Between Us, vol. 20

Louie’s first week of kindergarten, the Leo eclipse, what I bought for back-to-school, what I’d buy for a little girl, teacher gifts & my first finds for Fall 🍂

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I wore this dress on Friday to an event at Louie’s school. It is such a classic silhouette and comes in a few other colors.

Hi friends!

This week has been a big adjustment around here. Louie started Kindergarten and Lawson is back in daycare, so after six weeks of summer together, the house is quiet during the day … which, HOT TAKE: my body and mind have been needing. It’s been incredible spending so much time with them but, it’s A LOT on your brain. I miss having them around and at the same time, there is something nice about being able to finally get back to tackling my to-do’s with a clear mind and minimal interruptions. Both feelings are true and I’m letting myself be in the chasm between them.

For my fellow astrology lovers, you may know that we had an eclipse in Leo this week. Many of you in Europe had the chance to actually view it and, I don’t know about you but playful, loyal Leo’s themes are definitely present at the moment. Eclipses are powerful portals — and I know that word sounds a little woo but it just means it’s almost like a doorway that can bring you to the next phase you’re meant to move into. Eclipses bring about beginnings and endings that almost feel fated so if you’re experiencing that in some way, shape, or form — don’t try and control it, but rather try to trust it as much as you can. This was South Node eclipse [the South Node in astrology hints at tendencies or traits that you’re supposed to move away from in this life, to some degree] so, anything you’re needing to release, especially as it pertains to how you show up and share yourself with others or pertaining to your ego, that no longer serves you is now being brought to the forefront. I really want to create a small guide for you guys to understand how to see how these kinds of things show up for you personally.

» lol — i know, i know — another thing to build and develop but these things are so fun for me and I think astrology has been such an interesting way of making sense of the energy you’re currently feeling. So, stay tuned! «

Anyway, I loved catching up with so many of you during my Instagram stories Q&A this week. Hearing what you want to see more of and what you’re curious about gave me some ideas for what to start including in newsletters moving forward. I will try to get back to doing monthly Q&A’s, as well.

Okay, here’s what I have for you guys in today’s newsletter:

+ Back to School Must-Have’s For Girls & Boys
+ Teacher Gift Ideas for BTS
+ First for Fall: What I’m Eyeing & Buying so Far

Back to School Must-Have’s

I’m choosing not to share our Back-To-School or first day photos for safety reasons but this was after school this week.

If you missed it, Louie started Kindergarten this week … which feels equal parts exciting and completely impossible. This season of life is so busy and I genuinely do not now how the last five years went by in the blink of an eye. One minute I was bringing him home as a newborn and the next I’m standing in the kitchen labeling lunch boxes and sending him off to Kindergarten.

Getting everything ready for a new school year also reminded me that the list the school sends home is really just the starting point. We’re lucky to be in a position where we can have a little fun with the extras, so I thought I’d share what I got for Louie’s back to school moment alongside some sweet little items I would have added to my cart if I had a little girl.

New Balance sneakers | water bottle | bento-style lunchbox | striped crew socks | drawstring shorts | backpack

Crew socks: You don’t realize how many pairs of socks a little boy actually needs until you have a little boy. Between getting lost in the wash and the ones that somehow get soaked or covered in dirt at recess, I like having a stockpile on hand.

Water bottle: I’ve shared these before and they are still a favorite around here. They come in so many colorways, have a straw and are leakproof. The ones we own have survived planes, trains and overseas adventures without a single complaint.

Velcro sneakers: At this age, anything that makes getting out the door faster is a win. Velcro sneakers make it easy for Louie to get them on and off himself while we’re working toward the day when he can tie his own shoes.

velcro sneakers | girls water bottle | strawberry lunchbox | headband bundle | H&M dress | checkered backpack

Headband bundle: The easiest little accessory to make an outfit feel more fun. I love that this bundle comes with different colors and patterns so there’s always an option to work with what your little one may be wearing.

Strawberry lunch: First of all, the strawberry print is too cute. I also love the side compartment for a water bottle, as keeping everything together in one place makes getting out the door and staying organized much easier.

Checkered backpack: An instant yes for me. This brand is known for its durability and endless colors and patterns. I also love that they come in different sizes. Because if you’ve ever seen a kindergartener who could practically climb inside their backpack, the size guide is going to come in handy.

A Little Something for the Teacher

This was something I didn’t think about until AFTER Louie had started — FACE PALM — so, I may organize something as like a ‘half-term’ treat for them instead.

I asked a teacher friend of mine what could be nice and she suggested the following:

”If school is starting soon and you still have time to organize this as a way of blessing your children’s teacher(s), I’d ask them for their Amazon wishlist and clear an item or two.

OR

Put together a small collection of things that might be helpful as she starts the year. I think a coffee gift card and handwritten note from your child are always a nice way to start. And if you ever want to help in the classroom, I’d ask the teacher what they might need in addition to the supply list the school provided.

I’d also keep this idea in your back pocket after a major school break. A quick check-in in October or January to see if the classroom needs a little re-up can be just as useful as anything you send in August/September.”

Idea via lifewithnitraab.com

I’ve also seen ideas online about a back to school basket for the teacher as well. I don’t know if it’s traditional or not, but I think the idea is very sweet.

And yes, I’d still include the coffee gift card. I’ve been told by a confidant that some traditions are traditions for a reason.

How are you feeling about back to school? Tell me you’re somewhere between “we’ve got this” and “how is my baby this old?” because same.

First for Fall: What I’m Eyeing & Buying so Far

tie waist sweater | floral midi dress | orange mini dress | v-neck dress | block heel boots | brown drawstring pants | classic poplin shirt | gemstone drop earrings | lace detail button up | two-tone loafer | suede buckle bag

Is it still in the mid-90’s here in Jacksonville? Yes. Is that going to stop me from putting out fall vibes by shopping for the first looks of the season? No.

Some of these are great transitional pieces, which, if you’re like me and live somewhere that won’t look or feel like fall anytime soon, is exactly what we need.

You can start shifting the color palette bring in a few fall accessories and work with the closet staples you already own to give your outfits a little more of that fall feel without sweating through a sweater in August.

» I love the soft vanilla color and the open knit on this sweater. It feels like an easy way to start bringing fall into your wardrobe now.

» I didn’t include this one in the graphic but I am D E A D over these pants and this striped dress.

» The color is what got me on this dress. Add boots and a jacket when it cools down and you have a very easy fall look.

» This dress I bought back at the start of the year is now available in a beautiful dusty pink color. Which do you like better: yellow or pink? I love the silhouette so much!

» I've had my eye on a brown bag for fall, and this suede one has caught my attention. It would be cute with denim and sneakers now and just as good with your fall layers later.

You can see all my new in for fall favorites here:

Between Us, vol. 19

Between Us, vol 18

That’s a wrap for this week! Thank you for reading and for the kind messages I got from some other mammas out there sending their babies to school for the first time.

See you next week.

x H.

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Alyson Haley is a longtime style and travel writer focused on helping you create a wardrobe you love and travel more confidently and competently. After 10 years of living between and just outside of London, she shares curated recommendations and insider insight on her favorite city and other destinations she knows and loves. She is currently building a bespoke travel boutique centered around beautifully designed, meaningful escapes. For more, be sure to follow her on Instagram.