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

Dear Preppy Girl,

I’m from the UK and school ends in a week for the summer! I’m going to London for 3 weeks for a summer school, and I only have 2 weeks to get ready. I want a preppy wardrobe. Obviously this doesn’t give me much time, what clothes do you think would be most essential for the summer school?

I’m also looking for a pleated skirt at a reasonable price, but can’t actually find one! Bearing in mind that I’m in the UK do you have any suggestions?

Thank you so much for your lovely blog!
- Summer Shopping

Dear Summer Shopping,
Thank you for reading my blog. I am honored to have readers in the UK. It sounds like you have a great summer ahead of you!

I would try to find clothes that transition well from school to social gatherings such as skirts and summer dresses. Dresses are so easy and by adding a light-weight cardigan you can take a fun, sleeveless dress to school appropriate. A khaki skirt is one of my favorite summer staples, they are so versatile. By adding jewelry and a stylish top you can take a khaki skirt in so many directions. Brightly-colored capri pants are another great item for summer. I like to dress up capris with cute little kitten heels and a short sleeve top. Polos are another classic look for summer. Look for shirts in vibrant hues like orange and kiwi, they will look great with the ever-powerful khaki skirt or capris and transition well to Fall.

I really can’t speak to all of the fabulous UK brands, but I do love the summer clothes at the Topshop, such as their yellow, pleated skirt and their fun, color block skirts.

Thanks again for your email. Good luck with school!
-P.G.

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

Dear Preppy Girl,

I noticed that I am wearing a lot of skirts and dresses this summer. In the past, I use to wear a navy polo dress every summer. I would wear my navy polo with every color of Classic Palm Beach sandals, bangles, hoop earrings, and a ribbon belt. In late summer, I would drape a cardi over my shoulders and tie in front and wear the navy polo dress with canvas sneakers, great for running errands around town. Lately in the commercial world, I haven’t seen the polo dress.

What is your opinion on the “polo dress” such as Big Pony Polo Dress or Lands’ End polo dress. Should the polo dress stay a nice memory of the past or an old but goody to keep for summer fun?

Sincerely,
Texas Vintage Prep

Dear Texas Vintage Prep,
Thank you for your great email! I have to admit, I have not seen many polo dresses in recent years, but I think they are a fun look for summer. I say, wear the polo dress proudly! Dress it up with some modern accessories. I would look for a fitted dress, like Ralph Lauren’s Big Pony Polo Dress or Lacoste’s Pique Polo Dress. To keep it looking fresh, pair it with chunky wedge heels, a little clutch or basket purse, and a contrasting skinny belt, to give the dress a pop of color. In the fall, your navy polo dress might look simply dashing with a great pair of boots and a few bangle bracelets.

Let me know if you have any more questions!
-P.G.

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

Dear Preppy Girl,

I’m turning 16 and have been really worried about what car my parents are going to get me. Both of my parents drive the oh so practical, Mercedes SUV. I recently have fallen head over heels in love with the Volvo SUV, but after seeing the reliability ratings on the older year Volvo, I became extremely worried. Until my dad saw that my neighbor was selling his extra car, the 2006 Toyota 4Runner. Right then and there my dad wrote the check for the car. It’s a pretty silver, but I’m worried about the lack of preppiness it has! Are there anyways to make my future car complete with my preppiness?

Thanks!
Car Anxiety

Dear Car Anxiety,
Congratulations on turning the big 16! To quote one of my favorite driving songs, “Born to Be Wild” by Steppenwolf, its time to “get your motor runnin.” Don’t worry about the preppy quota, either way, its a car! Your parents are giving you the gift of greater freedom and mobility. I would definitely be weary of any car that isn’t reliable. Think of all of the road trips and adventures you might miss.

To prep-out the 4Runner, I suggest personalizing the car to really make it your own. Add a few preppy stickers to the back windows or a car monogram. You can even get monogrammed car mats. Since you have plenty of trunk space, be sure to put a preppy blanket, change of clothes, and your favorite sports equipment in the back. Stock your car with your favorite music, what’s a car ride without some preppy tunes.

For more preppy car tips check out my guide to preppy cars.

Enjoy the new car!
P.G.

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In a moment of weakness, I went to the mall with my Mom to check out the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale and do a little bargain hunting. My Mom bought a cute pair of Burberry sunglasses – on sale! I bought a new winter coat and a few odds and ends. Here are some of my spoils from the day.

…And finally, what trip to the mall is not complete with out stopping in to see the lovely clothes at J. Crew.

All in all, a fantastic day of shopping.

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

Dear Preppy Girl,

I live in Denver and am coming to Nantucket for an internship. Denver is traditionally a “hippie meets work-out gal” kind of place. While I usually dress in J. Crew and Anthropologie, I’m having a hard time packing and critiquing my outfits with an appropriately preppy eye! I have absolutely no idea what to wear to the beach or around town. Will my mix and match Anthropologie dresses, blouses, and J.Crew shirts cut it for the Nantucket crowd? Compared to other styles, I look pretty indie-vintage. My usual summer outfit is: a sun dress, aviators, black sandals, and a L.V. monogram bag that I take absolutely everywhere, but this outfit seems more Mid-West summer than East Sider, especially the way I put it together. How can I make my closet work to my preppy advantage? I seem to have the staples, but I don’t know how to put my pieces together!

Help!
Hippie seeking Haute

Dear Hippie seeking Haute,
Your internship sounds divine, I’m sure you will take Nantucket by storm! Try to blend preppy with your indie-vintage style, it will be a great conversation starter. Look for a few preppy accessories like over-sized sunglasses, pearl or chunky chain-link bracelets, preppy sandals like mules or flats, and little clutch handbags to go with your cool boho style. I suggest pairing sun dresses with lightweight cardigans, in case the weather is a bit cooler. Capri pants with a sleeveless shirt is another classic preppy look. When in doubt, a polo with a mini skirt and flip-flops will always fly. Look for clothes in classic colors like navy, red, orange, and pink.

I have never had the pleasure of going to the Nantucket beaches, but I have heard that they are beautiful. I recommend wearing flip-flops and little sun dress to cover up your bathing suit. Take along a a wide brimmed straw hat, not only is it a great accessory, but protects your face from the sun. I also like to stick a cardigan in my beach bag in case the wind picks up.

Good luck with the internship!
-P.G.

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