We've talked a lot lately about how to curate a capsule wardrobe for your summer vacation. And now, In Style is sharing the secret of how to pack your suitcase for a weekend getaway. The first step, place all of your shoes in small bags and line the bottom of your suitcase with them. Learn other tips and tricks here, plus watch their quick video for detailed steps.
Happy travels,
K&M
Megan and I agree that the best gift is time spent together, but sometimes that's not always possible.
Here are a few of our favorite gifts to celebrate the dad in your life and treat him to something practical and personal this Sunday.
Stay Stylish,
K&M
Taste - Send dad a subscription to a beer club and he'll get a selection of beers each month from Craft Beer Club. If he is local, four bottle shops in San Francisco offer an alternative to this mail order club, including Healthy Spirits and Plumpjack Wines.
Style -We love the nod to traditional tortoise shell glasses but updated in a modern steel color way. These shades from Jack Spade are perfect for keeping Dads of all ages smart and squint-free this summer.
Enjoying the royal palace in Sevilla
A few weeks ago I shared with all of you that I would be challenging myself and traveling abroad with a small travel capsule (see the post here). Now that I'm freshly back, I've been reflecting on the experience. Would I do it again? Yes. Would I change anything? Mas o menos.
Here are some of my learnings along with the outfits I had on repeat (and continue to wear post trip).
Embrace the Awkward- Limited options and fluctuating weather means odd combinations at times. Wearing sneakers with some "looks" was not a natural choice, but comfort was key when walking all day. A slightly sporty look dominated my days, but I was a happier camper for it.
Focus on What Really Matters to YOU-Were there times when I wanted to breakdown and run into the nearest Zara to pick up a new top or add in shorts? Yes--and that would have been okay, but at the end of the day what I found wasn't worth its weight (literally).
Choose Bulletproof Items-Life happens and in my case it was a full glass red vino poured on my lap. Thankfully 90% of it came out of the four key pieces I was wearing....my blue poly blouse came through like a champ. Had it been silk, my top would have been toast and I would have lost a good portion of my capsule. Leave your delicate items at home.
Spain is the Perfect Place to Have a Shoe Breakdown-I had planned to buy a pair of sandals or espadrilles in Spain. This idea was expedited when my one pair of sandals broke walking across town. A few hours later I was re-heeled and ready to go with two new pairs of Spanish shoes.
Stay Stylish,
Kimberly
***a special thanks to Kelsey Johnson for making my outfit shots shine!
Spring may have sprung but not long enough to forget that SF marine layer. Lately we've been having fun incorporating lighter colors as we transition into spring. This in-between time has allowed us to play with mixing and matching weights, textures and layering pieces that can be added or removed without sacrificing style.
My favorite spring piece is my flowy skirt from Zara. I'm not ready to pack away my coveted leather Theory jacket, so I combined the two for a hi-low look that has softness and a bit of edge. Underneath is a L.A.M.B. sweater that is lightweight and breathable. This piece will absolutely stay in my closet as a spring staple!
I naturally run a little on the cool side, so layering is the core of my spring wardrobe. This season I'm playing more with textures and layering with unexpected pieces. I love the way a lace crop top can be paired with an oxford for a modern take on office wear. Color is another big shift in my seasonal wardrobe--most of my winter black pieces have been replaced with a softer navy.
Megan and I are true believers that it is far better to give than receive. Perhaps that's why personal styling is a natural match for us. Regardless of the gift (big, small or simply heartfelt), surprising your mom or the mom figure in your life with the perfect little acknowledgment is wonderful.
So--for those who have difficulty gifting, we came up with our favorite little luxuries for moms that are big on love.
For the mom who has everything, send her a BloomsyBox subscription and she'll get fresh flowers delivered once a month (price varies).
Tom's soft suede tote comes with a detachable inner bag, making it an organization must-have. $158
Show mom how sweet she is with this adorable bento box from Sugarfina, including champagne bears. $65
Indulge the mom-on-the-go with travel-sized essentials from Aesop, including Mouthwash and Parsley Seed skin care formulations. $75
Made in San Francisco, a custom Dodo phone case will keep mom's phone safe and stylish. $59.95
Layer on the love and lux with these stackable rings by Chamilia, a Swarovski company. Prices vary.
Perfect for the fickle Bay Area climate, keep mom cozy and style in a pure cashmere wrap from Garnet Hill. $188
Stay Stylish,
K&M
This week Megan and I were invited by Cusp to attend a meet and greet with London based designer Han Chong at the SF Neiman Marcus Store. We have been following this up and coming designer and jumped at the chance to ask him about his designs and try on a few Self Portrait pieces ourselves.
We immediately fell in love with his current collection full of romantic designs and beautiful open lace work. The cuts are best suited for petite and narrow frames, but a few fit and flare silhouettes would be stunning on curvier gals. Han said that he always keeps the female form in mind when designing and adds adjustable ease at key points to allow for better fit. For example, many dresses have lace up backs that add a little edge and functionality.
Keep your eye on this guy! Not only are his graceful designs accessible (in comparison to many designers) but he is honest about his creations and so approachable. We hope he enjoyed his first trip to SF as much as we did meeting him!
Stay Stylish,
K&M
East Coast or West Coast, it doesn't matter. The trench coat is a spring essential for everyone. We are currently coveting Blue Illusion's Three In One Trench. So earlier this week while working on an upcoming project (more on that to come), we stopped by their store in Burlingame to try it on.
We both appreciated how lightweight and versatile it was. The vest option was our favorite way to wear it, but really it looks great either way. And the deep navy hue managed to complement both of our outfits.
Megan wearing the full trench.
Kimberly wearing it as a vest.
Here are some other trenches we are loving right now:
Stay stylish,
K&M
T-shirts are a closet staple any time of year. We learned that last year when we did our 31 Days of Style Challenge. You can dress one up with a skirt, keep it casual with denim or layer with a cropped sweater.
While we don't think you need to spend $150 on a tee, we do believe you should invest in quality cotton. A few things to keep in mind are fit, thickness, drape and the shirt's ability to hold its shape.
Megan swears by James Perse (Stylist tip: they're at Nordstrom Rack for a great price).
Kimberly loves Madewell. (Stylist tip: their v-neck basics are good for seasonal colors & they always have a fashion stripe option like below)
For an investment tee, Vince makes a greater heavier weight cotton t-shirt that can be worn under a blazer or jacket for work.
Need a cooler basic option? Kimberly is loving GapFit's Tie Back Tank. (Stylist Tip: Size up if you are busty)
Tell us what your go-to tee is!
Stay Stylish,
K&M
It's Murphy's Law - you buy something new, wear it once and somehow manage to get a stain on it that won't come out. Coffee on white seems to be a big one at the Canvas Office.
This stain charts has to be one of our favorites. The person that created it is pretty much genius in our book. White chalk for oil...who knew?
Posted by B As/Is on Tuesday, October 27, 2015
We recommend that you bookmark this chart, print it and keep it handy for those summer stains that are guaranteed to happen at some point.
And now that we all don't have to live in fear of ruining white, here are a few of our favorite white pieces for Spring (click on the image for more details).
Stay Stylish,
K&M
The birds are singing, rainbows are bending around the corner and a rather large bunny will be hopping around our hood this weekend--all signs that Spring has sprung and we are ready for change. Here are some of our favorite Spring Dresses that celebrate a brighter season.
Kimberly's Picks:
Karen Millen Orchid Scuba Dress, $350- A fresh take on the modern floral.
Alice + Olivia Fierra Dress, $198- Perfect for layering with a sweater or jacket now and enjoying solo for summer.
Fringe Striped Shift, $148- Fun and versatile for work or play.
Megan's Picks:
Mara Hoffman Star Blast Maxi Dress, $312- Playful, feminine and flirty.
Wayf Belted FloralPrint Dress, $138- Incredible floral print with a tie back closure that adds the perfect pop of interest.
J.Crew Drapey Chambray Shirtdress, $98- This relaxed style is like a blank canvas with tons of options for accessorizing.
Stay Stylish,
K&M
