Bobble Water Bottle

Whoever invented Bobble Water Bottles is a genius. It's a water bottle with a built in filter! This weekend I went on several shopping adventures to spruce up my new apartment. While searching for a trash can at the container store, I stumbled upon this gem. At only $10, this is the best back-to-school deal around.

Readers, do you carry a re-usable water bottle? Had you heard of bobble?

Last First Day

 

(Headband: Anthropologie, Scarf: American Eagle, Coat: Old Navy, Jeans: AG Stevie, Boots: Banana Republic)

I can hardly believe today is my last first day of class. Even with a two-hour snow delay, it's finally hitting me that I'm a second semester senior. Temperatures today hovered around freezing, so I bundled up with a new coat that cut the cold, but nothing could protect me from wiping out in the parking lot :(

Back to School Book Bags

As my first full week of senior year comes to a close, I'm slowly easing back into the routine of school. Unfortunately, my schedule requires that I lug around a laptop, planner and numerous school books at all times. If you have to study hard, you might as well look good doing it, right? These are my top picks for a chic book bag:

1.) Marc by Marc Jacobs Nylon Tate Tote ($198)
2.) Feed Bag Large Ikat Tote ($39.50) For each bag purchased, Lord and Taylor will donate $3.50 to UNICEF in support of nutrition programs in Guatemala.
3.) Longchamp Le Pliage Large Tote ($145)
4.) Urban Outfitters Briefcase Bag ($158)
5.) Topshop Contrast Strap Satchel ($90)
6.) Gap Leather Tassel Tote ($98)



Or, if none of my above choices strike your fancy, try this Red Cross Bag. I love mine!

Back to School Dream Shopping

If budgetary concerns weren't an issue, back-to-school shopping would be a dream come true. Unfortunately, I live in the real world where my wardrobe is more Target than Tibi.  Here's what I'd buy if I had a Bill Gates'-sized bank account:

1. Marc by Marc Jacobs Crossbody Bag ($228)
2. Anthropologie Fleur De Lys Dinner Plate ($16)
3. Tory Burch Leather Elle Boot ($495)
4. Kate Spade Bow Ring ($75)
5. Susana Monaco Billow Sleeve Dress ($172)

Readers, what big ticket items are on your wish list for fall? 

Old Meets New: Jack Rogers

If I like a pair of shoes, I 'll wear them into the ground. Case in point, my gold Jack Rogers. These Navajo sandals have seen college classes, tailgates and fraternity parties. They came with me across the pond and walked the streets of London, Rome and Barcelona. My Jacks are molded to my feet and worn-in to perfection, but it's time to call in a replacement. No, I won't be putting these wardrobe staples into retirement, but I am super excited about my new pair of silver Jack Rogers that came in the mail yesterday from Shoes.com. It's hard to believe my gold ones used be that clean! Now I just have to wear them in!

Readers do you buy shoes in multiples? What are your favorite summer kicks?

Military-Inspired Tote

As July comes to an end, (is it just me or has this summer gone by super quickly?) back-to-school shopping is consuming both my mind and my budget. At the top of my list was a unique book bag, and luckily I found one well within my price range. I was immediately drawn to this Red Cross Vintage Field Bag ($25) but when I found out that 50% of the retail price goes directly to the American Red Cross, I knew it had to be mine. The tote's adjustable straps can be worn over one shoulder or across the body, and the bag itself is just large enough to fit my laptop. Made of 100% cotton canvas with brass turn buckles, this bag is the perfect touch of military chic.

For more real-life photos of the bag, click below.