Men's Style: Waterproofing Your Work Wardrobe

It's supposed to storm all weekend, but don't worry men we have your covered (literally!). In our latest menswear feature, we breakdown the science of what to wear to work in wet San Francisco weather.

Layering is Key

Guys, play the rule of three when dressing. Sure a shirt and a great pair of jeans make a solid foundation, but layering adds personality. Try adding a jacket, sweater or visible undershirt. Do you overheat easily? Nix the heavy layers and play with adding a fun sock, accessory or statement shoe.

These Aren't Your Dad's Khakis

Many of our clients roll their eyes when we suggest adding a khaki to their wardrobe. Newsflash gents--the khaki got a modern makeover in a slimmer silhouette. Give your daytime wardrobe a fresh look. We love AG's Nomad and Graduate styles!

Add An All Weather Jacket

In SF you pretty much need to be prepared for wind, rain, fog and sunshine all in one day. Find a versatile jacket that isn't too heavy and is rain-resistant. This way you won't soak in a rain storm, but it can also come off and easily be toted when the sun decides to peek out. 

Stay Stylish,
M&K

Photo credit: Daniel Lee
All clothes are from Seldom Seen in Hayes Valley.

Welcoming a New Year: Our 2017 Resolutions

Every year we like to share our resolutions. Not only does it keep us accountable and hopefully inspire you, it's also a good way for us to step back from our schedules and be intentional about the year ahead. 

What we didn't realize until we worked on this blog together is that a strong theme for both of us is to engage a little less with technology and find other ways to connect and be inspired with the world around us. 

 Megan's 2017 Resolutions:

• Wear more color- I tend to wear a lot of black and grey. This year I am pushing myself out of my comfort zone and embracing color!
• Cook one new recipe a month- Anyone that knows me knows that I am not good in the kitchen. This is my year to learn to cook without setting my oven on fire (yes, that really happened).
• Send more handwritten letters- Getting a note in the mail always brings a smile to my face. I want to send less emails and start sitting and writing more letters to the ones I love.

Kimberly's 2017 Resolutions: 

• Commit to actually investing in a few long-term staples. Some of my trusty classic items are starting to show their wear. I've been putting it off too long.
• Read more "fun" books. I've spent most of my free time in 2016 reading articles online. Of the books I did read last year (sadly not enough) they were all business. It's time to mix it up.
• Take a fun class and learn a new skill

What are you excited about?

Cheers to a stylish 2017, 
M&K

Uptown Downtown NYE Style

New Year's Eve is just a a few days away and we have been busy planning what to wear. While Megan prefers to lay low with friends, I always enjoy getting glammed up for a night of celebrating with close friends and loved ones.

Simple Uptown Downtown Dressing

The key to enjoying a night of festivites is a outfit that doesn't get in the way. Both Megan and I love the "high-low" approach of this look that is perfect for San Francisco. The mix of an edgy moto jacket with a feminine glittery lace midi dress strikes the right balance. What makes a look "high-low"? In this case opposites attract in unexpected ways. We paired an investment piece, a Theory Leather Jacket, with a lower priced lace dress from Topshop.

Accessorize with Strong Players

To add a little more luxe to the look I layered on strong accessories. An old statement necklace that mirrors the dress neckline adds the right amount of bling while standing up to the bold lines of the moto. My trusty gold toe pumps finish the look and keep the harmony of the Uptown Downtown vibe.

Want to make the look your own? Start with our simple equation: Feminine Dress + Structured Jacket (we love the moto) + Dance Worthy Pumps and add a dash of fun with accessories that you love.

Stay Stylish,

K&M

The Look: Top Shop Metallic Midi Dress, Theory Navy Leather Jacket (similar) and Cole Haan Gold Toe Pumps (similar), Statement Gem Necklace (alternate), Kenneth Cole Bracelet (alternative)

Photo Credit: Kelsey Johnson

Our Bah Humbug Holiday Travel Playlist

Megan and I love the holidays, but every year around this time we reach a little mental burnout on the seasonal music (keep in mind we've been listening to it in stores since October).

So as a treat for all of you heading out of town this week, we are offering up A Bah Humbug Playlist- featuring our favorite non-Christmas songs of 2016 . Ok... maybe we threw one or two holiday songs in there!

 

Listen Now:
CANVAS BAH HUMBUG PLAYLIST

Enjoy, safe travels and wishing you all a beautiful holiday season,
M&K

Getting Glam: Our Favorite Party Dresses and Tips

We love any excuse to glam it up and this time of year calls for plenty of party-ready options! When picking out a perfect holiday party dress, there are a few things to keep in mind:

Make Sure It's As Functional As It Is Cute

Try sitting down in the dress in the dressing room to make sure it's not too short or pinches in spots. (I.E. That cute sequin number that called revenge on your underarm) 

Be Realistic & Keep Comfort In Mind

Set yourself up for success whether you are rockin'a'round a christmas tree or counting down to the new year. Ladies--make sure your outerwear and shoes can keep up. Keep your heels at a 2-3" maximum or opt for a wedge or higher vamp. If you have a sleek new pair break them in BEFORE the big night and consider packing along a back-up pair of flats for the evening. Same goes for jackets- keep a scarf or wrap in your coat pocket or tied inside your sleeves and utilize coat check.

Add Instant Glam With Sparkle

This is the one time of year where you can really go all for it with some sparkle and shine. If sequins is not your style and you prefer a LBD, play up your jewelry with a statement necklace, glitter clutch or oversized chandelier earrings.

Still Looking For The Perfect Party Dress? 

Here is a link to some of our favorite party dresses for all ages and body types.

Stay Styling,

M&K

Photos by Kelsey Johnson

Outfit details: Black crochet dress (similar here and here), Endless Rose tiered ruffle sleeve sweater ($78), Maje leopard clutch (similar here), Burgundy suede pumps (similar here).

Our Favorite Places To Celebrate The Holidays In SF

Photo by Kelsey Johnson

San Francisco is known for it's ability to capture the heart of many a visitor, however any local will tell you that it's especially true during the holidays. Here are some of our favorite places in the city to celebrate the magic of the season.

1.) The Palace Hotel- It wouldn't be the holidays without our traditional Team Canvas martini at The Palace Hotel. We love sinking into their comfy couches on a cold night, surrounded by lights and toasting to the season.

2.) The Fairmont Hotel Gingerbread House- Every year they transform their lobby into a winter wonderland with an amazing two story edible gingerbread house and giant tree. After walking through the main house, stop off at the mini-house for animals that's just as adorable.

3.) The Nutcracker - A San Francisco classic, since it made its original US debut here. We love the Victorian scenery and magical performances that are great for kids and kids at heart. Care to gift a child in need a ticket? Here's a link to make a donation to the Enchantment Fund.

4.) Window Shopping at Macy's Union Square- Forget the clothes, we fall in love with the adorable (and adoptable) kittens and puppies who bring Macy's holiday windows to life every year. We dare you to walk by and not want to take one home! 

5.) Play It Hot and Cold -Our city is a foodie paradise and there are many fun options for holiday sweets. Here are two at the top of our list this year:

Hot Cocoa At Dandelion -Warm up on a foggy night with hot cocoa at Dandelion Chocolate in the mission or at the Ferry Building. Don't skimp on the handmade marshmallow.

Bi-Rite Creamery - If your sweet tooth hasn't gotten enough, we are big fans of Bi-Rite Creamery's Seasonal Flavors. Sample them all at their Mission location--and don't miss our favorites --the Candy Cane and Sticky Toffee Pudding.

Cheers,

M&K

Holiday Sparkle: Megan's Take on Office to Party Chic

How Go From Work to Holiday Party Chic

During the holidays, often times we find ourselves getting ready in the morning wondering what we can wear that is work appropriate but still cute enough for a holiday event. It's actually a lot easier than you think! Kimberly and I have become pros at transitioning from day to night in a few short steps.

Find Your Core Pieces

The first thing you want to do is find the holiday statement piece for your outfit. In this case, I picked my gold embroidered J. Crew pants from last season and toned them down with a simple gray cashmere sweater from Uniqlo. For a day of meeting clients, I wore my metallic flats that are comfortable and easy to get around in, but still add sparkle. 

Amp Up For Evening With Accessories

Accessories and makeup are the easiest way to transition any outfit from work to a night out if you are tight on time. To amp up my work outfit for a holiday party, I swapped out the flats for black patent leather heels, added gold tassel earrings and went for a bold red lip for a pop of color. The best part is that all of the pieces I needed for an outfit change were small enough to fit in my work bag (I also slid a clutch in there to use as my evening bag).

Pro tip: Don't be afraid to mix silver and gold tones. They are fun any time of year, but especially for extra "sparkle" during the holidays.

Outfit details: J.Crew pants (similar here), Uniqlo cashmere blend v-neck sweater ($39), J.Crew tassel earrings (similar here) J.Crew gold bracelet ($19), BCBG metallic flats (similar here and here) 

Just add your favorite holiday cocktail and you're ready to go!

Stay stylish,
K&M

Photo Credit: Kelsey Johnson

Menswear Part 2: Dressing Up For Date Night (Or Your Holiday Party)

Our special menswear series continues! Now that we are full-swing in holiday party mode, we thought it would be the perfect time to share some basic tips on what every guy should have in his closet as an easy "go to" look for dressier occasions or a date night. 

Start With a Great Shoe

A good shoe is the foundation of every outfit. It's also often one of the most overlooked pieces with men. We recommended picking out a nice leather dress shoe or boot that is comfortable and says something about your personal style.

Button Up Doesn't Have To Mean Buttoned-Up

Dress shirts have come a long way over the years. Just because you opt for a button up, doesn't mean it needs to look (or feel) like a work shirt. Opt for something with a little bit of texture that's a good fit with your body type. Pro tip: most men are wearing their dress shirts a size too big.

Find Your Statement Jacket

Oh so many options! From a blazer to bomber, stock your closet with at least one jacket that is a good option for dressier occasions. Find something that feels true to your own personal style. Balance the look with some great black or dark denim.

Seldom Seen Outfit details: black denim (in-store only), Our Legacy First Shirt ($175), bomber jacket (similar here), ETQ Amsterdam Chelsea Boot ($305).

A special thanks to our friend/SF everyman, Kyle for sporting the look and Daniel for capturing it!

Stay Stylish,
K&M

Our Favorite Gifts That Give Back

Yesterday Megan and I shared with you our segment on KTVU Channel 2 featuring some of our favorite gifts that give back. We were only able to show a portion of our top picks for gifting this year and wanted to make sure we got to share them all.

Here is a link to our Pinterest Board with the complete assortment and product information.

Happy Gifting,

M&K

If you missed the segment, here is the clip from KTVU

Sharing The Joy On KTVU Channel 2 News!

Last week Megan and I joined the Morning Team on KTVU Channel 2 News. Watch us talk about our favorite holiday gifts that give back locally and globally below.