Back to School: Wardrobe Essentials

September is by far my favourite month of the year. Yes, April means my birthday, and December means Christmas, but September means school. And school means shopping. Whether that means stationEry (E for envelope!) shopping or revamping my winter wardrobe, I just can't get enough.

I'm headed off to university in just over a month and figured this is an especially special shop worth blogging about.

White Sweater

During the winter months, I live in sweaters. They're easy to throw on and can even be styled up or down. Take this H&M knitted jumper for example. Pair with jeans and ankle boots for a simple daytime look for class, or a skater skirt and statement necklace for dinner with friends.

Necklace - Sole Society; Skirt - River Island; Flats - ASOS; Jeans - H&M; Boots - Bank 

College fashion is all about multifunctional pieces that can be worn various different ways. Typical student accommodation doesn't come with much closet space, so it's important that you stock up on staple pieces that you know you can wear time and time again.

Jeggings

The day I bought jeggings was the day I saw the light. Jeans are stylish and go with basically everything, but anyone who says jeans are comfy is a liar. Jeggings look good and feel good, which is a definite must when you and that cute guy have the same 9am lecture.

Top - Topshop; Jeggings - Primark; Jacket - H&M; Snood - River Island; Shoes - ModCloth

My favourites are these Primark Ultra Soft Skinny Jeans. Primark stores are only in the UK, but I'm sure you could find something similar if you shop around. They aren't official jeggings because they have a zip and button as opposed to an elastic waist. They look like jeans but are as soft as leggings. Seriously, put them on and do some lunges. They will change your life.

Backpack or Tote

A sturdy bag is an obvious must for lugging books to class and back, but practical doesn't have to mean boring.

Top L-R: Debenhams; Target; Dorothy Perkins; Dorothy Perkins
Bottom L-R: Vans; Forever 21; Urban Outfitters; JanSport

Choose neutral colours so you don't have to worry about your bag clashing with your outfit. Backpacks are super trendy and good for when you have to carry lots of books since they spread the weight evenly across both shoulders. Tote bags are a classic and can double up as a handbag at the weekend. With the backpack's new fame and the tote bag's timelessness, you're bound to find something that fits your personal style perfectly.

Thanks for reading! What are your back to school essentials?

Review: Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel

So I've been giving this puppy a whirl for a few months.

"This smooth cream peel contains an exotic cocktail of natural fruit enzymes from Papaya and Pineapple that helps to gently exfoliate, purify and regenerate tired or sensitive skin. Extracts of Bladderwrack and Sunflower remineralise and condition, whilst Porphyridium and Vitamin E provide anti-oxidant and free-radical protection."

Where would we be without bladderwrack and porphyridium?

Skincare Routine

So my face doesn't hate what I've been doing to it over the past few months...

Makeup Tutorial: Crystal Reed

When I saw this picture of Crystal Reed, I must admit I squealed a little. Her bold brows and sheer red lip go perfectly with the subtle brown smoky eye. Find out how to recreate this look after the jump.

Five fall trends I'm looking forward to...

I'm such a pain when it comes to seasons. When it's cold, I'm praying for warm weather so I can wear shorts and summer dresses and not worry about crying my mascara off by the time I get to the bus stop because of the ghastly winter wind. But now that it is summer, I'm missing the snuggly jumpers and my favourite boots. I've been trawling the web looking at the upcoming trends for Autumn/Winter 2013/14 and this is what I'm most excited for...

Inspired By... Teen Wolf

The Teen Wolf girls always bring it with their on-trend outfits, but Season 3 in particular has been especially impressive.

Allison Argent

(Photo credit - teenwolfoutfits.tumblr.com)

                             

Allison always manages to look comfy but still seriously cute and her outfits are always easy to recreate. Throw on a denim shirt like the one above from Fat Face and pair with a dark floral skirt (Monki). These knee-length riding boots from Tilly's are definitely Allison's style and toughen up the otherwise girly outfit. Finally, Allison accessorizes with a buckled leather shoulder bag similar to this one from Even-Odd available at zalando.co.uk.

This also makes a great transitional outfit for summer into autumn since you can always add tights and a cardigan for cooler days, or substitute the riding boots for ballet flats or sandals when its hot.

Lydia Martin

(Photo credit - teenwolfoutfits.tumblr.com)

                        

Lydia's polished but edgy style makes for some amazing outfits. In episodes 3x05 and 3x06, she wears these gorgeous Coach wedge chelsea boots which are sadly sold out. If you're willing to splurge, an alternative comes in the form of these sandy beige Kurt Geiger boots. If you don't have a spare £140 to hand, don't worry - ASOS has some equally lovely tan chelsea boots for just £24!
To recreate the rest of the outfit, team a floral dress (Forever 21) with an interesting biker style denim jacket like this one from Topshop. Finish off the look with a skinny black belt (Miss Selfridge) and a red shoulder bag for a pop of colour (Kohl's).

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