The Best & Worst Ingredients in Skincare Products

How Healthy Is Your Skincare?

Your skin is the largest organ of your body. So it makes sense that we should be monitoring the ingredients in the products we put on it. After Megan shared her new favorite organic skincare must-have, we decided to do a little digging to see how healthy the products in our skincare regime really are for us.

The Best and Worst Ingredients In Skincare Products

This article on the benefits of organic skincare is a great reference for what you definitely want to see in your skincare products and what ingredients you should avoid (including mineral oil!). Plus, it lists the top 3 ingredients that are the best for your skin.

Stay Stylish,
K&M

Organic Skincare: Megan's New Favorite Toner

Organic vs. Regular Skincare

I'll admit it - I love a good skincare product. More and more I've become aware of what goes into the products that I put on my skin, and am trying to keep it organic where I can. 

After running out of my usual MAC skin brightening toner, I decided to do some research and apple cider vinegar kept coming up.  I've heard a lot about ACV and will often add a tablespoon to warm water as a morning detox. But I'd never tried it on my skin as a toner. 

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar toner is known to balance the sin's natural pH, lighten sun and age spots, improve acne and remove excess oil and dead skin cells. After using it twice a day for a week, I am sold! The acidic smell takes a bit to get used to, but my skin is noticeably brighter and feels firmer. I did break out a bit the first few days as it cleared all of the old dirt and oil from my skin.

If you want to try this yourself, here is my recipe:

DIY Apple Cider Vinegar Toner:

• Mix 1 part ACV with 2 parts filtered water 
• For sensitive skin, mix 1 part ACV with 4 parts filtered water
• With a cotton ball, gently rub over clean skin
• Follow with your normal moisturizer
• Toner can be stored in your medicine cabinet

Don't Forget To Moisturize

If you are looking for a good organic moisturizer for fall, I highly recommend organic coconut oil. Don't let the oil part of it scare you, it's perfect for cold weather hydration!  Your skin soaks it up and you will wake up with instantly softer skin that over time will have a more even tone and less redness. It's also great for chapped lips or as a natural conditioner for hair.

Stay Stylish,
M&K

 

What to Wear For Fall In SF- And How To Bring Summer With You

September Issues are out--and for those of you not in fashion that means retailers will be gearing up strong with racks full of the latest trends.  

Megan and I decided that although we are ready for a new season, we wanted to ease into it slowly--knowing that our notorious "SF Indian Summer" is weeks away.

So, how do you start to embrace Fall without committing to heavy sweaters and tall boots? We set out to strike a balance and merge what we have with a few new fall statement pieces.  

Stay Stylish,

K&M

Megan's Picks:

I wear my favorite denim all year long... yes, even my white jeans! Navy is one of my favorite colors and I always like to pair it with lighter shades. For this Fall, I am channeling softer fabrics and more feminine silhouettes complemented by masculine jackets.

Megan is wearing:

• GAP flare jeans - carry-over from my summer wardrobe (similar)
• Franco Sarto booties (similar)
• The Kooples lace trim botanic blouse (similar)
• Bagatelle faux suede moto jacket

Megan is wearing:

• White Levi's jeans - carry-over from my summer wardrobe (similar)
• Franco Sarto booties (similar)
• Soft Joie peasant blouse (similar)
• Bagatelle faux suede moto jacket

My favorite vintage ring from my Nana.

Kimberly's picks:

Fall is my favorite season for color, because I can wear the majority of the shades. Cashmere, velvet, tweed all speak to a crisp and cozy season.  To prepare for the shift into fall, I chose a few new key pieces to add to my existing wardrobe that layer well.

Kimberly is wearing:

• Bloomingdale's Cold Shoulder Cashmere Turtleneck - Playing with trend and color this sweater is a wear now enjoy later staple. Perfect for the office with a blazer or casual with jeans.
• GAP Girlfriend Jeans carry-over from summer (similar)
• Leopard Print Flats (similar) -Reintroducing a staple, leopard print is back this fall
• Kate Spade Watch carry-over from summer (similar)
• Rebecca Minkoff MAB Tote carry-over from summer (similar)

Kimberly is wearing:

• Atelier Prelude Cashmere Poncho in Camel -Layers are the champion of SF weather.  This poncho is an easy way to add a layer of light warmth and soft texture.
• Vero Moda Fringed Lace Top carry-over from summer 
• Joes Honey Bootcut Jeans carry-over from summer 
• Dolce Vita Olive Green Booties (similar) carry-over from summer 
• Goyard St. Louis PM Bag (similar)

More of our Fall favorites:

A special thanks to Kelsey Johnson, our photographer on site for capturing our story beautifully and keeping things fun between the snaps.

Argent: Maker-Girl Crush Monday

Starting the week with another local brand to watch, Argent.  Megan and I recently heard of this new Bay Area based company, and love their mission of creating functional workwear for women. A few weeks ago we got to check out their collection in person at an evening gathering at their pop up shop in Shinola Jackson Square. 

Their attention to design details impressed us (who doesn't love hidden pockets and badge loops?!).  Below are our favorite statement making blazers that dress down easily with a pair of jeans or dress up a smart pair of slacks or statement sheath. Want to know a little more? Here is an insightful article featured in Vogue that breaks down their mission. We look forward to seeing where the team takes the brand next, keep an eye on Argent!

Stay Stylish,

K&M

Crossover Blazer, $325

Smart Cuff Blazer, $330

Could You Give Up Buying Cheap Clothes?

On Wednesday we touched on ethical fashion when we shared how Forever21 copied two bags from local bag designer Future Glory. Today we wanted to share two of our favorite articles that dig a little deeper into the impact of fast fashion.

Refinery29 wrote a fantastic article titled "I Don't Buy Fast Fashion & Apparently People Don't Like Me For It". What we love is that the article offers two solutions for if you want to better clothing, but have a tight budget.

The Huffington Post also touched on this topic in their article "Why You Need to Stop Buying Cheap Clothes". 

Both articles recommend that buying fewer, better made items actually saves you money in the long run. This is something we very much agree with!

We hope you enjoy these reads as much as you do!

Stay Stylish,
K&M

Case of the Counterfeit: Why We Say No To Fast Fashion

On Monday we blogged about our girl-crush on Future Glory designer and all-around awesome female entrepreneur Theresa Lee. So you can imagine how upset we were to see that Forever21 knocked off two of Future Glory's Bags.

Here is an example of one knock off.  Future Glory's Rockwell bag. 

Forever21 Faux Leather Bag, $24.90

Future Glory Rockwell Bag, $325

The Temptation of a Cheap Thrill Has A Cost

We thought this is a perfect example to share why we don't promote fast fashion. While the slim price tags and on-trend styles can be tempting, fast fashion ultimately is taking money away from people who put a lot of time, energy and heart into designing products they love. And in the case of Future Glory, who gives a percentage of each purchase to local women's charities, it's taking money away from our community.

Knowledge Is Power: Know What You Buy

Now to be clear, we aren't perfect and have bought the impulse piece from H&M or Forever21 in the past. But the more we've learned, the more we've stayed away. The True Cost is an incredible documentary about the effects fast fashion has on people, communities and our environment. It's available on Netflix and you won't regret watching it.

Design inspiration is part of fashion and the creative process, but putting your name on someone's exact design is shameful. And to our friend Theresa - they say that imitation if the highest form of flattery, but we say Keep It Real and purchase with power.

Stay Stylish,
K&M 

Future Glory: Maker-Girl Crush Monday

Inside the studio work space, Theresa utilizes every corner. 

For the next few weeks we will be sharing with you some of our favorite local #girlbosses--whose commitment to creating better companies and better brands are a hallmark.

Locally Made Bags with a Purpose

Our first pick is a local SF based bag company who has been making waves in national style magazines. If you haven't heard the name Future Glory, get ready for your new bag obsession.

We love that Future Glory's mission statement is as beautiful as their designs. Theresa Lee, founder and designer, has established a San Francisco brand that mixes design and philanthropy. A portion of every purchase is donated to local organizations dedicated to rebuilding the lives of woman. 

Future Glory specializes in leather goods, but also uses other materials, such a Pendelton wool and printed canvas, for their bags. 

We last teamed up with Theresa earlier this summer when she brought her oh-so-covetable purses to include in one of our photo shoots. Long time fans of her work, we jumped at the invitation to visit her Dogpatch design studio.

More than Just the New "IT" Bag

The Rockwell Mini (which has been featured in Vogue, Elle and InStyle), $295

Theresa has an energy that is infectious, but also an insight that can make her feel wise beyond her years. Originally a design guru at DodoCase, she decided to take that leap of faith and build a brand of her own with a co-founder. Even after so much success with Future Glory, she still maintains a humble approach and wants to make sure that the brand always stays true to its SF roots and mission. 

Each bag feels special, because it has been lovingly created in her studio by a small team of skilled craftspeople. Megan swooned endlessly over the marbled leather pieces, while Kimberly's favorite is the stylized Sienna. 

Just a few of the tools that go into handcrafting each bag.

Our Favorite Fall Picks

Here are our top three pics for Fall 2016. The marbled Midi is perfect for day or night and punches up a t-shirt and jeans with sophistication. The Sienna Mini was a complete scene stealer during our Taylor Stitch photoshoot this summer.  The fringe design continues to shine this season and transitions into fall in the perfect cognac shade.  If you are looking to make a larger statement, the Sienna will carry you off to your next meeting with all the essentials in check.

Keep tabs on this Brand, for Theresa and her team at Future Glory, the future looks bright.

Stay Stylish,
K&M

Midi in black marble, $325

Sienna Mini, $375

Sienna, $675

SF Summer Picnic: Fresh, Easy and Irresistible Recipes

This past June, Megan and I hosted some of our favorite boss ladies for an al fresco lunch. Planning anything outside during a "San Francisco Summer" can be a bit of a gamble, but we knew our gals were tough enough and planned a set up and menu that would be warming. 

Here are a few tips and easy summer recipes that will make your next picnic a success sunshine or fog!

Stay Stylish,

K&M

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GEAR NOTES

• The key to making an event a success is keeping it simple. We've partnered with Paperless Post to make hosting a snap. Personalize your own beautiful invites (it may be hard to pick just one design).
• Choose a thicker table cloth to add another layer of warmth to the table. We used Megan's Pendleton wool blanket over the table which kept everyone just a little more comfortable.
• Provide a few extra blankets or quilts for guests if Karl rolls in unexpectedly.
• Invest in a good waterproof backed picnic blanket if you'll be setting up on the lawn.
• Keep It Real: We served everything on salad plates and used silverware and cloth napkins. It may require more packing and clean up, but it's better for the environment, easier to eat with, and it adds a little lux to the meal.

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MENU

• Roasted Veggie Couscous and Tumeric Chicken
• Arugula Fruit Salad with Apricot Stilton Cheese
• Rosè
• Sparkling Water
• Baguette
  • Meat & Cheese Board
    • Almonds
    • Cheese-two distinct varieties (we chose a cab soaked cheese and Manchego)
    • Quince Paste
    • Apricot Jam
    • Grapes
    • Spanish Meats

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Roasted Veggie Couscous (derived from budget bytes)

INGREDIENTS

• 1 large yellow squash 

• 1 large zucchini 

• 1 medium red onion 

• 1/2 Eggplant

• 1 bag of small bell peppers from Trader Joes 

• 1 bag of San Marzano tomatoes from Trader Joes

• 5 cloves fresh garlic 

• 2 Tbsp olive oil 

• to taste salt & pepper 

• ⅓ bunch fresh parsley 

• 2 cups couscous 

• 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth 

• 1/4 lb marinated chicken cooked (I marinated mine in tumeric, honey, and olive oil)

• 1 lemon wedge

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Wash and slice the vegetables into medium chunks ((bell peppers (I sliced mine in rings), squash, eggplant, onion). 

2. Toss the chopped vegetables with 2 Tbsp of olive oil. Spread them out on a baking sheet (or two) so that they are in a single layer. Sprinkle generously with salt and pepper.

3. Slice San Marzano Tomatoes in half (length wise) and place on a foil lined tray. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with fresh thyme, sea salt and pepper.

4. Place 5 garlic cloves in a bundle of tin foil and drizzle with olive oil, twisting the top to seal. Add to baking sheet for roasting.

5. Place the vegetables in the oven and roast at 400 degrees for 45 minutes (tomatoes and whole garlic will only need 20-30 minutes to keep juicy but caramelized). If you have two baking sheets on two different racks in the oven, you’ll need to switch them half way through to ensure even cooking.

6. While the vegetables are roasting, cook the couscous. Bring 3 cups of broth up to a boil (or 3 cups of water + 1 Tbsp bouillon). Once it reaches a rolling boil, pour in 2 cups of couscous, turn off the heat, and cover the pot with a lid. Let sit, undisturbed, for at least five minutes.

7. After the vegetables are finished roasting, transfer them to a cutting board and roughly chop. Collect the five garlic cloves and chop in thirds. They are probably so soft that they’ll just smoosh, but that’s okay. You just want them to be able to distribute throughout the salad.

8. Roughly chop about ⅓ bunch of parsley. Fluff the couscous with a fork. Combine the couscous, roasted vegetables, and parsley in a bowl and stir to combine. Season with more lemon juice, salt and pepper if desired. Serve warm or cold! (excellent the second day)

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Arugula Fruit Salad with Stilton Cheese 

INGREDIENTS

• Two Nectarines

• 4oz. Blue Berries

• 2oz. Rainier Cherries

• 1-2 Handfulls of Raw Almonds

• Wild Arugula

• Apricot Stilton Cheese

Citrus Vinaigrette

• 5T Orange Muscat Champagne Vinegar
• 2T Citrus Infused Olive Oil
• 1/4-1/2tsp. Dijon Mustard
• 1/8 tsp Sea Salt
• 1/8 tsp Pepper
• 1/2 tsp. Brown Sugar
• (Tip make the night ahead for ingredients to mellow)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Slice Cherries in quarters and reserve in lemon water to keep from browning.

2. Slice Nectarines in 1/4" wedges

3. Combine and lightly fold in all ingredients (except stilton cheese) 

4. Top with crumbled Stilton cheese (I used a fork to easily crumble the cold cheese on site)

5. Combine vinaigrette ingredients in a glass bottle and shake until thoroughly blended. Refrigerate until needed.

6. Drizzle with vinaigrette.

7. Add pepper to taste

Finding Your Wedding Style, Before Saying "I Do"

One segment of our business Megan and I love is helping brides and grooms navigate a style that speaks to their special day.

Recently, we were interviewed by Brides Magazine about how we coach clients to ensure no detail is missed and finding that perfect look is as low stress as possible.

Here is a link to the full article.

Over the years we've developed a roster of great sources and vendors in the SF Bridal Industry, so we thought we would share a few of our favorites below with you!

Stay Stylish,

K&M

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Women's Wedding Dresses

San Francisco has many wonderful Bridal Boutiques to choose from. We love starting at Novella Bridal in Jackson Square. Their inventory always has a great range of styles and price points. It is the perfect place to begin exploring the look that is the best for you. 

Custom Menswear

If you are a guy and want to look sharp on your special day, going the custom made route is a great option. Ryan and his team at Tailor's Keep near the FIDI are on top of the latest trends and classic cuts. We also love that they work with US manufacturers with a long craftmanship hertiage.

Tailored To You

Megan and I swear by having an excellent tailor on call to make sure you always have the best fit. Because wedding dresses are more involved than ready to wear, a more technical knowledge is necessary.  Marissa at Tailor Made will make sure your dress is a perfect fit to get you through your day and hold up for a night of dancing.

The White Wedding: Destination Wear for Gents

How To Follow A Dress Code and Still Feel Like You

Decoding wedding attire can be tricky. Add in a humid climate, a beach setting and the request to wear all white, and let the panic set in. Ok, so maybe that's a little dramatic. But you get my point.

My recent destination wedding in Jamaica was one rare case where being a woman made figuring out what to wear much more easy. A simple white dress was all I needed. But for the men attending, it was a little more complicated.

Each gent attending really took advantage of the occasion to weave in his own personal style. From cuffed cotton pants and flip flops to a tailored linen blazer and suede loafers, I saw very different looks. 

K&M's Top Picks for Resort Menswear

• Nordstrom Classic Fit Linen Blazer $197.65 (sale)
• Zanerobe Rugger Button Down $66.75
• Singer+Sargent Seersucker Blazer $195
• Bensol Trim Fit Blazer $245
• J.Crew Ludlow Suit Pant $188

Focus on FIT and TEXTURE that matches the occassion

When helping a client select a resort wear look, the three things we consider are fabric, fit and texture. All white ensembles can quickly overwhelm anyone, and classic linen cuts do not work on everyone. Plus, linen wrinkles easily which can take a sleek look to a messy look quickly. Right now stores are carrying more trim and slim options, so choose something in-line with your body type. Play with a little texture too to keep you from looking like medical staff. And don't focus too much attention on the whites matching perfectly. It's ok for there to be color differentiation.

And Don't Forget To Have Fun With It!

Most importantly, stay true to your own style while respecting the wishes of the bride and groom. Have fun and feel free to add in a pop of color with a pair of Happy Socks, a bright tie or even a shoe with colored laces. 

Stay Stylish,
K&M