Summer Vacation: How Megan Prepares for a Week on Ibiza

Carrying on our summer tradition, Kimberly and I are taking to the blog to share what we are packing for summer vacation. Last year you got to see Kimberly's capsule wardrobe for her trip to London and Amsterdam. This time around, I am excited to give you an inside look at what I will be wearing during a week in Ibiza, Spain.

Stay Stylish,
M&K

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Beach here I come! For the first time in almost 4 years, I am actually taking a lengthy vacation filled with sun, sand, and friends. Where you ask? I am flying to London for 2 days and then heading to Ibiza, Spain for a week. 

Don't Be Afraid To Ask For Help

I guess now is a good time to let you in on a little secret - I love to help my clients pack for trips, but packing for myself is one of my least favorite tasks. Enter the best styling partner ever. Kimberly generously came over first thing on a Monday morning to not only help me pack, but also create some of my favorite outfits for the trip! If you have a vacation coming up and are feeling a mental block, it always helps to have a fresh set of eyes look over your wardrobe. Often times they will see something that you haven't.

Assess Your Needs

While I typically try to travel light, I decided to indulge myself this trip by ditching the carry-on and packing plenty of options. I knew that I would need outfits that could take me from a day on the beach to a night out. And given our itinerary, I needed at least 2 dressier evening looks. Oh, did I mention that I would also be seeing a lot of DJ sets? So that means comfortable shoes that I can dance all night in.

Make a Shopping List

When I travel, I like to make extensive lists of everything I need by category: accessories, clothes, shoes, toiletries, carry-on items, etc. That way I can check things off as I get them. Even better, when it comes time to pack I already have detailed lists of everything I need to remember. This also helps keep you accountable and not over-spend on items that you don't really need or overpack items that you may not even end up wearing.

Choose Where To Invest

Since San Francisco never has a "real summer" I ended up buying a number of new hot weather items for my trip. Big on my list were swimsuits. coverups, easy dresses, and sandals. I knew I could always put a denim jacket or blazer over a dress in cooler temps, so I felt more comfortable investing in both maxi and midi dresses. I also wanted to leave room to buy some special pieces abroad if I saw something that I just had to have, so I purposely left space for new additions.

I wear a swimsuit maybe 4 times a year, so that was one category where I held back from splurging. Instead I bought 5 moderately priced swimsuits to have a fun variety. Stay tuned to see if they hold up...

Pro Tip: Pack your swimsuits in ziplock bags. It will keep them organized in your suitcase and you have somewhere to stick your wet suit after a day at the beach.

Don't Forget Your Travel Outfit

I am going to be honest, what I travel in may be the most important outfit I prepare for a trip. Especially if it is a red eye or international flight. Comfort is key, so I usually pack a second outfit in my carry-on that I can change into either when it's time to sleep on the flight or during a long layover to freshen up a bit.

For this particular trip, it is a straight 10 hour flight to London. I am always cold on planes, so I wanted something I could cozy up in while still not feeling too schlumpy when I land. I've been in love with my "Female Equals Future" sweater since I bought it. It's super soft, while making a positive statement. For the flight, I've paired it with knit cropped leg track pants, a tunic length black tank, and my new flower embroidered jacket. My white sneakers are comfortable and easy to wear, and I always pack an extra pair of socks in my carry-on to put on once we take off.

Pro Tip: Wear bulkier items (such as a sweater or sneakers) on the plane to free up room in your suitcase.

Here is the complete picture of my Ibiza wardrobe. Stay tuned... next I will be sharing my 5 must-have vacation 5. 

Clothing details (from top to right): H&M Female Equals Future sweater (similar), Topshop flower patch jacket, Shein wide leg track pants, Goodfellow & Co. white sneakers, Old Navy flip flops, Shein orange bikini, crochet cover-up, Bella crochet swimsuit, Chanel scarf, AG denim shorts (similar), Gap embroidered blouse (similar), Shein gray bikini, H&M fitted black dress, Kooples tank top (similar), Stella McCartney purple bralette (similar), Anthro beaded clutch (similiar), H&M sequin skirt, Aldo silver heels (similar), BCBG sandals (similar), Yarn beach tote (similar), Ralph Lauren white blouse, Gap denim shorts, Shein black bikini, Dolce Vita sandals, ASOS red maxi dress, J.Crew hoop earrings (similar), Rag n Bone acid washed jeans (similar), Calvin Klein heels (old), Juicy Couture necklace (old), Alice + Olivia green cami (similar), Jigsaw metallic clutch (similar).

How to Wear Wide Leg Pants This Summer

Many people often misquote Mark Twain as saying "The coldest winter I ever spent, was a Summer in San Francisco." The author of this quip is unknown, but it doesn't make it any less true. Summertime can be a cruel joke in our fair city. How do you remedy this paradox with summertime style? This season, Megan and I are finding the answer in wide leg pants, culottes, and gauchos.

If your skinny and boyfriend jeans are feeling a little stale, add a silhouette change to your wardrobe mix. The wide leg pant has been creeping its way back into fashion for the past three years and we are predicting it will be a key player for at least the next two years. Now is a good time to invest or bring your old friends to the front of your wardrobe! Don't miss our selection below on some of our favorite versions at a mix of price points.

Stay Stylish,

K&M

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Find A Wide Leg Designed For You

Everyone has a unique set of proportions. Finding a wide leg pant that flatters your natural shape is key. When shopping for a wide leg pant keep these points in mind:

1. If you have a longer rise or torso choose a higher rise pant to balance your height and improve seat fit.
2. Select a thicker fabric with body to keep the cut crisp.
3. If you opt for a flowy wide leg pant, chose a fabric with drape for movement (no puffy pants) and a waist detail with a tie.
4. Look for wide leg pants that slightly flare at the hem, this will accentuate your waist for a more feminine look.
5. Consider tailoring so the pant hem hits at the most flattering point of your leg.

Balance Out A Wide Leg Pant With A Tailored Top or Sweater

Great dressing is centered around a little tension, balance and finding harmony in geometry. Wide leg pants are designed to add a pop of volume to a look.

Whether you are tall or petite the trick to pulling off the look well is balancing that volume with the other components of the ensemble. If you think of Da Vinci's Virtruvian man the center of the composition is the waistline.

To add focus to my waistline I paired my wide leg pants with a horizontal striped sweater that has a tailored banded waist. This top not only helps to visually balance me vertically but horizontally too. A tie in the back of the sweater adds a focal point and the open back is perfect for a summer day in SF.

ProTip: If you have longer legs you can move that horizontal midsection lower (think drop waist top). If you have shorter legs you can move the waistline up (high waist pant and crop top) to add vertical balance.

Pair Your Wide Leg Pants With Accessories That Elongate Your Look

Keeping with the theme of balance, accessories play an important role in pulling off a wide leg pant look. Shoes are the one thing that often stumps our clients. To elongate your legs try a wedge, heeled sandal, or low cut flat. I particularly like spectators with a wide leg pant for a Annie Hall look. For flat shoes try a nude shade to avoid breaking up your leg line further.

For your earrings, if you are wearing a crewneck top help elongate your neckline with a drop earring. If you pair your wide leg pants with a v-neck or wrap top, top off your look with studs or hoops to soften the angles.

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Our Favorites:

Emmett Wide-leg Crop Pants $88

Jigsaw Hutxon Jeans $145

Everlane Wide Leg Crop $68

Outfit Details: Jigsaw London Hutxon Pants $145, Vince Striped Tie Back Sweater $177, Staple Jigsaw London Wedges (alternative), Jessica Thompson Triangle Champagne Earrings $48

How To Care For Your Linen Like a Pro

We love natural fibers, especially during the summer when the temperatures rise and keeping cool is a necessity. As we blogged earlier this year, linen and cotton linen blends are very popular fabrications in fashion. The natural texture adds richness to a summer wardrobe and the composition of the fabrics work well in warm climates. Now that you have a few great linen pieces, how do you take care of them so they keep their shape and last several seasons?

Megan and I set out to do a little research beyond recommended use and care labels. While those little white labels are helpful (yes, please read them!), dry clean only may not actually be your only option. See below for our guidelines and what we recommend for loving your linen.

Stay Stylish,
K&M

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Why Choose Linen Over Cotton

Once you know the basics, linen is just as easy to care for as cotton and can be more durable over time. Plus,  the fabric gets better with each wash, unlike cotton which can become threadbare as the fibers are weakened. Linen also uses less resources in its production, which makes it a more eco-friendly fabric than cotton.

Washing Your Linen

You want to hand wash your linen pieces when possible with a gentle detergent, If it is a linen sports coat or structured piece, opt for the dry cleaners. Spot clean areas for a deeper clean when needed, but with its natural structure linen will break down with harsh chemicals. While linen will get softer with each wash, we recommend hang drying linen pieces to retain the shape and color. If you have a spot to line dry your linen outside, even better!

Steam, Do Not Iron Your Linen

Wrinkles are just part of the linen lifestyle, so if you are very particular and pressed, this may not be the best choice for you.  Keep in mind that most plant-based fibers are known for their structure, but not necessarily their bounce back retention. Expect linen to shrink up with wash and release and stretch with wear. Higher quality linen will have a stronger weave and fiber that will not lose as much shape, but change is to be expected. We always recommend investing in a good steamer to release wrinkles and keep your garment looking crisp.

Pro tip: Steam items inside out to protect the finish of the fabric. Additionally, steaming inside out will lessen the likelihood of scorching or bleaching out dye from your linen.

Storing Your Linen

Linen items will wrinkle if stored in dresser drawers, so opt to hang them in your closet instead (this will save your from steaming items before each wear). Use sturdy velvet or wooden hangers to help the linen items maintain their shape. When it comes to storing your linen pieces, you want to avoid plastic bags, cardboard boxes, or cedar chests. Linen naturally has insect repellant properties, so you don't need to worry about moths or other insects creating unwelcome holes in the fabric. When you take linen out of storage, give it a good airing and wash if it needs a bit of a refresh.

Tips for Wearing Linen

Below are a few of our favorite tips to prevent your linen clothing from wrinkling during the day:  

1. Remove your linen jacket while driving or during extended periods of sitting. Keep a hanger in your car and behind your office door to hang your jacket until you need to wear it again.

2. Linen pants tend to wrinkle easily. To reduce fabric stretch, sagging, and extra wrinkles, gently lift your pants from the knees as you sit down. 

3. Keep a small bottle of wrinkle release spray in your desk or purse. Spritz it on the fabrics and gently tug to release any wrinkles mid-day or before heading out at night. 

Our Linen Care Picks:

Velvet Hangers

Downy Wrinkle Release

Pur Steam Steamer

Begleys Natural Wrinkle Release $9.99

Mix It Up: How To Ace High-Low Dressing

If you've been following our blog for awhile, then you know that I love high-low dressing. It's an easy way to wear those dressier pieces that live in your closet. You know which ones I am talking about... the nicer items you may have spent a little more on but always seem to be saving for a special occasion. I say embrace the day and wear what you want when you want!

What Is High-Low Dressing

High-low dressing is the art of mixing dressier pieces with more casual items to create an outfit that is uniquely you. Typically "high" pieces are more pricey and considered statement pieces such a designer purse, embellished jacket, or in my case the sequin skirt I am wearing. "Low" pieces are basics, such as a t-tee or your favorite denim. 

To Invest or Not Invest

We always recommend investing in timeless staples that you will wear over and over (such a tailored black pants, classic handbag, or a sharp blazer). Spend less on trend pieces that you will only wear for a season or two. Even then, make sure that it's something that is true to your own personal style. Don’t buy into anything that doesn't feel "you" when you put it on. 

Tips for High-Low Dressing

High-low dressing is a lot easier than it can first appear. The key is to find the right balance. Here are some tips that will have you high-low dressing like a pro:

1. Pick Your WOW! Factor: What is your standout piece going to be? This is the item that the rest of your outfit will be based around. In this case, I wore a sequin skirt that I'd bought for my upcoming vacation but couldn't wait to wear.

1. Build with Basics: Think of these as the supporting characters. They are your more simple pieces, such as a bright white t-shirt or basic pair of denim that won't compete with your statement item. Since my sequin skirt was the focal point of my outfit, I went with a simple sweater and white K Swiss sneakers.

2. Be Creative With Layers: You can make your less expensive pieces elegant by wearing them in creative layers. Add interest with contrasting hues. For example. I wore my $20 Target denim jacket over a bright yellow Vince. cashmere sweater.

4. Finish with Accessories: When in doubt, reach for an accessory. Often times these are the more expensive pieces in your wardrobe - and the ones you tend to wear the least often. A bold necklace or embellished pin can instantly make your outfit pop and stand out. I topped off my look with my face Gucci sunnies.

Stay Stylish,
M&K

A Love Letter From The Guys: The Boyfriend Shirt Revisited

A Love Letter. 

When I first saw this oxford I didn't realize what it spelled out. I simply liked the random letter placement and bold typeface. After getting it into a handful of clients closets, I decided I wanted it too. I rarely purchase items I've helped clients source, but I knew this top was selling out quickly and managed to pick it up on sale to lessen the sticker shock. It falls in line with my style resolution this year as a FUN piece and has added a little subtle whimsy to my wardrobe.

Effortless Chic Style

The boyfriend shirt is an effortlessly chic staple to have in your closet this season.  A classic oversized white oxford has been made popular by many a Hollywood glamour gal. We love the clean lines, structure, and volume that add a pinch of undone sexiness to a stolen menswear look. This Current/Elliot shirt is made of a thick cotton so it's a perfect weight for a crisp look that is comfortable during our San Francisco spring.

Styling For Success Means Balance

When wearing an oversized boyfriend fit I recommend adding a little tension to the look with skinny jeans. A slimmer silhouette on the bottom will keep the shirt from overpowering or shortening your frame. The stark black typeface really pops with black jeans. I wanted to add a little more edge in the look for daytime meetings, so I chose my waxed denim. Although the ensemble is powerful alone adding another print helps balance the graphic shirt. Since I'm on my feet most days, my leopard print flats keep the look crisp and playful.

The Boyfriend Shirt: Three Ways To Style It

What's old is new again in the world of fashion. With higher pant rises we have been seeing more reasons to tuck in your shirt again and regain your natural waist (guys this goes for you too). To further balance the volume of a boyfriend shirt, we recommend popping the collar to add vertical distance, half tucking the front with the back tails out, or tying it in the front. 

Try it for yourself, you might just find your love match in one of the comfy styles below.

Stay Stylish,

K&M

The Look Details: Current/Elliot Derby Love Letter Shirt $198, Coated Joe's Icon Black Skinny Jeans $89.99, French Sole NY Animal Print Flats $190

Our Favorites

Courier button-back shirt $56.50

Fatigue oversized boy shirt $89.50

Current/Elliot Love Letter Oxford $

Canvas Turns 3: What We've Learned Along The Way

This past week Canvas turned 3! These past few years have flown by and we are both really proud of the company that we have built. Our process has evolved in how we empower people to feel their best at all stages of life. However, at the end of the day it has always been about people first, fashion second.

As we sat back and reminisced about the past 3 years, we couldn't help but think about some of the biggest lessons that we've learned as boss women and female business owners. We've learned a lot about ourselves and who we want to be and can't wait to see what the future holds.

Stay Stylish,
M&K

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Megan: I remember when we were still in the planning stages of Canvas, I don't even think we had a name yet, and I kept thinking how exciting it would be to say that I started a company. What I didn't realize was how much I would actually learn about myself along the way. It was hard to narrow it down to three key lessons, so I decided to list the biggest lesson I learned each year.

1. Don't compare your success to the success of others - When you are first starting out it is so hard to not look at other people in your industry and compare yourself to them. Especially with social media. I would literally wake up in the middle of the night to look at Instagram. But doing that will just make you crazy! What's most important is to stay true to who you are and trust your gut with each step. Instead of comparing myself to other people, I try to learn from them and see how I can grow not only as a stylist, but as a person. 

2. Don't forget to have fun along the way - This was a big learning from last year. Kimberly and I both can put a lot of pressure on ourselves and trying to do everything. There was a small period at the end of last year where we became so focused on accomplishing certain things that we somehow forget to have fun. So, we both sat down and talked about it and agreed to only do things that made us happy. Since that moment, everything has just seemed to fall into place. Now, I always make sure to remind myself that it's not just about the end point, it's about enjoying the journey along the way.

3. Always check your motives - I learned this lesson last week when I got a call that my Aunt had passed away. The first person I called was Kimberly. I had a client that morning and Kimberly told me to call and reschedule, but not wanting to let anyone down I insisted on taking the appointment anyway. When I hung up, I paused to think about why I wanted to take the appointment. Was it what was best for my client or was it for me? I ended up realizing that I wanted to shop to take my own mind off of what had happened, but in that situation I wouldn't be able to be fully present for my client. While sometimes we think our motives are from a good place, they aren't always what's best for everyone involved.

What I learned from Kimberly: Kimberly's taught me a lot over the past three years (like to always carry a snack for long days and the joy of an excel spreadsheet), but the most important lesson I've learned from her is that it's ok to take a breath and ask for help. When you start a business you always want to feel like you are doing enough and contributing enough. That can carry over into a partnership too. It's important to feel that you are showing up to your partner everyday and contributing equally. But sometimes you need to tap out and ask for help. Kimberly has helped me learn that it's ok to rely on someone and knowing when to rely on someone else is a strength instead of a weakness. She's helped me to slow down and see the overall larger pictures, instead of just bouncing from task to task.

Kimberly: The start of Canvas was not as straight forward as other entrepreneurs, but an opportunity that landed in our laps. I'm thankful we were brave and bold enough to take it. Megan and I had only known each other for about 6 months when we were seated at a negotiation table determining if we wanted to go into business together. It was a very stressful time, but we banded together and realized our strengths really worked well together.

1.) Ask for What Scares You - Great businesses are not run by people who have all the answers, but by those willing to ask the tough questions and explore the answers. Megan and I both have sent emails and had tough conversations where we step back after and think, "Wow, who was THAT?!" It's important to push yourself and each other to ask boldly and not assume you know the answer. This mindset has really kept our business evolving and carried Megan and I through some challenging seasons of roadblocks and fear.

2.) Know Your Worth - Starting up a small business it is easy to second guess yourself or give away too much. At the beginning you will need to extra scrappy, but hold firm to what your core brand is all about and your value. It is easy to backslide when your numbers are down a month or a blog doesn't get as much traction. Having a teammate and a network of supporters to remind you of value, your own limitations, and the strength of a partnership will keep you going in the long run.

3.) Partnership Is Everything - Canvas would not be what it is today without our dynamic duo. We joke about being the ying and yang of style, but it takes work to keep in balance. We were lucky enough to have a few rockstar mentors who coached us in what a healthy partnership looked like. When we started, one of our first meetings was with a life coach. In the last three years, we have found the health of our partnership is linked to the health of our business. When we both feel like we are both contributing to the vision of Canvas, we are happier and business thrives. No one can do it all, and I am so thankful I have a partner who meets me in that space. It's been a learning in humility and in the freedom of letting go.

What I learned from Megan: As our business has grown and we have spent more time in the trenches, we've come to realize how similar we really are. Megan has a big heart that shows up in generosity, but she balances it well with boundaries. She often reminds me to enjoy the moment and inspires me to have more fun with my own style. Her drive and ability to blaze forward, jump on an opportunity, and keep asking for what you want have taught me that often you just have to go for it even if you make a few mistakes along the way. Our greatest learnings have also been our greatest oversights. Other times there will be no clear path forward. We have found that is when you just have to try something to see if it works, you might find an answer you never could have predicted otherwise.

Celebrating Spring In Technicolor: What Colors to Invest in This Year

Last week, on another very rainy day, Megan and I headed down to Palo Alto. We decided to take the morning to visit the large Anthropologie near Stanford and find inspiration for a new season. We'll share more on that trip and the other reason behind the visit in a later blog.

Today, we are talking about COLOR! In the past we have blogged about the top Pantone colors of the season and guided all of you in what colors to invest in. This spring, we are letting the clothes do the talking. There are so many refreshing pops of brights this year that winter already feels like a distant memory.

Stay Stylish,

K&M

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Find A Hue For You

Snappy orange, powder blue, and mustard yellow are all popular colors this season. Brights are sometimes tough to master, but I know this bright orange-red works with my coloring.

Start with a shade that gives you a natural glow. Everyone has different undertones to their coloring. Being aware of this, and what shades work well with that undertone will make shopping easier. For example, I know colors autumn colors make me look energized and dusty ones cannot hide a lack of sleep (without some coverup). 

ProTip: Add brights slowly and pair with a neutral. I.e. Bright orange looks great with navy, camel, white or grey. Avoid wearing this specific shade with black for the sharp contrast.

Add A Fun Print

I feel like we constantly talk about florals on this blog, but the fashion world keeps on serving up more. This season vintage-inspired florals are popular and I fell in love with this 1950s rose print denim skirt. It reminds me of a skirt I had in elementary school, so I suppose there is a strong nostalgia factor. If florals are not for you try a happy polka dot or fruity colorful stripe both are also popular this year.

Experiment With The Unexpected

It was fun playing with this skirt and exploring different combinations available in store. Since it is still chilly in most of the country, my natural choice was trying the skirt with a cozy turtleneck sweater. Megan found this piece and I'm now kicking myself for not picking it up since it is sold out online. Retail lesson: Buy what you love, and double check the price tag when you see it.

To change the look and push the skirt toward evening or a party, I swapped out the orange components with pieces with a little more lux. After a quick trip to the sale section, I paired the skirt with a burgundy suede sandal and gold metallic blouse (see the look below). 

 

 

 

Our Favorites:

Outfit Details: Maeve Denim Pencil Skirt, Orange Cashmere sweater, Anthropologie Pommed Heeled Sandals, my own Madewell Necklace

Hubert Givenchy: Celebrating Parisian Chic Style

Earlier this week, the great French designer Hubert de Givenchy passed away. Not only was he a pioneer in high-end ready-to-wear clothing, but for more than half a century his designs symbolized Parisian chic and elegance - a style that will live on.

A Muse and Icon

Givenchy may be best known for designing Audrey Hepburn's black dress from "Breakfast at Tiffany's." As his muse and dear friend, he continued on to style her for seven movies total. Some of these films include "Sabrina"(Kimberly's Favorite), "Funny Face" and "How to Steal a Million." If you haven't seen any of these films, head to Netflix right now and start binging. The drama and celebration of the female form is stunning!

A Collection of a Lifetime

Kimberly and I were inspired to share some of our favorite looks on this Pinterest Board. If you are curious to see the arch of some of Givenchy's creations check them out here.

Givenchy lead a fascinating life that stretched far beyond just his design skills. CNN Style did a great article about his life, passion, rise to style stardom, and the legacy that he leaves behind. We highly recommend that you give it a read!

Stay Stylish,
K&M

Rainy Day Essentials: Our Favorite Puddle Jumpers and Parkas

Mother Nature always has a way of reminding us of the gaps in our wardrobe. It's difficult to argue with torrential downpours or arctic temperatures. Luckily San Fransisco is a fairly temperate climate, but you still need the basics to carry you through the rainy season. So why not have fun by adding a healthy dose of style?

Neutral or Pop Color?

When it comes to picking a raincoat, you can go one of two ways. Keep is basic with an easy to wear neutral or liven it up and infuse a fun pop of color. What it basically comes down to is your personality and what you feel the most comfortable in.

Our recommendation is that if you tend to wear a lot of prints and color in your everyday wardrobe, stick to a raincoat in black, khaki or another neutral so that it doesn't compete with your outfit. If you tend to wear more solids or lean toward monochromatic dressing, then opt for a color statement jacket that will be a bright and easy accent to any look.

The Shortie vs. The Classic

Rain boots have come a long way since your childhood Wellies (which we still adore!). No longer heavy and clunky, today we have lots of options from high pull-on boots to low lace-up styles. We love Chooka for a tall rain boot. They are comfortable, come in a range of colors and have strap detailing. Sorel is our go-to for classic rain boots (they make both short and tall varieties) and also make great winter boots that keep your feet dry and warm. For something more style forward, Sloosh boots add a bit of edge with fringe detailing and stud details.

Check Out the Details

Look for little design details that are made for comfort and also add a bit individuality. Does the parka have vents under the arms to keep you from overheating? Are the rain boots lined or do they have buckles to adjust to your fit? Is there a button on your umbrella to open it and close it easily?

Pro tip: When purchasing rain gear, check to see if it is water resistant or waterproof. Water resistant will repel water but not keep it out totally, while waterproof means that the surface of the product is completely impermeable.

Our Favorites:

Splurge! Stutterheim X Marni $990

WOMEN'S OUT N ABOUT™ LEATHER DUCK BOOT $115

Uniqlo WOMENS BLOCKTECH COAT $89

Kate Spade umbrella, $38

Sloosh "Original" Rain Boot, $150

Stay Stylish,
K&M

Kimberly's Neutral Look: How to Wear Black Into Spring

The Cherry Blossoms are blooming in San Francisco signaling that spring is on its way. However, stores are not quite ready for the season and our chilly temps are keeping us layered up.

Megan and I both have been keeping our winter sweaters out, but wearing all black right now feels too somber. We currently have enough in the world that is heavy, and I don't feel like living into that with my wardrobe. How can you lighten your mood and look while still wearing black? Read on for our cure for early spring wardrobe blues.

Add Tension With Texture

Whether you are trying out true monochromatic dressing (wearing one single color) or playing with neutrals, it's important to keep your look interesting. As Megan wrote in her last blog, finding the same shade of any color can be challenging.

Even if you shop at the same store for every piece, the version of black or navy will read differently depending on dye lot and fabrication. Work this problem into a solution and make it look intentional with variations in texture. For example, in my look here I paired a flat black turtleneck with my black waxed jeans. It's a quick way to shrug off exact color matching and trick the eye to recognize different elements while keeping visual harmony.

PROTIP: Be intentional when layering on a monochromatic look and add contrasting textures. A chunky knit (waffle weave or cable) scarf is a quick and easy element to add interest.

Pack Some Punch With A Print

I feel like a blog quite a bit about print. For most clients, it's new and frightening territory because people often associate prints with bold large-scale graphics. You do need a little extra panache to pull off a print, but pay attention to color palettes. Neutrals can quickly turn down the volume of a print and keep it from overpowering a look. Because it's still technically winter, a softer color scheme is easier on the eye. However, come April this same look would work well with a bright and bold saturated print.

To soften my all black base, I layered a printed cardigan from Anthropologie I purchased a few years ago. This piece was actually on my chopping block to give away. I hadn't worn this piece in a while but I still liked the print and colors. I decided to keep it another year and wear it without its belt. I'm glad I did, it has been a staple with black or cream jeans this winter.

ProTip: When considering letting a once beloved piece go--think about why you haven't been wearing it. If its environmental or you haven't explored different ways to wear it try holding it for another full season.

Lighten Up Your Accessories For Spring

While my clothing choices are still wintery, my accessories can help point the way to a brighter season. Swapping out your black bag for a lighter version in grey or tan will immediately help perk up a look and keep it from becoming too heavy. I found this tote on clearance at Nordstrom Rack for a steal. Although the quality won't last many seasons the look and size are perfect for days on the go when you don't want to bring everything with you. Following the lighter shade of bag, I swapped out darker booties for my tan to help break up the black.

Now that both Megan and I have shopped our closets for fresh neutral looks, it's your turn. We have a feeling you have a great piece ready and waiting to be worn. If not, check out below for a few of our favorite neutral pieces on the market.

Stay Stylish,

K&M

Our Favorites: