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

Dear Preppy Girl!

I want to start off by saying that I love your blog! How can I preppy-up my uniform? I have to wear a green or white shirt with khaki pants, shorts, or a skirt. How can I show everyone I’m preppy while in uniform?

Thanks!
Prep School

Dear Prep School,

I had to wear a uniform for 12 years, I feel your pain. Think preppy hair accessories, like cute headbands and grosgrain ribbons. Are you allowed to wear any type of belt or do they have to be brown and boring? Look for preppy belts or try to find a cool belt buckle. Also look for preppy watches and watch bands such as the Grosgrain Ribbon Watch from Orvis, or shop around, I am sure you can find some cute ones at Etsy.com or your favorite store!

Is your school strict about shoes? If your shoes have to be brown, look for penny loafers, bucks, or ballet flats. Maybe pair your shoes and a khaki skirt with a cute pair of knee highs or a pair of woolly socks. Also, get creative with your books. Try a preppy book bag, baby bag, or a monogrammed tote.

-P.G.

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Intrigued by the yellow and black e-blast announcing the weekend-only hours of J. Crew’s online factory store, I decided to check it out. The women’s section offers a disappointing collection of discounted tissue t’s, blazers, cardigans, pants and skirts. The men’s section has a decent selection of button-down shirts and sweaters. If you are shopping for a few basic items, the prices are lower than the regular store. However; some of the trendier items are missing that “c’est la mode” that we all adore. One plus to the factory store is the clothing is returnable, unlike the “final sale.” The best way to get some fabulous J. Crew style at more affordable prices is through the sale section. With hundreds of items on sale, you can always score a fashion find, however; popular sizes do sellout fast.

Remember, the factory store is only open from 12 a.m. Friday to Sunday at midnight (EST).

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

Hi Preppy Girl!

I am looking to convert my wardrobe to fit my preppy lifestyle. Any tips? I wear a lot of jeans, flats and graphic t-shirts, which totally doesn’t fit my preppy lifestyle. I have heard of places such as J.Crew and Lacoste. However, I just don’t know where to start or to begin. Please help me go from Plain Jane to prep!

xoxo,
Shannon

Dear Shannon,

Thanks for the email, I’m sure you are not a Plain Jane! Don’t worry about J. Crew or Lacoste, You should wear what you feel comfortable in. Preppy girls tend to have a traditional sense of style but can mix it up with trendier articles of clothes and fun accessories. Here are a few style suggestions:

1. Pink and Green, the two preppiest colors! All pastels are considers tre preppy
2. Go Nautical, nothing screams preppy more than sailor stripes.
3. Stock up on corduroy and khaki. I personally love corduroy blazers for the fall.
4. Pearls and chunky vintage link chain jewelry
5. Cardigans – so preppy! Look for solid-colored sweaters with cute buttons. Turn up the cuffs to make three-quarter length sleeves.
6. Madras in the summer and plaid in the winter and fall
7. Look for preppy accessories like grosgrain ribbon watch bands, cute clutches & totes, and pretty belts.
8. Stay away from clothing or handbags that scream “brand name.”
9. Leave your hair “clean” and simple, maybe try a loose bun, headband, or a ponytail.
10. I know this sounds cheesy, but be confident. Nothing screams preppy more than great posture and a winning smile!

Try pairing a graphic t with a cardigan, jeans, and ballet flats or even a pleated or khaki skirt for a preppy twist. For a more traditional look, pair an oxford button down shirt or a polo shirt with jeans, ballet flats, and a preppy belt or handbag. For more preppy style check out Preppy Style 101.

I hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

-PG

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

Dear Preppy Girl,

Are the TOMS shoes in for preps? I really like them and the fact that they can be winter/summer shoes but I didn’t know if they would fall into the “prep” category.

Thanks!
Newly Prep

Dear Newly Prep,

That is a great question. I see more and more preps wearing TOMS. Their shoes are very boho prep. TOMS gives a pair of shoes to needy children for every pair sold through their “one for one” program. The founder of the company, Blake Mycoskie, spotted the alpargatas style of shoes in Argentina. He liked them so much, he brought a few pairs home with him. Before long he started a company selling shoes that resembled the alpargatas.

TOMS are so chic and come in a variety of styles and materials. I love the cords for fall.

Best!
-Preppy Girl

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Even though summer is winding down, it’s not too late to pick up a mallet and learn how to play croquet, a decidedly preppy sport. Besides, its a great excuse to buy some preppy sportswear and throw a cocktail party. Croquet has deep roots, dating back to the 1600s under the name “Pall Mall,” or ball and mallet. Croquet became a hugely popular pastime in England during the 1860s since it can be played by both men and women. It was not until the 1870s when the sport of tennis stole croquet’s thunder. Hence Wimbledon’s All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

But how do you actually play?
Croquet sets typically come with 6 mallets, 6 croquet balls, 9 wickets (metal hoops), and two stakes to accommodate up to 6 players. Usually played on a recently-mowed lawn, the playing area consists of a large rectangle, 50 by 100 feet. Arrange the nine wickets and two stakes in a diamond pattern. Each player (or team of two) is given two croquet balls and a mallet. If six players are playing use the additional ball. Each player has one shot unless their ball goes through a wicket or hits a stake, than he or she receives a bonus shot. The turn ends when the player runs out of bonus shots or hits a stake. One point is awarded for hitting the ball through each wicket and stake in the designated order. The first side to score 14 wicket points and 2 stake points with each ball is the winner.

As mild mannered as this sport may seem, croquet can be extremely competitive. Blocking the opponents’ balls and ruining their shots is fair game. For more information about backyard croquet or to learn about other variations of the game, check out the U.S. Croquet Association web site. (Source U.S. Croquet Association)

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