photos by sara walk


forever 21 shirt (similar)

With the beginning of school only weeks away, I’m starting to get into back to school prep mode. Although I’m not going back to school (thank goodness those days are behind me), my four year old is and as always, I love all the preparation — the new clothes, the school supplies, the new lunchbox…it’s all so nostalgic and fun for me. I mean, who wouldn’t want a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils (for any You’ve Got Mail fans out there)?

So although I’m not going back to school, I’ve teamed up with DSW this month to share a few back to school essentials for those of you who are heading back to class, or just want to pick up a few new things for Fall, and to do another fun #DSWShoeHookup giveaway! I love DSW because they have amazing designer shoes (shoes for women, kids shoes, and even great men’s shoes) at even more amazing prices, and they have a sweet rewards program that allows you to earn points with every purchase that go toward DSW gift certificates so you can buy….more shoes, obviously. A win-win solution in my book.

Leopard print is so huge right now, and Sperry’s have been on my shoe wish list for ages, so the two combined in these shoes made the decision a no brainer. Plus, as much as I love a heel (or even a wedge), flats are an essential for school. I combined them with a preppy layered gingham and sweater combination for an easy and comfortable school day, and then threw in a statement necklace and a leather backpack to complete the look.

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a big thank you to DSW for sponsoring this post. All opinions are my own.