On Pastel

Spring and pastels may be synonymous but that doesn't mean you have to look like a walking Easter basket. Don't make the mistake of avoiding the magic that is pastel for fear of being washed out or looking too "sweet" because believe you me, pastels can most definitely be sleek and chic as well as modern and refreshing. Peek our picks and p(le)as-tel(l) us what you think...;)

xo -MGK

Mother of Pearl via Net-a-Porter.com

T by Alexander Wang via Net-a-Porter.com

Wes Gordon via Net-a-Porter.com

Valentino Rockstud Clutch via Farfetch.com

Fendi Sandals via Net-a-Porter.com

Pretty Not Peculiar: Words To Live By

70 degrees, the sun peeking over the hill as I entered the gorgeous Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, the SF Ballet Auxiliary Show hosted by Neiman Marcus is one of the only runway shows in San Francisco worthy of such a large (450, to be exact), and may I add chic, audience.

As I entered the cocktail reception, my eyes could only focus from the neck down. I’m in the business of paying attention from the neck down so please forgive me. Upon first glance, I see a bevy of stylish, sophisticated women double kissing and showering one another with Emily Post appropriate niceties.  They are lovely, but I zoom in on a Mary Katrantzou flirty, baby blue structured ballerina dress, which also rather serendipitously made its way into the runway show. A bold and uber chic off the shoulder Faith Connexion tuxedo jacket and metallic pleated skirt, Sophia Webster gladiator heeled sandals and her chartreuse, or was it yellow, Dior clutch on none other than Sonya Molodetskaya. I’d be remiss not to mention the Rubin Singer cream and black printed dress with a structured cape on the gorgeous Sobia Shaikh or the fact that Damion Matthews was as dapper and chicly understated as ever in a black fitted suit and monochromatic shirt and tie combo, his hair styled to perfection. I was so lucky to serve as Damion’s fashion accessory in a few Drew Altizer photos, wearing my own geometric, metallic Kenzo dress and Gianvito Rossi heeled sandals.

The quintessential “ladies who lunch” definitely aspired to turn their own fashion quotient up in their freshly pressed Dolce and Gabbana printed dresses and multicolored handbags. Some misses, of course, but I’m not in the business of kissing and telling. Just call me already! A rainbow of pastels paired with moto jackets, dramatic costume jewelry and even a few white pumps (as seen on the marvelous Karen Caldwell) made it into the room.  It was as though Ken Downing sent out a memo to step it up or go home.

Ave Seltsam took the stage looking like a porcelain doll in her picture perfect white floral print dress and her even more perfect red hair and thanked the crowd for their overwhelming support of the San Francisco Ballet. Mr. Ken Downing then sauntered in, hands in his pockets onto the stage with a sense of petulance and charisma that only he can own. He began by reminiscing about the 60s and 70s and even referenced Stevie Nicks as his style inspiration for Neiman Marcus’s first collection. “Pretty not peculiar,” he told the audience. Fashion words he lives by bestowed upon him by his mother. I’m unsure if the majority of this year’s audience members followed that rule, but they nodded feverishly nonetheless.

The first story started and, well, there is nothing quite like a bellowing Stevie Nicks song to get the fashion party started.  Fringed bags, jackets and vests ruled the runway paired with long, voluminous peasant skirts, which skimmed the floor so gracefully I swear I had to wipe a tear from my eye. Modern, oversized leather motos in cream, cozy knitted cable sweaters thrown over beaded evening gowns and structured gold embellished Saint Laurent “Sergeant Pepper” inspired jackets hung delicately over the models’ shoulders while they walked with serious intention and equally serious, parted ever-so-carefully down the middle, chignons and slicked back ponytails.  An occasional feather headdress donned the heads of some of the models, leaving some of us confused but amused. It’s fair to say, the immaculate white runway hardly stood a chance against the rebellion of Ken Downing’s styling touch.

The second story was dedicated to creams and whites and included a Veronica Beard white jacket with a metallic collar and matching white tuxedo pants, long cream trenches over monochromatic printed maxi dresses, and big and burly faux fur vests in cream made their cameo and not surprisingly with Spring so fervently in the air. I was so lucky to have remembered my own white tuxedo jacket. God forbid I not fit in!

Lastly, Downing encouraged the amused audience to dance on their chairs ala Studio 54 and just like that, a barrage of glitter, shimmer and rock and roll proceeded down the runway. I’ll admit, the Tom Ford sequin jersey dress that Beyonce wore while on tour in Amsterdam in 2014 is a bit played out and may have encouraged a yawn or two, but the Tom Ford shimmer bell bottoms that bounced their way into my heart did not disappoint. Gold brocade coats over mod floral printed dresses and short shorts paraded down the runway like a scene from Disco Inferno.

The show ended with a thoughtful applause and most everyone stood in ovation for Neiman Marcus’ fashion director, Ken Downing. Leaving me in amused bewilderment over those that chose to stay seated (Emily Post would not approve). All audience members were then encouraged to come shop the runway show at Neiman Marcus. Many left, but the tried, the true and those with money to burn, couldn’t get there fast enough. Besides, who can pass up an opportunity to shop and be styled by the man, the legend himself, Ken Downing? All in all, a successful event for the San Francisco Ballet and one I hope to attend again next year.

xo - MGK

Local Gems: Eden & Eden

Whether we're in SF, NYC, London, Paris, or LA, we're always keeping our eyes peeled for hidden treasures so keep up with our "Local Gems" posts for some major shopping motivation!

In this week's SF Edition, we're feeling the spring vibes at Eden and Eden in North Beach. With a mix of European and vintage goods, it kind of has MGK all over it. Peek the pics and pop over to the shop! And since you'll be in North Beach pick up a pizza too. I mean...

xo -MGK

All photos taken by Andrea Posadas

Spring Cleaning

Cue the changing of the seasons and closet essentials and enter, Spring. Thanks to one of FebClub SF's last events for the month featuring Vogue contributor, Emily Holt, we got a firm idea of how to refine those Spring '15 wish lists with a great mix of on-trend styles, hero pieces, and of course, the splurges. Check out the favs picked out by us and Emily Holt below!

WHITE

Étoile by Isabel Marant Dress via netaporter.com

Red Valentino dress via netaporter.com

DENIM

Chloé Look 13 from SS15 Collection via style.com

Stella McCartney Denim Cutout A-line Dress via Barneys.com

STATEMENT EARRINGS

Dannijo Statement Earrings via NeimanMarcus.com

PLATFORMS

Saint Laurent Silver Platforms via Netaporter.com

Charlotte Olympia Leather Platforms via Netaporter.com

Now FYI, the list DOES go on - florals, suede, and fringe are also among the haute-ies for the season but trust us when we say for pieces like that, when you see the one, you'll know. And as for deciding between which items to splurge on, it really depends on what you know you'll get more wear out of. If we had to pick one, it'd have to be the denim - you'll hit it and never quit it.

Happy Cleaning!

XO -MGK

The Oscars: And No, NPH Did Not Get Best Dressed in his Tighty Whities

I would be remiss not to hammer you with endless Instagram photos and a pattering of pointless Joan Rivers' worthy fashion patrolling tonight. The Oscars' Red Carpet tap dance simply completes me as there is SO much to discuss, friends. A quandary of "hell no" moments, but at least a handful or two of "hell yes." Shall we begin? 

Let's start with my personal favorite, Marion Cotillard, in none other than Dior Haute Couture. This white polka dot sleeveless dress hints of old Hollywood tailoring. It fits her figure well, but doesn't hug her body (and I LOVE that). BUT, more importantly, did you see the back? 

You're welcome, okkkk? How fierce and how unique could one dress be? Sexy doesn't have to mean Herve Leger, okay? Intended simplicity with a bit of surprise is everything on this lovely creature. Hardly any makeup, an elegant diamond drop earring and a face like that? Well, that's called perfection. Note it.

Here we have the always stunning Emma Stone in one of my favorite looks on her ever. Monochromatic metallic magnificence by Elie Saab. Fits her perfectly, highlights her perfect red hair and makes me weep. That's all. 

Cue Pachelbel's Canon because here comes our ironic virgin fashion bride, Anna Wintour. Give me a second, while I wipe my tear... Okay, I'm back. I sort of love this dress and fur capelet. And by sort of, I mean, I am obsessed. I mean, she's not wearing her sunglasses - even if she clutched them in her hand like a smoker waiting for her next drag. She has a bit of a glow and her smile seems genuine. This has turned into a moment, people. It certainly helps that Bee Shaffer serves as the most beautiful sidekick ever; just divine in a dark, floral print and smoky eye. Brava, ladies, but like I needed to tell YOU that.

I love me some Meryl Streep. She is truly one of my all time favorite actresses. She doesn't always get it right on the red carpet, though. I mean, let's be honest, like hardly ever. BUT tonight, she nailed it. Wearing an absolutely perfect Lanvin skirt and jacket, styled with a sophisticated hand, Meryl looks divine. This, ladies, is how you dress when you're sexagenarian status. Okay?

Naomi Watts in Armani Prive,` shows some serious back in this number and we love it. The metallic paneling of this dress seems almost reptilian. I love her dark lip and the goth-ish vibe she's owning. Rad. Just rad.

Tegan and Sara were Canadian, androgynous superstars tonight. Love, love, love everything about their looks and their wardrobe voracity. Tegan in The Kooples and Barbara Bui and Sara in Public School and Cole Haan. Out of the box and fierce. Their Oscar performance was kind of AWESOME, too. Sorry, I can't help it.

Now, for the misses. The, I can't help but be snarky moments… 

I mean… Diane Warren. I'm so sorry, but just no. When the 80s call and you just wanna hang up… yeah, this is that moment. That moment of sheer and utter horror. Not sure who she's wearing, but do you really care?

Solange. Solange. Solange. You look like Muno from Yo Gabba Gabba. I'm ashamed I know who that is, but the resemblance is uncanny. This is so not okay. Fire your stylist immediately. Please, we all need you to do this.

If ever there was a true GOOP moment, it was now. I know most of the world finds her incredibly irritating (and she is), but her fashion is usually on point. Don't argue with me, I'm right. Tonight, however, this dress gets a big fat "F." The cut is fine. I don't even mind the one shoulder thing… but the flower is atrocious and the color? Just ugh.

Nikki K., this color is so bad on you. Why? Why would you let them convince you that it brings out your eyes? Because it does not. The iridescence of this Rainbow Bright number hurts me in my heart - and that's saying a lot, ok? I forgive you, though, because I know you usually kill it. Just don't do this again. Like ever.

And there you have it. We're tapped out. Tell us what you loved and loathed. Give us some insight because we're just a bunch of a**holes, trying to be funny. 

XO, MGK

We Got Real @ The Real Real HQ

We all love to shop for designers at a deal and consign things while making a steal…right? Judge the rhyme all you want, but it's totally true. And if that's the case, chances are that you already know about The Real Real. I mean…"Luxury Consignment Sales", what else could you ask for? Well, you could ask for a glimpse of where the magic happens or rather, a behind-the-scenes tour of HQ lead by none other than #GirlBoss and CEO, Julie Wainwright…but we already did that for you! So enjoy some our snaps below and we kid you not when we some up our night with the phrases "stacks on stacks" and "racks on racks". I mean...

          The Real Real CEO, Julie Wainwright showing us the "stacks on stacks" of Hermés boxes.

Enter said "racks on racks"...

Product Mannies

The Motherload...

XO -MGK

Grammy Get Ups, Get Down

So, in case you missed it, tonight was the Grammy Awards. Yeah, I wasn't that excited either…

BUT we'd be remiss not to comment on some of the fashion spectacles of the night. You can go ahead and interpret our dissection however you see fit just promise not to take it too seriously because, well, we're not.

I'll segue in by stating the obvious, the Grammy's are not about chic, high fashion moments, they're about theatrical, over the top, in your face fashion demonstrations. Blunders or not, the looks tonight certainly are worth a convo or two. SO, here goes nothing...

T Swizzle was straight stunnin' in an Elie Saab blue-ish, aqua gown paired with fuchsia Giuseppe Zanotti heels. The curtain skirt that revealed a sexy and yet age-appropriate mini hemline kind of was everything. Nevermind her adorable side swoop, bob haircut. I mean...

Next up, the amazing RiRi. This Giambattista Valli Couture pink, strapless and metallic embellished gown makes my jaw drop and in a good way. Sure, she looked a bit like a baby flamingo on steroids or a really chic wedding cake topper, but let's not forget the pomp and circumstance that is pretty much a prerequisite for dressing at this show. When you consider how bad ass Rhianna is, you kind of forgive the volume of this skirt and embrace it for being bold and in your face and, let's be honest, if you look like Rhianna, who cares? I spotted her front row at the Awards (from my T.V.) and let's just say she took up two seats. Bravo.

Okay, okay, I can't take it. I mean, Ciara, I honestly don't even know what you sing, but this look is fierce. Alexandre Vauthier Couture really made magic happen with this insane avian-inspired, one shoulder number. I can't even. Just pure love.

Hello, Haim Sisters. So, I see you've been hanging with my girl Taylor Swift lately and that makes me all levels of jealy. You were so chic and on point tonight. Gossip girl meets Milla Jovovich. J'adore. Este (far left) in Chloe, Danielle in white Stella McCartney tuxedo and Alana in a cutout black Stella McCartney jumpsuit. Everything. Just everything. Let's be BFF's.

Finally, I have to holla back at my girl, Gwen Stefani. In true Gwen form, she's modern and super structured. Just the way I like her. This Atelier Versace bustier and slouch pant combined with her voluminous updo and muted lip is beyond. And p.s. your performance with Adam Levine was chill inducing. That's all. 

That's all we have room for this year, peeps. Leave us a comment or two. We'd love to know your thoughts. Let's agree or disagree because that's what this shiz is all about. 

xo MGK

Never Say Never

We've all gone shopping with friends and had them try to coax us into a piece we know just won't work or flipped through a magazine highlighting some sort of new trend that TBH, should just be left for them model-types, right? Of course. But is there a possibility that we shouldn't be so quick to shoot down a style or a piece just because it's unventured territory? Sure, we'd all like to think that we more or less know our bodies and what looks good on us, but nothing's set in stone. After all, what happened to never judging a book by its cover? Long story short, you should never say never. ESPECIALLY, when it comes to fashion. Chances are that you'll be pleasantly surprised and if not, the "I told you so" in your head can do a little dance. The point here is confidence, people! Below are some styles where we'll be honest, caused for some skepticism at one point or another but we forged ahead and learned to rock them anyways! Check it. 

Leather pants + drawstring? Yes, we've all had our doubts but it CAN and SHOULD be done! | DAY BIRGER ET MIKKELSEN pants via Net-a-Porter

Sure, sneakers aren't for everyone nor are they for every outfit. But don't knock it 'till you try it. And the comfortableness alone should sell you. | Isabel Marant leopard sneakers via Net-a-Porter

Everyone can and should be a hat person. Somewhere out there is a style and fit for you. | Rag & Bone Fedora via Neiman Marcus

XO -MGK

Let's Talk About It

Word on the street is...well, just that. As of late, the presence of words via expressive clothing and/or accessories have become more and more prominent on the (street) style scene. Whether it be the likes of Valentino or Moschino one thing is for sure, these fashion houses are NOT at a loss for words. Clever little comments or wordplays on tees is one thing but some designers are now choosing to fully embrace the snarkasm (see what I did there?) by blatantly incorporating the brand name in between the lines, literally... i.e. MM6 Maison Martin Margiela, Moschino. Just think of how we've progressed from the Brian Lichtenberg era when his shirts with "Féline" in lieu of Céline logos made a splash on the scene, to Lanvin's statement making "word" jewelry line, to what now seems like the filter-less age of word graphics, insightful quotes, and PSA's on everything from clutches to sweaters. Tell us what you think of this first amendment exercising trend in the comment section below! XO -MGK

                                                                                                                                        Lanvin via theFashionSpot.com

                                                                                                                            Moschino Pre-Fall '15 Look 45 via Style.com

                                                                                                                            Valentino Pre-Fall '15 Look 17 via Style.com

MARCELO GIACOBBE: DESIGNER TO WATCH

Marley Clements of Marcelo Giacobbe based in New York City called me about a month ago. A friend of a friend put us in touch, knowing how much I live for independent, unique designers with a modern, European aesthetic. But in usual MGK form, I neglected to do my background research before our initial call. Sometimes, I like to wing it. We started talking. She's bright, funny and personable and I could just tell her passion behind the brand and Argentine designer, Marcelo Giacobbe, sang of possibilities. Makes sense, seeing as she has seen the designer's US operations from the very beginning. As the story goes, Marley helped Marcelo out at his NYFW show back in 2013 and after falling in love with the process, she went from US Outreach, to finding investors, to creating a launch strategy. Now THAT, is dedication. I began to flip through their digital lookbook. HOLY HELL, my eyes grew larger, this collection is gorgeous. Feminine details so rich in material and lines cut so perfectly that they exude modern, fresh and bold; my voice over the phone grew more exuberant. This collection is IT. Perfect for my red carpet clients, looking for glamour amidst a healthy helping of bad ass, avant garde chicness, you can't go wrong. If you haven't checked them out, do it. I promise you, you won't be disappointed. xo MGK

A Little Bit of Stella

It is really tough to not be posting about the great designers as all the retailers start receiving Resort and Spring 2015 in. We saw the designs go down the runway last Winter and we have been waiting so patiently to see them in person. Blush color has always been a hard color palette to play with depending on skin and hair color but I think #StellaMcCartney made sure this neutral collection had the right amount of saturation. Even if you aren't a neutral gal, this line will transform you! That's what fashion is all about in the end isn't it…rocking a trend? XO -MGK 

Prabal Gurung - Spring 2015

If you are going to go on the utter most luxury side of fashion, one of my favorite designers is Prabal Gurung. He truly understands the meaning of versatility, structure, functionality and a woman's needs and wants. Prabal's designs feel almost like they were tailored and stitched to fit you like a glove. It would be a splurge that would be worth every dime. Next time you are at Barney's, just give one of his creations a try. You won't be disappointed!  XO -MGK

Club Monaco -Spring 2015

If the models don't make us want to dress ourselves and our male friends in Club Monaco from head to toe, then I am not sure what will! Sometimes we tend to over think our outfits and want to add too much to make it look trendier. But if you look at the Spring '15 campaign, it is simple and classy silhouettes that speak for itself. Simple is elegant and you can never make a fashion mistake with elegance. XO -MGK 

Soaking Up Sun

Although it is still pretty cold outside, we have been receiving an abundance of emails and catalogs on the new 2015 swimwear and resort lines. Don't panic that you're not swimsuit "ready." This season's swimsuit is a different animal. It hides and provides, people. The full suit, tankini variety is irresistible - and I blame the designers! Damn you. ;) Covered up just enough, this season leaves so much to the imagination and keeps you feeling haute. It keeps us guessing and I like it. XO - MGK 

Cultured Fashion

It seems as though everyone is trying to escape the winter cold and vacationing over to the beautiful country of Mexico. Mexico, the country of color! Everything is so vibrant- from walls to fashion to even the fruit they serve on carts. There are cities in Mexico that are so dreamy that it is hard to not come back inspired and with a whole new perspective. Their culture translates into a fashion editorial that you will want to keep all the artisans work displayed. 

Below we have Anna Schilling, Karlie Kloss and Alina Baikova all portraying the Mexican culture in a fashion translation that makes you wish you could be Frida Kahlo or maybe just own her closet.

Golden Globes 2015: We Can Dig It.

We'll try and leave our snarkiness in the other room... try, we said... overall, pretty impressed with the fashion candor of the celebrity set. Super happy about the vintage looks that walked the red carpet ala Lana Del Rey and Laura Carmichael. Bravo to Cameron Silver at Decades and Penny Lovell for representin' and showing how vintage can and should be worn. Whether in vintage or something modern and chic, this year's display of fashion was definitely on point and unique.

My faves, like always, have a French influence and a collaboration of color, cut and style that stands out but in the most glamorous, most feminine, most beautiful way. 

Keira Knightley in Chanel Haute Couture. I can't help it. This is SO me. I would wear this dress and probably never take it off. It fulfills all of the categories I strive for: uniqueness, femininity, florals and lace, and well, an unspoken sexiness. 

Dakota Johnson in Chanel Haute Couture. Simple and yet not. Just how I like it. Leaving us with a double take... whoa, wait a second, what's that?! Kind of amazing. 

Lupita Nyong'o in Giambattista Valli Couture. I mean, how do I begin here? She's just awesome and this dress is awesome. That's all. 

Emma Stone in Lanvin. What?! Seriously? You stole my "one day I'm going to wear a killer pant suit with a train look, b*$#^h." No, but really, how cool is she? Wearing a pair of pants that fits like a glove and an overwhelmingly stunning, bustling train is just ... well... she wins.

Sienna Miller in Miu Miu leaves me begging for More More. It sings a sweet, Parisian song that I can't help but dance to, people. It is perfection. Her carefree visage - the hair, the makeup and the delicate applique of this dress is, well, done and done.

Amal Clooney in Dior Haute Couture & Harry Winston. Well played, my newest celeb-archy obsession. White gloves, classic black and diamonds to beat the band. I mean, I can't make this stuff up.

Naomi Watts in Gucci dropped the mic, people. Her yellow strapless belted dress brought all sorts of sunshine to a sea of plum, black and gray. Bravo for bringing us some color and for wearing it so well and for sporting her Bulgari serpent necklace, which is so fierce I want to cry.

That's all I've got for now, folks. Who were your favorites? Until the next award show... au revoir! MGK

The Bob Cut

Happy Friday all my friends! Feels like the longest week ever now that holiday music is gone, the million assortments of cookies, cakes and breads are out of reach and we are back to the full 40+ hour a week work schedule. But the good thing about having a new year is that we get to start fresh. We have a fresh slate and ability to make any changes we would like to make. Not saying doing something drastic (unless you'd like too!) but talking more about a change in style. How about a new hairstyle? The bob cut may be a little intimating but it is so daring and sexy at the same time. In the end, if you don't like it, it's just hair. It will grow back! 

Denim on Denim

What is the rule again for wearing denim on denim? Oh wait, there isn't because it is on point and trendy with a mix of casual. The thing about this look is you could really go any direction. Put some heels on, you got a night outfit. Want to make it so you can run errands - add the sneaks and cap and you are off to Target. You want to mix same color denim and make it a jumper-esque, BE MY GUEST! Or you feel like doing denim of all sorts of shades, that works too. It is a win win situation for everyone. 

Marsala Nails

We have been spending the whole month of December priming up for the holiday parties and family gatherings. And I am sure you have been on the go since October. But finally, the holidays are over and January is the month to get back to normality. Treat yourself to a mani and pedi after a yoga session and choose the seasons hottest nail color, Marsala. Although it may seem holiday-ish still, it still goes well with brighter hues of winter trends. Plus, everyone loves it! 

2014 Accomplishments

From the start of August, time flies by with a blink of an eye. You have the end of summer, kids going back to school followed by Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and then the grand finale of the year. You almost don't have time to think about what you are doing, but I was able to sit down and look back at my accomplishments of 2014. I must say, I am extremely proud and looking forward to seeing what 2015 has in store. You don't realize all the good sometimes when you are always on the go, but it is good to take time to see how much you have grown. Happy New Year everyone! XO MGK

7x7's 1 of 9 women who will shape SF fashion in 2015. 

3 Emmy nominated clients

A personal feature on StyleMePretty 

A successful runway show for Saint John's Shelter for Change

3 celebrity client contracts

2 magazine covers