Posts filed under Style Tips

Fall 2016 NYFW: An Insider View

Courtney's front row snap from Leanne Marshall's Show

Courtney's front row snap from Leanne Marshall's Show

A few weeks ago, I made a quick leap of faith and jumped at the opportunity to fly to New York for a long weekend to see friends and fashion. While there I met up with friend and fashion week veteran, Courtney Nejedly, to get an inside scoop on how 2016 Fall shows were a new chapter NYFW. 

Courtney is a multi media journalist and a wealth of knowledge on what is trending in fashion, design and interiors. She has been participating in fashion week for several years and had a full schedule of shows on her calendar so, thank you for taking the time to meet up and talk shop with me!

Courtney & Kimberly on the streets of NYC and Courtney's chic and glam looks at the shows.

Here Are Five Take-Aways From My Chat With Courtney About 2016 Fall NYFW:

1.) Many Designers Were NOT Showing At The 2016 Fall NYFW. Why? In short, holding a show is expensive and there have been many Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) changes to fashion week this year. Some designer held out to see the outcome of the newer format.

2.) A New Audience. There has been a shift in focus-- more blogger attendees, partnerships (i.e. music/film cross promotions) and social media driven shows that were held all across the city "Pop Up" style. Traditionally shows have been exclusive invite only for industry buyers, executives, editors etc. and held at one main location.

3.) "Instant" Ready To Wear. Many 2016 Fall NYFW shows promoted new lead times this year instead of the typical six month purchase order.  This means fast fashion is taking on a new meaning with mainstream designers. More designs will be ready to walk off the catwalk and right into your closet.

4.) A Challenge To Stay Relevant. Today's society is over stimulated and there are multiple draws and influencers.  The "false idealism" that has been maintaining the fashion market with aspirational beauty is starting to shift. There is a current struggle to connect with the audience/consumer in a captivating way. "2016 Fall NYFW Collections were largely redundant and very safe." Black and neutrals dominated and silhouettes were repeated in new prints/shades.

5.) Crowning The Next Big Influencer. This year it was questionable if the audience or the catwalk was the focus of the event. With the accessibility of technology at everyone's finger tips the audience holds more weight now than ever in their review of what they love. "Designers who watch who their audience is and are authentic/genuine" in their approach and "look for connection for (greater) good" will have a better chance of capturing the future fashion market.

Stay Stylish,

K&M

Posted on February 29, 2016 and filed under Style Tips.

Three Spring Makeup Trends You Need to Try Today

Hello 70 degree weather and sunshine! Anyone living in San Francisco will agree that spring has made an appearance.

We love the change of seasons and refreshing the closet with new styles. But it's also a great time to refresh your makeup look as well. And for this spring it's all about bright lips, vibrant eyes and bronzed cheeks.

Lip Trend: Red Lipstick
Red has always been a classic lip color. But for spring there is one specific red that has everyone going crazy - Candy Apple Red. Our favorite is MAC Sheen Supreme Lipstick in New Temptation.

red-lipstick-spring-2016-lip-trend

Eye Trend: Vibrant Blue
Blue eye makeup can be worn any way you want. You can go smokey with a sparkly navy eyeshadow or be bold by drawing a heavy line across your lids. For a more subtle look, place a small amount right at the inside crease of your eyes. Our favorite is Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Radium.

electric-blue-eyeshadow-spring-2016-trend

Face Trend: Bronzed Skin
Kiss your skin with an endless bronze by applying bronzer and a highlighter for a naturally tan sheen without exposing yourself to skin damaging sun. Our favorite is Nars Bronzing Powder.

makeup-trend-skin-bronzer


Stay Stylish,
K&M

Posted on February 24, 2016 and filed under Beauty & Wellness, Style Tips.

Spring 2016 Pantone Colors- What to add to your wardrobe this year

graphic by @Alison Vinciguerra

Whether you are surviving the Polar Vortex or enjoying a balmy El Nino Spring, new collections will be on their way to stores soon!  To help inspire you on what new shades to invest in we've created a Pinterest Board with a breakdown of the top new colors will be in stores this spring.

This year the color palette focuses on tranquil calming shades infused with a few happy candy colored pops. Here is a link to our Pinterest Board to explore more.

Stay Stylish,

K&M

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Top Five Pantone Colors Used in 2016 Collections according to WWD:

1. Rose Quartz 13-1520 Percentage of designers who used this color: 22.55
β€œThis really is a beautiful pink that will radiate well on the skin for women as well as men,” Eiseman said.

2. Peach Echo 16-1548 Percentage of designers who used this color: 19.87
Peach Echo is a very warm, friendly and accessible color,” Eiseman said.

3. Serenity 15-3919 Percentage of designers who used this color: 15.86
β€œAs the name suggests, Serenity is a calming color that plays to the whole idea that we know we’re still living in turbulent times.” Eiseman said.

4. Snorkel Blue 19-4049 Percentage of designers who used this color: 15.21
Eiseman said this shade is β€œmeant to be a bit more fun, less serious than navy, and serve as one of the anchor colors for the spring palette.”

5. Buttercup 12-0752 Percentage of designers who used this color: 11.45
β€œButtercup is all about sunlight, happiness and cheer β€” ” Eiseman said.

To read the full of the WWD Article click here.

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Happy New Year & Our 2016 Resolutions

A new year at Canvas, is a time of reflecting on the past and looking forward to what is next. It's time to start fresh and map out what we want to achieve in the new year. As a kick off to 2016 Megan and I decided to share our style resolutions...and share an upcoming Instagram contest you won't want to miss! Be sure to follow us @CanvasStyling for more details on our January "Best of 2015" giveaway.

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2016 Resolutions 

Megan:

1.) More Yoga, less just wearing yoga pants

2.) Play More with Lip Color

3.) Add More Color and Pattern Mixing

4.) Master the Curling Iron

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Kimberly:

1.) Find More Occasions to Wear Heels. I let the practicality of our hilly landscape dictate too much and never wear them anymore. This year the pumps are back! (in moderation)

2.) Wear More Skirts

3.) Perfect the Winter White Ensemble

4.) Get Out of My Style Comfort Zone Once a Week

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Stay Stylish,

K&M

Posted on December 31, 2015 and filed under Style Tips.

Our Favorite Holiday Cocktails

We can't believe that tomorrow is Christmas eve! I am writing this blog from snowy (and COLD) Breckenridge, CO while Kimberly holds down the Canvas office in SF.

We thought we'd take a break from all of the shopping talk to share our favorite holiday cocktail recipes, guaranteed to get you in the spirit and feeling festive.

Kimberly's Spicy Cider:

4 Quarts Apple Cider or Apple Juice

2 Quarts of Trader Joes Spiced Cider 

4T Mulling Spices (I prefer the WIlliam-Sonoma blend)

5-6 Jiggers of Bourbon

3 Jiggers Grand Marnier

Cinnamon sticks for glass garnish

I made this traditional cider for a little Holiday Cocktail Party  this year and decided to add a twist with Grand Marnier.  I'll never go back! It was a nice citrus addition and kept the spices from overpowering the drink.

Directions: Wrap mulling spices in a sachet of cheese cloth secured with kitchen twine. Add above ingredients in order and simmer over low-medium heat for 20 minutes.  Serve warm and enjoy.

Megan's Brandy Alexander

3 Cups softened french vanilla ice cream 

4 Ounces brandy 

4 Ounces creme de cacao

Freshly ground nutmeg for garnish

My dad's recipe, these "adult milkshakes" are a great dessert and super easy to make. I like to serve them in chilled glasses with a cookie on the side. Yum!

Directions: Blend ice cream, brandy and creme de cacao in a blend until smooth, but still thick. Pour into chilled glasses and sprinkle nutmeg on top.  

Stay Stylish,
K&M

Nailing It: The Best Non-Toxic Polishes of the Season

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A few months ago a friend of mine sent out a mass email with the sad news that one of our most beloved nail polish shades was now on the toxic no-no list. (R.I.P. Sugar Daddy).

It left me questioning, what are some safer alternatives?  The eco-friendly-non-toxic polish brands that I'd tried in the past just didn't stand up to their evil twins and left my manicures looking like they were done by a preschooler. 

After a little research and testing here are our favorite new wave non-toxic lacquers.  We found that the majority of top nail brands are now avoiding the "Toxic Trio" DBP, Toluene and Formaldehyde. However, a growing number of companies have extended their list to FIVE and are removing questionable allergens, Formaldehyde Resin and Camphor from ingredients.

Our list below includes polishes without these FIVE ingredients or TPHP. 

For more information check out these helpful articles:

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Stay Stylish,

K&M

Chanel "Dragon" $27 at Nordstrom.comThe BEST red for classic holiday.  It's not too bright or jolly and has a hint of spice that can be enjoyed year round.  Fast drying and long wearing with a high gloss finish. 

Chanel "Dragon" $27 at Nordstrom.com

The BEST red for classic holiday.  It's not too bright or jolly and has a hint of spice that can be enjoyed year round.  Fast drying and long wearing with a high gloss finish. 

Deborah Lippman in "Naked" $18 at Barney's This shade was the winner of InStyle magazine's award for Best Beauty Buys 2015. Formulated without parabens, sulfates and not tested on animals.  

Deborah Lippman in "Naked" $18 at Barney's

This shade was the winner of InStyle magazine's award for Best Beauty Buys 2015. Formulated without parabens, sulfates and not tested on animals.  

Known for high pigmented shades and their trademark bottle, Butter London is dedicated to give you the color without compromise. Walk the line between gold and silver. Shade 444 is perfect for ringing in a new year and pairs well with champagne.  

ZOYA is an ultra long-wearing, toxin free nail polish and treatment formula. Perfect for monochromatic chic this winter the "Dove" shade is a soft, delicate light neutral gray with an opaque, glossy creme finish. 

Taking it all away: One of the more obviously toxic elements to a manicure is the smell of a pungent remover.  We found this organic remover on Amazon and are converts.  It may be a bit pricey and take longer to remove your color, but it is easy on skin and the lavender scent is an added bonus (available in unscented).

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Don't Forget: Free Shipping Day is Friday, 12/18

Ok be honest, how many of you are still not done with your holiday shopping? Well, there is no judgment here. But we do have good news! This Friday, 12/18 is Free Shipping Day when when loads of retailers offer online shoppers free shipping AND guarantee delivery by Christmas Eve. Even better, many merchants also use it as a time to offer deeper discounts and push last minute sales. For more info and a list of participating retailers, check out freeshippingday.com.

Now we can all breathe a collective sigh of relief and put off holiday shopping for a few more days.  

Stay Stylish,
K&M

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Posted on December 16, 2015 and filed under Style Tips.

Sweater Obsession

It is freeeezing outside!  All I want to do is bundle up in a cozy sweater and drink hot cocoa. Which is why I had to laugh when Kimberly sent me this text: "Just a head's up, I am wearing our sweater today." Looks like we will be twins at our morning meeting!

We both bought the same yummy cream sweater from Banana Republic and it's quickly become a winter go-to. While sadly BR sold out of them, here are a few other sweaters perfect for bundling, snuggling and staying warm.

Stay warm,
K&M

Posted on December 14, 2015 and filed under Style Tips.