School Year Struggles: Pros and Cons

It's the end of October. Some of us have taken the PSAT, SAT, PLAN, ACT, Writing Challenge, and numerous other non-standardized tests and quizzes.

We've been to parties and sports events and dances and other school events.

We've (unfortunately) had some long nights of school work, but we've also had some nights with friends!

The school year definitely has a lot of stressful elements, but it's important not to forget the fun things that the year will bring as well! As a list lover, one important thing for me is always to create a list of things I'm looking forward to and things I'm not as pleased about... it makes the year more approachable and easier to tackle! 

Idea: make a pro/con list of everything you're looking forward to in the year and everything that will be a challenge, and discover how everything can be positive.

Part of my list...

things to look forward to/pros:

• time with friends--spend quality time even when you dont have any
• the induction of this year's fall wardrobe -- a little style makes everything fun
• busy week/weekends--so many cool experiences to be had! 

things that might be difficult/cons:

• year long history paper--it might be hard, but how cool is this opportunity? plus, it's good practice.
• excessive homework & work load--learning time management
• busy week/weekends--ditto^

This is a hard part of the year, because it feels like the beginning of the school year, but its far enough in that you might be buried in work.
My advice to you (and myself) is to make the best of this time!

xo
love, emma

Back to School Essentials: Wardrobe

It's that time of year again... back to school once more. 

There are a few important things to go over before returning to the "real world" of September to June in my opinion, so I've divided all of my back to school thoughts into this miniseries of posts.

Let's start with the fun stuff, shall we? :)

J. Crew is my go-to store. Always has been and always will be. Their clothes are classic and modern and perfect as staples in your wardrobe. 

Back to school shopping doesn't have to be splurging every year and redesigning your whole look. If you have a sense of style that you like, you should stick to it. That's why J. Crew, for me, is perfect - the clothes I buy will be with me for a very long time, and I'll always like how I look. 

Obviously, it's nice to update a little, especially for a new school year. So instead of starting over, I look at September shopping as a time to add a few new pieces that will go well with my wardrobe and help to advance my personal style.

So here are a few things from J. Crew that I used to spruce up my Back-to-School Wardrobe!

1. New PJs

School can be pretty stressful, and sometimes it's scary how early in the year that feeling begins, so new pjs are a perfect September treat. They're great for the beginning of chillier weather (yay!!) and coming home after a long day and climbing into cute pjs might be just what you need. 

I was so torn with picking the color...but I went for the pink. See you next time, navy and hydrangea.

2. A Little Black Dress

I've been obsessed with the scallop dress and finally went for it. It's very flattering on everyone and I am not one to deny scallops-such a cute twist on the classic dress. Having this in my closet is a nice reminder to keep the balance between work and play-I can look forward to days when I can dress up and wear it and have some fun at a party or other event. This dress also really boosts your confidence.

The blue is also very cute.

3. Wool Scalloped Skirt

Oh, what do you know... more scallops! This skirt is absolutely adorable. I can tell it will be a serious fall and winter fashion staple for me. It looks very professional and still cute. 

Again, so hard to pick a color!  I got navy. I may have to come back for one more this winter...

4. Vest

Another piece I've had my eye on for quite some time. I think I might be glued to this vest for practically every month of the year.

I am clearly very indecisive. I got navy! One year I may go for another color.

5. I also bought two other staples: 

the short sleeved striped popover

and the flare skirt in red.

(You can see/read more about these when I post my OOTD for the first day of school. Stay tuned!)

What staples do you want to add to your back to school wardrobe?

love, emma