Rainy Day Essentials: Our Favorite Puddle Jumpers and Parkas

Mother Nature always has a way of reminding us of the gaps in our wardrobe. It's difficult to argue with torrential downpours or arctic temperatures. Luckily San Fransisco is a fairly temperate climate, but you still need the basics to carry you through the rainy season. So why not have fun by adding a healthy dose of style?

Neutral or Pop Color?

When it comes to picking a raincoat, you can go one of two ways. Keep is basic with an easy to wear neutral or liven it up and infuse a fun pop of color. What it basically comes down to is your personality and what you feel the most comfortable in.

Our recommendation is that if you tend to wear a lot of prints and color in your everyday wardrobe, stick to a raincoat in black, khaki or another neutral so that it doesn't compete with your outfit. If you tend to wear more solids or lean toward monochromatic dressing, then opt for a color statement jacket that will be a bright and easy accent to any look.

The Shortie vs. The Classic

Rain boots have come a long way since your childhood Wellies (which we still adore!). No longer heavy and clunky, today we have lots of options from high pull-on boots to low lace-up styles. We love Chooka for a tall rain boot. They are comfortable, come in a range of colors and have strap detailing. Sorel is our go-to for classic rain boots (they make both short and tall varieties) and also make great winter boots that keep your feet dry and warm. For something more style forward, Sloosh boots add a bit of edge with fringe detailing and stud details.

Check Out the Details

Look for little design details that are made for comfort and also add a bit individuality. Does the parka have vents under the arms to keep you from overheating? Are the rain boots lined or do they have buckles to adjust to your fit? Is there a button on your umbrella to open it and close it easily?

Pro tip: When purchasing rain gear, check to see if it is water resistant or waterproof. Water resistant will repel water but not keep it out totally, while waterproof means that the surface of the product is completely impermeable.

Our Favorites:

Splurge! Stutterheim X Marni $990

WOMEN'S OUT N ABOUT™ LEATHER DUCK BOOT $115

Uniqlo WOMENS BLOCKTECH COAT $89

Kate Spade umbrella, $38

Sloosh "Original" Rain Boot, $150

Stay Stylish,
K&M

Kimberly's Neutral Look: How to Wear Black Into Spring

The Cherry Blossoms are blooming in San Francisco signaling that spring is on its way. However, stores are not quite ready for the season and our chilly temps are keeping us layered up.

Megan and I both have been keeping our winter sweaters out, but wearing all black right now feels too somber. We currently have enough in the world that is heavy, and I don't feel like living into that with my wardrobe. How can you lighten your mood and look while still wearing black? Read on for our cure for early spring wardrobe blues.

Add Tension With Texture

Whether you are trying out true monochromatic dressing (wearing one single color) or playing with neutrals, it's important to keep your look interesting. As Megan wrote in her last blog, finding the same shade of any color can be challenging.

Even if you shop at the same store for every piece, the version of black or navy will read differently depending on dye lot and fabrication. Work this problem into a solution and make it look intentional with variations in texture. For example, in my look here I paired a flat black turtleneck with my black waxed jeans. It's a quick way to shrug off exact color matching and trick the eye to recognize different elements while keeping visual harmony.

PROTIP: Be intentional when layering on a monochromatic look and add contrasting textures. A chunky knit (waffle weave or cable) scarf is a quick and easy element to add interest.

Pack Some Punch With A Print

I feel like a blog quite a bit about print. For most clients, it's new and frightening territory because people often associate prints with bold large-scale graphics. You do need a little extra panache to pull off a print, but pay attention to color palettes. Neutrals can quickly turn down the volume of a print and keep it from overpowering a look. Because it's still technically winter, a softer color scheme is easier on the eye. However, come April this same look would work well with a bright and bold saturated print.

To soften my all black base, I layered a printed cardigan from Anthropologie I purchased a few years ago. This piece was actually on my chopping block to give away. I hadn't worn this piece in a while but I still liked the print and colors. I decided to keep it another year and wear it without its belt. I'm glad I did, it has been a staple with black or cream jeans this winter.

ProTip: When considering letting a once beloved piece go--think about why you haven't been wearing it. If its environmental or you haven't explored different ways to wear it try holding it for another full season.

Lighten Up Your Accessories For Spring

While my clothing choices are still wintery, my accessories can help point the way to a brighter season. Swapping out your black bag for a lighter version in grey or tan will immediately help perk up a look and keep it from becoming too heavy. I found this tote on clearance at Nordstrom Rack for a steal. Although the quality won't last many seasons the look and size are perfect for days on the go when you don't want to bring everything with you. Following the lighter shade of bag, I swapped out darker booties for my tan to help break up the black.

Now that both Megan and I have shopped our closets for fresh neutral looks, it's your turn. We have a feeling you have a great piece ready and waiting to be worn. If not, check out below for a few of our favorite neutral pieces on the market.

Stay Stylish,

K&M

Our Favorites:

Megan's Monochromatic Style

I am someone who loves to wear a pop of color. But some days I just want to put on all black (it's the East Coast girl in me) and go for a monochrome look.  It's easy, classic and timeless. Below are our tips for taking a monochromatic look and making it your own.

Stay Stylish,
M&K

Black is the New Black

Monochromatic dressing means wearing separates of one color that have different textures for an overall tonal look. The more you layer on different pieces of the same shade, the more depth you add to your look. While it may seem simple, monochromatic is anything but boring. In fact, when you keep your overall outfit within the same color hue, it can be just as striking as wearing a striking pattern or bold color.

Pro tip: When going for a monochrome look, the colors don't need to match perfectly, they just need to be in the same family You'll never find the exact shades of black, blue or gray.

Add In a Print

Feel free to sprinkle in a fun print with your monochrome look. It's no secret that I love a good leopard print, and these boots blended perfectly with my all black ensemble and earth-toned scarf. You can also add a bold colored shoe for an unexpected pop of color when the rest of the outfit is the same hue.

Break It Up With Accessories

Some people like to keep their accessories simple when they are wearing a monochrome look. For me, I like to add a few easy statement pieces to amp up the outfit a little.

The secret is to keep the accessories in the same color family to play off the monochromatic look. Sunglasses, scarves and purses are three easy ways to instantly add a pop to an all black outfit. 

My Outfit Breakdown

I like to invest in my staple pieces and then spend less on accessories that are more trend-focused. That way when the trend goes out of style, I am not stuck with an investment piece I can't wear anymore. The jeans are my go-to DL1961s in the Florence fit.  I've had them for years and they still hold their shape. This wrap is currently on sale at Uniqlo for $6! You can wear it as a poncho or as a scarf and it is ultra soft and warm. (It also doubles as a great blanket when you are on a plane.) The sunglasses were only $16 at Nordstrom and the purse was on sale at Banana Republic.

Our Favorite Picks:

Vince Wool Sweater, $295

Banana Republic Haircalf Bootie, $142

Fringe Poncho, $54

Saint Laurent Lou Surf Sunglasses, $329

Natural Beauty With Tata Harper

We took a break from styling last week to enjoy a little Valentines' Day pampering. Natural skincare pioneer Tata Harper was having a special event at our local Credo shop and we couldn't pass up the opportunity to meet the face behind the beauty line, enjoy a mini-facial, and try out her skincare products.

Natural Skincare

We've spoken about natural skincare before, but the more we learn the more both Kimberly and I are finding ourselves wanting to use natural products. The Tata Harper event was the perfect opportunity for us to not only get to check out her entire skincare line, but also learn more about the benefits of natural skincare. We both agree that they do not disappoint!

Who is Tata Harper?

If you aren't already familiar with Tata Harper products, they were created with the essential idea that people no longer have to sacrifice their health to look and feel beautiful. Everything is handmade on her organic farm in Vermont, naturally derived and non-toxic. Her products use over 300 raw ingredients that are sourced from 68 countries and have zero fillers.

Pro tip: Because her products are natural, they only stay good for 6 months after they are opened, which is the same with many other natural skincare products. After that time, they can lose their potency.

Our Favorite Tata Harper Products

Honestly, everything that we tried was so wonderful, it was hard to walk away with just one favorite. Her products feel incredible on the skin, are light and smell incredible.

Megan: I fell in love with her Concentrated Brightening Essence, which minimizes pores, reduces dark spots (always an issue for me) and leaves a luminous glow all over. I also was a huge fan of Tata's Resurfacing Mask, which is great for exfoliation and but also really gentle on the skin.

Kimberly: While Tata Harper products can have some sticker shock, the quality of the ingredients justifies the cost. I loved the Natural Age Defying Skincare Discovery kit as a starter. It's a great way to try a new beauty regimen and determine what products work best on your skin for less than the cost of a spa facial. I have fairly sensitive skin, so I need to tread lightly when trying something new. 

Top Benefits of Natural Skincare

So, why should we all be using organic, all-natural skincare? We did a little digging and came across these three top reasons from The Global Healing Center:

1. It's better for your skin. Chemicals, artificial colors, and fillers in skin care products and makeup can cause redness, irritation, and breakouts. Many people are even allergic to chemicals commonly found in conventionally produced products. Natural skincare products work with your skin instead of against it.

2. If a product is USDA certified organic, that means it is made of 95 percent or more of organic ingredients derived from plant sources and grown without pesticides, bioengineered genes, or petroleum-based fertilizers, which could be toxic to the environment. The ingredients were also farmed using organic farming methods that recycle sources and promote biodiversity. 

3. Artificial fragrances in many products often cause headaches and sensitivity, while parabens can alter the function of the endocrine system in your body. Check out 10 Best Natural Beauty Products for a list of more all natural skincare products, from fragrances to moisturizers that are good on your skin and the environment.

Stay Stylish,
M&K

Kimberly's Mod Work Dress

Sometimes there is nothing better than having a quick and easy dress in your wardrobe to pop on for those days you just need to get up and go.

Last year I purchased this dress from Ann Taylor Loft--I loved the Mod Design, heavy fabric, and geometric print. I knew I would get more use out of this dress during Fall/Winter, but it has remained untouched in my tiny closet. To brighten up the look for this season I paired it with a jacket I scored from our last clothing swap (thanks, Megan). It was just enough structure and color to compete with the printed dress and something I will be repeating.

Are you missing that go to dress in your wardrobe? The mod shift dress can be a great starter dress because of its forgiving and comfortable silhouette that works across different body types. 

Stay Stylish,

K&M

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What To Look For In A Great Work Dress

Choose A Fabric That Is Forgiving

The key to a great mod dress is structure. Thicker fabric will achieve this while helping to smooth out curves, resist wrinkles, and add warmth to a Winter/Spring work dress. Weight, retention (think bounce back), and fiber content all contribute to fabric quality. Look for a great Ponte (double knit), boiled wool, or thick cotton blend. 

A Versatile Print Or Color

If adding a print to your wardrobe is terrifying, start small. From an investment perspective, a geometric based design is one of the most trend-resistant patterns.

The more basic the print, the longer the life (i.e. stripes and polka dots). The navy, orange, and red shades in the print of my dress give flexibility to seasonality. Depending on the season you can pull out a different shade.

When you are considering a print or shade, stop and ask yourself "Can I make at least three different outfits with this piece?" For example, this dress can layer well with a white oxford, paired with a denim jacket or polished up with a black jacket like I did last Valentines Day.

A Simple Silhouette That Is Easy To Move In

Whether you are sitting in front of a panel of executives or three-year-olds, having a dress that is stylish and modest is golden. You never know what a day could throw at you and you don't want your ensemble to hold you back.

A shift dress, which is the style of my Mod dress, can luckily hold up to most of life's adventures. For taller gals, the length may be an issue since these dresses are designed to hit above the knee. If you are feeling self-conscious, try pairing a shift with tights and tall boots for a true mod expression á la Mary Quant.

If you are interested in learning more about Mod style and what made it so popular in the 1960's, see this blog from ModCloth for more information.

Our Favorite Mod Pieces

Fringe Tweed Dress $70 (sale)

Mod Pleated Skirt $128

Joan Ponte Dress $130

Darling Dress $298

Outfit Details: Tulle Gold Jacket, Ann Taylor Loft Dress, French Sole Black Flats, J.Crew Gold Tassel Earrings

Sending You A Love Letter: Our Valentine's Day Playlist & Giftcards

Tomorrow is Valentine's Day, but we can't wait! So, we are giving your Valentine to you a day early. In lieu of chocolate and flowers, we opted for something a little more practical.

To get you in the mood for Valentine's Day or Galentine's Day (whichever you are celebrating), we put together a playlist of our favorite songs about love. Think of it as 2018 version of a mixed tape--all the sentiment, but a sleeker version. Some of the songs will make you want to sing at the top of your lungs, some are for slow dancing, and some are just because we are softies at heart!

Canvas 2018 Valentine's Day Playlist

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Still looking for the perfect something for your sweetie or a reason to treat yourself? We offer gift certificates for all of our services! Why not fall in love with your wardrobe again this Spring or help someone else? Our packages make great gifts for men and women and are guaranteed to be a hit!

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Stay Stylish (xo),
K&M

This Valentine's Day or Gal-entines Day Wear A Sweater To Make You Swoon

Valentine's Day is almost here! I feel like either you love it, dread it, or don't even pay attention to it. Personally, I jump at any excuse to let the people in my life know how much I love them. So this day is just another excuse to spread some love... and pick out a cute outfit!

When Kimberly and I were planning our shoot for this blog, I wanted to wear something that evoked a bit of Valentine's Day, but also could be worn to Galentine's Day drinks with your besties. Here's what I'll be celebrating in and tips on how to find a look you love too.

However you spend Valentine's Day, we hope it's filled with lots of love, laughter and chocolate!

Stay Stylish (xo),
M&K

Cashmere is Always in Style

Let's talk about this sweater. Ooooh, how I LOVE this sweater! Not only is it the softest cashmere, this shade of pastel blue is one of my favorite colors.  It looks great on more pale skin tones and blondes. The crossed back detail reminds me of a ballerina and shows skin without making me feel self-conscious. This sweater is part of a special collaboration  Banana Republic is doing with Scottish mill Todd & Duncan. I was originally priced at $300, but then the next week I checked online and it was 40% off.

Pro tip: If you purchase a piece you absolutely love, but the price tag is steep, keep an eye out for it to go on sale. Most stores will price match and give you a refund if the sale starts within 10 days of your purchase.

The Perfect Pink Skirt

This Zara pleated skirt (similar) has been a wardrobe staple for several years and I always feel a bit ethereal when I put it on. The color is the faintest feminine blush and adds some sweetness to my wardrobe. It has a ton of volume, so all it really needs is a simple top or sweater to make it stand out. I paired it with bold maroon heels, which elevate the look for a night out, but during the day I wear it with metallic silver flats.

Transition to Date Night

The entire outfit is effortless and perfect for wearing to work on Valentine's Day without not being in full-out pink and red. If the back is feeling a little bare, try putting a structured blazer over it or wearing with a cami. If you don't have time to go home and change before your Valentine's or Galentine's Day plans, you can easily swap out the long skirt for a fitted pencil skirt (see in recommendations below), let your hair down and add a small clutch. The sweater will carry it's romantic vibe into your night and the statement necklace adds the perfect bit of shimmer, while still allowing you to keep your jewelry minimal.

Our Favorite Picks:

Outfit details: Zara skirt (similar), Todd & Duncan cashmere sweater (currently 40% off!), Juicy Couture necklace (similar), Rose Gold heels (similar)

Our Favorite Basic Tees - Does Quality Count?

Photo: Sarah Dorweiler

The key to a great flexible wardrobe is having a mix of well fitting basics and fashion pieces. The basics category should act like the back bone connecting seasonal and wow pieces. Basics help gel everything together in a cohesive way and save wear on key pieces when layering.  

Because they are such important pieces in your outfitting equation, we encourage clients to buy the best quality they can afford. Obviously if you have toddlers or are accident prone you may not need to invest in an expensive tee right now.

For California men and women, this means selecting a few t-shirts to keep looks cool and fresh. You can dress up a tee with a blazer, keep it casual with denim or layer with a sweater. They match pretty much anything and let's be honest, nothing looks better than a crisp white tee.

Here are some pointers on selecting the best quality and our favorites tees by price point.

Stay Stylish,

K&M

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How To Pick Out A Quality Tee

While we don't think you need to spend $150 on a tee, we do believe you should invest in quality. Quality expands past just the name on the label. Here are 5 top things to review when picking out a tee.

1. Hand-feel - A good tee will never feel stiff or sticky. If the fabric feels soft but firm at the same time, then chances are that it is a good quality material. Prima cotton means the best and longest fibers were used so the tee won't loose its luster as quickly.

2. Weave - Always look at the weave. The tighter it is, the longer the garment will last. Also review how the tee hangs on a hanger. Does it pull to the right or left? Some tees are cut on the bias which can mean there is good drape but be wary of something that will eventually sag.

3. Transparency - Hold the shirt up to the light and see how transparent it becomes. The more transparency, then the less density. While "tissue" weight tees were in vogue (thanks J.Crew) several years ago they are less so now. Be very careful with see-through white tees. Having to layer can make the tee high maintenance and can ruin the crisp look.

4. Fabric - The fabric content is key. Many tees are a cotton blend, which means that they are a mix of materials that will wear/age differently. This is often done to improve fit, color fastness, and reduce cost (cotton can be expensive). Depending on the blend, your shirt may lose it's shape faster or pill quickly. We prefer tees that are as close to 100% cotton as possible.

5. Wrinkle test - Crumple a part of the tee in your hand and release it. If there are a lot of wrinkles remaining, then it is probably poor quality or a linen base. If there aren't any wrinkles at all then it is probably a synthetic material. Ideally, you want something between the two that can hold its shape and breathe.

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Our Favorite Tees By Price Point

Maison Jules V-Neck

Madewell V-neck

Jigsaw London Pima Tee

Three Dots Scoop Neck

Mod-o-doc Short Sleeve V-neck

Majestic Paris Luxe Tee

Under $20:
Maison Jules for Macy's ($19.50) - I always recommend these to clients. They are super soft, the perfect shaped v-neck and come in tons of seasonal colors. 

Whisper Cotton V-neck Tee ($19.50) - A great overall basic v-neck with a little pocket detail. We love that these are offered in seasonal colors.

Under $50:
Jigsaw London Pima Cotton T-Shirt ($43) - this T-shirt is made from the softest pima cotton. It has an elegant scoop neck, good weight and will last many washes.

Three Dots 3/4 Scoop Neck T-Shirt ($46)- this T-shirt is 100% combed cotton and is enzyme-washed for longevity and to prevent pilling. This brand can run a little small or true to actual sizes so consider ordering up.

Mod-o-doc Short Sleeve T-Shirt ($34)- this T-shirt is a bias cut slub (think texture) and 100% cotton. We like this brand for new mom or ladies who want a loose fit at the hips.

Luxe (over $100):
Majestic Paris ($150) - If we could only wear one shirt for the rest of our lifes, it would be Majestic Paris (sold at Neiman Marcus and Bloomingdales). Yes, they have a higher price point, but it is worth it! The fabric layers beautifully and feels amazing on the skin.

Kimberly's Springtime Sporty Chic

Megan and I are big proponents of using every bit of your wardrobe. San Francisco loves to be casual (often much to my disappointment) and while dressing down works most days, sometimes it means missing out on wearing some of your favorite pieces. How do you blend with the casual culture while still expressing some of your own personality? Read on for a few tips on how to take your formal pieces to daytime casual.

Stay Stylish,

K&M

Find Your Statement Piece To Start

I found this floral jacket at Club Monaco last Spring and fell in love with it. When I went into the SF Club Monaco shop late this fall and found it on super clearance I texted Megan from the dressing room. It was meant to be, the last one left was in my size. The print reminds me of French wall paper and I've always wanted a winter white jacket that is easy to keep clean. The purple shade of the flowers works with my Autumn coloring and the silhouette is a modern take on a 1950's classic. The sum of the design makes the jacket a polished piece that can easily be dressed up or down.

Dressing Down Is An Equation

I'm a pretty analytical thinker and the way I style often reflects my time working in buying/merchandising. I like to tell clients I see their closets like assortment spreadsheets. The name of the game is how all the pieces work together. A simple rule of thumb when putting together a smart-casual ensemble is to have one key item that is more formal and pair it with softer casual pieces. In this case, I paired a formal jacket with a casual top, denim and smart shoes. To keep this look soft, spunky, and sporty I added a clean pair of off-white sneakers to balance the femininity of the jacket.

Pro-Tip:The mix and match capability of an item is often directly related to its sell-ability (and value). Look for pieces that are easy to "dress up" or "dress down" before investing.

Stripes Can Unify An Outfit

The floral print of my jacket adds a seasonal nod to impending spring, but it is bold and can quickly dominate a look. Pairing the print with neutrals looks great and elegant, but adds sophistication to an already formal jacket. To add contrast, Megan suggested trying my striped turtleneck. I bought this last year at the Gap and it has become a staple this winter because it is so easy to layer. I love the way it stands up to the print, but wanted a little more interest so added another staple layer. My camel j.crew sweater (this fall I blogged about this sweater blazer and it's finally back in stock) adds a collar to my jacket and another layer of warmth needed this time of year. 

Jewelry Can Re-emphasize A Look

I like to keep my jewelry choices pretty simple and because this jacket is loud enough already I opted to keep it cool with silver. To play off the navy and white stripe, a simple pair of pearls keeps the look clean while still feminine. I added my silver Skagen watch for an contemporary edge.

The next time to open your closet, take a look and pull out that piece that doesn't get enough wear. Chances are you can wear it more often that you think!

Outfit Details: Gap Striped Turtleneck (similar), J.Crew Camel Sweater Blazer, Club Monaco Jaelina Coat, AG Raw Hem Legging Jeans (similar), Cole Haan White Sneakers (similar)

Our Favorites

Floral & Houndstooth Jacket $119

Long Leaf Printed Coat $74.99

Grand Cross Court Sneaker $89.99

Print Mixing: A Day At The Legion Of Honor

As just about anyone close to me knows, I love love love a good kimono! My first one belonged to my Nana. She got it in Japan while my Papa was serving as a doctor in the war and it hung on their living room wall for probably 40 years. When I inherited it, I loved it too much to not wear as a piece of art. I actually wore it in my first official headshot as a personal stylist and over the years continue to wear it in different ways.

The Kimono Jacket

The kimono jacket is great for Bay Area living, where you need to layer in lots of different weights to get through the day. This past fall I blogged about warmer version. I tend to be a basic dresser - in the sense that I like to wear mostly simples pieces like a black tee or white v-neck and then layer on a piece of interest to make the outfit pop. I had spotted this Endless Rose kimono while out shopping for a client and asked the store to put it on hold for me. 

Don't Over Think It

Part of my New Year's resolution is to actually give myself permission to buy more. Kimberly and I spend so much time around clothing and find so much joy in shopping for a clients that sometimes it falls a little flat when we go to shop for ourselves. It's just not as fun! I had actually forgotten the store was holding this coat for me, so when they brought it out AND it was almost 50% off, I didn't even give it a second thought. 

We can all tend to be over analytical in certain areas of our lives, so sometimes it is nice to just shut the brain off, listen to our heart and go for it. That's how I felt with this kimono and I promise you I smile every time I wear it, which has been a lot!

How To Style Your Kimono Jacket

As I mentioned, I like to keep the majority of my outfit simple and then add in one POP! item. On this day, Kimberly and I were visiting an exhibit at the Legion of Honor, so I felt like expressing myself a little more and amping up my outfit. I am a bit rock n roll at heart, and this Bleached Goods tee with an image of fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld is one of my favorites. It's actually a men's shirt, so I decided size up and embrace it being oversized.

Pro Tip: For a more sleek look, try it with a pair of black ankle pants, a v-neck cream blouse and heels. Or wear it over your favorite LBD for a night out.

The floral print on the kimono played nicely against the edge of the t-shirt. Not done yet, I popped on my velvet slides with pearl detailing for a little extra texture and print mixing. Now, I completely understand this is not for everyone. That's the joy of a kimono, you can do as much or as little with it as you want!

Stay Stylish,
M&K

Our Picks:

Love, Fire Placed Floral Kimono

Yoki Slide

Max Studio Black Kimono

Bleached Good Chanel Tee

Outfit details: Rag n Bone denim (similar), Bleached Goods Karl tee (seldom seen also stocks them), Endless Rose faux fur trim kimono (on sale!), Furla bag (similar), Yoki velvet slide