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#fallfashion

How to Get the Quiet Luxury Look

September 27, 2023 By kimwheeler 22 Comments

Today Juliet and I are having some fun and talking about the ‘quiet luxury’ trend in fashion and how to get the look for fall.

Elle magazine calls quiet luxury ‘new-age minimalism, with a larger focus on investment pieces and thoughtful shopping habits.’

I love all of that and I think we are all over labels and logos and this simplicity is a welcome trend and change. Quiet luxury is all about neutrals and classics. Think basics, but elevated with beautiful fabrics, good tailoring and in muted colorways.

Some want to say it started with the ‘stealth wealth’ of the Succession series, but it’s really just a new embracing of quality basics. Many of us realized we needed less clothes during the pandemic …and we also like wearing clothes that are comfortable. It’s all sort of converging to create this trend along with the rejection of over the top branding and designer logos. These things go in cycles and with the over saturation of multi-thousand dollar bags, I knew it was coming.

It’s democratic fashion. We can buy a pretty grey sweater and a camel coat at Uniqlo or the Gap, and if it’s made decently, and we pair it with some simple jewelry and nice styling, we can look just as luxe as the gal wearing Bruno Cuccinelli, and no one will be the wiser.

Trotted out my pearls with a COS t-shirt.

This article in Bazaar, says it’s a lifestyle and reading this piece, made me think I want to embrace that sort of life! I think of a few friends who live that way.. You don’t them on social media. They are busy living their best lives quietly, enjoying what matters -without a lot of keeping up with the Joneses stuff! We don’t need any validation from anyone, but ourselves. We can live with less and enjoy more of the good stuff.

Shopping and Styling Tips

This trend is an opportunity to get some great pieces in the closet. It’s a chance to add classics and maybe a few standout nicer pieces to your rotation. Shop your closet, check out resale shops and online before you buy and use these ideas as a guide..

Focus on muted tones, soft and natural fabrics, classic tailoring, nice leather bags and shoes in simple shapes and solids. All of these things telegraph quality and can be found from $20 to $2,000, and it can often be hard to tell the difference.

Look for bias cut satins, and wool coats, leather like pieces, and soft sweaters..Also the details can upscale a look, so lizard look or croc embossed belts and shoes give that Ralph Laurenish feel as does simple metal jewelry.

You can’t go wrong with a monochrome look, so when in doubt stay in the same colors when building an outfit. Layering sweaters with one wrapped around your neck as a scarf or as a belt is another way to layer on luxe textures. Have fun playing with what you already have- and check out the guy’s closet too.

Between high end designer and the mass produced clothes there are retailers like Jenni Kayne, Rails, COS, Me + Em, WYSE and others that have created small curated collections of excellent quality and nary a logo. These small retailers narrow the choices down and are good investments.

The goal is to look like you have a life of ease, but the right pieces and rotate looks around your beautiful classics.

Things that would add a quiet luxe feel to your closet:

A satin slip skirt, dress or top

A soft cashmere sweater -Layered with another as a scarf is cute….

A wool coat in a grey, camel or navy

A jacket in a plaid or tweed. ( More on this post.)

A simple leather bag

A low heel or ballet slipper or leather boot.. Look for rich colors and textures.

A leather like skirt, pant or jacket

A pair of pearl earrings (can be faux), a mix of chains and simple band rings. The heirloom handed down look is even better.

Some pieces to consider..

Just a few ideas here to add to your closet mix…

Pleated Skirt Just looks so fresh now whether you wear it with sneakers or a heel. This J. Crew skirt in leather is just a great look and would be nice with a soft sweater, white button-up, or a tweedy jacket.. They also have a new pull-on pleated in camel and 6 other colors.

A minimal sweater/top I love the look of this sweater at COS that has matching pants… and this pretty yellow mohair sweater has that luxe vibe about it.. COS is a good resource for minimal things that have that Row or Khaite feel at a lower price and quality is nice.

I really like their cashmere crewneck.. and these long sleeve t-shirts...

Something Satin…I love this little satin shell and tried it at the Rails store.. This dark moss color is lovely, but so is the black..

Their satin pull on skirt with a concealed elastic waist is also a great piece… as is the long sleeve blouse. I love this rich color and the cream.. Lots of possibilities…These are wonderful classics for the closet.

More good satin slip skirt color options here at J. Crew – and pretty options in their satin like luster crepe.

Classic trousers. I want a pair and these from Sezane come in ecru and navy..and these at J.Crew in grey, camel or black are a simple classic..and in petite or tall too.

This pair at H&M is an affordable trouser pant option that looks good in three colors.

Wool Coat I bought myself this navy Marta Coat with some of my birthday money.

I saw this coat when walked into the Rails Palo Alto and it was love at first sight. It feels like butter and wraps easily around you. It’s not heavy as it’s unlined. I think at my age I need coats that don’t weigh a lot.

It also comes in black and a cream. This is a gorgeous piece that will make everything look upscale with its simple styling.

NOTE: it runs large and I bought an XS.

I also love this chocolate coat at Madewell..( on sale right now)….. and this simple coat from Rails which comes in hazelnut, cream, grey and a camel.

At Mango this coat in grey is a great option too… and this right, comes in a few pretty colors.

An ankle boot. Love the look of this by Madewell. It’s classic and yet modern and has a quality look to it. We all need a boot like this… Pretty with a trouser or a dress.. And this suede one is also gorgeous…

Ballet flat I know I wrote about the Chanel style ballet flats on this post and another, but this pair from Tory Burch slipped my notice and I love this luxe quilted look…and the practical nubby rubber sole.

Lizard/Croc look. This J. Crew Italian shoe is very Ralph Lauren whether you wear it with trousers and a sweater or baggy jeans and a blouse. This shoe is a closet forever piece… I also have my eye on this faux croc belt at Jenni Kayne..

I love this bag at Mango very 90’s…and they also make this classic in black and brown very luxe.

I’ll have more about handbags – some great ‘quiet luxe’ options on next Tuesdays post.

How to Look Like a Million Bucks..

Lastly, I leave you with some fun and the wisdom of Michael Kors. I tore this out of Allure back in 2005, and this is still relevant and great advice on dressing well….in the quiet luxe sort of way…

How to Look Like a Million Bucks

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

Disregard the weather. Strappy sandals in winter, sunglasses on a cloudy day, these are signs of the glamorous life. If you look like you should be in St. Barts in December, then you are above the elements.

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

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

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

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

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

……………………………….

So what are your thoughts on quiet luxe? Have a closet of nice basics and simplify your life! It’s about ease, and living a quality life of less things really.

Juliet and I will be discussing more about Quiet Luxe on our Instagram LIVE Thursday the 28th at 9 a.m. pacific time. Please pop by and join the chat! If you miss it, it will be on Juliet’s page to watch later on.

Now please stop by Juliet’s to see what she has shared for ‘Quiet Luxe.’

Make Mine a Spritzer

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Kim

I’ll be back for the Weekend Post and Cindy and I will be sharing Signature Style -Fall Handbags soon too.

If you liked this post and want to save it you can pin the image here..

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!

Filed Under: Fashion Tagged With: #fallfashion, #quietluxe

Weekend -The Sense of Place Book, Pants Talk, the Cutest Jacket, and Fall Porch Stuff

September 23, 2023 By kimwheeler 20 Comments

On this post, a fantastic new home book, cool pant options for fall, the cutest cozy jacket and fall porch stuff..

I hope your week has been good. I have been busy getting a few things spiffed up here for fall..and bought myself a new cozy jacket!

Instagram Jail

On another weird note, I was banned from Instagram for a few days for ‘commenting on too many posts.’ That was an eye-opener to me. I had fortunately paid for the little blue check as Juliet told me I’d get no help with my account if it was ever hacked. She was right, and thanks to my check I was able to chat with a real person and find out why I was locked out of my account, but the reason made no sense!

Apparently Instagram has an algorithm and if you trigger it, like I apparently did sitting on the couch the other night looking at other’s accounts, you’re shut out. You can even like too many posts too quickly.. SO beware. That is ‘bot-like’ behavior according to them, and you’ll get restricted.

On the bright side I had time to finish my book and begin another ..and start changing the things up in the house for fall.

My oldest son Jackson came over last weekend and tried to hug me and lift me at the same time and my ribs made thwack sound.. Not good. I’m also out of commission for a while from that.. I told him no more bear hugs from grown sons.. I don’t think he realizes we are older. I love the hugs I couldn’t say too much.. The problem of being small with big sons!

Thoughts on Worry..

I’ve been trying to share the quotes and things that keep me inspired and going on Fridays on my Instagram and this week I shared this quote I saved long ago.. It really helps me as I can be a catastrophic thinker..

This is what I wrote on the post.. maybe it’ll help someone else who struggles with worry like I do…

Our mindset is everything and I was inadvertently raised to worry about things. My mom was one of eight kids and her mom warned them about the dangers of everything to keep them safe and alive in her mind. ( To my grandma’s defense her mom died when she was small.) I think that was seeped into my dear mom’s bones and passed onto us..by no fault of hers.

My brain defaults to worry and I have worked hard to stop that sort of internal monologue.

Remember worrying never kept anyone safer. We don’t care more about someone by being a worrier. We just need to expect good things will happen.

Being a person who always worrying is not good for those around you either. It hurts your family and their one feelings of well being and security. The more I realized this, the more I feel compelled to reassure, not stress, and trust all will work out… It might even be fantastic!

Fall Porch

Max and I did a deep clean of the porch from the summer… ejected the spider webs, cleaned the windows and the house lights and it felt fresh. I added some cute mums to the front porch as you do -when fall happens and you notice your summer plants look like scorched earth I got a few at Ace and others at Trader Joes.. I grabbed a few pumpkins there too.

I was excited to see these multi-colored mums at TJ’s. I bought these a few years back and hadn’t seen since, so snagged them. The best way to keep mums alive is set them in a plastic tray and water them from the bottom, so they don’t dry out in our hot fall afternoons.

The baskets are from Target and have lasted from last year. They have them back in stock! These are another option. I would get a plastic tray for the inside at a garden center.

I have my mom’s bench still out there and a wreath of petrified leaves I bought last year at our local Bunches florist. Amazingly it survived the garage storage. I added a few smaller mums from Ace hardware to the other pots in the front..

Pant Talk..

Can we talk about pants? I was excited to finally be wearing my white jeans from Mother ( this is also similar) the other day with my early ‘fall’ shoe which are suede Birkenstocks...

Someone asked about my toe polish and it’s a good fall nail color by OPI – Taupeless Beach!

My friend Bari and I were having lunch outdoors the other day and kept spotting women with cute pants on. I asked a few of them about their outfits and where did they get their pants?

Here in California, pants were not an option the past few months.. and I really missed them. I’m in the market for more good pants. I’ll share the ones these ladies had on..and a few others..

On My Radar Pants Edition..

I loved this ‘flight’ pant in black cotton that we saw one gal in. She styled it with cute slides and a feminine blouse. With the gathered cuff these look modern and bridge the gap between a sweat pant and a jean. They are by L’Agence and can be found here and here. I think it would be a good pant for travel as well.

The other stylish gal had a mid-rise jean with a cuff and this Pilcro jean looks as similar as I can find. Hers was no longer available. This jean is adorably cuffed and will show off ballet flats or whatever is your shoe vibe in fall. This jean comes in regular, tall, petite, and plus options.

I also saw a gal walk in with a carpenter type jean and a pair of small heels -so, so cute and this pair has the same feel.

The Yaya Jean by Anthro is one of their most popular and I’ve been meaning to try it. This blue pair calls itself a mid-rise crop, but looks classic and has a 27 inch inseam which can work for a lot of people. I like this dark blue, but it also comes in light and other options like corduroy and in black and in others sizes options, and this pair with a Paris map on it!

The Sense of Place Book

I arrived home yesterday to get my Sense of Place book I’ve been waiting on by San Franciscans Caitlin Flemming and her mother Julie Goebel. It did not disappoint!

Inside there are inspiring homes from all over the world . What I love about this book is the gorgeous photos by Stephanie Russo and also the interviews. Each home owner is such an interesting person and has their own way of living authentically and uniquely. This book includes tips on how to add personal touches in your mix at home and a great shopping resource at the end.

Of all the home books I have bought in the past year, ( and there has been a lot), this may be the most inspiring. I quickly read it as soon as it arrived and plan to sit down and inhale it all again with a nice cup of tea on this cool fall weekend.

The cover is a bit monotone, but the homes inside run the gamut from earthy to extravagant and colorful as do their interesting occupants. Some of the best were stories of Penny Morrison..who lives in Wales, Lily Resenfeld of Larkspur, and Malene Birger in Mallorca…

My favorite home may be of the author herself, Caitlin Flemming who lives in SF’s Marina neighborhood in a white walled home of pretty textiles, wood furniture with cool finds and sentimental treasures. Love it! ( photos here and above from the book.)

If you buy one home book this year, this is the one to get!

Cozy, Cute and California Casual..

I visited my pals over at Rails in Palo Alto this week and they sneakily had this Denver Jacket hanging up in the fitting room when I went in to try a sweater.. I was instantly smitten with the soft material and denim! After I tried it on I abandoned the sweater and walked out with this cozy and cute jacket that I know will be a great piece all fall and winter here in California..

It’s also on sale for a time right now here.

I also bought a coat, ( I have an outerwear addiction), but I’ll save more about that as next week Juliet and I are doing a little fun post on the ‘quiet luxury’ trend. We have talked about this for months and finally are doing it.

House of the Week

Sorry I’ve lagged on the real estate thing, but this Carmel cottage popped up and I had to include it.. They had me at the Dutch Door, fence and the name- Rose Cottage!

I love the window seats at the table and the stone fireplaces..

This one is also a cutie in the Carmel area and this Monterey Craftsman.

If you missed last weekend, I shared the Chanel it shoe of the season-and the best dupes, a pretty Newport Beach home, and the J. Crew 40th Anniversary book..

Have a beautiful 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!

Filed Under: Fall fashion Tagged With: #anthropologie, #californiahomestyle, #californialiving, #fallfashion

A Pretty Newport Beach Home, The Chanel Dupe Shoe, & J. Crew’s 40th Anniversary Book

September 15, 2023 By kimwheeler 34 Comments

On this post, the Chanel it shoe of the season and the best dupes as well, and the J. Crew 40th Anniversary book..

Hi friends it’s been a quick week and I feel like it was a busy one since I had Signature Style with Cindy on Tuesday! I’ve been getting excited for fall after writing more about the trends..

We have so much pushing us to buy new and refresh for the season.. On Friday, I shared this as it’s so timely.. I found a few hidden gems in the closet, that actually look pretty current.. I would bet a lot of us have a ballet flat, a chunky sweater, even a jean that could be cut and worn as a boot crop.. See what you have in the closet before you buy. It may be cooler than what’s being sold for fall- and more unique too! Plus you’ll shop for what you truly need when you do go.

The Chanel Look Shoe for Fall…

After going through the closet and finding some things that work for fall- (like a pair of ballet flats at the bottom of a basket ), I noticed I could use a pair of shoes that can work for dresses that’s not a sneaker, boot or high heel.

I love the look of the Chanel shoe and I think the slingback with a chunky heel would be what I am missing in the closet.

These are good current options if you love that look and the original…

The latest iteration of a slingback in a lower heel by the original -Chanel, ( You can also look for resale versions, beware many are asking the same or more as the new cost which is $1,100. Options at here, here, and here.)

Also linked in pics- top left to right- the French Sole is a beautiful version of the timeless slingback and popular, the Sam Edelman has a square toe and a cutout, Anne Taylor has also a slingback flat, Tory Burch – her ballet flat is chic as well as a heeled version , and VanEli has a fun quilted take.

Keep a few good catalogs in the closet..

Is there a catalog you love? I say catalog because sadly it’s been a while since a fashion magazine has given me a great outfit idea..Maybe there is a catalog you wish you could buy all the outfits? Juliet had a really smart Insta post a few weeks ago and said recreate those looks you’ve seen with what you have. It’s surprising what we have.

It’s not always easy remembering the looks and the simplest way may be to keep that catalog in the closet. I did that with the Jenni Kayne fall look book. There’s a whole lot of cute looks that are really simple, but nicely styled. Use one as a guidebook of sorts and when you’re bored of your clothes, see what you can make the same or similar looks using what you have.

The J. Crew 40th Anniversary Book..

Speaking of catalogs, I am a total J. Crew fan girl so the new book, J. Crew- Forty years of American Style is on my wish list. It’s pricey, but a lovely coffee table book and how fun to read all these stories of those who worked for and modeled for them, like Adam Scott..Hard to believe it began as only a catalog when we first got it and you had to mail in or call as there was no online! Seems a lifetime ago.. Love this video clip of the book..

On My Radar

This jacket from Vuori may be one of my most loved pieces I bought last year. I wear it for tennis and for everyday running about..It’s soft, lightly warm and easily packed for travel. I am so excited to see it’s back in more pretty colors. I can’t decide between the pistachio, mauve or black.

These Trader Joe’s Everything Rolls are a weekly dinner go-to. I usually do some kind of toasted sandwich with them on a busy night. Last night I used slices of Jarlsberg, leftover roasted chicken, and sun-dried tomatoes. I just roast them for a few minutes sliced open at 350, take them out and add the ingredients, and roast another five minutes. They are delicious!

No surprise Homegoods has their Halloween stuff out. There is a lot of junk, to be blunt, but there are some things of quality and the Sand & Fog soaps and candles that come from California are some of them. Right now they have a White Pumpkin hand soap that does not smell sweet, but expensive and lovely. I bought this plastic one, but it also comes in an etched glass version with bats.. SO CUTE for $4.99. They aren’t online, so you’ve got to make the trek there- and hunt, but they make a nice hostess gift for this time of year too.

I’ve had a few people ask me about our yard this week, and it’s still doing well more than three years in. We do not regret removing the lawn and putting in natives at all! An article this week also inspires about how Cornell is developing sustainable grasses that require no fertilizers and mowing only twice a year. Don’t miss the hundreds of comments – worth reading with ideas on how some people said adios to the lawn BS.

Pretty in Newport Beach..

I just fell in love with this darling home in Newport Beach I saw in Frederic Magazine. The designer is Casey Hill and photos were by Laure Resen. You can follow the talented Casey on her Instagram and on her website... Much more to love on the original post on Frederic.

lastly…

The Blue Zones guys Dan Buettner’s show ‘ Live to 100’ began on Netflix and Max and I started to last night and it’s good. There are four episodes and last night was all about the Okinawans and some reasons why they live the longest.

A friend recommended the documentary about the clothes and behind the scenes of the making of ‘And Just Like That,’ and I really enjoyed it. The trailer is here.

If you missed the Signature Style post on my Fall Wish List there are some good pieces to consider..

Last Weekend’s post, I shared about the French tradition of la rentrée, reconnecting with your people now that summer is over, a great trench for California, and more..

Happy 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!

Filed Under: weekend meanderings Tagged With: #californiahomestyle, #chanelshoe, #fallfashion, #jcrew, #newportbeach

Signature Style – My Fall Wish List

September 11, 2023 By kimwheeler 26 Comments

It’s that fun time of the month where I get to collaborate with my talented pal Cindy Hattersley and talk fashion. Since it’s September- it’s time for our fall wish lists!

I’ve thought the past month about what I want to add to the closet for the cooler months. I want more pants, a few jackets ( already bought two and a trench), a pair of ballet flats and something in a fuchsia pink!

I made my seasonal inspiration board…

I saved some looks in my outfit folder on my phone that I hope to try and recreate this fall. You can do this too. Start saving outfits you see that you like- either by screenshot on your phone, Pinterest, or by tearing the out of magazines.

Take these ideas and see what you can create with what you already own! This is a great way to discover what you may be missing or already own! Maybe you need a wider jean, or a cool sneaker- or an updated small bag. Write down what you need and keep those outfit ideas handy to replicate and have some fun this fall…

The vibe this fall is ‘quiet luxury’ and you’ll be hearing more of it- probably too much. I try not to read a lot into these trends, but this is sort of a good one, as it’s about wearing things that look luxe, but without labels and logos. It’s the equalizer if you will, after years of just too much tacky logos and designer bags. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a nice piece, but wear it with things that have a quieter elegance to them- soft sweaters, nice fabrics, and classics. Juliet and I are going to do a post on this later in the month..

Some looks that are inspiring my outfit ideas from Pinterest…

I also follow @sita_lombera and @Indiaweber and her mom @lindavwright on Instagram..SO many great outfit ideas!

These are the things that made it on my own radar and wishlist and it might be helpful…

The year of the pant

I feel like you’re going to see more pants than ever before. If there is one thing you need to update your closet, make to a pair of slacks or fuller pants. After years of denim and leggings, the longer, fuller pant looks fresh.

I especially like the ones with pleats and pockets. These look great with a vest or sleeveless top..

J. Crew a look in a light khaki left, ….and Madewell has these easy crepe slacks with the baggier look but fitted waist in a brown, grey or black and highly rated.

Jeans

Of course every year I like to add one new pair of jeans. I’m looking for something different than what I already have. These Rails Cargo Jeans are slouchy cute and comfy. (They say to size down.) I am also liking the Easy Easy jean from AYR..

And this is a fun wider jean by KUT -and this longer with a higher waist from KUT which looks great cuffed..

The matching suit

I love the matching suit look.. and especially in pretty colors. . I also LOVE the look of a jacket with nothing under it, a very 90’s look for evenings.

This is a pretty blue suit jacket and matching pant here.

I love this in tan wool blend at J Crew.. jacket here and pant here. There are light pink, navy and black options as well.

Other Jackets

There is nothing like a houndstooth jacket for the fall collegiate vibe. Last year I tried this Alex Mill houndstooth jacket on in store and it’s gorgeous!

I buy myself one nice jacket or coat every year. and I am considering this.. This is one jacket your will have for years and it’s even prettier in person. They also have it here.

I also like this from Reformation below, and this one by Madewell right.

Dressy Track Pants

These are a chic look and an option for those who don’t want to give up their comfort pants.. Track pants lend casual chic air to sweaters and blazers. I especially love that look!

Reiss has a great pair here in black and navy. I really like it with the blazer.. Hot UK brand Me+Em also has a lovely track pant right..

The longer dress

There are more and more of these longer shirt type dresses. They look so good with booties, sneakers and layered with the blazers or a cropped sweater on top.

I want to add another Rails dress to my closet and I am trying to decide between these two..

The Keegan Dress in an ikat pattern would be great for a short cardi or pullover or The Tyra which is a long sleeves faux wrap dress..cute with boots.

Longer Skirts

Skirts may be the most versatile piece of your closet, super for travel, and you can dress it up or down and these comfy pull on skirts and long denim skirts are both fresh looks..

This long drawstring skirt from my favorite retailer Rails is one I am going to buy before it is gone. I adore how they styled it with a big pullover and tennis shoes, but imagine with a blazer and boots or loafers!

I also like this longer denim skirt.. Reviews say it’s longer than it looks and I would wear this with sweaters and sneakers..

I also a fan of this chino skirt ( on sale) and the pull -on pleated skirts from J. Crew. So classic with a blazer or a sweater.

Invest in a nice sweater or two..

Every year I add at least one nice cashmere sweater in a heavy knit to my closet. I now have a little collection.

These Vince boiled cashmere sweaters (below left), are eternally best sellers and are extra luxe and heavy. I have black ( may be my favorite item of clothing) and tan and I wear them nonstop in winter as they are like a soft blanket. I also like the new J. Crew classic cashmere in shorter shrunken length for the higher waisted pants. They aren’t super cropped, but not as long as the traditional. I would size up in it… Everlane has a shorter cashmere cardi that is on my wish list..

The Lady Jacket- aka Chanel style

I love these little jackets. Lady jackets are a riff on the Chanel jacket and J. Crew has an ever expanding collection of them. These little guys are great over a t-shirt with long chains, or a dress, or by themselves as a top!

J. Crew has a cute version for fall in leather. How fun is this with the tulle skirt? Tulle skirt options here.

I bought this Nic + Zoe jacket last week. I actually looked at last year and it’s also a best seller..Love the fringe touches and it will go great over dresses and with jeans and t’s.

I love the French brand B&Sh and they have nice quality pieces. Two darling jackets by them- a longer one..(shown in yellow also in cream and black) and a shorter version..

Trenches …

The cropped trench is so good for our mild winters. The short one is fun and if you don’t have one like this at Madewell. I also shared last week I bought this classic trench at J Crew Factory, (shown center also in black) …and a shorter trench in oversize style also on sale at J. Crew..

Ballet flats

I love that ballet flats are coming back in. The new versions with a squared toe like these from Madewell are a classic that will update your basics..

Hobo handbags

Hobo shoulder style bags are also back and I love the shapes and I’d like a bag with some color.

Anthro has one in a woven look I like ..and Claire V. has a oxblood version in leather that’s pretty… and for totes this J. McLaughlin blue suede is gorgeous.

I could go on, but these are the things I’ve been thinking of. I hope you have found some inspiration and ideas for your fall outfits.

If you missed last month’s style post, I shared linen pieces to boost your wardrobe.

Let’s pop over to Cindy’s now. I’m sure she will have more fall ideas and cool pieces..

Cindy Hattersley Design

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.

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Filed Under: Signature Style, Uncategorized Tagged With: #fallcloset, #fallfashion, #fallwishlist

September’s La Rentrée, Connecting With Your Neighborhood, a Cute Trench & More

September 9, 2023 By kimwheeler 43 Comments

On this post, reconnecting with your people now that summer is over, a great trench for California, and more..

I am excited it is September. It’s my favorite month.. maybe because it’s my birth month, but I just love the start of fall -in my opinion, the best season! I’m ready for long pants, sweaters, jackets ( my favorite!) and real shoes.. But let’s be honest, here in California the flip flops are never really gone, just at the both of the shoe basket… Are you ready too?

La Rentrée

I think I’ve written about this before, but in France this time of year is called ‘la rentrée’, and it heralds the start of the new school year, when people make social plans, reconnect with friends and celebrate the return to ‘normal’ life after summer holidays. It’s an exciting time in France and we can make it the same here by planning little impromptu gatherings with friends – dinners or casual cocktails, etc.

I keep hearing from the Blue Zone guy Dan and others that social connections are what keeps us young. A lot of us got out of our habit of being with others during the pandemic, and for good reason, but it’s time to start tippy toeing back to getting together with people.

One of my Insta friends Dani says she plans a regular get together with friends with just drinks and bowl of chips and nuts. Everyone is going home to dinner and whatever, but it takes the stress out and also lets people know this is a relaxed happy hour and a nice chance to connect!

Last weekend in Tahoe, we we found crumpled flyer at our door for a neighborhood ‘gin fizz’ get together for Saturday morning 9:30-11:30. Later that Friday evening, a cute couple, Leslie and Tim- came by the door to make sure we got their flyer and to come by to meet and hang with other neighbors. We figured we should as they were so kind to make sure we included.

Saturday morning we walked over to their cute home that was at the end of a street facing the forest. Leslie had laid out a table of baked pumpkin bread, pound cake, and egg bites and a lady named Julie was making Gin Fizz’s in a blender – from an old neighborhood recipe! At first I declined one as we were going on a hike, but then Max and I shared one. Wow are they good (could be the powdered sugar and half and half!)

We chatted on their driveway with other neighbors we had never met and what an easy way to connect and better know the other neighbors. We left on our hike feeling giddy with the laughs and stomachs full of pumpkin bread and fizzes.

We talked the whole hike about how this small gesture, was a huge gift to our neighborhood and all of us. The kindness of this couple -and those made time to come and chat was everything! I love my little old neighborhood up there even more now… and this absolutely makes me want to do the same here at home.

‘Only Connect’

Connections with each other is what can sustain us in this ever more polarized and fraught times. If we make and effort to know our neighbors, work peeps, and acquaintances we will better understand and appreciate everyone. It’s so easy to stay inside, stream another show, doom scroll on your couch and never know those living around us..but we are missing so much!

I loved this article last weekend in the NYTimes about how a French man Patrick Bernard is creating micro-neighborhoods, or as he calls them, ‘Republic of Super Neighbors.’ He says,  “Conviviality is a richness that is sleeping. When we awaken the sense of place and community, the citizens and urban fabric are transformed.”

He believes our neighborhoods are where we can help tackle many of our issues like ‘loneliness, food insecurity, extreme heat and social unrest linked to inequality.’ So far Paris has 1200 of these little communities and they communicate about things on WhatsApp groups and in weekly brunches, post-work drinks and other gatherings.. many involving cheese (of course!)

Barcelona and other European cities are doing similar things related to creating smaller feeling communities that look out for one another.. So many great ideas packed in the article.

Maybe one of the best things you can do for yourself this fall is host or initiate a little gathering? If your not comfortable having people inside, meet on the street, driveway or at a local coffee place or wine bar?

Tahoe

Last weekend we were at out teeny cabin for a few days and it was not your usual Labor Day! We were freezing with 49 degrees in the day and cold winds and rain. It felt like November and I loved it. Very cozy. We had a brief break in the weather and took a hike on the original 1960 Olympics cross country ski race trail at Sugar Pine Point State Park.

It’s a fairly easy path that loops back through the forest that is above the mansion and waterfront area at the park. This part is across Highway 89 and adjacent to the beautiful campground there. At the campground they have some wonderful programs if you are up in Tahoe… You can take a guided kayak trip where they provide boats and life jackets -for free, you just have to book ahead, they also have owl night hikes, and much more all here.

On My Radar

I shared this Chicken and Rice soup probably ten years ago on the blog and still make it! I just replace the parsnips with carrots, celery for celery root, and shredded chicken and veg stock instead of turkey.. It’s easy and comfort food for cool fall days that are coming soon I hope.

I took a quick turn through a J. Crew Factory on the way back from Tahoe and I found this trench and I love it. This is a piece I will wear a ton and such a great price. Sometimes you want something not heavy that doesn’t add bulk and this is perfect for California! I am seriously considering the black one as well.. I bought a 6 regular and I am 135 and 5’4.

Cute clogs. How do you feel about clogs? I’ve been thinking about getting a pair for fall and then I got an email from Tory Burch and these sure look darling for fall.. They also come in a more paired down suede version without studs in a baby blue or tan.

When I bought the Evereve sweatshirt I shared last weekend, I added this little green heart necklace to my purchase. I like collecting little necklaces to layer and something about this one is so charming.

US Open Fun!

For my birthday my two dearest pals Elaine and Bari ( also tennis fans), bought me a pretty bar basket from Hudson Grace, and the makings for the US Open’s Honey Deuce Cocktail! I brought that cute basket right home and got it set up and tonight watched the matches and invited them over to try the cocktail!

This is my beautiful new basket on the bar..

I’ve so been enjoying the matches every night and will really miss when it’s over… One thing I do think they need to change is finally let the men play the same amount of sets as women, as some of the best guys were struggling and did not look well.

If you think about it, even a marathon can be less, but a men’s Grand Slam match can go for five hours of high intensity hitting and running and that is extreme with heat and humidity. I know many of the players are for it, and at one point Daniel Medvedev said what is it going to take? Does someone need to collapse? I could not agree more watching them struggle through the extreme humidity and high temps.

I am sad Ben Shelton did not make it to the final, nor Alcaraz. Hoping Coco will do great today!

Juliet also featured the drink on her blog last week! it’s very good- a little on the sweet side..

If you missed last week’s post, I shared 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’ll be back on Tuesday with Cindy for September’s Signature Style…where we share our Fall Wish Lists!

Here’s to a beautiful September weekend wherever you are!

Kim

Please stop by Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs..

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

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Filed Under: weekend meanderings Tagged With: #cocktails, #fallfashion, #larentree, #neighborhood, #tennis, #usopen

Weekend Meanderings- Skirts for Fall, Easy Pumpkin Noodles & More..

September 23, 2022 By kimwheeler 34 Comments

On this Weekend’s Meanderings..Skirts for your fall closet, skirted tables for home, a fascinating book on skirts in history, easy pumpkin noodles, and a drought tolerant yard update..

It’s time for our weekend chat and sharing of good things with my friends Elizabeth and Juliet.. We had some days of rain here this week in Northern Cal, which were wonderful and I even did some baking.. Now this weekend, we are back to the heat and though I wore pants and a jacket on Wednesday, by Thursday that was a mistake.

…So it’s a typical California Fall! Hold off on wearing those new sweaters yet friends unless you want to pass out..As my mom used to say, ‘layers and peel’ for a while yet.

In my SLOW fall rollout, I added one of the pretty pumpkins from PB thanks to my sweet friend Jill who gave me the cutest one.. They look great next to my candlesticks from Juliet!

I also love these woven frames from PB that just went on sale.. and would look cute next to these.

I’ve had skirts on the mind..of all flavors..

The Skirts Book

My friend Linda told me about Skirts by Kimberly Crisman Campbell, thinking I may enjoy it ! I ordered it straightaway and it’s so fun and interesting. If you like history, and fashion, you will really get into this engrossing book that touches on the skirt and fashion’s part in politics, sports, and women’s rights..

Suzanne and Queen Mary- National Portrait Gallery

I especially enjoyed the chapter on Suzanne Lenglen, the French tennis player who brought the short skirts, sport shoes( a forerunner to a sneaker), and sleeveless tops to tennis around 1920. Called a streetwalker by some for her unencumbered and chic attire she developed with the help of Jean Patou, she inspired a generation of women to dress more modernly and take up tennis. So many fascinating stories in this book! You can buy it here at Target or on Amazon or check a local bookseller!

Skirts on my Fall Edit..

I am thinking of adding a skirt or two to the closet for fall. This zebra stripe from J. Crew has been on my radar. Love the pleats and it’s an extra 50% off this weekend.

zebra pleated skirt

I also have been wanting a longer denim skirt with some flair that can be worn sort of slouchy with a sweater and sneakers and this Joe’s Jeans version is on sale now (extra 25% too ),

Other lovelies to add versatility to your mix are this Mother vegan wrap skirt, and this version by Joe’s Jeans…

..Also this denim maxi by Rag & Bone, this Veronica Beard Mini, and black denim by Wash Lab.

Also cool..this Chevron Style with a drawstring, this Madewell classic on sale, and this Old Navy Maxi in black denim.

Table skirts are back

skirted table with African mud cloth

Remember when table skirts were all the rage and everyone had one near the end of their couch with pictures and books? My mom had one made to match our chintz rose couch pillows (along with pink stripe couches of course), back in the late 80’s, and I have always liked them.

I have one right now in my office that I created using a table someone on our street was giving away for free. I wasn’t sure how well the wood worked in the house, so I threw one of my Pottery Barn table throws on it and it looks pretty, and I store more books under it too. As a nod to my mom, I added an ivy as she always had, and a few of my favorite books and a frame with my sons on a holiday..

skirted table books and plants

I’m obsessed with entry skirted tables and I love the look and I am thinking of adding one in my large open space in the center of your home. You can make any round table of a smaller dimension become a skirted table by using a tablecloth or even any kind of throw or smaller blanket.

Pottery Barn has a nice selection and I have this one as well and I like this French Stripe version, this Suzani one. For one similar to mine, these on Etsy are very close. Mine was an older season from PB.

An inspiring and pretty home in AD

Well right away this Hampton’s home of photographer Mimi Ritzen Crawford  in AD by Studio Riga had me with the darling entry and skirted table..Isn’t this beautiful? Love the trim especially..

entry with skirted table

I think what drew me to this home is the mix of patterns, unique objects, natural woven objects and overall light happy atmosphere.. You can follow the designer, Jenny Vorhoff on Instagram.

pink dining room

Love this pale pink dining room, these Serena & Lily beds in a fun bedroom.

I’m obsessed with the yellow gingham in the beautiful dining space!

Dining room with gingham curtains

More of the beautiful home here.

Our drought tolerant yard update…

So many people have been changing their yards up this year due to the heat, drought and climate change that is only getting worse. If you have been following the blog for a few years, you may have read how we changed our lawn to a drought tolerant landscape almost three years ago. It’s truly been the best decision and so easy to maintain.

Now three years on, a few of the plants need replacing, have grown too large and others need some big time cutting back. We are embarking on a small refresh this month and adding more of the DG (decomposed granite) ground cover… I thought I’d share it again as we have people every week stopping by by taking photos and asking about the plants, especially the past month! More about the journey and how a few of our neighbors also rebuilt their front yards during the pandemic on this post.

At first people were telling me it looked like an Arizona landscape, but it didn’t take long for the bushes to fill in..

before and at the start..

lawn before ripping out
drought tolerant yard with decomposed granite
drought tolerant bushes in yard

We use no pesticides or weed killers, trim it about every three months, sometimes less, and use minimal water. Since Max works from home most days, he’s got a full time bird and butterfly show out there. The small birds love the bushes and we added a birdhouse and a feeder on his office window so it’s a constant entertainment and a lot of fun.

drought tolerant landscape
bird feeder on window

Max has this bird feeder and getting fresh black sunflower seeds from our local bird shop really brought all the birds.

Pumpkin noodles

A few years ago my friend Debbie shared a wonderful pumpkin pasta recipe that crazy easy and a lot of fun and I thought if you tried our home made pasta from last week’s blog, you may want to try this as we are slowly.. getting around to pumpkin season!

The recipe is from food blog Wholefully…

pumpkin pasta
photo and recipe Wholefully blog

The recipe is simply pumpkin puree (I used the Whole Foods one with only pure pumpkin), and flour, mixed by hand, turned out and cut into thin strips. You can let them dry a bit and pop them in a pot of boiling, well salted water until they float.

cutting noodles by hand
pumpkin noodles

There is an accompanying recipe for sage browned butter which is exactly what you want on this plus a little fresh grated Parmeggiano-Reggiano. It’s the perfect fall dinner and total comfort food. To make it totally vegan leave off the cheese and use butter substitutes she recommends for the sauce. Full recipe and details here. My lower-tech version, without rolling cutter or drying rack above…. Still came out wonderful. I just forgot to take pictures!

…….

It’s been such a busy week, but I hoped you didn’t miss this gorgeous post about the Allure of Green Kitchens by Juliet! It made me want one!

Max and I have been watching the new Ken Burn’s documentary, The U.S. and the Holocaust. It’s excellent and while we thought we knew what happened, we really didn’t. I would encourage everyone to watch it. As with all his projects, so engrossing and well done.

Well that is my weekend meanderings for this week.. Please check out Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs to see what good things they are sharing…

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

PINECONES AND ACORNS

Thank you for being here! Hope your weekend is wonderful,

Kim

On my last Weekend Meanderings I shared Homemade pasta noodles, inspiration bulletin boards, a great book with some unexpected charcuterie ideas, and Madewell sale pieces you’ll want to add to the closet..and more!

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month 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!

Filed Under: weekend meanderings Tagged With: #fallfashion, #fashion, #pumpkins, #skirts, #Tableskirts

Weekend Meanderings- Army Jackets, Hawaiian Banana Bread, British House Tours & More

August 26, 2022 By kimwheeler 40 Comments

On this Weekend Meanderings.. why an army green utility jacket can give a cool edge to all your closet staples, a Hawaiian twist on banana bread, British home tours to binge and more..

It’s that time again for all the good things that we want to share with Elizabeth and Juliet.

Hi friends, how was your week? Well believe it or not, a day after I returned from Utah and wrote that self-care post (HA), I came down with some weird virus and literally have been feeling awful for nearly a week. Yesterday was my first normal day and I am thankful. No doubt I picked up something while traveling. I’m so glad to be normal today. Nothing like being unwell to appreciate the status quo right? I’ve been playing disco music and acting like I’ve won the lottery around here!

The army green utility jacket

Onto something more interesting, specifically fall clothes! I am a jacket nut, and today I’m focusing on the utility jacket.. often known as an army jacket. I have four and I am always looking at others.. These jackets give you an instant cool girl cred and just work with so much. They’re the piece you’re going to take on the trip, throw in the car and toss on when the night start turning bit cooler. They don’t need maintenance, rarely show dirt or wrinkles..They work over a white feminine dress in summer and over that chunky fall sweater you can’t wait to wear. Know this, it’s one piece that will pay for itself over and over again in your casual chic closet!

About a month ago when I was shopping for the conference with summer dresses on the brain, this cutie by Paige was next to the dresses and I grabbed it. I can’t resist a utility jacket in a new shape and I knew this might be gone next time I came.

Paige Pacey Utility Jacket in Vintage Ivy Green

I think I already shared that I wore this on the plane trips to Utah and Georgia..This jacket has some stretch which made it instantly comfortable. I also like the length, updated feminine shoulders, and cool buttons. The cuff has more buttons that can be undone and rolled back.

 army jacket with white dress
Paige army jacket in green.

Some inspiration on how to style these from Kate Moss who has been wearing army/utility jackets from her early days and still is.. She shows the versatility of these jackets..I think it doesn’t hurt to have a casual version of this jacket and a more tailored one in your closet! I like how she goes to black as a foil for it. Truthfully though, this khaki green works with so many colors..

Kate Moss army jacket.
Kate Moss utility jacket and black.
Kate Moss green khaki jacket .

Naomi Watts in a casual look.. and Kate dressing it up..

Naomi Watts in a army jacket.
Kate Moss in army jacket and skirt.

And maybe my favorite is Victoria Beckham’s look..

I remember buying these at the army surplus stores in the 80’s.. Now seems everyone has some version of this.. What used to be the jacket of anarchists, Sex Pistols and Blondie is now mainstream!

Other offerings out there are this by Anthro (cute crop style with embellishments), and at right this more classic, Marrakech Ari Utility Jacket..

embellished army jacket
Anthro Marrakech Utility Jacket

Liverpool Los Angeles has a pretty tailored look below left, and I love the vibe of this soft linen version from Michael Stars, right..

Liverpool Los Angles Army Jacket
Michael Stars Anorak Jacket

I also like this fun jacket with embroidered daisies and this blazer version by Free People.

khaki shirt jacket with daisy embroidery
free people army jacket

One with unique embroidery by Sundance.. and below right an Army coat with that vibe, by Emerson Fry, that’s on my fall wish list. I love their coats!

Sundance embroidered utility jacket
Emerson Fry Army jacket

And another I am adding here thanks to a reader Theresa, with a good eye..This cute and classic jacket is at Nordstrom and in a few colors. I like the details here and price.

So keep your eye out for these jackets when you start planning you fall closet edit. They can be found in all price points.. and online upcycled too at The RealReal, Thredup and other spots.

My stylish California pal, Cindy Hattersley had a fantastic post this week about jackets and had some good choices for cargo jackets so don’t miss her blog!

Hawaiian Banana Bread

Hawaiian Banana Bread

I was really craving some banana bread the other day after pics popped up of the Hawaiian version I tried to replicate after our last trip to the islands.. It’s a riff on a simple, but excellent banana muffin recipe originally from Gourmet Magazine. We just leave the bananas a bit chunkier and add coconut flakes. Other variations are to add a few extra banana slices to the top, and to my version here I added walnut and chocolate chips. To make it more Hawaiian, add macadamia nuts in place of the walnuts and omit the chocolate..

Hawaiian Banana Bread

Kim Wheeler
A Hawaiian twist on the traditional banana bread..
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 C Flour
  • 2/3 C Sugar
  • 1 1/2 t baking powder
  • 1/4 t salt
  • 1 C mashed ripe bananas (about 2 large)
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 C=1 stick melted butter
  • 1/4 C milk of your choosing
  • 3/4 C coconut flakes for sprinkling top
  • 3/4 C chocolate chips (optional)
  • 3/4 C macadamia nuts or walnuts

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 350 F. Mix flour, sugar baking powder and salt in a large bowl with a whisk. In another bowl, mash bananas lightly with fork, mix in egg, milk and melted butter. Stir banana mixture into dry ingredients just until blended and stir in nuts and chips if using.
    Pour into a prepared bread loaf pan (9 x 5 ish), bake 50-55 minutes. For muffins bake 32 minutes.
Keyword Hawaiian Banana Bread

British House & Garden Home Tours

One of my favorite things is to watch house tours on Youtube and British House & Garden magazine has the best ones. I also appreciate the way British people live in their homes. They are so personal, comfortable and inviting. Americans could take a few cues from them about things being less precious and more enjoyed. This tour of former Vogue editor Lucinda Chamber’s home is a great example and a fun one to watch..

Loot

My latest television obsession is Loot, with Maya Rudolf. I began while I was sick, and though I wasn’t crazy about the cast at first they really grew on me and this show was just heartwarming. It’s a good escape as well as feel good and I needed both last week.

Loot tv show

-Also this weekend Serena & Lily is having 30% off rugs, so those who asked about my rugs, the new one in the dining room, Alamere and my living room Stella, as well as the kitchen runner – this is a good time to get them, if you want them arriving before the holidays- and on sale!

-For those who asked, I finally set up a more complete shop on my Liktoknowit , or now LTK and you can shop on that site’s app if you prefer here! You can always shop the tabs at the top of the blog as well.

Well that is my weekend meanderings for this week.. Please check out Elizabeth and Juliet’s blogs to see what good things they are sharing…

MAKE MINE A SPRITZER

PINECONES AND ACORNS

Thank you for being here! Hope your weekend is wonderful.

Kim

If you missed last week’s Meandering’s post, I talked about making yourself a priority, skincare tips, improving your sleep, Salt Lake City, a book on moving to the French countryside and more.

If you’d like to get an email when I post, please subscribe to the blog here for a post in your inbox a few times a month 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!

If you want to save this post, you can pin it Pinterest below..

Filed Under: Fashion, weekend meanderings Tagged With: #armyjackets, #bananabread, #Britishhouse&garden, #fallfashion, #hawaiianbananabread, #loot, #lucindachambers, #serenaandlily, #utilityjackets

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.

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

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Filed Under: Signature Style, Uncategorized Tagged With: #anthropologie, #denim, #denimstyle, #fall2021, #fallfashion, #fallshopping, #framejeans, #gap, #jeans, #jeansforfall, #signaturestyle, #signaturestylejeans, #sustainablejeans, #sustainablestyle

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

Filed Under: Friday Fun, Uncategorized Tagged With: #anthropologie, #falldishes, #fallfashion, #madewell, #soup

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.

PHOTO: 
JAWAD ELATAB/BACKGRID

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

Filed Under: Fall fashion, Uncategorized Tagged With: #fallfashion, #fashioninspiration, #katieholmes, #khaite, #madewell, #personalstyle, #stylingyourself

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I’m super excited because today Juliet and Eliza I’m super excited because today Juliet and Elizabeth and I are starting a virtual brooch/holiday pin party for December and we want you to join us! ✨

I know many of you probably have some lovely little sparkles that are sitting in a drawer or box from your mom or grandma, or perhaps just ones that you haven’t worn for a long time.  Get those lovelies out and let’s see them. 

During the month of December, tag us with #showusyourbling or #christmaspin  and we will share your pretty pins on our stories.

This is another way to get creative with your outfits during this festive month ! It also sparks so many nice comments and conversations. I’ve been chatted up by so many people wearing my mom or grandma’s brooches and I  enjoyed hearing about theirs as well. 

It’s a way to keep those who we inherited them from, close to our hearts at this time of the year . 🥰 I always think my mom or grandma would be so thrilled to know I’m wearing their special brooches. 

Men are wearing brooches now too! So we’d love for the guys to join in as well.

Stop by our blogs today for more ways to wear your pins and links to some good ones if you’re wanting to start your own little collection like I have!

Use the hashtags #showusyourbling #christmaspin 

Links in our bios..
@northerncalstyle 
@pineconesandacorns 
@makemineaspritzer 

#broochthesubject #christmaspin #vintagechristmaspin #vintagechristmas #holidaydressing #holidaysparkle
I just had to put this out as I’ve already had s I just had to put this out as I’ve already had several friends saying they are stressed about not doing anything for the holidays yet -and  it’s not even December!!

Then yesterday my dad said he felt some anxiety because all his neighbors had their Christmas lights up and he hasn’t done his. 
That really made me upset. My 84 year old dad! 

This is not a race. 

The person with the most things done is not the winner in fact, that person may not be enjoying the season as much as somebody else who’s taking it slowly and going at their own pace, and doing less.

Remind yourself to enjoy the little things this season that matter to you. Also say no to things . You don’t need to do all you think you do. Let things go that aren’t bringing you joy. 

This holiday season shouldn’t be about stress! 

That’s the end of this PSA from a person who has bought two gifts and still has Thanksgiving decor up! 

Is anyone else feeling overwhelmed?

Tell me below, have you made the season better by doing less?  Are you a late shopper or card writer? That is okay. 

Do you know people used to shop and decorate the tree in the days before Christmas just a few decades ago?? 

#holidaymadness #simplechristmas #holidayzen
Hope you’ve had a great long weekend! If you mi Hope you’ve had a great long weekend!  If you missed the Weekend Meanderings with Juliet and Elizabeth pop on by for some good holiday ideas!
On my weekend post…
-A Thanksgiving table hack
-Pretty wrap from California
-Beauty gift ideas on sale
- J. Crew silver holiday looks
-Part I of my Edinburgh trip 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿
Including Holyrood Palace and @thebalmoral hotel, in Edinburgh.

It’s all on the our blogs -links in bio:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

#weekend #edinburgh #edinburghtravel #holyroodpalace #balmoralhotel #roccofortehotels #scotland_insta #scotland
Finally got my table together ! I added some flowe Finally got my table together ! I added some flowers from Trader Joe’s after picking up Griffin from SFO this afternoon. I found these green napkins at @worldmarket and added some velvet ribbon I had with our @anthropologie dishes… and my favorite candlesticks from my pal Juliet! 

I have my mom’s tureen and my grandma’s platter out and the recipe binder is open to my mom’s beautifully written instructions on how to cook a turkey made for me and other tips. 💛

It will be me and all my guys including dad, but I’ll be thinking of mom and grandma and all the Thanksgivings they did. I am missing them especially at this time of year. I know a lot of you feel the same. 

I’m thankful to all of you sweet friends here on Instagram too.  It’s been a joy to connect with so many kind people. 

Now I am off to trim Brussels sprouts!😅

Wishing you all a very happy Thanksgiving!

#thanksgivingtable #thanksgivingtablescape #thanksgivingtableideas  #californiathanksgiving
It’s the weekend blog time and I’m sharing the It’s the weekend blog time and I’m sharing the fourth part of our travel to the UK with our visits to Chatsworth House, Bakewell and the medieval walled city of York! I loved this area and if you are a Jane Austen fan, you know 500 year old Chatsworth was her inspiration for Mr Darcy’s Pemberley and in many of the films. It’s amazing it’s been in the same family for 16 generations and you can have the best day there walking the house and grounds and lunch..

October was a magical time to visit these places with foggy days and fall weather! We absolutely loved it and York has to be one of my favorite cities now. The walls were so fun to walk and we stayed at the most charming hotel..@grayscourtyork 

More on the blog ! 

Please visit Juliet and Elizabeth’s blogs too! 
Links in our bios..
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

#uktravel #visitbritain #york #chatsworthhouse #bakewell #falltravel #prideandprejudice #pemberley #grayscourtyork
It’s November’s Signature Style so Cindy and I It’s November’s Signature Style so Cindy and I are sharing great coats and outerwear!  We’ve got fun ideas on how to wear your coats and jackets and the coolest options out there!

I snapped a few pictures of people in the UK in their coats, and I’m sharing a little inspiration from the trip..

Stop on by our blogs if you need a fresh look or maybe a new coat for this year! We are finally getting some real weather, and I love it! 

You can comment LINKS to be sent the post by DM or find the posts in our bios..
@northerncalstyle 
@cindyhattersley 

#winterstyle #coatinspo #coatseason
Did you get to read my post on the Cotswolds? I’ Did you get to read my post on the Cotswolds? I’m absolutely in love with this part of England that includes Oxford University where we began, Stow on the Wold, and Stratford-Upon-Avon! 

All three are places of incredible history and charm! We even did a little side trip to the teeny village of Lower Slaughter.. More about all of it, and the sweet shops and restaurants and our cute hotel on the weekend post..

If you’re planning a trip to the Cotswolds save this reel..
On this clip-
@oxford_uni 
@thesheepstow 
@cutterbrooksshop 
@lucystearoomstow 

Link to my full blog on this in bio
@northerncalstyle 

#stowonthewold #cotswolds #cotswoldstravel #oxforduniversity #stratforduponavon #uktravel 

@lambsrestaurant
Today I joined my blogging friends to share cozy b Today I joined my blogging friends to share cozy bedroom ideas and inspiration for the season. 

Do you have a  bedroom that could use some cozy?  Mine needed help.. I used fuzzy rugs, plaid throws, velvet pillows, plus a touch of black to give my own room some depth and warmth during these darker months!  I added a faux wreath above the bed for a festive feel. ✨It feels like a little retreat now and I’ve been reading and having my tea here.

All of us have unique bedroom ideas for this collaboration, so stop on by our blogs!

@northerncalstyle 
@classiccasualhome 
@cindyhattersley 
@most_lovely_things 
@mysweetsavannah 

#cozybedroom #cozyroom #wintervibes #holidayhouse
If you missed this weekend’s post, with Juliet a If you missed this weekend’s post, with Juliet and Elizabeth, I shared my favorite things to do in London in fall and winter! 

I’m breaking my UK/Scotland trip into regions, and this week is all about London, where we stayed, some good spots to eat, my favorite museums, and shops. I also shared a few good things I bought, and the boots I wore everywhere that were fairly inexpensive and very comfortable .

The link to this post is in my bio or you can comment below for it and I’ll DM you. 

On this Reel:
-Our beautiful hotel @hamyard_hotel in Soho
- My favorite museum the @vamuseum which is having the Chanel exhibit until Feb. and don’t miss the gift shop totes! 
- The best place for tea and beautiful tins of it to take home @fortnums 
- The historic and coolest department store in the world, @libertylondon. Must do!
- Max’s favorite museum @thebritishmuseum 
- I always find something at @hmhome 
- Two Italian spots we love @circolopopolare and @_boccadilupo &gelato @gelupogelato 
MORE on the blog!

Save this post if you’re planning a trip.

More on the blog! 
@northerncalstyle 

Please visit Juliet and Elizabeth’s blogs for more fun too:
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns 

#london #londontips #londontravel #londoninthefall #prettycitylondon
I haven’t posted much as we’re on a trip in th I haven’t posted much as we’re on a trip in the UK! 🇬🇧❤️ 

I’ve been trying to share everything on my stories, and saving some of them in my highlights in case any of you are planning a trip! 

I’ve been so overwhelmed with the pictures,  I actually let Instagram make this Reel from the highlights of London and Oxford.. 

I just did a little postcard post on the weekend blog with a few fun pics and details, especially about our stop to visit my friend Rosie who lives in Stratford Upon Avon,  which was so lovely.

You can follow along on my stories, or if you’ve missed any, look at the highlights ! I’m trying to categorize by area.

Please visit Juliet and Elizabeth blogs too. I know they had a great weekend posts!!

 Our links as always, in our bios or stories:
@northerncalstyle 
@makemineaspritzer 
@pineconesandacorns

#uktravel #uktraveltips #londontravel #oxfordtravel #visitbritain
I am finally getting to share a bit of the fun sho I am finally getting to share a bit of the fun shopping event at the Stanford @rails store. I felt like the luckiest girl getting to try all these beautiful clothes on! 

Thank you to everyone who came.. A special thank you to my pal Jeanne who was a great sport and modeled for us.. The Rails team is so sweet too.

This fall collection is gorgeous and my style. My favorites were the jackets, knits and the new denim! Did you know Rails also has a great men’s line? I bought Max a shirt for our trip. 

I wanted one of everything! On the weekend post I’ll share what I picked to add to my fall capsule…One of them is a dress I’m taking with me on my UK trip. 

This California company makes standout pieces. If you get a chance visit the Stanford store or the Hayes Valley to see the whole collection up close and you’ll see why. 

#bayareashopping #rails #stanfordshoppingcenter #northerncaliforniastyle #californialook #falllooks
Join me for a special fall shopping event at the P Join me for a special fall shopping event at the Palo Alto @rails
store this Saturday! 
 
These are just a few of the gorgeous things they have in their fall collection. 

They also created a special pink Hunter shirt for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and will give $40 for every Hunter shirt sold. 🩷

The event will be 10-6 
Light bites & pink drinks too. 
 
I will be there 11-2 to help style looks and share the new collection! 

I really hope to meet some of you and also share more of what I love about this wonderful brand.

#rails #fallfashion #bayareashopping #paloalto #stanfordshoppingcenter

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