Maker Monday: Lots To See At Seldom Seen

Meet the "New-ish" Kid on Block

Hayes Valley has quickly become a shopping destination for men and women craving niche brands and cool finds. This past week we paid a visit to Seldom Seen, the 9-month old boutique that specializes in connecting it's customers with established brands they love (such as Kitsune) and growing brands they believe in (if you haven't heard of Hope, you'll want to!).

Bringing Two Looks To One Platform

Seldom Seen beautifully combines both men's and women's urban pieces with more traditional styles. What was originally intended to be an online shopping destination, quickly became a brick and mortar store when Daniel Lee and Natasha Wong, the founders of Seldom Seen, saw opportunity to bring "the Urban Prep lifestyle" to one of San Francisco's hottest shopping neighborhoods. And we have to say, it's working for them!

A Little For Her. A Little For Him.

Next time you are in the neighborhood, stop by and pay Seldom Seen a visit at 522 Octavia Street. We fell in love with their fold over clutches, ultra-cool t-shirts and couldn't seem to pull ourselves away from their men's button-down flannels, which had a beyond-incredible soft hand feel. Tell them Kimberly and Megan sent you!

Stay Stylish,
K&M

Fall Fashion Trends: Taking on the Floral Maxi

This Fall Megan and I decided we wanted to do something fresh to cover Fall style. Instead of reposting the season's top trends, we thought we would make it a little more personal and share how we are making them our own (without breaking the bank).

This Fall We Are Getting Personal

Over the next few weeks we'll be sharing some of the Fall trends we are excited about. We'll be modeling them ourselves (not our favorite part of our job--we prefer dressing others, but we LOVE helping people) and sharing our learnings with you.

Explore Something New and Know Your Strengths

This weekend is SF's annual Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival--which usually lands during the heart of our Indian Summer. What do you wear for music in the park? Something cool and a little bit country, a little bit rock and roll? 

I personally wear a lot of tailored, classic silhouettes that work with my body type and stand the test of time.  I wanted to try something different and decided hit the stores to see what inspired me.  I found the below Kooples Boho Dress at Nordstrom Rack marked down to under $200 from Spring (originally $400).  Designers have carried this Summer staple into Fall and I like the idea of playing with florals in a different way. This dress is a fun escape outside my norm with its flowy, girlie shape. Why it works: there is enough structure to the eyelet lines and back ties to give the dress structure in the right areas.

Does It Work with What You Have?

Trying new trends can be fun, especially when they hit on a point of your personality not always expressed. However, make sure it works with what you already own. This dress was easy to pair with the green Corso Como booties (Similar) I already own.  Add a leather jacket or cropped blazer and suddenly the dress effortlessly transitions into Fall.  

Stay Stylish and see you at the Swan Stage!
K&M

Photos by Kelsey Johnson

Trend Alert: The Ins & Outs of Athleisure

Yoga Pants Aren't Just For Yoga

Over the next few months you can expect to see more men and women wearing workout gear than usual. Whether it's getting coffee in the morning, running the kids to school or even meeting friends for drinks, performance wear is no longer only acceptable for only going to the gym. It's become such a big trend that designers from Proenza Schouler to Prada are mixing pieces into their collections. 

Workout Clothes That Have Grown Up

Considered workout clothes that have grown up, the athleisure trend embraces mixing high-performance materials (such a leggings, track pants and sports bra) with your everyday street clothes. CBS News wrote a great piece on the trend called Dressing Down: The rise of athleisure that explores where the trend started and if it has staying power (hint: it's not going anywhere for awhile).

Tips for Wearing the Athletic Wear Trend

Sure, you've been wearing your yoga clothes out and about for years. But if you're ready to take it one step further, here are a guidelines for working your athletic wear into you daily wardrobe:

1. Invest in pieces that mix function and fashion- make sure that your workout clothing is made from performance material so that is is quick drying, odor resistant and moisture wicking. 
2. Accessorize accordingly- you only need one piece to take your athletic wear from the gym to the street. Wear it with a piece that is sleek and has a sporty feel to it, like a structured bomber jacket, white sneakers or a flannel tied around your waist.
3. When in doubt, stick to neutrals-  if you are new to the athleisure trend, start with black, white or gray pieces and the incorporate brighter items as you get more comfortable.  
4. Always dress for the occasion- every trend has a time and place. You don't want to show up to a big board meeting in yoga pants and a moto jacket. Save it for a day running errands or a casual lunch with friends.

Our Athleisure Favorites

Stay tuned... next week we are going to share our take on the athleisure trend and show women how to incorporate athletic wear into their wardrobe and still feel feminine.

Stay Stylish,
K&M

Maker Monday: Adding a Little Sparkle with Shop No.3

Welcome To Shop No. 3

Last week Kimberly and I paid a visit to one of our favorite jewelry stores in the city, Shop No. 3 in Russian Hill. If you've spent any time in the neighborhood, there's a chance you have walked by the storefront before and not noticed it. The small store is unassuming from the outside, but once inside you are surrounded by a beautfuly curated selection of jewelry from local and national jewelry designers such as Jennie Kwon (one of my favorites), Carolyn Colby and Anna Sheffield. 

Rings, Bracelets, Earrings, Oh My!

What we love so much about the jewelry at No. 3 is that each piece is unique and has a personality of its own. When you shop there you feel like you've been let in on a secret that most people don't know. While most of the jewelry is on the more delicate side, they do carry several statement pieces (such as the amazing crystal cuff in the photos below). Prices can range from $72 for a necklace to $1500 for diamond ring. 

Jewelry Is Personal. Buy What Speaks To You.

The key to buying jewelry is to go for the pieces that speak to you. You want to invest in items that are timeless, reflect your style and most of all, make you happy!  

Here are a few tips to help you find the perfect piece:

1. Choose a Category- shopping for jewelry is easier when you narrow it down to a category (rings, necklaces, earrings) and start there. 
2. Know Your Metals-always ask about the content of the jewelry. Is it plated? Sensitive skin prefers 100% gold or silver. What metal looks best on your skin tone and with your wardrobe? Test a few to see what looks best.
3. Take Personal Style and Scale Into Account- it's important to take into consideration the personal style of the recipient. If your spouse has a minimalist style try a simple gold ring. If your sister loves oversized, fun, eclectic pieces, go for a statement necklace.
4. Do the Snag Test- run the jewelry over your sweater or shirt and make sure that the prongs and stones don't tear your clothing or skin.
5. Wear It!- jewelry, like clothing, is meant to be worn. Don't save your favorite item for a special occasion. Every day is special... so wear it often!

Stay Stylish,
K&M

Hello Sunshine! How to Beat the Heat in SF this Weekend

We are claiming it, our Indian Summer has officially arrived. This weekend the temperatures are supposed to reach 80. Are you planning to head out and enjoy the sunshine? Here are some of our favorite local spots to go to beat the heat.

1.) Taste the Cool

San Francisco is home to some great ice cream places (Smitten, The Ice Cream Bar, Humphry Slocombe). This weekend the city is about to welcome a new cool kid, Powder, to the brick and mortar scene. Powder specializes in Taiwanese Shaved Ice and we couldn't be happier they have found a permanent home on Divisadero.

2.) Enjoy a Rare Day at the Beach

You don't need to go far to find sand and surf on a SF warm day. Pack up your beach blanket and head straight to Ocean or Baker Beach (just don't forget your shades). If you are craving a little more, cross the Golden Gate Bridge and head to the coast for day at Stinson Beach.

3.) Al Fresco Living

Grab your favorite someone, pack a picnic and head to Golden Gate Park. There are 1,017 acres of cool shaded park to explore complete with ponds and lakes. Our vote, rent some paddle boats and circle around Stowe Lake.

4.) Eat, Drink & Be Merry

Warm weather is the perfect time to round up your friends for an afternoon at one of SF's amazing outdoor food spots. Head over to the Biergarten in Hayes Valley for an assortment of Bavarian food and drink or check out the rotating fare at SOMA Street Food Park (bonus: it's dog friendly). 

5.) Go On An Urban Hike

Sometimes the best adventures begin with no destination in site. Put on your comfy shoes and head out on an urban hike throughout the city. One favorite routes is to start at the Ferry Building for a coffee, head over to Coit Tower, walk down through North Beach and over to explore Chinatown for some well-earned dim sum. 

Have a great weekend and stay stylish,
K&M

Monday Motivation: Goal Setting Never Goes Outta Style

Refresh Your Goals For Fall

There is something about Fall and being conditioned for the back to school excitement of the season.  Even though our school days are distant memories, we still have the desire to go out and buy new pencils and a fresh notebook to start a new season.  

Coming off of a summer of travel and slower days, Megan and I were chatting the other week about ways to keep inspired and motivated. Megan had just started a new way of organizing her day, while keeping her focus on her long term goals.

Categorize Your Goals

Start with a notebook that is dedicated to your daily "to-do" list. Every morning at the top of a clean page, write down your long-term goal and your short-term goal. Then divide the page into three categories: work, personal and friends. Under each category write down what you want to accomplish for each that day. 

1/3/5 Goal Setting

I loved Megan's notebook approach and integrated another daily goal setting method of ranking daily goals by 1/3/5 tasks. Everyday set one major goal that you know you will accomplish that day. Follow up with three medium sized tasks and five smaller easy tasks. I chose to do this twice once for personal goals and once for work goals like Megan's method. I found that it was a better way to keep a work/life balance.

Stay Stylish and on point,
K&M

11 Ways to Repurpose Your Old T-Shirts

There's Nothing Better Than An Old T-Shirt

We all have it - a drawer filled with old t-shirts that we love but can't wear anymore. They're comfy, soft and hold a certain sentimental value. You can't get rid of them, so what do you do?

Huffington Post has solved that problem by illustrating 11 Genius Ways To Breathe New Life Into Old T-Shirts.

Ways To Repurpose Your Favorite Tee

Instead of having your neglected tee take of prime space in your closet or dresser, you can breathe new life into them by getting crafty. A few of our favorite suggestions include creating a t-shirt tote bag, DIY braided strap sandals and turning old band shirts into throw pillows.

Repurposing Clothes Helps Reduce Waste

This fun article is part of Huffington Post's "Reclaim" series, which focuses on reducing the world of waste and being a smarter consumer.  If you haven't taken a look, the articles are fantastic and range from eco-friend lunches to 10 pieces of clothing you should never throw away. 

Stay Stylish,
K&M

When Fashion Sells Out: Why Spring 2017 NYFW Missed The Mark

We are just going to come out and say it -- New York Fashion Week this year was a big disappointment. Not because the clothes weren't beautiful (which they were). To us, NYFW lacked a little soul.

What's Missing are the People Who Are Pushing Boundaries and Breaking Molds

Part of Fashion week's intrigue has always been drama and a degree of exclusivity. Similar to Spring shows, when we scanned through the countless Instagram shots, runway features and backstage exclusives we felt we were skimming a repetitive ad campaign. To us, the front rows read like the Oscars of social media and branding.

What's missing is the focus on the people who are pushing boundaries and breaking molds. The fearless, the fun, the one's creating trends instead of being paid by brands to promote them. 

To be clear, we applaud people who have worked hard making a name for themselves and endorse brands. We just wish they would keep their voice too and do it in a more original way.

Rumblings of Fashion For All

There were a few bright spots to the week. A few designers and industry leaders made a loud call for action to dress all body types and we love that! Tim Gunn was a great supporter of including more plus size designs that speak to more American women.

Megan's favorite part of Fashion Week this year was the Christian Siriano show, where he sent women of different body shapes, sizes and ethnicities down the runway in what felt like a very authentic manner. He also takes a high-low approach by mixing his runway clothes with his Payless shoe line.

Kimberly's favorite part of Fashion Week was seeing the J.Crew show use real people as models (true, they were J.Crew-like people). Accessible fashion mixed in with beautiful couture runway shows plays to what is at the evolving heart of American fashion today.

Keep It Fresh For the Front Row

We want to applaud those in the industry who continue to push the envelope and demand more from fit, style and design.  Part of the underlying tone at NYFW was it felt more like a machine than a display of a vibrant industry full of trained craftspeople. Those are individuals who keep fashion fresh, fun and motivate us to redefine our relationship with our own image.

Stay Stylish,

M&K

Time to Get Personal: Guys, Does Your Underwear Make the Cut?

Before we get too deep into talking about 2016 Fall fashion trends, we thought we'd take a moment to stop and emphasize the importance of having the right foundation. So, gents, let's have a little heart to heart regarding your underoos.

**Warning: We are about to get a little personal here, but that's the name of the game in personal styling**

Have The Right Foundation From The Start

The start of a new season is a good time to make sure you have all of the proper elements of a great wardrobe. For guys, this means choosing the right undergarments that work for you and your wardrobe. Just "making do" with what you have is not the right approach.

Clear Out What Is Not Working

Let's consider this the "iceberg conversation" of fashion and style. You may only see an illusion of a poor choice, but what's hidden beneath is ever present danger. If your underwear is less than pristine (read: faded, losing elastic or contains any holes or wear spots) replace them immediately. They are doing you no favors.

Find A Fit That Is Right For You

The same rule applies to general fit. Comfort should always be a top priority, but don't let this derail you from trying something new. (Just remember that it may take a little time to get used to a new fit.) Thanks to some good marketing by Calvin Klein and slimmer modern pants, the most popular undergarment choice today is the universal boxer brief.  

Purchase A New Style, Test and Then Buy In Bulk

Men with more muscular thighs are well-suited (pun intended) for the boxer brief or trunk style. Briefs and boxers are better for slimmer guys, as they may risk interrupting the natural line of a pant or show through at the seat or thighs.  If boxers are your preferred choice, make sure the cut you wear is the right size and does not have too much fabric to gather at the hips or groin. We often recommend choosing a color that is neutral enough that it works under many pant options. Darker shades are naturally more flattering and grey or black are excellent choices.

Stay Stylish,

K&M

Here are a few recommendations and brands to explore:

Men's Superfine Cotton Trunks In Charcoal/ Navy $55

Calvin Klein Men's 3-Pack Cotton Classic Boxer Brief $35

Men's Airism Mesh Boxer Briefs $7.90

UA Original Series Cupron® 6" Boxerjock® $30

Fashion's Blue Fall: What 2016 Trend Colors Can Signal In Fashion

A shot from Prada.com's a/w 16 campaign

Is it the economy, the upcoming election, or world affairs that have this season's color palette looking a little serious?

What to Invest In Now

Believe it or not, we often notice the correlation between what is going on in stores with what is happening outside. Whether to speak to the buyer's mindset or find comfort in their own creations, designers have kept things simple in their chosen shades this season along with a hefty dose of nostalgic style. 

In the upcoming week we will be breaking down the major trends for Fall 2016, but today we're shedding a little light on what colors you'll see in stores and which ones you should be investing in.

The Most Popular Shades of Fall 2016

Bodacious (17-3240)

Potter’s Clay (18-1340)

Spicy Mustard (14-0952)

Lush Meadow (18-5845)

Dusty Cedar (18-1630)

Warm Taupe (16-318)

Aurora Red (18-1550)

Sharkskin (17-3914)

Airy Blue (14-4122)

Riverside (17-4028)

What are the top shades designers have included in their Fall 2016 collections? This article from WWD gives a good overview of what Pantone colors designers invested in most. 

Many of autumn's dusty shades have carried over from spring, so you will have more cross-over than usual and can readily repurpose key pieces for fall. The majority of the season's colors are grounded earth tones and neutrals--so think of these pieces as your non-black basics.

How Colors Are Chosen

Curious how fashion shades come to be? You may have heard of Pantone before, but this quick and informative video from NY Mag explains how colors are forecasted.

There is a lot more that goes into selecting trend colors than you may think.  Each chosen color influences the design field as a whole. For example, Riverside blue, the top shade of the season may show up in your favorite t-shirt and tea cup this year.

Stay Stylish,

K&M