Gingham & Green: Mixing it up with Spring Trends

Megan and I have both been feeling the need to add something fresh to our wardrobes. We want a piece that works for spring, can last all summer, and doesn't have sticker shock. While we both try to limit adding fast fashion pieces, we have picked up some great staples over the years at surprising places. One shop that we regularly keep tabs on is Uniqlo. We love this Japanese brand for its minimal basics and modern trend pieces.

When To Trade Down

I chose a new full tie waist spring skirt. It has been is making a come back in stores this season (Max Mara, Gap, J.Crew all have had versions).  How do you know when to invest in a piece or trade it for a lower price point? Ask yourself how often you'll wear it and be honest. If you are unsure, don't invest, but test it at a lower price.

 Look At The Details

Uniqlo had the winning combination for me (wrinkle resistance, pockets, color, price). When trading down you often lose out on construction, fabric quality, and fit. Look closely in the dressing room at the construction and fabric. Save sweaters, jackets/Blazer and everyday shoes for investments. 

Hold Your Horses

We've all been there and bought a piece on a whim.  Fight the urge for newness and make sure your new purchase is a workhorse. Wearing a bow waist can be tricky--but I knew that that I had plenty of tops that I could pair with it. I also like the fact that the bow is removeable so I can add a belt for a different look.

Stay Stylish, 

K&M

Get the Look: J.Crew Check Shirt, Uniqlo High Waist Belted Flare Green Skirt, Jigsaw London Wedges (similar), Vintage Necklace

Spring's Most Covetable (and accessible) Bags

The change in season is aways a good time to add a new purse to your rotation (as if you needed an excuse!). After the dark blacks, blues and browns of winter, it's nice to lighten things up.

We've put together our favorite "It" bags of the season, in a range of prices that are accessible to everyone.

1. Small & Stylish
Keep it compact and chic with this Sole Society Lowell Clutch ($54.95). This fun trend piece is also functional with a zipper closure and attachable shoulder strap.

Photo by Kelsey Johnson

2.  A Pop of Color
The Lululemon All Day Tote ($118) in purple. It has a cross-body strap, removable pouch and plenty of space for your office and after gear.

3. Texture & Stripes
Mix in print with this Soeur Vendredi Woven Raffia Tote ($150). It's great for a day at the beach, the farmer's market or brunching with friends.

4. Budget-Friendly
Stay classic with this neutral Buxton Shopper Tote ($40). Don't let the price tag fool you, Kimberly and I each own one and they are as durable as they are stylish. Plus they fit everything!

Stay Stylish,
M&K

The Bomber Jacket Ready For Spring

Last fall Meg blogged about her new sporty orange bomber jacket. Guess what? This silhouette is back for spring but with a softer look. We love the day to night versatility as an outfit maker. These jackets are also fairly practical for keeping you warm on a foggy SF night. 

How To Invest In A Trend

Fashion is not as fast and trendy as many make think. Usually mainstream trends last two years before cycling through a given market. Currently, you can find a version of the bomber at all price points in stores. Chose the one that most resonates with you at a price point that makes sense for your budget. If you are unsure, the louder the embellishment-- the lower the price point should be. 

Walk On The Wild Side

This fall we suggested to chose a solid bomber to maximize your mix and match possibilities. Now that it is a new season, invest in a print or embellishment that keeps the jacket looking lighter.

A Perfect Pairing

Have fun with print mixing and fight against the norm to pair it with a basic white tee. Why not pair a printed bomber with a slim fit sheath and pumps for the office? It's a quick way to add some edge and relevance to your standard wardrobe pieces.

Stay Stylish,

K&M

The Look: H&M Quilted Bomber Jacket $69, J.Crew Striped Tee, AG Farah High Rise Jeans

Photos by Kelsey Johnson

Making Vintage Modern

It's no secret that I am a huge fan of vintage clothing. I have pieces in my closet that my Nana wore 50 years ago. So while on vacation in Monterey, I couldn't resist spending an afternoon exploring the town's many vintage stores. 

Vintage From Every Era

Seven stores and lots of shopping bags later, I can say it was a successful trip! My favorite finds range from a bright 70's inspired dress to a beaded cardigan from the 50's. While these may seem like two vastly different styles, they both seamlessly mix into my core wardrobe.

Mixing Vintage With Modern Pieces

The key to wearing vintage is pairing it with modern pieces for a fresh look. It's easy to think that something sweet, like my beaded cardigan, should only be paired with a soft dress. Instead I added a little modern edge with a black lace body suit, cigarette pant and a sleek cape. 

Layering Vintage Jewelry

I keep the same rule of thumb for jewelry that I have for clothing. Layer newer pieces with your vintage ones to keep them feeling costume. It's a fun contrast and leaves lots of room to play and have fun.

Stay Stylish,
M&K

 

Our Holiday Weekend Guide

Happy Friday everyone! Team Canvas is taking advantage of the holiday weekend to spend time with family and friends. We hope that you all are doing the same! If you're still hunting for the perfect brunch spot, you can find some of our favorites here. 

No plans yet for the weekend? No problem. Check our some of our favorites places around the city to to enjoy a sunny day outside. And just in case the weather is right and it does on Sunday, check out our favorite indoors activities in SF.

Whatever you do, have a fabulous weekend!

Stay Stylish,
K&M

Layering for Spring Showers

Spring in San Francisco can be a cruel season. The weather often shifts from warm days to rainy and foggy nights. What is the key to successful dressing in the city? We've said it before and we'll say it again--LAYERING!

Start With a Clean Base

For this look I stared with black denim and a tailored denim shirt. If I get warm and end up back at my base there is still enough interest with the denim and my silver flats to keep the look compelling.

Add a Touch of Print

Scarves are a SF accessory necessity. We recommend always having a great solid, two tone print and multi print in your wardrobe. I chose this animal print inspired design (its a good alternative for those who don't like leopard). The pop of blue coordinates with the denim and poncho without being a direct color match.

Finish with A Outwear Piece with Panache

Outerwear should be your secret weapon for spring dressing. A wool layer may not feel appropriate, but it's a year-round fabric for the city. The lighter shade and playful fringe keeps the poncho relevant for spring and on trend.

Stay Stylish,

K&M

Dressing Outside the Box: Cultivating Your Style

During one of our weekly meetings Megan asked if I wanted to write a blog story about how my style has evolved over the last five years since I started styling full time. It triggered some introspection on how I've let down some barriers when working with clients to let my own personality and style shine.

For this photoshoot I chose a backdrop that personifies the beginning of my life in San Francisco--Chinatown. When I first moved to the city 11 years ago, Chinatown was part of my daily commute to fashion classes. I love the vibrant spirit and tradition of the neighborhood and to me that sums up what the world of fashion should balance.

Build A Foundation On What Works

For Megan and I, we have always been conscious of what we wear with clients, it sets the tone for the shopping experience. Looking back at my wardrobe when I first started styling, I aired on the safe side.  I know my body type and what silhouettes work best for me and stuck to that. I feel most comfortable in tailored and elegant investment pieces over the latest trend. These continue to be my foundational pieces--or basics.

Keep Harmony and Balance

Over the years I've incorporated more "fun" statement pieces into 20% of my mix that are relevant to what is happening in fashion and still resonate with my story. If you are unsure about working with a trend, make sure you have a good tailor to help you get the fit just right. It's important to remain in touch with your boundaries and push yourself to dress outside your box. When you do this, you start to innovate and see other things in life differently too.

Cultivate Your Garden

Voltaire said it best but, the key to cultivating your personal style is knowing that it will never be finished.  There is something unique about clothing in that if you take the time to look at your style, you will learn a lot about yourself. As exhausting as that seems, it shouldn't be. Part of the beauty (and pain) of the fashion industry is that it is constantly challenging and re-inventing itself. At Canvas we encourage the same, but acknowledge the best changes are the slow ones that evolve with you overtime.

Stay Stylish,

K&M

The Classic with a Pop Look:  Zara Striped Blouse $49.90, AG Skinny Jeans $235, Sole Society Earrings (similar), FSNY Animal Print Flats (similar)

The Three Shirts Every Man Needs For Spring

Photo Credit: Ayobade-Adebayo

Are you a man looking to update your closet with some spring essentials? Well look no further because we are dishing on the three button-down shirts that will carry you through the season looking sharp.

Spring calls for lighter fabrics, softer colors and even a floral thrown into the mix. Below are our top picks. Don't be afraid to make them your own in a variation that works for your style. 

Stay Stylish,
K&M

Jack Spade Pinstripe Chambray, $86 (on sale)

Chambray

Add a little breathable texture to your look. Think of this as your everyday linen shirt. It's perfect for a weekend bbq or layered under a sportcoat at the office. Mix it up this year and try a nehru collar (pictured) instead of the standard button down collar.

Bonobos Slim Fit Gingham Sport Shirt, $88

Gingham

If you don't have this print in your closet right now, your neighbor must be stealing your J.Crew mailer. This print has reached the point of satire, but why not mix it up by choosing a fresh shade for spring? We are fans of lavender, green or pink pastels. Go ahead show off your softer side...

Rodd&Gunn Slim Fit Sport Shirt, $148

Floral

This print is not just for the ladies this season. Florals have gone mainstream  and are a fun way to add a little personality to a casual day-time look. If the print is feeling a little to bold, layer on a linen blend sweater. For evening stick to a two tone floral print and pair it with a jacket or sportcoat.

Canvas Turns Two: We're Celebrating With Everyone!!

We Are Turning Two

It's hard to believe that we released the rolling racks and started Canvas Styling two years ago! The time has flow by and the journey has been a pure joy, even on the tough days. Now three stylists strong, we are excited to enter our third year and help even more people feel their best.

A big "THANK YOU" to our families, friends, fashion colleagues and clients for ALL of your continuous support!! You keep us grounded and striving harder everyday to make bigger waves doing what we love.

Our Gift To You - A Birthday Treat

Now, the fun part! To celebrate Canvas's second anniversary we are offering a special treat today 3/31 through Sunday 4/2 only.

• New Client Two For One Deal! Buy any package this weekend and get a second to share with a friend.
• 20% Off For All Existing Clients! Book any new service this weekend and get a 20% discount. Services must be scheduled within the next two months.
• Please mention "CanvasTwo" to receive the deal.

Thank you ALL again for following our story!

Stay Stylish,
Kimberly, Megan & Devon

Print Mixing Our Way to Spring

In the spectrum of style, print mixing is an advanced move. Some people call it "power clashing prints" while others refer to it as the "not matching match". It's one of Megan's favorite ways to dress and often one of the hardest things for more conservative dressers to try.

Embrace the Chaos

The secret to mixing prints is to not overthink it. The more analytical you are, the more complicated it can feel. Start by replacing the solid shirt in your everyday uniform with a soft print and work your way up from there.

Tips for Mixing Prints

Feeling a little nervous if you can pull it off? It may take a little extra attitude -- however, there are a few basic rules to make it easier.

1. Start small.  Keep it simple with classic geometrics like a stripe, dot and then pair it with a spring floral.

2. Leopard is a neutral. DVF said it first and we agree. If you are wearing a floral blouse or bold stripes, add a pair of leopard flats or jacket like Megan did above.

3. Know your scale. Choose one print that dominates and one as an accent. For example, Megan is letting her floral blouse dominate and the leopard accent it.

4. Limit your color palette. Make sure that your colors are complementary (opposite on the color wheel) or different shades of the same family (dark blue and baby blue).

5. Invert your prints. If you aren't into bold colors, try inverting your prints by pairing a black item with white stripes with a white item with black stripes.

Outfit details: Zara printed poplin top, faux leopard fur jacket (similar), Levis 710 jeans, Nine West flats (similar) and Alexander McQueen sunnies.

Stay Stylish,
K&M