WISHLIST/BACK 2 SCHOOL: Backpacks

It's back to school season y'all and I'm always on the hunt for the perfect backpack. Most of you have probably already started school, but hopefully this will still help those who haven't found your ideal backpack yet (or maybe you just want more bags - no harm in feeding your bag addiction). Even if you're no longer in school or university, it's always a good idea to have at least one backpack in your wardrobe.

L-R: Faux leather fold-over Asos £30 // Faux leather buckles Asos £25 // Quilted Religion (on Asos) £28 // Silver crackle finish Asos £22 // Grey faux leather Asos £12 // Mock croc Asos £25

My perfect university backpack criteria:

• affordable
• durable
• spacious enough/ the right shape to fit my laptop and folders - that means I'm focusing more on rectangular backpacks and mostly staying away from bags with drawstrings
• water resistant - you never know when you're going to be caught in the rain in London without an umbrella
• versatile enough to suit any outfit
• has at least one interior or exterior pocket - for all the little things I carry around

As you can probably see, I'm a fan of black bags - they're the safest colour that won't clash with anything you're wearing.Faux leather also does the trick most of the time in protecting my notes from the rain (it's the worst having all those notes you spent hours on ruined by rainwater). Oh and a quick tip when looking for backpacks: it's always worth looking at the men's section -  they tend to be bigger and simpler design wise as well. I find that Asos has the best selection and variety of backpacks, and the free shipping is always a bonus.

-Blanc-

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BACK 2 SCHOOL: Wardrobe Essentials

I might be a bit late on the back to school posts but in my defence, I haven't started university yet. These were my wardrobe essentials when I went to school and you'll probably see comfort was a big factor in deciding what to wear.

Uniqlo

Graphic Tees

They're more interesting than a plain t-shirt but are just as easy to pair in outfits. Not to mention that graphic tees are super comfortable and I have probably rolled out of bed in them and gone straight to school on super lazy days or if I'm in a rush. Uniqlo's men's section have a great selection of tees (link HERE) that are on sale every summer and is where the majority of my graphic tee collection is from.

my aunt's design

Leggings

I'm not a major fan of leggings but you can't deny that they are comfortable as hell. Pair them with an oversized tee or jumper and you're set for a casual school day. The above pair are one of my aunt's designs and I like how they have a bit of an edge with faux leather knee pads and zip detailing on the side. I also used to wear printed leggings to make an outfit more interesting, paired with a more simpler top.

school

Zipped Hoodie

Again, ultimate comfort. Hoodies are also a great for layering in autumn/winter and the hood is practical for when it starts raining (which is always if you live in London). It's hard to not veer towards looking like a slob when you wear a hoodie but I think as long as you stay away from tracksuits, you should be okay. This one is my school leavers' hoodie but you can find them anywhere from Primark to American Apparel.

Levi's Denim Jacket East End Thrift Store  // Oversized Jumper stolen from my brother

Jacket

I think it's essential that you find a jacket that can be paired with anything and everything and you won't get bored of. For me, it's an oversized denim jacket and I find that even if you dress like a slob, an oversized denim jacket always makes you look cooler. Also it works great throughout the whole year. You could also try a bomber jacket, which is meant to be big for this season.

Oversized Jumper

Perfect for the autumn/winter season, oversized jumpers are super comfortable and keep you warm. The majority of my school outfits in A/W was probably variations of the oversized jumper + leggings combo.

Ankle Boots Ebay // Nike Air Max 90 TK Maxx

Shoes

I cannot stress enough, out of everything I've mentioned, shoes worn to school should be the most comfortable. They can affect your posture and I don't have time to be worrying about my feet hurting when I'm walking to and from school and running to classes. The pair on the left are my most worn shoes (not only in school) because , on top of being comfortable, they go with everything. Trainers are also a good option, especially if you find yourself running for buses a lot.

Left Kipling // Right Asos

Bag

I went through a variety of bags throughout my school years but I always returned to a backpack. On some days during secondary school, I used carry a ridiculous number of heavy textbooks, so side/shoulder bags would be too uncomfortable. I've had to throw away my last backpack because it was so tattered, but it was similar to the Asos one on the right. The faux black leather backpack went well with and edged out any school outfit, also transitioning well into any after school plans I might have had. I can vouch for Kipling bags being super durable (I've had this bag for over 7 years and only the only problem was the velcro becoming less efficient) and I used to wear the red backpack if I felt my outfit was too monochromatic or boring.

Everyone's school wardrobe essentials are bound to be different, but I hope I've given you some ideas on dressing for comfort at school without being to slobby. Good luck at school!

-Blanc

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WARDROBE ESSENTIAL: Black Ankle Boots

I really think a pair of black ankle boots are a wardrobe essential. They can be paired in so many different ways and so I've searched online and put together a few which caught my eye.

Black Ankle Boots by iampiggy 
I've tried to choose from a range of prices and flats as well as heels. To get the link to each pair, click the picture above and then on the shoe that you want.

Lace Ups

These tend to give a more 'put-together' vibe and are a perfect complement to any outfit. I currently own a pair of brogue boots which I've worn to death because they're pretty neutral and so don't add or take away from the outfit.

Chunky Sole

These are more masculine and easily 'grungy-fy' any outfit. They tend to have a platform also which is perfect if you're on the shorter side and make the boots a lot more comfortable. I do really want the pair with the buckles but I can only find those sourced in China off Ebay and I don't want to risk them being the wrong size.

Wedges

I think these are my least favourite kind of heeled boots. I prefer a chunkier wedge but a skinny wedge does give a more glamourous feel. Many people also find walking in wedges a lot easier than regular heels.

Embellished

The cut out boots with buckles have been quite on trend recently, sold by many brands from Jeffrey Campbell to Topshop. I haven't included many other types of embellishments in the picture because quite frankly, studded boots aren't really my thing and I do think they've been overdone by many highstreet brands.

Litas

Of course I couldn't leave these babies out. Yes they have been talked about A LOT in the fashion world, whether that be on blogs, youtube or in magazines. They are pretty pricey but are so worth the money. But, if you just can't justify tons of highstreet shops sell dupes.

I might soon do a post on a compilation of looks including black ankle boots so watch out for that!

-Blanc xx