Organized + Chic

Lately, I have been hearing countless people say, “Wait, it’s October already!?” It seems fall has caught us all by surprise! This is the best time of year to get your life in order before the holiday madness begins. Our team loves russell + hazel products to keep our projects organized. The lovely colors and vibrant patterns add instant pep to our {orderly} step so we are stocking up on the recent SWAG52 offer!

SWAG52 is any shoppers dream - It delivers exclusive prices at local boutiques, spas and restaurant to its membership. Each week SWAG52 features one of the Twin Cities most sought-after local businesses selected by tastemakers, such as Elizabeth Dehn or our own Christina Holm-Sandok. Here are Christina's favorite products:

Forget Me Not

Why not dash down a phone number or daily list in style? These adorable pink notecards are perfect for staying organized while keeping the tone light and fun.

Write In Style

Decorate your desk with your writing utensils - replace your conventional office pencils with bedazzled ones! Like a bouquet of flowers, they will bring a smile to your face.

Classy Cards

A true "thank you" note should be never be sent as a text message or via social media. Keep your thank you's memorable. This charming stationary package includes notecards with lined envelopes and is perfect for sending stylish correspondence.

Keep Your Life Together

Remember, "there's and place for everything and everything in it's place." I love keeping my schedule, documents, and other various papers in one binder, like these binders from russell + hazel.

Tech Savvy

To the avid technology users and early-adopters, I am sure you use your computers and Ipads for "notes-to-self" and calendars. When staying technologically- forward you can be fashionably forward too! I love this metallic Ipad case that comes complete with a notepad as well as a place to hold your credit cards, IDs and business cards.

Find a flattering swimsuit, without the panic!

Yes, you read that title correctly. We are, indeed, going to discuss the delicate task of shopping for the perfect swimsuit. In September no less! But what better way to flee the winter weather than to plan a warm, sandy getaway? With the help of Nani Nalu Beachwear Boutique, we are going to help you shop with ease. Located in the 50th & France shopping district, Nani Nalu Beachwear Boutique helps customers discover perfectly fitting swimwear solutions. Their mission is to fit real women of all sizes in the suit of their dreams ranging from A-cup to F-cup, 0-16.

" The experts at our store are trained in body imagery and color theory to best assist women with their dreaded swimsuit shopping needs," says Nani Nalu owner Jennifer Cermak. "Sure, you can take these tips to the mall... but they are best used with quality swimwear that have proper technology! We buy designers that design for each specific body shape... so we have real solutions!"

Nani Nalu’s Body Style Tips:

Racy Ruler - For more boyish figures, look for curved halters, underwire, and sweetheart necklines tops. For bottoms go for a scoop with side details to create curves.

Cute Cone - Ladies with shoulders that are broader than the hips can balance their shape with a sweetheart neckline. The bottom half will be evened out with a v-front or belted detail.

Busty Babes - Those who are blessed in the bosom department should look for x-back halters for more support. A skirted bottom will flatter beautifully.

Pleasant Peanut - Like the well known pear shape, but with a broader shoulder, look for wide straps or bandeau tops. Bottoms should be side tie to show off your figure.

Hour glass - These curvy girls can wear almost any top, but retro styles fit perfectly. Be sure not to choose bottoms that sit too high on the waist.

Perfectly Pear - Search for tops that draw the eyes upward. Narrow shoulders and curvy hips call for halters and bandeau tops, as well as fold over bottoms. No boyshorts!

Alluring Apple - V-band halters and underwire tops are great for those with a wider middle. Skirted bottoms will help balance these ladies.

Get one on one, expert assistance and stock up on all the beachwear you need at the Nani Nalu “Sale Away” event. During this annual sale, enjoy discounts of 50 - 90% through the entire month of October. Can’t beat that! www.naninaluswim.com

Fall Fashion Trend Report

As Minnesotans, it’s about the time of year that we try to soak up every last bit of summer we can. A few more trips to the lake, one more backyard barbeque, one last camping trip. That crisp Minnesota weather is just around the corner! So, as the weather begins to transition so should your closet. Here are a few must-haves for this fall: Brightly Colored Trousers and Jeans - A go-to statement piece this season. Dressed up or down, these pants are a fun and sassy way to incorporate the many shades of fall: jade green, rusty orange, mustard yellow, and cobalt blue.

Leather - This season, leather skirts have adopted a girly silhouette, with pleating detail and lacy cutouts.  Meanwhile, leather skinny pants are the ultimate piece to stand up to fall’s crisp temperatures.

Capes and Ponchos - This time around, the oversized look has been re-envisioned. Available in a variety of colors, shapes, and designs, the cover-ups can be worn for practicality or to make a statement.

Polka Dots - Summer’s feminine and flirty polka dots are holding strong for yet another season. Polka dotted tights are a weather appropriate way to don the trend, while boldly adorned tops and skirts remain fashionable and classic.

Tartan plaids - Minimalist checker patterns from past seasons are brighter and bolder to complement the many colors of fall. This fearless look has transcended from the collared shirt to jackets, jumpers, pants, and more.

1970’s - Colorful and geometric prints adorn clean and voluminous silhouettes this fall. Shirt dresses, bow blouses with bishop sleeves, high waisted wide-leg pants, and roll neck sweaters are abundant.

Faux Fur - Adding faux fur accents to any outfit, like a jacket and sweater collar or trimmed vests, hold a practical and luxurious appeal this fall. Embrace the cooler temperatures with chic faux fur hats, scarves, gloves, and mitts.

Duster Coats - An alternative way to cover up during the autumn months. These dramatic coats create long and lean lines while keeping you warm and cozy.

Stylishly Organized

With the start of every calendar season, comes the need for daily (or weekly planners) to keep life in order. Even though smart phones and other technologies allow us to organize with the click of a button (okay maybe a couple buttons),  we still enjoy the task of writing down all of our appointments by hand; and some people just enjoy maintaining their daily planner both ways.

Purchasing a daily planner is a simple task. Sure, you can run to your local office supply store and pick one up, but that doesn't give you much of a selection to choose from. It is safe to say that over the course of a year, our planner becomes one of our most prized possessions - so why not treat your planner as an accessory? Looking at it this way, planners can be both stylish and functional. We want something stylish enough to display when we pencil in our commitments.

Finding a planner that is useful and easy on the eye can make the shopping process a bit more challenging. After scouting the planner market, it is safe to say there are many well-designed planners available for the next calendar year. Here are our picks:

Gorgeous patterns in this pocket-size planner from Dozi

Multiple patterns available from Letter C Design

Spiral-bound planners in several patterns available via Dabney Lee

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Something a bit more stylish and preppy from Sarah Pinto

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How cute are these planners by Kate Spade?

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The Smart Date system from Russell + Hazel allows you to build your planner based on your individual needs.

Written by Robyn Wolfish

Stylish Summertime

Has Mother Nature finally made up her mind? After consecutive days of sunshine and warm weather, it’s safe to say that summer has arrived in Minnesota  - whew! Summertime is known as the season for days spent at the lake (after all, there are over 10,000 to choose from), picnics and barbeques, and numerous opportunities for travel. As you sit here daydreaming about how you plan to spend your summer, here is a list of up and coming trends to get you started on your summer shopping spree: Monochromatic White - Be it girly, crisp, or nautical, wearing all white will keep your look fresh this season.

Floral Prints - Reminisce on the carefree feeling of the nineties by sporting floral prints in boxy tees, maxi skirts, and strappy summer dresses.

Honeysuckle, Citrus Colors – Solid pieces in bright, bold colors are refreshing on a warm humid day.

Rose Gold Accessories - This jewelry will keep you in style while playing up the glow of your new tan.

Lace, Crochet, and Macrame - This slightly vintage look is easy to pull off and gives an easy feminine air.

Minimalistic Lines - Keep it simple this season with clean lines and immaculate tailoring.

70's Throwback Designs – Shop for high-waisted trousers, tie-neck blouses, and deep V's to recall the glamorous era.

Preppy Details - Rugby stripes, loafers, shrunken blazers, and cardigans will have you feeling like a J.Crew model.

Rock and Roll, Punk – A leather skirt, jackets with zipper details, or studded heels. Use this trend in small doses by pairing edgy items with classics.

Clogs and Platforms – The revival of this 70’s fashion can be paired with shorts and dresses this summer.

Written by Robyn Wolfish

Goodbye Uggs, Hello Wellies

Snow may not be on your mind yet, but before you rush out and purchase winter boots, consider transforming your rain boots into snow boots! Uggs are bascially foot snuggies. After a long winter filled with snow and salt, Uggs are likely to leave your feet damp and boots themselves….gnarly. I suggest switching to a more fashionable option - Wellington boots. Red-carpet-appropriate, they are not. But despite their pedestrian appearance, Wellies descend from the aristocracy. Commissioned in 1817 by their namesake, the first Duke of Wellington, the early pairs were made of leather and worn in battle and at evening soirees. The invention of rubber changed everything, and by World War I the boots were more functional than fashion-forward. Now they are spotted on everyone! And to make them winter-friendly, Hunter recently came out with cozy fleece socks that add warmth and comfort to your rain boots. The look is less sloppy and a bit more sophisticated. A few things to keep in mind when sporting this look:

FIT: The small-ankle gals should avoid loose fitting boots - look for a style that's tapered near the foot. If you have wider calves, try ones with elastic trim or adjustable lacing along the top.

PROPORTION: Remember...the shorter the hemline, the taller the boot! Rock riding boots with  above-the-knee dresses/skirts or over skinny jeans and leggings. Ankle heights work best with calf-grazing skirts but also look fabulous over skinny jeans and leggings.

ADD-ONs = WARMTH: Yes, keeping your tootsies dry is important but in order to also keep them warm, add a long, thick-textured sock. Allow your socks to peak above the top of the boot to add a little flair.