Walk This Way: Menswear Shoes To Sport This Fall

Calling all guys - is your wardrobe ready for Fall 2017? An easy way to transition between seasons is by switching out your footwear. Whether you are in the market to spruce up on a budget or splurge on an investment shoe, we are sharing our three favorite men's shoe styles for fall.

Worried about how you'll put it all together and rock the right shoe with the right ensemble? We've got you covered! We are keeping it simple and sharing what looks best with our favorite fall shoes.

Stay Stylish,
M, K & D

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THE CHELSEA BOOT

"I love this style for men because you are getting a two-for-one deal." -Devon

Keep it sleek and contemporary this fall with the classic Chelsea Boot. This style is the perfect shoe for day and night. The elastic sides make this shoe super comfy for all day wear.

How To Wear It? Wear with your denim (cuffed or uncuffed) for a cool street style vibe. To easily elevate your look, pair these boots with a suit or slacks and blazer combo instead of your traditional dress shoes.

STYLE STEAL: Urban Outfitter Suede Chelsea Boot, $89

INVESTMENT: Too Boot New York Toby Chelsea Boot, $395

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THE ESSENTIAL BROGUE 

"Nothing says Fall menswear like a richly colored leather brogue"-Kimberly

Maybe it's the Scotch-Irish roots of this shoe that makes it so easy to fall in love with. Originally designed as a tough outdoor shoe perfect for autumn/winter these shoes are made to last. It's handsome in a cognac color (think burnt caramel) or a deeper brown. We prefer a brogue that has a little detail but doesn't overpower this look or the wearer.

Style Tip: Try a few on, not all have the same degree of decorative perforations.

How To Wear It? Pair a brogue with navy or brown slacks and a crisp button-down with a sport coat. To dress down the look, wear these shoes with dark denim, a casual button-down, and a smart half-zip sweater.

STYLE STEAL: Florsheim 'Castellano' Wingtip In Saddle Tan, $99.95 (on sale)

INVESTMENT: M.Gemi Alato In Chestnut $278

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THE CRISP WHITE SNEAKER

"I can't get enough of this this style! It's so easy to wear and can instantly elevate even the most casual outfit." - Megan

I know, I know... I've been talking about white sneakers for a few seasons now. But this style isn't going anywhere and is an absolute must-have for all men. White sneakers check all of the boxes: they are comfortable for all-day wear, can be worn day or night, and add instant style to any wardrobe.

Pro Tip: Keep your white sneakers clean by touching up weekly with a Mr. Clean Magic White Sponge.

How To Wear It? For a daytime look, throw these on with your favorite denim or track pants. To transition to evening, add a patterned sock, dark denim or slacks, and a leather moto jacket for an edgy/sleek look.

STYLE STEAL: Goodfellow & Co. Jared Lo Pro Tennis Shoe, $29.99

INVESTMENT: Common Projects Men's Achilles Canvas Sneakers, $395

Kimberly's Everyday Fall Fashion: The 5-second Outfit

I often ask clients when we first meet what their 5-second outfit is. This may seem like an odd question but at the heart of Canvas Styling, we are more realists than fashionistas. That sensational dinner party look may be necessary, but likely what you really need are effortless outfitting ideas for every day.

Outfitting On The Fly: Effortless Style

What do you put on when your morning seems to be working against you and you spill that cup of coffee down your blouse? Today I am asking that question and sharing my answer with you. My hope is you will find it helpful in coming up with your own looks that are equally resilient and chic.

Building Bullet Proof Looks

The secret weapon of a capsule wardrobe is universality. If you have to suddenly change your top, bottom, or shoes, having a well-planned capsule wardrobe makes that quick change easy. If you missed our capsule wardrobe series, check out this blog to learn more.

Shoes That Go The Distance

As stylists, we are constantly on our feet running around stores, crawling under racks and up SF hills to find that perfect client piece (never trust a stylist in heels).

Having a good pair of shoes to support you along the way is essential. Having a good pair of shoes that are stylish can be problematic. Which is why we are all capitalizing on the mule and loafer trend this season because they walk this line oh so well.

The pair pictured are from Banana Republic from a few years ago. They go with just about everything, but they have stretched over time. Here are a few a great alternative options (steal and investment).

The Jacket Sweater Hybrid

Move over grandpa and boyfriends, a new sweater cardigan is in town and we are smitten! I picked up this J.Crew Sweater Blazer a few weeks ago after much deliberation (the sizing is generous--but go by what shoulder and sleeve length work best. I am wearing a small). Camel has been a popular jacket essential for the past few years, but many of the coats are better suited for colder climates than SF. I love that this sweater jacket is Merino wool, so it keeps me toasty without the weight or size of a fully lined jacket. I can easily stow it away in a bag for the midday fall sunshine and pull it out when the fog returns.

Outfit Details: J.Crew Sweater Blazer $138, AG Farah High-rise Jeans $178, Black and White Linen Tee (Similar Caslon $25), Older BR Wine Flats (Similar above), Earrings Jessica Thompson Designs Triangle Pear $38

Velvet Crush: Megan Embraces Fall's Kimono Trend

I love the effortless glamour of a kimono. For years I've been wearing a vintage kimono that my Nana purchased in Japan. So this season, I was excited to see kimonos having their moment in the spotlight again.

The Perfect Summer-Fall Transition Piece

We've chatted before on the blog about how to transition your wardrobe from one season to the next. The kimono is a chic and easy way to update your wardrobe for fall. It's a light layering piece, but you can still find styles with enough weight to keep you warm when temperatures drop. My velvet kimono (pictured) is a lot heavier than it appears, which I love since it will take me well into the cooler months.

Ways To Style Your Kimono

Do you love the idea of a kimono but aren't sure if it's really your style? Right now you can find this trend in a range of lengths, colors, and fabrics, so you can really tailor the look to suit your personal style. If you are a jeans and t-shirt gal, try a longer version with high-waisted skinny jeans. If you are more of a classic dresser, opt for a shorter cut that will accentuate your waist when worn with a cinched belt and pencil skirt (a great update on office-chic!).

Outfit details: Goorin Bros. fedora, Anthropologie dandelion velvet kimono, All Saints Vana sweater, DL1961 Emma jeans, Free People metallic mules, vintage jewelry

Our Favorite Fall Kimonos

To help inspire you, we put together some of our favorite kimonos that are in stores and online right now.

Stay Stylish,
M&K

Fall Dressing In SF: Embellishment Trends

All month, we have been sharing some of our favorite Fall style trends. Today, Devon is taking over the blog to share what she's most excited about this season.

Stay Stylish,

M+K+D

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Looking into fall, I am most excited to spice up my basics with more fun embellishments. Maybe it’s the art school kid in me; but I love the adorned look (even if I’m not doing it myself.) Here are some of my favorite ways to incorporate embellishments into your everyday wardrobe this fall.

Patches...

You can thank Gucci for the current obsession with patches. Select a huge one or lots of little ones, grab an iron and you’re all set! Over-the-top embroidery is an easy way to elevate your wardrobe this upcoming season. Your denim jacket has never looked cooler.

Pins, and...

I get a pin or patch every time I travel and have many from friends and family. Enamel pins are a quirky way to personalize your look. Select a few that speak to your current mood and get creative! We love the latest local "Hella Good" SF Pin from Seldom Seen in Hayes Valley. them to almost anything--your go-to jacket, a tote bag, lapels and collars, baseball caps and so much more!

Pearls...Oh My!

Another favorite embellished trend, of course, are pearls. This fall, pearls aren’t just meant to collect dust in your jewelry box. Give these baubles new life by adding them in expected ways. Embellished denim, pearl-adorned footwear, even decorated sweatshirts are just a few ways to bring the pearl into 2017.

Insider tip: For a step-by-step to creating your own embellished jeans, check out my favorite blog post of the summer here.

Fall Dressing In SF: Kicking Up Your Mules

One of the hottest fall trends in footwear this year is the mule. We love that regardless of your style this silhouette is offered in a fresh mix of fabrications, colors and details.

Suede Maddy Mules at Nordstrom (BP section)

Mules: A Horse of Another Color

So what is a mule? Originating in France, this shoe can be considered the more sophisticated cousin of the clog. As you may have noticed, clogs have been creeping into the SF fashion scene for sometime now, so a mule appearance was bound to happen. If you are interested in reading up on the history, the mule has had a somewhat scandalous past in French society, but luckily better days are ahead for this horse hybrid. Here's a link to an interesting article on the history via HouserShoes.

Choose A Mule Style That Suits You

A few weeks ago I spotted this Maddy mule at Nordstrom and they stopped me in my tracks. I have been looking for a new comfortable shoe to wear on client shopping trips. Initially I wanted something a little more high style or metallic but these mule-loafers are practical and cute. It was a tough choice, but I landed on the mustard for a pop of color. This shade integrates with my existing fall wardrobe (I wear a lot of navy so yellow is a natural compliment).

Textured Mules at Ruti on Fillmore Street

Trends Come and Go, But Style is Timeless

As we have written before, just because something is a "trend" it does not mean you need to race out to your nearest store and pick up the "it" pieces. However, don't be afraid to bend a trend so you stay relevant. This fall there are so many different interpretations of mules whether it is a slide, loafer, or convertible style. Try on a few, you may be surprised with what you discover. 

How To Wear Mules and Not Look Like a Jackass

(Sorry Mom, that was just a bad pun). What we love about the new 2017 mule is that it is fairly foolproof. Because these shoes are backless they inherently show a little ankle, which makes them a perfect match for this season's ankle length pants, capris, skirts or dresses. The key is to show off the shoe. If you choose to wear them with flares or something with flowy fabric, add some height to the heel so they don't appear clunky.

Stay Stylish,
K&M

Fall Dressing in SF: Transition Your Wardrobe Like A Pro

Last year Megan and I shared with you how we transitioned our wardrobe by season. This year we are revisiting the topic and adding a few new tips to keep you on point and fashion-ready for fall.

Define Your Season And Dress For Comfort

Every city has its own weather patterns. In San Francisco our Indian Summer is always part of the Fall transition. You feel a crisp in the air, pull out that sweater, and BAM! its 90 degrees. Plan for what you can and be realistic. 

Bring Your Favorite Summer Pieces Into Fall

We wear our favorite denim all year long... yes, even white jeans! To give your lighter denim new life, try pairing it with a jewel-toned sweater.

We also like to keep a few sundresses in our closet that are good in warm or cool temps and infuse a new jacket or cardigan for easy layering.

Add Three New Items You Love

It's easy to jump right into a new season and want to start fresh, but fight the urge! Choose three new Fall pieces and introduce them to your closet. This will not only help stretch the wear of new pieces, it will keep you seasonally relevant. No one wants to show up to work in their wool dress and boots and be boiling by lunch.

Fall Trends To Shop Now

Try pairing your new leather jacket (we love Blank NYC motos for a vegan option) with Spring/Summer's gray denim. Add a Fall velvet pump (check out one of our faves) to a sundress to give it more gravitas. 

Stay Stylish,
M&K

Stepping Into Fall's Trends: Megan's Easy Work Dressing

It may not quite be fall in San Francisco, but we have been talking about Fall Fashion and what to wear to work for the last month at the Canvas office.  I've been excited about this post and have been waiting to share it for a while. Not only because I love Fall dressing, but also because this blue leather moto jacket is currently my favorite wardrobe piece.

Dressing for the Changing Seasons

Early fall is a tricky time to dress in San Francisco. While our East Coast friends are watching the leaves change and the temps drop, things are starting to heat up in San Francisco. This time of year Kimberly and I both love to mix our summer staples with fresh fall pieces. It is an easy way to transition our wardrobes into the new season.

What to Wear to Work This Fall

Since most of us spend more time at work than anywhere else, we want to feel on-trend while still being professional. The key is to mix in your trend-forward pieces with work staples in order to give them some new life. This year, instead of reaching for your typical work blazer, incorporate a cropped jacket with color or texture into your Fall work wardrobe.

Outfit details: Blank NYC leather moto jacket (similar), J.Crew ruffle tee (similar), Lucy Paris black crochet skirt (similar)

Dare to Be Bold

Bright saturated colors (especially red and blue) are very popular right now in leather and suede motorcycle jackets.  To tone down my bright blue moto, I paired it with one of my fave skirts from spring/summer. The edginess of the leather jacket with its metal accents plays well with the soft lace crochet of the skirt. If I get warm (which I do running around all day) I can take off the jacket to reveal a crisp white ruffle t-shirt underneath. Then when it cools down at night the moto can come back on for a bold evening look.

Stay tuned... over the next few weeks we will be taking more of Fall's hottest trends and showing you how to make them your own.

Stay Stylish,
M&K

Photos by Kelsey Johnson

Stylish Tips That Will Transform Your Travel

Labor Day weekend means that the last blissful days of summer are coming to a close. We filled our summer with plenty of travel, including Kimberly's epic trip exploring Amsterdam and the Dutch countryside, Megan's beach vacation and Devon's weekend visits back to NYC.

With so many miles of travel logged at the Canvas office, we've become seasoned pros at not only packing light but figuring out sneaky ways to make sure we have everything we need when traveling. To help you prep for your Labor Day travel (and beyond), we are dishing on our favorite cosmetic bags and beauty hacks that keep us stylish.

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Our Favorite Stylish Toiletry Bags To Stow It All

Megan's Sleek Multi-Tasking Toiletry Bag

I am a bit of an organization freak and need a travel case with lots of compartments. I love this bag from Nordstrom Rack because it has a top zipper section for makeup with special brush storage and a larger bottom section for my face wash, shampoo, etc.

Kimberly's Fit It All Convertible Toiletry Bag

I purchased this Toiletry from Flight001 in Hayes Valley and couldn't be happier. After years of making due with many little bag, this Spacepak holds it all for long journeys. I love that it has a hook to keep you hands free in tiny bathrooms.

Devon's High Style Stow It Toiletry Bag

My everyday cosmetic bag is stuffed to the brim with beauty products I rarely use. I recently made the switch to this more compact bag from Henri Bendel to focus on the products that actually work best for me. I love this pouch for traveling because I only bring exactly what I need, plus it's just super cute!

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Travel Beauty Hacks You Have To Try

From face masks to fragrance, here are our favorite hacks when getting ready to take off.

A quick oil-blotting solution

"Blotting sheets are one of my travel essentials. If I ever run out or don't have any on me, I use a toilet seat cover from the women's restroom. They're made out of the same rice paper as blotters and do the trick in a pinch" - Megan

Be a Masked Maven

"I pack a japanese or hydrating face mask (I like Dr. Jart's or Tatcha) from Japantown or Sephora in my carry-on for long flights. You loose so much water flying that I pop a mask on to keep hydrated while everyone is sleeping (yes it's a fashion statement) but the coolness also helps me sleep." -Kimberly

Put Your Samples to Good Use

"A sneaky travel beauty tip I love is free samples! During my everyday, I am a one fragrance-woman. Sadly, I cant bring my trusty perfume in my carry-on bad, so I love grabbing as many sample scents as I can fit in my toiletry bag. Use the travel restrictions as an opportunity to test on new products!" -Devon

Stay Stylish,

K+M+D

A Day Trip In Dutch Countryside: Exploring Delft and Haarlem

Although traveling to other cities is thrilling, when you live in a city sometimes you want to leave the hustle and bustle behind you for the day. I had read about the idyllic Dutch countryside before my trip to Amsterdam and remembered studying in college Rembrandt prints of windmills set behind waterways. I wanted to explore this different side of Holland that seemed locked in time.

Because the country is relatively small, there are several quaint historic towns an hour out of Amsterdam by train.  Delft and Haarlem are on the same train line so they seemed like the best options for a day trip. Like I mentioned in my last blog on Amsterdam, one of the best ways to experience Dutch life is by water. Taking the train was no exception as you paralleled many canals through pastureland and spotted the occasional old windmill.

Delft: Home to Vermeer and Royal Delft China

I am not someone who is big on souvenirs, but I love blue and white china and had my heart set on picking up something as a Dutch memento. Delft is world renowned for their pottery or "delftware". Royal Delft China is located just outside the city offering behind the scenes tours on how each piece is lovingly created.  If you have time, I highly recommend taking the tour.

If you want a comprehensive historic tour of the city head to the Tourist Information Point (TIP) at the center of the main square near the "New Church" and purchase one of the museum/tour package (Combi Ticket) options. The main square is somewhat touristy so, take time to wander through the streets beyond. Explore the old drawbridge or visit Vermeer's Aunt's House captured in one of his paintings. Don't miss stopping to take a break at the "Beestenmarkt" and sit with the locals in this converted animal market turned beer garden. If you are lucky you may catch a glimpse of a local celebrity, a rather large hog, taking her daily stroll.

Haarlem: Windmills, Jenever and Maritime

Haarlem is located just northwest of Amsterdam amid of the key flower growing fields in Holland. If you are travel here in the spring, it is one area not to miss. From the train I could see the remnants of a productive tulip season and preparations for next year. This town was once a bustling maritime port, a history that is evident the in medieval architecture and canals.  

I arrived late in the day, but there was still plenty to explore including a fully restored windmill. If you happen by Molen de Adriaan, after tour hours stop by the neighboring restaurant for an al fresco Jenever and Tonic and take in the view.  Jenever is the Dutch version of gin and many local restaurants, including this one, distill their own. It was quite possibly the best Gin and Tonic I've ever had! If Jenever is not your preference, consider stopping by De Jopenkerk to taste a locally made beer with a side of bitterballen in a converted church.

Not far from the Windmill, is the Grote Markt, containing the expansive town square and cathedral, De Grote Kerk. I arrived before the evening bells that once called visitors to the city's walled gates before closing. Luckily for me, the walls are long gone, and I had time to pass by several enclosed garden courtyards or hofjes before taking the train back to Amsterdam. 

There was plenty to see in these two towns and I highly recommend at least visiting Haarlem (a 15min train ride) if you are traveling to Amsterdam. The countryside and pace of life provided a deeper view of Dutch culture that could easily be lost in a larger city.

Delft-canal-view

A perspective view of one of Delft's many canals.

Delft-Dutch-cobbler

A local Delft cobbler carving traditional Dutch wooden shoes. These shoes were originally designed to keep you from getting stuck in the mud in the marshland common to Holland.

Delft-drawbridge-tower

Located on the outter edge of town this drawbridge was once a major gate to the old walled city.

Delf-street-view

Looking down a narrow street in Delf and local gets around town on the most common transportation, a bike.

Delftware-shop

A behind the scenes view of a Delfware shop. Note the decorative blue and white tiled doorway. This is the pottery style that made the city famous.

Delft-Beestenmarkt

A view of Delft's Beestenmarkt where animals were once traded and sold.

Dutch-countryside

A view from the train of Dutch countryside.

Haarlem-train-station

The historic train station in Haarlem is beautiful with inlaid tile and wooden stained interior.

Haarlem-Gin-and-Tonic

Haarlem's BEST Gin and Tonic that happens to be at the base of the town windmill. 

Haarlem-Happy-Hour

Enjoying a traditional Gin and Tonic with orange near Molen de Adriaan windmill.

Haarlem-hofjes

A beautifully designed hofjes courtyard in Haarlem near Molen de Adriaan windmill.

De-Grote-Kerk

Haarlem's famous church located in Grote Markt or the main town square.

Netherlands Travel: Kimberly's Top Five Things To Do In Amsterdam

When I travel to any new city the first thing I like to do is take a walking tour to get the lay of the land, a better sense of the culture and hear about the local history.

If you haven't traveled to Amsterdam before, the historic part of the city is designed in concentric circles made up of canals and streets radiating from the central train station. This makes quickly seeing the major sites reasonable, but there is so much rich history and culture it can be hard to see everything you want in the course of the two city days I had. 

Given my travel planning, I was able to see the top spots on my list and enjoy a little shopping too (more on that in our last blog). Here are a few recommendations and the places that made my Amsterdam experience so memorable.

Stay Stylish,

Kimberly

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Get Lost on a Walking Tour in Amsterdam

On this trip my travel buddy found a great podcast of a Rick Steves walking tour to give our schedule a little flexibility. Be sure to pack your headphones and you too will be ready to take on the city at your own pace!

This tour ended up being fantastic and led me through hidden spots I otherwise would have missed, like this famous Begijnhof. The courtyard dates back to the Middle Ages and later served as a sort of convent. The location is not far from the busy Dam Square, so worth a quick visit. In addition to a chapel, the courtyard also contains Amsterdam's oldest house, The "Wooden House" (Houten Huys).

 

Take a Canal Tour to Explore the Heart of Amsterdam

So much of life in Amsterdam happens on the water! To get a great view of picturesque Canal Houses, water side cafes and local culture, take a boat or barge tour in the morning or at sunset. I did a combination tour that included a boat tour and the Heineken Experience. Although kitchy, it was a fun way to see the city at sunset from the top of the old beer store house.

Stop and Smell the Tulips: Visit the Bloemenmarkt

A beautiful part of Dutch culture was observing the care to gardens and lush green spots in the city (including Vondelpark). If you need to find your green thumb or want a fun souvineer, you can purchase tulips at this floating flower market located not far from the Begijnhof above. Just make sure your tulips are sealed and ask a merchant if they are approved for US customs before purchasing.

Eat Something New at De Kaaskamer, Stash, or Blauw

Broadly speaking, Dutch cuisine isn't something universally sought after. However, what they specialize in, truly is special. Any trip to the Netherlands in my opinion wouldn't be complete without sampling the country's famed cheese (Gouda, Edam, Maasdam, etc.) and stroopwafels.

De Kaaskamer was a recommended stop from a Dutch friend and was the perfect place to get an introduction from a seasoned cheesemonger. This cheese shop is the best place in Amsterdam to purchase cheese to enjoy at the time (they offer take-aways with bread, cheese and other savories) and vacuum sealed slices to take home.

Unfortunately, I didn't make it to the famed Banketbakkerij Lanskroon Stroopwafel shop down the street before closing time. Luckily I did discover a great alternative at Stash! This is a wonderful epicurean market near Vondelpark perfect for picking up picnic supplies and their homemade waffles are delicious.

If you are on your way through Vondelpark, a great spot to end the day is Restaurant Blauw. They specialize in Indonesian rijsttafel, another must do in Amsterdam. This restaurant serves traditional vegetarian, fish and meat rice dishes with a modern flair.

Don't Miss the Culture: Visit a Museum, or Five

One thing I didn't want to miss in traveling to the Netherlands, was taking in original artwork by Dutch Masters and the many gifted contemporary Dutch artists. Beyond providing context to history, seeing local artwork provides great insight into the culture, spirit and values of a country.

Amsterdam is home to many fantastic museums. I was lucky enough to visit the Van Gogh Museum, The Rijksmuseum and The Anne Frank Haus. All three, were incredibly moving, well done and added a depth to my visit beyond enjoying the physical beauty of Amsterdam.

Most museums allow you to purchase tickets online ahead of time. I highly recommend doing so months in advance for the Anne Frank Haus to avoid long lines and/or searching daily for ticket sales.

Regardless of the tours you take, countless canals you stroll along, or friendly merchants you meet, Amsterdam is a city full of adventure, culture and beauty guaranteed to charm you.