Canvas Styling's 5th Anniversary Party! You're invited...

We may be working from home today but that doesn’t mean we can’t wear our party shoes. Today is a Canvas milestone marking our 5th year of business!!

That’s a lot of closet edits, capsule wardrobes, and special events that we’ve styled with so many of you!! Thank you for allowing us to walk beside you, teach you something new, and add a little more joy to your wardrobe. 

In a time of such great uncertainty, I am reminded of that first year of business. So much of entrepreneurship calls for learning how to thrive in a world of uncertainty. Every day you are challenged to keep going when you can’t predict what will happen next and that often terrifies you. You learn to cling to the hope that good things will happen—eventually— and in unexpected ways. After that first year, my dance with uncertainty became a different one, less grounded in fear. However, it has taken years to learn to channel that emotion and not let fear motivate me in the wrong directions.

I’ve found that the biggest factor that has played into surviving as a small business is having a strong supportive network. It’s difficult to find the words to say THANK YOU! —to clients, friends, and family—for your incredible support these past five years. While many people think personal styling sounds like a dream job, there is a lot to it beneath the surface. There have been some really tough days and hard lessons where giving up seemed like the sanest thing to do, but having you as a cheer squad has made things so much easier. Thank you for holding me to the challenges I set out to tackle and reminding me to look up to those new doors calling me forward. 

After all, while this business is anchored in fashion and style, it’s always been about the people. It gives me the opportunity to love others in a small way and remind them of who they have always been. Oh, and it’s taught me how a little extra kindness can move hearts. Even if it is simply your own.

Stay Stylish,

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Jumping into a New Year

Now—it’s time to lighten things up a bit and get ready for a (house) party! After two weeks in quarantine, what is THIS fashion stylist wanting to wear?!

I am ready to jump into the next year of business by investing in a comfy jumpsuit coverall. The fashion piece was hot this past fall and right now it will transition from the kitchen to the couch oh so well.

Since it’s better to give than receive I’m sharing what I purchased (from the couch last night) to perk up my spring wardrobe and hopefully wear on repeat long beyond “shelter in place” has been lifted. I have high hopes for the jumpsuit to the right from Lucky Brand. And as luck would have it Anthropologie is running a promotion TODAY ONLY for 40% off select jumpsuits like the ones I included below. The only catch is you have to purchase them via their Anthro App (download page via this link). So, join me if you will to kick back relax and celebrate what is to come! #jumpsuitparty

Jumpsuit Tips

How do you style a jumpsuit?

There are really no “rules” with jumpsuits which is why they are a great everyday staple. Pair it with fresh sneaks or sandals for day or heels for dress up or evening. If you are curvy or need a little waist definition, consider adding a belt or scarf. If its chilly add a layering sporty jacket/wrap or add a white tee underneath for contrast.

How do I find a jumpsuit that will work for me?

Details are everything when looking for the right jumpsuit for you. Are there back pockets to give your posterior some shape? How heavy is the fabric? If you are curvy opt for a thicker fabric to keep things smooth. I am a big fan of waist details like a belt to add a little balance to a longer waist and a pinch of femininity to a masculine cut.

How do I know what size to purchase?

If you have a longer rise or wider hips consider sizing up one size. If you are purchasing a jumpsuit in a thick cotton canvas size up as well for shrink. Keep it out of the dryer to maintain color and fit for long term wear.

Welcoming 2020 with a Fresh Look and Lighter Wardrobe

One of the traditions I love at Canvas is making a set of yearly style resolutions. As a personal stylist, my closet often serves as a test kitchen for reviewing new brands, styles, and trends. It is easy to lose a sense of style and continuity with these rotating pieces competing for space in my small San Francisco apartment.

While everyone seems to have an opinion on the practice of making resolutions—I find them helpful to encourage a self-check-in. By evaluating what is important to me (and what is not) I can plan out how I want to use my time and resources to reinforce my values. While I help clients with goals similar to those listed below I still have to be mindful and work on them myself. Perhaps a few may resonate with you and inspire you to think differently the next time you peek into your closet. I’ve also listed a few closet symptoms that may signal your closet is ready for a change.

Cheers to a new year and finding more of yourself in your style!

~Kimberly

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CANVAS - 2020 Style Goals

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1: Be Intentional and Enjoy What I Have

My personal style consistently shifts between classic, modern/minimal, and feminine. Knowing my style “strong suits” has helped direct me over the past three years as I have negotiated stronger purges in my wardrobe. Marie Kondo, certainly has been inspirational in this commitment to paring down, along with the freedom I have found when traveling with small capsule wardrobes (see the story here).

It is easy to become fixated on what is missing from your wardrobe, especially if you are in a season of clearing out well-loved items. Instead of quickly filling the gaps, enjoy what you do have and get creative with your outfit pairings. As you start to disrupt your “go to looks” you may realize you are missing key outfitting pieces you never considered. If you do need to replace a basic item consider upgrading the quality so it lasts longer.

2: Let Go of the Straggling Fear Items

There are a few items I’ve had in my wardrobe for the last 10+ years and I’ll admit I take a little pride in that. However, I’m finding that in actuality I rarely wear them. This year I’ll be packing away a few nostalgia pieces and letting the rest go. Many pieces have been worn to the point they no longer wash up well or have lost their shape over time.

Some of these pieces include items I’ve held on to for those “what if” occasions or out of fear that I will have nothing to wear in its place. In reality, I am not wearing them anyway. It’s time to be free of the stragglers, so I can focus on what I need.

3: Make Strides to Take Care of What I Have

When I first get a new piece, I am hyper-viligent over how I wash it and wear it. Over time, as a piece ages, I become more lax with care especially when dry cleaning is involved. This year my sweater drawer became so unruly (see below cue) that the plastic bags I store cashmere sweaters in were cast away. I found myself not wanting to wear sweaters because they were so difficult to access. What I did wear was relocated (aka stuffed in) to other drawers.

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Wardrobe Cues - When It is Time to Reconfigure

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• You frequently misplace or can’t find what you need in your closet.

• “Uniform” is an alternative word for your wardrobe. You only wear 20% of what you have.

• Your clothing doesn’t seem fresh after laundering or many items are stained or torn.

• You do not use your closet because you cannot access part or all of it.

• You shop often but don’t feel like you have anything to wear.

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New Year Outfit Inspiration

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This year I am craving a sleek, simple, and clean wardrobe with a little style and not a lot of fuss. Having an outfit that can transition between client fittings, driving to client’s homes, and setting up heavy rolling racks at stores is what I need. Throughout 2019 I experimented with wearing more day dresses and found freedom in forgiving yet professional outfits. Finding the right shoe wear that was comfortable and looked good made all the difference.

To spark a little more variety in my basics options and balance out my dress looks, I purchased a few fresh pieces this fall to wear year-round. The first piece I picked up was an oversized white shirt. I love that I feel a little like Audrey Hepburn in this blouse. The style details of this shirt pair well with both high-waisted jeans and more tailored pieces like these slacks from Theory. A feminine take on menswear, these wool pants are warm and also offer variety. They look great with pumps or, for days on the go, white sneakers. To balance out the oversized blouse I added my fitted denim jacket to give structure and soften the formality for Bay Area style.

Theory Glen Plaid Trousers ($207) reg. $345, French Connection Rhodes Oversized Shirt $78, Pilcro Denim Jacket ($79.97) reg. $130, Sam Edelman Red Mary Jane Pumps $120 (similar), Tory Burch Kira Chevron Clutch $328 (similar).

Canvas 2019 Holiday Gift Guide: Last Minute Picks For Everyone on Your List

If you are like many of our clients, this holiday came exceptionally fast with little time to plan ahead. With one less week between Thanksgiving and Christmas, many retailers are feeling the pinch and pushing more sales to move inventory. I feel lucky that all my shopping and holiday baking (my gift to stores every year) is done but don’t fear if you are still in the hustle to get it all done.

Our 2019 Gift Guide for Everyone in Your Family

Being in stores on a regular basis does have its perks and watching inventory flow is one of them. So to simplify your shopping, I put together my top gift picks for parents, siblings, and babies. In a range of prices and styles, these are all gifts that I've either already purchased for a loved one or would love to receive under the tree.

Enjoy!

~Kimberly

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What to Give Mom & Dad

Regardless of their taste, Mom and Dad can sometimes feel overwhelming to buy for. In past years, our family started to draw names to keep things special and affordable. This year I bought my parents an everyday sized Le Creuset Cast-Iron Oven (my mom loves to cook and my Dad loves her cooking) so that it's something they can enjoy together.

Women's Wicked Good Slippers, $79

Le Creuset Cast-Iron Essential Oven $149

Audible Membership

1. LL Bean Slippers, $79 These classic slippers (the women’s version shown here) are the essential Winter Slipper to keep your parents toasty on their feet. LL Bean has sold nearly 4 million of these slippers in the past 5 years, so they must be doing something right.

2. Le Creuset Cast-Iron Essential Oven, 3 1/2-Qt. ($149 reg. $290) I purchased one of these ovens for myself over Thanksgiving and have been enjoying the portable size for gatherings.

3. Audible Gift Membership ($15-$150) Keep your parents in the know and engaged with an Audible subscription. My parents who are constantly on the go have gotten through a staggering number of books this year thanks to their subscription.

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What to Give Your Sibling or BFF

Every year, I try to get my sister and brother-in-law something that’s unique, practical, and treat worthy. They have different styles but are in the throes of toddler management at home, so a little luxury can go a looong way.

Kiehl's Travel Size Men's Set $47

Bombas Colorblock Ankle Socks $12

M&G Leather Charger Roll-up $49

1. Kiehl’s Travel Size Men's Grab & Go Essentials Set, $47 Started in 1851 as an old world apothecary in NYC this brand has high-quality products designed for both men and women. This travel set is also a great starter set for a guy with minimal product tendencies.

2. Bombas Color Block Ankle Socks, $12 Need to freshen up a loved ones sneaker game? These ankle socks come in a mix of shade but why not add a pop of color. I love the extra cushion designed with comfort in mind.

3. Mark & Graham Leather Charger Roll-Up, $49 Help keep loved ones organized and stylish with this sleek leather roll up. The monogram is a nice touch, but not necessary when you are on a gifting deadline.

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What to Give Your Niece or Nephew

The holidays really are so much more fun with children around. If you don't have a special child in your life, but would like to make a difference, I am a BIG fan of the Enchantment program with the SF Ballet. If you are interested in sending a child to the ballet, read on. To treat the littles in your life or the young at heart see below for my favorite gifts.

Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller, $16.19

LumiPets Baby Night Light, $21.99

Matching Puzzle Game, $12.97

1. Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller, Jen Hill (Illustrator): I like gifting books to kids that can be read together and/or inspire imagination and curiosity. I gifted this sweet book to my niece to encourage and teach the importance of kindness…it may be a great gift for adults too ;)

2. LumiPets Cute Animal Silicone Baby Night Light: For little ones who have trouble falling asleep, this adorable squishy friend could be the sleep aid everyone in the family has been waiting for. The soothing light color will change when the bear is tapped or via remote.

3. The Things I Know Matching Game: When I give gifts to kids I like them to serve a larger purpose or be educational (yes I am THAT Aunt). This colorful game is perfect for young elementary school kids.

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Thanksgiving Dressing 101: Stress Free Holiday Style

Thanksgiving is tomorrow and in some ways it doesn’t seem possible. This fall has flown by with shopping trips, wardrobe edits, and plenty of time spent on the road meeting new clients. Perhaps you can relate to feeling the pressure of the endless lists left to be checked off, thank yous to write, and returns to make.

I always love this time of year, for better or worse. Thanksgiving provides a short break from the busy, giving me space to reflect on the blessings of the year, and to focus on how I want to close it out. The season has been sprinkled with some sweet moments in meeting new clients and saying goodbye to some old friends. Downtown will not be the same without the anchor of Barneys NY on Stockton street.

We’ve had a tradition at Canvas to reserve this holiday for a time of rest and not add to the Black Friday buzz. There will always be sales and bargains to hunt for, but we encourage you to take a break from the busy. Cyber Monday, Shop Small Saturday, or booking a little time with your favorite stylist are great ways to avoid the crowds, cross of your lists and maximize your time with loved ones.

Stay Stylish,

Kimberly

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A Few Tips for Getting Through The Holiday With Stress-Free Style

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Start with Comfort

When it comes to holiday dressing, comfort is always the first line of stress defense. It’s pretty difficult to fake comfort, so I aim for an ensemble that matches the formality of the holiday but is flexible. This year I pulled together a simple fall look that I’ve been enjoying as the temperatures start to dip. Having a layered look is a great way to ensure you stay warm and don’t overheat by the fire. I also like that, with the exception of my leather jacket, the pieces are stain resilient should you be seated with your toddler or hand talking great aunt.

Save the Sparkle for December

While we always encourage clients to go with what resonates with them, keeping your style a little softer for Thanksgiving is a smart move. Because Thanksgiving is a less formal holiday in my family, I dressed down my python skirt with an oversized cashmere sweater and slides. Strike a chic balance by pairing a neutral with a print to keep your look interesting yet understated.

Tote It Away

I am notorious for leaving things behind at parties when I bring a tiny clutch. I’ve learned that having one large tote that carries everything (wallet, scarves, hostess gifts, pyrex, sunglasses, etc) ensures nothing gets left behind. I appreciate that it also doubles as an organizer while driving to keep essentials close. I’ve really enjoyed the pictured Cuyana tote as my daily to go , but if you are looking for a lighter or canvas version Mark&Graham is another tote worthy brand.

Pics Credit: The Lovely Praise Santos @comeplum.

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: Our Top Picks for Men and Women

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale has become a yearly countdown for shoppers and non-shoppers alike. It’s a great time to take advantage of substantial savings on fall fashions before the season begins. This year many of the hot pieces sold out during early access and I didn’t want to exclude anyone from the blog by posting before it went public.

I’ve already been busy sending specific links to clients (and some friends & family) as requested but the name of the game in this sale is investment. Similar to last year the best deals are on things you’ll use nearly everyday. Think about the basic items you know you’ll need to replace or add this season. Then consider tweaking those basics with a little trend here and there.

So, after likely too much research both online and in store, below are our top Canvas Picks for both men and women. Make sure you move quickly, sale prices end on August 4th!

Stay Stylish,

Kimberly

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Nordstrom Anniversary Sale - Our Must Haves

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Women

1.Kenneth Cole New York Knit Sleeve Double Face Wool Blend Coat

Sale:$149.90 After Sale:$240.00

“A lightweight essential for San Francisco and Bay Area Fall. This contemporary style’s simple enough to pair with a work blouse or casual tee. The price is a steal to test a new style without the investment of a designer brand.”

2. COLE HAAN Palma Mule

Sale: $99.90 After Sale: $150.00

”Mules continue to dominate the shoe season this fall. These Cole Haan are surprisingly comfy and come in black and cognac brown. Step up your basics and pair these with distressed jeans now and a skirt later.”

3. Madewell Small Transport Leather Crossbody Tote, Asparagus green

Sale:$111.90 After Sale:$168.00

”A cute crossbody in a fresh new shade? Yes, please. This handy carryall mini holds all your necessities for a day on the run without weighing you down.”

4. AGL Pointy Toe Mule (Women), Grey Snake

Sale:$254.90 After Sale:$385.00

“Clean lines and a higher heel make these sleek mules a polished addition to your closet. While every foot is unique, AGL shoes are worth the investment for the comfort and quality.”

5. NATORI Feathers Underwire Contour Bra, Deep Navy

Sale: $44.90 After Sale: $68.00

”This style is a favorite among friends and clients alike. The plunging neckline makes this bra perfect for v-necks and blouses. Why not branch out from black and nude and add another neutral for the season?”

6. VINCE Cashmere Cardigan

Sale: $299.90 After Sale: $465.00

“This is the cardigan to live in this fall and winter. The longer length makes it perfect to use as a lightweight jacket for both pants and skirts.”

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Men

1.1901 Ripstop Shirt Jacket, Olive Grove

Sale: $82.90 After Sale: $125.00

“Shirt jackets have become a staple for San Francisco guys. Move over puffers, there’s a new layering piece in town. Wear this as a stand alone shirt or with a basic tee and jeans. For the more fashionable, add a plaid flannel for layering interest later.”

2. GREATS Royale Sneaker

Sale: $119.90 After Sale: $179.00

“A class revisited, this sneak brand is a newer addition to Nordstrom and worth checking out. If comfort is your thing (and why shouldn’t it be) these or Eccos could be a must for your fall wardrobe and beyond.”

3. PAIGE Transcend - Lennos Straight Leg Jeans

Sale: $132.90 After Sale: $199.00

“Most guys have (or should have) a great dark denim in their closet. This year denim has gotten more casual and lighter washes have flooded the market. Diversify your denim mix by adding a medium tone wash to soften your look and break up darker shades in your wardrobe.”

4. PAUL SMITH Stripe Socks

Sale: $19.90 After Sale: $30.00

“If you are looking to add a little personality and color to your wardrobe but don’t want to get too crazy, these socks are for you. Paul Smith has great striped options that are largely fool proof to mix and match with your existing wardrobe.”

5.Magnanni Carbon Leather Belt

Sale:$99.90 After Sale:$150.00

“Magnanni belts are among my favorites for clients. The quality and craftsmanship is worth the investment. If you take good care of this belt you should have it for years.”

6. SHINOLA The Canfield Leather Strap Watch, 43mm

Sale: $468.90 After Sale: $700.00

“This handsome watch is a great piece to invest in. Shinola has mastered clean and classic with just the right amount of cool factor. Even though you may have a smart watch, a classic timepiece continues to hold ground in the style game.”

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Home and Beauty

1. LE LABO Discovery Set

Price $85.00 (exclusive anniversary set)

“Summer is a great time to explore new scents especially if you plan to do any traveling. This kit includes four of their best sellers in easy travel sizes.”

2. MARIO BADESCU The Essentials Set

Price $23.00 ($33 Value)

“If you have been lathering on the sunscreen this summer your skin may need a little tlc. I personally picked up this product earlier in the spring when I was having a few breakouts. It may not zap your spots overnight but it’s a miracle in clearing them up (and bug bites) significantly faster. ”

3. KIEHL'S Ultra Healthy Skin Favorites Set

Price$62.00 ($88 Value)

“Taking care of your skin is the best beauty regime. This unisex set features Kiehl’s no fuss favorites to start or replenish your collection.”

Spring Style 2019: Top Trends and Picks for Your Wardrobe

Spring 2019 has been a long time coming to the Bay Area and with Easter falling later this year, store inventory has followed suit. Now that stores are fully stocked, what are we seeing?

While there may be large trends that fall across the fashion industry, trend can vary region by region and be influenced by local style makers and buyers.

Below is a quick recap of what I’ve seen in stores and a list of five key items you can pull to the front of your wardrobe or purchase this season to stay relevant.

Stay Stylish,

K

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Spring Fashion Divided

Clients and friends have reached out asking what the big trends are this year. One of the unusual things I’ve noticed across brands in stores are very two distinct fashion stories. The good news is that you’ll likely find something you’ll like, the bad news is that cohesive dressing could be challenging. Hyper feminine, washed out pastels with bold contrasts dictate half this season’s fashion. Frosty Lilac, sea foam, and dusty butter yellow are lined up next to energetic shades like magenta (check out Theory and Zara). The alternative fashion choice is a combination of deep rich earth tones like rusty burgundy or eggplant often in 90’s modern and athletic silhouettes.

Hyper feminine, washed out pastels with bold contrasts dictate half this season’s fashion. The alternative fashion choice is a combination of 60-70 deep rich earth tones often in 90’s minimal and modern silhouettes.

Fresh Print Mixing

Florals are a traditional print during spring, but this year patchwork floral botanicals, polk dots and python are the prints of choice. Think romantic Victorian flower conservatory meets natural science museum. Silk and linen are popular fabrications but if you are looking for a easier fabric there are plenty of tencel/cotton/poly blends.

To help you make sense of if all, I put together two trend boards with key brands who have illustrated these trends and can be found either online or in store. Hopefully you will find them inspiring to freshen up your own look or repurpose your wardrobe. I know I’ve kept a few of my fall pieces, specifically, my burgundy leather jacket around for spring and mixed it with lighter shades to keep outfitting seasonal and fresh.

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Spring 2019 Feminine

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Spring 2019 Minimal Modern

Keeping Cozy: Best Buys For Soft Sweaters

It may not feel like Fall with 70 degree weather in San Francisco, but in other parts of the country it is definitely sweater weather. Just because it’s warm outside, doesn’t mean we aren’t already stocking our closets with cozy sweaters so that we are prepped when the chilly temps finally arrive.

Have you noticed that this year’s sweater don’t seem quite as soft as usual? We have… and we’ve made it our mission to ditch the itch and find the softest sweaters around. Read on for our top picks and what to look for when shopping.

Stay Stylish,
M&K

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Fall’s Softest Sweaters

Budget Friendly Sweaters

Uniqlo Cashmere Turtleneck, $69

Top Shop Horn Button Crop Cardigan, $48

Inland Turtleneck Sweater in Coziest Yarn $69.50

Splurge Worthy Sweaters

Lingua Franca cashmere sweater, $380

Georgina Bold Stripe Knit Sweater, $395

Sayvah Cashmere Sweater, $328

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The Canvas Sweater Shopping Guide

Check the Fabrication

To cut costs, we’ve noticed more than a few brands have been shuffling the fiber content of their sweaters. The Sweater Cardigan Kimberly bought last fall has been replaced with a lighter weight “all season” one. While this is true, the reality is its no longer 100% wool but a cheaper blend.

All manufacturers are legally required to list fiber content on clothing labels, along with wash and care instructions. For sweaters you often get what you pay for. Review the fiber percentages and they will often reflect the itch factor. Longer, stronger and more valuable fibers will be reflected in a price point so invest wisely.

ProTip: Everyone has their own degree of comfort, but watch wool (non merino), alpaca, and synthetics. These will also influence the breathability --aka the heat factor.

Keep Ahead of Pilling

Lately we’ve noticed that sweaters by one of our favorite brands Vince. have not been holding up. After one wear, even the 100% cashmere styles pill. The hard truth is that most sweaters will pill a bit after initial wear, but finer quality will hold up. Excessive pilling can be a quality issue resulting from a poor fiber or production.

To avoid pilling, hand wash or dry clean your sweaters to cut down on abrasion. Also invest in a good sweater-shaver, a tool that runs over the surface of the fabric and slices the pills off. Just be sure to avoid using it too often since it can compromise the integrity of the fabric.

Invest In Trends Wisely

While we love a good fashion statement and novel trick, we recommend buying wisely when investing in sweaters. This year many of the options are boxy with overwhelming bell or lantern sleeves. While some hit high on the cool factor, we recommend limiting the investment and going with a budget friendly version (Because, really how do you type on a keyboard with these styles?!) For cashmere sweaters, we recommend opting for a classic silhouette with a modern twist. This year the deep v and roll neck collar is popular and universal enough to last a few years.

ProTip: When purchasing cashmere sweaters, consider going up a size to accommodate for garment shrink when dry cleaning.

Contemporary Muslim Fashion at the De Young

Earlier this week, team Canvas took a field trip to the De Young museum to see their Contemporary Muslim Fashions exhibit. We always love checking out their fashion-related exhibits and this may be one of our favorites yet.

Contemporary Muslim Fashions is the first major museum exhibit to explore the complex and culturally diverse nature of modest Muslim dress codes worldwide. We thought the De Young curators did a stellar job of visually exploring how Muslim women of today have become arbiters of style not just within in their communities but around the world.

Below are some of the highlights and a few of our favorite pieces. The exhibit runs through January 6, 2019 and we highly recomend checking it out!

Stay Stylish,
M&K

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A New Fashion Market

What stood out to us in the exhibit was how many of today’s iconic Western fashion houses were represented in the exhibit, including Yves Saint Laurent and Oscar de la Renta. It was interesting to see how their high-end designs that have been customized for Muslim women’s diverse modesty considerations. The retail segment of “modest” fashion has been the target of large fashion houses and a growing number of muslim designers who desire to express their own form of beauty and style. Many of the pieces on display were designer with a small appearance from Macys and Nike. While fashion doesn’t come cheap and it was hard not to notice the opulence and brands displayed boldly in many ensembles and blogger looks. We found the fashion pieces refreshingly juxtaposed next to documentary photos of everyday life for a muslim woman around the globe. Below are a few of our favorite designer pieces (including a colorful feather print dress from Mary Katrantzou who we blogged about as a designer to watch last year).

Cultural Reflections of Faith

It was also interesting to see top Muslim style bloggers represented and their unique take on dressing modestly while still expressing their individual style. Color, texture, and print mixing where themes in many of the fashion shots. The strength and boldness of the ensembles was inspiring; however, the freshness of mixing tradition with pop culture influences was most exciting. Below are a few examples from Langston Hughes and Hoda Katebi as well as a flight jacket from design house Celine.

Shop Talk: How New Tariff's Will Impact The Cost of Apparel in 2019

During our Monday morning meeting this week our conversation turned toward the China tariffs and the effect that they are going to have on the cost of clothing (among other things) in the very near future. Many of our past colleagues and friends in local retail buying offices have also hinted at future price impacts. As we started talking more in depth, we thought that it would be a good idea to update all of you about what to expect to see in the coming months.

Stay Stylish (and Savvy),

Megan and Kimberly

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What is All This Tariff Talk?

In case you haven’t been following the tariff situation as closely as we have, here is a brief breakdown of what is slated to happen in the new year. The current administration recently imposed tariffs on an additional $200 billion worth of Chinese goods, including clothing, shoes, home goods, children's products, and furniture. After an initial 10% increase in late September, the tariffs will increase to 25% at the start of 2019. 

How Tariff’s Will Impact Clothing Costs?

According to the National Retail Federation, it is estimated that currently more than 41 of clothes and 72 percent of shoes sold domestically are Chinese-made.  That means that the 25% duties will likely be passed along in the retail cost of apparel and other items to protect seller’s margins. While many retailers are looking to shift manufacturing from China to other countries, this will take time as seller strategies solidify. In addition, be prepared for a likely shift in quality as new factories are getting up and running and skilled labor is developed. Many large retail brands may already be diversified in their manufacturing base but in recent weeks even they have warned about impacts.

What to Buy Now

While we can’t predict the future, we can be more savvy shoppers in how we invest in our wardrobe. Be proactive and look at your favorite pieces in your closet, then look at the tag—Where was it produced? Being aware of what you are buying and from where is the first step.

You can expect to see prices rise in early 2019 across the board on clothing items and we are predicting is may range anywhere from 10-25%. If you apply that across an entire wardrobe it certainly adds up. That said, you will probably feel it more in certain categories, where the US imports primarily from China.

Here are a few items that we recommend for shopping now:

1. Eyewear/Sunglasses - The U.S. imported nearly $1 billion worth of sunglasses, goggles, and other eyewear last year from China. according to data from the U.S.

2. Scarves/Shawls - China is also the top source for scarves and shawls.

3. Sweaters - Your cold weather favorite is about to get pricier. The U.S. imported $4.6 billion worth of sweaters from China in 2017.

4. T-Shirts/Tank Tops - $606 million in T-shirts, tank tops and other casual shirts were imported from China last year.

5. Intimates - America imports more women’s underwear from China than from any other country. Last year, Made-in-China bras, girdles, corsets, suspenders and garters sent to the U.S. were worth $1.2 billion.

6. Denim- Your true blues may get a hike as much of our “American” denim is now loomed and produced in China.

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Curious to read a little more?

Here are a few educational articles we found helpful around the impacts of the current trade war conversation:

Bloomberg: China's Factory Heartland Braces for Trump's Big Tariff Hit

Retail Dive: Retailers warn of price hikes as China tariffs take hold

WSJ: Holidays Gifts May Escape Tariffs, but Retailers Won’t

Refinery29: Why Is The European Union Going After Our Jeans?

Jewel Tones: Color Mixing for Fall

Last week Kimberly blogged about how she is incorporating the plaid statement jacket into her wardrobe this fall. Today, Megan is sharing her favorite tones for the season and what pieces she is coveting the most.

Stay Stylish,
M&K

Outfit details: H&M pleated midi skirt (similar), green crop sweater (similar), patent leather studded flats (similar), Cuyana circle crossbody

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Jewel Toned Color Palette

One of my favorite things about fall is all of the incredible jewel tones that come out. I have always preferred the rich, deep colors of the season that feel luxurious and indulgent. Oxblood, deep greens, rich blues, and golden hues all make up this fall’s color palette. Most jewel tones wear well together, so take some time to play around and see what combinations feel the most natural for you.

Pick Two Main Colors

The easiest way to colorblock with jewel tones is by starting with two colors that complement each other. I first picked my foundation piece, which is this deep purple pleated skirt I found at H&M. Then played around with what to wear on top.

Often times when I am getting dressed, I start with one item that I know I absolutely want to wear and then look for another items to plays well off of it.While black or white would have gone fine with the skirt, the forest green sweater felt more in line for fall and added extra color.

Pro Tip: Have fun with mixing and matching jewel toned prints to your outfits like a floral against a black background or a burgundy plaid.

Keep Your Accents Simple

The jewel tones are really the star of the show, so everything else can be muted or simple. I decided to add my patent leather flats (if only SF was a heel friendly city!) and round blush bag from Cuyana since the soft color can also serve as a neutral. Since the colors of the skirt and sweater were so bold, I opted for a softer pink lip and matching nail polish to keep the overall outfit from looking too severe.

If I were to mix this up for evening, I’d swap the bag for a metallic clutch, pop on some patent leather heels and add a darker lip. I wish I could say that I’d take my hair down too - but I am always just more comfortable with it up in its usual bun!

Not Everything Needs to Match

If you’ve been following this blog for awhile, you know that I have a bit of an eclectic sense of style. I always like to incorporate the unexpected into my daily outfits.

One of the easiest ways to do that is with jewelry. I find my jewelry to also be the most personal part of my wardrobe - most of the pieces I’ve either been gifted or have inherited - and I like to mix and match pieces for a high-low effect. If mixing silver and gold doesn’t feel authentically you, then try weaving in beads or stones with your metals to create depth and texture.

Pro Tip: Travel is the perfect time to add to your jewelry collection. The pieces don’t have to be expensive and they are a great way hold onto memories. Look for local markets to find authentic items.