Top 5 Back to School Essentials

This will be the first time in almost 20 years (holy crap!) that I will not actually be going back to school.

I can't decide if that's something to celebrate or wallow over but I have decided that it does make me somewhat of an expert at the whole back-to-school business seeing as I have been doing it for two decades (still not okay with how that sounds). So I've compiled a short & sweet list of my tried and true back to school essentials for y'all.

1.) Five Star Flex Hybrid NoteBinder

Paper is like a number one essential when you're heading back to school. You obviously need paper for your assignments but there's also endless amounts of paper being given to you through the day. I picked up this Five Star Hybrid of a notebook and a binder at the beginning of the first semester of my Junior year of college because it was literally the last notebook Wal-mart had...I was a little late to the school supplies game that year. It comes in some really great colors. Mine was actually Teal but this Pink one is really great and would look great with a monogram!

I loved the fact that it was part binder so I could add more loose leaf paper and even rearrange papers too. However, it's flexible and thin like a notebook and even comes with pocket dividers for all those papers that have yet to be hole punched. Something I didn't enjoy, however, was definitely the price. At $9.99 it seemed a bit extreme for a notebook at the time but I'll let you in on a secret that makes it totally worth it...this notebook lasted through 4 semesters and possibly could have gone longer but you know graduation got in the way. :)

2.) Fun and Comfortable Pens & Mechanical Pencils

You're going to be writing a lot in school...it's just a given. So you're going to need comfortable things to write with but it's always good to keep things fun and interesting too. I really like the Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Pens to color code my notes, you can pick up a 10 pack in assorted colors from Amazon. While the colors are really great to keep your own notes interesting and easy to read some teachers and professors actually prefer that you only use blue or black ink on assignments so these BIC Ballpoint Pens from Target are perfect because they even come with a bonus red pen for those fun moments when you get to grade each others papers. 

Target also has BIC Mechanical Pencils in an 8ct. pack for .99 cents which you can't go wrong with.

3.) Sticky Notes & Index Cards

Target has some really great supplies but I especially love really bright and colorful sticky notes to keep me on track. I also really like the sticky notes that are like a small notebook. I may or may not have plastered my dorm room in them during a harsh Constitutional Law study session. You'll always need index cards, they're an absolute must for any study session. 

4.) Planner/Agenda

There is no way that I could have made it through school without a planner by my side. I have loved the agendas from Lilly Pulitzer for years now (I'm on my third one!). The Lilly Pulitzer Agendas range in price from $17 for the small all the way up to $34 for the jumbo version. I've had the large one for the past two years and think it's the perfect size for me. I love the fun prints and just think it's great to be able to bring a little Lilly with me everywhere I'm going around school. 

For something that is similar in price but a bit more grown-up check out the Kate Spade Agendas, my favorite is the Medium in Gold Dots

If those are a little bit out of your price range, they definitely were for me before I started making my own money, Walmart has some really great, cheap planners that certainly get the job done.

5.) A Great Bag to Put It All In

We've gathered quiet the load of supplies thus far so of course you're going to need a really great bag to carry it all around. Personally I've noticed that I go through stages with my school bag. I was just too cool for a backpack in high school so I always carried tote backs to, well, tote my books around. You don't get a locker in college and sometimes you just don't want to make the trek back to your dorm room to grab a book in between classes so a back pack was definitely the way to go. Once my course load got lighter closer to graduation, I started carrying more purse like bags to class that could work when I brought it in to my internship too. 

I've listed some really great backpacks and bags below and even gave save & splurge options!

Backpack

Save: This Neff Scholar Tie Dye backpack is too cool and is definitely on trend with the pastel colors. You can opt to keep it class with this JanSport Coral Backpack that brings a pop of color to your school day.

Splurge: I was never one for Vera Bradley in school but this Vera Bradley Lighten Up Backpack in Ziggy Zags is cute without being that signature floral.

Bag

Save: You can definitely save a big buck and keep it Monogrammed Magnolia style with this Longchamp Inspired Monogrammed Tote on Etsy.

Splurge: What's more classic than a really great canvas tote? You can get the Vineyard Vines Stars Classic Tote  and pull a move along the lines of The College Prepster.

I absolutely love the School Satchel from TopShop and think it is the perfect option to keep things stylish and functional but also add in a pop of professionalism too.

I hope you've enjoyed my Top 5 Back-to-School Essentials! Leave a comment below telling me you're favorite thing about getting ready to go back to school.

until next time,

xo

Merisa

What We Love Wednesday!

Ahhhh! I feel like it has been forever since I did a proper What We Love Wednesday...

probably because it kinda has been but I've had so many great things come into my life lately that I just had to share so here we go!

- Essie On a Silver Platter-
You've probably heard this before but I am obsessed with nail polish...Essie nail polish to be more specific and I honestly believe I have found my favorite glitter polish ever, which as you will know is quiet a feat. Wanna know how I know this polish is really great? Of course you do, that's why you're ready this. Duh! Well, On A Sliver Platter is one of those glitter polishes that is so pretty it distracts me when I'm writing. Seriously, I actually stopped in the middle of my Modern History exam just to admire my own nail polish...a little vain but whatever, it made me really happy! haha
I don't know what it is exactly but this polish is really great because it has a shiny base that's almost opaque shimmery gold with blue glitter in varying sizes that's just really eye catching. This also makes a really great top coat for School Boy Blazer, which might actually be my favorite polish ever...which is really saying something.

-NYX lip butters-
I have heard so much about these things over the years and really just brushed them off until I spotted them in Ulta and decided to give 'em a try. I regret nothing.
These suckers are awesome! I have two, in Apple Strudel and Cupcake, and need more desperately (by need I mean want, of course). I swear they smell like vanilla or just sweetness in general (I'm awful with describing scents, you'll hear more about that in a second.) Apple Strudel is this really fun peachy color while Cupcake is a hot pink that leans more on the red side, both really great for spring and summer.
They're really opaque for glosses but they're also good for layering over other lip products like my Revlon Color Burst Matte Balms. I'm currently stalking Ulta's site trying to decide what colors I want next...I'm leaning toward Maple Blondie and Red Velvet at the moment. ;)
Keep a look out for these products in my upcoming post about my favorite lip colors for Spring!

- Gucci Guilty Black-
For my birthday back in October, I was determined to treat myself to a new perfume during my girls' birthday weekend-away. So, I waltzed into Sephora and spent a ridiculous amount of time scouring the bright display of crazy insanity that is the fragrance section. After exhausting my nose and using up every sense I had (and probably testing the sales girl's patience too) I decided to be a bit of a badass and go for the sleek black and red bottle of Gucci Guilty Black.

I'm really bad at describing scents (if you couldn't tell from above) so I checked out Sephora's site to see what they had to say about it,
 "The Guilty Black lovers bring out the most scandalous sides of each other: alone they are magnificent, together irrepressible. Fearless in their passion, they are brazen, shameless, unpredictable—ready for each and every explosive encounter. Their attraction is instinctive: they go where they sense danger and each other. 
Too much is never enough for young hedonists, who drive each other to stray ever darker. Life is thrilling and meant to be lived to the fullest. Again and again, they give in to pleasure and the excitement of breaking the rules. 
Gucci Guilty Black is a sensual oriental floral, inviting you to indulge in your burning desires."

 Can I just say that reading that automatically brings the word "badass" to my mind...exactly what I was thinking when I made this purchase and I love that! 
To be perfectly honest, I'm not a badass...in case you couldn't tell from, well, any of my previous posts. I started to feel like the scent didn't really fit my personality very well. (Sidenote: scents are supposed to fit your personality, right?) I left the fragrance alone for a little while, just letting it chill on my dresser until one day I decided to get some use out of it. Spraying it reminded me of the fun and determined time I was having during that period in my life and I'm loving that now. I truly believe that scents connect deep in our memories so I highly suggest going out and finding a fragrance to connect with a great memory...it's definitely worth it.

-My Kate Spade Bag-
If you saw my last post then you've probably already heard about my new Kate Spade bag so I won't bore you with too much droning on about it but I will say that I absolutely, positively adore it!
It seriously might just be the cutest thing I've ever owned (aside from my puppy) and I treat it like a child. Seriously, I knocked it into the corner of the Bridge on campus the other day and almost had a heart attack. It's that serious, people. I've officially become that girl!
It will most likely be my forever favorite but I will spare you by just posting it this one last time.

My sister was an absolute gem last weekend and picked me up a kick-butt iHome (it spins!) from her work last weekend and I have been playing music like crazy in the room so I've got quiet a few favorites this week.

-Iggy Azalea "Fancy"-
If you haven't seen this video then I highly suggest you click the link above and prepare yourself for the ultimate throwback!
In the video, my ultimate hairspiration and Aussie girl crush brings back Cher and the gang in her version of Clueless. It's seriously amazing, check it out below and get ready to dance around your dorm room.

You can also check out the song and a lot more on my Spotify playlist below or by checking out my Spotify profile by clicking THIS LINK :)

-5 Seconds of Summer-
Now for something a little toward the other end of the spectrum...a pop-punk band that toured with One Direction. They're from Australia, I discovered them on YouTube, and they are absolutely adorable. There's really not much more I can say than that but you've got to check them out. I've linked some of my favorite songs below (including their latest video)...

"She Looks So Perfect" - 5 Seconds of Summer

-House of Cards-
TGFN!!! That's short for Thank God for Netflix because without it I would never have been introduced to this amazing show. As you probably already know, I'm a history/political science nerd so of course a show that chronicles the internal affairs of both the Capitol and the White House are right up my alley!
Also, it's a serious nail biter (that season 2 premiere tho!) and, as is custom with Netflix. you have the opportunity to binge watch as each season is released collectively instead of by episode.

I'm not proud of this fact but I may have watched the entire first season and most of the second in like 2 days...but I've managed to convince myself to slow down as this is a show that is meant to be savored not devoured. What makes it even better is that the two main characters are Southerners who rose to the top (they even take a trip to South Carolina in a few eps) and aren't afraid to put up a fight. Claire Underwood looks like she has some Monogrammed Magnolia spirit deep in her if you ask me.
Consider it the West Wing with a lot more spice. Now go head over to Netflix and check it out if you're not already hooked.

I hope y'all liked this look into my favorites this week! Comment below with your favorites or let me know your thoughts on some of the things I mentioned above.

until next time, darlings.
xo
Merisa


PS: confession...I actually made this post last week but forgot to schedule it for last Wednesday so sorry if some of this stuff is a little played...it's only been a week though! xo

Huge Spring Collective Haul!

Well, I think it's safe to say that I'm not doing so hot on that whole New Year's resolution deal about trying to be a better blogger but I am here now and determined to make more of an effort (with all of my resolutions) this month!

I wanted to get this post in because it actually introduces quite a few other posts that I have planned for the very near future so keep an eye out for them, Magnolias. 

Let me start by saying this is a collective haul that I've acquired over the past few weeks or so...it's almost embarrassing how much stuff there is to talk about but what can I say? I love to shop! Now let's get to it!

Ulta became my best friend last month...which you can probably tell from the picture below.

The week before last they were having huge Buy One Get One deals on all my favorite brands (which is awesome) so I just couldn't pass it up as it was a great opportunity to try out some new spring looks I've been dying to get my hands on.

Let's just start from the top, shall we?

I actually picked up the Got 2B Rockin' It Dry Conditioner at the Dollar Tree and picked it up because I was simply intrigued by the idea of a dry conditioner. Well, I've given it a try and it is pretty amazing. I know it sounds super strange and sort of time consuming but there's just sometimes when I'm using dry shampoo (aka my favorite product ever, just wait) and I go a little overboard. This solves that issue, a little spray goes a long way in helping keep my locks oil-free but also soft and shiny.

 Like I said, I love me some dry shampoo...it has saved my hair from so many disaster situations and to be perfectly honest when you have hair as long as mine washing it everyday can be a hassle. I had heard a lot of talk about the Batiste dry shampoo and had to get my hands on it when  I saw it on Ulta's website. There are so many different scents to choose from that it was a difficult decision but I'm a sucker for leopard print so the packaging on the Wild variety won out. Honestly, I'm on the fence about the scent, there are days that I really like it and days I just don't so it's kinda strange but overall I think it's a really great product...probably not something I would buy every time I run out but definitely nice to try out different scents. 

I went a little overboard on the primers and Rimmel products so those will actually be featured in a breakdown of my favorite primers post coming later one...sneak peak: really loving the Baby Skin at the moment, definitely worth a try!

In case you can't tell by the picture above, I have a serious addiction to lip products. There are 8 featured above (eek!), 6 of which were purchased at the same time from Ulta...but they were all apart of the BOGO deal with the Ulta brand lipsticks BOGO Free and the others BOGO 50% off. That is not a deal you pass up easily, my friends. 

Here's a close up of some of my favorites but be on the lookout for my favorite Spring lip colors on the blog soon, in the meantime definitely give the new Ulta color core lipsticks a look because they're kinda amazing! (mine are [l-r] Sour Cherry and Cutie)

If you checked out my RueLaLa vs HauteLook post a while back then you would have gotten a sneak peak at a few of the products featured below. The Stila pressed pigments were featured on a serious HauteLook sale...like, I think I only got these for $5 a piece (which is insanely cheap for Stila) and I have to say that I was a little disappointed with them at first but love how versatile they are now that I've used them a few times. I use Acoustic (bottom left) as an eyeshadow trio with the lightest shade all over, the dark shade in the crease, and occasionally the orangey-red on the outer corner. As for the shade on the right, Finale (how cute are these names?), I blend that together and use as a blush...I know, pretty bright for a blush but the color comes off amazingly when used sparingly. Overall, they were a great purchase which is more than I can say for the lip colors which were way off course as far as display color to IRL color goes. 

Speaking of thumbs down products, the product at the top of this photo is actually marketed as a bronzer no matter how much it looks like a highlighter.
I'm a huge Physcians Formula fan when it comes to pressed bronzing powders (mostly because they're the only ones easily available to me it seems) but does anyone else feel like they're really a hit or miss brand?
I've gotten some really great bronzers from them over the years but also some really bad ones and this one unfortunately falls in that category. I was of course drawn in by their packaging (as always) and this one just so happened to be in a sparkly pink package...just begging for me to take it home. However, it also claimed to be specifically formulated for brunettes (looking back now, I guess I really should have gone with the blondes on this one) and that was something that really set this product apart from the rest. I don't know how they think this product will look good on darker haired girls seeing as they are usually the ones with darker skin when it barely even shows up on my beige toned skin!
As you probably know, PF bronzers run on the expensive side as far as drugstore brands go so I've resorted to using this product as a highlighter and even dig into the different sections of the mosaic to use as eyeshadows, something that still lacks luster but hey, why let it go to waste.

What's one of the sure fire signs that you are a Monogrammed Magnolia? It's in the name of course...a love for all things monogrammed!
That's exactly why Marley Lilly Flash Sales are my own personal kryptonite, or rather my bank account's kryptonite. February became ML's month of flash sales as they celebrated every Monogram Monday with one of their signature sales and the very last one featured all my favorites in none other than red, white, and blue! And let's face it, nothing say's Monogrammed Magnolias quite like a red, white, & blue Monogrammin' 'Merica tee! I just had to get my hands on it and rep my faves at Marley Lilly!

There's just something about a pocket tee that makes me go weak in the knees...add a monogram and I'm hooked...add a little Bama houndstooth and I've gotta have it! I adore this shirt and love the super amazing quality of the pocket itself! I don't know how they do it but Marley Lilly has got it going on with these printed pockets and I'm afraid I'm a fan for life. Definitely give them a look and be sure to follow them @MarleyLilly on Twitter to be in the know about the next Flash Sale which is always just around the corner.

Now for the BIG finale, folks!

I now present to you my pride, my joy, my absolute obsession...

my Kate Spade Little Kaelin Primrose Hill bag!!!

It's like the holy grail of bags for me and it was purchased during one of Kate Spade's signature Surprise Sales which I am a die hard fan of! 

I just love this bag and have probably carried it everyday since it arrived on my doorstep. It's a cross body on a leather and chain strap that is just absolutely to die-for, I mean how cute it that bow? Best part? The inside is polka dots! Kate Spade pulled out all the stops with this one!

I can honestly say that it was well worth the money and as my mother would say, it feels like buttah!

For more pictures of my bag and all my finds follow me on Instagram!!!

until next time, darlings.

xo

Merisa