The Wise Penny is hosting a Trinkets & Treasures Sale on Saturday, February 11 from 10 am to 5pm. I recommend getting a sneak peak by buying tickets for their Early Buyers Event on Friday, February 10. Tickets are $10. The Wise Penny is a thrift store located on York Road in Baltimore, which is owned and operated by the Junior League of Baltimore. The Wise Penny sells new and “gently used” clothing and household items. Proceeds from the store are used to fund community projects.

If you have a question for the Preppy Girl email it to me at preppygirl@thepreppylife.com.

Hi Preppy Girl,
I am a young prep that is, of course, fashion obsessed. I love to take risks to show my taste and love for fashion but there is one thing I’m stuck on. In many preppy ads there are women wearing ties. It looks fabulous in the pictures but I am unsure of how this could be done in real life (especially without looking too masculine). Also, is it even appropriate for women to wear ties?

Thanks!
Thinking about Ties

Dear Thinking about Ties,
That is a great question, I have also noticed a trend in fashion for women wearing ties. It looks fabulous in photos, but in real life, I think you run the risk of looking like one of the girls from The Facts of Life. I have never seen a girl on the street who actually looks good in a tie, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. Try transforming the tie to belt; however, knot it closer to your hip in an undone bow. Try wearing the tie loose around your neck like a scarf or draped around the lapels of a preppy blazer. I think its appropriate for women to wear ties, but only if they can “pull it off” with confidence.

Good Luck!
-P.G.

Check out these laces!

This is one of the few times of am jealous of men’s fashion. Stolen Riches is a brand of men’s dress laces that come in bold colors, giving our guys a little fashion freedom. Unique colors like Moville Green, Buster Purple, and my favorite, Isolar Silver (named for David Bowie’s production company) brighten up an otherwise boring dress shoe. Made in Canada using a special nylon core, Stolen Riches has been carefully crafting premium shoe laces since 1915. I was particularly impressed with their packaging, which comes complete with a nifty lace tying guide.

Silver Tipped Isolar Silver Laces, love the packaging

Happy New Year! 2011 was a busy year. Here’s a look back at the best posts of the year.

• Preppy Halloween Costumes
• Spring to Summer Prep Picks
• UK Prep
• The Polo Dress
• Casual College Interviews
• Preppy Guide to the Beach
• Styling the School Uniform
• Internship Attire
• Fall Fashion
• The Wedding

If you are like me, you still have some holiday shopping to do. Here are few inexpensive ideas that will keep you away from the madness at the mall.

• Magazine Subscription – Yes, it will not arrive for another 4 to 6 weeks, but if you run to the local bookstore you can buy the latest issue. Wrap it up with a cute handmade gift certificate and you are golden.
• Cheese Basket – Everyone loves cheese, package it in a cute basket with a pretty ribbon. This also works with chocolate.
• Photography Collage – Cut up photos, add captions and decorative elements to personalize it. Place it in a cute frame.
• Wine – Hello discount liquor store. Just remember to wrap it up!
• Vintage Anything – Check out the local second-hand store, lots of great treasures waiting to be found, just make sure you get a receipt.
• Journals – Buy a pretty journal and pen from the bookstore.
• Gourmet Coffee Basket – Buy two coffee cups and pair with some great coffee.
• Use your talents – Knit a scarf, paint a painting (but only if you are good at it).

Just remember in this season of giving, it is truly the thought that counts. Happy Holidays!