What's In My School Bag?

I have been back in school for about a month now and I am enjoying being back on a schedule and keeping busy.  Though sometimes the stress takes over, for the most part my classes this year are exciting and interesting.  I don't mind going because I enjoy the lessons and the professors are great.  Three days a week I have studio acting classes that last all day, the other two days of the week I am on campus and in academic classes.  It is really nice to interact with people in different majors and have an opportunity to take different classes. I thought I would show you what I carry in my school bag on the days I have academic classes! 

I use my Longchamp Le Pliage Nylon tote as a book bag since this year all of my text books are online. Cute and versatile - I got it in red.  It's a great size, holding everything I need comfortably.  I also love that it's nylon so I don't have to worry as much if I get caught in the rain.  

13" Macbook Pro with Retina Display

Kate Spade La Pavillion Laptop Sleeve 

Lilly Pulitzer Large Agenda in Jellies Be Jammin’

Multicolored Fine Point Marker Pens

Pink and Black Le Pens

Hand Sanitizer

Orbit Wintermint Gum

Lilly Pulitzer Pencil Case

Cough Drops

Hobo Wallet

Scripts to memorize for class

Amazon Kindle in a Dianne von Furstenberg Case

Two Subject Notebook

♥ Caro

inVESTed

I fell in love with vests when I got a J Crew Excursion Vest a few years ago.  They are one of my favorite articles of clothing – perfect for cool fall weather with a button down, or under a coat when it gets colder.  I love the look and I find them so convenient and easy to move in.  Over the years I have collected several vests and each year, as it gets closer to fall, I get so excited to wear them!

Herringbone – I got this one in the store a few years ago on a whim.  Earlier this month I saw it was online on the factory website! This one is by far my favorite and I wear it all the time.  It’s on backorder now, but at this price I would get it - you will wear it SO much it’s worth the wait! (Plus in my experience they often come sooner than they predict!) Definitely a timeless piece you can wear for years to come.

I mostly love the excursion vest because it is thin enough to be comfortable and still functional.  I got the caramel one last year (it was back ordered until January but came in time for Christmas!) and I love it because it is neutral. 

I love pairing the red vest with this dark green and red plaid flannel I have from J Crew. 

The purple one looks great with this blue and purple plaid flannel, also from J Crew. 

Some other favorites include…

Fur Vest – I looked for a fur vest for about 4 years.  They were always too furry, too long, too short.  I couldn’t seem to find one that I loved.  Last month I found this one in Zara and was OBSESSED.  It’s the perfect length and color and will go well with anything.  It has nice grey undertones to the fur that I love.  I cannot wait to wear it! 

Patagonia Vest – I  got this vest for Christmas and love it because it is casual and comfortable.  It’s perfect with leggings and a t-shirt and super cozy. This exact one isn't available anymore but you can get a similar one here 

♥ Caro

P.S. Want to see how I like to style these vests? Let me know in the comments :) 

First Day of School

I have always loved school, mostly for the social aspect, but I liked English and Science too. I love being able to spend time with friends and I have (almost) always loved my teachers.  I also love school supplies shopping *judge me* Thinking back to my childhood I have so many memories of “Meet the Teacher” nights at school and first days back.  The first day is always hard.  There is that nervous anticipation, millions of questions flooding your thoughts.  Who will be in my class?  What should I wear? Will the class be hard? Do people carry pencil cases? What about lunchboxes? What color binder do I get? Where do I sit at lunch? These questions are daunting, especially if you are starting out somewhere new. 

{Just don’t be like Elle and forget your laptop and homework!}

When I went to high school, I knew 4 people.  I went to an elementary school and middle school outside of my zoned district because they specialized in the arts.  Starting freshman year, my entire friend group was separated. I was terrified the night before the first day because I had no idea what to expect. Looking back, I am so glad that I pushed myself and went where I felt I needed to go – as opposed to where my friends were going.  I was able to make new friends and expand my interests. I got involved and, thanks to the terrifying freshman experience of meeting people, I now know how to make friends easily and can carry on small talk like it’s my job.

College was even harder.  Remember how I knew a few people in high school? Yeah, in college I literally didn’t know a soul.  Now, I admit, this was my own choice and I, again, decided to go where I needed to instead of taking the easy route.  My career path isn’t easy and my school is providing me with the information I need to succeed.  I could have gone to a state school in the South with my friends and had a fantastic time socially.  But I wouldn’t have gotten the same academic experience and I wouldn’t have the same friends I do now, or be in my sorority – both of which mean so much to me. 

{Freshman year to Senior year - my brother changed the most}

Starting sophomore year classes yesterday was a breeze – I have friends in my classes (and friends to walk with and eat with, which is always a plus!) I am not as intimidated by the work load because I have a better understanding of how to time manage and I feel more comfortable this school year.  Looking back, I understand why I was terrified of first days; they can be awkward and uncomfortable, but EVERYONE is going through the same thing.  No one knows where they are going, everyone wants to find friends in their classes, and everyone just wants to learn what they need to – hopefully having a fun along the way. 

In the end, whether it’s a first day of school or a first day on the job, don’t lose hope.  First days are always hard but I can tell you from experience (and I’m not the only one) that it gets so much better.  It’s better to push yourself and embrace the change.  The comfort will come, and before you know it you will be looking forward to your next first day!    

♥ Caro

J. Crew

This year when school got out for summer break I left New York City to spend some time at home.   I loved being back in the South with my family and dog (a Chocolate Lab named Hershey!) And it was so great to hang out with high school friends and share stories about our first year in college.  While I was home I had the opportunity to work as a sales associate at my local J. Crew.  In addition to selling the clothes, I also got to help put together the window displays, and unpack new merchandise when new collections would come in!

{I helped create these beautiful windows - not as easy as it looks!}

I applied for the job at spring break on a whim, figuring I would need something to do this summer in order to stay busy.  This was the first summer I had a job and I honestly had so much fun. I worked retail previously in high school at a local shop, so I did have some experience. I quickly picked up on the computer systems and the different types of folds we use to display the clothes.  (If nothing else, I can fold things REALLY well.) I enjoyed interacting with the customers and the entire staff was fantastic.  Working with fun people and having great managers really helps the time go by.

Working retail is fun because every day is different.  What I loved most about working at such a popular store was getting to catch up with family friends I had not seen in a while. Friends that I had lost touch with, elementary and middle school teachers, friends of my parents - it felt like everyday someone from the past would walk in! Working there was a great way to (accidentally) get back in touch with some familiar faces.  

{Walking J. Crew Ad #sorrynotsorry}

My favorite (and most the challenging) part of the job was creating the window displays.  They took a long time to put together; we stayed after closing, hot gluing and nailing things into the wall for hours.  I have so much respect and appreciation for window displays now - I can't even imagine doing some of the big Christmas windows in New York! In the end, it looked so good and I was very proud of the work we had done.  It was rewarding to know that I helped create something that would work to draw people into the store. 

Retail is entertaining, if nothing else.  From helping people find the perfect outfit for a special event, to having a woman try and set me up with her "adorable son" - there was never a dull moment! I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed working at J. Crew, it was a great experience and made my summer one I will never forget.

♥ Caro