Spark

August is always a little bittersweet because we can feel summer coming to an end and real life (AKA the school year...) about to return. Fortunately, it’s also the beginning of a new season filled with exciting goodies for your closet – whether you’re heading back to school or just back to routine. Now is the time to stock up on classic pieces that you can mix-and-match with your existing wardrobe or new pieces that you get throughout the coming months. Here are a few of our favourite basics that you don't want to miss out on this season.

1) Neutral oversized bag

A new bag is always at the top of our list come fall. If you’re a student, you can easily swap out your backpack for an oversized purse to lug your essentials to school, and Matt & Nat have a ton of great options that will hold your books and snacks between class. This vegan leather bag in a neutral tan works just as well off-campus, if you’re headed back to the office instead of back to school. An equally pretty wallet is just the thing to keep your smaller items organized – this soft grey Matt & Nat wallet with rose-gold detailing is a standout option.

2) Classic white button-up

It doesn’t get more classic than a white button-up. This piece can be worn with anything and is one of those staple items you just need in your closet. A short-sleeved version is cute and fresh – especially when you wear it buttoned up to the top – and we promise you will feel like a straight-A student while wearing it. The best part is, you can wear this piece a million ways – layer it under a trendier item like overalls or a slip dress while the days are still mild, or add a sweater overtop when the weather starts to cool down. 

3) Great pair of jeans

There’s nothing better than a new pair of jeans at the start of the school year. Treat yourself to a pair that fits you perfectly and will go with all your new tees and cozy sweaters. We’re partial to a pair you can cuff, since we still want to hold on to a bit of summer while we still can, and as the temperature starts to drop, the ankle-length hem is perfect with a stylish fall boot.

4) Versatile shoes

Most of us wear the same pair of shoes through much of the school year (until the snow comes around of course!), and we want a versatile pair that we won’t immediately get sick of. Brogues are a classic choice, and this pair has interesting details that make them feel special. They also have a slight heel which will make your outfit feel a little more pulled together than the sneakers you’ve been wearing all summer. Plus, they match the Matt & Nat bag perfectly – just saying.

5) Go-with-anything accessories

There’s something about a new watch that makes us feel like we have our life together. Since we’re always inspired to try our best at the beginning of the school year, a chic black and gold watch will surely help us get in the zone. We are loving the current surge in popularity of earrings and the wealth of options out there right now, and these black bar earrings are the simple-yet-standout accessory we’ve been hunting for. Just don’t forget to take them off for gym class! ;)

As if you weren’t excited enough for back-to-school shopping… we’re reopening after-hours on August 19 for our first Before the Bell shopping event! It’s the perfect opportunity to get all your fall shopping done while taking advantage of one-night-only sales, contests and giveaways, and in-store events. Have we got your attention yet? Tickets are just $5 in advance at Customer Service, and all proceeds go to local charities. Click here for more details!

Visit these St. Vital Centre retailers to shop the looks featured in this post (check stores for availability):

White button-up: Reitmans, $36.50
Ripped jeans: Reitmans, $54.90
Brogues: Browns, $168
Black bar earrings: Le Chateau, $7.95
Large handbag: Spareparts (Matt and Nat), $167.00
Grey wallet with rose-gold zipper: Spareparts (Matt and Nat), $85
Black leather watch: Spareparts (Skagen), $200