Happy Weekend, friends!
It’s Saturday and I’m joining Kim and Elizabeth for our favorites of the week.
Jim and I went to see Sir Paul McCartney last night.
Forgive me if I’m dragging a bit today.
Let’s dispense with the chit chat and get right into it.
Rosella in all her glory
COASTAL GRANDMOTHER STYLE
Last week I shared this article about the Coastal Grandmother trend. I’m fascinated. But do we really call it a trend? Perhaps not, as the coastal grandmother eschews trends and sticks with classics which is precisely her appeal.
Anyway, I’m all about this new designation … or more of a recognition and appreciation of living well and stylishly. Like the streamlined, classic, traditional style personified in Nancy Meyers movies by the leading ladies and their aspirational homes. Think Diane Keaton in Something’s Gotta Give and, my personal favorite, Meryl Streep in It’s Complicated. Reese Witherspoon in Home Again, Hallie Meyers-Shyer’s first movie, is another, more recent example. Proving you don’t need to live coastally, or be a grandmother, to exemplify this style.
Here’s my interpretation of Coastal Grandmother style in my outfit collage of the week.
White Pants / Stripe Shirt / Hat / Bag / Sunnies / Sandals
CURRENTLY READING
One of my goals this year is to read more books. I used to be a voracious reader but somehow my habits changed. Is it because of social media? I don’t know. Whatever it is it’s unacceptable and must change.
I’m currently reading Katie Couric’s memoir, Going There. And, just started Tina Brown’s, The Palace Papers. I need to finish one before the other. Reading two at a time is best when one is fiction and the other non. As a third-generation Royal enthusiast I’ll probably let them leapfrog Katie.
Also, new on my shelf is Anna, The Biography by Amy Odell. Anna Wintour, Vogue’s long-time editor, wasn’t really on my radar until The Devil Wears Prada was released as a movie in 2006. Recent books by Andre Leon Tally, The Chiffon Trenches, and Grace Coddington, Grace, A Memoir, upped my interest and I enjoyed Thomas Maier’s book, All That Glitters about Anna, Tina Brown, and their rivalry at Conde Nast. Anyway, I can’t wait to bury my nose in this book. AFTER I finish The Palace Papers and Going There!
Back to magazine editors and publishing intrigue, Park Avenue Summer is a delightful, fictionalized tale of Helen Gurley Brown beginning her legendary tenure as editor of Cosmopolitan magazine in 1965. It’s a few years old, but if you missed it, it’s really good.
What are you reading right now, I’d love to know? Also, do you read an actual book (in hand), or on a device … or both?
CURRENTLY WATCHING
We just finished the final episodes of Ozark. Are you watching? Oh my gosh! Wow. On Thursday we started Anatomy of a Scandal. Talk about coastal grandmother style. Sienna Miller brings it. In episode two or three, Sienna’s character visits her in-law’s country home. Wait until you see the kitchen. Amazing. I hope more scenes were filmed there. On a less scandalous, but equally addicting note, Stanley Tucci: Searching for Italy is back for season two. He doesn’t disappoint.
Meltdown: Three Mile Island, is a new docuseries that caught my eye. I remember this 1979 incident so well. Not only because it was a huge disaster that dominated the news, but because dad, a nuclear engineer for Bechtel, received a phone call in the middle of the night and was on the next plane to Pennsylvania. He was there for months. Anyway, the 4-part series is available now on Netflix and it’s in my watch queue for next week.
FOLDY PUFFY SUMMER SANDAL
Today I’m adding to summer sandal euphoria with the Foldy Puffy Sandal, made with vegan leather, from Roam. I recently purchased them in nude at my favorite local boutique, Flaunt. I was immediately drawn to their look and now to their comfort. Not to mention that everywhere I wear them, women are coming up to me asking where I got them. In addition to nude, they come in honey and pink. Sorry for the cruddy photo.
Tee, Pants & Slides from Flaunt
If you’re a Bay Area local, run over to Flaunt in Danville and get yourself, or your mom, a pair. You can also find them online here and here. Or click on the images below.
PATIO SEASON IS (ALMOST) HERE
At least it’s here in California. Some days are better than others. We hit a high of 90 earlier this week. On Cinco de Mayo, Jim and I went to our favorite local hangout, Lafayette Public House, for, what else, their delicious street tacos and nachos. It was a (Mexican) holiday, so we also indulged, for better (they’re delicious) or worse (sugar hangover the next day), in their churros. While we were feasting, I noticed a new addition to the charming patio. Look at these amazing, oversized Edison bulbs. Aren’t they great? They create such a fun and festive atmosphere.
Lafayette Public House
And it got me thinking, why not try this on our back patio at Snowberry? I googled ‘oversized light bulbs’ and here’s what I found. It says they are ‘damp’ rated which I think means ok for outside, but in a covered patio situation. Be sure to confirm. I’m going to order a few and try them on our uncovered patio (it’s rare to get rain during the summer months), but I’m going going to further research the suitability. I love the combination of the classic teardrop and olive shapes. And the beehive shape is cool too.
So, there you have it, my favorite things of the week.
Let’s head over to Kim and Elizabeth’s to see what they’ve got going on.
Want more Coastal Grandmother style, read this and this. Can you tell, I’m into it? And this seriously major blogger is all over CG too. Did you know her new home is just up the street from my Fidalgo Island house? I love when she shares video of her new neighborhood because I can see the upper floor of our former home. I miss it. But not the climate.
As always, I appreciate your visit and welcome your thoughts in the comments below.
Wishing you all a very Happy Mother’s Day!
What are your plans?
Jim’s taking a quick trip to Portland to see his mom.
And I’m going to catch up on some gardening and bury my nose in a book.
This would have been my mother’s idea of a perfect day.
And I’ll spend time remembering her.
Cheers from Snowberry!
Ok now , I’m apparently not the chic fashion forward supporter of theses clownish puffy slides you gals are sporting every blog. How can you not see how unflattering and awkward these shoes look therefore ruining every outfit you pair them with? It’s not the fashion industry’s fault they can get you to buy and wear anything in an effort to be hip, it’s the buyer’s fault for taking the bait and throwing money at them!
Haha, Leanne … thank you for your honesty. I used to feel the same way about Birkenstocks and now and embrace them, and my clown slides, because they are comfortable and make my feet comfy! Happy weekend! xo
hi juliet i started to watch the nuclear doc and knew i needed to wait for my husband . That’s crazy about your dad. Would love to hear more about his experience ( not that most of us were consumed with our parents occupations when we’re young ) . Do you follow Katie at preppy empty nester? She has the best reading watching lists! I downloaded the audible of one of her pics and love it! I am trying to read 2 books and it’s tough! reading is on my need more list ( and dancing – in my weekend post).
happy day! i hope we get to meet in person one day! laura in colorado
You’re right, Laura … I paid zero attention to my dad’s job growing up aside from being away of what he did and when he was gone. He passed away earlier in the year … I know he would have been interested in this documentary. And had lots to say about what they got right … and wrong! Yes, I’ve been following PEN for years … I think since 2014. Wow. She’s one of my first … and favorite … blogs. I get such a kick out of her! How fun would it be to meet one day. I hope it happens, we’re not that far apart! xo
We’re reading and watching many of the same things! Love your style! I’m also all about that coastal grandma vibe. Happy Mother’s Day my friend!
Good morning, Tonya … you are 100 Coastal Grandmother. And you’re really a grandmother too. Hard as it is to believe you’re over 35. Happy Mother’s Day and weekend! xo
OK – so I just did a deep dive into Snowberry which took me to the Fidalgo Home. Good lord – how gorgeous. I can’t believe you left. Was it just too cold or rainy?
anyway – both homes are lovely.
Can’t do the puffy slides. You look cute in them. You look cute in everything.
Can we just discuss Paul McCartney? My musical idol. I am the original Beatles fan and he’s the bomb. If you are a fan, you have to watch 3,2,1 McCartney AND Peter Jackson’s documentary Get Back. So good. I saw him in 2017, so wondering how his voice is holding up. It was tough even then.
As far as reading, I am having trouble reading as much too. I can tell you that for me, it is all the things streaming and social media for sure. I have been reading the same book for 2 months….I want to read Palace Papers also! But Katie Couric is not for me, nor is Anna Wintour. I would like to read Andre Leon Tally’s book! I agree on only reading a fiction and non-fiction at the same time. I have so many books that are based on WWII, that I get them mixed up.
Thanks for a great post!
Have a great Mother’s Day with all your munchkins.
Happy Saturday, Gray! Paul did not disappoint although I think he was a little horse. No surprise. He’s 80 and still touring. Amazing. I loved the Get Back documentary. And I understand they were / are releasing the entire rooftop concert. I need to investigate. If you know anything, please share. It was very touching to see Paul sing along with video of John Lennon from the rooftop concert. I cried several times during the concert … just realizing that so many of the musicians who’ve entertained us and provided the soundtrack of our lives won’t we with us forever. We’re all getting older and I just appreciate them so much more. Yes, living on Fidalgo Island was too much for this life long Californians from a weather perspective. It’s actually not that rainy or cold there … but it drizzles everyday and I found it hard to live with. Our house and neighborhood were lovely and it was a tough decision to return to California. Hope you have a wonderful weekend. xo
I read that Coastal Grandmother article! Nancy Meyers can do no wrong IMO ☺️ When I have a chance to watch something I’ve been watching Bewitched reruns and Restored reruns ha ha. The Grace Coddington memoir is super fascinating. Great finds as always Juliet. Happy weekend!
Good morning, Marie … you’re a busy mom and Bewitched never disappoints. Hoping to hear news (soon) that Restored is back and on Magnolia network. Fingers crossed. Have a great weekend. xo
Small world!!
I love Coastal Grandma decorating! And for me it’s not a fad – it’s been my style for several decades.
Be thankful you’re not in Anacortes right now! I’ve lived here for over 40 yrs and this is the coldest, wettest spring I can remember. Enjoy your warm weather – I need to head south to warm up.
I have a good friend who is a retired project manager for Bechtel – also a nuclear engineer. He was on the team that built the New Safe Confinement at Chernobyl. I haven’t watched Meltdown yet, but it’s on my need-to-watch list.
I love your blog!! Keep up the good work.
Oh my goodness, that’s something else. The Chernobyl documentary is another good one. But quite startling. You’re in Anacortes! Somehow I had the impression it was a warmer year, but how wrong I was. It’s such a beautiful place but the overcast and drizzle got to us. That said, on very hot days here, when the wind kicks up and we put our go-bags in the car, I wonder if we made the right decision. Coastal Grandma is classic style and I’m glad it’s being recognized and celebrated. Happy weekend! xo
Juliet, Paul McCartney must have been wonderful. Loved the little snippets on your stories!! He is one n my bucket list. Does the guy never age? Okay can we talk about reading? I have determined that blogging ( yes passing like a mad duck to get the Meanderings out) and Insta have curtailed a lot of my reading and have begun to switch it off for long periods of the day. My book stack is growing and I would love to add Katie’s and Tina’s books. I also love Amy Odell and follow her Substack account called ‘Back Row’ which is some great opinion writing about fashion culture. I think Contessa led me to her. Find it here https://amyodell.substack.com
My current read is Guncle, a fiction read about a story of a gay uncle who must step in and raise his young niece and nephew with him in Palm Springs.. It’s hilarious and also heartwarming, fantastic dialogue and a good escape. I also am slowly working through The Warmth of Other Suns, about the great migration in this nation from the south to the north of African Americans and their experiences. Great book, but huge!
I’m here for the coastal grandma look and I like nothing better than dreaming I’m living in a Nancy Myer movie, so bring it on. My all-time favorite home is Meryl Streep’s kitchen in It’s Complicated… Such a hilarious movie. This mothers’s day I told my family I wanted no brunch, but lunch out today, home made pizzas tomorrow and a lot of time to hang in the yard. I hope you enjoy yours too. Oh and please report back about the outdoor lights!! I so need these, but have no covered space..
Some blowback apparently on the puffy slide, but I find them modern and fun. I also have some and yours are cuter. I want to get to Flaunt!
Kim … you’ve got to come North for lunch and a peek inside Flaunt. You’ll love it. I appreciate your reading suggestions. I’ve heard about Guncle and it sounds amazing. Apparently reading stacks are getting taller while we while away time on social media and it needs to change. You’ve got it right in shutting things down for periods of the day … and I’m doing that too. The kitchen in It’s Complicated is so good … and the garden. Although we now know it was a faux garden, I don’t care … I want mine to look like that. The most hilarious movie, my go-to when I need to be jolted out of a down mood. Thank you for your support of my puffy slides … I appreciate you having my back. Or foot, as the case may be. Happy Mother’s Day! xo
P.S. Forgot to say your coastal look is lovely! I want it all… Need those pants especially ! xx
Hi — I’m a former Walnut Creek resident (and Santa Barbara born and bred)! Hubs and I lived in Issaquah and now in a burb of weird Portland. I agree with you about the weather! Anyhoo, I showed the sandals to my 36 year old DIL — she loves them and wants to buy. Thanks for the documentary tip. Happy Mother’s Day!
Hi Lulu … you’ve really experienced a difference in climates in all those areas. The Pacific Northwest is beautiful if one can make the weather adjustment. My husband is spending the day outside Portland in Lake Oswego … with his mother. He says is raining. Happy Mother’s Day! xo
Always a breath of fresh air Juliet! Love reading your posts! Warmest regards from down the coast.
Good morning, Susan … and thank you for reading! Whenever I see your name my mind goes immediately to Capri! xo
HEY…………I KNOW YOU!I GOT HACKED TWO YEARS AGO………I MUST FIND YOU ON INSTAGRAM!
NOW KNOWN AS
CONTESSA AND HER PIG
Hi Juliet,
There’s so much to absorb here, but I’ll start with books! I just finished (literally like five minutes ago) Anderson Coopers “Vanderbilt” and I loved it. Fascinating biography of crazy rich people doing crazy things! So apropos to read after the insanity of the Met Gala and the Gilded Age dress code! More crazy rich people etc…My daughter and I have each been keeping a list and so far this year I’ve read 28 books. Back on track with my reading, finally! One of my favorite pastimes.
The puffy shoes look cute on you, but not for me. I’d feel like a Neanderthal!
I don’t understand the “grandmother” part of the style moniker, I think of the style as classic and traditional coastal chic, nothing looks grandmotherly to me. Is that because I’m old? Hmmm, I hope not!Anyway don’t answer that!
My girls and I will celebrate Mother’s Day at the Legion of Honor museum next week when the crowds have dispersed a bit (we hope) Your day of reading and relaxing sounds perfect!
Enjoy it!
Xo Heidi
Heidi, I recently read Vanderbilt too. Fascinating. And, yes, the Met Gala. Oh my. 28 books is impressive. I need to catch up. I think the grandmother piece refers to the idols of the style … Diane, Meryl, Ina, and Martha. But, that may just be my interpretation … I’m still learning. Haha … have a wonderful time at the Legion. Happy Mother’s Day! xo
ANDERSON use to slide down the banisters on silver trays at the house in Rhode Island!
I cant think of the name of the house!!!
My 80 years old and still performing. Lets hope I can do as well. You looked presh in your new outfit. Did you know the new Harry Bosch is back.
Love ya
80 years old and still bringing it … and you will too! No, I didn’t know … but I can’t wait! xo
Juliet, how wonderful to see Paul McCartney performing at 80!,! I hope I’m blessed to be that active at age 80. My dad is 83 and he plays baseball 3 times a week, he is on a pool league and plays shuffle board. He also reads a book every other day and gets 10,000 steps a day.
I myself am a voracious reader, I read a book every few days or at least one a week when I am am busy. That said, I do not watch tv.
I loved your Fidalgo house but I love Snowberry just as much. Our new house is the first house that feels like home, perhaps because we knew they were temporary.
The Costal grandmother thing is fascinating because it’s “new” and yet there were many articles written about it in 2018,. Whatever the case and whatever they call it, it’s a classic, collected look that never goes out of style.
Have a wonderful weekend Juliet!xo
Really?! I had no idea … suddenly I’m seeing it everywhere and thought it was new. I need to investigate further because I’m totally into it! Paul McCartney was amazing as always and I’m glad he’s still performing. So inspiring. My dad was a lot like yours … so active. I’ve never been so active. But that’s what we need to be to enjoy a long, healthy life. God willing. Wishing you a wonderful day … so fun to meet up with you each weekend. xo
Juliet, I could not agree more about being active. We absolutely need to stay active to live a healthy and hopefully long life. I am a bit of a Fitbit fanatic and if I do not have my 10000 steps before bed I am doing laps in my kitchen. I personally do not like to exercise, I like to walk and snowshoe and do yoga. I did an hour of hot yoga 5-5 days a week for all over 6 years and then we moved and so far I’ve not found a new studio that I like. So for now it is walking an Peleton.
I’m so excited that at least I get to meet both you and Kim in bogland each week. Perhaps someday we can all meet in Florida near MaryAnn.
Take care fellow fur mom, happy Mother’s Day!
Juliet! I love how you are so good about shopping local! I met Ashley when she was in NYC a few years ago and follow Flaunt on Instagram. She has such a good eye!
Love all the talk about the coastal grandmother style! I think I was born with this look…very practical! I think coastal New England has started to show on me! ha
Totally agree, Annie … your lifestyle is so Coastal Grandmother. The very best kind of classic style. Ashley is a doll and her new, expanded, shop is amazing. Hope you’re having wonderful Mother’s Day!
I love that they given my style a name! I’ve been sporting coastal grandmother for so long and was amused to find that they had named it. Lucky you, getting to see Sir Paul McCartney.
WHAT AM I READING NOW YOU ASK DEAR ONE!
ANNA………….and I have an extra copy if you want!It’s a HARD BACK REAL BOOK as I donot DO the IPAD THING or BOOKS ON SCREENS!
Its a LOT to take in just saying…….
I have read ALL the other books you mentioned too!LOVED LEON TALLEY’s book……..SUCH SCOOP!
OKAY MISS DAISY WILL BE READY FOR HER RIDE THIS WEEK………..XXX
Yes, see you soon!!! xo
Helloooo dear Juliet… first of all, I wholeheartedly agree with reading two different genres when tackling two books at once. Katie’s book was one of my faves. I can’t wait to read Anna. If I wore those sandals, the Mister would have to carry me everywhere! Btw… I love Coastal Grandma everything. Have a wonderful weekend!!
Good morning, Preppy Empty Nester! What an honor to have you here. I’m sure the Mr. would happily carry you everywhere! You are the ultimate in Coastal Grandma style … with out the coastal or the grandma parts. Happy Day! xo