Upon turning 16, the most desired car is your parents old BMW, Volvo, or Wagoneer, however; anything with four wheels and a motor will work just fine. Volvos are the “liberal” car of the bunch, the next time you are watching a movie about prepsters, notice how the ex-hippie turned father ALWAYS drives a Volvo. Newer cars include VWs, Audi’s, Ranger Rovers (wishful thinking), and Jeeps.

Color:
Silver is considered the preppiest color, it matches Mommy’s tea set. Black and white cars are runners up. Navy blue is always a “nice” alternative, however its hard to find, except in German cars. Red is only appropriate for convertibles and Daddy’s mid-life crisis car.

Stickers:
It goes without saying that you put your prep school bumper sticker on the rear window of your car–even if you are in college. Even better if it is your school’s parking sticker. Stickers supporting your school’s lacrosse team work just as well. Avoid political bumper stickers, unless they are blue in nature.

Hippie preps are known to plaster their cars with stickers of their favorite band. Moe, Phish, Grateful Dead and Widespread Panic are all acceptable options. Steer clear from any emo, christian rock, or Justin Bieber stickers, no matter how much you secretly like it.

Contents of the Trunk:
True preps always keeps the following sundries in their trunk–you never know when you will be taking an impromptu road trip to the beach when a lacrosse game breaks out.

• Lacrosse Stick & Balls – essential preppy props
• Bathing Suit – its better than wearing a birthday suit
• Beach Towel – For those late night skinny dips
• Blanket – For sitting out under the stars
• Flashlight – Because your daddy said you needed one
• Snacks – in case you skipped breakfast

With these preppy guidelines in mind, its time to get out an enjoy the open road!

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

Dear Preppy Girl,
I love watching the tv series, Gossip Girl. Ever since I started watching the show, I have embraced wearing flats,  just like Blair. My question is would she wear flats in the summer or just the winter?
Thanks!

- Cheryl

Dear Cheryl,
Thanks for reading the blog, great question! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, flats! They look great year round. In summer they look great with a cute pair of capris or a mini skirt. With jeans you can wear either flats or heels. I prefer heels with dresses. Target, J. Crew, and Nordstrom all have a great selection of ballet flats this summer.

Best!

P.G.

Cute Ballet Flats

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I recently had the opportunity to travel to Amelia Island, in north Florida to attend my sister’s wedding. If you have never been to Amelia, it is definitely worth the trip. It’s an hour and a half flight from D.C. to Jacksonville and than a 45 minute drive to the island. Amelia’s warm weather makes it the perfect spring getaway. And, as an added bonus, Savannah is just a two hour car ride from the island.

The mossy trees that I was obsessed with

My boyfriend and I took the “scenic” route from the Jacksonville airport which skirts rows upon rows of moss-covered trees and beautiful waterfront state parks.

One of many of Amelia Island's State Parks

We stayed at the Amelia Island Plantation, which is on the southern tip of the island. The Plantation is a delightful resort with a wide, sparsely-populated private beach and a beautiful golf course. I could not get over the amount of seashells that had washed up onto the beach, AND, they allow dogs. Who can ask for anything more?

,

The view from my room at the Amelia Island Plantation

The wedding service was held on the beach with the bridemaids in light pink dresses of their own choosing and the groomsmen wore khakis, blue blazers, and pink Vineyard Vine ties. A wonderful reception followed with cocktails on the terrace and dinner and dancing in one of the Plantation’s festive dining rooms. Everyone had a fantastic time soaking up the sun and exploring the island. My three day trip to the island was way too short, I would like to come back for a longer stay.

If you have a preppy vacation spot for the Preppy Girl email it to preppygirl@thepreppylife.com

Recently, I stumbled upon Dalia MacPhee, a great clothing line with an absolutely amazing collection of dresses. The dresses are perfect for a spring gala or cocktail party. I wish I had known about the collection when I was searching for my bridesmaid dress. The dresses are priced in the $150 to $400 range and can be purchased at Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus.

Here are a few of my favs. Check out the rest of the collection at www.daliaonline.com.

Perfect for a night on the town!

Love the color!

Ultra Chic Wedding Dress

Greek Goddess

I’ve noticed that when I take my dog on a walk, people are 10 times more likely to talk to him than me. For a dog that is scared of most people, he is quite a popular guy. Dogs have always been a essential part of my life, there is nothing better than being greeted by their smiling eyes and unwavering love. I have had Ranger for about a year and a half and over that time we have become inseparable. A quiet listener who prefers large comfortable sofas to the floor. He is one part running buddy, one part protector, and one part chaser of squirrels; the reluctant rock star.

I adopted the Lone Ranger last January, after I had to say goodbye to my childhood pet of 19 years, a fearless Cairin Terrier with a penchant for scrambled eggs and mischief. A few months later, my friend’s childhood pet was put to sleep. She called me before it happened, we spent a good hour crying into the phone, mourning our losses and that last connection to childhood. There is nothing harder than saying goodbye your four legged friend.

“When the Man waked up he said,
‘What is Wild Dog doing here?’
And the Woman said,
‘His name is not Wild Dog any more,
but the First Friend,
because he will be our friend
for always and always and always.’”
- Rudyard Kipling