“I got that summertime, summertime sadness; su-su-summertime, summertime sadness...”
Lana Del Ray may have sang it best but we don’t we all feel that distinct heartache once August comes out to close the summer party? For me, come mid-August I begin to think about all the things that need to be done in the lead up to school; make those appointments I’ve been putting off, organize my closets, schedule and co-ordinate after-school activities; touching base with clients and getting back into work-mode.
Even though my body wants to soak up those last lazy days of summer my mind has already in fall-mode, where the days get shorter and the pace of life turns up a few notches.
For me, the “new year” always begins in September as it’s a natural fresh start for both school and work (especially if you have taken a good chunk of time off for summer holidays). I still remember I could never fall asleep the night before school began. I would plan my back-to-school outfit a good week in advance and organize my room for optimal studying. When I went off to university I had my entire dorm room decor planned out well in advance, which consisted of many wall posters of “edgy” rock stars next to fuchsia pink shams and matching comforter set.
Once August turns to September I become absolutely besotted, but not like those crazy-eyed spring lovers peeking around every tulip bush in search of their four-month fling. No, that’s not my thing. My “fall fever” invigorates and inspires me to turn a new leaf (sorry, I couldn’t help that pun!). I make new goals, review bad habits, and become more productive and healthy. I come alive like a fresh-baked cinnamon roll or a techno-colored character walking through the forest in shades of red, orange and yellow. It’s my bonified New Year — and New Year’s Eve is the night before school starts when sleep is non-existent.
But I digress! Today’s post is really a homage to those preppy girls who love that “back to school” vibe and all that comes with it – the anxiety, the excitement, the worry, and the fear. Whether you’re a teen, moving out for college, or a September-is-the-new-January type of parent like myself, here’s five back-to-school essentials you didn’t know you need — until now.
1). The Original Wavy Laptop Sleeve by Vandel comes in a variety of colors and three sizes — and makes for a stylish puffy accessory when whipped out during class, library or coffee shop! If you haven’t noticed yet, anything wavy is very on-trend at the moment in the design world.
2). Mini Portable Fridge by Yashe is designed to fit snugly into any space and makes the perfect cutes-y decor piece for your desktop, dorm room, bedroom or even to keep in your car. It holds up to 4 liters (or 6 cans of soft drinks) — and even has a warming setting for your lunches. Another popular use for it is as a storage space for all your preppy skincare, with some even equipped with a touch screen LED mirror glass door for putting on your face. I absolutely love the retro feel and pastel colors, pink being my favorite, of course.
3) The Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling Headphones by Soundcore not only are amazing for blocking out surrounding noise when studying but are also way more stylish and practical than earbuds, in my opinion, especially for work outs, because they don’t fall out of your ears! I have a set of these bluetooth headphones and love the feel of the soft memory foam ear cups, strong bass sound, and long lasting playtime (up to 60 hours!) — a single charge gives you enough juice to listen to over 600 songs, which is great for long haul flights; and when you’re in a rush, charge then for 5 minutes and get 4 hours of listening.
4). The new Almond Rose Stanley Quencher H2.0 line of tumblers have been added to the brand’s collection for fall. It fits like a glove inside this cute Water Bottle Carrier Bag that comes complete with phone pocket, adjustable strap and straw cover. Walking around campus, biking or hiking has never been more stylish or practical . The carrier bag comes in both 40 oz and 30 oz tumbler sizes in a variety of colors.
5) The Original Personal Safety Alarm by She’s Birdie can be carried from day to night, whether across campus, to your car, on public transit, or walking on the trails. Every woman should own one of these to feel empowered and is the perfect gift to give your daughter, sister or friend. Discrete and compact, its loud siren, strobe light and key chain come in a variety of colors. It’s a back-to-school essential that puts safety first.
The Preppy Store 