Summer Blush: Sporty Chic Athleisure

If there is one color to describe the season, it's Millennial Pink. We've seen it everywhere! Personally, I love the sweetness it can add to any outfit, especially to the more masculine athleisure looks that I have been embracing lately.

A Feminine Twist on Athleisure

White sneakers, black pants and a sweatshirt - this is my go-to outfit for comfort and style. To soften it up, I have been forgoing my usually hooded sweatshirts for more elevated styles. I feel in love when I saw this pink Zara sweatshirt on sale for $35. The parachute tie sleeves give it a modern vibe and the cropped body keeps the shape from overwhelming my body.

The Perfect Black Pant

For this look, I paired my fave Sanctuary blank ponte pants. They are perfect for any elevated athleisure outfit. They are a soft knit pant in a faux jean silhouette (the front pockets aren't real and the waist is elastic). But if you are looking for something more elevated, DL1961 Emma jeans in black are one of our top recommendations. They are a deep saturated black, don't stretch out and feel great to wear.

Yes, White Sneakers Are Still in Style

We've blogged about white sneakers in the past. Yes, they are still in style. In fact, I feel like I have been wearing mine more than ever this spring/summer. Kimberly and I both own white Keds, which we love. For a more sporty look, I reach for my DC sneakers that have the tiniest gold accent and are the perfect accent to my athleisure look.

Stay Stylish,
M&K

Outfit details: Zara sweatshirt (sold out - similar here), Sanctuary ponte legging, DC Trase LE sneakers, Quay Australia sunglasses (similar).

Posted on July 5, 2017 .

4th of July Style: What We are Wearing to That BBQ

Choosing the best 4th of July look can be a lesson in layers in San Francisco. Karl the Fog has crashed many of our celebrations over the years and watching a fog filtered fireworks show is the norm.  This year both Megan and I are leaving the city for the holiday to celebrate (hopefully) with a little more sunshine.

We think this look is the perfect solution for your next BBQ or summer celebration, regardless of the location. It balances out fun and colorful, without sacrificing comfort. If you are staying in the city, layer on a scarf and leather jacket.

Chose One Fun Statement Piece & Go From There

The focal point of this look is a flirty one shoulder ruffle top. The red color is certainly a pop for the season and a popular shade for this summer (many designers have used it in their collections). I love that it is slightly oversized so it's easy to wear and you won't overheat in it. 

Keep It Casual With A Great Pair of Jeans

Denim is the foundation to a great Californian wardrobe. We've said it before, having a great fitting pair of jeans in a dark and medium wash has endless outfitting options. I picked up these AG jeans from Nordstrom Rack this spring and have been reaching for them every week. The fray bottom and lighter wash help keep all of my spring looks a little softer.  I also chose my espadrilles to give me a little more height and offset the wide top.

Pro tip: If you are outfitting with a flowy top, match it with a tailored or skinny bottom to create balance.

Top It Off With Metallic

Since it's a holiday that's known for its sparkle, adding a touch of metallics seems appropriate. We love the versatility of these J.Crew bangles and the novelty of the Jigsaw London clutch to tie it all together in a clean way.

Have a safe a Happy 4th!

Stay Stylish,
K&M

Shop the look: J.Crew One-shoulder ruffle top in eyelet (ON SALE in THREE COLORS), AG Stilt Jeans (other options), Jigsaw London Alana Large Silver Leather Pouch (ON SALE), Lace Up Espadrille (similar bargain, similar investment), Jessica Thompson Earrings (similar) and J.Crew Gold Bangles

Posted on June 30, 2017 and filed under Style Tips.

Summer Hair Must-Have: Verb Ghost Oil

Kimberly and I love to share when we've found a great new beauty product. So as soon as I tried Verb Ghost Oil on my hair, I immediately texted her how amazing it was. The next day, I got a text back: "We have to blog about this!"

Frizz-Free Summer Hair

We test a lot of products (and we mean A LOT) to pass along recommendations to clients. Verb Ghost Oil definitely stands out as one of the best beauty products of the year. Made with moringa oil, it naturally smoothes frizz and gives your hair a radiant shine without feeling greasy or heavy. It's lightly scented with a fresh clean fragrance that quickly dissipates. You just apply two pumps before you blow dry or use any heat treatment on your hair. Kimberly also applies a drop after styling to the ends of her layers for more definition.

Smoothing for All Hair Types

We know that hair products aren't one size fits all, but we can say that we both have very different hair and got the same sleek results. Mine is short and thin and frizzes easily in humidity. Kimberly's hair is long and thick with a slight wave.

We recommend heading to your local Sephora and asking for a sample to try it before committing to a bottle. If you trust us (and you should) you can also purchase a bottle online for only $15 with tax which is another reason to feel the love.

Stay Stylish,
M&K

Posted on June 27, 2017 and filed under Beauty & Wellness.

Timeless: The Best Vintage and Consignment Shops in SF

Last week while traveling in Colorado, I picked up this fun Cynthia Steffe dress at an amazing consignment shop (it was a mere $38 on sale).

If you make it to Denver, be sure to stop by Common Threads on Pearl street.  They have one of the best selections of designers I've seen at great prices.

The experience made think of all the wonderful consignment shops we have in San Francisco. Great fashion is always in style and it's even sweeter when it's a bargain.

At Canvas we each have our favorite spots to shop. So we thought we would share the best vintage and consignment shops in San Francisco--according to our team. As a plus, I've included a few tips to ensure your next shopping trip is a success.

Stay Stylish,

K+M+D


Keep Your Expectations In Check

The key to a great consignment/vintage experience is having no expectations. It really is the luck of the draw and I've been to plenty of the below shops and walked out empty handed. Make sure you get on a store's mailing list so you know when sales start and inventory is fresh.

Know Your Brands

One thing that can make a consignment shopping trip more successful is to know your brands. Having a baseline knowledge of the top current brands and best designer brands will help you quickly determine the value of a piece. Look at the label, check for wear and tear, and ask yourself how you'll wear it. If you are unsure on the price do a quick brand search online or ask a sales person for help.

Only Buy What Fits (or can be easily altered)

Beyond knowing the best quality designer brands, it's important to know what ones work well for your body type. Sizing is not consistent from brand to brand so I often look at racks a size above and below my normal number.

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The Best Consignment Boutiques in San Francisco

1. Sui Generis, 2147 Union St, SF

This Cow Hollow consignment shop carries designer clothes, bags and accessories for women. All of the pieces are in never-worn or almost pristine condition and the staff could not be more friendly or knowledgeable. For menswear, check out their Castro location.

2. Real Real

Ok this technically isn't located in SF, but they definitely deserve a mention. Megan's scored everything from a Chloe boyfriend cardigan to a DVF silk blouse both for under $100. It takes some time to sort through the site and items only stay in your cart for 10 minutes, but it's worth it for the amazing finds, current trends and awesome prices.

3. Crossroads (Fillmore location) 1901 Fillmore St, SF

This Fillmore street location is a diamond in the rough. The buyers are fierce and the shop has started carrying more designer pieces and a few direct from vendor goods. Kim loves their denim collection and has picked up AG jeans for $34 here.

4. Goodbyes, 3464 Sacramento St, SF

Upmarket pre-owned designer duds for men, including suits, accessories & shoes, all rolled into a tiny shop. We love the old world charm of this place for guys and appreciate that the women's store is just across the street. 

5. Cris, 2056 Polk St, SF

Kimberly loves this spot for their unique items with European flair. The windows are always dressed with beautiful curated looks that are a reason alone to stop in. Check out both sides of the shop for designer pieces or contemporary styles. 

6. Polk-a-Dot Consignment, 553 Polk St, SF

Tucked away on Polk St., hidden among the restaurants and bars, Polk-a-Dot Consignment offers high end pieces at amazing prices. Since lower Polk is not a typical shopping street, Devon scouted this great find for deals on quality goods. When the ladies of Nob Hill and Pacific Heights say goodbye to their luxury wears, this is where they go. 

Men's Style: Summer Sport Coats

A lightweight blazer is a summer essential for men. It easily can dress up a pair of jeans (or even shorts) and will be a saving grace at more formal events when it is hot outside.

Picking the Perfect Summer Blazer

1. Budget: The first thing to do is determine your budgett. If you’re after that one piece that you’ll make the most out of, then it’s a good idea to invest a bit more. You’ll be able to use it all summer, every summer for years to come.

2. Fabrication: While linen is a great summer fabric, always remember that it will wrinkle almost instantly. So if you want to stay crisp all day, opt for a cotton/linen blend or 100% cotton fabrication.

3. Color: Pastels are always popular this time of year and an easy way to incorporate color into your wardrobe. If you prefer to stick with the basic, opts for a darker blue, grey or khaki blazer. You can always sneak some color in by choosing a style that has a fun lining (Ted Baker is great for this... his blazers always have a whimsical printed lining)

Stay Stylish,
M&K

Need some inspiration? Shop The Best Summer-Weight Blazers

Here are some blazers that we have our eyes on right now:

Posted on June 16, 2017 and filed under Style Tips.

Shop Now: Rifle Paper Co. x Keds Collection

Shoe lovers are not going to want to miss this! Today Keds launched their limited-edition collection with Rifle Paper Co. This is their first-ever collaboration and includes three floral styles that are the perfect combination of playful and polished. 

Styles are guaranteed to sell-out soon, so scoop up your favorite pair while you can. Kimberly and I are still debating which one is our favorite, so we may need to try all three!

Stay Stylish,
K&M

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Posted on June 12, 2017 and filed under Style Tips.

Summer Salad: Roasted Veggies with Arugula Pesto

Move over potato salad, a new kid is on the block and it's ready to disrupt your next bbq! 

At Canvas, we love style in every facet of our lives and that includes the table. Every once in awhile we share one of our new favorite recipes for the season. Today's recipe was inspired by an Oakland Chef who specializes in farm fresh meals.

Enjoy and we hope you like this fresh salad as much as we do!

Stay Stylish,

K&M

Veggies For Roasting- you can add on other items like potatoes (if you have to have a starch)

  • One Head Cauliflower
  • 1/4lb. Brussel Sprouts
  • 5 large Rainbow Carrots
  • 1/4c Sun-dried Tomatoes roughly chopped (reserved)

Arugula Pesto- Can be prepared ahead

  • 2c Wild Arugula
  • 1 Lemon Juiced (with zest reserved)
  • 2 cloves of Garlic
  • 3/4c Olive Oil
  • 1/4c Pine Nuts
  • 1/2c Parmesan Cheese
  • Red Pepper Flakes
  • Kosher Salt
  • Black Pepper

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Pre-heat your oven to 400 degrees. As it heats up prepare your roasting veggies. Chop the cauliflower in bite sized pieces, and cut sprouts in half taking care to remove the coarse ends. Slice the carrots in small planks 1/4" thick. Toss all veggies in a bowl and lightly coat with olive oil and add salt and pepper to taste.

When the oven is heated, place the veggies equally distributed on a parchment lined baking sheet or glass dish. Make sure there is enough room for the veggies to breath while roasting. If they are too close they will steam. Place them in the oven and roast until caramelized. The cauliflower should start to golden.

While the veggies are roasting prepare the arugula pesto. Add all ingredients to a food processor and process until the arugula mixture is roughly blended (the arugula should still be distinguishable). Set aside the lemon zest and sun-dried tomatoes.

When the veggies are fully roasted remove from the oven and stir in a portion of the arugula pesto until the veggies are lightly coated. Add sun-dried tomatoes and lemon zest for garnish. Can be served warm or cold.

Posted on June 9, 2017 and filed under Beauty & Wellness.

Romantic Ruffles: Feminine Summer Dressing

Outfit details: Zara ruffle top (similar), Taylor Stitch pants (similar), Banana Republic flower bracelet (similar).

Two big trends for this summer are ruffles and off-the-shoulder silhouettes. We are seeing them everywhere from pretty dresses to casual tops as they lend a romantic vibe to warm weather dressing.

How to Wear Ruffles

Admittedly, ruffles aren't always the easiest thing to wear. When experimenting, start with smaller scale ruffles and and work your way up. You want them to be focal point of your outfit. If you are wearing ruffles on top, opt for plain, fitted bottom to balance them out. 

Play It Neutral

What drew me to this floral top from Zara is that while it incorporated a lot of summer's style trends (ruffles, florals, off-the-shoulder) it still had a neutral palette. It's very soft, easy to wear, and didn't make a huge statement. The ruffles seemed to blend in with the blouse and the one open shoulder felt very feminine. 

Pro tip: When playing with trends, try neutral colors. They are easier to wear and pair well with other items in your closet.

Let Ruffles Be The Accessory

A well-placed ruffle can do the job of statement jewelry, like a necklace, big earrings or an eye catching bag. I like to refer to it as an accessory built into the look. Given the volume of the top, everything else can me minimal. All you need to add a simple bracelet or stud earrings and your outfit is compete. In this case I paired a fun leather and stone bracelet from Banana Republic in matching tones.

Stay Stylish,
M&K

Photos by Kelsey Johnson

Posted on June 7, 2017 and filed under Style Tips.

When Satire Goes Mainstream: The Bro-Romper

It's Friday and we are in the mood to keep things a little lighter in the office. Maybe you've seen the above photo flash across your social media page, but the male romper has hit the fashion world by storm and is heating up for summer.

Only the truly fashionable have rocked this look in the past, but can it really go mainstream menswear without satire? We gotten quite a few questions on this style and today are weighing in and giving tips for the romper-inclined.

Stay Stylish,

K&M

When Comfort Is King

We understand the appeal, one pieces are beyond comfortable. However, tread lightly and make sure the design works for you--only the fashion bold will survive (and we applaud those who do). Look for structured silhouettes, back pockets and fabric that will hold up aka no droopy seat. We are big fans of mechanic style rompers for guys. They are a modern take on a classic and have rugged details, functional pockets are were designed for a guy's broad shoulders. While the price point is too steep for us, we love this version.

Romper Etiquette  

This may go without saying but rompers can only take you so far. To pull off the look, for anywhere outside a pool party, it needs serious styling. The risk if you can't pull it off is looking like an overgrown toddler. Add a leather moto, sleek bomber, and a rugged boot or urban sneaker.

Further Reading

Esquire Article

Bro Romper Test In Real Life

What Experts Think Of Your Bro Romper (Yup!)

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Posted on June 2, 2017 and filed under Style Tips.