Hope Wissel

Teacher Solution Sets

I can’t believe Summer is almost over.  It won’t be long (maybe a week or so) before many will be leaving the sunshine and sand while they head back to school.

Summer may be leaving BUT  it isn’t so bad when there’s so much fall fun to look forward to! Cozy sweaters, leaf piles and of course the hustle and bustle of back to school are right around the corner. I can see many moms doing the happy dance now.  LOL!

Who knows more than teachers about starting the school year off right? From classroom heroes to bus duty buddies, here are eight of  Thirty One’s top styles to create save-the-day solution sets for the ones who put the cool in school (or anyone else who needs to get organized)..

For taming the desk mess

From paperclips and pencils to staplers and snacks, teachers ask a lot of their desks. Make it more manageable with the desktop organizing combo of a Littles Carry-All Caddy (or two), Get Creative Slim Pouch and Get Creative Rectangle Pouch.

This durable, wipeable caddy is perfectly sized to fit a small box of tissues or extra coffee pods for your morning brew, while its exterior mesh pocket can stow paperclips, sticky notes and rubber bands at hand. Pop your markers, pens and pencils into the slim pouch, and use the rectangle pouch for large index cards or to keep loose bits and bobs in one place. Plus, both pouches are made of clear PVC, so you’ll always be able to see what’s stashed inside!

 

For manic mornings and laid-back lunches

One of a teacher’s many superpowers is getting up and ready before the sun, so make mornings a little brighter with a tote-ally perfect pairing that’ll pull double duty. The Crossbody Organizing Tote is one of our top styles for the season, and teachers know why! With all the pockets you could ask for and a spacious design, this tote is an organizing dream. Perfect for the ones who have to take their work home with them (we’re talking grading papers galore), plus the adjustable crossbody strap means hands-free organization, even on the go.

This functional work tote only gets better when paired with our tried-and-true Thermal Tote, its lunchtime partner in crime. Make lunch hour sweeter with an insulated tote in tons of fun prints, and add a personalized embroidered design for a thermal tote that’ll be the talk of the teachers’ lounge. Getting up early might be tough, but packing your lunch in the morning doesn’t have to be!

For classroom clutter

With kids comes mess, but that mess doesn’t have to equal stress. Meet your new all-star organizing team: the Large Utility Tote (our #1 style for the season!) and Double Duty Caddy. With its top handle and two side compartments, the Double Duty Caddy is just the structured sidekick teachers need to store cleaning supplies, art materials, papers or even plates, napkins and plastic utensils for classroom parties!

You already know there are a thousand uses for the LUT, so here are just a few ideas fit for the classroom. And don’t forget to add a custom embroidered message or design in Thirty-One’s personalization studio – just click the “personalize” button under Large Utility Tote to see your design come to life!

  • Stash toys and stuffed animals for indoor recess
  • Fill with books for a portable classroom library
  • Stow pillows and cushions for story circle time
  • Tote playground equipment to and from recess
  • Organize craft supplies for art projects
  • Make a portable lost-and-found!

For after-school fun

When the backpacks are packed and students are on the bus home, it’s time for teachers to take some time to unwind and focus on themselves. No matter the after-school destination, whether it’s a dinner out with the family, running to a yoga class or going out for drinks with the girls, the Boutique Backpack and Perfect Cents Wallet are your go-to duo.

Backpacks are perfect for the ones who are always on the go, and the Boutique Backpack’s faux leather finish elevates it to a statement piece that can also hold all your essentials with ease! And we can’t forget a coordinating wallet to keep your cash, cards and ID neat and organized.

For even more great back-to-school solutions, browse our hand-picked collection of school-ready gift ideas!

Hope Wissel

How to Buy the Right Wallet

I don’t know about you but I USED to struggle with finding the perfect wallet…. I would find one I thought I liked and then BAM, it wasn’t right.  here are some tips on how to buy the best wallet for you this season.  There are so many things to consider – the number of slots for cards, yah or nah on a coin purse, and will it fit my phone.  There are zillions (okay, so it may be an exaggeration) of wallets out there with just as many features, styles, colors and sizes.

What is a girl to do?

Thirty-One to the rescue! Here is a fun quiz to guide you toward which type of wallet best fits your needs – and your style.

#1 Which word best describes your personal style?

  1. Casual
  2. On-trend
  3. Classic

#2 Be honest: How much stuff does your wallet need to hold?

  1. Just my ID, credit cards and cash.
  2. Just essential cards – and my phone, of course!
  3. Umm…just call me George Costanza.

#3 How do you plan to wear your wallet?

  1. Tucked into my purse (although a wristlet option would be nice)
  2. Crossbody to stand in for a purse and keep my hands free
  3. In my bag during the day, then as a sleek evening clutch

#4 Now let’s talk prints and colors:

  1. Make mine easy-care fabric in my favorite Thirty-One print.
  2. This is tough: I love Thirty-One’s prints AND their faux leather.
  3. Let’s go all out with pebbled faux leather and silver-tone hardware.

#5 Do you want the option to personalize your wallet?

  1. I could go either way on embroidery.
  2. My initial or monogram would be nice.
  3. My look already has PLENTY of personality!

#6 What’s your budget?

  1. Under $30. But I still expect great function and style!
  2. Under $40. So I’ll need it to be even more versatile than a typical wallet.
  3. Under $50. This is an investment in quality I’ll use season after season.

Mostly 1s: Perfect Cents Wallet

This classic, budget-friendly wallet in plenty of print choices is just the right wallet for you to buy!  It may be small in size but it is big on functionality.   The Perfect Cents Wallet features a zipper closure, roomy front and back zipper pockets, 10 credit card slots, four bill slots and an ID window. Made of canvas or cotton in some of our top Thirty-One prints with a polyester lining, this billfold makes a great companion piece for our coordinating totes and purses – or wear it alone as a fun clutch by adding a colorful Wristlet Strap.

Mostly 2s: NEW! Call Me Crossbody

Millennials know a thing or two about minimalism – it’s why you see so many sporting chic, simple crossbody wallets! You don’t need to buy a big purse to stay organized (and stylish) on the go: Choose our Call Me Crossbody wallet for hands-free fashion which is super functional. With credit card slots, an open center compartment for your smart phone and keys along with a magnetic snap closure to keep everything secure, your everyday essentials stay right at your fingertips. The detachable faux leather strap adjusts to wear over your shoulder or as a crossbody. Make your wallet special with embroidered personalization!

Mostly 3s: All About the Benjamins Wallet

It’s our #1-selling wallet for so many reasons! Our Customer-favorite fashion wallet is the perfect choice: tuck it into your handbag or add a Wristlet Strap for carrying all the essentials. The roomy All About the Benjamins has the silhouette of a classic billfold and holds 12 credit cards, with reinforced stitching and interior structure to prevent stretching. Choose from sophisticated solids to coordinate with your purse or tote – or share the fun of Thirty-One for the opportunity to shop exclusive Benjamins in our famous prints!

Post a picture of the wallet you would pick OR if you have a Thirty One wallet, on my Facebook business page for a chance to WIN!

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!

Hope Wissel

Diaper Bag or Travel Bag?

Happy HUMP DAY!!!

Thirty One’s City Park Diaper Bag is AMAZING!  Okay, I no longer have little kids (patiently waiting for grand kids) but I LOVE this bag.

I wish I had something like this when I was commuting 4 hours a day round-trip to work.  It would have made my life so much easier.

The City Park Diaper Bag has all the functionality of a large diaper bag (for busy mommas), but the modern style of an urban tote.   It has lots of interior and exterior pockets, including a thermal zipper pocket and hidden cell phone pocket. Carry it as a tote, or sling it over your shoulder with the adjustable crossbody strap.

Key features include:

  • Nylon exterior with coordinating Runway Mini Dot polyester lining
  • One interior thermal zipper pocket and six elastic pockets
  • Five exterior flat pockets; one with magnetic closure
  • Exterior hidden cell phone pocket
  • Faux leather handle grip
  • Adjustable crossbody strap
  • Zipper closure
  • Monogramming and personalization options available
  • 15″H x 16.25″L x 6″D
  • 12″ handle drop

Check out this review:

This bag is AMAZING! I am not a mother, so did not purchase it with the intention of using it as a diaper bag. I have used it as a carry-on for travel, and as an overnight bag so far. I LOVE organization in a bag, and this brings it in spades. So many pockets both inside and out to keep my stuff from being stuck in a bottomless pit. I am so happy they went with a light-coloured interior on this bag, as it keeps it bright when digging for items. It fits a Super-Swap-It pocket PERFECTLY in the middle of the inside, which adds for even more organization. And cell phone pocket?! THANK YOU!!! The shoulder straps are long enough for a nice hang placement, and comfortable to wear. I found the crossbody extremely useful when we were running through the airport trying to catch our next flight. Plus, it’s GORGEOUS! The nylon fabric is nice, wipes well, and the vegan leather detail on the bottom and handles is a beautiful touch.

These pictures were posted with the review to show you how AMAZING it it.  It even fits under the seat in front of you when it is FULL!

 

So whether you are a busy momma with children or headed to the gym or like to travel…. this bag is for YOU!  I love the fact it starts off light so I can load it up with lots of things without breaking my shoulder.  🙂

A great shower gift or a wedding gift or for student heading off to college…..Who do you know who could use a bag like this???

Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!