Back to School: Backpack Essentials

As I prepare to head off to my first year of college, I have done what probably would seem to be an ridiculous amount of research on what I will need to bring with me. Most importantly, I wanted to know what all the essentials to have in your backpack include. Here are the items I plan to carry with me at all times and that I found to be most important!

Let's start off with the bag. This adorable backpack show above is from, none other than, Target! They've had some really cute backpacks for the back to school season and when I saw this one I couldn't pass it up. I also have another plain black backpack that is a bit more heavy duty than this one, but I hope to use this cute patterned bag as much as I can without it clashing with any of my outfits!

School supplies is obviously a necessity. My favorite items are Five Star notebooks and folders. I also carry with me a variety of pens and pencils to take notes and study with. Highlighters are also important study aids that can help to liven up your notes. One thing I never thought of until doing a bit of looking into what school supplies to bring was a mini stapler. When you have something to turn in during a college class, your professor with most likely not pass the one class stapler around the desk like I experienced in high school. Having your own mini stapler can be a life saver in case you had to print something out last minute and totally forgot to staple it before throwing it in your bag. 

Thanksgiving Outfit Ideas

Whether you celebrate Turkey Day pretty low-key or your family goes all out, there are tons of fall themed outfits to choose from. Above I put together some ideas on every end of the spectrum. Let me know which one is your favorite or how you normally dress to celebrate. And if you do not live in the United States, take this as just some more fall/winter inspiration!

Casual

If you are not looking to go over the top for Thanksgiving and simple and comfy outfit like this one is perfect. A comfy sweater layered over a nice blouse will make you look nicely put together without much effort. For more inspiration for layering sweaters and tops check out my other post HERE. I paired the top portion with some simple skinny jeans. For the finishing touches, I added a cute pair of leopard flats and a gold watch.

Middle Ground

If you are a fashionista who doesn't want to sacrifice your style for little get together this look will give you the best of both worlds. Even a basic top can become a little more glamourous with a more visual fabric such as chiffon or with leather details. I chose this flowy button up because it has a nice tailored look but doesn't over power the awesome metallic pants I added on the bottom. For accessories, a pair of heeled ankle booties will do the trick and geometric earrings add instant fabulous-ness! 

Fancy

When I see velvet, I think sophistication. This adorable maroon dress is perfect for a more dressy party you may be attending. I added sheer black tights because I feel like that makes it a bit more fall/winter appropriate. The black pumps with gold detail on the toe are super cute and a matching tone headband adds a little girly touch that ties the look together. I picked out a delicate bow necklace to dress up the neckline a little bit more.

I hope you all have a Happy Thanksgiving or just a great week! Let me know any other posts you'd like to see as well in the comments below.

XOXO Meghan

Color Love: Burgundy

For the fall time, I am obsessed with the darker versions of some of my favorite bright summer shades. One of those is a vampy, burgundy maroon color! Using this hue in different ways is super in for the upcoming season and can add a fun bit of drama. I love incorporating it into my accessories but you can also make it a statement by choosing a cute flowy skirt or a bold top. Another way I love to wear burgundy is with my makeup! I love it as a nail color because it is really dark but not as intense as black. I also think a maroon lip or cheek would be super pretty on a color autumn day. What are your favorite ways to wear burgundy and do you have a favorite color for this season? Hope you all are enjoying this last bit of summer.

xx Meghan