The No Guilt Last Minute Canvas Gift Guide

We’ve all been there—last-minute work deadlines, a packed social calendar, or a head cold that has kept you down, whatever the reason, your gift list has remained a to-do list this year.

With a newborn at home this year, getting to the store or the laptop to order something for my loved ones feels like a stretch. That’s why with the help of a few elves I’ve compiled a no fuss gift guide to help you. Complete with quick shipping options, these picks range from stocking stuffers to stand alone gifts.

Wishing you a season of Merry and Bright Style,

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Gifts for Him

Comfort and practicality reign supreme for our menswear recommendations this year—but many of these items have unisex appeal! Smartwool socks remain one of my favorite gifts for their durability and design. Bonus points should be given to the two-in-one design of the Johnson & Murphy quarter zip pullover.

Rechargeable Headlamp

Reversible Quarter Zip Pullover

Smartwool Crew Socks

Jack Black Lip Balm Set

Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds

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Gifts for Her

I love giving gifts I would enjoy myself or have a sense of a little luxury woven in. The Everlane Cardigan is perfect for cozy days at home and the earrings are at a steal pricepoint. If you are looking for a bigger investment check out Monica Vinader or Mejuri.

Everlane Boxy Cardigan

Gaiam Yoga Mat

Chunky Gold Knot Earrings

Brook & York Gold Huggies

Fashion Dictionary

Brushed Wool Scarf

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For the Beauty Guru

Winter weather can be especially harsh on your skin, so beauty experts know to change their routine. Help loved ones keep up on the exfloilate and moisturize mantra. Laneige masks have been staple recommendations on Canvas giftguides in the past and this year they are back.

Slip Silk Sleep Mask

Laneige Cream Skin Set

Osea Body Polish

Olaplex Hair Repair

Conair LED Mirror

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

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For the Techie

Living in the bay area, we take our technology seriously! Here are some small little gadgets that dress up everyday living and adventure.

CASETiFY Watch Band

Sony Travel Speaker

Fire TV Stick

Tile Bluetooth Trackers

4K Digital Camera

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*Please note these links are not sponsored but are affiliate and we will receive a small percentage of any sales.

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New Year 2022 Resolutions: And the Beat Goes On...

With every new year comes a Canvas tradition of sharing style resolutions. It’s historically been a light way to be intentional with my own style when I spent so much time helping others with theirs.

I don’t know about you, but when thinking about what I want for 2022 it all gets a little hazy. It’s hard to hold a clear vision when we have lived that past few years with a lot of unknowns and false starts. Maybe you are feeling that emotional fatigue too? It’s okay if you are and I encourage you to take the time to rest, recoup, and be kind to yourself. It took me a week into the new year until I was in a place where I could write this blog with authenticity and sit with resolutions that felt right to me…and that was after binging on the latest Queer Eye.

This year I am looking to further refine my ethos and thoughts around style by asking the below questions. Maybe these are questions you’ve been asking yourself too? Or perhaps they may help guide some dialog between you and your wardrobe. I included my answers below as examples, but don’t let them influence your own. These questions ended up pointing me to bigger style resolutions. These are also sticking points I find hold myself (and often my clients back).

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—Why is style important to me?

a.)To help streamline my mornings and have an easy/flexible esthetic

—What is the purpose of my style?

a.)To create and enjoy beauty (for me first) and share that with others (second)

—How can my style evolve this year?

a.) Focus on being true to myself and block out more of what society says is beautiful, trendy, and/or important

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-Canvas 2022 Style Resolutions-

1.) Embrace Progress Over Perfection

Style is a journey and something that I coach clients to play with. It’s okay if you don’t hit the mark 100% of the time, but if you never try you never learn. Sometimes this means saying yes to the t-shirt full of attitude that isn’t the perfect fit because it unlocks a part of who you are that needs to be shared. This year I want to embrace more of this in my wardrobe (and life in general). It’s a concept beneath a few of my prior year’s resolutions and one that I struggle with because I feel the pressure to show up on point when I am with clients. This year I want to give myself the space to have parts of my wardrobe in progress or key items devoted to experimentation.

2.) Wear the Good Stuff Today, don’t hold it for the future

If I worked with you in 2021, chances are you heard my mantra—” the only limitation I have in what I do is inventory.” This has been a pain point for stylists, retailers, and shoppers alike through the pandemic. Web sales have been strong and shipments have been delayed which makes for a tough market to shop. If you have a few pieces that you have put to the back of the shelf for someday—pull them to the front and enjoy them now!

3.) Really let go of the things not serving me

Whether it’s poorly fitting pre-pandemic leggings or a long-time staple sweater that has lost its shape, it’s time to let them go. I purged a few items from my wardrobe this year that I’ve had for nearly a decade. They were tough to let go of because I had so many memories in them that they had become part of my identity. The thought of not having a few easy uniform pieces was a little disorienting, but I’ve found in the month since I’ve been pushed to create fresh new uniforms with the newer items in my wardrobe—and that feels great!

Are there any things you are looking to switch up in your style for the new year? Drop me a note or add a comment below, I’ve love to hear about it.

Stay Stylish,

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The Canvas Fall 2021 Trend Review: What shades and styles are in stores

Hello! It’s been a long stretch since my last blog. With things opening up again more of my time has been spent on the road or in stores that the blog has fallen a bit by the wayside. Luckily the long weekend provided a little more downtime to write and reflect on what I’m seeing in stores and on the street.

I’m excited for the change of season this year, and cannot wait for the temperatures to dip so I can pull out more layers. I flipped my wardrobe last week and packed up my spring/summer pieces and brought out my sweaters and fall dresses from storage. It was the perfect time to take inventory of what needed to be retired and what I wanted to wear for the next few months.

So, a few of you have asked, what is exactly “happening” right now in fashion and what should I be wearing? Don’t worry the skinny jean hasn’t been wiped from the face of fashion. Top brands are still offering this silhouette but read on for a quick overview of the market.

Others of you may ask, why should I even care about trends and what is “in”? While trends come and go it’s important to ask yourself, is this trend representative of my style? Trends also reflect current inventory in stores. If you know you need fresh sweaters this year, having a handle on what can be found is very important. It will save you time and frustration in the long run.

Stay stylish,

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1. Theory Clairene Double Face Jacket $595

   • A simple jacket that plays with many styles, this piece is perfect for Bay Area temps. It also works well when layering

2. Reiss Alyssa Open Back Stretch Cotton Dress $320

   • Basics are back a la 90’s and this dress offers a little more with a twist in the back. The midi length is hot right now and looks great with sneakers or booties

3. Maje Vottam Belted Jacket $595

   • Similar to the Theory Clairene this jacket offers a clean line for your outerwear. This piece has a little more structure in the shoulders (Katherine Hepburn would approve) and a synched waist to balance it all.

4. Alice+Olivia Leo Strech-Wool Knit Pencil Skirt $275

• Classic, clean, and can be easily dressed up for down. This sweater skirt is perfect for Zoom meetings if your leggings need a break. Pair it with a puffer, oversized plaid shirt, and sneakers -or- a cropped sweater and heels.

5. RAG & BONE Eco Donegal V-Neck Sweater $365

• If your wardrobe needs a little texture, this is your sweater this season. The nubby knit plays well with leather leggings or a refined silk skirt.

6. Love the Label Smocked-Yoke Flutter-Sleeve Top $175

• Smocking has seamlessly moved from summer to fall this year. Feminine details continue to dominate the blouse category, but the understated ruffle means it can pair well with a heavy cardigan and jeans for an easy fall look.

7. Rebecca Taylor Short Sleeve Silk Charmeuse Blouse $225

• This color is not for every skin tone but is a brilliant neutral for fall. The soft shimmer adds a little bit of lux to any look and could be a great option for holiday dressing without going overboard.

8. Dolce Vita Zina Sneaker $100

• These sneaks have been a standout for the season and come in a mix of shades and sparkle-free options. They are high on style and low on price compared to Golden Goose. They will not last forever, so I would treat these as your fashion sneaker, not your everyday sneaker.

9. Hugo Boss Veilla Midi Skirt $398

• Color! Post-Covid fashion is embracing color like we haven’t seen in years. Chocolate brown is back on the scene after a long hiatus and vibrant shades like this red are making a statement. The simple silhouette and elastic waist give this skirt extra ease. Pair it with a similar shade of red for a powerful monochromatic look or mix it with a white sweater and sneakers for modern holiday charm in December.

The Spring Denim Debate: Are Skinny Jeans Dead?! And if so, what now?

One question that I’ve been getting from clients this spring is in regard to skinny jeans. If you have missed the buzz, a series of TikTok takedown videos announced that the denim silhouette that so many of us have relied on for years is facing extinction or worst yet, according to some Gen Z-ers, makes you look like a dinosaur.

The offending jeans in the TikTok videos are true skinny jeans with elastane (aka that magic fit) that disbars the denim from future recycling. While there is a point for the concern, comfort continues to be an in-demand wardrobe quality so I don’t see denim with stretch disappearing anytime soon.

While I don’t support anyone dictating what is “in” or “out” by shaming someone’s style, there is a silver lining of truth to behold here. Firstly, there is no universally flattering pant shape, skinny or otherwise. Depending on your build, there are certain silhouettes that will naturally accentuate your best features. Secondly, the “it” jean styles TikTok teens are offering up are equally problematic and trendy. This may be a little harsh to read, but having a one silhouette wardrobe lacks authentic style and usually is not trend resistant. What is a trend-resistant wardrobe? That is the silver lining I am talking about today!

Stay Stylish & Be Well,

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Denim Silhouettes To Have in Your

Wardrobe Today (and tomorrow)

A good trend-resistant and stylish wardrobe is built off of pieces that look great on you! A small portion of those pieces should be classic styles that are aways “en vogue” and a few trend-forward pieces (that also look great on you) that keep you relevant. If the trend doesn’t work for your style or body type skip it or reinterpret it with a style that works for you but has trend elements (ie wash, fabric weight, detailing etc).

Another tip for creating a trend-resistant wardrobe is what I call interval buying but essentially it means intentionally buying a few pieces in waves to keep things fresh. Otherwise, you may end up needing to replace all your jeans at the same time which can be costly, but more importantly, is limited to current inventory/trend. Below are a few examples of “classic” denim styles that synch up with current fashion trends.

The Skinny/Straight Leg

Most people define a skinny jean as a pant that tappers in from the knee to the ankle. A straight leg is a pant that is cut straight from the knee to the ankle (no change in circumference). To be fair many “straight leg” jeans on the market right now are borderline skinny.

Natural Fit: These pants look great on Petites, those with a slim silhouette, or those with a lean and shorter/mid inseam. If you love skinny jeans but have a more athletic build try a straight leg for a slim cut that skims your thighs and calf.

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The Flare/Bootcut

These cousin styles play with volume in a fun way! A flare is typically snug or higher-waisted and has a distinct expanding line from the hip or knee. A boot cut is similar in that it can be fitted in certain areas and then flares out from the knee or mid-calf to a full opening to accommodate a boot (hence the name).

Natural Fit: These styles are great for elongating the leg if you have a shorter inseam, longer torso or have more athletic calves. These pants are best worn with a heeled shoe or platform to further elongate the line.

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The Wide Leg/Relaxed

These cousin styles boast more fabric across the pelvis, and maintain that shape through the hips and down the leg. A wide leg will maintain its fullness throughout the leg and may gradually flare ever so slightly at the bottom opening.

Natural Fit: This silhouette works easily if you have an athletic/curvy shape, are taller or prefer easy movement.

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The Distressed

While dressed-down denim is not a silhouette, this detail continues to be a staple in many closets with its playful, edgy nature and therefore makes my list. I personally am not a big fan of the deep cut distressing because the jeans don’t last as long. Everyone wears jeans differently and some wear out the knees or seat first. Know how denim ages as you wear it and purchase distressing locations that optimize for longevity and sustainability.

Natural Fit: Anyone looking to add a little edge to your wardrobe. Simply find a silhouette above that works for you. Rule of thumb-purchase this style knowing that distressing will increase so buy with the intent it will get better with age.

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Menswear: Spring 2021 Trends to Update Your Wardrobe

We are overdue for a good menswear blog so, Gents today is your day! We are fully in spring and with several retailers having promotions (Bloomingdales, Saks, Neiman Marcus, and Nordstrom) it’s a great time to pick up a few new pieces or sale items from last season that can still be worn.

Menswear trends seem to last longer and occur in less frequency than womenswear. This year there are a few repeats notably, the jogger pant, which is nowhere near its last leg. To keep things fresh, designers are exploring new fabrications and colorways. Comfort dressing is the focus thanks to the pandemic and the realities of a continued work-from-home lifestyle.

Are things are feeling a little stale and have you noticed your daily uniform is looking a little threadbare? If so, below are three key categories you can focus on to infuse the fresh hope of spring into your wardrobe.

Stay Stylish,

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These recommendations are a reflection of what I see to be some of the best styles in the market this season and are my own opinion. By purchasing through the affiliate links below I’ll receive a small commission, it’s a nice way to say thanks for the styling advice :)

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1.) Spring Joggers

If you have sadly missed the jogger train or need to update the pair you lived in last year, it’s the perfect time to purchase! Look for lighter-weight technical fabrics or try a new color to mix things up. How to wear it: Pair with a nice tee, polo, or lightweight sweater and sneakers (see sneak ideas below).

2.) Spring Sweaters

Last year the sweater polo made a return debut to designer runways near and far. This modern take on a 70s classic is a fair match to the above-mentioned joggers or to polish up a pair of jeans. Below are our favorite designs, but make sure to take into account your own preferences (sweat-wicking fabrics like linen and merino and conservative designs with shallow vnecklines. If you keep scrolling I included a few cardigans for those more inclined to keep it classic. How to wear it: This versatile piece can be worn with slim chinos, jeans, or shorts for a sporty look. Pair with sneakers, loafers, or sandals and a belt depending on the level of formality.

3.) Spring Shoes

To my sneaker friends out there, don’t worry there are plenty of gems this year but with a quieter sleeker silhouette. Loafers are also owning a supporting role in many spring wardrobes given their easy wear anywhere attitude. Bonus points: both of these silhouettes are great with shorts when the temperature rises or paired with a spring sweater for now. If you are feeling the need for sandals already—or if laces are too much of a committment I threw in a loafer and sandal for good measure. How to wear it: ANYWAY you like! These silhouettes are pretty foolproof but look best with slim-fit chinos, jeans, or shorts. The one word of caution is to keep the pant length around ankle-length or limit the break for a clean and modern look.

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Womenswear: Simple Ways to Refresh Your Bay Area Wardrobe with Spring 2021 Trends

Spring 2021 Runway Trends are up for a challenge this year! While many of us are ready for change and are eager to switch up our daily uniforms, comfort will remain a key factor in buying decisions. Comfort is priority number one for most of my clients followed by looking “cute” and “put together.” How do this year’s trends measure up to our Bay Area demands? We have a few easy hits—trends that are simple to integrate or pull out of the back of your closet. However, I’ve purposely omitted a few trends listed in fashion magazines to keep you from looking like a passe Instagram feed and something translates closer to Bay Area living. Enjoy and pick up a few trends in your next shopping trip to make them your own! If you find you need help I am always here for a closet check-up or virtual shopping session.

Stay Stylish and be well,

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1.) Florals, Florals, Florals

Whether you are a print person or looking for subtle embroidery detail, florals are the motif of choice this Spring. Why not bring in a little new life into your wardrobe? If you are feeling a little overwhelmed by a feminine feeling statement, opt for an abstract reinterpretation that captures bold color and avoids too much frill. How to Wear It: Pair a smocked floral top with a wide-leg pant or pair a floral dress with understated modern sandals.

2.) The Sweet Cardigan

Bridging style guidance from fall/winter the shrunken boxy cardigan has gotten a spring update with a pop of color and sweet softness. Stores are stocked with button-down ribbed styles (thank you 90s revival) and relaxed cropped cashmere designs. How to Wear It: Style these cardigans as a lightweight layer or wear them as a top and tuck in for a dose of Parisian Chic.

3.) Lux Linen

It could be originating from our shelter-in-place lifestyle, but comfortable linen is hot this season. ProTip: While linen is a natural fabric loved for its texture and cool feel, it stretches, wrinkles and loses shape with wear. Look for structured details like back pockets, darts, or facing in styles to maintain a flattering silhouette. How to Wear It: Take your park day to the next level with a linen sundress and espadrilles or dabble in a cute linen topper with a pair of distressed jeans.

4.) Wide Leg Pants

Give your joggers and jeans a break and explore this ever-revolving silhouette. This style has been making its way to mainstream for the past six years and this year there are a variety of interpretations. Many brands are offering petite-sized versions of this style so anyone can play with this style. How to Wear It: Pair with a slim-fit tee, bodysuit, or cardigan sweater.

5.) Sheer Delight

If you are looking to show a little skin this spring but tone down the chill factor (thanks Karl the fog) this trend may be for you. Neutral colors are longer-lasting investments and easier to integrate into your wardrobe but if you are feeling bold try Bubble Gum Pink or another bright hue. How to Wear It: Pair a sheer-sleeved bodysuit with a wrap skirt (also on the hotlist) or a lightweight jacket for a fun layered look.

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Spring Women's Workshop: Cultivating Your Personal Style

Last Fall we announced that we were working on the curriculum for weekend style workshops. As we continue to pause our in-person styling services, we want to explore new ways of connecting with clients and offer an opportunity to teach the basics of our styling method and how to curate a wardrobe over a lifetime. We are excited to announce that our workshops are officially launching at the beginning of March!

To share a little love for the Valentine’s Day Weekend we are offering a $25 discount to the first 10 women who enroll in the class. There will be two dates the classes are offered, Saturday, March 6th, 10-12pm PST and Saturday, March 13th, 2-4pm PST.

Click here for a link to sign up and confirm your spot.

Cultivating Your Style Workshop Details

This two-hour introductory workshop will cover the basics of personal style and how to cultivate a wardrobe you love. Each workshop is an intimate gathering of 10 participants with time for questions and everyday styling scenarios. The workshop is designed to be interactive with personal reflections, exercises, and group activities that will illustrate learned concepts.

By participating in the workshop you will:

• Develop your understanding of the basics of personal style

• Gain a better understanding of the difference between trend and personal style

• Discover what colors look best on you

• Define what silhouettes best suit your shape

• Get a better handle on your wardrobe and what may be missing

The two-hour workshop cost is $185 and includes a printable digital workbook to practice your skills at home. Sign ups are granted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

If this sounds like a nice way to jump-start or reboot your style journey or a gift for someone you love sign up here.

Stay Stylish,

Style Resolutions: Looking to Start 2021 off on the Right Foot!

Every January, Canvas has a tradition of sharing style resolutions, and this year I want to honor that. However, for 2021 I am going to keep things simple. My resolution is to intentionally and slowly upgrade my existing wardrobe and beauty bag with more natural, sustainable, and environmentally friendly brands. I want to try new brands that are emerging and support them where I can.

In my last blog, I shared a little bit about how our current shelter in place life has made me rethink my own wardrobe and how I want to shape it moving forward. As I sat down to write the first blog of the new year I knew I wanted to start there, but it was hard to goal set too far ahead in 2021. For much of 2020 there were a lot of false starts and dashed hopes that things would be able to return to business as usual within the year. It meant letting go of financial plans, scaling things back, and reimagining the business. In short last year was pretty emotionally exhausting (and I know I am not alone there). But, I am thankful for 2020 and how it pushed me to dig deep, consider what really mattered, and let go of what was (and is) out of my control. In short, I’m also applying those learnings to my closet.

On a personal note, the year despite the circumstances, held considerable joy with both an engagement and a petite family wedding. I still don’t know how we pulled it off, but it was a sweet celebration and managed to keep me preoccupied during what is typically a busy fall/holiday shopping season.

I am excited for what 2021 may hold, the hope of change layered on to some well-earned grit! I’m putting the final touches on a weekend workshop series dedicated to style discovery and understanding the basics of capsule wardrobing (you can sign up to find out more here). I also have grown to enjoy remote shopping trips and helping clients broaden their brand base and wardrobe mix from the comfort of home.

To kick off the year on the right foot I’ll be sharing over the next few blogs a list of my favorite brands that strive to move the needle in sustainability, environmentally responsible, and ethically made goods. The first category up? You guessed it, (the pandemic sadly has had no impact on my bad puns) footwear. Read on for a list of my favorite shoe brands and why leather may not always be the best answer to finding a durable shoe.

Stay Stylish and Be Well,

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Last spring I had a handful of clients ask specifically for vegan shoe options. While leather shoes have been my historic choice given their durability, comfort, and wear, it made me question how environmentally friendly my footwear is and what are the alternatives? Finding that answer resulted in many hours of research around vegan footwear and reading the fine print of countless product descriptions.

Below is a small recap of my vegan findings and a list of my recommended vegan or leather alternative shoe brands that score equal points on style and substance.

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Material World- Look at the Label

It’s a material world, and in the world of being a conscious consumer that means looking at the fine print and reading the label. Many companies are hopping on the “vegan leather” bandwagon because it’s a new hip tag-line, but ask yourself what brands are in it for the long haul? In general, fast fashion companies are more likely to mill out PU or PVC based “vegan leather” also known as pleather that can be damaging to the environment (during production and at disposal) Smaller, independent brands that have a long-standing commitment to the big three (environmentally friendly, sustainable, ethical) are more likely to invest in quality materials that are less damaging to the environment.

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LEATHER ALTERNATIVE SHOE BRANDS

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Allbirds

WHAT WE LOVE: Allbirds keeps innovating with new environmentally friendly materials beyond use in their products and packaging. Whether it is their Sugarcane plants from Brazil (hello insoles) or their trademark merino wool this company is committed to a stronger and smaller footprint. While these shoes are not vegan, all styles contain wool, they partner with industry leaders like ZQ Merino to ensure our wool is held to high standards of farming, land management and animal welfare.

Styles to Try: Any of these versatile lower profile silhouettes

Wool Runners $95

The Tree Skimmers $95

The Tree Toppers High Top $115

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Veja

WHAT WE LOVE: Titled the “most ethical sneaker brand in the world” these shoes are equally stylish and innovative. This brand offers leather and vegan sneakers with special attention paid to the materials they use and the farmers or manufacturers they work with.

Styles to Try: This brand is all about sneakers. Below are their vegan options. Try a sporty style that can dress down a look or add a pop to your casual routine.

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Rothy’s

Style Meets Sustainability

WHAT WE LOVE: Sustainability has been more than just a tagline for this company since day one. From packaging to product this company looks for ways to be better every day. They recently launched a merino wool blended shoe, so they are no longer a fully vegan company, but their original marine-grade plastic woven shoes are.

Styles to Try: Loafers, The Point, The Bow Point for a longer leaner silhoutte.

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Aera

Luxury footwear without a footprint

WHAT WE LOVE: High fashion is getting into the game and we are excited by the initial ideas to have a negative impact (aka help the planet) with their product/production cycles.

Styles to Try: Making Eco-fashion a luxury, these chic vegan designs for men and women have been featured in Vogue.

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Native Shoes-

WHAT WE LOVE: Native Shoes Remix™ Project: Recycling project initiative with Zappos that by 2023 every pair of their shoes will be 100% life cycle managed and reborn as playground material, seating, etc so they have a second life in the community.

Styles to Try: These vegan shoes are popular with little ones (no laces and waterproof) but they make shoes for adults in different silhouettes. If you have sweaty feet—opt for the woven or perforated designs.

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Nothing New

WHAT WE LOVE: This brand was created with the goal to make a beautiful sneaker that encourages customers to consider sustainability. The clean and lux design and bright colors definitely caught our eye.

Styles to Try: This vegan brand is all about sneakers. We love the playful colors and sleek urban look.

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Curious to Know More? Here are a few links to articles I found interesting during my deep dive

• Elie Pithers,The Leather Debate: Is Vegan Leather A Sustainable Alternative To The Real Thing? Elie Pithers, British Vogue April 2019

• JEMMA FINCH, What Exactly Is Greenwashing In Fashion & How Can I Spot It?, Refinery29 June 2020

• Lola Mendez, Greenwashing Is Real—Here’s How to Avoid It, Architectural Digest May 2020

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Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: The Canvas Edit

We’ve blogged about this annually and it’s hard to believe another Nordstrom Anniversary sale is here! Some of you may already have access to the sale but for most of us the private sale begins today, August 13, and will open to the public August 19th running through August 30th.

Now is a great time to brush up on what you may need for fall (new active wear, perhaps or a few fresh tops for video calls?) This year the focus has been on exactly that, traditional basics we expect from the sale and this year a hefty dose of loungewear.

Don’t wait too long to complete your orders, because things are already starting to sell out. If you know of something you desperately want feel free to reach out and we can try our best to help you find it. Below are our favorite picks to invest in!

Be sure to check back throughout the sale we will be updating these items on our Style Picks page as things start to sell out

Stay stylish and Be Well,

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Womenswear

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Menswear

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Kids

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Home

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Beauty/Wellness

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Wilderness Style: Our Fashion Field Guide for Getting Outside and Feeling Your Best

It’s been a while since our last chat! The summer and our pandemic lifestyle has seemed to continue forward despite our best planning. It has been a challenging year for so many of us and in so many ways. During these turbulent and/or waiting seasons it is easy to forget who we are when we are just trying to get through the day/week/month.

What have I been up to? Well, I’ve been keeping busy working with clients remotely and preparing materials for a few fall online style workshops. I’ve also had the opportunity to share a little more time with my family (including my adorable niece and nephew) who are part of my sanity and quareenteam.

Last week I took a few days to get off the grid and try something new, backpacking.

It will come as no surprise that the amount of research I put into client’s wardrobes, I also put toward my own. Three days on the trail with limited pack weight meant whatever I brought with me had to go the distance. Luckily, I felt perfectly prepared and couldn't have been happier with what I packed. I’m sharing my favorite discoveries below.

Stay Stylish and Be well,

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Summer Camp Essentials

Conscious Crop Printed $54.99 (sale)

Trekkie North Jogger $89

Speedlight Heather Top $51 (sale)

Speedlight Gravel Tank $49

REI Womens Hipsters $18.95

Public admission, I’ve had a long-standing disappointment with women’s outdoor gear. Historically, I don’t feel feminine and certainly not stylish in the options on the market. Convertible hiking pants remain illusive for a glowing recommendation. This year’s North Face, Prana, and REI designs were a pass (no more belts please). I ended up purchasing a highly reviewed version from Outdoor Research but I had a mixed experience with them.

After several training hikes and one particular grueling Mt. Diablo summit earlier this year, I knew I needed gear than could stay fresh for three days of repeat wear. Athleta’s anti-stink line was magical and lived up to its reputation. The thicker straps of the Conscious Crop bra were perfect for balancing a pack all day. I found the long sleeve Speedlight top great for morning sun protection and evenings at camp, it was a little too warm midday. Also, honorable mention to REI’s quick-dry Hipster Underwear suitable for on the trail or your next workout.

Mountain Climbers—Find a Shoe You Love

So, very rarely does the world of high fashion intersect with outdoor gear. However—90’s fashion has made a comeback and so has the Teva sandal on designer runways. The Teva and Birkenstock slide may be the “it” shoe of the summer. Don’t miss the fun collaborations at Teva.com. From colorblock to modern minimalism there is something for everyone. The sandals lightweight and quick dry design was perfect for clipping them to my pack after river crossings and life back in the city.

Start simple with a hiking sneaker, then consider a hiking boot. If you are looking for an out of the box fit, Keane would be my recommendation. I purchased my trail shoes last year and have been incredibly happy with them.

WOMEN'S TERRADORA II WATERPROOF SHOE $140

Teva Original $61

Layer With Care

When you are playing with Mother Nature, anything goes, so plan accordingly. Sun, Rain, Thunder—it’s all a possibility in California and in the same day. Here are my favorite pieces to protect you from the elements without weighing you down.

Patagonia Rainshadow Jacket $199

Uniqlo Heattech Extra Warm Leggings $24.90

Injinji Liner Crew Socks $11

MicroTherm® 2.0 Down Vest $199

All of the above items made it into my pack and I used every piece. If you haven’t used liner socks for longer hikes, purchase them to avoid blisters. Also, consider investing in a “summer” vest similar to the one above. I love the packable lightweight functionality for city walks and beyond. When you layer it under a rain shell is transforms into the perfect insulated jacket.

Don’t Skip The Luxuries

This goes for both in the wilderness and in the wild of a pandemic, know what little things will make the journey a little sweeter. Upgrading my sleeping mat was a smart move and the insulation kept me warm as temps dropped at night. This mat from Klymit was easy to pack up every day and half the size of my old one. Another cozy creature comfort was packing away a few tea bags that became an evening ritual. After a long day trekking having a warm cup of chamomile was the best way to end a day.

A note on personal hygiene, if you are sporty or outdoorsy keep these Good-wipes on hand. These refreshing wipes were a treat and bonus points that lavender is a natural repellant (if you are in the deep woods you’ll still need bug spray).

PackTowel Face Towel $9.95

PUKKA Chamomile Tea

Klymit Insulated Static V Sleeping Pad $75

Goodwipes Body Wipes $9.99