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.

0

what's. in. my. cambridge. satchel. bag.

I don’t know about you, but I have a slight obsession with “what’s in my bag” posts. Call me nosey, but I love seeing the random odds and ends that people tote around on the daily — or to fashion week. Today, I’m super excited to be sharing my Cambridge Satchel essentials. It just may be one of my favorite posts ever, simply because it was so fun to photograph! Depending on my #BOTD (bag of the day), what I carry (and which bag I use) varies. For instance, if I’m heading to a coffee shop for a work sesh, then I know to use a larger tote that fits my laptop. Or if I’m out running errands, a pint-sized bag will almost always do. Take a peek below and be sure to share a link to your #whatsinmybag post in the comments below!

1. The 13 Inch Classic Satchel (Cambridge Satchel) // I was so stoked when I was able to snag this classic Cambridge Satchel bag (with original tags!) in the gently used section at Duo last winter. It’s not something I use every day, but it’s a nice change of pace when a crossbody bag is too small and a tote is too big. Ya know?! 
2. Ban.do Sparkly Hair Clip (similar) // This is legit my favorite hair clip ever. I love having it on hand for those days (let’s be honest — most days) when my hair isn't cooperating. 
3. Kate Spade Tortoiseshell Sunnies (similar) // While I have several pairs of sunnies that I like to throw into the rotation (like this budget-friendly mirrored pair I recently snagged at Nordstrom), I always come back to this timeless tortoiseshell pair from Kate Spade. Take note: It’s not pictured, but I like to store it in a case like this (different pattern but same style) to keep the scuffs away. 
4. Chubby Lash Fattening Mascara (Clinique) // I’ve been using Clinique for years, and I just recently tried out this chubby lash fattening mascara. Long story short: I love it and will definitely be making a repurchase soon. When used alongside a lengthening mascara (and an eyelash curler) it does wonders. 
5. Silicone Tennis Balls iPhone Case (Kate Spade) // TBH, I never want to give up this phone simply because the case is too cute. Period.

6. Color Block Pen (Poketo) // Don’t get me wrong, penciling in functions in an iCal is great, but there’s something to be said about taking notes by hand in an agenda or notebook. Hence the need for an ink pen that brightens your day. 
7. Ampersand for Blue Sky Bookbound Notebook (Target) // Looking for a budget-friendly notebook that’s functional and stylish? Right this way! I’m obsessed with this classy notebook by Blue Sky. Every time I use it, the Parisian chic aesthetic reminds me of Garance Dore. Pssst: It’s only $6.
8. Flavored Balm Dotcom (Glossier) // Minty fresh moisturized lips? Yes, please! If you haven’t already read my review of Glossier’s mint balm dotcom, you can do so here. 
9. Clare Vivier Striped Zip Wallet (similar) // This one’s an oldie but a goodie. Come summertime, I swap out my kelly green Kate Spade wallet for this striped zip wallet by Clare Vivier. Doesn’t it just scream Fourth of July?
10. Polka Dot Twistband (similar) // I like to keep at least one hair tie tucked away in my bag (or sunglass case) for ponytails, side braids and the occasional bun/top knot. 
11. Fruit Stripe Gum // Hello, ‘90s kids! Sure, the flavor may not last long, but nothing beats that initial surge of fruity goodness. 

What are your bag essentials? Leave a comment below!

xo,
A

3

monday. favorites.

According to my Kate Spade planner, it’s June.  What!?  I try my best to avoid commenting on the time, but sometimes it’s just inevitable.  As long as June inches by ever so slowly, I’ll be okay.  Since I can’t even remember the last time I did a roundup of my current “Monday favorites,” I thought that today would be as good of a time as any.  Without further ado, here you go!

- This elephant necklace from Duo (check out this similar style) is a game changer.  I’m not lying when I say that it’s often the first necklace that I reach for in the morning.  It’s just that conventional.  My favorite part about it is the size.  As you can probably tell from the photos above, it’s not your ordinary pint-sized elephant – it’s supersized!

- As I’m a sucker for all things paper, I obviously couldn’t pass up this gem of a notepad (especially since it was on sale + extra 40% off!).  Designed by the stationery brand Knock Knock, this pocket-sized notebook is as witty as they come.  I’m obsessed with the design (less is always more!) and can’t wait to use it for my most important to-do lists.   

- Target was spot-on when they designed their line of J.Crew-inspired magic wallets.  With cute white and pink whales, it instantly reminded me of Vineyard Vines.  While they’re currently sold out at my local Target, they appear to still be available online.  For $6.99, I’d say that it’s totally worth it!  (If you’re not one for whales, then definitely check out the sailboat, polka dot and diagonal stripe prints – they’re all too cute!)

- If you follow College Prepster, then this striped button-down shirt from Old Navy may look familiar.  The only difference is that while Carly’s red and white stripe Huxter popover retails for $180, mine was on sale for around $10!  Granted, I totally understand that Huxter is an all-American brand (made in New England, of course) and is designed with the utmost quality...but since button-down shirts aren’t typically my go-to, I happily went for the budget-friendly option.

- Every summer, I yearn for one pair of sandals that I can wear day in, day out…these nude-colored bow sandals from Gap are just that.  Besides the obvious, I’m bow-obsessed (duh!), they go with everything.  I’m so glad that I’m such a frugal shopper and thought to snag these up back in November for a little bit of nothing.  

What are you coveting on this first Monday in June?

xo,

A

0

target. style.

I know I’m not alone when I say that I’m an absolute sucker for Target’s dollar section.  I’m specifically drawn to their cute sticky notes, pens/pencils and random stationery goods.  

As if $1 wasn't cheap enough, I happened to be in Target a few weeks ago when these said items were discounted at 70% off.  SO, I basically ended up only paying 30 cents per item...and, no surprise, I came home with one of everything!  While I love all the goodies that I swooped up, I simply can’t get enough of these miniature clothespins.  I have no idea what I’m going to do with them, but I’m sure I’ll think up a fun DIY in the near future.

Being on summer break, I finally got around to snapping a few photos. All of the floral + polka dot prints and whimsical colors photographed so well together.

What Target dollar section finds have you uncovered lately?

xo,

A

0

garance. doré. x. rifle. paper. co.

Image via garancedore.fr

Sometimes collaborations are just meant to be.  The stars align and everything falls seamlessly into place.  As far as stationery collaborations go, I can’t imagine a more perfect union than one between Rifle Paper Co. and fashion photographer, illustrator and writer Garance Doré.

Upon first glance, I knew that it was going to be good.  An acute attention to detail paired with seriously impeccable fashion illustrations combine to form a high-quality product that is as aesthetically pleasing as it is functional.  Those of you, like myself, who have an unwavering obsession with all things paper are in for a special treat.

As luck would have it, both Anna Bond (co-owner and creative director at Rifle Paper Co.) and Garance Doré share an appreciation for gorgeous illustrations and designs. It seems that timing was everything.  Despite this being Rifle Paper Co.’s first capsule collection, when Doré reached out to Bond, her answer was a resounding “yes.”  The fact that they were both already fans of each other’s work makes the launch of their line even sweeter.

Photo via garancedore.fr

On their joint venture, Bond said:  “I have worked closely with Garance to guide her illustrations into products, art direct the look and style of the collection, and design each item. We are bringing Rifle’s attention to detail, product quality, and expertise to a group of products that are new and unique yet complementary to our own brand.”

The line includes stationery, notebooks, greeting cards, calendars and even iPhone cases.  Let me tell you, the illustrations are as Parisian chic as they come, all featuring attractive script fonts and a soft, muted color palette.

Photo by @annariflebond

A notebook is more than just a journal to record thoughts in; how it looks and feels speaks volumes too. As Doré told Style.com, “illustrations ought to be something you can carry with you.”  Maybe I don’t need a new notebook per se, but it’s safe to say that I secretly want one anyway!

So classy, refined, and sophisticated, if this stationery collection doesn’t knock your socks off, I don’t know what will.  While the Garance Doré x Rifle Paper Co. line already had its official debut at Paris retailer Colette, the launch date in the US couldn’t come soon enough.  Arriving Spring 2014, look out for it any day now!

xo,
A

0