Back to Class Essentials

Whether you’re heading to college for the first time, going back to school or just picking up some continuing ed classes, some things never change: it’s time for back to school shopping! Sakroots is sponsoring today’s post about back to class essentials with the “Sakroots in Session” collection.

Back to Class Essentials

1. Backpack

Carrying all the back to class essentials is just easier with a backpack. My flap backpack arrived the day before I went on a trip to Michigan, and it made the perfect carry on. It’s big enough for a laptop, books, notebooks, water bottle and supplies. The reinforced straps make carrying heavy loads manageable. To my surprise, when I arrived at the airport in Lansing, my aunt was sporting a Sakroots bag too!

2. Pens

I like these Stabilo pens from Germany, which come in every color you’ll need for color coding and making your notes stand out. They coordinate perfectly with the Sakroots in Session collection too. I bought a collection from my campus bookstore, but if yours doesn’t sell them you can order online. I also like the highlighting markers.

3. Agenda/Planner

For students and employees alike, agendas are absolutely essential! This one comes with a page of cute stickers, pages with a different print on each month, and plenty of room to write every assignment and due date.

4. Washi Tape

While this may be an unexpected addition to a list of back to class essentials, washi tape comes in handy for so many things. I use it to color code my events and due dates in my planner. It’s also good for labeling notebooks, marking important notes, and of course, crafting. The bright patterns and colors add a little bit of fun to otherwise bland tasks.

5. Pencil Case

A pencil case comes with every Sakroots in Session flap backpack. So does an adorable enamel keychain.

Giving Back

I love supporting companies that give back!  Sakroots lets you pick the pattern and the charity that you love best. The print I chose for my agenda, True Love, supports Project Apis m‘s research to enhance the health and vitality of honey bee colonies. My backpack print, Flower Power, supports the North American Butterfly Association. Information on all the causes Sakroots supports can be found under “Choose Your Karma.” Which of the causes is your favorite?

Campus Ambassador Opportunity

Sakroots has an opportunity for full time college students: the Campus Circle ambassador program. Free Sakroots products, opportunities for college credit and internships in NYC are just some of the perks.

15% Off

Sakroots is offering 15% off your first order when you sign up with your email on the Sakroots homepage. That’s about $3 off a planner or about $12 off a backpack, and every student knows that every dollar saved counts! Plus there are other back to class essentials to check out, such as shoes and totes.

Lemons and limes for summer

Fresh lemonade, a lime wedge in your drink, bright yellows and vibrant greens…summer accessorizes with citrus. Why shouldn’t we?

Inspired by the greens and yellows, I put together a citrusy ensemble. The mini purse is from Target and it’s only $10! The necklace is adorned in enamel whole lemons and sliced limes. It’s not available anymore, but Kate Spade has a lovely lemon slice charm necklace on clearance.

I had the honor of helping a friend celebrate her American citizenship yesterday, and this was what I wore. It was a perfect summer celebration that kept the spirit of independence day going strong!

So there you go, lemons and limes clothing and accessories! How are you accessorizing this summer?

Lemons and Limes Clothing Outfit Details

Purse: Target  /  Floral heels: BC Similar  / Applique skirt: thrifted  / Top: Lilly Pulitzer Similar  /  Necklace: Lilly Pulitzer Similar from Kate Spade

Scalloping Along

Scalloped skirts

There’s something inherently lovely about the hem of scalloped skirts. For an afternoon at an art museum, let bright colors on their palette of white and navy inspire you!

Outfit Details

These Oka.b sandals are reminiscent of the much-loved jellies of the 80s. I got these for a casual summer wedding and they have been comfortable enough to wear again and again. They’re made in America and are recyclable! Full outfit links are below.

Skirt: Lilly Pulitzer (Similar)  /  Top: Lilly Pulitzer V-Neck /  Shoes: Oka.b Jasmine Slides

What art museums or shows are you looking forward to seeing this summer? I highly recommend checking out Italian Style if the show is coming to your area!

Maxi Madness

Maxi Skirt Outfits

I was a little late to the maxi skirt outfits game when I got this one in Oregon last summer. But ohhh how I wish I’d discovered how wonderful they are sooner. They’re easy elegance. Warm enough for chilly air conditioned spaces, yet cool enough for hot summer days; casual enough for the beach but formal enough for dinner. How do you wear your maxi skirts?

Outfit details

Possibly my most eclectic outfit post yet, read on for where each item came from! I’ll do my best to link to similar items for shopping below.

Elements of this outfit were repurposed from other posts, including the purse and moccasins. Make sure you see the last post on how to make the tassel necklace I’m wearing here!

Skirt: Similar  /  Top: Hackwith Design House (got second hand)  /  Moccasins: Minnetonka  /  Sunglasses: Got for free in college  /  Bracelet: Bought for 1 Euro in Greece, but here’s a similar one for only 7.95   /  Necklace: DIY  /  Beaded Purse: Similar /  Layering tank: Vineyard Vines (available here in white)

I put this outfit together while getting ready for a Game of Thrones season 5 party. I have the innate ability to turn any party into a theme party and milk that theme for all it’s worth (check out my edible dragon eggs on Instagram for proof). So naturally I thought the occasion called for a makeshift themed ensemble. The best starting place is to style clothes you already have, so I settled for a bell-sleeve a-line dress, vaguely medieval side braid, Dauphines of NY headband (which you can win for yourself on yesterday’s post!), sage green crochet tights, and the moccasins I wear constantly.

Style clothes you already have

I realized that everything in my outfit I had owned for over a year, except for the headband. Sometimes I forget that new isn’t always better. “Old but good” pieces shouldn’t be ignored. It’s a reminder that you can shop in your own closet instead of being pressured to always buy new. Putting older pieces together in unexpected ways can really work. Adding a new accessory like a headband helps pull it together with a “new” feel.

Here’s an example: for weeks I shopped for a new tote bag, enlisting the help of my expert shopper friends. I had a big seminar a couple weeks ago and I wanted a neutral colored bag big enough for snacks, pens and a notebook, a DSLR, and more. I ended up deciding to wait on buying one (my top choices are all on my sidebar widget right now if you’re curious) so I had to turn to what I already had in my closet-and it worked out fine! This tote garnered plenty of compliments, and I was happy to tell people who liked it that it is now only $42 now from Vera Bradley. I will invest in a neutral tote bag eventually, but realizing I can make do with still-usable items took the pressure of a quick purchase off!

Outfit details

Dress – Similar at Forever 21 or Similar at Nordstrom /  Tights  /  Moccasins – Minnetonka  /  Purse – Mandy in Baroque from Vera Bradley

How do you style clothes you already have? Have fun finding new ways to mix and match existing clothes this season!