THE BEST ACADEMIC 2016 PLANNERS

August is my favorite month of the year for many reasons...

1.) It's my birthday month- whoo hoo!

2.) All the fall stuff becomes available in stores. Everything from school supplies to cozy sweaters I love it all!

3.) And most importantly, the academic planners finally start!

With the return of the midyear planners and the first day of school right around the corner we decided to share with you our favorite planners that will keep you stylish and organized throughout the whole year! Since we believe both fashion and function are important when it comes to picking out a planner, we included our file and style favorites for each. Happy planning!

LILLY PULITZER

Read our full review of the Lilly Pulitzer planner here!

Shop Lilly Pulitzer planners here!

File favorites: One of our favorites parts about this planner are the monthly and weekly calendar pages. The monthly pages are big, so if you have to write down your work schedule, school schedule and social calendar it will all fit perfectly! The weekly pages are also roomy so you can keep track of all your important due dates and tests.

Style favorites: Not only is the outside of this planner beautiful, but the inside is decorated just as vibrantly with pretty Lilly patterns! How can you not look forward to organizing your assignments when your planner is that pretty?

DAY DESIGNER

Read our full review of the Day Designer planner here!

Shop Day Designer planners here!

File favorites: We love that this planner has a whole page for each day! This helps you stay really organized when you have a lot on your plate. There is a section for a daily to-do list, hourly planning, notes and even a section to plan your dinner!

Style Favorites: The inside of this planner isn't very colorful or decorated at all, so if you don't want something as flashy as a Lilly planner this would be perfect for you! Also, since the colors are so simple, it gives you a ton of room to be creative with your washi tape and stickers!

RIFLE PAPER CO.

Read our full review of the Rifle Paper Co. planner here!

Shop Rifle Paper Co. planners here!

File favorites: This planner is actually really unique- the monthly pages are in a completely different section from the corresponding weekly pages, and the weekly pages are set up like a to-do list for each day. I wasn't sure how I was going to like this planner because of those two reasons, but after I put all my information inside, I ended up loving it!

Style favorites: Like the Day Designer planner, the color scheme inside of this planner is very simple so I've been having fun customizing it using colored pens and pretty washi tape! Also, this planner has a new quote for every week, a little detail I love!

ERIN CONDREN

Read our full review of the Erin Condren planner here!

Shop Erin Condren planners here!

File favorites: This planner has a ton of room for notes as well as space to write in the monthly calendar! What's unique about this planner is you can personalize it- so you can get a vertical, horizontal or even hourly weekly spread!

Style favorites: Just like the inside of the planner, you can personalize the outside too! You can pink the colors, design and even add things like monograms and pictures! 

XOXO

Angela & Amy

MORNING COFFEE MUGS

I don't know about you but my favorite part about my morning routine is coffee.... and drinking it from a cute mug makes it even more enjoyable! I seriously have so many coffee mugs that my cupboards are overflowing- but I can't help myself when I see another cute mug I know I can't live without! Since I'm basically an expert on everything you need to know about mugs now I decided to shop around and round up allll the mugs you need to add to your collection!

A Thing Created glam mug

Ashley Brooke Designs hustlin' mug

Evelyn Henson sloth mug (one of my personal favorites!)

Sweet Water Decor glass coffee mug

Where do you find cute coffee mugs?

XOXO

Angela & Amy

SUGAR PAPER @TARGET FOR THE WIN

For those of you who have been following us on Instagram you may have seen some sneak peaks of our flagship product.  After years of trying to find the perfect pen we decided to stop looking and just design our own.  But before we do any kind of formal launch we need to get our business details worked out and get all the administrative aspects organized.  Us File to Style gals love a good organizational project so we headed to...wait for it...Target.  I know we're so predictable :-) Our timing lined up perfectly with the Sugar Paper and Target collaboration.  We really went for timeless pieces that met our basic file needs as well as being stylish...our main motto.  

Magazine Rack - I was really looking for something to store file folders since I'm kinda limited on space and don't have a separate file cabinet.  Since this is designed to hold magazines it has plenty of room to hold a lot of file folders.  It's really a quality piece and looks great sitting off to the side in the corner.  I also love that it's multi-functional and can always move it to my family room to hold magazine in the future.

File Folders - These folders are so durable and sturdy they work great in the magazine rack.  Over the past year I've collected folders from different brands and although they are stylish they are so flimsy and totally bend when trying to display.  I have to honestly say I'm so impressed with the quality of these files especially for the cost.  12 folders for $5.99 is a great deal.  Not to mention they have a very simple and sophisticated look they will never go out of style.

Pencil Cup - I actually went to 2 different Target stores to track down this beauty.  I knew this stylish and affordable piece would be perfect for holding our new pens and it did not disappoint.  I absolutely love the way the pens they look displayed on my desk.

Tape Dispenser and Washi Tape - This is truly a dynamic duo.  I don't normally use scotch tape so I instantly knew I was going to use it for the washi tape.  I use washi tape all the time in my planner and notebooks.  It helps highlight things like project due dates and block off things like vacations.

Weekly/Monthly Planner - This planner has proved to be a perfect business partner for me.  I'm able to use the monthly spread for blocking off time and pencil in product timelines.  Then the weekly pages are great to get more detailed.  What I love about the weekly layout is all the days of the week are listed on the left page and the right page has a 'this week' section and 'remember~notes~to do' section. Both sections are checklists which is so helpful when working with multiple tasks such as launching a site and blog planning.

Post-It Notes and Sticky Flags - I was really happy to find out these sticky notes were made with the same high quality as traditional post-it notes.  I don't know about you but I can't stand sticky notes that don't stick.  I mean what's the point...right?  I use sticky notes all day long and by the end of a work day they are on my desk, computer, planner, and files.  I've picked up several packs just to stock up.

I'm pretty sure I'll end up picking up a few more items but I had to draw the line somewhere :-)  

All of the products I mentioned are still on Target.com and stock is very limited at the stores so I suggest to buy what you want now so you don't miss out.

xoxo,

Angela and Amy

AROUND TOWN // BEACH VACATION

Is it just me or does this feel like the Monday-est Monday ever...?! Somehow that's always the case the day after you get home from a vacation! If you follow our Instagram and stay up to date with our blog, you would know I spent a week at the beach up north! It was so much fun to relax and spend endless hours by the water- so today I wanted to share some of the highlights of the week!

PS- If you're from MI, or are planning on visiting you have to check out Traverse City! There are so many fun things to do, and Downtown Traverse City is the cutest!

PHOTO #1: LATTE BY THE BAY

I love a good latte, especially lavender lattes! (I know it might sound odd, but trust me- try one!) My favorite little coffee spot downtown is Espresso Bay... OMG their iced lavender lattes are addicting! Now I'm wishing I had one, maybe I can figure out how to DIY one?!

PHOTO #2: DONUT DISTURB

I think my donut pool float has quickly become one of my favorite purchases this summer! There's nothing better than floating in a cute tube out on the bay on a hot day while watching all the sail boats float by.

PHOTO #3: DUNE BERRY

My favorite shop up north is Dune Berry because they have the cutest selection of Lilly Pulitzer, Sail to Sable, Vineyard Vines and so much more! Of course I couldn't leave without a little souvenir... I was debating between this and this, but I ended up with the beautiful swing dress pictured! It's so comfy and perfect for throwing on in the summer!

PHOTO #4: DUNE CLIMB

The sleeping bear dunes are one of my favorite things to visit... however my dad somehow talked me into doing the dune climb all the way to Lake Michigan which is about 3 miles round trip. Usually 3 miles is nothing to me, but when you're walking on nothing but sand while going uphill and downhill while its 90 degrees outside... it adds up to a pretty good workout! I will say I'm glad I did it, and the view at the end really was worth the hike, but I won't be jumping at the chance to do it again anytime soon!

I hope you enjoyed a little peek into my week at the beach! Now I can't believe that summer is almost over!

XOXO

Angela & Amy

THE BEST OF THE #NSALE

The Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale has about everyone in blogging land, Instagram and just about any social media platform over the moon excited.  When a sale has it's own hashtag #NSale you know it's big.  Nordstrom's is also a marketing genius to have a 'sneak peak' early access shopping event for their card members.  I've honestly joined in on the excitement and went into my local Nordstrom's and shopped behind the curtains to see some of my wishlist items in person.  

Here's a few roundups of our favorite items to make your shopping a little easier.

BareFoot Dreams cardigan // Patigonia "Better Sweater" // cowl neck shift dress

striped shirt (<--- only $17!) // cowl neck sweater // cross front tee

knit poncho // Zella "wilderness" sweatshirt // Zella crop leggings

Tory Burch riding boots // suede booties // Tory Burch wedges

Sperry quilted boots // tassel flats // nude pumps

lace up flats // Tory Burch espadrilles // Tory Burch sandals

Happy shopping and hope you find something fun!!

xoxo,

Angela and Amy

AROUND TOWN IN TRAVERSE CITY

Beach Cover Up // Malabar Bay (similar)

Donut Float // Target 

There's nothing like summer vacations in up north Michigan.  If I didn't tell you I know you'd never guess I'm standing in front of Lake Michigan on Grand Traverse Bay in Traverse City, MI.  With the natural ombre color to the lake it really is a beautiful place to vaca.  The area is very nautical, preppy with a laid back vibe.  I've popped into a few super cute shops in the area including The Dune Berry which carries all my favorite brands such as Lilly, Vineyard Vines and so much more. 

Here's a few of a my favorite vacation looks.  Oh and vacation hair, don't care has my been my motto and go to look :-)

Top // Old Navy

Sandals // Jack Rogers (similar)

Romper // Target (similar)

Sandals // Jack Rogers (similar)

xoxo,

Angela and Amy

WHAT I'M PACKING FOR VACATION & OUTFIT INSPIRATION

T-minus two days until I leave for a much needed beach vacation! I'm so excited to spend all day by the water and get in a full week of relaxation before I head back to school in September. To prepare for my week in the sun, I've spent all week packing and shopping for easy breezy outfits that will look cute, be comfortable and most importantly be light and airy since the temps look like they're going to be in the 90's all week! (PS- unfortunately my poor pup can't come along on this trip... but he's so cute I want to find a way to sneak him in... maybe in my monogrammed tote?!)

I wanted to pack a little bit of everything since I know our plans for this trip can range from going on a hike in the morning to dinner and shopping downtown in the evening. So I have everything from my favorite t-shirt dress and easy romper to comfy running shorts and my favorite Nike shoes! Also, I kind of packed with a color scheme to make it even easier to put together an outfit! As you can tell I have a ton of blue and of course my favorite little pink purse! 

Reebok tank top (similar) // sports bra (similar) // Lululemon shorts // Nike Free 5.0 // Kate Spade sunglasses

Like I mentioned before, one day we're planning on going for a hike, so I put together a comfy outfit that won't be too hot. I found both my shirt and sports bra at Marshalls for under $8!

off the shoulder top // Old Navy denim shorts // Kate Spade sunglasses // Jack Rogers sandals

Old Navy peplum tee // Old Navy denim shorts // Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB // Jack Rogers sandals

Packing something versatile, like a good pair of denim shorts that can be matched with different shirts saves a lot of room in your suitcase. Casual outfits like these can be quickly thrown on for a bike ride downtown or a walk to the corner ice cream shop! Cute, quick and comfortable.

Lilly Pulitzer dress (similar, this year's print) // Rebecca Minkoff mini MAB // Jack Rogers sandals

Since I'm a dress girl at heart, I couldn't forget my favorite sundresses! Weather its for walking around town thrown over a bathing suit or for a dinner downtown, you can never go wrong bringing along a few dresses.

Monogrammed tote // Malabar Bay beach cover ups // Black and white bikini top (similar) & bottom // Victoria's Secret top & bottom

Of course I had to make sure my beach bag was fully stocked since I'm planning on spending most of my time on the beach! I packed my favorite swimsuits, cover ups and alllll the sunglasses! Obviously the most important stuff. 

I can't wait to share more snaps from my trip next week, so make sure you're following along on our Instagram!

XOXO

Angela & Amy