Get Ready for Back to School! School Bag Essentials!

It's that time of year again! Back to school season, or, if you're out of school, just a time to get organized, and maybe buy a few new office supplies! Today I want to talk about my favorite back to school items.

Every year in college I debate: backpack or tote? I have decided that for everyday use totes are the answer. They are cute and compact, and I can go from class to work, as well as out and about with it. However, during midterms and finals when I have more books and work to carry I definitely break out my trusty Jansport backpack!

This year for my tote I picked the Michael Kors Neoprene tote in Royal blue. I liked it because it was made with a soft material (the one he also uses for laptop cases) so I felt like it would protect my stuff better than a standard tote. I was also happy to find it on sale at Macys!

Photo via polyvore

My next essential item is an agenda or planner. This helps keep me organized and remember what I need to accomplish. This year I chose the Lilly Pulitzer jumbo agenda in Lucky Charms. I chose the biggest size because I like to write lists of what I need to do, and this can take up a lot of space. I love the Lilly agendas because they are very nice quality and hold up in my school bag well, and because they are so cute I want to write in them more!

Photo via Lillypulitzer.com

The next items are college ruled spiral notebooks. For my five classes this year I chose two large spiral notebooks with dividers that I will use for two classes that occur on the same day. I have one smaller spiral notebook for the fifth class. I like to do this so that it will save space and be easy for me to grab what I need. Even though I hand write my notes I have not had any trouble with running out of paper. I buy new notebooks each semester. I got two of the marbled looking notebooks from Typo and the mint one from Target (last year).

Another item is a folder and three ring binder with dividers. Each divider is for a different class of mine. I bring the folder to class each day for handouts and assignments then when I come home I put the handouts in their proper divider. I leave my binder on my desk and do the work there. If something is ready to be turned in I put it back in my folder and bring it to class. I find that this eliminates carrying excess papers with me and weighing down my bag. To make my binder more fun I created a monogram printable on forchicsake.com.

My next essential is a pencil case. You definitely do not want to be in class without something to write with! I have always used a pencil pouch but I hate how dirty they always seem to get so this year I am trying out a pencil tin! I found this cute one at the store, Typo! I always carry pencils, pens, and a different color highlighter for each class.

My next item is a small tech case. I chose this Lilly Pulitzer one but any small pouch will do. I like to put my headphones and flashdrive in here. As well as some extra cash, and when I don't want to bring my whole wallet I stick my ID and debit card in here.

For those of you like me who do not return home for long hours once getting on campus I like to bring a small cosmetic bag to touch up. This year I found this adorable Ralph Lauren Pouch, which I like because it is compact and sturdy. Inside I put a cute compact from Forever 21, the Revlon Lipbutter in Berry Smoothie and the Mac Lipglass in Lust, I chose these two because they are easy to put on and are both similar to my natural lip color. Next would be a hand sanitizer from Bath and Bodyworks (I try to avoid getting sick at school as much as possible!) Listerine Breath Strips, and Rimmel stay matte powder with a tiny buffing brush.  I also stuck in a Lilly Pulitzer calculator for quick math in classes where a graphing calculator is not needed but where we are not allowed to use phone calculators.

The last, but one of the most important, essential is a tumbler or reusable water bottle! I got this tumbler from World Market but many places carry them. I also like the Camelbak water bottles with the straw (These are good if you want to put them inside your bag as they close and do not spill) I find that I drink more when I have a water bottle with a straw and it is so important to stay hydrated on campus.

Photo via Lifeguard Press

That's all my school bag essentials, be sure to check back for more posts!