1 Prada Cat Eye Sunglasses 2 Jcrew Passport Case 3 Cuyana Panama Hat 4 Nike Running Shoes 5 Jcrew Printed Silk Snood 6 Josie Maran Argan Oil 7 RMS Beauty Raw Coconut Cream 8 Cuyana Leather Tote 9 Ugg Brigid Metallic Sandals 10 Jcrew Linen Tee

Happy Saint Patty’s Day! With April quickly approaching, Spring is in the air and so is travel. Many are headed off to warmer climates for Spring Break and others, including Brass Tacks, are knee deep in summer travel planning. I also have a lot of personal travel on the horizon which has me pondering  what new items will be coming on the plane with me. While my upcoming trips are all over the map (literally and figuratively) there are many essentials that I bring no matter where I go. Whether it be a long winter weekend in New York, a spring vacation to Amsterdam, a weekend in Wine Country or a fall trip to Greece- I always have many of the same things packed in my bag.  Here are just a few of my go-to’s.

• A great bag- There is nothing like a great travel bag. Flies well as a carry on, doubles as a daily purse and has enough room to stash your fun finds on the way home.
• Moisturizing skin treatments– Airplanes really suck the life out of your skin. The best way to combat a tired look post-arrival is to fly with premium moisturizing products. Josie Maran’s Argan Oil has become a staple of mine to combat dry air.  Being a bit of a coconut oil addict (hello oil pulling), I’m also loving the look of RMS Beauty’s coconut cream.
• Scarves- I never ever go on a trip without a scarf (or five). They are the perfect solution for getting cozy on the plane, days that get chilly or sprucing up an outfit.
• Comfy shoes- I’m adopting a new policy of always bringing a fun pair of running shoes on every trip. Use them for the gym, a last minute hike or a full day of exploring- you can’t go wrong with something a little more practical and your feet will thank you.
• A cozy tee- I typically fly in a cozy tee and surely bring a number of them to any destination. Throw a scarf over for a casual look during the day or dress one up with a blazer and some heels for an evening out. This option is just too fun for spring travel.
• Stylin sunnies- I never leave home without a pair of great sunglasses. Sunnies are even more imperative when you’re spending your days outside exploring. They’re a perfect way to accessorize a basic outfit or cover puffy eyes after long hours on a plane.

Wherever you’re off to this year, I hope you travel in style and have a safe trip!

From top left to bottom right: Vince Leather Scuba Jacket I Russell+Hazel Leather Luggage Tag I Cuyana Tote I Tory Burch Viv Flat I Russell+Hazel Leather Wrap Bracelet I Russell+Hazel Business Card Holder I Jcrew Jeweled Cashmere Lined Leather Gloves I Monogrammed Tip Pouch I Frye Melanie Slip On

This time of year is always hard in Minnesota. The temperatures continue to dip below zero while the calendar starts teasing the arrival of Spring. I always find myself caught in a rut from a fashion perspective- I’m tired of my well worn winter wear but unable to start wearing spring dresses and sandals. This is also a time of year that reminds me how practical quality wardrobe staples are. Items that can be worn from Fall to Spring and still hold up over the years are keepers in my book.

Keeping this “lean closet” mentality in mind, I’ve started to be drawn towards leather. From a gorgeous and classic Cuyana tote to hip yet sturdy Frye slip ons, quality leather pieces are surely worth investing in. Leather is so gorgeous new yet tells a beautiful story as it ages. It is a material that can last a lifetime and only gets better with age. So whether you’re in the market for a new wardrobe staple or are looking for a beautiful gift, these curated finds may just begin your own love affair with leather.

Happy early Valentines Day to you and yours! Since I’ve long felt Valentines Day is a silly holiday that leaves people feeling either loved or lonely, I love the concept of spreading love to all of the favorite people in your life (not limited to your significant others). Whether that means popping a bottle of bubbly with your hubby, sending a valentine across country to a friend, surprising a family member with a special something or treating yourself to those to die for pink shoes, use this day to bring love to those in your life (including yourself!).

Here are my favorite go-to gifts for the lovely ladies in your life this year! xoxo

From Top Left to Right: Comme Des Garcons Stripe Sweater I Embroidered Emblem Baseball Cap I Pink Striped Candles I Hobnail Candle I Gold LOVE Pillow I White Frosting Necklace I Sugar Paper XO Card I Aurelie Bidermann Love Ring I Cat Bird Vertical Bar Ring I  Secco Rose Italian Bubbles I Valentino Rockstud Ballerina Flat I Sugar Paper Gift Tags I ban.do iPhone case

Christmas has really crept up this year which may mean you’re finding yourself with a lot of last minute shopping, fast and furious wrapping and last minute planning for holiday guests. Surely it’ll all get squeezed into the calendar…but oops! You forgot to plan this years holiday card?! While it’s a little late to start creating a custom card (without exorbitant rush fees), there are so many festive pre-made cards out there that simply need a quick note and a stamp to be ready to go. Whether you’re late to the game with your holiday cards or merely looking for a few less personal options for a couple of people in your life- these gems are sure to spread joy to those near and far!

1. Rifle Paper Co. I 2. Sugar Paper I 3. Rifle Paper Co. I 4. Dear Hancock I 5. Beau Ideal Editions I 6. Paper Source I 7. Happy Cactus Designs I 8. Ferme A Papier I 9. Sugar Paper I 10. Snow & Graham I 11. The Social Type

There is nothing more fun than rediscovering your cherished ornaments every year as you decorate your tree. From childhood favorites to modern additions, ornaments always have a way of bringing back memories of years past. Being a lover of traditions, I don’t think there is a better one than adding a new ornament to your collection each year. With so many amazing options to choose from, ornaments are an easy gift that will last a lifetime.

1. Marbled Glass I 2. Christopher Radko Festive Farm Barn I 3. Christopher Radko La Calavera I 4. White Chocolate Dipped Strawberry I 5. Felt Mistletoe I 6. Lemon Slice I 7. Champagne on Ice I 8. Felt Stockings I 9. Copper Stockpot I 10. Glittery Snowflake I 11. The Classic Pickle

With temperatures in Minnesota below zero for the foreseeable future, warm and cozy items are all that’s on the brain. When it’s this cold, the only saving grace is being able to buy fun and comfortable winter wear to keep you warm. From beautiful cashmere to classic boots to fur accessories- these cozy finds are sure to battle the temps and keep your spirits bright!

From Top Left: Chunky Cashmere Scarf I Sorel Caribou Boots I Cashmere Hot Water Bottle I Burberry Cashmere Earmuffs I Essential Cozy Throw I Kate Spade Knit Glove I Cable Beanie with Fur Topper I Cashmere Popover Hoodie I Smartwool Socks

Black Friday is just around the corner so while you’re probably focused on large discounted items, don’t forget about all the little gems to fill up those stockings hanging on your mantel! Stockings can be so fun when done right. As they say, the best things gifts come in small packages!

From top left: I Anthropologie Hair Tie I Rifle Paper Notepad I Tassel Key Chain I Cashmere Heart Socks I Barr-Co Soap I Liberty Christmas Crackers I Bubbly Cheers Coaster I Kate Spade Cluster Earrings I Dominoes I Textured Bangle Set I Cashmere Chevron Gloves I Lucky Horseshoe Wine Stopper I Rubber Iphone Case I Corksicle I Nest 

Shopping for the men in your life…it can be a challenge. Especially when they’re overly practical men. Because of that, there’s nothing more fun than buying things they wouldn’t typically buy for themselves. A cashmere half zip sweater? A fancy new way to shave? A little monogrammed catchall for their cufflinks and watch? A practical way to keep their beer chilled? Sure why not. These fun finds will keep your hubbies handsome and happy!

1. Cashmere Half-Zip Sweater I 2. Legendary Gold Clubhouses Book I 3. Sperry Chukka’s I 4. Chillsner I 5. Leather Catchall I 6. Garment Bag I 7. Blue Bow Tie I 8. Classic Horn Shaving Set 

Let’s be honest. There are a million and one gifts you can get for the ladies in your life.

A cookbook for the talented chef, new coveted shoes for the fashionista, jewelry for your wife and the list goes on…While most ladies already have their eye on something specific, I think I can speak for all by saying a little bit of pretty in your life can go a long way. From an inspirational quote to boots that will bring you cheer on a rainy day- these fun finds have “happy” written all over them.

Enjoy!

1. Hunter Rain Boots I 2. Pompom Hat I 3. Gold Leather Pouch I 4. Statement Necklace I 5. Pom Pom Throw  I 6. Cashmere Gloves I 7. Sugar Paper Print I 8. Lovely Ring 

If you ask me, there is nothing more fun than shopping for the wee ones in your life. So much cozy to be had whether that means a splurge worthy cashmere blanket or a soft sheepskin throw. Let’s not forget an inaugural pair of classic Christmas Eve jammies and some fun friends to keep your little one company after Santa leaves.

1. Polka Dot Puffer I 2. Sheepskin Throw I 3. Wubbanub I 4. Minnetonka Shearling Booties I 5. Night Night Jammies I 6. Cashmere Blanket I 7. Sophie the Giraffe