Gingham & Green: Mixing it up with Spring Trends

Megan and I have both been feeling the need to add something fresh to our wardrobes. We want a piece that works for spring, can last all summer, and doesn't have sticker shock. While we both try to limit adding fast fashion pieces, we have picked up some great staples over the years at surprising places. One shop that we regularly keep tabs on is Uniqlo. We love this Japanese brand for its minimal basics and modern trend pieces.

When To Trade Down

I chose a new full tie waist spring skirt. It has been is making a come back in stores this season (Max Mara, Gap, J.Crew all have had versions).  How do you know when to invest in a piece or trade it for a lower price point? Ask yourself how often you'll wear it and be honest. If you are unsure, don't invest, but test it at a lower price.

 Look At The Details

Uniqlo had the winning combination for me (wrinkle resistance, pockets, color, price). When trading down you often lose out on construction, fabric quality, and fit. Look closely in the dressing room at the construction and fabric. Save sweaters, jackets/Blazer and everyday shoes for investments. 

Hold Your Horses

We've all been there and bought a piece on a whim.  Fight the urge for newness and make sure your new purchase is a workhorse. Wearing a bow waist can be tricky--but I knew that that I had plenty of tops that I could pair with it. I also like the fact that the bow is removeable so I can add a belt for a different look.

Stay Stylish, 

K&M

Get the Look: J.Crew Check Shirt, Uniqlo High Waist Belted Flare Green Skirt, Jigsaw London Wedges (similar), Vintage Necklace

Face Time: Megan's Spring Skin Must-Haves

I won't lie, I have become a bit obsessed with my skincare routine since my last birthday. I've blogged about age spots, DIY organic masks and even my Nana's homemade aloe pads. So as soon as the Spring sunshine peeked it's head out from the grey clouds, I knew it was time to update my skincare.

Start the Day Fresh Faced

I love Dermalogica's products. So, when I was gifted their new daily superfoliant from local CODE Salon I couldn't wait to try it. One word - AMAZING!  I use it every morning (if you have sensitive skin like Kimberly, she recommends using it every other day) to gently exfoliate my face. After toning, and putting sunscreen on, I add a small dab of DCL Hydra Boost Finishing Serum to plump my skin and add a glow.

Makeup Bag Necessities

Usually when I leave the house in the morning, I am gone for most of the day. That means that my purse needs to be stocked with essentials for a fresh face. Mid-day I touch-up and reduce shine with Clinique's Beyond Perfecting Powder Foundation + Concealor. I also love Viseart's Theory Palette in Minx because it doubles as cheek color on the go. And of course, always my favorite sunnies to hide my eyes when they're tired!

Stay Stylish,
M&K

DIY Challenge: How to Fray Your Denim Like A Pro

Destressed denim is a standard in any fashion lover's wardrobe--but do you choke at the thought of investing in something already torn apart? We get it, which is why we thought we'd help some of you ease into the game. 

The Frayed Denim Trend

Denim trends come and go, but the frayed hem has been a hot look the past few years. It is simple enough you can do it at home. The beauty of this trend is you can really make it your own--the cropped bell cut, the staggered hem (think high-low mullet cuff), and the super fringe are all styles that you can do yourself. 

How To Fray Your Denim At Home

Today we are going to keep it simple and take one of our old pairs of denim and spruce it up for spring with a basic raw hem makeover.

The Basic Raw Hem

What you'll need:

• Chalk or a tailors pencil
• Safety Pins or straight pins
• Fabric Scissors
• Seam Ripper/Tweezers
• Old Pair of Jeans Freshly Washed
• Ruler or Straight Edge

Step 1:

Iron your jeans (this should really be the only time this should ever happen, unless your name is Kimberly or Monica ;)). Make sure you have a fresh foundation to start with and release the original hem if you need more length.

Step 2:

Test out the length by trying them on and adding a straight pin or safety pin where you want to hem. Make a straight line on where you want your fringe or fray to start with a pencil or tailor's chalk.

Step 3:

Make sure the length is exactly what you want or cut the hem slightly longer to start (measure twice, cut once friends).

Step 4:

Snip, snip, snip

Step 5:

Release some of the threads from the hem, lightly pulling your seam ripper or tweezers along the bottom of the hem. If you look an the inside of the denim pull some of the loops by the edge of the hem. In between releasing threads, pull the hem tight at the sides to "fluff" up the fray.

Step 6: Enjoy Life in the Fray. If your hem after washing looks too much like a jellyfish for your taste snip the loose threads for maintenance.

Stay Stylish,

K&M

Winter Sunscreen: Are You Really Covered?

It seems like a no brainier to the fairer bunch: broad spectrum sunscreen should be part of everyone's daily routine. However, during my yearly dermatologist appointment I learned that many women are prone to developing skin cancer on their legs. Guiltily, this is one place I skimp on (it's the one place I do tan)! 

My doctor walked me through areas that women may miss for everyday coverage-- the "French" face which includes your neck and décolletage, your calves, ankles and back of your hands. For ladies/gents with shorter haircuts, don't miss your ears and back of your neck. It started me thinking about the larger fashion trends that are now SF staples year round--ankle length pants, boyfriend jeans, scoop necks and the hot plunging neckline.

So what brands should you be using for body coverage that won't leave you smelling like the beach in February? Below is a list of brands Megan and I use--as always consult your dermatologist about the brands that are the best for your unique skin.

1. Dermalogica Pure Light SPF50- this medium weight moisturizer is great for brightening and evening skin tone.

2. Rodan + Fields Reverse- Megan's personal favorite, she wears it everyday to to protect her skin while diminishing damage already done by the sun.

3. Aveeno Protect + Hydrate- created for the face and body, this powerhouse hydrates the skin while protecting from the sun. 

4. EltaMD UV Clear SPF46- My favorite, this lightweight oil-free sunscreen is great for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Stay Stylish, 
K&M

Sweet Tart: Cherry Chocolate Scones To Fall In Love With

I know, I know today may NOT be your favorite day of the year--but here is a little something to sweeten the deal.

One of my dear friends is a trained pastry chef (always a good friend to have). She shared this recipe last year and it has since become a favorite among family and friends. 

In honor of Valentine's Day and sharing the love, we're sharing it will all of you. What makes it great? It strikes the right balance of sweet and it is shockingly simple to make. Pair it with a cup of tea or a light breakfast and package some up and surprise a loved one. 

Enjoy and stay sweet,

K&M

Buttermilk Cherry Chocolate Scones

• 2 c. All-purpose flour
• 1/4 c. Granulated sugar
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. Orange zest ( I used the zest Meyer lemon since that I had on hand)
• 8 Tb. (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold
• 3/4 c dried cherries
• 1/2 c semi sweet chocolate chunks or chips
• 2/3 c. Buttermilk (if you don't have buttermilk add 1 T vinegar to 1 cup of milk and let sit for 5minutes)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest with a whisk.

Cut butter into cubes and add to the flour. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut/scissor the butter into the flour mixture until it is a fine texture and looks like cornmeal with evenly dispersed chunks of butter.

Stir in cherries and chocolate. Make a well in the center and add the buttermilk. Stir until the dough becomes wet and sticky. Turn out onto a floured work surface. It's okay if there are still some dry bits at the bottom, just press them into the dough. Knead the dough 2-3 times gently, but no more. Pat the dough into a 1" thick circle. Cut into 8 wedges or use a heart cookie cutter.

If using cinnamon sugar as a topper, combine ingredients and press the top of each scone into the cinnamon sugar and place evenly spaced on the baking sheet. 

Bake until firm to the touch and lightly golden brown, 15-20 minutes.

Valentine's Day Prep: A Shopping Trip At The Ferry Building

Whether your sweetheart is a little one, your better half, your Galentines or yourself make sure you treat everyone right this year. Growing up Valentine's Day was a day to cherish and gift your loved ones with a surprise card, small token or sweet.  That's something I've continued into my adult life and frankly couldn't everyone benefit from a little more love and kindness these days??

Megan and I headed down to the SF Ferry Building to shop for some goodies that suit the personal style of all of our Valentines. We both love this San Francisco marketplace for it's fun mix of foodie delights and unique local gifts. Here is a list of some of our favorite shops in the Ferry Building --perfect for picking up a small a token of love.

Kimberly is wearing Ann Taylor Loft Shift Dress, French Sole Flats, Zara Cropped Jacket (old staple)

Meitte We love this storybook bakery that is every bit whimsical and it is sweet. In addition to baked goods, they import an amazing mix of specialty candies from across the globe. Not sure if sour puckers or raspberry drops are the best gift? Ask for a sample before you buy. Their chocolate sables (shortbread) are NOT to be missed!!

The Gardner Looking for the perfect note to say it all or a small trinket for a green thumb? We can't get enough of The Gardner's cheery selection of stylish small house wears and curated giftables.

Magnolia Bakery Love a good pastry, but can't handle the gluten? This is Megan's go to place to shop for something sweet and scrumptious.

Acme Bread If gluten isn't a concern and flavor is, you won't find a better place to buy a baguette or pan eppi to accompany a special meal. Make sure you swing by Cowgirl Creamery to finish off the spread with a locally made cheese like Red Hawk.

Stay Styish,

K&M

Weekend Line Up: Frank Stella at the De Young Museum

A few weeks ago, Megan and I took a rainy morning and headed to the Frank Stella exhibit at the De Young museum. It was the perfect pop of color to inspire us in the dead of winter. While we both gravitated to the brighter colors in his earlier works, his modern metal pieces caught our eyes as well (see below for all of our favs).

We try to visit the De Young a few times a year, but haven't been there since their iconic Oscar de la Renta exhibit last year. Up next... The Summer of Love Experience: Art, Fashion & Rock n Roll which starts in April. 

Curious to see the Frank Stella exhibit too? Act quickly, it wraps February 26th! And don't miss a trip to the observation deck (it's free and doesn't require a museum ticket) to take in the expansive views of the city. 

Stay Stylish,
K&M

Spring Trends and DIY Vision Boards

Despite the cold temperatures, we already have spring on our mind at the Canvas office. To prep for the upcoming change in season, Spring trends, and a new year Kimberly and I took a rainy morning this week to get crafty.

What is a Vision Board? 

Similar to the Trend Boards Kimberly and I created in Fashion school--a vision board is a collection of images that are linked to a bigger concept. For this project we used one side of the board for business goals and exciting trends and the other side for images relating to personal goals in 2017. 

Why Vision Boarding Works

Not only are vision boards a creative way to spark inspiration, they're also a good way to visually organize your thoughts and reinforce your goals for a new season. 

How To Create Your Own Vision Board

1. Set aside at least an hour or two to work on your board in a creative environment. Whether its a solo project or gathering a group of friends for a party make it FUN!

2. Use magazines, cards, photos or anything to represent the experience, emotions or item you love (i.e. that great handbag you've been saving for). Include anything that inspires and motivates you to adopt something new this year.

3. Keep your final board posted somewhere in your home for a daily reminder of what you want and where you are going!

Stay Stylish,
M&K

Mascara: Our Favorite Magic Wands

I've been on a mission the past few months to find a new mascara. My usual go-to Sephora brand wasn't living up to its past glory and the constant make up under my eyes was making me look tired.  I asked Megan what her go-to brands were and decided to try out several to decide for myself.

Finding The Perfect Mascara

After trying out different brands (both prestige and over-the-counter), here are my final results:

BLINK:
LOVE-The natural look and that no make up remover is required--wash the tubes away with water.
NO LOVE- If you wear contacts, this may not be the best for you. Several times I got a flake in my eye during application or wear that wouldn't budge.

TARTE:
LOVE- Natural formula and thick lashes
NO LOVE- Quickly dries out and flakes after long wear

LANCOME HYPNOSE DRAMA:
LOVE- Natural look and no flaking
NO LOVE- Requires a good make up remover

Our Top Mascara Picks

Results, I'm sticking with the BLINK for travel and on the go and Lancome for every day. Everyone has unique lashes and what they desire from a good mascara. I personally like a more natural look. We recommend trying a few out to start and going from there. Sephora Favorites Lashstash to Go is perfect for this. It's a cost effective experiment too, in that you get a coupon to purchase your winning mascara in a full size later. 

Stay Stylish,
K

Welcoming a New Year: Our 2017 Resolutions

Every year we like to share our resolutions. Not only does it keep us accountable and hopefully inspire you, it's also a good way for us to step back from our schedules and be intentional about the year ahead. 

What we didn't realize until we worked on this blog together is that a strong theme for both of us is to engage a little less with technology and find other ways to connect and be inspired with the world around us. 

 Megan's 2017 Resolutions:

• Wear more color- I tend to wear a lot of black and grey. This year I am pushing myself out of my comfort zone and embracing color!
• Cook one new recipe a month- Anyone that knows me knows that I am not good in the kitchen. This is my year to learn to cook without setting my oven on fire (yes, that really happened).
• Send more handwritten letters- Getting a note in the mail always brings a smile to my face. I want to send less emails and start sitting and writing more letters to the ones I love.

Kimberly's 2017 Resolutions: 

• Commit to actually investing in a few long-term staples. Some of my trusty classic items are starting to show their wear. I've been putting it off too long.
• Read more "fun" books. I've spent most of my free time in 2016 reading articles online. Of the books I did read last year (sadly not enough) they were all business. It's time to mix it up.
• Take a fun class and learn a new skill

What are you excited about?

Cheers to a stylish 2017, 
M&K