A PEEK INSIDE MY PENCIL POUCH

Is it just me, or has this back to school season seemed like the busiest one yet?? Maybe it's just because I started a new school this year, but I feel like all I've done the past few weeks is homework! Anyone else?

Since I'm constantly in the library or camped out at Starbucks getting work done, I thought I would start a little series on the blog about what tools I use to stay focused as well as what I lug around with me all day on campus since I commute five days a week. Today, I'm starting with a peek inside my pencil pouch!

Of course I have to start off with my cute pink pencil pouch that I scored at Target for under $10!

I like to keep a set of cute post-it notes handy so I can write out my to-do lists, or flag important notes in my textbooks and notebooks. The page flags in this set come in handy as well to mark my page in my planner!

I always make sure to keep a roll or two of correction tape on me at all times since I mainly write in pen. This is great for when I have a due date change in my planner, or if I mess up while writing notes during a lecture.

I never leave the house without my set of LePens since those are what I use to color-code my planner. I also like to use the different colors to make flashcards when I'm studying!

Highlighters are my BFFs because I literally use them for everything. I use these to cross of things from my to-do list in my planner, I use a different color to indicate when projects are due and when test dates are, and I also use them when taking notes to highlight important information!

I like to keep a few pencils on hand for my math class and for filling in scantrons on test days.

Last but certianly not least, I never go anywhere without a pack of our very own pink and navy striped pens! These honestly are my favorite pens because they write so smooth and they don't smudge!

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Angela & Amy

FILE TO STYLE ETSY SHOP LAUNCH!

If you've been following along on our blog and our Instagram for a while, you've probably seen these pink and navy striped pens pop up all summer. Good news... They're finally available and ready to purchase!!

We have been working so hard all summer on these pretty pens, and we made sure to have every little detail just right all the way down to the bubble mailers we'll use to ship them out!

Now that our pens are available we are already dreaming up our next color combo as well as new products to add to our Etsy shop that will look perfect on your well dresses desk!

You can purchase a pack of 3 pens that comes wrapped complete with a File to Style sticker which makes a perfect gift for teachers this back-to-school season! You could also snag a pack or two for yourself to keep on your desk or in your pencil pouch! Since school has started, I always make sure to keep a set handy in my backpack because these are perfect for taking notes!

You can also buy a single pen- perfect for keeping in your purse, or you can buy multiple that would make really cute little party favors! These pens are so cute and they write so smooth I have people ask me where I got them all. the. time! 

The pens write in blue ink and are ballpoint- but they write with a smooth gel-like style but without smudging ink! I even have a friend who writes left-handed and can't say enough good things about them!

We know you're going to love these pens just as much as we do, and it would mean so much if you stopped by and checked out our Etsy shop!

XOXO

Angela & Amy

AROUND TOWN // LAST SUMMER WEEKEND

Where did the summer go?? I feel like  just blinked and it was over! Between my work schedule this coming week, an exciting launch coming to File to Style this Wednesday (!!!) and starting fall classes this Thursday I'm already exhausted. But, I always say the busiest weeks are the best weeks!

Also, a little update: with the fall being a busy time for the both of us, we've decided to cut back to posting here on the blog 3 days a week instead if 5! We thought it would be the best way to share quality content with our readers as well as put the focus and effort into a big project we've been working on! So, check back on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for your dose of File to Style!

Now... a little peek at what we've been up to this weekend!

PHOTO #1: LILLY LOVE

After running around all day on Friday, it was such a nice surprise to see some of my Lilly Pulitzer after party sale goodies rolling in! I got some peices that will be great to wear into the fall and comfy to wear in class!

PHOTO #2: GOAL GETTERS

We've been putting in the hustle this past week trying to get these cute pens ready for purchase! Here is just a little sneak peek we snapped while setting up our little office and shipping space... we like to think of is as "organized chaos'. Ha!

PHOTO #3: FRESH BLOOMS

On Sunday I spent a lot of time prepping for the first day of class coming up... including a practice drive to campus since I'll be commuting (don't judge, I'm terrible with directions!). I was so excited to find a Trader Joe's right across the street from my school, so of course I had to pop in to pick up some fresh flowers and my favorite coffee! If you've never tried Trader Joe's breakfast blend coffee you need to!

Good luck to all of you starting class this week! Let's make it a great semester!

XOXO

Angela & Amy

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL OUTFIT INSPIRATION // TWINNING WITH YOUR LILLY AGENDA

With the excitement from the Lilly Pulitzer after party sale still fresh, I wanted to share some of my more recent Lilly favorites but with a little twist... I'm matching the patterns on the Lilly agendas to a few clothing pieces that would make a perfect first day of school outfit!

And yes, I'm that girl that walks into the first day of class totally matching my planner. ;)

OUTFIT #1: LAID BACK LILLY

Exotic Garden popover // Large Lilly Pulitzer agenda // Pink Nike 'Roshe One' shoes // Zella 'Live in' crop leggings

This outfit is comfy and cute- perfect for lazy day or a chilly fall day! I feel like I wear a variation of this outfit practically every day during the fall and winter semesters, but it's so easy to throw on and the Lilly popovers are a great alternative to a sweatshirt since they're so fun and look a bit more put together!

You could also swap out the popover in this outfit for a Lilly inspired college sweatshirt!

OUTFIT #2: LILLY LUNCH DATE

Island Time t-shirt dress // Large Lilly Pulitzer agenda // Sam Edelman 'Felecia' flats // Colorblock tote

Pack up your tote bag with your agenda, notebooks and wallet, throw on this easy t-shirt dress and this look will take you from class to your special lunch date! I love that the Lilly t-shirt dresses are comfy, cute and fun to wear! I can't wait to wear mine for the first few weeks of the semester!

OUTFIT #3: LAYERED IN LILLY

Lilly Pulitzer elsa top // Navy J.Crew vest // booties // Large Lilly Pulitzer agenda

This last outfit is perfect for those later fall days that are crisp and a little chilly, but you don't need your heavy duty winter jacket yet. Obviously pink and navy is one of our favorite color combinations and we even love incorporating it in our outfits!

Thanks for stopping by, we would love to know how you would twin with your agenda!

XOXO

Angela & Amy

DREAMING UP A NEW OFFICE WITH POTTERY BARN TEEN

I recently received the Pottery Barn Teen magazine in the mail and seriously feel in love with something on every page.  A cup of coffee later and dog ears on every page I'm convinced there's something for everyone in this catalog.  Neither of us here at File to Style have the luxury of having a separate space designated for just an office so we both have space set aside in our bedrooms.  In order to use the space wisely I tend to find desks, chairs, accessories  designed for small spaces like teen rooms or dorm rooms almost the perfect size for what I need.  But we all have dreams right?...so check out our Dream Desk pinterest board for more inspiration.

Here are a few items I have my eye on:

Bulletin Board: Who doesn't need a good quality bulletin board to pin ideas,  motivational quotes, reminders and pictures to keep you inspired while you work.

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Desk Organizer: These items are probably the most crucial for keeping order on any desk.  When I found this set that includes a pencil cup, magazine caddy, and divided tray in hot pink I knew it was love at first sight. Oh and if hot pink isn't your thing don't worry they have the most amazing turquoise and gold polka dot options to choose from. 

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Desk and Storage: After I got over the initial love affair with the blue and white striped walls...swoon. I absolutely feel in love (a 2nd time) with the desk and the amount of storage.  I really like how there's 2 work areas and it doesn't take up that much space.  If we're having an impromptu blog meeting or I'm working while my kids are doing homework this is the perfect set up.  

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Well I'm off to finish my cup of coffee and convince my husband why blue and white striped walls are a good idea...wish me luck :-)

xoxo,

Amy and Angela

5 TIPS FOR A BETTER MORNING

Sticking with the theme of back-to-school and since I know those early wake up calls are always the hardest thing to get used to after sleeping in all summer long, I wanted to share a few of my favorite tips to get the morning started on the right side of the bed!

I always try to include every one of these tips (some mornings are better than others!) as well as somewhat stick to a routine- when I do, I always feel like I'm more awake and in a better mood throughout the day! It's way easier to deal with that 8am math class when you haven't just rolled out of bed, trust me. So, here are my 5 tips for a better morning...

1.) GET OUT OF BED...

The second you turn off your alarm, get out of bed! Don't hit snooze, don't lay in bed and browse all of your social media accounts... just get out of bed! This will help you start to wake up since you won't be laying in bed thinking about how tired you are.

2.) EAT BREAKFAST AND DRINK COFFEE...

Eating breakfast in the morning is so important! This will start your metabolism as well as give you the energy you're going to need to tackle your busy day. If you're not a big breakfast eater- try something small and easy like an apple or a banana, a granola bar or a smoothie. Something is always better than nothing. Oh, and don't forget to brew up your favorite cup of coffee!

3.) PLAY YOUR FAVORITE MUSIC...

Turn up your favorite tunes in the morning! Set the mood with some calming and energizing songs that will get you ready to take on the day! Currently my favorite album to play in the morning is Handwritten by Shawn Mendes, but I also love all of his music. This is the perfect mix of soft and slow and fun and energizing- perfect motivation for the day ahead!

4.) PACK YOUR BAG AND LAY OUT YOUR CLOTHES THE NIGHT BEFORE...

Picking out your outfit and making sure your bags are packed the night before makes any morning routine run so much smoother. Honestly, there's nothing worse than rushing to pick out and outfit to end up throwing something sloppy on or not being prepared for your day because you completely forgot to pack your bag!

5.) TAKE TIME FOR YOURSELF...

Wake up a half an hour earlier and take some time for yourself! It can be watching an episode of your favorite T.V. show, journaling, making a to-do list or just drinking your coffee in peace. I use this time to wake up and ease into my morning routine, usually with HGTV on in the background. If I don;t take this time for myself I feel like my whole day is thrown off!

Hopefully these tips were helpful for this upcoming semester!

XOXO

Angela & Amy

AROUND TOWN // BIRTHDAY WEEKEND FUN!

Happy Monday everybody! This weekend was a great one- Friday we went up to one of our favorite outdoor malls for coffee and a little window shopping and Sunday I had two little birthday parties! It was such a great way to spend one of the last weekends before class starts!

BTW- If you're not shopping the Lilly Pulitzer after party sale right now then what are you doing?!?

PHOTO #1 WEEKEND FUN & COFFEE RUNS

Friday night we took a trip to our favorite outdoor mall and of course we had to stop for a Starbucks! It was so much fun popping into our favorite shops as well as take a break to sip our coffee and chat about some very exciting things coming to File to Style at the end of this month!

PHOTO #2 PAPERSOURCE PARTY

After finishing our coffee we stopped by one of our favorite stores- Papersource! We always leave so inspired with all their fun products and brightly decorated store! This particular day they even had decoration station set up so you could bring in your planner and decorate it with all their cool washi tape, stamps, stickers and pens for F-R-E-E! How cool?!

PHOTO #3 BIRTHDAY FUN!

My birthday was actually this past Wednesday, so this weekend I was able to squeeze some celebrations in! On Sunday all the sweet girls I work with thew me a little party complete with pizza, cupcakes and even a donut backpack! That was so much fun! Later on in the evening our whole family went out to dinner and had even more pizza and cake... can you say carb overload?! Thanks to everyone who made my birthday so special!

We hope you have a great week!

XOXO

Angela & Amy