Bring Me To School.

I am not looking forward to the start of the new school year, despite that fact that I will (finally) be an upperclassmen. I really dislike thinking about school because the more I think about it, the less I can pretend that the summer will not be coming to an end. Still, however much I hate it, there is a lot of preparation that goes into getting ready for a new school year. The part of preparation that is currently on my mind is my school bag. I've been considering countless options, and I've started to narrow it down.

One of the earlier ideas I considered was spending a little more than I usually would and getting a ginormous Longchamp tote. The size is nice, color selection, and style all work for me. However, I ended up passing on this particular idea. I've learned from experience that my school bags tend to be a bit of a mess by the end of the year. If my bag is going to get really messed up, I'd rather spend a little less and be able to toss the bag at the end of the year if need be.

At my school most people carry Vera Wang tote bags. It isn't a trend I'd like to take part in, but I also don't want to be the only girl carrying a backpack. Last year I had so many textbooks and binders that I had to carry both a backpack and a tote bag, as well as use my locker multiple times a day. This year I expect to have a lot of books too, but I'd like to avoid carrying a backpack, if at all possible. If worst comes to worst, Jansport backpacks have proved to be practical. Mine is simple and black, so at least it doesn't scream, "HEY, I'M A BACKPACK!"

A large black tote from American Apparel is the option I'm currently leaning towards. It's simple and kind of boring, so it'll go with everything. It's big, so it's practical. The price isn't crazy (just $34), so if it gets covered in dust or food or whatever else is lurking around my school, I won't need to have a heart attack.

What size and style of bag have you come to find works best for you?

Get Creative.

I came across this book on the Urban Outfitter's website, and I might just have to buy it. I'm pretty bored during the summer, and I like to keep myself busy with DIY projects and crafts. I've already organized my makeup, dresser, closet, desk, and even all the junk hidden under my bed. I'm out of things to organize and projects to keep me busy, so I think I'll have to start relying on books. If I end up getting this particular book I'll be sure to tell you all what I think, and of course I'll share any projects I embark on. In the meantime, if you have any DIY type things that you think I might enjoy, I'd love to hear about them!

I other book news, I can't wait for this book to be released in October. It seems like it'll have a lot of valuable information, and although I haven't cared too much for a few other books by magazines, I think I'd really enjoy this one.

Are there any books you're looking forward to getting/reading?

Talk About It.

"Beauty of style and harmony and grace and good rhythm depend on simplicity." -Plato

I Still Need A Few Pairs.

I feel like we can all probably relate to this photo from Confessions of a Shopaholic. (It makes me yearn for more room to store shoes.)

Do It Over.

There has been a lot of talk about a subtle Vogue revamp, and I'm personally quite excited. I definitely think it is time for a little change.

(A different Vogue cover might have been more relevant, but I just thought I'd share my favorite Vogue cover. Perhaps we all haven't seen this one yet, where as I'm sure we've seen the Sienna Miller cover by now.)

Take A Hammer To It.

Nail polish trends are my favorite sort of trends because they're easy and risk free. There isn't any commitment involved, if you don't like the color or type of polish all you have to do is remove is and keep the bottle hidden away in your bathroom.

My nails are almost coated with a pretty color, whether it is an old classic or a trendy shade. The latest trend that I hope to be sporting (very soon) is matte nails. I haven't had a chance to purchase a matte polish just yet, but once I do you can be sure I'll test it out right away.

The best part about this trend is that there is even less commitment than there would be if black were to come back in style. (It's always a little extra trouble to get off the dark colors.) If you decide matte isn't for you, all you have to do is add a layer of top coat.

Have you, or will you be trying out matte nails?
What has been your favorite recent nail trend?

Things I Can't Live Without This Week.

I realized I hadn't made one of these posts in a while and it was supposed to be a weekly post, so I figured it was about time.

This past Friday my father was attending a Bob Dylan concert and wanted to wear a tie dye shirt. The only problem was that he hadn't been able to find a shirt that both he and his wallet agreed on. So, I bought a white tee and a few boxes of Rit dye and made him a shirt on my own. I hadn't tie dyed since when I was in Girl Scouts, so I found it surprisingly fun. I don't consider myself the tie dye wearing type, but I do enjoy actually making tie dyed items. It was fun removing all the rubber bands from the shirt and having no clue what to expect it would look like. And, if I do say so, I even thought the shirt turned out pretty well. It was almost cute enough for me to wear. Now that I've finished tie dying I just need another suggestion of a fun/crafty/DIY project to keep me busy during my boring summer. Suggestions are welcome and appreciated.

I'm currently on a total orange juice kick. I've taken to drinking it with a lot of ice. I cut soda out of my diet a while ago and drinking orange juice seems to make it easier. It's got more of a punch that water, but isn't as bad for you as soda.

I am sure that I have mentioned my love for Beverly Hills 90210. Despite the fact that I was too young to watch it when it aired originally (and I wasn't even born until a few episodes into the fourth season), I still find myself enjoying it to no end. My favorite seasons are the earlier ones, when Shannen Doherty was still playing her character, Brenda. Up until now I had been waiting patiently for each of the ten seasons to be released on DVD. They're currently up to season seven, and I knew it would be a good while until season eight would be released. This is why I was so excited to see that Surf The Channel has found each episode online. And finding season eight online is my excuse for being constantly glued to my computer as of late.

The summer heat does sad things to my hair, and being off from school makes me too lazy to straighten it everyday. Which is why I am so grateful for ponytail holders and ponytails themselves. I do not know what I would do if I had to have my frizzy mess of hair in my face all day. Being able to pull my hair up and at least pretend the humidity isn't ruining my hair are things I've begun to really appreciate.