Romantic Ruffles: Feminine Summer Dressing

Outfit details: Zara ruffle top (similar), Taylor Stitch pants (similar), Banana Republic flower bracelet (similar).

Two big trends for this summer are ruffles and off-the-shoulder silhouettes. We are seeing them everywhere from pretty dresses to casual tops as they lend a romantic vibe to warm weather dressing.

How to Wear Ruffles

Admittedly, ruffles aren't always the easiest thing to wear. When experimenting, start with smaller scale ruffles and and work your way up. You want them to be focal point of your outfit. If you are wearing ruffles on top, opt for plain, fitted bottom to balance them out. 

Play It Neutral

What drew me to this floral top from Zara is that while it incorporated a lot of summer's style trends (ruffles, florals, off-the-shoulder) it still had a neutral palette. It's very soft, easy to wear, and didn't make a huge statement. The ruffles seemed to blend in with the blouse and the one open shoulder felt very feminine. 

Pro tip: When playing with trends, try neutral colors. They are easier to wear and pair well with other items in your closet.

Let Ruffles Be The Accessory

A well-placed ruffle can do the job of statement jewelry, like a necklace, big earrings or an eye catching bag. I like to refer to it as an accessory built into the look. Given the volume of the top, everything else can me minimal. All you need to add a simple bracelet or stud earrings and your outfit is compete. In this case I paired a fun leather and stone bracelet from Banana Republic in matching tones.

Stay Stylish,
M&K

Photos by Kelsey Johnson

When Satire Goes Mainstream: The Bro-Romper

It's Friday and we are in the mood to keep things a little lighter in the office. Maybe you've seen the above photo flash across your social media page, but the male romper has hit the fashion world by storm and is heating up for summer.

Only the truly fashionable have rocked this look in the past, but can it really go mainstream menswear without satire? We gotten quite a few questions on this style and today are weighing in and giving tips for the romper-inclined.

Stay Stylish,

K&M

When Comfort Is King

We understand the appeal, one pieces are beyond comfortable. However, tread lightly and make sure the design works for you--only the fashion bold will survive (and we applaud those who do). Look for structured silhouettes, back pockets and fabric that will hold up aka no droopy seat. We are big fans of mechanic style rompers for guys. They are a modern take on a classic and have rugged details, functional pockets are were designed for a guy's broad shoulders. While the price point is too steep for us, we love this version.

Romper Etiquette  

This may go without saying but rompers can only take you so far. To pull off the look, for anywhere outside a pool party, it needs serious styling. The risk if you can't pull it off is looking like an overgrown toddler. Add a leather moto, sleek bomber, and a rugged boot or urban sneaker.

Further Reading

Esquire Article

Bro Romper Test In Real Life

What Experts Think Of Your Bro Romper (Yup!)

Wear It Again: Repeating A Classic Silhouette

"Save the Dates" are in for the summer and we all sat down to review our closets and start outfit planning. Instead of shopping for the perfect dress to wear to our next wedding or formal event, this year we've decided to use what we already have and shop our closets. 

Stay Stylish, 

K&M

Shop Your Closet

Last week Devon shared her "wear now and later" vintage shopping look. This week Megan and I are taking the same cue and reaching for that dress in the back of our closets. We know you have one too--that dress you've held on to for years, love, but for one reason or another never wear. This post is for you friend!

Classic Silhouettes

The pieces that have lasted the longest in my wardrobe have been the classic ones. However, there are a few contradictions with staying power. This floral black slip dress, is one of them. I've kept it part for nostalgia (I brought it to Italy when I was studying there in college) and part because I love the romantic design. With the slip dress silhouette now back in fashion, I decided to bring it out of the archives.

Re-Think & Re-Style

This dress is the perfect thing for an afternoon wedding, but could I wear it on date night? With two quick adjustments the look is easy enough to wear for a night out. For a casual and modern spin on this look, I added my leather moto jacket, a double buckle belt and blush velvet flats. While slip dresses are traditionally famous for their straight lines, I liked adding a little contrast and definition to the silhouette. So, your turn--pull that dress out of the closet and give it some love again!

Pro Tip: To get out of the box, take two opposite items in your closet and pair them together (like a fitted blazer with your flowy maxi). You will begin to see new options!

Wear It Again: Dressing Up and Making it Your Own

Outfit details: Bauble Bar bib necklace, Maude dress (last season), Madden velvet sandals (similar)

A few weekends ago I attended an afternoon wedding at a winery in Paso Robles. Given the hour and venue, I wanted to wear something that was easy and didn't feel too formal. After shopping in San Francisco at my usual go-to spots, I couldn't find anything that I was really excited about. 

Shop Your Closet

Not wanting to spend too much on a dress that I would only wear once, I decided to wear something that my sister had sent me over a year ago. I'll be honest, I wasn't sure this knit dress was totally my style. It's one of those pieces that needs the right accessories to balance out the formality. 

Accessorize To Make It You Own

While shopping online I found an amazing silver piece by Bauble Bar. The necklace added a little glamour and edge to the look that felt more like me. To keep the ensemble soft, I added a pair of faded blue velvet strappy heels.

Pro Tip: Skip the neutral pumps--pair a formal dress with a pop of color for interest.

An Unexpected Casual Piece

In typical San Francisco fashion, the afternoon wind kicked up while we were shooting this story. In what some may call fashion fate, I threw on my grey Uniqlo sweater and white Ked's sneakers. To my surprise, they ended up looking great with the dress. With some encouragement from Kimberly (what would I do without her!), I agreed to take a few shots of the look. We added in my favorite camo bag which I use for EVERYTHING, and voila it's my new favorite summer casual outfit!

Stay Stylish,
M&K

Dance Into The Weekend: Our Spring Soundtrack

It's time to get your dancing shoes on! In celebration of Friday and a weekend full of fun (is anyone doing Bay to Breakers?), we have put together a special Spring soundtrack for you.  Cheers to the weekend and fresh tunes.

Click Here to Start Listening!

Enjoy!
K&M

Wear it Again: Spring Occasion Dresses

Today, our resident NYC -> SF fashion girl and Junior Stylist Devon is dishing on how to get the most out of your Spring occasion dresses.

I have a bad habit of pushing my more feminine clothing to the back of my closet. This spring, I promised myself I would brush the dust off my nice dresses. To my surprise, I’m finding more ways than one to inject these special items into my everyday wardrobe.

Balancing Act

To make a feminine occasion dress feel more ‘me,’ I like to balance with a touch of masculine. For a wedding or special event, throwing on a menswear-inspired blazer is an edgy and unexpected layer.

Less is More

When working with lots of color, it’s best to keep your accessories simple. A nude heel, simple beaded purse and delicate gold jewelry complement but don’t overpower the look.

Trust in Your Staples

Just because you wore it to a wedding doesn’t mean it isn’t perfect for brunch too. A fitted denim jacket and fun flats make your nicest dress cool and casual.

Stay Stylish,
Devon

Outfit Details: Vintage Tibi Dress,  ASOS blazer (similar),  Nine West Heels, Vintage Purse, Warby Parker Sunglasses, Levi’s Denim Jacket, Trotters Woven Loafer, BCBGeneration Panama Hat

White Shoes To Buy Now

Nothing screams summer like a white shoe. Worn dressed up or down, it adds a crisp, clean element to any outfit.

How to Wear White Shoes

White can be a good anchor for a colorful outfit and also brightens up darker outfits. Pair white with jeans for a classic vibe, a floral maxi for a boho look or with a straw hat and shorts on beach days.

ProTip: Because white can be SO bright on sunny days we prefer a little cut out or detailing to cut down on the reflection.

White In Every Style

Are you ready to jump into the season?
Shop some of our favorites below. And read our post for tips on how to keep white shoes clean.

Stay Stylish,

M&K

Saludos x ASHKAHN, $75

Vince Georgia Sandal, $195

Jeffrey Campbell Barnett Studded Loafer, $130

Stay Stylish,
K&M

The Jumpsuit: A Summer Staple

I have to be honest, I've never really embraced the jumpsuit trend. Mostly because I've never been able to find one that fit well, was easy to wear and comfortable. But when I found this simple black wide-legged one-piece at Uniqlo on sale for $6.99 (YES! $6.99!!), I had to give it a try.

Finding The Right Fit

For me, finding the right jumpsuit has always been about the fit. I like to be comfortable in my clothes and able to run around all day. Made of 100% cotton, this one doesn't wrinkle and also doesn't cling at my waist. Length is another big factor. Again, this one scored points because it hit above the ankle, so I can wear it with flats or dress it up with heels.

It's All About the Details

When adding a basic staple to your closet, look for one that has subtle details that make it special. What I loved about this romper is that it cinches and crosses in the front, then has a banded waist and goes into a wide leg. I can't begin to express how easy it is to wear. 

Confession Time

And now, I have to confess something. I loved this jumpsut so much that I went back the next day and bought another one! Sometimes when you find the perfect piece, you just have to buy a backup!

Outfit details: Uniqlo jumpsuit, Gap denim jacket, Quay Australia sunglasses, Banana Republic velvet shoes (last season).

Stay stylish,
M&K

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

Spring's Most Covetable (and accessible) Bags

The change in season is aways a good time to add a new purse to your rotation (as if you needed an excuse!). After the dark blacks, blues and browns of winter, it's nice to lighten things up.

We've put together our favorite "It" bags of the season, in a range of prices that are accessible to everyone.

1. Small & Stylish
Keep it compact and chic with this Sole Society Lowell Clutch ($54.95). This fun trend piece is also functional with a zipper closure and attachable shoulder strap.

Photo by Kelsey Johnson

2.  A Pop of Color
The Lululemon All Day Tote ($118) in purple. It has a cross-body strap, removable pouch and plenty of space for your office and after gear.

3. Texture & Stripes
Mix in print with this Soeur Vendredi Woven Raffia Tote ($150). It's great for a day at the beach, the farmer's market or brunching with friends.

4. Budget-Friendly
Stay classic with this neutral Buxton Shopper Tote ($40). Don't let the price tag fool you, Kimberly and I each own one and they are as durable as they are stylish. Plus they fit everything!

Stay Stylish,
M&K