 Comments

Well hello. I know it’s been too long. Got a little preoccupied the past month with things like looking out the window and complaining about the air quality, stuck indoors while getting little done. My youngest went to college and already came back for a week and is now off again. I don’t know what has been taking up my time, but I blinked and it’s been weeks since I posted so apologies..So much strife going on I thought let’s talk fun things today…

Fall clothes shopping is always my favorite, but with all the home time, I have begun thinking about what I truly need this year. I need very little with this pandemic, but these Sanctuary camo cargo pants popped into my radar on a quick Anthropologie visit. These work for home and for going out. The elastic drawstring waist which makes them a comfy alternative to sweats and leggings and everyone is dressing them up now too. Every wardrobe needs a little camo/khaki it’s a wonderful neutral and transcends the seasons.

I also have these satin cuff jeans in my cart as they are just so pretty and different.. I can see them with sweaters and loafers.

Speaking of sweaters, I am a sucker for ruffles and I bought this cutie at Madewell this week. I wandered down there after a lunch with my dear blogger pals took me out for a birthday lunch at Santana Row. I have not shopped there since the pandemic, but Mary Ann and I popped in there and this sweater just spoke to me. I will wear this with a moto jacket and a long floral skirt or those camo pants. I like the little feminine/ little rocker mix. Madewell is having a 20% off if you’re an insider or sign up. I bought a medium in this in the off white color. The red is also cute and the neckline is a bit more ruffly than shown. It’s very comfy on.

Here are my sweet friends. I could not be more grateful for them in this year of Covid. I have been fortunate to do a couple birthday things with friends this month and after not being together much this year it made me feel so happy. LOVE them so much and I have to show their cute outfits. I think right now any chance to dress up is exciting. Mary Ann and Cindy matched in the cutest black skirt from CP Shades and pretty white tops. Those CP Shades cotton silk skirts are gorgeous- made in Sausalito. CP Shades is a 40 year old California company and the quality of things are so nice. Cindy wears a lot of their cool things.

Elizabeth, aka Contessa wore one of her signature caftans and this stunning one was from Provence and she gave it the Elizabeth treatment with a paper flower, one of her woven bags, arms of bone colored bracelets and a big ring and gold espadrilles.

Her Instagram account was hacked and she is recovering it. Her dress is from Luxe Provence. More about that dress and the woman behind the company on Elizabeth’s post about her. She also just wrote about her new closet her husband built her that has space for all her caftans and woven bags. It is gorgeous!

If you follow my Instagram, I shared photos from an anniversary getaway to Carmel Valley. We stayed at my favorite spot, Bernardus Lodge. We had not the greatest air quality, but we still enjoyed being away and found their amazing gardens we hadn’t seen before. We also had some great meals at their Lucia restaurant.

We were so crazy about their potato leek soup we decided to try to replicate it at home. The best recipe I found is here from a cute blog, Once Upon a Chef with many yummy fall recipes. It is written by Jenn Segal, a former chef. The soup is easy and delicious. Did you know leeks are a super food with so many benefits? The French also believe they help you lose weight! Photo below from Jenn’s blog…

On the health subject, my friend Aimee recommended a great show Max and I have been watching every night, Down To Earth With Zac Efron. He travels the world with wellness expert Darin Olien. I have already learned what kind of water to drink, and what those who live the longest eat, and some other intriguing things. Each episode explores a country and the changes they are making to better on earth. The Iceland episode is stunning and the Paris episode- how they make the best drinking water and dispense it for free all over- is just amazing. Really fun show and motivating to do better things for your body and the planet!

On the way home from our Carmel trip we finally stopped at the new David Kinch restaurant in Aptos, Mentone . They are operating in their parking lot now, but it’s cute and the food is SO GOOD! They have pizzas, spritzes and salads – my kind of food. We split a radicchio Caesar salad that was incredible.. Very cute with a Euro vibe. A fun weekend lunch spot.

One other great discovery I have to share with you all is Olaplex No 4 Bond Maintenance Shampoo and Conditioner. One of my best friends gave me these U.K. gems as a birthday gift! I have always been curious about these products that have a patent and are supposed to repair the bonds of your hair and keep working even days after your shampoo. So far after a week of using both, I am totally a convert. My long fine hair feels thick and soft and I also think it looks a lot healthier. I didn’t have time to blow dry the other day, and ran out which would normally look really bad. I didn’t do a thing and had a few compliments on my hair which is crazy. You are supposed to use it each time you shampoo. You can find them at the Nordstrom link above and also at Sephora.

Lastly, this week has been a rough one. Losing RBG was like gut punch at this point in the election year.. The contentious atmosphere could not be worse. I loved this new post on Cup of Joe that shares a lot of ways we can still help in the upcoming election if we are feeling hopeless. We are not powerless. We still have a vote and our voices…

Hope you all have a lovely weekend and more coming soon on fall fashion and home.

xx Kim

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.