The Vintage Contessa

It is a tantalizing array of frou-frou and advance stages of decay.

You are here: Home / Posts / KIM WHEELER ON AGELESS STYLE!

in Posts

KIM WHEELER ON AGELESS STYLE!

YES, PEOPLE SHE IS OVER 50!!!!!!
HARD TO BELIEVE I KNOW.
WE MUST PAY ATTENTION HERE ESPECIALLY TO HER SKIN PRODUCTS!
MEET KIM WHEELER Of the BLOG Northern California STYLE!
IT is time for OUR AGELESS STYLE POST ONCE AGAIN!
WHICH I SO HAPPILY DO WITH MY CO-HOST https://cindyhattersleydesign.com/blog/
PLEASE VISIT HER BLOG TOO JUST CLICK ON THE LINK ABOVE!
I ADORED THE TWO SISTERS from HER LAST AGELESS STYLE POST!
I think this month SHE has captured a WOMAN from DOWN UNDER LET’s see if I am RIGHT!Part of the fun here for the TWO of US is we do not tell each other who we have scheduled to APPEAR!
DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO COULD BE A VICTIM of AGELESS STYLE HERE ON OUR BLOGS?
LEAVE US A NOTE IN THE COMMENT SECTION!
WE ARE SEARCHING FOR SOME NEW FACES!
NOW OFF TO KIM’s INTERVIEW TODAY!
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE?
California casual above all else, I guess with a little fancy thrown in.
WHAT INSPIRES YOUR SIGNATURE STYLE?

Well to be honest, growing up in California and seeing how my mother dressed in the 1970’s. I have really come to love that look more over the years- jeans, beautiful blouses, simple dresses and pretty sandals and in winter white jeans and sweaters. I love that look of natural hair and makeup, a light tan, though I rarely tan myself!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ACCESSORY?

Rings and bracelets usually stacked up.

What are your favorite color combinations?

Mainly white and tan or khaki, tan and black, denim and light blue, and blush pink with tan.

DO YOU HAVE A SIGNATURE PIECE THAT DEFINES YOUR STYLE?

Probably jackets or coats. I have a zillion jackets and my boys tease me saying that I could use the coat closet for myself alone. I just think a jacket gives a nicer silhouette to your shape, especially if you slouch like I do. (I am always working on that.) Coats are another love and I have vintage and a few new I bought this year. I tried hard this year to only buy quality things and so far I’ve scored two lovely coats made in America both from Emerson Fry, my new obsession. I like to wear a coat all day sometimes like a jacket. I’ve been dying over the amazing coats from the series The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. It makes me want to search out more vintage styles. I just have to be careful with coats as I am short and they can swamp me. I try hard to find the right proportion with coats and jackets or they can make you look larger than you are. Also I am always cold so I need them!

WHAT ARE YOUR STYLE STRENGTH’S?

Well my husband says I can predict perfectly what looks great on others, but as far as myself I am not always sure.  I still buy things and later go, ’What was I thinking?’ I can often lose my mind when I am shopping and get like a kid in a candy store. That said though, I have been pretty disciplined with myself the last year or so, I’ve made an effort to shop less and have tried to think of purchases in outfit scenarios.  I do enjoy creating a look every day using what is already in the closet! I really believe using what you already own is always better than all new. I have pieces from the 80’s and vintage bits like earrings from the 60’s from my grandma and jewelry from mother. Working those in with some new pieces make a look that is yours alone. I strive for that and admire it when I see it on others.

DO YOU HAVE A STYLE MUSE?
Kate Moss for sure. I have saved so many photos of her and the throwaway chic way she pulls a look together. Other inspirations are Jane BIrkin in the 70’s, Blondie in the 80’s, and Farrah Fawcett with her sportif looks. Kerry Russell has the best causal style and Sarah Jessica Parker I admire for her mix of relaxed and serendipity. Of course my own mother was the biggest influence as she loved clothes and was a chic neat-nik, pressed and perfect. That still influences me as can never step out of the house with wrinkles or spots or dirty shoes. My dad’s mother also inspired me with her love of color and pattern and coordinating bags and shoes!
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BEAUTY PRODUCTS,AND WHY CAN’T YOU LIVE WITHOUT THEM?

Well I cycle through stuff, but right now I am loving Jan Marini products which my facialist got me started on. I have sensitive skin with rosacea and still break out. The Biioclear lotion has helped with it’s azealic acid which is great for anti-aging and keeping your skin clear. I also love their sunscreen and eye cream. It’s all fab and made here in the Bay Area too. I worked in skincare at Nordstrom while in college and learned to wear sunscreen and eye cream daily since I was 20 and it has helped I think. So far I have done no botox or any fillers, but I do think about trying it between my brows and I hate my neck, but I try not to focus on my saggy parts!  I use Strivectin on my neck and it helps a bit.

WHAT ADVISE DO YOU HAVE FOR WOMEN OVER 50?

Embrace this time of life and try to appreciate your own unique brand of beauty. We all have our own look and I think the nice part about getting to this age is we are wiser and know what works or doesn’t for each of us. Rather than resort to a lot of fillers and junk, I try to focus on my hair and skin and exercise. I feel much better about myself when I do.  I personally have found that less is more- in dressing and in makeup. Simple well-made clothes look better on than a lot of cheap things, so buy less and better. For the face, less foundation, less powder and less eye makeup seems to look fresher and younger. Spend money on the skincare and good sunglasses. I see a lot of older Californian women that look so great and they are all active and very natural.

 

DO YOU HAVE ANY STYLE RULES THAT YOU LIVE BY,OR DO YOU CHOOSE TO BREAK THE RULES?

I wear white jeans all year, but now that is an old school thing. I do wear shorter dresses and skirts, but I balance them with more covered tops. To me, they look better than shorts in the summer. One rule that I have for myself is no basic t-shirts alone. I am fuller on top and this look just makes me look dumpy. I resort to blouses or t’s under jackets, which is much more flattering.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE ONLINE OR BOUTIQUE SOURCES?

Emerson Fry, as I said above, is my new fave. I also love Nordy’s online as they have everything. A darling and well-curated shop in Willow Glen called Parker is another I adore and in my town of Los Gatos, Time Out has a always great collection of cute California inspired clothes. Trina Turk is always a treat. I love the TT Burlingame store and just was at the Palm Springs flagship. I do find cool stuff at Crossroads which is vintage. I browse when I sell back clothes a few times a year and have found some cool one of a kind pieces from Barney’s and vintage silk dresses from J. Crew.

DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR DIET OR EXERCISE REGIME THAT YOU FOLLOW?
About 10 years ago I got back into tennis which I played as a kid and in school. I am so grateful to have that in my life as it keeps me sane and somewhat in shape. I hate running and I think I’m going to have a heart-attack when I spin. I play tennis about 3-4 times a week and try to walk a few days a week and I catch a pilates mat class when I have time.
I always eat what I guess is now called a Mediterranean diet. I’m not really a meat eater, but I occasionally have chicken or fish and eat a lot of vegetables. We grew up eating out of my dad’s garden and he still helps me grow one each year. I don’t drink much as I find I can’t tolerate more than a glass of wine, and sometimes rarely that anymore without feeling badly, which sounds pretty boring!  I did cut most dairy out of my diet about a year ago and have almond or oat milk lattes in the morning, a vegetable spread on whole grain toast. The less bread and carbs I have the better I feel and I also don’t buy much processed food. I make all my own dressings, pasta sauces, etc. I do love dark chocolate and always have some in the fridge to snack on- something my dad had when we were kids. Sneaking bits of his bar we learned to like dark chocolate which is not horrible for you.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ANTI-AGING FOODS AND OR SUPPLEMENTS THAT ARE YOUR GO TO’S?
One thing I did start doing a few months ago is make the Jennifer Garner protein smoothie with spinach in the morning which has coconut collagen powder. My whole family likes it. If I have that I can almost skip lunch it is so filling. The collagen has made a difference in my hair and nails I think. When I remember I take a multi-vitamin and when I am feeling low energy or tired I will drink an EmergenC packet thing with the B vitamins. Seems to help.
THANK YOU KIM!
YOU can also find her on INSTAGRAM at northerncalstyle.
Kim is remodeling their house and has a great ESTHETIC you may want to FOLLOW ALONG on the BLOG as she shares HER UPS AND DOWNS of doing a REMODEL!
Here WE ARE LUNCHING about TWO YEARS AGO!
BE SURE TO HEAD OVER TO CINDY HATTERSLEY’S BLOG.
SOMETHING TELLS ME I WAS WRONG ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN!
SHE ALWAYS HAS SOME INTERESTING BEING!
Until we meet again here……………SPRING HAS SPRUNG!
XX

Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Hello and a happy Friday Elizabeth! I love to read your interviews for ageless style. I have followed Kims’ blog for awhile and I always enjoy it. Kim is a natural beauty and her effortless, casual style is beautiful! Thank you for sharing her and her agelsss style tips!

    Reply

  3. What a lovely post! I particularly enjoyed the last pic of you two gals together! Bacioni ed un abbraccio forte xxx

    Reply

  5. Well, now Elizabeth that was a great interview with KIM. Lafayette? We should meet.
    Kim is adorable and looks great in everything she modeled. It is so satisfying to meet someone with legs that are my length who still loves to dress and can pull off anything. Oh that did not sound right! Thank you for this fun and lovely introduction to Kim she’s a beautiful girl! And a great picture of the two of you!!!

    Reply

  6. You’re sure she’s not in her 20’s? Should I throw away my makeup? Kim looks like a surfer kid in Malibu. She certainly has a relaxed lay back style. I do like her comments about wearing jackets over ample besoms. Good advice. Must look for that line of skin care. Oops, do I really need one more thing? Well, I’ll keep it in mind for the future. Fun post of a stylish woman. Now over to her blog. Thanks.

    Reply

      • I have the same “Kim” rule that I have for myself, no basic t-shirts alone or turtlenecks. I am fuller on top with broad shoulders and this mays me look like a matron. So v neck tees, tailered shirts & tunics, v neck, boat neck sweaters & light fabric jackets & coats down here in So. CAL.

        Reply

  7. Oh I love Kim and I am so mad you stole her from me!! Kim is one of the most beautifully natural women I know. She is beautiful inside and out. Before I met her I thought she was about my daughters age. She looks fabulous. I seriously just love her. So glad I got to know her through blogging and can call her a friend!

    Reply

    • Cindy the feeling is mutual! I feel so lucky to meet you through this blogging and honored to do this with you and Elizabeth as you both are way more stylish than I am! Looking forward to hanging out more with you dear friend. xoxo

      Reply

  8. Love your monthly style column and enjoyed getting to knowKim better this month. I’m very interested in her smoothie recipe and would love to know where she gets her coconut collagen powder. I want to give that a try. Thanks for all the wonderful advice and happy weekend!

    Reply

    • Celia, the coconut collagen powder I found at Whole Foods from a company called Primal Kitchen- Coconut Collegen Powder. It’s yummy and the smoothie is basically one scoop of that, a spoonful of ground flax, a handful of baby spinach, a cup of almond milk, ice and I add a banana and top with some hemp seeds. xx

      Reply

  10. Loved this post Contessa it was fun as always but Kim and I have been friends for years and she is beautiful inside as well as outside. Her style is fantastic, to me she just embodies California. She’s so right about jackets too it’s great advice! And I didn’t know she started with sunscreen and eye cream at age 20, that explains her fabulous skin.
    Thanks so much to you both I really enjoyed this post XOX

    Reply

    • I miss your bog DaniBP! Now Elizabeth THERE is someone to do a feature on! If she would do it!!!

      PS. DaniBP, I loved your blogs about Vienna and Austria

      Reply

  11. Dearest Contessa – I was EXCITED to see Kim on your Instagram post this morning! I love her style and her blog. I’m feeling very one with her now that I’m beginning a home renovation. It’s an absolute treat to read about Kim’s clothing strategies, exercise and skin care regimes. I’d love to know who does her facials. This is such a fun series you do with Cindy and I look forward to it each month! xo

    Reply

    • Dear Juliet you are so nice. I know it’s great to meet a friend doing the same thing with a house! I love this series too.. Don’t know how I rated. So many stylish ladies here. Looking forward to meeting up maybe? xoxo P.S. I go to The Spa Los Gatos for facials and my facialist is Sara. xx

      Reply

  12. Wait a sec. I will get a glass of wine. Okay, all set…

    What a beauty! Love Kim’s style. I am similar in little makeup and jeans, jeans, jeans. Also over 50 (ahem, won’t say how much over) and on the same Coast as you ladies!! I will come for lunch with you next time. I wish.

    Thanks for the wonderful tips, Kim. Love the photos especially the one with you and your sons 🙂

    Reply

  14. A lovely woman and one that I totally get…1970’s style, protein drinks, a coat closet to oneself….my kind of woman!

    Reply

  15. VIA EMAIL:
    Very interesting! She does look great! Although I like your
    Style with the big jewelry and I am 54! My sister and I talk about
    You all the time. All positive of course!
    NANCY

    Reply

    • I agree no one has style like Elizabeth. I love how she can wear multiples of everything and can pull off anything. She is even lovelier in person too.

      Reply

  17. Loved this post! What a breath of fresh air, Kim is. Her style is natural and relaxed, yet chic and attractive. I have always thought that as we age, the best way to maintain health and beauty is to live in a natural balance. Healthy diet, exercise and daily hydration with lots of water, all contribute. A look like Kim’s, with less make up and a classic style, always presents a more youthful & healthy image!

    Reply

  18. Kim defies aging!!! Must be the tennis, the protein shake, being judicious w/ alcohol, and a beautiful CA girl from the start… I honestly thought you had lowered the interviewee age to thirty something (I think that was TV show a long time ago!) White jeans are so popular w/ older women in FL… Sunshine must inspire white outfits : ) She is adorable. XO

    Reply

  19. Fun, copying a CA gal !!

    Looks good, and effortless. Always a combo pointing toward an intellect of choices, well made.

    Happy Spring !!

    Garden & Be Well, XO T

    Reply

  20. Jill met Kim (through you, I assume) when she lived in the Bay Area. She was very kind to my little dove, and for that this mommy is grateful! I follow her blog, and I always appreciate how she makes every look so put together!
    <3 to you both!

    Reply

    • Mary so nice of you to comment. Of course I remember Jill and still follow her adventures on Instagram. I was hoping she stayed here, but I am so happy for her as she is doing great. We all adored her! What a sweet and smart young woman, wise beyond her years. Thank you Mary for the kind words and nice of you to follow the blog. Tell Jill hello for me! xoxo

      Reply

  21. I think I may have ended up on Kim’s IG account a few weeks ago. Like her, I find it hard to decide what looks good on me. I ask my husband and he rolls his eyes at me and tells me I should know by now. I think I’ve decided that brown is not really my colour (my mum used to buy me quite a bit of brown clothes when I was growing up; then I rebelled and stopped wearing brown for many, many years. I started wearing it again in my 30s but maybe I should have stayed away from it forever). I like Kim’s style. it seems effortless.

    Reply

    • Loree it’s so hard isn’t it to find what looks good! My husband is no help either. I have to say I just try and stick with what I think flatters and if I feel good I take a photo an outfit and try to remember a look. Otherwise, I get overwhelmed. Less seems to work better for me. xo

      Reply

  22. I think my comment got lost. I want to get on Kin’s Smoothie train! She is so beautiful inside and out!

    Reply

  23. She is such a pretty lass Elizabeth and I do love her style.
    Easy, comfortable and relaxed.
    Like the grey poncho she was wearing in one of the pics.
    Hard to believe she is over 50………very youthful.
    Cheers Bella
    Neat xx

    Reply

  24. Kim and Elizabeth,
    I really enjoyed this interview. Especially because I am short. I don’t really feel it’s a handicap and definitely is not with Kim! Very pretty girl.

    Looking forward to meeting you through Elizabeth, my style maven. Thanks
    for proving short people can have style too.

    Reply

    • Rae, Thank you! Looking forward to meeting too! Yes we fellow petite gals have to stick together.. We are little, but fierce !! xoxo

      Reply

  25. Cara Elizabeth,

    Great choice- Kim looks great whatever she wears. She has a relaxed style that I absolutely love.

    Thank you both, Baci baci, Robin

    Reply

  26. This is such an interesting interview. Kim shows the payoff from sensible diet and exercise–and by diet I mean eating right and not crazy-list-of-stuff-you-don’t-eat-in-order-to-lose-weight-fast.
    We changed to daylight savings time this weekend in Europe and I am having a hard time adjusting, thinking I might just curl up and nap. But now I’m motivated to go outside and exercise instead. Thank you, Kim!

    Reply

    • I don’t know if I am the fittest person, and often wish I was one of those people who could run, and be thinner, but you all have made me feel great. I don’t think restrictive diets work as you have to eventually go back to normal eating right? Thank you !!

      Reply

  27. VIA EMAIL:

    Thank you for the timely BLOG today! I loved reading about Kim and her California spirit. I am off to my 50th Class reunion today for Holy Names Highschool. The sun is shining, I am alive and well, and that is enough! Of course I added a great set of earrings to my ensemble for the occasion…..and a bright deep orange top as well. Much rather appear in the black and white caftan….but not this year!

    You look MARVELOUS…..as always!

    Love, Lady Di

    Reply

    • Thanks Lady Di. Have a wonderful reunion. Great that you are going and I bet look chic in your earrings and orange. Love that!!

      Reply

  28. California girls have a way of being natural beauties all of their lives. I love Kim’s relaxed style and can identify with being influenced by her mother and grandmother. Off to see Miss Cindy and her lovely lady. Just love your interviews! xoxox, Brenda

    Reply

    • Brenda, I love being called a California girl! 😀 I do feel lucky to have had both a mom and grandmother- who loved clothes and cared a lot about looking nice. They have influenced me more than I realized and especially now that both are gone. I think about that often. xo

      Reply

  29. Hey all, I have known Kim since Junior High School and I can verify that this lovely girl looks just the same now as she did then. Amazing!! xoxo Kelley

    Reply

  30. I really enjoyed reading about Kim! She is a natural beauty! I am going to hop on the smoothie bandwagon. Thanks so much for posting this. Ann

    Reply

  31. Ciao again!

    Where does the time go? I was shocked to see you’ve another Ageless Style under your belt. (I got distracted trying to finish off my own belated post – no excuse!) How do you know so many lovely women all with individual styles? Especially as we learn from your latest interview that you’re Shy! What fun you and Cindy must have putting these together!

    Baci xx

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

contessa_and_her_pig

La Contessa
Her musings and passions.What Inspires and Dazzles.Loving all things Worn and Rusted.AGE.The Grandeur of The Past.
Bottom line Contessa Chatter!!!
Copyright © 2022 · The Vintage Contessa | Designed & Maintained by TheTechnology-Therapist
%d bloggers like this: