Southern Royalty: Back to School

Showing posts with label Back to School. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

College Wardrobe Staples

The start of the new school year always feels like a great time for a fresh start. Even though I have been out of school for almost two years now, I still feel like the end of August and beginning of the new school year is a great time for a new beginning. Things slow down during the summer months. Many organizations take time off during the summer while everyone is on vacation, so the summer is still a time to relax and unwind even for adults (without kids in school).

The new school year also means the end of summer clothing in all the stores and the start of all the cooler weather clothing. Whether or not the weather will actually follow suit (which it likely will not in the South), the stores are moving on to long sleeves, jackets and boots. And even though it may not feel like it outside, you better stock up now, because many of these items will go fast and end up backordered by the time you actually want to wear them!

To help you prep your wardrobe for the new season (and new school year) here are six items I recommend all college students have in their wardrobe.

Embellished Sweater // Jean Jacket // Flared Skirt
Button Down // Ballet Flats // Classic Sandals

1. Embellished Sweater | A fun embellished sweater makes for a great wardrobe staple. This sweater is lightweight and casual, but the embellished collar makes makes this sweater dressy enough to go from the library to your internship. Just swap your jeans and sandals for a classic pair of black pants and closed-toed heels and you're good to go!

2. Jean Jacket | Jean jackets rarely go out of style. They are the eternal classic casual jacket! Throw it over a sundress for Sunday church or over chinos and a tank for class. You can never go wrong with a classic jean jacket.

3. Flared Skirt | Every college girl needs a few versatile skirts that can take you from summer to fall. Solid skirts can easily mix and match with just about anything in your closet. I highly recommend investing in a few lightweight skirts that can be paired with tights on cooler days.

4. Button Down | Everyone needs a few button down shirts in their wardrobe.

5. Ballet Flats | A year-round classic, ballet flats are the perfect accessory for every college girls wardrobe. Pair them with jeans, leggings, shorts or dresses for the perfect way to transition from summer to fall. These versatile shoes can take you from class to just about anywhere you need to go as a college freshman. Whether you're running to a club meeting or grabbing lunch in the campus cafeteria, you will never go wrong with classic ballet flats.

6. Classic Sandals | Every college students needs a pair of Jack Roger sandals. They are the perfect sandal and go with just abut everything you could ever imagine. I never could've imagined how much use I would get out of mine.

What are six staples in your wardrobe?

xoxo

Monday, August 18, 2014

Preppy School Supplies

School begins this week, so I thought I would put together some of my favorite school supplies for those of you getting back into the swing of things for the new school year.

Pencil Pouch Set // Agenda // Page Flags
On the Go Notepad // Paper Clips // Le Pen // Phone Charger

What's on your back-to-school list?

xoxo

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

3 Outfits for College

I don't care how old I get, I don't think I'll ever stop loving back-to-school season. The transition from summer to fall is my favorite time of year. It always feels like a fresh start. All the stores put out all the stops in preparation for back-to-school shopping. Whether you're shopping for school supplies, dorm accessories or a new wardrobe, July-early September is the perfect time to stock up!

Check out these related posts:

First Day Outfits

Classy on Campus

Tips for Getting Into The Swing of Things

5 Things Every College Freshman Needs

4 Tips for College Freshmen

3 Outfits for College 2013

What are your go-to outfits for college?

xoxo

Friday, August 23, 2013

3 Outfits for College

Library

Warby Parker Sims | Agenda | Black Le Pen | Longchamp 'Le Pliage' Large Tote

Tory Burch 'Reva' Flats | College Sweatshirt | J Brand Aiden Mid-Rise Boyfriend Jean

It may be 90+ degrees outside now, but the library is always 20 below! Be prepared for those long study sessions with a cute fleece sweatshirt (I am a big fan of this one & this one too!). Jeans are also the perfect go-to pant for the library. Easy, comfortable, and classic is what I go for when putting together the perfect library look. And don't forget to bring those preppy school supplies and classic agendas to keep you organized!

Class

J.Crew Factory Accordion Pleat Mini | J.Crew Kiki Ballet Flat

A classic skirt and cute blouse is the perfect outfit for going to class... no pajamas are not acceptable attire for anything other than staying home! Remember, you always want to make a good impression on your professors and peers and showing up day after day in sweats make it appear that you don't care. A comfortable pair of flats or sandals are key. After all, you don't want to be uncomfortable walking around campus all day. In Florida I have gotten pretty used to the temps outside being much warmer than the temps inside (read: air conditioning on full blast = freezing), so throwing a lightweight scarf or cardigan in your bag is always a good idea.

Presentation

J.Crew Scalloped Dress | J.Crew Sidney Jacket | Loren Hope Corrin Bracelet | AV Max Bow Cuff
J.Crew Pearl Necklace | Ivanka Trump 'Indico' Pump | Longchamp 'Le Pliage' Large Tote

It's always a good idea to be prepared with a go-to professional outfit. Whether it's for an interview or class presentation, a simple professional outfit always comes in handy. I am in love with this scalloped dress from J.Crew, it is perfect for summer and fall and can be dressed up or down depending on the level of dress for the occasion. I low heel, like this pair by Ivanka Trump, is the perfect shoe to add a little height without going overboard and being uncomfortable

Shop a few more items for back to school:

Today I am linking-up with long distance loving for Back to School Friday's Fancies so head on over there and check out what everyone has put together this week!

Also check out a few things every college girl needs in her wardrobe!

Do you have a favorite go-to school look?

xoxo

Keep in Touch: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Tumblr | Bloglovin

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Back to School :: Dorm Decor

A few fabulous dorm rooms from Pinterest!

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Don't you just love how cozy this dorm room is? The matching bedspreads, headboards and pillows give this room a cozy and stylish look. I love the pink, orange and green color combo!

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How could I not love this orange and blue dorm? The bed skirt is simply fab!

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Monograms, chevron and a chandelier... adorable!

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If you have a fabulously decorated dorm room, I'd love to see it!

Which dorm look is your favorite?

xoxo

Friday, August 16, 2013

Back to School :: Preppy School Supplies

Notebook // Le Pen // Flash Drive // iPhone 5 Mobile Charger // Lobster Makeup Bags //
Jonathan Adler Sticky Note Set // VV Noteblock // Acrylic Tape Dispenser

Notebook | Everybody needs a stylish notebook to take to class. Afterall, you're going to be spending the next 9+ months taking notes in it! Lifeguard Press has a great selection of preppy notebooks by our favorite preps Jonathan Adler and Lilly Pulitzer, but I love the notebooks from Sarah Pinto... and chances are these notebooks are not going to be owned by every girl on campus!

Le Pen | I am a huge fan of buying new pens at the start of each school year or semester. Opening a new package of fresh pens and filling in all your dates on your calendar with them is so much fun! I love all the fun colors le pen offers, but Paper Mate Flair is another favorite of mine (the pink is my go-to for writing in my planner)!

Flash Drive | Flash drives are a must have for any high school or college student. I recommend keeping one (or two) in your school tote or backpack to have on hand whenever you need it. It's important to be prepared whenever you may need to backup something on your laptop or if you're using a school computer to work.

Mobile iPhone Charger | To make sure your never without your trusty cell phone, keep one of these handy portable iPhone chargers in your bag at all times. I used to drag my iPhone charger around with me and then have to search for a wall plug whenever my phone got low... this handy pocket charger would've made life so much easier! Check out these options... J.Crew, Lilly Pulitzer, & Jonathan Adler!

Makeup Bags | Different size makeup bags are perfect for keeping your school tote or backpack organized. You can use them to store makeup, pencils/pens, chargers/cords, post-it notes and other odds and ends you may be dragging around campus. This set of 3 makeup bags from Vineyard Vines is perfect for keeping your life a little more organized!

Sticky Note Set | I love a good set of sticky notes! Lifeguard Press once again comes to the rescue by offering a bunch of totally awesome sticky note sets. A good sticky note set is the perfect thing for taking notes while reading and then stick it in your textbook or on your notebook or make your daily to-do list and paste it in your agenda! Carrying a good set of sticky notes with you will help you stay organized during your busy school days.

Vineyard Vines Noteblock | Every prep needs a little VV in their life! This noteblock is the perfect thing for every college girls desk. And you can never have too much paper!

Acrylic Tape Dispenser | Don't you just love acrylic office supplies? I think acrylic is so classic, yet modern... totally fab!

What are your must-have school supplies this semester?

xoxo

Keep in Touch: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Tumblr | Bloglovin

Monday, August 12, 2013

Post-Grad Life Update

I cannot believe that school is about to start again and I will not be going. Even though it's been about 8-months since graduation, it still feels a little strange that I am no longer a student. No more school supplies or back-to-school shopping... no more syllabi and reading schedules... While I must admit the idea that I won't have any more exams is awesome, there are parts of the student life that I miss. The freedom to do just about anything you want at any given time, of course that was a perk of college life! The days of study sessions in Starbucks or the Library, who would possibly miss those? Well, I'm a bit of a nerd and I must admit I loved a good study day. Throwing on my comfy jeans and heading to Library West for hours upon hours of studying and homework... I must admit I loved it. Finding the perfect "cozy" spot to lay out all my materials and books and then getting into the zone with my favorite Pandora station playing on my headphones. I kinda miss those days!

Now don't get me wrong. The days of stressing out over final exams and group projects and whether or not everyone was going to do their part in a timely fashion... I am glad those days are in the past. But, those moments of utter satisfaction when a stressful group project has been successfully turned in, those moments were amazing. The feeling you get from the stratification of knowing all your hard work and stressful nights payed off. Those are the moments a college student lives for and well, at least for the time being... those days are behind me.

I haven't been up to Gainesville to visit my beloved alma mater since March and I am starting to really miss it. Gainesville is my second home. While I am glad I made the decision to leave it for the time being (I needed to step back from college life by leaving the college town life), I wouldn't mind moving back there one day if the right opportunity presented itself.

Now many of you may be wondering what I've been up to since graduation...

Well here is a little life update!

After all the craziness of the holidays was over (I graduated in December), I began applying for jobs (in my hometown... I've been living at home). I started by e-mailing or calling people in my network that might be able to help me during my job-search process. I set up meetings with these individuals to talk to them about what types of jobs I was interested in and what my skills are. These were very casual meetings just to let people know I was home and in the market for a job.

These meetings led me to three part-time jobs.

My first part-time job was with a local event planning firm working on a ~~large~~ huge festival they were in the middle of planning. They were in the market for some PR/Marketing/social media help and I was able to lend them a hand. This job was only a few days a week and much of the work could be done from home. I attended weekly strategy meetings and the rest was pretty much up to me. The event planner was very helpful and was always there to lend a helping hand to guide me through this learning process. I worked with this firm through their event (it was a temporary job).

Since the event marketing job was only a few days a week, I began working part-time with the Lakeland Economic Development Council writing for their blog, YLakeland.com. YLakeland is a blog about all things Lakeland geared toward young adults and college students in Lakeland and the surrounding areas. I wrote blog posts all about my life after graduation and my job search. I also gave some job hunting and resume tips based on my experiences (and research). This job ended in May, since the local college students leave town for the summer... the organization does some different things with their website during the summer.

Check out my articles here!

Most recently I have been working for a local PR/Advertising Firm. The firm has offices in Boston, Chicago and Lakeland, but the employees work mostly from their homes and via Skype. Working from home has been nice, since it allows for a lot of flexibility. However, I am realizing their are a lot of downsides to this arrangement also. As a marketing intern for this firm, I have been able to broaden my marketable skills by learning programs such as Google Analytics and Google Adwords and assisting in a variety of different projects. I have had the opportunity to work on marketing for small-to-medium sized companies and political campaigns. By working side-by-side with the founder of the firm, I have gained a great deal of insight into the industry and learned a lot along the way. I am still working part-time with this organization and I continue to grow as an advertising professional.

Oh and on top of having all these part-time gigs I've been babysitting and of course, blogging!

Needless to say, I have had quite a number of experiences and opportunities since graduation and I cannot wait to find the perfect full-time fit for me (which, I will of course update y'all on!).

I hope this wasn't too ramblely (is that even a word...)!

Happy Monday!

xoxo

Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Back To School :: Agendas

Kate Spade + Lifeguard Press Agenda // Sarah Pinto Academic Planner //

Lilly Pulitzer + Lifeguard Press Large Agenda // Mom Agenda

1. Kate Spade + Lifeguard Press Agenda | I am so excited about the new Kate Spade + Lifeguard Press collaboration starting this fall. The first item unveiled in their new collection is the 17-month agenda. All the agendas look so cute and they have so much space to write down appointments, exams, social events, football games and to-do lists! You can order this adorable agenda today and get to planning!

2. Sarah Pinto Academic Planner | In school I loved having an academic planner. I loved buying a planner that began in August and ended in July... the perfect way to stay organized and start fresh each school year.

3. Lilly Pulitzer + Lifeguard Press Agenda | In college all I used was the Lilly agenda... confession, I am still using last years agenda (it's too cute to trade out!). I love how fun and colorful these agendas are and how they incorporate all the beautiful patterns for the year.

4. Mom Agenda | I have a few friends who swear by the Mom Agenda. This agenda has so much space... perfect for a student! The Home Office Edition of the Mom Agenda runs from August 2013 to August 2014, the perfect length for a student.

Do you use an academic planner or January-December calendar?

xoxo

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Back to School :: Wardrobe

Now that school is rolling around I am starting to miss the excitement of back to school time. Back to school shopping and tax free days are the best! I always loved getting new clothes, school supplies and reorganizing my room in preparation for the new school year. It's so nice how you get to start fresh each school year. Getting to class extra early with a brand new notebook and pen ready to learn... what could be better than that? The beginning of the school year is so fun. You get to see all your friends that you may not have seen in a while and meet news ones and all without the stress of midterm exams!

Although it has been a few months since I graduated (I cannot believe how fast time flies!), it feels like I should be preparing for back to school again. I thought I would share a few items that I think every new college Freshman should have in her wardrobe.

1. Go-to Oxford Shirt | Every college girl needs a go-to oxford shirt. Oxford shirts are the perfect way to look put together even when you woke up 30 minutes late for class. A simple Oxford Shirt can be paired with jeans or shorts for class or dressed up for work or an internship. The possibilities are endless!

2. A Reliable Lightweight Jacket | It's always smart to have a lightweight raincoat or windbraker in your wardrobe. With the unpredictable Florida weather (and other places too), you never know when a thunderstorm might pop-up. It's always better to be prepared. Having a go-to jacket in your closet will make rainy days a little bit better. This

3. Jack Rogers Sandals | I don't know about other places, but in the South Jack Rogers Sandals are everywhere! All over the University of Florida campus you will see girls wearing their favorite pair of Jacks. Jacks are the perfect sandal and can be dressed up or down for just about any occasion.

4. A Fashionable Tote Bag | Every college girl needs a fashionable tote to carry to and from class, the library and meetings. It is important that the bag is able to withstand just about anything that might come it's way. You never know when you'll be in the middle of a late-night cram session when the guy next to you spills his coffee all over the table. Yikes! Good thing your bag can take it. College life is unpredictable and hectic make sure you have a go-to tote or backpack that can keep up with your new crazy college life!

5. Classic Mini Skirt | A classic mini skirt can take a girl from class to an internship and then out to dinner with friends. I love this scalloped mini from J.Crew. It can be worn a variety of ways. I think this will be a Fall staple in many girls wardrobes this season, don't you?

Check out these related posts:
First Day Outfits
Classy on Campus
Tips for Getting Into The Swing of Things

What items do you think are must-haves for a soon-to-be college Freshman?

xoxo

Keep in Touch: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Tumblr | Bloglovin

Monday, July 29, 2013

Back to School :: Desks

Pottery Barn Teen Beadboard Smart Desk + Hutch

School is right around the corner so now is a perfect time to make sure your desk is in tip-top shape. A well organized desk is key to a student's success. It's important to have a comfortable chair, drawer or cabinet space to store all your supplies and enough space to spread out your books and supplies. In my room at home (AKA my parents house) I have a desk from PB Teen that I got in high school. It has two drawers on the left side and one drawer and a shelf on other right side. The desk is about the size of the one pictured above, but I could totally use more space sometimes. In college I loved studying in the library or at my kitchen table. A small desk was not sufficient space. I always preferred to spread out all my study materials (laptop, notebook, notecards, textbook, iPad, pens, planner).

Pottery Barn Teen Simple Small Desk

If you're living in a dorm room chances are your room will come furnished with a bed, desk and side table. If it doesn't or if you're living in an apartment with limited space, this small desk from PB Teen is perfect for you! I love how sleek and simple it looks. A very classic and sophisticated look.

Pottery Barn Bedford Home Office

Now that I have graduated college and am no longer in school (at least for the time-being), I no longer have 6+ hour long study/homework sessions where I'm stuck at a desk (check out my college desk) or in the library. However, I am working for an local company where I do have to do some work from home (plus blogging) so it is still important for me to have a functional desk/home office. In a perfect world I would have a home office like the one above... maybe one day!

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Organizing a dorm room can be difficult. After all you have two of everything! Making sure that each roommate has enough space to study, get ready and relax can be extremely difficult... and we all know how much stuff (and clothes) college girls have! Try to layout your furniture in the more efficient way possible to give everyone as much room as possible before unpacking. Think about what you'll be using the room for... it will be your bedroom, study, living room, kitchen and dressing room for the next 8-10 months so do your best to set it up efficiently and logically (plus you won't want to move everything once you've unpacked).

Check out 5 Ways to Organize a Dorm Room for some great tips!

Decor 2 Ur Door is a great site for girls going off to college for the first time in August. It's a great resource for you and your roommate to be able to look through all the options online and decide on bedding, decorations and more without having to be in the same city (perfect if you don't know your roommate before you move-in).

Check out their blog for more ideas!

Follow my Back to School Pinterest board for everything you need to get back into the academic sing of things.

Are you living in a dorm or apartment this year? I want to hear from you... How are you decorating your study space?

xoxo

Keep in Touch: Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Tumblr

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Back to School : tips for getting into the swing of things

It is now the second full week of classes and I am starting to feel like I am getting into my routine, although Labor Day did throw me off a little. I love setting a routine and sticking to it as much as possible. I think routines make life so much easier and really help you to stay on top of things, don't you agree? I try to wake up early, even on days when I don't have class, so that I can have plenty of time to work on homework, blogging and any other work I have during the day. This allows me to attend club meetings, watch television and hang out with friends at night.

1. Organize your notebooks | I like to start each semester with freshly organized notebooks and binders. I tend to wait until I get to class to decide how to best organize my materials for the semester. If the class is very note heavy I tend to bring my laptop to take notes, so I organize with three-ring binders. If the class is math related or discussion based I tend to use spiral notebooks to take notes, since there isn't as much writing.

2. Write all important dates in your planner | I love writing in a fresh new planner at the beginning of the year. I know, I'm a nerd. But, I think writing in my planner is so much fun! It's even better this year, since Lilly Pulitzer has come out with fun academic stickers.

3. Print all syllabi & important papers from each class | It is crucial to make sure you organize and print all the necessary papers for the semester if your professors don't hand them out in class. This really helps you to understand what your responsibilities are for the semester.

4. Highlight important things to remember | Highlight, highlight, highlight! I always start each semester by going through my syllabi and highlighting all important dates (i.e. exams, papers, projects) and other information to remember (i.e. office hours, attendance policies, etc.).

5. Organize your space | I think it is crucial to start each semester with a freshly cleaned and organized room. If you're moving into a new apartment or dorm this is simple, just make sure you're totally unpacked by the first day of classes. Being organized in time for your first class will reduce your stress level and make waking up each morning for class much easier. If I have an early class I try to organize all my papers and materials the night before so I won't forget anything when rushing around in the morning.

How do you start off each semester?

xoxo

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Pandora One

I cannot study in the library or a coffee shop without listening to music. Enter Pandora One. What a great investment! Listen to Pandora uninterrupted, no annoying ads interrupting your concentration. Plus there is a desktop app (& iPhone or iPad), how great is that?

Do you use Pandora One? What are your favorite stations for studying?

xoxo

Follow my Back to School board on Pinterest!

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Back to School : First Day Outfits

Are you ready to start classes again? I'm not sure if I am yet, but I will be... One thing I do love about classes starting back is picking out school supplies and outfits. I love wearing fun outfits to class!

Shorts

Sleeveless Popover | 7" Shorts | Sandals

Jeans

Jeans | Button Down | Sandals

Skirt

Skirt | Button Down | Flats

What are you wearing for your first day of classes?

xoxo

Check out these other Back to School posts {here, here, & here} & follow my back to school board on Pinterest!

Saturday, August 11, 2012

Back to School : Bedding

Are you getting ready to move into a dorm or apartment? I hate moving, but love decorating a new place and shopping for fun new things for my room. At home my bedding is from Target, but at school I've had Anthropologie bedding for four years. I love my bedding, it's colorful with big flowers on it. I love how my bright bedding makes my otherwise dull room look bright and inviting.

Anthropologie