back. to. school. with. bluesky's. day. designer.

 

I’m a smidge behind on the whole back-to-school bandwagon, but I definitely still think the entire month of September is devoted to fresh beginnings and new routines. I received samples from BlueSky’s Day Designer collaboration with Whitney English a while back, and I just wanted to take a second to share my thoughts. 

This post really couldn’t have come at a more perfect time as I’ve found myself in a bit of a rut as of lately. Ever since vacay (nearly a month ago now), I feel as though I’ve been constantly playing catch-up with blog posts and freelance work. I don’t know about you, but I hate it when work lingers over the weekend — not only is it a total distraction, but you never truly get caught up with everything. Hence, where I am now: feeling frustrated and not-so-inspired.  

Enter in the Day Designer collection, AKA a savvy college student’s (or self-proclaimed busy girl’s) dream. If you’re someone who likes to pencil in ALL the things, then Whitney English’s line of academic year planners, wall calendars and desk accessories will be right up your alley. The best part: It’s all sold exclusively at Target with everything in the collection coming in at just under the $20 mark. #Winning

I created Day Designer in response to my own desire for a planner that was both functional and beautiful. I envisioned a planner that would be simple to use yet robust enough to handle the modern woman’s busy, chaotic, challenging - yet ultimately rewarding - life. An efficient planning system was truly the key to helping me, and busy women all over the world, find focus, create balance and live a more inspiring life. — Whitney English

Despite being a post-graduate, I still swear by a good planner (or three). While I occasionally like to create to-do lists on my iPad, I’m definitely more of a pen and paper kind of gal. I have to say, I was very, very impressed upon receiving the Day Designer 8 x 10 inch navy striped planner (as well as the 5 x 8 inch gold striped planner), the wall calendar, navy floral pen, printed pencil set and pack of assorted washi tape. I’ve linked all the items below (if N/A online, definitely check in store!) as well as additional commentary on what I love about each product. 

1. Day Designer Weekly/Monthly Planner in Navy Blue/White // Not only is this navy and white striped planner gorgeous on the outside, but the layout on the inside is incredibly streamlined and easy on the eyes. (Shhh, don’t tell, but it’s honestly just as nice as my Kate Spade planner.) I love how there’s a space for you to record your top three goals and agenda for the day as well as thoughts of gratitude and notes for the week.
2. Day Designer Weekly/Monthly Planner in Gold/White // This planner flaunts a classy gold and white palette that’s equal parts glamorous and sophisticated. It’s slightly smaller size makes it perfect for a backpack or even a leather tote. The layout and organization are the same as the navy and white planner above — just on a smaller scale. I especially love the section of lined pages at the back devoted to note-taking, whether you’re jotting down notes in class or brainstorming ideas on a whim. 
3. Day Designer Wall Calendar in Creamsicle // Admittedly, I’ve never owned a wall calendar before (at least, not the type that you actually write on), but this one’s making me want to be a little more on top of things. But actually. I’ve decided to reserve this cute pink + teal striped calendar for blogging. Since I wasn’t so successful with keeping up with an editorial calendar in August, I’m hoping to get down a solid blogging routine this month. Fingers crossed. 
4. Day Designer Fountain Pen in Floral Print // As if I didn’t already have enough pens, now I have one more to add to the mix. This floral print fountain pen with a gold finish (which writes in black ink) is perfect for in-class note-taking and making to-do lists.  
5. Day Designer #2 Pencil Set in Multi-Print // Do you even head back-to-school if you’re not equipped with at least one #2 pencil for bubbling scantrons? That’s not even a question. 
6 Day Designer Washi Tape, 3 Rolls // ‘Cuz washi tape is always a good idea. Use it to decorate your wall calendar, designate special dates and upcoming getaways in your planners — you name it.

What’s your go-to method for staying on top of things? Let me know in the comments below!

xo,

A
Disclosure: All BlueSky products featured in this post were kindly provided as samples. Please note that all views and opinions are my own.

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kate. spade. // january. arrivals.

Photo via Kate Spade New York.

No surprise, Kate Spade is killin' it with their new arrivals for January. Now that winter has actually arrived (cue the frigid temps + Eskimo-like dressing), I'm all about punchy colors and patterns that lend a little extra oomph to my daily look. And, of course, no one does playful and whimsical better than KS. I've rounded up some of my favorite picks below that you can shop right now. Enjoy!

Seriously. How ah-mazing is the multi-stripe kite bow back dress above? I'll take two, please!

xo,
A

PS: I just received the Kate Spade 17-month medium agenda in black stripe in the mail today and it's perfection. If you're on the line about purchasing it, then I highly recommend doing so, especially if you plan on using it as a desktop planner.

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january. // the. list.

New year, new installment of my favorite blog series, “the list.” It’s been quite a while since the last time I compiled a roundup of the clothing items + accessories that I’m currently coveting, but it’s better late than never, right?! One of my goals (or rather challenges, if you will) is to take a more casual, effortless approach when putting together outfits. That said, I think the items that I’ve selected this month are versatile in how they can be just as easily dressed up as down. From a gingham shirt that I am already obsessed with to the perfect ballerinas, here’s a snippet of my January must-haves…

1. Golden Double-Cloth Topcoat (J.Crew) // Gloomy days don't stand a chance when your topcoat is this radiant. In the most perfect shade of yellow imaginable — golden sun to be exact — this coat by J.Crew is everything. Sign me up!
2. Pencil It In 12 Month Agenda (Kate Spade) // Welp! I must confess that I don’t have a planner for 2015 yet. BUT I will soon enough… who knows, this charming polka dot planner could end up being mine. #wishfulthinking
3. Anabella Top (Joie) // True story, I won a gift card to Joie and treated myself to this dreamy gingham top. I haven’t officially worn it yet, but I did try it on, and the fit is ah-mazing. It’s soft, lightweight and is practically made to be paired with black skinny jeans and smoking slippers.
4. Willa Flats (Kate Spade) // Being the ballet flat devotee that I am, you can bet that I’ve got my eyes on these windowpane lovelies. The classic cream/black palette is enough to get me swooning...
5. Shirttail Skirt in Buffalo Plaid (Madewell) // This buffalo check skirt has “cool girl” written all over it, am I right?! Throw on an oversized sweater, slip into some ankle booties and you just may give Alexa Chung a run for her money. Maybe.
6. Dance Till Dawn Socks Trio (Kate Spade) // Never have I met someone who isn’t fixated with pretty socks. From tucking them into your riding boots to pairing them with your PJs for a night in, this playful trio of KSNY socks is completely necessary.
7. Initial Ring (Kate Spade Saturday) // While I’m not the biggest fan of monograms, I do find the idea of a dainty initial ring to be quite charming. Wear just one or combine initials for a fun stacked look.

What are you coveting this month? Leave a comment below!

xo,
A

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what’s. in. my. bag. // pt. II.

Welp!  Half of the semester is dunzo...and, truth be told, I’m not sure where the time has gone.  In a way, it’s hard to believe that we've arrived at the halfway point, but on other hand, August (and syllabus week) seems SO long ago.  Either way, I thought that now would be the appropriate time to finally (!!!) share my school bag essentials.  I snapped these pictures a while back, but alas, never got around to posting about them.  Just as a refresher, back in March, I did a fun feature spotlighting “what’s in my bag” (i.e. what I cannot leave the house without). Make sure to check it out if you haven't already!

Truth be told, on a typical day of classes, I normally have to carry a big tote.  BUT, on the rare occasion that I have a lighter load, my Old Navy bucket bag (similar) is everything. It’s chic, effortless and holds more than meets the eye.  As far as notebooks go, I rely on my Moleskine Cahier Journal and Rollbahn (gridded) notebook.  Both flaunt a minimalist design and are small enough to ensure that they don’t take up too much room in my bag. Note: this is key for me.  

On a good day, one of my fave fashion magazines may or may not end up in my tote. (Side note: I do love me some Glamour UK!) In between studying, reading up on the latest fashion trends is naturally at the top of my agenda.  #priorities  

When it comes to my writing utensils, I’m a total pen snob and for good reason.  My roundup of go-to pens will have to be left for a future post, but Muji, Le Pen, Staedtler and Stabilo are four that never disappoint.  Oh, and that pen case…yeah it’s by Muji and I highly recommend it.  Not only am I in love with the minimal design, but it also prevents my pens from mysteriously going missing at the bottom of my bag.

 

While some people invest in one trusty planner, I’ve done the unthinkable and actually have three which I admittedly don’t use as much as I should.  I will say, however, that for school, my red Moleskine planner is both functional and professional.

If there’s one thing that I’ve learned about school supplies, it’s that sometimes form does not follow function.  Take these Jack Wills sticky tabs and Jonathan Adler highlighters for instance. While they’re both super cute, they just may be too cute to use.  On the other hand, they do make great photo props… #doitfortheinstagram

Muji pen case.  // Le Pen.  //  Muji Gel-Ink Ballpoint Pens.  //  Jack Wills stick notes.  //  12-Month Weekly Moleskine Planner.  // Rollbahn notebook.  //  Moleskine Cahier Journal (set of three).  //  Jonathan Adler highlighters

What are your must-have school essentials?  Leave a comment below!

xo,

A

P.S. - The other day I spotted Kate Spade highlighters at my school’s bookstore, and oh-em-gee, they’re just as witty and knock-your-socks-off-good as one would expect!

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