Seasonal Basics

Is there anything more thrilling than the start of a new term? New books, new stationery, new classes and courses and modules. To us here at the Attic, the turn of the season from summer to autumn represents a shift towards our strongest aesthetic, from cold brew to flat whites and from (typically) peaceful summer relaxation to the hustle and bustle of autumn. Of course, we wouldn’t want our readers to face this change unprepared, so I have created a list below of my back-to-school must-haves. Even if you’re no longer a student (I refuse to accept that I am one such individual), autumn is the best time to reinvent your wardrobe, to add a few new notebooks and pens to your arsenal, and to face the season with your best assets at hand.

• A sturdy, dependable tote bag

  • Feel free to call my selection ‘basic,’ but I have found beauty in the basic-ness of the Longchamp Le Pliage nylon totes for nearly a decade. They are waterproof, roomy, and sturdy, and can easily hold a laptop, books, stationery, and plenty more. The leather straps are chic and these fantastic bags are available in all the colours of the rainbow.

• Durable boots

  • As a student, you’re going to be running all over campus, from the coffee shop to the library to class. Your feet shouldn’t take the brunt of the load, so be sure to protect them well. Clarks boots have gotten me through undergraduate and graduate school; their knee-high riding boots are thermally lined (perfect for the cold Michigan winters I endured) while their large selection of ankle boots are stylish addition to oversized jumpers and jeans. You can’t go wrong with any pair that suits your fancy - the soles are all soft and durable, and your feet will thank you!

• Beautiful stationery

  • Buying a new planner is perhaps one of the most exciting things I do all year. Ban.do have a beautiful range of small, easy-to-carry planners with cute illustrations and plenty of space for planning out study dates and weekend football games. If you need something a bit larger, Rifle Paper Co. are the undisputed queens of planners. Their ring-bound planners are so lovely you’ll feel sorry that you have to scribble all over the pages. Both sites have plenty of notebooks as well for making note-taking an aesthetically pleasing experience.

• Skincare

  • Let’s face it, as hard as you should try to get 8+ hours of sleep, sometimes it just won’t be possible - but your skin doesn’t have to suffer! Whether you’re on a student budget or have a little money tucked away for this sort of thing, hydrated skin is easy to come by. My recommendations are either this Clean & Clear Dual Action Moisturizer or Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream with SPF. I also adore L’Oreal’s masks line and am a huge fan of their Detox and Brighten Pure Clay Mask. Taking care of your skin is a nice break from the academic stress and will make you feel relaxed and pampered – take a peek at what our Beauty Editor Rory has recommended as well!

• Water bottle

  • You might be busy, but there’s no reason you can’t do your part to help save the planet. Investing in a reusable water bottle is one small way you can use less plastic, and I am a huge fan of Camelbak water bottles. They are large, come in lots of colours, and are leak-proof. No need to buy bottled water when you can bring your own along to the library or coffee shop.