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!

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

Hi Preppy Girl,
I would like to ask your opinion on what to wear for college interviews. I have several interviews upcoming with traditionally preppy colleges and some interviewers are asking to meet at local coffee shops since they offer “casual” settings. Some of my friends are planning on wearing jeans and T-shirts at these affairs, but as a prep I would prefer something more classy and formal. At the same time, I realize arriving at the local Starbucks in a Brooks Brothers suit when the interviewers are going for casual might not be ideal. Still, I want to show the people taking the time to consider me for their Alma Mater that I take them and their school seriously by looking presentable. At the same time, I don’t want them to think I am pretentious by over dressing. Do you have any ideas about what would be appropriate?

Thanks!
Concerned about College

Dear Concerned about College,
That is a great question! I agree, do not wear jeans to a college interview even if the interview is at the local coffee shop. One of my favorite looks for winter is J. Crew’s corduroy trousers. Wear them with pumps and a cardigan sweater or wear a pair of nice trousers and pair them with a colorful blazer and a nice shirt. I would stay away from suits, you want to look like a good fit for the college, not a potential employee. I would also stay away from skirts or dresses in the winter. Be sure to wear modest jewelry and accessories, nothing too crazy. You want to look polished in a casual way, not like you spent three days planning your outfit.

Good luck with the interviews!
-P.G.

Looking for some preppy holiday gift ideas? Check out Loggerhead Apparel. Based in South Carolina, Loggerhead creates 100% American-made clothing while supporting the conservation efforts of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle. In fact, ten percent of the revenue gained from the sale of all Loggerhead Bellwether polos is donated to the conservation and protection of the Loggerhead turtles. You can find Loggerhead Apparel online and in clothing stores on the east coast.

Great for the girl or guy on your Christmas list!

Loggerhead Bellwether Polos

Contest
Win a Loggerhead Bellwether polo of your very own! Just write a tweet mentioning @thepreppylife and @loggerheadapp by Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at 8pm EST and you will be entered to win. The winner will be contacted by DM.

Enter our contest to win a Loggerhead Bellwether Polo