Happy New Year & Our 2016 Resolutions

A new year at Canvas, is a time of reflecting on the past and looking forward to what is next. It's time to start fresh and map out what we want to achieve in the new year. As a kick off to 2016 Megan and I decided to share our style resolutions...and share an upcoming Instagram contest you won't want to miss! Be sure to follow us @CanvasStyling for more details on our January "Best of 2015" giveaway.

2016 Resolutions 

Megan:

1.) More Yoga, less just wearing yoga pants

2.) Play More with Lip Color

3.) Add More Color and Pattern Mixing

4.) Master the Curling Iron

Kimberly:

1.) Find More Occasions to Wear Heels. I let the practicality of our hilly landscape dictate too much and never wear them anymore. This year the pumps are back! (in moderation)

2.) Wear More Skirts

3.) Perfect the Winter White Ensemble

4.) Get Out of My Style Comfort Zone Once a Week

Stay Stylish,

K&M

Trends We're Ready to Leave in 2015

Trends come and trends go. And then some trends overstay their welcome. In the spirit of a new year, here are the trends that we are ready to leave in 2015 and what we are most excited to see in 2016.

Kimberly:
Goodbye....
1. Dark burgundy lips- "It's too goth 1990's."
2. Nail art- "Sometimes a naturally manicured hand is just as pretty."
3. Crop tops- "They've over-saturated the market compared to the number of people that can pull off the look."

Hello...
"Winter white and a rosey natural face. There's beauty in simplicity."

Megan:
Goodbye...
1. The Coachella look- "Style should be an individual expression, not a mass movement."
2. Overly distressed denim- "Jeans should not be hanging on by a thread... plus aren't your legs cold?"
3. Over-contouring your face- "Putting on makeup should not require a paint by numbers grid."

Hello...
"Structured clothing. After seasons of seeing everything loose and baggy, I'm looking forward to cuts that show off the body."

Our Favorite Holiday Cocktails

We can't believe that tomorrow is Christmas eve! I am writing this blog from snowy (and COLD) Breckenridge, CO while Kimberly holds down the Canvas office in SF.

We thought we'd take a break from all of the shopping talk to share our favorite holiday cocktail recipes, guaranteed to get you in the spirit and feeling festive.

Kimberly's Spicy Cider:

4 Quarts Apple Cider or Apple Juice

2 Quarts of Trader Joes Spiced Cider 

4T Mulling Spices (I prefer the WIlliam-Sonoma blend)

5-6 Jiggers of Bourbon

3 Jiggers Grand Marnier

Cinnamon sticks for glass garnish

I made this traditional cider for a little Holiday Cocktail Party  this year and decided to add a twist with Grand Marnier.  I'll never go back! It was a nice citrus addition and kept the spices from overpowering the drink.

Directions: Wrap mulling spices in a sachet of cheese cloth secured with kitchen twine. Add above ingredients in order and simmer over low-medium heat for 20 minutes.  Serve warm and enjoy.

Megan's Brandy Alexander

3 Cups softened french vanilla ice cream 

4 Ounces brandy 

4 Ounces creme de cacao

Freshly ground nutmeg for garnish

My dad's recipe, these "adult milkshakes" are a great dessert and super easy to make. I like to serve them in chilled glasses with a cookie on the side. Yum!

Directions: Blend ice cream, brandy and creme de cacao in a blend until smooth, but still thick. Pour into chilled glasses and sprinkle nutmeg on top.  

Stay Stylish,
K&M

Nailing It: The Best Non-Toxic Polishes of the Season

 

A few months ago a friend of mine sent out a mass email with the sad news that one of our most beloved nail polish shades was now on the toxic no-no list. (R.I.P. Sugar Daddy).

It left me questioning, what are some safer alternatives?  The eco-friendly-non-toxic polish brands that I'd tried in the past just didn't stand up to their evil twins and left my manicures looking like they were done by a preschooler. 

After a little research and testing here are our favorite new wave non-toxic lacquers.  We found that the majority of top nail brands are now avoiding the "Toxic Trio" DBP, Toluene and Formaldehyde. However, a growing number of companies have extended their list to FIVE and are removing questionable allergens, Formaldehyde Resin and Camphor from ingredients.

Our list below includes polishes without these FIVE ingredients or TPHP. 

For more information check out these helpful articles:

• http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/beauty/nails/tips/g9/natural-nail-polishes/?slide=2
• http://wellnessmama.com/17833/non-toxic-nail-polish/
• https://intothegloss.com/2015/04/non-toxic-nail-polish/
• http://www.ewg.org/research/nailed

Stay Stylish,

K&M

Chanel "Dragon" $27 at Nordstrom.com

The BEST red for classic holiday.  It's not too bright or jolly and has a hint of spice that can be enjoyed year round.  Fast drying and long wearing with a high gloss finish. 

Deborah Lippman in "Naked" $18 at Barney's

This shade was the winner of InStyle magazine's award for Best Beauty Buys 2015. Formulated without parabens, sulfates and not tested on animals.  

butter London in 444 available on butterlondon.com $15

Known for high pigmented shades and their trademark bottle, Butter London is dedicated to give you the color without compromise. Walk the line between gold and silver. Shade 444 is perfect for ringing in a new year and pairs well with champagne.  

ZOYA in "Dove" $9 available at zoya.com

ZOYA is an ultra long-wearing, toxin free nail polish and treatment formula. Perfect for monochromatic chic this winter the "Dove" shade is a soft, delicate light neutral gray with an opaque, glossy creme finish. 

Karma Naturals Nail Polish Remover $11.65 on Amazon

Taking it all away: One of the more obviously toxic elements to a manicure is the smell of a pungent remover.  We found this organic remover on Amazon and are converts.  It may be a bit pricey and take longer to remove your color, but it is easy on skin and the lavender scent is an added bonus (available in unscented).

Don't Forget: Free Shipping Day is Friday, 12/18

Ok be honest, how many of you are still not done with your holiday shopping? Well, there is no judgment here. But we do have good news! This Friday, 12/18 is Free Shipping Day when when loads of retailers offer online shoppers free shipping AND guarantee delivery by Christmas Eve. Even better, many merchants also use it as a time to offer deeper discounts and push last minute sales. For more info and a list of participating retailers, check out freeshippingday.com.

Now we can all breathe a collective sigh of relief and put off holiday shopping for a few more days.  

Stay Stylish,
K&M

Sweater Obsession

It is freeeezing outside!  All I want to do is bundle up in a cozy sweater and drink hot cocoa. Which is why I had to laugh when Kimberly sent me this text: "Just a head's up, I am wearing our sweater today." Looks like we will be twins at our morning meeting!

We both bought the same yummy cream sweater from Banana Republic and it's quickly become a winter go-to. While sadly BR sold out of them, here are a few other sweaters perfect for bundling, snuggling and staying warm.

BR Bold Stripe A-Line Pullover Sweater, $39.99 (on sale!)

Jigsaw Merino Ottoman Cardigan, $260

C by Bloomingdales Cashmere Turtleneck, $79,99 (on sale!)

Stay warm,
K&M

Men: Gift Ideas for the Women in Your Life

Hey men, not sure what to buy for your wife, girlfriend, mom or sister? Fear not, we have plenty of suggestions. While we always find the men in our lives tougher to find the perfect gift for, we often hear from guys that women are the tough ones. Here's are handy cheat sheet to picking a gift that she will love.

Wife:
Cashmere Robe that she can get cozy in.
Monogram Bracelet to make her feel special.
Suede Tote for dashing around town.

Girlfriend:
Bath + Body kit to make her feel luxurious.
Clutch Purse for date night.
Studded Watch for staying edgy.
 

Sister:
Wine Club for keeping her buzzed.
Texting Gloves for keeping in touch.
Jawbone Bracelet for staying in shape.

Mom:
Chic Decanter Set for entertaining friends.
Quilted Jacket for classic style.
Cozy Throw for keeping her warm.

Happy Shopping,
K&M
 

The SF Holiday Gift Guide: A Little Something For Everyone On Your List

Canvas SF Holiday Gift Guide by canvas-styling featuring tech accessories

Blanket / SETS / Serveware / Kitchen gadgets tool / Daypack / Taylor Smoke Rose Gold Resin / Saucony Women's Hurricane ISO Running Shoe / Fitbit One Activity Tracker / Redwoods Candle / Home decor / Tech accessory / Wellness Packs / Sampler Clear Box 6 8g bars

Tis the Season!

This Holiday, Megan and I decided to stay local in our gift giving.  San Francisco is known for being the tech center for many consumer products, but there is a small and growing craftsmen sector that also speaks to the beauty and brilliance of the place we call home.  Here are some of our favorite picks for the Sporty, Tech, Loungers and Foodies on our list all from our favorite CA designers or local stores. Enjoy, your shopping just got easier!

Stay Stylish,

K&M

Hey Gents, Yes Pricier Denim Really Is Worth It!

We love a good pair of denim on a man. In fact, we just love good denim. Some of you may remember the podcast that we did with local SF denim guru Howard Gee of AB Fits. 

Do you ever wonder if pricier denim is really worth it? Here's a little Friday food for thought from NPR about the fashion industry in LA and what it really takes to make a good pair of denim.

Have a great weekend!
K&M

Winter/Holiday Capsule Dressing with Jigsaw London

The holidays are fun and merry but they can also be stressful finding the time to balance regular life commitments with celebrations. It's no secret that at Canvas we are huge fans of capsule dressing. It's practical, easy and allows you to be creative with the pieces you own. So clearly we jumped at the idea to create a holiday capsule showcasing how to take pieces from day to night to have you party ready in moments.

Winter Capsule: (Left to right) Paris Slim Fit Tapered Trouser, Dipped Scarf in Blue & Magenta, Cara Ankle Bootie in Black, Jersey Black White Dress (in store only), Space Dye Belted Dress, White Twill Stretch Straight Leg Jeans, Raspberry Double Scoop Tee, Washed Silk Satin Wrap Top, Made Bone Drop Necklace, Wide Brim Fedora, Sparkle Half Sleeve Sweater (in store only), Black Knit Skirt (in store only), Blank Space mini clutch, Rib Tunic with Belt, Cara Ankle Bootie in Mink, Oatmeal Cardigan (similar).

The other week we collaborated with Jigsaw London and their wonderful team on Fillmore Street on another capsule collection. This time we created our mini wardrobe out of their beautiful winter collection (see our Fall Jigsaw capsule here). We were immediately inspired by Jigsaw London's "winter white" pieces and built a capsule centered around this color palette with pops of holiday cranberry and plenty of sparkle.

Each look is worn by our gorgeous friend-turned-model Teryn and the beautiful photos were taken by the uber-talented Jeanette Moncada. Oh... and we may have snuck Megan's dog Lola into a few shots.

Enjoy our "winter white" inspired story and a big THANK YOU to our team who made it so beautiful!

Stay Stylish,

K&M