Ya’ll, your entries for the jcp back-to-school giveaway made. my. week. Year, maybe. I wish I could give every single one of you a gift card for baring your little fifth grade sartorial souls! It seems the majority of us suffered through elementary school with bad haircuts, lots o’ spandex, overalls, and all things florescent and sparkly. But there can be only one winner. And in a random drawing, that winner was…. {drumroll} Brielle, I can’t even tell you all the times I ruined white outfits as a youngin’. In fact, I’m a little nervous even wearing these white jeans today. If only Tide-to-Go pens were invented when we were in school. Thanks for entering, everyone! Keep your eyes peeled for future giveaways!

Even though my classroom days are behind me, I think the back-to-school season is the perfect time for a fresh start. I still feel a little gravitational tug toward retail during this time of year, and when I think of back-to-school shopping, I get butterflies in my stomach. There’s nothing better than those early August sprees and picking out the perfect school supplies and first day outfit. I still stock up on colorful pens, day planners, and cute notebooks, and I’ve replaced new backpacks with new messenger bags that will fit my Macbook, and lunch boxes with reusable coffee cups. I was in elementary school in the 90’s, and floral baby doll dresses were my mini-fashionista apparel of choice. I usually paired them with keds and matching socks. Annnnd, probably a matching scrunchie or two. Oh, and usually shorts underneath {mandated by Mom} so as to remain modest and respectable while playing on the monkey bars during recess. Did I say mini-fashionista? Maybe in training. This Olsenboye belted print dress seemed like the perfect grown-up version …