Guest Post: Back To School Essentials

Hello, everyone! It’s Grace from Smile Couture and I am so thrilled that the fabulous A & C are letting me borrow their blog today! I thought I’d talk about my back to school essentials, as it is getting to that much-anticipated time of year. I’ve grown up with a strict uniform (even riding boots aren’t allowed!), so my choices are a bit limited, but I also place a lot of importance on keeping it unique, because it’s really just no fun to feel lost in a sea of girls with the same purse and planner as you. Here are my picks to keep it fresh and classic:

A headband: I’m not advocating stocking up on super wild/first season of Gossip girl style ones. However, it’s great to have a few plain ones in your repertoire so you can look put together on those days when you have no time to put any real effort into your hair!

Good flats: I’ve learned the hard way that cheap ones just aren’t a good idea for trekking across the school (and I mean that; the cute Urban Outfitters flats were SO not worth the blisters freshman year). Get them broken in and in a quality fabric, and you’ll really be set. The authentic original topsiders are also a great and comfortable alternative. A pencil case: This one is unavoidable! In years past, I’ve come to prefer using a cosmetic pouch (they’re lined and so adorable!), so this year I love the simplicity and practicality of this Sea Bags one. Be sure to fill it with all of the necessary gel pens, printed pencils, and neon highlighters!

Light jacket: I think it’s a universally recognized truth that a light jacket is a fall essential. Patagonias and North Faces are both nice options that really withstand a lot of the wear and tear that accompanies school, but I also think Barbour’s a great option because it’s waterproof and really elevates an outfit to something Alexa Chung or Olivia Palermo would wear!

The bag: Don’t get me wrong, I’m definitely a tote fiend (I’ve used J. Crew, Kate Spade, Longchamp, and Vineyard Vines in years past), but they’re not the best for transporting heavier textbooks (if that’s not an issue, though, go for it!). This Madewell one is a great example of fashion-meets-function, and I’m getting mine monogrammed. I would steer away from script monograms, though, as I don’t think they lend as classic of a look.

Planner: I feel as though I’m not as reliant on my planner as most, but I still think it’s great to have for keeping track of assignments and such! I’m currently using a Lilly, but I plan on switching to Erin Condren because I think they’re a little more functional and still offer nice designs!

Best,

Grace