Posts filed under Style Tips

Summer Swim Series: Lakeside Glam

We are celebrating July with a special "Summer Swim Series" where each week we will share our fave swim style picks for women of all shapes. So get ready... whether your laying by the pool or heading to the beach, we've got you covered!

Now, grab your sunnies and get ready to soak up the sun! 


Kimberly's Lake Essentials:

I love the water, but my fair skin requires a little extra preparation to make sure that the day is enjoyable from start to finish. After a good application of sunscreen (I love Neutrogena Dry Touch Sunblock in 55) I always pack a button down shirt as an easy and breathable cover up. I like the flexibility to pop the collar for extra sun coverage or add it to a separate afterward.

Upgrade Your Accessories

Instead of the standard beach tote go for a leather mini backpack to carry all your necessities without weighing you down. Though it's not waterproof, it's easy to wipe clean and keeps its shape. Similarly, in lieu of a sun hat opt for a fedora or silk scarf. Both will protect your hair and scalp from sun and wind if you decide to boat to a lakeside beach.

ProTip: If you want to wear it as a headband, we like a turban twist. 1.) Place the scarf under nape of your neck with the two ends of the scarf pointing up. 2.) Twist the ends together until the are tight on the crown of your head. 3.) Pull the ends down (opposite from the start) and tie in a knot under the nape of your neck.

Don't Be Afraid to Play With Print

I wear so many solids during the week that I like to throw in more prints on vacation. I love this high waisted swimsuit by Adriana Degreas. The print is slenderizing with the side chevrons and vertical on the top. The silhouette is perfect for if you have curves, are long waisted or have no defined waistline. I like that the handkerchief top works well as a crop top with high-waisted shorts or a skirt.

ProTip: While I love this suit, I am also a realist and would rather splurge on an accessory I could use everyday. Until it goes on sale, here are a few great printed high waisted alternatives at a lower price from ModCloth and Anthropologie.

Stay Fresh With Your Signature Scent

I am a bit of a scent junkie (I change by the season) and summer is not exception. After a long day at the lake I like to keep a small perfume rollerball or sample size in my bag to freshen up. Bobbi Brown's "Beach" remains one of my favorite light and airy summertime scents...stay tuned for a later post with some of our current favorites!

Stay Stylish,

K&M

Summer Swim Series: Beach Ready With 7 Items

We are celebrating July with a special "Summer Swim Series" where each week we will share our fave swim style picks for women of all shapes. So get ready... whether your laying by the pool or heading to the beach, we've got you covered!

Now, grab your towel and let's hit the beach! 


Megan's Beach Essentials:

I love a day in the sun, but I always like to be prepared. Below are my seven must-haves for an easy day at the beach.

Swim in Style

I gravitate toward colorful swim suits that give me a little extra coverage. One pieces are great because after the beach you can throw on a pair of shorts or shirt and head out to a casual lunch.

Pro Tip: Pair your swimsuit with shorts or flowy pants and wear it like a body suit! It's a very on trend look right now and cuts down on packing.

Essential Accessories

My beach bag always contains the same 4 items: 1. An oversized towel - I also like to pack a smaller second towel for wiping sand off my feet). 2. Sunglasses that have UV protection (did you know your eyes can get sunburns?!) 3. Sandals to protect my feet from the hot sand. 4. An easy cover-up for when it's time to get out of the sun.

Clever Carryalls

Pack up your beach gear in an oversized bag, like the straw and pom pom beach tote above. Don't forget a small waterproof bag to put your wet swimsuit in at the end of the day - it will save your other items from getting damp. 

Stay Stylish,
M&K

Posted on July 13, 2017 and filed under Capsule Dressing, Style Tips.

Trunk Club: Men's Summer Swimwear

The Best Beachwear This Summer

Summer is here (well, across any bridge out of our fine foggy city) and guys it's time to take stock of your swimwear. Yes--those pair of trunks may have served you well in college but its time for an upgrade. Here are a few tips for selecting the best match for your next beach day.

Keeping It Shady

While most swimwear stays in classic colors (blue and red) chose a shade that compliments your own natural coloring. If you burn easily chose a brighter shade or saturated color/print. If you tan quickly you can opt for a pastel.

Show A Little Leg

One of the biggest things in swimwear is finding a fit that works for you and what you do at the beach. If you are sporty, choose a trunk that can move and dries quickly. Additionally, if you are tall explore horizontal stripes, color blocking (bands of color), and longer inseams with pocket details. For shorter stature guys, keep it simple with small scale prints and inseams above the knee.

Need a little more inspiration? Check out our picks below or a few more on our Pinterest Board.

Stay Stylish,

M&K

Posted on July 11, 2017 and filed under Style Tips.

Summer Swim Series: Poolside Style

We are celebrating July with a special "Summer Swim Series" where each week we will share our fave swim style picks for women of all shapes. So get ready... whether your laying by the pool or heading to the beach, we've got you covered!

To kick things off, Devon is showing her top picks for staying cool poolside


Devon's Poolside Style:

When I want to unwind in the sun, Palm Springs is on the top of my list. A day full of poolside relaxation calls for an easy and comfortable outfit.

Swimwear That Stays

For extra coverage and security, I am a big fan of a high waisted bottom and secure top. This combo ensures maximum staying power when you’re jumping into the pool. I love a fun print, but having a basic black version on hand is never a bad idea for mixing it up.

Cover Up Two Ways

When covering up; an oversized chambray shirt and baseball cap are my go-to pieces. Throw on a pair of printed shorts, and you’re ready to head into town for lunch.

Slide Into Summer

This summer, basic slides are the it-sandal. Find your favorite pair and wear them from pool to party and everywhere in between.

Stay Stylish,
M&K&D

Posted on July 6, 2017 and filed under Capsule Dressing, Style Tips.

4th of July Style: What We are Wearing to That BBQ

Choosing the best 4th of July look can be a lesson in layers in San Francisco. Karl the Fog has crashed many of our celebrations over the years and watching a fog filtered fireworks show is the norm.  This year both Megan and I are leaving the city for the holiday to celebrate (hopefully) with a little more sunshine.

We think this look is the perfect solution for your next BBQ or summer celebration, regardless of the location. It balances out fun and colorful, without sacrificing comfort. If you are staying in the city, layer on a scarf and leather jacket.

Chose One Fun Statement Piece & Go From There

The focal point of this look is a flirty one shoulder ruffle top. The red color is certainly a pop for the season and a popular shade for this summer (many designers have used it in their collections). I love that it is slightly oversized so it's easy to wear and you won't overheat in it. 

Keep It Casual With A Great Pair of Jeans

Denim is the foundation to a great Californian wardrobe. We've said it before, having a great fitting pair of jeans in a dark and medium wash has endless outfitting options. I picked up these AG jeans from Nordstrom Rack this spring and have been reaching for them every week. The fray bottom and lighter wash help keep all of my spring looks a little softer.  I also chose my espadrilles to give me a little more height and offset the wide top.

Pro tip: If you are outfitting with a flowy top, match it with a tailored or skinny bottom to create balance.

Top It Off With Metallic

Since it's a holiday that's known for its sparkle, adding a touch of metallics seems appropriate. We love the versatility of these J.Crew bangles and the novelty of the Jigsaw London clutch to tie it all together in a clean way.

Have a safe a Happy 4th!

Stay Stylish,
K&M

Shop the look: J.Crew One-shoulder ruffle top in eyelet (ON SALE in THREE COLORS), AG Stilt Jeans (other options), Jigsaw London Alana Large Silver Leather Pouch (ON SALE), Lace Up Espadrille (similar bargain, similar investment), Jessica Thompson Earrings (similar) and J.Crew Gold Bangles

Posted on June 30, 2017 and filed under Style Tips.

Timeless: The Best Vintage and Consignment Shops in SF

Last week while traveling in Colorado, I picked up this fun Cynthia Steffe dress at an amazing consignment shop (it was a mere $38 on sale).

If you make it to Denver, be sure to stop by Common Threads on Pearl street.  They have one of the best selections of designers I've seen at great prices.

The experience made think of all the wonderful consignment shops we have in San Francisco. Great fashion is always in style and it's even sweeter when it's a bargain.

At Canvas we each have our favorite spots to shop. So we thought we would share the best vintage and consignment shops in San Francisco--according to our team. As a plus, I've included a few tips to ensure your next shopping trip is a success.

Stay Stylish,

K+M+D


Keep Your Expectations In Check

The key to a great consignment/vintage experience is having no expectations. It really is the luck of the draw and I've been to plenty of the below shops and walked out empty handed. Make sure you get on a store's mailing list so you know when sales start and inventory is fresh.

Know Your Brands

One thing that can make a consignment shopping trip more successful is to know your brands. Having a baseline knowledge of the top current brands and best designer brands will help you quickly determine the value of a piece. Look at the label, check for wear and tear, and ask yourself how you'll wear it. If you are unsure on the price do a quick brand search online or ask a sales person for help.

Only Buy What Fits (or can be easily altered)

Beyond knowing the best quality designer brands, it's important to know what ones work well for your body type. Sizing is not consistent from brand to brand so I often look at racks a size above and below my normal number.

 


The Best Consignment Boutiques in San Francisco

1. Sui Generis, 2147 Union St, SF

This Cow Hollow consignment shop carries designer clothes, bags and accessories for women. All of the pieces are in never-worn or almost pristine condition and the staff could not be more friendly or knowledgeable. For menswear, check out their Castro location.

2. Real Real

Ok this technically isn't located in SF, but they definitely deserve a mention. Megan's scored everything from a Chloe boyfriend cardigan to a DVF silk blouse both for under $100. It takes some time to sort through the site and items only stay in your cart for 10 minutes, but it's worth it for the amazing finds, current trends and awesome prices.

3. Crossroads (Fillmore location) 1901 Fillmore St, SF

This Fillmore street location is a diamond in the rough. The buyers are fierce and the shop has started carrying more designer pieces and a few direct from vendor goods. Kim loves their denim collection and has picked up AG jeans for $34 here.

4. Goodbyes, 3464 Sacramento St, SF

Upmarket pre-owned designer duds for men, including suits, accessories & shoes, all rolled into a tiny shop. We love the old world charm of this place for guys and appreciate that the women's store is just across the street. 

5. Cris, 2056 Polk St, SF

Kimberly loves this spot for their unique items with European flair. The windows are always dressed with beautiful curated looks that are a reason alone to stop in. Check out both sides of the shop for designer pieces or contemporary styles. 

6. Polk-a-Dot Consignment, 553 Polk St, SF

Tucked away on Polk St., hidden among the restaurants and bars, Polk-a-Dot Consignment offers high end pieces at amazing prices. Since lower Polk is not a typical shopping street, Devon scouted this great find for deals on quality goods. When the ladies of Nob Hill and Pacific Heights say goodbye to their luxury wears, this is where they go. 

Men's Style: Summer Sport Coats

A lightweight blazer is a summer essential for men. It easily can dress up a pair of jeans (or even shorts) and will be a saving grace at more formal events when it is hot outside.

Picking the Perfect Summer Blazer

1. Budget: The first thing to do is determine your budgett. If you’re after that one piece that you’ll make the most out of, then it’s a good idea to invest a bit more. You’ll be able to use it all summer, every summer for years to come.

2. Fabrication: While linen is a great summer fabric, always remember that it will wrinkle almost instantly. So if you want to stay crisp all day, opt for a cotton/linen blend or 100% cotton fabrication.

3. Color: Pastels are always popular this time of year and an easy way to incorporate color into your wardrobe. If you prefer to stick with the basic, opts for a darker blue, grey or khaki blazer. You can always sneak some color in by choosing a style that has a fun lining (Ted Baker is great for this... his blazers always have a whimsical printed lining)

Stay Stylish,
M&K

Need some inspiration? Shop The Best Summer-Weight Blazers

Here are some blazers that we have our eyes on right now:

Posted on June 16, 2017 and filed under Style Tips.

Shop Now: Rifle Paper Co. x Keds Collection

Shoe lovers are not going to want to miss this! Today Keds launched their limited-edition collection with Rifle Paper Co. This is their first-ever collaboration and includes three floral styles that are the perfect combination of playful and polished. 

Styles are guaranteed to sell-out soon, so scoop up your favorite pair while you can. Kimberly and I are still debating which one is our favorite, so we may need to try all three!

Stay Stylish,
K&M

 

 

Posted on June 12, 2017 and filed under Style Tips.

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

Posted on June 7, 2017 and filed under Style Tips.