INSTANT LOVE

It takes a lot for me to make a snap clothing purchase these days. Having just moved I'm in edit mode, not collect mode.

However, today I fell in love and there was no question that I was purchasing this dress.

No gut check, the gut just knew. This blind commitment happens less often, but is most certain. And these purchases are the ones that stay with me for years, like old friends. 

Pair it with sexy little gold sandals, wet hair in a bun. Summer. Done.

Shop sandals:

INITIAL EXCITEMENT

I am beyond excited to share with you the new Legacy Letters from India Hicks. Some of you may remember India designed a collection of these prior to launching her own extraordinary company. On my numerous stops in to The Sugar Mill over the years I always coveted them but for some reason never up and bought one. A while back she told me they were going away so she could rebrand, rebuild and reboot not only the letters, but an entire lifestyle brand.  And while I was most excited to see what she was going to do next, I was sad. Shoulda coulda woulda kind of sad. I have been waiting... 

I am about to send you to a lovely video that will give you insight as to why these initials are such an integral and important part of India's life. Get to know India a little more and listen to her describe her fathers's style and the imprint he left on not only his family but the world of interior design. Meet her unforgettable mother Lady Pamela who has the most beautiful eyes I have ever seen.  This is their legacy. I am thrilled India is sharing it with us.  

Watch here, shop here. 

FREEPEOPLE PEOPLE

You know how you get to a 'certain age' where you still want to rock some of-the-minute Gen-Y  or even maybe Gen-Z fashion but you know there is a fine line between cool and so not cool? Well I'm there. But I still like to shop at F21 and H & M and I am still in love with Free People even though head to toe all that is a tad too much. 

In my Gen-X opinion I say find a wow piece and put it on with your boyfriends and a white T. Today for me it is these boots. I could not love them any more if I tried. 

The key to staying hip is to not be too hip. Right? I'm going with that. Firmly planted in my kick-ass booties.

SHOP these booties here, here, or below.

SLIGHTLY OBSESSED: GARANCE DORE

When I first started blogging there were a handful of bloggers who really inspired me and one of them is Garance Dore.  She is a woman who lives in her own skin. Which is something I believe is so very important for all of us to remember as we shape our lives. 

Her blog is full of honesty and inspiration. As is her new book Love x Style x Life. It is brimming with honesty and humor - her journey of self awareness, rising to life's challenges, making your own rules, chopping off your hair, turning 40.  Full of insight and thoughtful observations, it is a very sweet and inspiring read. 

We just put it in the store for what I think is the perfect gift for the girlfriends in your life. I am truly excited to tuck in to the next chapter. And for those of you who know me, I prefer a good Town & Country or People magazine to a book any day. This book had me at hello. 

If you are reading locally, stop by our Winter Park location to grab your copy.

Visit her website for order information if you are reading from afar. 

 Garance Dore

THE PERFECT HOLIDAY DRESS AND BEYOND

This dress. That's all I'm going to say today. This. Dress. I mean really, who would need another? I am completely obsessed. 

Find this beauty here

THIS AIN'T YOUR GRANDMA'S CARDIGAN

The one Fall item I cannot live without is a cardigan. This style staple has been in my wardrobe for a long time, dating back to my high school uniform days.  It is the perfect layer for our Florida 'winters' and an easy way to leave the house feeling cozy and classic. My addiction is cashmere. There are some well-priced cashmere pieces out there and if you collect classics and take care of them they will last you for many a season.  A good style staple investment. 

image found: here

Throw one over your jean shorts and a long sleeve tee as a transitional layer, or squeeze in to those skinny jeans and throw a black one on for insta-good outfit.

SHOP THE LOOK:

SNEAK PEEK: INDIA HICKS FALL COLLECTION

Hi! Sorry its been a while. My computer is very sad and not working thus the lack of posts lately.  So I hacked in to Mr. K's ancient computer which apparently is running far better than mine. Cross your fingers that the Genius I am meeting on Saturday at the Apple store is truly a Genius. 

I was motivated to find a work-around so I can share with you India Hicks' new Fall Collection.  For those of you who have been with me for a while, you know I think very highly of India and am always excited to share what she has up her sleeve (a rather fab bell sleeve I might add). The new India Hicks Fall collection introduces a few things I think you will love ... jewelry, a cross body bag, and I am obsessed with the 'Take Out' wallet and necklace you will see below.

The fall collection launches September 1st and my box of goodies should be arriving right about then.

I've said it before, but here it is again. India is so invested personally in how this collection grows. Each piece has a story that really does come from her voice.  She cares deeply about the community of entrepreneurial women she  is building.  And she is still having fun, which after watching her over the last 6 months is quite amazing.  She doesn't stop, and inspires me to get off my arse and keep moving on the days where I really just would rather not. 

Local friends I'll be receiving my box of fall goodies next week and will whip together a little wine and cheese at Canvas very soon.  I really am looking forward to sharing it with you. 

SEPTEMBER 1ST the collection goes live! 

go here to shop 
(browse the full catalog by following link in the sidebar)

With the In Style, Marie Claire and Town & Country press this summer I have a feeling its going to be a busy fall for India.  Keep truckin' lady. 

HAPPY (NORDSTROM) ANNIVERSARY

The Nordstrom Anniversary sale comes to a close August 2.  I must admit when the sale starts in July and I am firmly planted in summer, it takes a while for my gears to shift to fall. But once they shift they are in high gear. I cannot wait for fall.

Take advantage of these last few days of the sale. My advice? Go for the bigger ticket items. A coat. Or a favorite pair of boots. Or a new pair of jeans.

Here are my Nordstrom sale picks to get the most bang for your buck:

Picture any of these items mixed with each other and they all work. put the plaid coat with the leather jeans and ankle bootie.  Put the leather jacket with the boyfriend jeans and wedge booties.  And so on and so on... 

Its how I roll. I can promise you it makes life a lot easier in the morning. 

SHOP COATS:

Smythe faux fur coat  |  Kenneth Cole plaid coat  |  Trouve leather coat

SHOP JEANS: 

AG 'the Stilt' jeans  |  Blank NYC faux leather jeans   |  Rag & Bone boyfriend jeans

SHOP BOOTS:

Stuart Weitzman wedge bootie  |  Frye tall boot   |  Paul Green ankle bootie

CANVAS INTERIORS: SHOP OUR VIRTUAL POP UP SHOP

Our friends are gathering and I'm whipping up a summer salad for our India Hicks Pop Up Shop.  We have so much fun seeing friends at these get togethers so I thought I would share the event with you here. 

ENTER THE POP UP SHOP HERE

Read on for my advice and favorites:

I have quite a few favorites in the Collection. Number one has to be the Carmen Clutch. You just can't go wrong with this one.  It comes with a tassel (same color as clutch) but I like to add a different color tassel depending on my mood.  I highly recommend getting a black AND a stone Carmen Clutch.  I know, sounds crazy but you really never need another clutch and you can mix and match the tassels. 

SHOP: Carmen Clutch

Here is my Flamingo Agra Tassel in action.

As you know I don't do a ton of color but this little tassel packs a lot of punch. Just the right amount for me. 

SHOP: Agra Tassel

(ps: the bag lower right above and below top row middle is fab too - the Mayfair)

Here are some more of my favorites, especially the Siren Scarf and Beetle Bags.  The Beetle bags are indispensable and make great gifts.  They come in 5 different colors.  

 

I wear the Honour Bound Love token. It reminds me of my very proper Toronto all-girls school motto 'Keep well the Road'.  It is a good talisman to live a life of integrity. It was India's grandfather, Earl Mountbatten of Burma's family motto so I feel I am in good company. 

Join us today from wherever you are!  I wish I could send you a virtual cupcake.

 Shop the link to the pop up shop:  here

NORDSTROM ANNIVERSARY SALE COUNTDOWN

I am a big fan of the Nordstrom Anniversary sale. It is a forward-looking sale. In other words, get motivated for Fall because while you are at the beach, Nordies is selling sweaters.

If you are a Nordstrom card holder you can shop these links now with early access. If you don't have a card, July 17th is the start date of the sale. But you can still follow the links and put these things on your 'wish list' so you can just hit 'purchase' on the 17th.  Set your alarm - this is a good sale folks.

I am completely obsessed with this whole look head to toe:

SHOP:

Vince hooded coat: SALE $464.90 (after sale $695)

Vince ribbed cashmere blend turtleneck: SALE $163 (after sale $245)

Vince Boyfriend Trousers: SALE $129.90 (after sale $195)

Vince Adley Mid Heel: SALE $284.90 (after sale $425)

I would put this cute little sweater with these culottes:

SHOP:

Chelsea28 Embroidered sweater:  SALE $58.90 (after sale $88)

Rebecca Taylor Coulottes: SALE $216.90 (after sale $325)

And every year I think I want Hunter Boots and then I talk myself out of it (we live in Florida for goodness sake) but I really really want these. On Sale. Ok? 

SHOP:

Hunter boots: SALE $169.90 (after sale $250)

I have been on the Nordstrom website today longer than I care to admit saving my 'wish list'. 

If you are a Nordstrom cardholder GO NOW! You have early access. 

The rest of us have to wait until July 17th.  

sigh. 

CANVASSTYLE SPOTLIGHT: INDIA HICKS COLLECTION

As we settle in to summer there is good news. For all of my sweet friends who love and want the Stone Carmen clutch from the India Hicks collection, it is available for pre-order. Softest clutch ever btw.

SHOP: pre order here now, ships end of July

I can tell you that behind the scenes as I quietly watch and learn from the life force that is India Hicks, this company is working very hard. She is working very hard.  I am happy to bring this line to you because I know that the attention to detail and sheer creativity that have gone in to the birth of this brand is heartfelt. India is not a 'personality' lending her name to a bunch of stuff. This is her 'stuff'.  It is of high quality and well thought out. It is her creativity and vision that you see. She's the real deal. Hard working, charming and real.

Take a look at some of my favorites and then explore the site. Read her stories and giggle a little. Or be inspired a little. Or touched a little. It is all part of her brand and it is really her voice. While her family history and lineage is quite impressive it is her bright smile and adventurous (and slightly cheeky) spirit that completes the picture of her lifestyle brand.

MY PICKS:

SHOP THESE LINKS TO MY FAVORITES 

Wild Spiderlily rollerball 

any and all Carmen Clutches

Ride Above It Love Token

Siren Scarf 

Carmen Clutch in Stone

Agra Tassel in Flamingo (put it on the Stone Carmen Clutch)

Black Hibiscus candle

The Grove Hand Lotion

any and all Beetle Bags (can't get enough of these) 

CANVASSTYLE CRUSH

I have long been a fan of Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere. She is one of the bloggers I have followed for a while now and have really enjoyed seeing her brand take flight.  Fun fact for today:

Emily just launched a clothing line with Nordstrom and Shopbop today. 

I am happy to share it with you here. It is a good edit of basics with a twist, with this first phase launching today. Two more phases to launch in the coming weeks.

I love seeing ideas and dreams turn into a business. Congratulations Emily on a great launch. I can't wait to see what else you have up your sleeve. 

SHOP THE COLLECTION AT 

NORDSTROM

OR

SHOPBOP

CANVASSTYLE UNIFORM

It has been a whirlwind here chez K with the end of the school year screeching to a halt, birthdays, lacrosse tournaments and black tie affairs (thus the lack of posts). Some of these activities were doubled up on the same day, some were back to back days and nights running into days.  

My survival guide at times like this is a uniform. Must be my all girls school uniform upbringing but it works. Boring? Maybe. But sanity-preserving - absolutely.

The best example of this was getting from a hot as hell Lacrosse tournament to a Black Tie affair and getting dressed in 30 minutes (yes I showered).

Uniform 1: Lacrosse tournament

Cut offs, white tee, TOMS, Panama Hat

Presto change-o:


Uniform 2:  Black Tie shindig

Ball skirt (sale!), black silk tank, F21 necklace, fancy shoes, (sale!) perfect India Hicks clutch

I find if I keep it simple and stick to my tried and true style, anything is possible. 

Including dancing in heels. 

CANVASSTYLE CRUSH: URBAN OUTFITTERS

I took a whirlwind trip to my favorite quick fix stores (H & M, F21) and as I was headed out the door (empty handed I might add) I spotted an intriguing new vibe in the Urban Outfitters window display. I have been a fan of this brand since it launched but I must admit as I progressed in years, they seemed to be trending younger. 

But there seems to be change in the wind at UO.  Enough of a change to make me stop and check it out. The window displays were open, uncluttered, welcoming and 'still'.  The music playing was mellow and inviting. The clothes were soft and feminine.  I rather liked it. And I rather loved this dress.  So I sort of bought it.

Here are a few more of my picks for summer.  I really like the direction they are headed and hope to see more of it for fall.  

SHOP MY PICKS:

grey dress

 printed skirt  |  printed jumpsuit

black jumpsuit  |  lace bralette  |  black t shirt dress

white beaded maxi dress  |  white eyelet maxi dress

JUST BEACHY

I don't know about you but there is something about styling a fun and slightly colorful (yes, I do like a little color in the summer) summer go-to beach wardrobe that gets me giddy. And since this is more like an addendum to my every day basics I feel like the challenge is to do it without breaking the bank.  

Here are some fun summer beach ideas I have my eye on. All of them except the bracelets are under $50 (bracelets are $62 but I just had to include them because they are lovely).

bracelets  //  white dress:   // straw bag  // IH Siren Scarf  //  IH beetle bag

And for an extra dose of sunshine ... all under $100
---------------------

HAVING A BALL

We are soon headed to a fancy black tie party, the always inspiring Make-A-Wish Wishmaker's Ball. What to wear for a girl who lives in casual clothes?  Each year I have fun with this challenge. From a very expensive pair of shoes bought for the occasion, to a $4 necklace, I've mixed and matched and repurposed my black tie look over the years with one thing in mind: comfort. 

Last fall I purchased something on a whim, not knowing where I would get to wear it. It is a lovely big floor length ball skirt. I'm so loving this look and the fact that you can mix and match the top for a different vibe is music to my ears.  

I love these three - a crisp black version with classic white or add a pop of color and keep the top simple, or a layer of tulle and a little edge. This thing's got legs.

SHOP THE LOOK:

Now I just need to find the perfect top:

Learn more about Make-A-Wish and the Wishmaker's Ball

images found here:  1 // 2 // 3 

CANVASSTYLE ON THE HUNT

I have been on the hunt for the perfect black summer wedge.  Sounds simple enough right?  I don't do heels well. I do TOMS and Converse well. So when I need a little height I have to go for a wedge. I have always loved a good espadrille. However finding a black one that looks refined enough to dress up but casual enough to dress down has proven challenging.

I have collected some that I like here... I must warn you some of these are rather expensive (Burberry, Lanvin... ) however I collected them none-the-less.  I assembled both espadrilles and black wedges. Some of these are dressier than others but they all share one thing in common. Refined.  

After much (too much) searching I think I have settled on this one:

Joe's Jeans 'Robina' 

These will work with a FBD (Floaty Black Dress) or rolled up boyfriends. Done and done. 

THE CAFTAN

Google 'caftan' or 'kaftan' and you get all kinds of images. From hippie chic to embroidered elegance, this item conjures up many vibes. I have been slightly obsessed with finding just the right one. Not too hippie, not to big that it swallows me.  Both chic and elegant at the end of a long beach day, this style staple can go straight to dinner.

SHOP THE LOOK:

WHITE:

SUBTLE COLOR:

MORE COLOR THAN I USUALLY WEAR BUT HERE'S WHERE TO DO IT COLOR:

The one on the far right in the mood board images is this one and it is breathtaking:

Anthropologie Silk Caftan

When I put one of these on I feel like I sort of float.  A good feeling on a hot summer night.