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. 

Makeup Bag Essentials

I am not someone who likes to bring a full load of makeup to school but rather stick to the things that'll be good to have around in case I smudge my eye makeup or forget to use something in the morning. If you want to bring more makeup related products I'd definitely recommend things that can be multi purposeful. Choose a lipstick that isn't only a great shade for you lips but also could double as cream blush. Things that have dual purposes will save you space in your makeup bag and you will have less things to worry about bringing.

Personal hygiene is one of the most important things to keep up. However, everyone has had that one day that they are running late and forgot to put on deodorant or brush their teeth. Keep miniature sizes of those products so you will never have to worry. I also would have to say if you can find a miniature size of anything, get it, especially for something that needs to be portable like your makeup bag. Another thing that is helpful to stay feeling refreshed at school are oil absorbing sheets. After gym class or even if you just have oily skin, these sheets will remove excess oils without ruining your makeup.

It can be hard to feel nice when you are having a bag hair day. Keep extra hair ties and bobby pins in your bag just in case your locks won't cooperate. I also like to have these sorts of things just for when I want my hair out of my face. I usually put my hair up when I am taking a test or you may need to put in back in science class.

For actual makeup, I keep it pretty low key. The main things I have in my makeup bag are lip products. I like to keep a lip balm, gloss, and some sort of stain or tint. The three things shown in the picture are staples in my makeup bag. It is also super easy to add a little bit of makeup to your lips and you will look super polished after.

About at the mid day point at school I feel like my skin looks a bit tired and less glowy than it did in the morning. This is why I prefer to keep a matte bronzer in my makeup bag, but you could totally switch this up for a light, translucent powder. You can use the applicator, if it comes with one, or just a miniature sized face brush or kabuki. I don't wear pencil eyeliner too much but for some reason I think it is a useful thing to keep in your makeup bag for touch ups or if you decide you want to amp up your eye look. Mascara is definitely a number one must have! Keeping a mini sized bottle in your purse can be a life saver in case you forgot to apply it in the morning or just need another coat.

These are all the things I keep in my makeup bag! Let me know your must haves for yours in the comments. If there are any other Back to School types posts you would like to see let me know what those are also.

xx Meghan

Steal Her Style #1

As summer comes to end and fall makes its way in, our light and airy clothes may get pushed to the back of our closets. This look is a perfect way to transition your summery clothes into a bit chillier weather. In this series I will be taking a celebrity look and finding similar items that are much more affordable so everyone can recreate their awesome style.

I love this look by Jennifer Lawrence because it is super carefree and comfy yet that slit in the maxi adds some drama. Keep in mind that the colors and styles aren't always the same but I try to match them as close as I can while still staying rather affordable. If there is a certain celebrity or picture you'd like me to recreate either comment the link down below or email me!

1. Soprano Milla Ruffle Maxi Dress {Nordstroms}
2. Buckled Flap Crossbody {Forever 21}
3. Women's New Classic Flip Flops {Old Navy}
4. Retro Knitted Grey Cardigan {ROMWE}
5. Jessica Sunglasses {American Apparel}

What was your favorite part of this look? Also let me know of any other celebrities you'd like to see, or if you can find a closer match to Jennifer's outfit comment it down below!

xx Meghan

Back to School Style: The Perfect Book Bag

My favorite and most stressful part of going back to school is buying a new bag. I always try to find my favorite and basically scour the entire internet for it. Depending on the type of school you go to and your needs, it will probably determine the bag that will suit you the best. For some people a backpack is the the best choice however, in my case I use just a normal purse. Here are some of my favorite options for going back to school in style.

Traditional Backpack with a Stylish Spin

There are so many cute alternatives to your standard Jansport backpack. I love all the floral prints and designs I've seen on these bags. I also just prefer to look of backpacks of these style, they are just a bit nicer looking than a standard zip up. You can choose between fun materials like denim, canvas or leather to match your style. Backpacks are also great if you need to be hands free, because most of the time you can fit a binder or book inside of them. The two straps also will not strain your back as much as a normal purse would.

Crossbody Hottie

If you can carry your books and binders between classes and don't really need to bring much else with you, a small to medium sized shoulder bag is a great pick. Something like a messenger bag is a perfect size to keep things such as writing utensils and other supplies you may need. If you are someone who likes to stick to the essentials a smaller bag may work best for you. I also find that they don't get as unorganized as my larger bags because everything inside it will have a place. These also work super well for transitioning from school to going out with your friends to events like football games or to grab some food. You can just toss in your wallet and some lipgloss and you'll be set!

Tote-ally Perfect

If you want the best of both worlds, opt for a stylish tote or shoulder bag. You will have the size and space of a back pack with the look of a purse. Large purses can work awesome if you need to bring some snacks or a small book that you don't want to carry. And you won't have to sacrifice space because of the larger size! I love bags with outer pockets so I can have a few things in easy reach especially when I have a larger sized bag. I don't want to be digging around through the whole thing just to find a pen or pencil! Larger sized bags come in all different shapes and materials so you definitely can find one that'll fit your style.


Make sure you choose a bag that will work best for not just your style but also your schooling. Figure out what will be most practical for you and with all the many options out there you are sure to find one you'll love. If you are interested in a particular bag in the picture above check out My Polyvore for links to where you can buy these certain bags. Let me know your favorite way to carry your school supplies around campus in the comments!

xx Meghan

Currently Obsessing

If it isn't clear already, I have this teensy tiny obsession with pale pink. Literally everything in that color family draws me to it and I am just enamored by the shade. Last year some time I bought this purse in the picture above. It is such a gorgeous color and is made super well. It is also like my favorite style of purse too!

Ever since I saw {this} bag, the Coach Poppy Spotlight purse, I have been obsessed with purses with two pockets in the front. Yes, I know, what a weird thing to like however I just find it super cute! The trouble is though, that I can never seem to get this bag to be a daily staple.

Reason 1: I wear mostly gold jewelry and this bag sports silver.
Reason 2: I find it hard to wear the pink purse with some of my clothes.

I know that this bag especially won't look good with everything but it makes me so sad that this gorgeous purse isn't used to it's full potential. Have you guys ever encountered something like that? Where you love something so much but can't bring yourself to use it! Anyways, I thought I'd share this little tidbit with you guys because when I see this purse I think of spring/summer. Hope you all are having a wonderful day!

XOXO Meghan

Pack the Perfect Beach Bag!

Since summer is in season and with that comes warm weather I decided to put together a sort of guide of what to keep in your beach bag! This is also like a What's in My Beach Bag because I went through mine to put the picture together! You could also take this to the pool or wherever you like to go in the summer to beat the heat! Tell me in the comments what your one essential thing you keep in your beach/pool bag! Happy Summer!

The Bag: I love to bring a backpack because my hands can be free to carry other stuff like towels, chairs, and coolers. For me I can pack more too if I bring a backpack! I also like that I can zip it up and keep the sand out. I really like the backpacks target has. They have some with really cute prints like the one above that are perfect for summer!

Best of 2011: My Favorite Products

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To round off this year, I decided to create a list of my favorite of favorites from 2011. This encompasses pretty much everything that I have really loved this year. I switch up items that I use almost weekly for some things so it was hard for me to think back to the things I have been using for a good amount of this year. So that shows how much I love these things! Let me know your favorites of this year!

1. Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Gel

I got this lotion actually on January first of this year and since then I haven't gone back! I am pretty low maintenance on moisturizers, so this one is perfect for me. It keeps my skin feeling fresh and clean all day. I use the gel because I have combo/oily skin, they also have a lotion version for dry skin, but I would probably recommend the gel for people with normal skin because I feel like it's a little lighter than the lotion. But it is a great all encompassing moisturizer!

2. Covergirl Lash Blast Mascara (Volume and Fusion)

I used one of these two mascaras all throughout summer! I will always have that iconic orange mascara tube with me, it is great by itself and also layers great with all other mascaras. I have been using some sort of version of Lash Blast for about 2 or 3 years now, if that's not dedication that I don't know what is! It always works!

3. Remington Curling Wand

I got this  hair iron back in 2010 for Christmas and I just works so perfectly for my hair. I have naturally curly hair, but pretty much only on my bottom layers. Then, my top layers are almost stick straight! This curling wand works wonders on my limp hair to give it a really effortless and natural look. You can go from ringlets to beachy waves! 

4. Basic Scarfs

I honestly wear a scarf probably five out of seven days in the week! I pretty much alternate between my black and white cashmere ones but sometimes I mix it up with a fun pattern. I get cold super easy and scarf are great to stay warm and also look really cute. It might just be me but I feel like scarves can make an outfit look super cute even when they are just a solid color.

5. Clairsonic + Purity Made Simple

I got the set in the picture from QVC that included the Clairsonic Plus (in pink!!) and some Philosophy items a while back. I have always love this cleanser and the Clairsonic makes your face so soft and gets out all the leftover makeup!

6. Steve Madden "Intyce" Boots

I pretty much wear these everyday! They are so cute and go with any outfit! They are the perfect riding boot and I cannot gush about them enough. Pretty much everyone has these boots at my school but they are so great I understand why! Definitely recommend if you are looking for a nicely made riding boot.

7. Vintage Coach Messenger Bag

I bought this at thrift store for like $15! I use it all the time for shopping or for school! I actually has a pretty good amount of room to where I can fit a reading book in it and my lunch for school and a water! It is really versatile and a easy choice when it comes to picking out the bag I want to wear, it's really great. You can only find it online now I believe, especially on Etsy!

8. NYX Blush Rouge Cream in Glow

I definitely have an unhealthy obsession with blush! I especially love this cream blush from NYX. It honestly does add a "glow" to your face that is really pretty. It is so pigmented and is super creamy compared to a MAC blushcreme. This is a really great universal pink color that looks good on its own or with a powder blush on top. You can buy NYX online or in ULTA.

9. Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Shampoo and Conditioner

I was going through a bit of a rough patch with my hair mid summer. It didn't feel soft, it was dry and damaged. I decided to try this out it did wonders for my hair. Even after one wash my hair felt smoother and softer. I also love the smell!

10. Pearl Studs

I have never really been that big into earrings even though I love the look of long dangly ones! It always seems like a hassle to put them on! But pretty much all this year I wore pearl studs! They go with any outfit and are just so classic. I have like five pairs in different colors and sizes and I love them!

What were your favorites of 2011?! Hope you all are really for the New Year and are have a safe and fun New Year's Eve!

XOXO M

Purse Essentials

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Don't you hate that feeling of forgetting something? After reading this, you'll never have to feel that way again. I know I hate wishing I could have remembered to put something in my bag or just utterly forgetting something. I have compiled somethings I always keep with me, for those "just in case moments." To some this may seem excessive, but I know that the day I take something out, is the day I'll always need it. I'd rather be safe than sorry. This also can help you organize your bag/school bag (I just transfer things from one to the other if I decide to change purses after school or something), and it will help keep your personal things from mixing in with your other items. Keeping reading for more details and pics of my personal essentials.