In the Bag: Sarah

A boy scout’s dream come true, Sarah Reiter’s bag has got it all. As Director of Marketing for luxury design and architecture firm, Brownhouse, and active mother of three, she manages no easy feat, exuding enviable style while commanding her hectic schedule. Ballet slippers and a Google phone? Saltines and business cards? They’re all an arm’s length away, proving she's prepared to tackle any situation.

Bag?
Melie Bianco Black Vegan Studded Tote

What's in your bag?
Google phone, hand knit hat I recently finished (sage green alpaca chunky yarn from Lakeside Fibers), The Hangover dvd – loaned to us by our son's preschool teacher (is that wrong?), returned Christmas card (Shelley Prosise Smith, if you are reading this, send her your new address!), She-mergency kit (always prepared), daughter's ballet shoes (they are too small and need to be replaced before Friday's ballet class), blank notebook for random notes, wallet from boden.com, almost empty bottle of perfume, invitation to fundraiser for Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra in honor of Andrew Sewell's 10 years as music director, two pairs of almost identical sunglasses, Kleenex, Starbucks gift card, crumpled $5 bill, keys, stack of business cards, recent shopping list written on Kate Spade notebook paper (list includes: toothpaste, Johnson & Johnson baby shampoo, granite cleaner, saltine crackers, clementines, bunny grahams, pull ups), 6 sharpie pens of assorted colors and widths, 1 highlighter, 1 lavender dogs-in-snow pencil, 4 crayons (from recent family dinner at Old Fashioned), 1 pink plastic pig figurine, Aveda lipstick in hot pepper, Jane Iredale lip liner and lip gloss in nude ,3 Brownhouse chocolates (doubles as lunch some days), 1 piece of trident gum (still in wrapper, what luck), 1 quarter, eye drops (Bausch & Lomb, from a recent ski trip), Chapstick

The justification: Valentine's Day Gifts

Oh, Valentine's Day. It's a great day to receive presents if you're with someone, or a day to be dramatic and hate life if there isn't a boy (or in some circumstances, the boy is too busy to text you back). In any case, here are some gift ideas to bestow on the one you're with or just yourself.

Giles&Brother XO Studs in Gold Vermeil

Justification #1: Sturdy yet delicate, these earrings can be worn while dressing up or down. Trust me...I wore them everyday for six months straight.

Justification #2: If gold vermeil isn't your thing, check out the XO Studs in Sterling Silver.

Friend or Foe Frank Sinatra Tee

Justification #1: It might not be the most romantic gift, but it's red and it has a great fit.

Justification #2: Just remember...when in doubt, clothing is WAY more exciting than thoughtless chocolate.

Deep Thoughts: Dressing Down

Before and much, much after

As much as I adore dolling up for black-tie events, I also can't wait for that moment at the end of the night when I haphazardly discard my outfit in a pile on the floor, pull on comfy clothes and curl up in a Wild sister's bed. This past weekend we attended an adult version of prom, a charity ball held in our little state's capitol. Dance party mayhem and screaming renditions of Bon Jovi and Journey songs left me far from my A-game come morning, but a night in Kiki's new Keep Me pants seemed magically to hold my aching feet (and head) at bay.

For most, downtime is so scarce we're willing to toss on any old ratty tee inherited from past amours. But lounge wear, with its ability to sooth and comfort, is truly worthy of its own category on the shopping list. If you're anything like me and your basics extend outside the house, say to work or to brunch the next day, it's best if they can pull double duty. A few of my favorites:

• Keep Me basics
• My beloved Bop Basics burnout tees
• American Apparel hoodies (preferably stolen from a boy who pretends not to notice)
• Finally, I almost didn't include them because they're hopelessly uncool and should never see the light of day, but show me something more comfortable than Juicy sweats and I'll convert.

Style Story: Billykirk

There is something refreshing about the simple life, and I'm not referring to heiresses sleeping in a pink Airstream. Instead, I'm thinking more along the lines of current menswear trends. The demand for selvedge denim and a resurgence of classic rugged brands like Pendleton and Woolrich indicate that, these days, dudes want well-made gear that will defy both trends and time.

The idea of quality goods is not a new one for Billykirk design duo and brothers Chris and Kirk Bray. Their line offers leather goods designed with much practicality and minimal extras. Kirk explains their design intent it to "keep the designs simple and let the organic qualities of the leather speak for it self." The Bray brothers' decision to have many of their satchels, belts and cuffs made by Amish leather workers reinforces their commitment to beauty, quality and simplicity.

What Are You Wearing?

After partaking in an event completely out of my normal routine (a basketball game!) I crawled into bed last night, too tired to change. Today's edition is an extra special two for one: pajamas and Wednesday office attire! I'm wearing:

• James Perse tank I wear everyday
• Marc shirt
• Grace Sun cardigan
  
• Earnest Sewn's given to me by my dearest bestie

A bit boring, it's only a slight variation of my usual uniform (actual pants instead of leggings!) but definitely comfy. What are you wearing?

Photo stolen from an interesting little site I just discovered.

The Justification: Last Minute Ideas

This past Saturday marked the 24th annual DMI Frostiball. As a last minute attendee, I pulled together the perfect look to represent Atticus, all the while being taped and spanxed into my dress (I swear that sample size was smaller than normal!). Charlotte Ronson came through as always with my (Kristin's, whatever) beloved One Shoulder Dress. While squeezing into the dress on Saturday afternoon, it occurred to me that maybe I should just purchase the correct size for myself. Sure, Kristin and I basically share a closet, but that may not last forever and I covet this dress. My wise older sister steered me in the direction of top stick and unflattering undergarments that would get me through the night and save me the money of buying another dress. So, since I decided against the purchase there are now enough of these beauties on the rack for me to justify to you. And hopefully you don't have a "wiser" sister who will be there to talk you out of such purchases!

Justification #1: The one shoulder is the perfect accent on the dress and will save you money because you won't need to buy a lot of jewelry to go with it!

Justification #2: This dress is 100% silk and less than $200! It might possibly be the best full priced deal you'll ever see!

Justification #3: The subtle pattern on the dress helps to disguise any spills that might occur in the night. For example, when a glass of champagne gets out of control during a Wild sister dance party.

(Proof that this dress will still look good, even after 2 spilled glasses!)

In the Bag: Nicole

Overflowing with a veritable menagerie of glosses, polishes and powders galore, you'd expect nothing less from the handbag of Co Leigh Co salon owner, Nicole Moser. Everyone should be so lucky to have a Nicole in their life, magically transforming the hair and makeup of her friends with a few expert strokes. I've witnessed her ability to style not one but 5 girls, not to mention herself, before heading out for a night of debauchery. And although she may scold me for fussing with her beautiful creations after the fact, it's only because she really does know better!

Bag?
Longchamp

What's in your bag?
Hobo wallet, Co Leigh Co business cards, iPhone, keys with golden bear key chain from Vail, nail file, checkbook, pen, camera and case, Sudzz Design Powder, Solar nail oil, OPI polishes in Miami Beet and Passion, Glo Minerals The Mint Balm, Kai Fragrance oil, Dior mascara, Glo Minerals Liquid Lips in Precious, Dior lip maximizer, Lip Fusio in Flirt, Glo Minerals lip gloss in Nude, Nars lip gloss in Chihuahua