My Top 5 Back to School Essentials + $75 Target Gift Card Giveaway!
I was always one of those weird kids that was excited for school to start each year. No, I wasn’t excited about the return of exams and homework, but I couldn’t wait to see my friends and start a brand new year. Even though I’ve graduated, August always seems like a fresh start to me. Whether you’re in school or working full time, the back to school campaigns always inspire me to get a little more organized, a little more polished, and way more focused on the tasks I need to accomplish before the end of the year.
Oh, and it never hurts to have an excuse to get brand new stuff.
I have a whole series of back to school posts planned for this week where I’ll outline the fashion, beauty, and organizational things I think are must haves for fall, but here are my Top 5 picks that are non-negotiable essentials for anyone starting a new school year or just getting ready for the fall! I’ve teamed up for this post with Michelle and Stephanie, so be sure to check out their posts as well!
A killer pair of jeans.
Jeans are the perfect clothing piece for a busy school schedule. They can be any fit, color, or style- whatever makes you feel confident and makes your butt look good! I’m loving these Mossimo Polka Dot Skinny Jeans for fall because they’re fun, girly, and will a lot of character to any outfit without being too over-the-top. If you find a pair that makes you feel this good, then you know you’ve found the right pair of jeans.
A bag that goes with everything.
Whether you’re finishing up last minute homework or rushing to school early so that you can put in some solid flirtation time with your current crush (I may have done this a day or two….or five hundred), it’s just not practical to change your bag every day to match your outfit. Even though I’m not hitting the books this fall, I’m tempted to pick up the Bueno Washed Bubble Backpack from Target. It’s functional, affordable, and it reminds me of a backpack version of the Rebecca Minkoff 5 Zip or the Balanciega City bag. The classic design and basic color will match all of your outfits and still look like a cool accessory.
A no-brainer makeup palette.
I’m a big fan of color, but making colorful makeup work takes time, effort, and skill- three things that I do not possess at 6am. Neutral eyeshadow palettes are an easy way to look put together in the morning without a lot of effort or thought. I love the Sonia Kashuk Perfectly Neutral Eye Palette for early mornings because all of the colors are gorgeous and match each other perfectly. No matter which shades you choose to apply, you’ll achieve a great look with minimal effort. Add a coat of mascara, a dab of concealer and lipstick, and you’re good to go. All of the Sonia Kashuk eyeshadow palettes are fantastic. They’re easy to blend and the same quality as many higher-end brands for a lower price.
A curling wand.
Clipless curling irons are called curling wands, but they should really be known as magical wands. If you’ve ever wanted to achieve bouncy curls or waves, but you have no hair styling skills (like me), buy a curling wand. The Chi Curling Wand is a great product and will allow you to curl your entire head of hair in minutes. The curls last for days, so you’ll have great hair on the second and/or third day too. Need more proof? Michelle uses this curling wand, and her hair is always on point. Check out her blog if you don’t believe me!
A fun pair of flats.
I once wore a pair of 5 inch heels to school. I looked fabulous for five minutes, and then I walked back to my car and changed into flip flops. It’s just not practical to rush across campus in fancy shoes. Find a fun pair of flats, like these amazing Sam & Libby Sparkle Cap Toe Ballet Flats, and you’ll still cute but your feet will still love you.
By the way…am I the only person that can’t help but sing the Billy Madison “Back to School” song every time they see a Back to School ad or promotion?
Want to pick up some back to school essentials for yourself? I’ve teamed up with Stephanie from Diary of A Debutante and Michelle from Mash Elle to giveaway a $75 Target gift card to one lucky reader!
Also, don’t forget to sign up for your free sample of Nexxus Youth Renewal shampoo and conditioner in my last post!
