Last Minute Father's Day Gift Guide

Father's Day Gift Guide // Style-Architects

For the finest fellows in our lives, we can only offer the best. Even if you've put off grabbing the perfect gift for dad until the last minute, we've got you covered with quality local grabs that will make him feel praiseworthy for all he's done throughout the years. 

Wood Flask: Woodchuck USA // Duluth Pack Excursion Duffel: Wilson & Willy's // EXTO Single: Wilson & Willy's // Minneapolis, MN Cityscape Print: The Lumber Exchange // Cord Catch: Solid Manufacturing Co. // Bottle Opener: Woodchuck USA // Rein Clip Key Fob: Leather Works Minnesota // Twill Charcoal North Cap: Askov Finlayson // Wool Eyeglass Case: Faribault Mill // Man's Face Stuff Moustache Wax: Martin Patrick 

Quick Tip: Ways To Curb Creative Block

Let's get one thing straight: even if you are the most creative person in the world, you will still have moments when you feel drier and crustier than an old paintbrush. We're all human, and we can't always get our creative juices flowing 100% of the time. Here at SA, we are constantly surrounded by visuals and creative content, so it can be difficult at times to avoid creative block. But there are several ways to dip ourselves into a {fresh} glass of water, we just need to tap them more often. Here's what we came up with:

1. Get on your devices

We all operate in different ways and sometimes it takes a stimulating environment {such as a social media niche} to get our ideas running wild. Follow/friend people who will help and encourage you to become an even stronger creator. Bloggers, makers, and brands are all intriguing accounts to follow that can inspire you on the daily. 

 

2. Visit a unique place that you've never been to before

We don't know about you, but we get incredibly inspired when we're in new places, such as a coffee shop, a boutique, or a local bar. Creative architecture tends to force us to think slightly different and make us want to be outside of the box. While at a new place, be sure to bring a journal, snap a photo, or try a completely new food or drink! 

 

3. Go to a local event and meet new people

Humans are social beings {stolen via the social interaction theory from ages ago} which means without back-and-forth contact, we can start to feel empty. If you are know of a local event, this is a great opportunity to connect with community members you already know or meet new ones. Chances are the conversations will allow you to spill one another's passions and sparks will ignite the fire that is your creativity. 

 

4. Stop and smell the roses

Nature is creativity's bestie. Next time you are walking somewhere, take a minute to look at the raindrops covering the greenery on the edge of the sidewalk. Take a moment to see the hanging lights above you and how they illuminate a room full of people. Live the little things, and they will allow you to create the big things.

Style-Architects Summer Must-Haves

Style-Architects Summer Must Haves

The SA team loves swapping tips & advice about everything; from unique boutiques to best beauty products, someone in the office has scoop. With summer on the horizon {can you believe it’s already mid-May?!}, we put together a glimpse at the team’s go-to summer gear.

1. Kayd: Hurraw Grapefruit Lip Balm // “This lip balm is all-natural, so naturally it’s pretty cool. Plus, the grapefruit flavor is sure to bring a little zest to the summer!”

2. Carlyn: Sebastian Joe’s Raspberry Chocolate Chip Ice Cream // “Do I need an explanation? The Raspberry Chocolate Chip flavor from Sebastian Joe’s is one of my favorites because it’s that perfect combination of tangy and sweet - perfect for a hot summer day.”

3. Christina: Vitamin C Body Polish // “After a harsh winter, I need to rehydrate my skin to get it ready for the summer. I can’t wait to try the Vitamin C Body Polish because their all-natural ingredients will leave my skin feeling immaculate immediately, which leaves me more time to spend with my daughter and husband on our summer adventures!”

4. Jasmine: The Big Turtle Shell - Wireless Speaker from Outdoor Tech // “Summer for me means life at the lake. From stand-up paddleboarding and sand volleyball to grill-outs and bonfires, this water-resistant, dust & shock-proof speaker is the perfect sidekick. Bonus: it uses bluetooth technology and doubles as a USB charging port when my iPhone gets low on juice.

5. Gina: NARS Primer from Blue Mercury // “With all the great outdoor activities Minneapolis has to offer, I plan on being outside as much as I can. This primer will help protect against the harsh rays, while also absorbing the oils that may occur due to the sizzlin’ hot temps.”

6. Madeline: Tote Bag from Cuyana // “I plan on getting away as much as I can with visits to the lake. This bag is perfect because it’s tall so I can fit all of my summer necessities in it, and the blush color is pretty dreamy, don't you think?"

7. Rachelle: Fitbit Charge // “I’m obsessed now with tracking my steps and calories burned.  I love seeing how many steps I walk and how many calories I burn at my summer weddings!”

8. Claire: Asics GEL -Kayano // “I ran the Medtronic Twin Cities Marathon last fall and I’m pumped for long training runs around local lakes again this summer. Asics are my go-to running shoes, because they fit my narrow feet and come in adorable color palettes, like this mint pair.”

9. Diana: Hexagon Marble Boards from CB2 // “I’m moving into my dream space this summer, so I can’t wait to have all my friends over and have fancy dinner parties!"

Spring Travel Guide: Local Edition

Style-Architects Spring Travel Guide

Sunshine and blue skies must be major cause of wanderlust, because we're ready to get outside and explore. Whether it's for the weekend, a week, or a lengthier journey, pack right with a few of our fav suitcase stuffers. Don't worry though, homesickness isn't on the itinerary: most of these travel essentials are right around the corner, so you can stay local while going global.

Grab your friends, pack your {stylish} bags & hit the road: adventure awaits!

1. Martin Patrick 3 Toothbrush and Toothpaste 2. One Love Organics Dry Shampoo: Wilson and Willy's 3. Ray Ban Sunglasses 4. Hat: Filson 5. Grown Alchemist Facial Kit: Parc Boutique 6. Duluth Pack Tote: Wilson and Willy's 7. Fujifilm instant camera: Urban Outfitters 8. Leatherworks MN camera strap: Wilson and Willy's 9. Puma Sneakers: Madewell 10. Swing Trench: Everlane 11. Pouch: Askov Finlayson 12. Watch: Shinola 13. The Gentlewoman: Parc Boutique 

Spring Cleaning: Desk{top} Edition

  

Spring means crisp air, a fresh wardrobe, and a clean home - starting with your workspace. As the weather gets hotter, our minds tend to wander while we work, {dreaming of patio happy hours and lake walks}, so we think it's time to de-clutter our desk{top}s with these tech tips to help us stay organized and focused. Who's with us!?

Workflow

Shave seconds off your mobile procedures with Workflow, an app that streamlines your phone processes by connecting apps and actions together. For example, you can create a “Workflow” that allows you to take a photo and send it to your social streams in one click- perfect for sharing social/content inspiration with your team!

The Skimm

No time for the traditional morning newspaper read over a cup of coffee? Welcome to our world. We love The Skimm's “We read, you skim” mentality. This time-saving app recaps top stories and need-to-know information to start your workday off with a boost of info sure to impress your coworkers.

Scanner Pro

Scanner Pro is an app that uses your iPhone or iPad’s iOS camera to take pictures of paper documents. The app’s technology then edits the scanned image to adjust for visual defects. You can then save, upload, email, and fax the doc. Bye bye clunky scanner {after all, it’s 2015, why do we still use those things?}

Evernote

A digital binder for your brain. Clip web pages, markup images, scan handwritten documents and more with Evernote. From to-do lists to pages of research, all of your thoughts have a place to call home.

 

Mint

Give your wallet a reality check {“wait, those shoes were how much?”}. Mint is an app that acts as a central location for all of your finances, allowing you to see the whole picture of your investments, spending, balances, and more! It even tracks spending patterns in real time. Cha-ching.

Keeper

So many online accounts, so little time. Keep your stuff safe with Keeper, a digital vault for passwords. 

  

Ready, Set, Picnic!

National Picnic Day // SA

picnic {noun; pik-nik}:

1. a dining excursion with close friends

2. a midday escape from the office

3. a lovely way to enjoy Minneapolis

4. {see “soaking up the sun”}

It seems like there's a holiday for every little thing nowadays, but this is one we're definitely embracing. April 23rd is National Picnic Day and Minneapolis is full of sweet spots to embrace the crisp, spring temps. Plus, this 'gram-worthy holiday falls on a Thursday! Need we say more? Celebrate this Friday-eve and throw on your sunnies + light layers, grab some bubbly {darewesay "rosé?"} and get your snack on with your girls. Psst...but don't forget your camera. This city is pretty dreamy this time of year, don't you think?

1. Pendleton Blanket 2. Shinola Watch 3. Dolce Vita Sandals 4. Askov Finlayson Bag and Hat 5. Target Sunglasses