I’ve always believed that autumn in wine country feels more alive than summer. There’s a crispness in the air, a whispered urgency in each vine, and a kind of alchemy when grapes are pressed, kitchens shift into root-vegetable mode, and towns like Healdsburg glow in ochre and auburn light. This October, we carved out four days and three magical nights at Hotel Healdsburg, enveloped in their On the Town Harvest experience — and it remains one of those escapes that lingers in memory.

Dallas to Healdsburg is such and easy journey made simple by the direct flight that American Airlines offers from DFW to Santa Rosa Charles M. Schulz airport. You depart in the morning and you're in Healdsburg in time for lunch. Simply rent a car for exploring or you can UBER like we did. It's only a 20 minute drive to Healdsburg. Pulling into the small-town plaza feels like stepping into a dream. Hotel Healdsburg sits on the central square, tucked quietly but centrally placed. Its design is that exquisite balance of refined minimalism and warm agrarian charm — a beautiful blend of light, texture, and calm. I was greeted with a quick check-in and keys to a gorgeous suite that struck me instantly as “home for the next three nights.” The scent of olive groves, faint stone, and wood framed the moment perfectly.

The Heart of the Package: On the Town Harvest

The concept behind the On the Town Harvest offer is simple and yet richly layered: a two-night stay, $100 property credit to spend at the hotel (spa, dining, bar) and a $100 On The Town credit to use with independent tasting rooms, shops, and restaurants in downtown Healdsburg. Morning breakfasts are included, as is valet, access to pool, spa, fitness, bikes, and more. We used the hotel credit for a couples massage at the Spa, which was lovely. The "on the town" credits were used to explore restaurants, experiences and the stores detailed below. We decided to extend our stay with a three-night stay but you can adjust according to your plans. We upgraded and stayed in the Plaza Suite which was divine! Daily breakfast is included in this offer.

What we loved most: the hotel trusts you to explore. Show your receipts, and your On The Town credit is applied at checkout. It encourages wandering, tasting, impulse purchases of honey or olive oil, or stumbling into a gallery that catches your eye. FYI - Everything is walkable and on the plaza. It's so easy to explore!

Our recommendations (from this trip)

EAT:

• Acorn Cafe for lunch
• Carmella for an afternoon pick me up juice/shake
• Harmon Rooftop - Happy Hour/Light Dinner (Tuesday night is taco night)
• Quail & Condor for baked goods and coffee; this is a walk up with very little seating
• Little Saint for brunch/lunch
• Healdsburg Bubble Bar for a little bubbly before dinner; owner Sarah Quider has created a little oasis
• Bistro Lagniappe for dinner
• Spoonbar for dinner
• Happy Hour at Rooftop 106 at The Matheson; we met friends for drinks and it's such a vibrant bar and restaurant
• Dry Creek Kitchen for dinner; probably our favorite experience!

• Bon Ton Studio - there are two locations; a childrens boutique and a woman's clothing boutique
• Anthem - gorgeous home furnishings, gifts and more
• Maison Fiori - a beautiful florist shop with lovely gifts
• Forager- a modern mercantile with beautiful pieces
• Zizi Clothing - women's clothing boutique
• Christy Lynn - new in Healdsburg; original store is in Houston
• Hand Fan Museum - truly unique
• Olive Press Tasting - this was so fun and a great education
• La Ruche Honey Tasting - a lovely experience and we learned a lot
• Erickson Fine Art Gallery- great exibitions and artists

• Jordan Winery - we did the "Paris on the Terrace Harvest Lunch" and wine tasting. This is a delicious four course meal and wine pairing prepared by Executive Chef Jesse Mallgren. We're no strangers to this winery. More HERE. Jordan Winery is about a 15-20 minute drive from Healdsburg. It's easily our favorite winery in Sonoma County.

Why This Experience Resonates (and Why It’s Worth a Trip)

1. Curated but open: The On the Town Harvest package gives you structure (credits, included nights) but leaves your itinerary flexible. You choose your adventure.

2. Immersion over passivity: The Hands-On Harvest experience isn’t a spectacle—it’s a chance to become part of the story.

3. Gateway to small businesses: Using downtown credit encourages exploration of local shops, not chain stores. It’s economic and emotional support of the place itself.

4. Season-forward cuisine & wine: You taste the season everywhere—kitchen, glass, palette.

5. Design + comfort: The hotel’s spaces (pool among olive groves, the calm spa, luminous light) allow you to rest deeply between explorations.

6. Sense of discovery: Because everything is walkable, dreamy surprises await around corners.

   

   

   Tips & Notes Before You Go

   • Book well ahead. Harvest season fills up fast.

   • Ask for a room with a great view. Even better, upgrade to a suite! We stayed in the Plaza Suite.

   • Use your $100 On The Town credit as you go: a little every day. Show receipts to the front desk.

   • Bring comfortable walking shoes, a camera, and curiosity.

   • Inquire about spa reservations early; we booked these before we got there.

   • If possible, align your stay with grape-pick or crush days—those are extra special.

   • Everything in town is walkable. Take your time. Stroll.

Our four days/three night stay was perfect for us. The On the Town Harvest banner reminded me what travel is supposed to feel like: rooted, generous, inspiring. It’s not about checking boxes. It’s about tasting, touching, wandering, daydreaming. Taking your time. Reconnecting.

Healdsburg, in autumn, is at its richest: human, farmed, artistic. Hotel Healdsburg offers a portal into that. I left feeling full — not just from food or wine, but from connection, narrative, and a deep sense of place. If you’re looking for a stay that is gentle, spirited, and deeply rooted in Sonoma’s soul, this is it.

xoxo - Tanya and Pete

P.S. On The Town - Season To Sparkle will run November 15-December 30 at Hotel Healdsburg. What a spectacular trip to plan during the holiday season!

our packing list

pin this image

A timeless, elegant staple for fall and winter is a wool cape. It’s one of those versatile pieces that instantly elevates any outfit while keeping you warm and cozy. Whether you’re heading to a dinner party, traveling, or simply running errands, a cape adds an effortless layer of sophistication. Today let's take a look at the cape you need now and how to style it.

One of my favorite luxury brands, Officina del Poggio, is an Italian company founded by one of my dear friends Allison Hoeltzel Savini. Her designs always embody effortless elegance, and this wool cape is no exception. Crafted from 100% merino wool, it’s designed to perfection with a chic shawl collar, front pockets, and delicate fringe details. I’m wearing the desert shade above, but it also comes in classic black and this special edition rose. Best of all, they’re on sale right now, so it’s the perfect time to add one to your wardrobe.

Officina del Poggio is also known for their stunning leather bags. This mini basket bag is a personal favorite and pairs beautifully with this cape. I love the hand-crafted quality and unique designs of their bags. I also own several clutches, a raffia bag, and a safari bag – all of which are on my rotation! You can shop the full collection here.

As for styling a cape, keep it simple and chic. Pair it with jeans and a ruffle neck blouse for an easy, everyday look, or layer it over a classic sweater on colder days. For shoes and accessories, I went with riding boots and this leather sling bag (remember when I mentioned it here?). The deep wine shade is such a stunning fall color. It also comes in five other tones with the option to monogram, making it a thoughtful gift idea.

Make it a great day! xoxo - Tanya

pin this image

H E L L O Fall! Time to update your home decor to celebrate a new season. I’m thrilled to share that one of my all-time favorite brands, MacKenzie-Childs, has made its seasonal fall decor collection available on Amazon. From their signature Courtly Check pumpkins to whimsical acorns and festive accents, it’s never been easier to bring that playful yet elegant style into your home. Today I’m rounding up my favorite finds, plus a few styling ideas to help you transition your spaces beautifully into the fall season. SPECIAL OFFER: Get 10% off your MacKenzie-Childs order from Amazon for the next 48 hours only. Use code MCFALL10

Why I Love MacKenzie-Childs for Fall

What sets MacKenzie-Childs apart for me is the combination of craftsmanship and character. Each piece is hand-painted, so no two are exactly alike, which makes them feel personal and unique. Their signature patterns, like Courtly Check, Sterling Check, and bold harlequins, add instant personality without overwhelming a space.

I also love that these pieces transition so well throughout the season. A checked pumpkin or set of acorns looks just as fitting in September as it does at Thanksgiving. Instead of swapping decor every few weeks, you can invest in a few timeless accents that carry you through the entire fall.

What’s New & What’s Great on Amazon

Amazon has made it really convenient. The MacKenzie-Childs Fall & Halloween storefront includes everything from seasonal pumpkins and acorns to more dramatic pieces (witchy cauldrons, skulls, festive foliage).

Here are some of my favorites & what makes them so good:

Courtly Harlequin Jack O' Lantern – That black-and-white diamond pattern is so iconic. A small one like this can sit on your mantel, cluster with other pumpkins, or be the focal point of a side table.

Sterling Check Mini Pumpkin – A softer, more neutral take with grey-and-white check that works in living rooms or bedrooms where you want fall warmth without darker tones.

Decorative Mini Pumpkin Set of 3 – Such an easy way to add fall scatter decor. Think mantle filler, centerpiece accent, or dining table.

Sterling Stripe Medium Pumpkin – The gray-and-white tones make this one of the most versatile pumpkins in the collection. It layers beautifully with brighter fall accents.

Toile Small Pumpkin – A chic twist on fall decor, the toile print adds a more refined and unexpected pattern.

Pillar Candles (Sterling Check + Black & Ivory Check) – Add height and cozy lighting to mantels, coffee tables, or dining setups. Both patterns mix beautifully with pumpkins and acorns.

Sterling Check Kitchen Canister – A functional piece that looks just as good on your countertop as it does in your fall tablescape. Great for storing treats, coffee, or even wrapped candies during the season.

Sterling Check Pedestal Vase – A statement piece for florals, branches, or seasonal greenery. It anchors a table or entryway beautifully while carrying that timeless MacKenzie-Childs look.

Max, Ruby Lou, and Cheddar also have MacKenzie-Childs pet bowls, which are also now available on Amazon!

How to Style MacKenzie-Childs Fall Decor in Your Home

Because having something beautiful isn’t just enough—you deserve to use it in ways that feel like YOU. Here are some styling suggestions (yes, I love this part):

1. Layers + Patterns: Pair the bold Courtly Check pumpkins with softer textures like wool throws or linen napkins. Let the checks pop but balance them with muted tones.

2. Grouping for Impact: Use pumpkins/acorns in groups of odd numbers to create visual interest. A trio of pumpkin sizes (mini, medium, squashed) across a mantel or stair ledge is so autumn-y.

3. Use Them in Functional Places: Don’t just put these on mantels or shelves. Think front door entrance tables, coffee tables with stacked books + pumpkin on top, dining table runners with acorns as part of your place settings. Even bathrooms benefit from a small pumpkin on a tray or acorn accents around soap or towels.

4. Mix Halloween + Harvest: Let’s face it, fall = Halloween + Thanksgiving + cozy gatherings. Choose pieces from the line that can transition well. For example, pumpkin shapes + muted checks work for harvest, then add in spookier items or figurines closer to Halloween. The Amazon storefront already groups them nicely.

Amazon Shopping Tips & What to Know

To make sure your MacKenzie-Childs pieces arrive safely and you get the best deal, a few tips:

• Check the “Sold by”: Make sure it’s “MacKenzie-Childs” so the finish, color and craftsmanship are true.

• Inspect Product Descriptions: Handmade or hand-painted pieces may vary slightly. This is part of their charm, but good to know for coordinating sets.

• Watch for Prime / Free Shipping: Seasonal decor tends to get high demand and best options sell out. If you have Prime, filter that way.

• Bundle & Save: Sometimes grouping multiple fall decor items in one shipment saves on shipping or packaging. Also, Amazon sometimes promotes “related decor” sets.

Also: I know many of you are busy. Amazon’s availability makes it easier because of faster shipping, easy returns, good browsing. You don’t have to wait for a special order or pay crazy shipping. You can find pieces locally through Amazon and get the magic of MacKenzie-Childs delivered right to your doorstep.

____

Which MacKenzie-Childs fall items do you have your eye on? Don't forget to shop additional fall home decor ideas here. I have included some additional MacKenzie-Childs decor in this blog post as well. You know how much I love to decorate for the holidays! REMINDER: Get 10% off MacKenzie-Childs at Amazon with code MCFALL10 

Happy fall, y'all! xoxo - Tanya

pin this image

Howdy and welcome to FALL! Today I’m roaring with excitement over one of my all‑time favorite fashion pleasures: leopard print. I mean, there’s something about those gorgeous spots that just immediately adds confidence, edge, and a bit of wild chic to whatever you’re wearing. So naturally, when I saw what Chico’s is doing with animal prints lately—especially leopard—I had to share all the reasons why this is your next style move, plus how I’d style my favorite pieces. Ready? Let’s go! Want to see it in action? Check out this video.

What’s Making Leopard Print So Hot Right Now

Leopard has always been a “fashion staple,” but right now, it’s having another moment. It’s showing up in new silhouettes, mixed with unexpected fabrics, and used in both subtle and statement ways. Chico’s “Trending Now – Leopard” section shows that the brand is leaning full into this revival. This leopard sleeveless blouse is so versatile.

They’re giving us leopard in dresses, tops, skirts, outerwear—so whether you want a whisper of print or want to go full roar, there’s something there. And the great thing? Leopard behaves like a neutral. It goes with everything. Black, white pants, denim, caramel tones, bold colors—you name it. Loving it mixed with this tweed jacket too.

Why Chico’s Leopard Prints Stand Out

I don’t throw the word “favorite” around lightly, but there are a few reasons Chico’s leopard pieces really hit for me. Especially this animal print midi dress!

1. Variety of Styles & Cuts
   Want a flowy blouse, a structured blazer, or a cozy cardigan? Chico’s animal print & leopard categories include all that and more. For example, they have leopard‑print midi dresses, slim ankle pants, pull‑on styles, sweaters, skirts—so you can pick what fits your silhouette best.

2. Quality Meets Wearability
   These prints aren’t just loud for loud’s sake. Chico’s often pairs them with good fabrics, thoughtful details, and flattering fits (hello pull‑on pants, subtle skirts, dresses with shape). They let the print work with your body rather than overpower it.

3. Flexibility in Styling
   Because leopard is so versatile, you can dial it up or down. Use a leopard blouse under a blazer, or let a full dress do the talking with minimal jewelry. And yes, layering works beautifully. Slip into leopard pants with a soft cream sweater, or a leopard jacket over a slim black slip dress—it’s all about balance.

4. “Wild & Mild” Options

   Chico’s doesn’t force you to go full animal print if that’s not your vibe. They have pieces that use leopard just on an accent (like trim or sleeve detail), and others where it’s front and center. If you’re new to print, start small. If you know you love the drama, go big!

   My Favorite Leopard Pieces at Chico’s & How I’d Style Them

   Here are some of my go‑to pieces and how I’d style them so that you get maximum impact (and compliments):

   Piece	Why I Love It	How I’d Style It
   A flowy animal print midi dress	Effortless, bold, and you don’t have to think much. One and done.	Pair with neutral block‑heel sandals or booties, a leather belt to cinch the waist, and a classic bag. Let your accessories be minimal—maybe gold hoops, maybe none.
   Fabulous blazer or jacket	Instantly elevates your outfit. Adds polish and edge.	Throw it over a white tee and jeans for casual chic, or over a monochrome look for work. A black dress + leopard blazer = a killer combo.
   Animal‑print pants or slim jeans	They do the work of color or accent, so your top can stay simple.	Solid tees, crisp button shirts, maybe a camel or nude sweater. And shoes? Nude, black, or something wild if you want to push it.
   Statement top (blouse or sweater) with leopard	Lets you dip in without going all out. Great for layering.	Tuck into high‑waisted bottoms, or over skirts. Let it shine under structured jackets or coats.

   

   

   Why Leopard from Chico’s Is Especially Great for My #TanyaTribe

   Because you, me, my fashion‑loving friends—we want pieces that feel expensive, look great, are true to our style, and have enough variety that we’re not just repeating the same pieces. Chico’s is hitting that sweet spot: quality, style, fit, and modern take on classic prints.

   Also, if you’re anything like me, you want wardrobe choices that work from brunch to boardroom, from travel to date night. Leopard delivers. A leopard scarf or bag can work with your travel outfits; a sleek leopard dress or blouse can take you through appointments or dinner. Versatility. That’s fashion sense + smart buy. The best bang for your buck!

   If you haven’t already, I want you to pick one leopard or animal‑print piece from Chico’s this season—just one—and wear it in as many ways as you can. Dress it up, dress it down, flip it, reverse it, mix it, match it. Let it surprise you. Because true style isn’t about wearing what everyone else has—it’s about wearing what you love, loud or soft, always you.

   Here’s to turning heads and feeling fierce!   xoxo - Tanya

   P.S. As of the time of this writing, most of my selections were on SALE!

shop the look

pin this image

Happy Thursday! This week I had the privilege of traveling to Aspen to celebrate Avara's NEW fall collection, and let me tell you, these are definitely fall looks you will fall for! They have a wide variety of fall fashion pieces that are just gorgeous. Even better is that everything is so cute AND affordable. Now where's the pumpkin spice latte?

For those of you who are dying for more trip details, I went with a group of influencers and the amazing Avara team. We stayed at the MOLLIE Aspen hotel and it was just fabulous. It's a chic boutique hotel right in the heart of downtown Aspen and walkable to everything. Turndown service includes warm homemade cookies plus a humidifier. They also have a cute restaurant and a spa. Plus, they even have a car that picks you up from the airport. It's so easy! If you want day to day behind the scenes, be sure and watch my Instagram stories or follow the #avaratakesaspen hashtag. You can also check out my trip from last year with Avara to Stowe, Vermont to get a feel for what these brand trips are like.

____

AVARA takes Aspen

Let's start by looking at this scalloped cardigan sweater and these cuffed jeans look. So cute for fall! I love how you can wear the sweater as either a cardigan or sweater. I paired my look with these brown croc flats and these square sunglasses.

I wear a size S sweater and 4 jeans.

This is the elevated fall look you need. This mock neck sweater and this suede midi skirt are the perfect combo for a night out this fall. Just add this croc clutch and these strappy heeled sandals to complete your look.

I am in a size S sweater and skirt.

This look I will wear on repeat! This eyelet button down blouse is so feminine and elegant. I paired it with these bootcut jeans and these knee high boots for an everyday look. Just add this olive denim jacket for the perfect fall layer. For dinner, I wore it with this chic brown coat, these cuffed jeans, and these leopard flats. Finish off your looks with this charm necklace, this belt, and this tote bag.

I wear a size S top/jackets and jeans fit TTS.

Another top I am loving this season is this off the shoulder sweater. It's the perfect elevated sweater for fall. I paired it with these wide leg jeans, these strappy heels, and this croc clutch. Just add a silk scarf for the awe factor!

I wear a size S sweater. Jeans fit TTS.

Hello leather! These faux leather pants are a must for fall. I paired them with this gorgeous eyelet blouse and this chic blazer. As for accessories, I am wearing these ivory croc flats, this clutch bag, and these sunglasses.

I am wearing size S tops and pants.

Not only do you need faux leather pants, but also a faux leather dress this season! This faux leather midi dress is perfect for your next fall date night. Just add these strappy sandals for a gorgeous look. I am also love this cream faux leather dress. I love the western flare and cinched waistline. Just add boots! I am also in love with this olive dress that Gretchen Rossi is wearing. So chic for fall.

I wear a size M in the midi dress and S in the mini dress.

____

It was a fabulous trip and I am so grateful to the Avara team for being invited!

Which fall looks are you falling for this season? Shop more looks below or click HERE for the entire fall collection.

xoxo - Tanya

pin this image