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

Patagonia vs. The North Face

Just recently, I was informed of the debate over Patagonia and The North Face jackets. Living on the North Shore, you don't see too much (read: any) Patagonia, but The North Face jackets are everywhere. I've never really gotten into the fleece jacket craze that takes over each winter. I do own one black North Face fleece that I got as a gift in, I think, 5th grade. I don't really wear it too often because I just like my "real" coats and my Poms jacket so much. But lately, especially with it being Finals season and what not, I'm predicting so many lazy days, especially next week. All of a sudden, I'm craving a fleece jacket.

Here are my picks from Patagonia, followed by my TNF favorites:

Patagonia R2 Jacket in Black and Deep Plum

Patagonia R1 Full-Zip Jacket in Mango

Patagonia Micro D 1/4-Zip in Lagoon

Patagonia Regulator R1 Pullover in Bougainvillea

The North Face Denali Jacket in TNF Black and Montague Blue

The North Face Khumbu Jacket in Moonlight Ivory and Gravity Purple

The North Face TKA 100 Microvelour Glacier 1/4 Zip in Pink Pearl

Overall, I like Patagonia's range of products better. I found more things on the Patagonia website that I could really see myself wearing than I did on the TNF site. That being said, TNF's color selection is above and beyond. They have navy. That's a must. Now, if Patagonia could make a navy version of the R2 or the Micro D 1/4 Zip, I'd be jumping on the fleece jacket bandwagon faster than you can say "zip-up." Or do I just go for the navy Denali?

Good thing I don't really have to make this decision, because it could take me forever.

Besides, there's already a navy Shep Shirt. :)

Where do you stand on the Patagonia vs. TNF debate?

XO

North Shore Prep

The Coat Post-2011

It's that time of year, when we pull out our coats from the back of our closets and bundle up. Maybe you'll be relying on your old favorites, or looking for some new ones to add to your collection.

My favorite type of coat, by far, is the peacoat. I love that peacoats instantly make an outfit a touch more sophisticated and timeless, while still remaining fun.

The Majesty peacoat from J.Crew is absolutely perfect in every way. It comes in a ton of fun colors, as well as basic navy and black. It's also well constructed (you don't drown in it!) and super warm.

Alright, so not really a coat, but I love my vest from The North Face. It's super warm and easy to just throw on when i'm heading out and won't be in the cold long.

Also from The North Face, this down jacket is perfect for those (frequent!) days it reaches close to–or below–zero temperatures.

I got this longer length coat last winter from Nordstrom in navy, and am looking to snag another this season. I'm thinking this white would be a good choice? Or that yellow...Choices, choices. While this coat isn't the warmest, it's super stylish and a great price.

And my ultimate favorite coat-I-don't-have, Burberry's quilted jacket with pleated pockets!

So nice, I'm posting it twice.

This one's definitely on my wishlist...like for life. Or really, until I get a job and can pay for it myself.

XO

North Shore Prep