8 Back to School Essentials (For Moms Only)

After working overtime all summer, it’s (finally) time for the kids back to school. The insane days of giving the kids something to do every. second. of. their. waking. hours. now transition to…insane days of schlepping them around all the live long day.

There’s no need to look and feel like crap when you’re out running around, but there’s also no need to put in a ridiculous amount of effort to avoid feeling like crap, either.

From handbags to time-saving beauty products to comfortable shoes, here are the eight back to school essentials that will make chaotic early drop offs and magically being in 3 places at once much more tolerable.

Check them out in the slideshow.

More Style for On-the-Go Moms:

8 Back to School Essentials (For Moms Only)

Zella Neo Wraparound Cardigan

Since I’m a yoga pants devotee, I’m hardly one to judge if a woman heads out the door in a pair every single morning. But it’s easy to get addicted to that look, thereby sacrificing your once-amazing sense of style in the process. While a harried morning rush probably isn’t the time to try out a hot new look, it is a great time to change up the pace of your casual garb. Throw on this Zella Neo Wraparound Cardigan ($68) instead of a sweatshirt or tee. It’ll keep you warm as you drop off the kids on brisk fall mornings, and looks a million times more polished than the alternative (yet still feels just as relaxed).
Fossil Gordon Foldover Tote

I’m all for bargain hunting in the name of style, especially if it’s a trendy piece that you probably won’t wear much in the future. But where handbags are concerned, I think spending a little more is a smart choice. They’re investment pieces, designed to last you for years and possibly be passed on. So don’t be afraid to snag yourself one of these Fossil Gordon Foldover Totes ($149.99). It’s capable of holding a fourteen-inch laptop, but you’ll likely love it just as much for holding the kids’ snacks, some makeup, and your tech essentials.
Smashbox Camera Ready BB Water Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Just a little of Smashbox Camera Ready BB Water Broad Spectrum SPF 50 ($42) goes a long way. I love this new medium-coverage formula that builds easily to conceal imperfections, moisturize, and protect skin from UV rays. And because you don’t need much, you can quickly apply it in the morning before hopping in the car, confident that even if everything around you is insane, your complexion looks pretty darn perfect.
Beach Cottage bottle

Whether it’s your very necessary cup of morning coffee or a swig of ice cold water, you’ll want to pour your beverage of choice into a S’well water bottle before you head out the door. I’m partial to the Beach Cottage bottle ($35 for 17 oz.)---it evokes summer and will keep you going on those rough mornings, thanks to its ability to keep drinks hot for twelve hours and cold for twenty-four.
Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm

A little color can mean the difference between a washed out, I-barely-got-any-sleep complexion and an awake, healthy looking one. I’m partial to Burt’s Bees Tinted Lip Balm ($7), which drenches lips with moisture just as well as it leaves behind a kiss of color. Try Hibiscus for a pretty pop of rose that flatters almost every skin tone.
Yogi Bedtime Tea

Goodness knows sleep is a hot commodity, and even more so when you have to be up extra early to shuttle the kids off to school. Start your wind down process a little earlier the evening before by sipping something relaxing, like Yogi Bedtime Tea ($4.99). Made with licorice and cardamom, it yields a soothing flavor and gentle aroma.
Mophie Phone Case

One of the most useful items I own is a Mophie rechargeable battery case for my phone. It powers up my phone when it's down to its last legs and keeps me connected for a good few hours. You’ll be thankful for this tech investment if you find yourself with an uncharged phone on a crazy morning. (Hey, not everyone remembers to plug it in the night before.) It’s available for several phones at various price points.
Skechers Flex A-Game Mary Jane Sneakers

I’m all about a comfortable shoe that’s as pretty as it is sporty. Admittedly that’s a tough look to track down, but I found a great candidate in Skechers Flex A-Game Mary Jane Sneakers ($54.95). With sturdy rubber soles and a youthful design that manages to look all grown up, these shoes look as cute with yoga pants as they do with a skirt. They’re no-brainer shoes that will save the day as you rush out the door.