Back to School Grown Up style

Back to School Grown Up style featuring crossbody handbags & Rupert Sanderson black mary jane flat

A new school year is starting again after a long (and fun) summer.... that means, new classes, and new friends. It also means, new clothes, new pencils (and maybe a new pencil skirt) for  a whole new start. Just because I'm not a kid anymore doesn't means I don't deserve new supplies, right!? In honor of the going-back-to-School spirit, I've gathered some scholarly pieces for a very chic entry... no matter your age!!

<Zac Posen Silk Chiffon Blouse>

When it comes to school style, I always think of a siple white button down. Here's one that's feminine, yet not too business like. It goes with any skirts, and goes with jeans too for a more casual look.

<Asos Mini Pinafore Dress>

Who says back-to-school style can't look conservative and cute at the same time? And this is a perfect transition piece to go from warmer weather into Fall/Winter, too!!

<Mulberry Leopard Scotchgrain Make Up Bag>

Pencil bag by day, and make-up bag by night?! I love it when it's multi-functional,... and it's totally cute!!

<Elizabeth and James Open-Toe Platform Pump>

I always thought of Mary-Jane Shoes is the best with the school-girl look.... but these platform pumps are definitely stealing lot of my attentions. The height and the open-toe style definitely give the traditional look a new edge. And they're nude, too... they go with everything!! 

<JUICY COUTURE Gold Heart/Bow Duo Bracelet>

Friendship Bracelets, anyone? I guess we're all grown-up now, it's not stopping us from having little hearts on the bracelet, but I'm sure we can go without the "BFF" charms to prove our friendships at this point.

<Marc Jacobs Quilted Leather iPad Case>

Having a cool backpack used to be one of the biggest deals when we first started school. Well, things haven't changed that much, it's still important to tote things around with something cool. How about a pretty iPad case like this? It's classy and it's practical. 

<Forever 21 Thin Headband Trio>

Yes, headband!! What a perfect way to pull together a back-to-school look! They come in so many colors, whether wear it all together or wear it alone.... it's an easy style. 

<Pride and Prejudice Penguin Classics Hardcover>

Last but not least, books... even if it's just one. One good book goes a long way!  Whenever I read, doesn't matter what kind of book it is, I instantly feel a boost of energy in my brain, and it makes me feel good. Go pick up a book!! Besides, no Back-to-School look can be completed without books!! 

That's it!! It is always exciting to go back to school. It's even more exciting to go back with style. 

xxoo

Pack Like A Pro

Pack Like A Pro, featuring a trolley luggage

Can you believe it... Summer is almost over!! Though it doesn't mean all the fun has to be over, right? It's been one of the busiest summers I can remember. It feels like I've traveled around the world. I mean, I didn't make it around the world, but I did travel a lot. There are the week-long trips to California and to Croatia, a couple of weekend getaways, and some mini trips to visit friends and family. There were definitely times I found myself repacking my bags before I could fully unpack from the trip before. 

Don't get me wrong,I'm not complaining! Instead, I feel extremely blessed and satisfied. I find myself learning more than ever when I'm traveling. If not learning about anything else, I know at least I learned to pack pretty well. You know how it is... it's not always easy to travel light AND stay fashionable at the same time. After reading an article about traveling-in-style by Ilaria Urbinati (a celebrity stylist and the owner of Confederacy Boutique in LA) and combining my personal experiences, this is my guide to a no-fail packing. As long as these basic items are packed, you're good to go for a 3-day-weekend, and you can easily build from here for a longer trip: 

-The Basics-

3 pairs of socks (personally I don't dig socks, I can go with less)

4 pairs of undies

2 pairs of bras 

-The Pieces-

1 White Button-up (you can make it business casual, or wear it over jean shorts, or as a bathing suit cover!!)

2 Tank tops

2 Basic Tees (Dress them up or sleep in them, your choice!)

1 pair of skinny jeans

1 pair of denim cutoffs (Mine is from American Eagle) 

1 pair of shorts(Usually dressier than the denim one)

1 Going-out kind of dress

1 Sundress or skirt

1 Cardigan 

1 Blazer (it dresses up everything.)

1 pair of bikinis 

1 pair of flip flops or sandals

1 pair of flats (Sometimes I go with my Converse instead)

1 pair of nude heels (They go with everything and makes your legs look crazy long! I'm thinking Christian Louboutin.)

-The Beauty-

1 Makeup Bag (I'm obsessed with my Trish McEvoy Makeup Planner, it keeps all my makeup super organized!) 

1 Toiletry bag (I heard Bare Bag is awesome, it doubles as a clutch! Go get one!)

Fascial cleansing towelettes 

Tinted Moisturizer with sunscreen

Lip Balm (or Aquaphor, or anything muti-purpose is great.)

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Body Lotion

Hair Bands and hair brush

Shampoo and Conditioner(Don't ever risk for a bad hair day!)

-The Extra- 

1 pair of Sunglasses

1 light scarf

1 pair of hoop earrings

1 day bag (Big fan of my Foley & Corinna City Tote, one bag with two looks!) 

1 nighttime clutch (If not double tasking my toiletry bag!)

1 Personal first-aid kit (usually just some cute band-aids in there)

AND

Passport, if you're leaving the country!!

I know it looks like a long list, but it really is not a lot. They usually fit loosely in my one-and-only duffle bag, which fits the carry-on standard. For colder season, This is still my starting point when I pack. I just add on warmer clothing items from here. Whether I'm driving, flying or kayaking through the ocean, I usually throw on the jeans with one of the tees, either flip-flop or Converse(easy for security check), and have the cardigan in my tote in case I get cold. It's important to travel comfortably, and it's also important (or more important) to travel in style!! When I can achieve both?! I'm not gonna lie, I do feel like a rock star! 


xxoo

Pratesi trolley luggage
$2,300 - forzieri.com

Ghurka duffel luggage
$1,095 - couture.zappos.com