Necessary Accessory: School Supplies

I know school has already started, but here's a few things I think are necessary for the upcoming school year.

An Agenda
If you're anything like I am, you have no idea what's going on in your classes without an agenda. I keep pretty much my whole life in it - school assignments, birthdays, social events, appointments, etc. Because of this, I've grown to prefer smaller, lighter agendas that are easy to carry everywhere.

Lilly Pulitzer has a new soft-cover agenda out this year. The idea behind it is great, but the selection in patterns is limited. 

May Books has my choice of agenda this year. Their selection is fabulous. There are a ton of patterns to choose  from, and you can monogram them! For sorority girls, you can even choose a background with your colors and monogram with your letters. Above is a combination I designed.

A School Bag

For a while now, I've stayed away from the usual backpack as a school bag. I only use mine on days when I have to carry multiple textbooks and my laptop. On most other days, I use a tote bag. 

This is the current bag I'm using from Francesca's. Unfortunately, it's no longer available, but not to worry, I found y'all some great compatibles!

If you aren't afraid of color, this tote from Francesca's would make a great school bag. There are two large zippered compartments on either side, and an extra large snapped compartment in the middle. This is plenty of space for a few notebooks, a tablet, and most other essential purse items. 

For something a little more casual, this tote from American Eagle is a great size for school books. The style keeps away from typical backpacks, and the pattern makes this bag fun. 

And of course, you can't forget the basics - notebooks, pens, highlighters, etc. Though, I'm sure almost everyone has made their trip to Target to get these already. I know I have!

I hope everyone has a great school year! 

xo,

Sara

New Orleans Essentials: Hurricane Supply Kit

As I lay here listening to Isaac serenade me outside my window and watching the power flicker, I was thinking about the hurricane preparedness kits that everyone always mentions. Now, I want to cater this list to New Orleans girls.

Of course, every New Orleans girl that has grown up here has handled her fair share of hurricanes (in more ways than one), but the general supply kit list is still important. The full detailed list can be found here.

Now for the things they forgot to mention:

• Alcohol - "Hurricane party" is usually the first thing out of anyone's mouth when there's a storm on its way. The power's out, and you're bored as hell, stuck in the house with your entire family for at least a  day or two. How else does a New Orleans girl handle this situation? With a glass of wine and maybe, one or two (or ten) tequila shots. 
• Spray deodorant - If the power's out, the air's out. Someone in your family may not be quite as hygienic as you, spray them when they aren't looking. 
• Board games - Yeah, you haven't played monopoly since you were like nine and your brother swore you stole money from the bank (let's be honest, you totally did), but there's only so many things to do without power. Once your laptop battery goes and your cell phone starts dying, desperate times call for desperate measures. 
• Tampons - Stock up before stores close down. Just because mother nature is screwing with entire cities, doesn't mean she's going to forget about you. 
• Rain coat - I already did a post about rain boots, so I'm sure those are already in your possession. My rain coat of choice is this one by The North Face. It's really lightweight and has armpit zippers. It's insanely hot in New Orleans, and those pit zips you're making fun of right now are going to feel really nice later. 
• Headphones - Your whole family is gathered around the generator, and you're up to your limit on bonding time. Hopefully, you remembered your headphones to drown them out, while still enjoying the fan. 
• Magazines - When everyone is doing their own thing, you can do yours too.

Last, but not least, to go with your alcohol, you need a hurricane drinking game. Make it up on your own with whoever your drinking partners are... my suggestion: finish your drink every time you see a spaghetti model on the news.

Stay safe everyone!

xo,

Sara

Back from Hiatus

I just want to say sorry for such a long hiatus and explain where I've been. I made my last post a week before I left to go on vacation. I spent that week doing a mix of unpacking all my things I just brought back from my move, packing for vacation, and getting my school supplies ready since I started the day I got back from vacation. Since Isaac has come to hang out and cancel class, I'll definitely have some time to catch up on some posts. I've missed updating this blog, and I'm excited to be back at it again!

xo,
Sara

Things I Love: Green Primer/Concealer

Since my make up collection is pretty extensive, I decided to share some of my favorite products with y'all. 

The first product I'm featuring is probably my most used. I have a permanent flush on my face that likes to come out even more when I'm getting ready to go out for the night. Green primer is my go-to to help get rid of this as much as possible. While I'm sure this isn't a problem that most people have day to day, I'm sure that a few drinks can bring it out. Putting this primer on before a night out can help prevent this flush from showing up later on. This also helps with covering up that pimple that just decided to show up. For these circumstances, I recommend a concealer instead of a primer since that's a better product for spot coverage. 

For application, I usually apply the green primer, then green concealer if needed. Once this dries, I'll apply a skin tone colored concealer, then my foundation/powder as usual. 

I get pretty much all of my make up products from Sephora. They're a great resource with a great rewards program too. If you're ever hesitant about buying anything, ask for a sample to try out at home! 

My choice for primer is this one by smashbox ($38). This is a new find for me. Unfortunately, its more expensive than the Sephora brand I used to use, but that was discontinued. 

This Clinique concealer is perfect for covering blemishes because it also helps to clear them. Make up is usually the worst thing to put on pimples, but having a concealer with acne medicine made in helps a little.

Let me know if you try it and how you like it! 

xo,

Sara

Necessary Accessory: Fedora

With the start of football season last Sunday, it's a good time to feature fedoras as a necessary accessory. I love hats, and especially fedoras, but I personally look a little silly in them. I'm so envious of anyone who can pull them off, and for those of you who can, I'm loving these for football season. I picked out natural colored ones with a black bow on them. They'll go perfectly with the rest of your black and gold (or any other colors of the team you support). These are perfect for tailgating, and since they're so simple, they'll still look cute even if it's after dark or you go inside.

So enough rambling about how great these hats I can't wear are, here are the ones I found... also, since summer is ending everywhere else, most of these fedora's are on sale.

This one is from Urban Outfitters. I like the natural color of this one best, and the bow isn't too assuming. It's on sale for $20 which is the most expensive of the ones that I found, so that's not too shabby! 

I really like the trim on this one from Forever 21. It's on sale for $6. 

This one is from Charlotte Russe. The overall color is a little brighter than the other two. The bow on the back is adorable and stands out since it isn't the typical placement. It's on sale for a little less than $5. 

Another necessary tailgating accessory, cold beer. Oh, and these so that you let everyone know you're serious about your game, but you're still girly too. :)

xo,

Sara

New Orleans Essentials: Linen Pants

Since White Linen Night is on Saturday, linen pants are definitely an essential for New Orleans girls. While they are easier to find earlier on in the summer, now is the time to buy them because they're on sale!

Linen pants are perfect for all occasions since they can be dressed up or down. They're light so they don't feel as stuffy as jeans or trousers. They can be worn to everywhere from work, to a picnic, to a humid Saturday night out in New Orleans.

My pick for white linen pants are these from Ann Taylor. I love wide legs on linen pants, and the sash is such an adorable added touch to the pants. The majority of the sizes left are in tall, but that's just a quick hem or cute pair of heels away!

Right now online, there's a limited amount of linen pants. If you're determined to buy online, check out Gap, J. Crew, Ann Taylor, and Banana Republic.

Hope everyone has a great White Linen Night on Saturday!

xo,
Sara

Necessary Accessory: Wayfarers

Ahhh, so I didn't get to this post on Tuesday because I'm currently moving/reorganizing my bedroom, but I didn't want y'all to miss out, so you get two posts today! 

Everyone loves sunglasses, especially classic wayfarers. Those black sunglasses reminiscent of Tom Cruise in Risky Business are great for women and men alike. However, I'm a girl, and I like wayfarers, colorful things, and especially colorful wayfarers. So, check these out! :)

Classic Ray-Ban wayfarers with a twist. These matte olive green rubber frames with brown lenses are my current sunglasses.  These are subtle enough to wear everyday with pretty much anything, but add that hint of color with the green frame. At $130, these are bit of a splurge though! 

These sunglasses from Charlotte Russe are a fun tortoise shell pattern with mint colored arms. The tortoise shell pattern is a great neutral while the pop of color on the arms gives them a bit of a twist. As an added bonus, they're $3 right now. 

These are another fun option from Charlotte Russe if you're looking for something more colorful. At $3, they're hard to pass up, even if you only wear them a few times! 

I love the original Ray-Ban's. They're pricey, but you definitely get your money's worth. I'm super careful with my sunglasses, so that's the one item I don't mind spending a lot on. On the other hand, if you like having lots of sunglasses or are prone to losing them, there are tons of Ray-Ban knock-offs out there that are just as cute as the originals, and they definitely aren't hard to find. The frame shape is also awesome for all face types! Seriously though, I have the HARDEST time finding sunglasses that look good on me, but this frame type always does. 

So tell me, do you splurge or save on your sunglasses?!

xo,

Sara