All posts tagged: back-to-school

Under $50 Bags to Start the Semester

While buying a new bag for school can be fun, when budget and practicality kicks in it can get a little rough. I did the hard work for you this year, and found a range of bags from totes to backpacks under $50. Scroll down to check out some fun and functional options to carry all of your necessities and junk through the school year.   The Twill Zip Tote, $48, Everlane Pull&Bear Minimal Square Backpack, $39.90, ASOS Faux Leather Tote & Wristlet, $48.00, Nordstrom RVCA Scout II Backpack, $49.00, Nordstrom   Croc Shopper Bag, $36.00, ASOS Sports Luxe Rucksack Black, $40, Missguided Glamorous Minimal Structured Tote, $49, ASOS Puma Line Print Backpack, $41, ASOS Convertible Tote, $29.90, Zara BAGGU Backpack, $38, Urban Outfitters

Back-To-School Survival Kit

As summer vacation comes to a close, its time to start preparing for the new school year and start thinking about supplies you’ll need to survive another year. So I’ve come up with a  back-to-school survival kit to help you be prepare for any situation. Everything on this list you can buy at your local super market and is fairly inexpensive. Everything is optional and you can personalize it to your needs. I recommend keeping this kit in your locker or purse for easy excess.   Swiss Army Knife This item isn’t the first thing on this list for no reason. I carry one with me everywhere I go and it has saved me many times. It comes with a flashlight, nail file, scissors, bottle opener and many more useful tools you never thought you needed. Plus it all comes in a compact little keychain, there are many different designs you can get to add a more personal touch. Lip Balm Another item I never leave the house without is lip balm, it is a multi-use product that every girl should have, …

This Is the Backpack You Need For Back-to-School

I have an ancient Mac computer, but what’s nice about it, is it’s a 17 inch which is a rare find these days. While I love the large screen for watching netflix, and creating in adobe suite, there are some challenges that come with the good life. One of the most prevalent ones being, it doesn’t fit properly in any of my bags. I have an aztec backpack that I bought from Pacsun a few seasons ago that is marketed for a 15 inch laptop. But, with a little bit of wiggling, I could fit mine in the designated slot. I just had to pull the top over so that there wasn’t any space between my laptop and the opening of the bag. Overtime, because of this forceful fit, the bag developed two holes in the top corners right where the corners of my laptop would be. When I put my computer in my shoulder bag, it sticks out, etc. Both are not ideal, specially if it rains. So, I’ve really been in the market …

My Latest Purchase

Chunky heels… I’ve been seeing a lot of this trend lately. When it first gained popularity, I have to admit, I was not a fan in the least bit. I’m a big fan of the the classic stiletto heels– but this new trend really is growing on me. I first started noticing the increasing popularity of this style of chunky heel in the popular Jelly shoes about a year ago, but if those aren’t your style they really have evolved into a more simple and less distinct style of shoe. I toyed with the idea of buying the original Jelly-style shoes but figured they would be something I spent a lot more time looking at rather than wearing. I absolutely love shoes, and have learned the hard way that it’s best to purchase the kinds of shoes that will go with most of your wardrobe. Chunky heeled shoes made a big appearance on the runways for Fall/Winter 2015, so I finally decided to give in and buy myself a pair. I really like this style of shoe …

New Apartment Tour + HUGE Redbubble Giveaway for BTS

I’ve mentioned it in a few other blog posts, and now I am finally ready to debut… my new apartment! I live about a 3 minute walk from campus with my roommate Lauren. Together we decorated the living room, and then I’ll show you my bedroom. One of my favorite sites for anything artsy, Redbubble.com, played a significant role in our decor!Keep reading until the end, and you’ll have a chance to win a HUGE basket of back-to-school goodies from them. Lauren and I wanted to go for a boho vibe in the living room. While I like a more sterile and modern aesthetic with lots of white, Lauren loves color and a more homey feel. We tried our best to mix both aesthetics with splashes of bold color here and there. The art collage is our favorite part. The square mirrors are from IKEA, the three black framed pieces are from Redbubble (C’est la Vie, Elephants, Good Vibes), and the top and bottom paintings were made by myself and Lauren respectively. Lauren is still working …

Trendy 3D Printed Eyewear Just in Time For School

Don’t you wish your glasses were as lightweight and sleek as your phone? “ClearVision Optical, global distributor of nearly a dozen eyewear brands sold in 40 countries worldwide, announced the launch of Aspire Eyewear—a new brand that offers a ‘barely there’ fit and feel with optical and sunglasses frames that are lighter, thinner, stronger, and more pliable than anything previously launched in this market.” Aspire Eyewear is created with “SDN-4, a specially designed nylon material proprietary to the brand. Cutting-edge design for the label was made possible through the use of advanced 3-D printing capabilities—reducing prototype lead time from two months to 20 minutes in some cases, which allows for design responsiveness to eyewear trends in each moment.” Click here to find a store closest to you. For more colors, and style options click here. 

College Dorm Room Storage Solutions + GIVEAWAY

As of today I am officially moved into my new apartment and fully unpacked. My room is organized and decorated, but it took some time to get there. As I was trying to figure out where everything should go, I realized I have a lot of stuff. If you’re in the middle of moving into a new place for the school year, you’ll probably be able to relate. It’s frustrating to not have storage space for those extra items that just don’t seem to fit anywhere. There’s a few solutions to this problem, but what I’ve found really helpful is my tote bag from Thirty One Gifts. The bag is very spacious, super chic, and because it’s made out of fabric and not hard plastic, it’s easy to squeeze into spaces if need be. Keep reading to find out how you can win your very own customized tote from Thirty One Gifts.  This bag can be used for more than just in your room. Leave it in your car to bring in groceries (the bag …

Celebrity Inspired Campus Looks For Less

Be inspired by some of these chic and easy celeb looks for your new favorite campus combinations. Emma Watson Channel Emma Watson’s classic and flirty style in a cropped sweater and mini skirt. The combination of navy and black also looks super modern. This is a great look for the beginning of the school year as the weather begins to turn to fall, just add tights when the temperatures drop. Forever21, $15.90 Boohoo, $40.00 Asos, $28.66 Boohoo, $26.00 Forever21, $5.90   Vanessa Hudgens Image via starstyle.com Vannessa Hudgen’s look is perfect for a breezy day as summer ends. Referencing seventies bohemia keeps the look fun, while laid back hair and makeup helps to keep the look modern. Necessary Clothing, $17.99 Boohoo, $16.00 H&M, $29.99 DSW, $24.94 Missguided, $7.99 Forever21, $9.90 Lily Collins Image via ferbena.com Lily Collin’s super feminine look is a perfect formula to get chic quick. By pairing a classy, modern skirt with a casual basic like a cropped tee, this outfit is casual enough for class. Pair with nude heels to dress …

Before You Leave For College Make Sure You Bring…

So before you head of to the magical land of [insert the town your college is located] you need to make sure you have these things. Hairbrush—when I left for school I completely forgot about this. My mom bought me another one because it’s not something that needed to be shipped to me. But now since I’m at home I have two hairbrushes and I can’t make myself throw one away because they still work. Needless to say be smart, remember this so you can save some space in the bathroom at home. Socks—my sister went all the way to Maryland for school and forgot to bring her socks. My mom shipped my sister her socks, but she had to borrow other people’s socks until the package arrived. Nail clippers—your nails do grow! And when they painfully break off you’ll think, maybe I should have listened to Laura and remembered to put them in my bag. Toothbrush and toothpaste—when you leave for school you’re (hopefully) going to brush your teeth. Put the toothbrush and toothpaste …

Niyah’s BTS Wishlist

Hey! So I thought it would be a good idea for all of us writers to create a list of our top 5 Back to School (BTS) must haves. So be on the lookout for these wishlists throughout the Back to School Series, and let us know what’s on your BTS list.  1. Denim Getting new jeans is tradition when it comes time for me to go back to school. I think this time I want a relaxed boyfriend jean. 2. Boots When I think of fall, I think boots. I have a brown pair of boots that are a few years old, ideally, it’d be nice to give them an update. 3. Plants I’m moving into a new apartment in just a few days (eek!) and I really want the living room to be gorgeous since that’s where guests will be spending most of their time. My roommate and I are going for a boho feel, and I think some greenery will liven up the space. 4. Planners + Notebooks I’m a freak about writing …