Face Time: Megan's Spring Skin Must-Haves

I won't lie, I have become a bit obsessed with my skincare routine since my last birthday. I've blogged about age spots, DIY organic masks and even my Nana's homemade aloe pads. So as soon as the Spring sunshine peeked it's head out from the grey clouds, I knew it was time to update my skincare.

Start the Day Fresh Faced

I love Dermalogica's products. So, when I was gifted their new daily superfoliant from local CODE Salon I couldn't wait to try it. One word - AMAZING!  I use it every morning (if you have sensitive skin like Kimberly, she recommends using it every other day) to gently exfoliate my face. After toning, and putting sunscreen on, I add a small dab of DCL Hydra Boost Finishing Serum to plump my skin and add a glow.

Makeup Bag Necessities

Usually when I leave the house in the morning, I am gone for most of the day. That means that my purse needs to be stocked with essentials for a fresh face. Mid-day I touch-up and reduce shine with Clinique's Beyond Perfecting Powder Foundation + Concealor. I also love Viseart's Theory Palette in Minx because it doubles as cheek color on the go. And of course, always my favorite sunnies to hide my eyes when they're tired!

Stay Stylish,
M&K

The Lux Sweatshirt: Pretty in Pastels

Pretty in Pastels

A new wave of 80's style is in vogue for Spring 2017 and it makes me think of Molly Ringwald. Hello pink! It's the pastel shade dominating the racks right now, along with plenty of bows, lace and ruffles. 

Is this shift to softness a fashion backlash from the androgynous style we've seen over the past few years or a response to the current political climate? Whatever your theory, half of the design world has gone for what we are calling "hyper-feminine" style.

Chose One Element To Keep It Modern

It is a weird moment when styles from your childhood are trending again and I'm not quite sure I need to do it the same way. Instead, I decided to take on the trend and make it my own. I chose a modern watercolor sweatshirt from Athropologie over the popular font driven graphic sweatshirts (they felt too a la Espirit for me) as the inspiration for my look.

Pro tip: Less is more. Pick one detail to keep it modern and avoid looking like a time capsule.

Add a Dash of Structure with Oversized Pieces

The key to wearing any voluminous piece is finding balance with structured coordinates. In this case I paired the sweatshirt with a s button down shirt underneath and added a dark skinny jean.

Break The Rules: Opposites Attract

To keep the look from getting too "girly" I paired the sweatshirt with frayed hem jeans and added a Madewell necklace to keep it looking modern. I also layered on a few traditionally menswear pieces (a banker stripe shirt and oxfords) to add touch of irony to the look. The result was a simple, easy style that is on trend and still feels like "2017" me.

Stay Stylish,

K&M

The Look: Water Color Sweatshirt (size up) $88, BR Riley-Fit Ruffle Strip Shirt $69, AG Raw Hem Skinny Leggings $250, Michael Kors Nude Oxfords ($92.99 On SALE), Madewell Dream Keeper Fringe Necklace ($29.50 On SALE), Rebecca Minkoff Grey MAB Tote

A special thanks to our SF Photographer, Kelsey Johnson, who always manages to make us look great! 

Parisian Chic: Oui Love Spring!

With the sun out this week, we couldn't resist having our Monday meeting outside at one of our favorite French cafes. Here in San Francisco, it almost feels like we went from cold, windy and rainy to warm and blue skies overnight (probably because we did!).

Transitioning Your Wardrobe to Spring

With the quick change in climate, I'm not quite ready to let go of my winter favorites and am finding fresh ways to bring them into spring with me. 

Lighten Up Your Shades

I searched most of winter for the perfect trench coat (read our Trench Story here and here.) to replace my staple black. While scouting looks for our spring shoot, I came across a gorgeous laser cut trench in clearance at Banana Republic (see photo below). The lighter grey shade is perfect with the blush and other pastels popular this spring. While our days are warmer, there is still a chill in the air in the mornings and evenings, so this is going to be the perfect piece to carry me through the season. 

Spring's Velvet Revival

Velvet is another big trend from Fall/Winter that carrying over into spring. I love these pale pink velvet ballet shoes (another BR sale score!). To soften them up for spring, I have been pairing them with a lot of white tops and printed pants. It's the perfect balance of sweet and stylish. 

So tell me, what trend are you most excited to renew for spring?

Stay Stylish,
K&M

Weather The Storm: Our Picks For Stylish, Durable Umbrellas

San Francisco seems to be going through a weather identity crisis. It's only Tuesday and already this week we've had sun, rain, hail and high winds... all in one day! This crazy weather can be brutal on your umbrella (yes, that was me walking down Market with my umbrella turned inside out yesterday).

Keep Covered in Style

So, how do you pick a durable umbrella that's going to weather the storm? Kimberly and I have done the research and have a few favorites to share. The best part - they won't break the bank! Now you can toss that $6.99 Walgreen's umbrella and start a relationship with one that will always keep you covered in style.

Our Top Umbrella Picks

The Basic Black
EuroSchirm Light Trek, $30

The Clear Bubble
Kate Spade Eyes Umbrealla, $38

The Old Fashioned
Totes Wooden Stick Umbrella, $20

The Pop of Color
The Met Store Van Gogh Umbrella, $40

The Lifetime Investment
Davek Duet Extra-Large Foldable Umbrella, $150

Stay Dry,
M&K

DIY Challenge: How to Fray Your Denim Like A Pro

Destressed denim is a standard in any fashion lover's wardrobe--but do you choke at the thought of investing in something already torn apart? We get it, which is why we thought we'd help some of you ease into the game. 

The Frayed Denim Trend

Denim trends come and go, but the frayed hem has been a hot look the past few years. It is simple enough you can do it at home. The beauty of this trend is you can really make it your own--the cropped bell cut, the staggered hem (think high-low mullet cuff), and the super fringe are all styles that you can do yourself. 

How To Fray Your Denim At Home

Today we are going to keep it simple and take one of our old pairs of denim and spruce it up for spring with a basic raw hem makeover.

The Basic Raw Hem

What you'll need:

• Chalk or a tailors pencil
• Safety Pins or straight pins
• Fabric Scissors
• Seam Ripper/Tweezers
• Old Pair of Jeans Freshly Washed
• Ruler or Straight Edge

Step 1:

Iron your jeans (this should really be the only time this should ever happen, unless your name is Kimberly or Monica ;)). Make sure you have a fresh foundation to start with and release the original hem if you need more length.

Step 2:

Test out the length by trying them on and adding a straight pin or safety pin where you want to hem. Make a straight line on where you want your fringe or fray to start with a pencil or tailor's chalk.

Step 3:

Make sure the length is exactly what you want or cut the hem slightly longer to start (measure twice, cut once friends).

Step 4:

Snip, snip, snip

Step 5:

Release some of the threads from the hem, lightly pulling your seam ripper or tweezers along the bottom of the hem. If you look an the inside of the denim pull some of the loops by the edge of the hem. In between releasing threads, pull the hem tight at the sides to "fluff" up the fray.

Step 6: Enjoy Life in the Fray. If your hem after washing looks too much like a jellyfish for your taste snip the loose threads for maintenance.

Stay Stylish,

K&M

A Wardrobe Classic: The Best Men's White T-Shirts

What man doesn't love a good white t-shirt? A closet staple, they're a versatile piece that can be worn with pretty much anything. But what makes a good white tee really good? We like to stick with the three Fs: Fit, Fabrication and Function.

Breaking Down The Perfect White Tee

When searching for the perfect tee, keep in mind whether you are a crew neck or v-neck man. From there, identify you if like a slim, fitted or a boxy style. Fabrication is another important factor. This lower the thread count, the thinner the tee. We recommend 100% cotton tees for comfort and durability. 

Our Favorites By Style

Best V-Neck
Uniqlo Supima Cotton V-Neck, $9.90
Made with 100% Supima® cotton, this shallow v-neck looks sharp all on its own, but also layers great. Plus the price can't be beat!

Best Crew Neck
Welcome Stranger 8-oz Bison Tee, $42
This slim-cut tee from local SF menswear shop Welcome Stranger has structure and hold its shape after eight hours of wear and tear. 

Best Undershirt
RibbedTee Retro Fit Tee, $36 for two
This lightweight shirt is ultra soft and slim without being clingy. The generously cut collar stays concealed under your button down and the length is just long enough to stay put when tucked.

Stay Stylish,
K&M

Winter Sunscreen: Are You Really Covered?

It seems like a no brainier to the fairer bunch: broad spectrum sunscreen should be part of everyone's daily routine. However, during my yearly dermatologist appointment I learned that many women are prone to developing skin cancer on their legs. Guiltily, this is one place I skimp on (it's the one place I do tan)! 

My doctor walked me through areas that women may miss for everyday coverage-- the "French" face which includes your neck and décolletage, your calves, ankles and back of your hands. For ladies/gents with shorter haircuts, don't miss your ears and back of your neck. It started me thinking about the larger fashion trends that are now SF staples year round--ankle length pants, boyfriend jeans, scoop necks and the hot plunging neckline.

So what brands should you be using for body coverage that won't leave you smelling like the beach in February? Below is a list of brands Megan and I use--as always consult your dermatologist about the brands that are the best for your unique skin.

1. Dermalogica Pure Light SPF50- this medium weight moisturizer is great for brightening and evening skin tone.

2. Rodan + Fields Reverse- Megan's personal favorite, she wears it everyday to to protect her skin while diminishing damage already done by the sun.

3. Aveeno Protect + Hydrate- created for the face and body, this powerhouse hydrates the skin while protecting from the sun. 

4. EltaMD UV Clear SPF46- My favorite, this lightweight oil-free sunscreen is great for sensitive and acne-prone skin.

Stay Stylish, 
K&M

Menswear Gametime: The Best Gym Clothes For Every Man

Just because you are sweating doesn't mean you don't want to look stylish. We often get asked for recommendations for good workout gear for both men. If you are a man, you want it to be functional, comfortable and still have a hint of style (yes, you can throw your old college basketball shorts away now).

Esquire magazine one-upped us by listing their top 11 workout items that no man should be without. Their no-fuss guide includes a good hoodie, merino wool workout socks (they absorb moisture and prevent blisters, and versatile shorts.

Check out our gallery below for a few of our favorite items:

Stay Stylish,
K&M

Silver and Gold: Mixing & Matching For Spring

In anticipation of Spring, Kimberly and I have been craving lots of brightness lately. This winter has been full of dark blues, grays and of course, plenty of black. So on a recent trip to the Ferry Building, I decided to lighten things up with metallics.

Mixing and Matching Metals

I've blogged before about my love of mixing silver and gold together. It's an easy way to add extra interest and let your accessories pump up a look. I prefer pieces that are delicate so that I can layer on 2-3 different necklaces without overpowering my overall outfit. You can also do this with bracelets and rings.

Amp It Up With Metallic Accents

Jewelry isn't the only way to add some shimmer to your outfit. If you are finding yourself feeling the winter duldrums and want to add shine, try a metallic clutch against an all black outfit or a classic black boot with gold detailing on the heels. And if you're feeling extra adventurous, you can never go wrong with vintage-inspired sequins!

Stay Stylish,
K&M

Sweet Tart: Cherry Chocolate Scones To Fall In Love With

I know, I know today may NOT be your favorite day of the year--but here is a little something to sweeten the deal.

One of my dear friends is a trained pastry chef (always a good friend to have). She shared this recipe last year and it has since become a favorite among family and friends. 

In honor of Valentine's Day and sharing the love, we're sharing it will all of you. What makes it great? It strikes the right balance of sweet and it is shockingly simple to make. Pair it with a cup of tea or a light breakfast and package some up and surprise a loved one. 

Enjoy and stay sweet,

K&M

Buttermilk Cherry Chocolate Scones

• 2 c. All-purpose flour
• 1/4 c. Granulated sugar
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/2 tsp. baking soda
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. Orange zest ( I used the zest Meyer lemon since that I had on hand)
• 8 Tb. (1 stick) unsalted butter, cold
• 3/4 c dried cherries
• 1/2 c semi sweet chocolate chunks or chips
• 2/3 c. Buttermilk (if you don't have buttermilk add 1 T vinegar to 1 cup of milk and let sit for 5minutes)

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and orange zest with a whisk.

Cut butter into cubes and add to the flour. Using a pastry blender or two knives, cut/scissor the butter into the flour mixture until it is a fine texture and looks like cornmeal with evenly dispersed chunks of butter.

Stir in cherries and chocolate. Make a well in the center and add the buttermilk. Stir until the dough becomes wet and sticky. Turn out onto a floured work surface. It's okay if there are still some dry bits at the bottom, just press them into the dough. Knead the dough 2-3 times gently, but no more. Pat the dough into a 1" thick circle. Cut into 8 wedges or use a heart cookie cutter.

If using cinnamon sugar as a topper, combine ingredients and press the top of each scone into the cinnamon sugar and place evenly spaced on the baking sheet. 

Bake until firm to the touch and lightly golden brown, 15-20 minutes.