Back to School: Bags

This post is the first in my new back to school series!! I'm actually very excited for this school year! One of my absolute favorite parts of going back to school is getting a new tote. It honestly makes me so excited, almost ridiculously so. I do switch off my totes every so often, but the tote I get at the beginning of the school year is the one I carry for the majority of the year. I haven't picked out this year's tote yet, but here are some fun options for anyone:

Clockwise from Top Left:

LL Bean Boat & Tote (Large with Long Handles)

Longchamp Le Pliage Large

Francesca Joy Palm Beach Pink Anchor Anything Tote
Longchamp Custom Le Pliage

I highly recommend using either a canvas or nylon tote for school. I've used both the LL Bean Boat & Tote and the Longchamp Le Pliage in the past, and they are both super durable and very easy to clean if necessary. I love that the Boat & Tote can be monogrammed, and there are so many color options!! Currently, I'm leaning towards the custom Le Pliage. I customized it in beige with a hot pink stripe and I think it is just too presh!! 

Clockwise from Top Left:
The North Face Women's Isabella Backpack
JanSport Spring Break Backpack
The North Face Women's Surge II Backpack
SwissGear Backpack

Personally, I'm not really one for backpacks. But if you know you're going to be carrying a heavy load with lots of textbooks or need the extra room, definitely go for a backpack. While they may not be as aesthetically cute as a tote, extra stress on your shoulders and back and broken totes aren't super cute either! From what I've seen, The North Face has really sturdy backpacks that come in cute colors (I love the coral!) as well as basic black and other neutrals. SwissGear also seems to be a popular choice at my school, and JanSport is another very popular yet inexpensive option.

What will you be carrying to school?

XO

Summer Essentials

My favorite season is in full swing, and I'm just finishing stocking up on my essentials.

Chino Shorts

I basically live in these during the summer! My favorites are from J.Crew, of course, and they literally have every color under the sun.

Sundresses

Perfect for grad parties, barbecues, going out to brunch, lunch, or dinner...Every occasion could use an adorable sundress! I love Lilly, Vineyard Vines, and J.Crew for their sundresses.

Sandals

There are two ways you can go here: flat or wedge (I love high heels, but I'm not really a fan of regular heels in the summer because I'm always outside). For flat sandals, I love Jack Rogers and Tory Burch.

As far as wedges go, I'm a huge fan of Sperry Top-Sider and Jack Rogers.

Flip Flops

I know what you're thinking...she just talked about shoes! But hear me out on this y'all. Flip flops and sandals are completely different. You wear sandals everywhere, and with pretty much everything. Flip flops, on the other hand, should only appear when you are going to, coming from, or at the beach or pool. For this reason, I refuse to buy really expensive flip flops (anything over $50 is an automatic no). My favorites are from Tory Burch (the only moderately expensive ones that I tolerate) and Vineyard Vines.

Tote

Your tote needs to be cute, versatile, and (most importantly) big enough to throw everything in! I recommend the L.L. Bean Boat &Tote for basically everything. Get a medium or a large at the biggest and thank me later. I carry an extra large for school, and it's bigger than me! You'll have plenty of space in a large, trust me.

 I also have a straw tote from San Diego Hat Company that I'm in love with, and I love VV and Lilly, natch.

Sun Hat

I love hats! They're perfect for keeping a little sun off your face and out of your eyes. The monogrammed floppy straw hats from Marley Lilly are my absolute favorite, and I also really love straw fedoras!

What are you're summer essentials?

XO

North Shore Prep

Back to School Essentials

The new school year is fast approaching, which means it's time to get down to grabbing all those things that we absolutely must have. Here's my list:

Some of you guys might remember my slight dilemma about which tote to add to my collection this year. (If you haven't, you can read about it here.) I've made my decision, and the winner is...the L.L. Bean Boat & Tote! I'm getting the pink one in the Extra-Large size with long handles, and of course it'll be monogrammed!

Of course, I couldn't live without my MacBook. Since I got it, I've been protecting it with a plain bright pink sleeve. But Marley Lilly makes these super cute monogrammed sleeves that I'm totally loving! You have the chance to get one for free here, with the College Prepster giveaway!

Flair pens from Paper Mate are a staple in my pencil case. I love the bright colors and they write so smoothly.

And speaking of pens, I keep them all in a Vera Bradley Brush and Pencil case. Shown here in Mocha Rouge, I actually have it in Purple Punch (retired), which I use for pens and pencils,

as well as Cupcakes Pink (also retired), which I use for my makeup essentials.

These uber-preppy bins from PBteen are perfect for storage on your desk and bookshelf. I'll be getting some pink ones in both the Mini and Medium sizes. They also come in Khaki and Blue.

Also from PBteen, I'm lovin' this pinboard.

And possibly the most important item on this list, a Lilly Pulitzer organizer. I used one last school year and loved it, so of course I'll be getting one again this year. I like the Docksider print (shown here). What can I say? I'm a total sucker for sailboats!

What's on your list of essentials?

XO

North Shore Prep