Is there anything better than back-to-school shopping? Whether Grandma's taking you out to buy you a new wardrobe, or you have some extra cash burning a hole in your pocket from spending the summer scooping ice cream at the swim club, there's no better way to spend the last sticky weeks of August than in the air conditioned mall stocking up on all of the essentials to take on a new year.

1. The perfect agenda

This year, it seems like everyone has a Lilly Pulitzer agenda (and who can blame them?) Stand out from the crowd with a cute and sassy Kate Spade planner. This one is a personal favorite of mine-- how could you not love staring down at this super motivational quote during Econ 101? At $36, it's a bit pricier than you may find at Staples, but definitely worth it for the perfect combination of design and function. Throw your favorite pens into an equally motivating pencil case and you're ready to go for the first week of class!

2. All-purpose tote

A backpack may be necessary for days when you have three back-to-back classes scattered all over campus, but the other days, a simple tote is perfect for carrying everything you may need. The J. Crew Downing Tote is simple chic at its finest. Big enough to fit your laptop, notebooks, wallet, and a change of clothes for the gym, but small enough to still throw over your shoulder and run out the door when you're late to physics lab. While J. Crew almost always has some kind of sale or coupon going on, you can find a nearly identical bag at a fraction of the cost at Old Navy.

3. A personal touch

While anyone who knows me knows about my burning love for monogramming anything that isn't moving, that classic preppy style isn't for everyone. Make your water bottle and laptop distinctly yours by adding some fun and unique stickers from Redbubble. These cheap and personal stickers have taken college campuses by storm lately, and it's not hard to see why: with designs ranging from Shakespeare quotes, to Cristina Yang wearing a flower crown, it's easy to find something that is 100% you.

4. Cute and comfortable flats

We'd all love to pretend to be Blair Waldorf and traipse all over campus in three inch heels. Unfortunately, it's called Hawk Hill for a reason, and even attempting to take on the staircase from Sweeney Field to the PLC in heels will surely end in a broken ankle. On days that you need to add a little style to your wardrobe, these flats from LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's will do the trick. The scallop detail adds a cute touch without becoming precious, and in five different colors, it's easy to find a pair that will go with your whole wardrobe.

5. Oversized cardigan

Big, cozy sweaters are a staple in my fall and winter wardrobes. This affordable and adorable cardigan from Forever 21 is an easy way to add a little style to your late-to-class outfit. Perfect for the first cold snap, just throw on leggings, a black tee, and a statement necklace along with this comfortable classic and head off to class in five minutes or less while looking like you put in a whole lot more time and effort.

Whether you're looking to splurge or save, there's something for everyone to love this fall. The best rule-of-thumb to follow is to think about the "cost-per-use." A trendy sequined skirt? Probably better to shop at H&M, since that probably won't be of much use after graduation. But a gorgeous leather bucket bag? Head to Michael Kors or Kate Spade, because that certainly won't ever go out of style. Have fun stocking up on essentials, and get ready to hit the first semester in style!