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

Hey Preppy Girl,

Are there any brands or styles we should absolutely avoid as a preppy girl?

Thanks so much,
Preppy Jackjack

Dear Preppy Jackjack,

That is a great question! With the constant evolution and re-designing of brands, I don’t like to exclude specific brands from the realm of preppydom. You never know, maybe even Gwen Stefani’s L.A.M.B. or Rock & Republic might turn preppy one day. That being said, there are some things to keep in mind when searching for great clothes. Look for classic styles that cover all of the three P’s; pretty, preppy, and perky. You want quality items that won’t fall apart in the washing machine. Try to avoid overly shiny or sparkly material as well as polyester. Also look for brands that don’t skimp on fabric. Some of my favorite goto preppy brands are J. Crew, Lilly, Lacoste, Vineyard Vines, Ralph Lauren, and Old Navy (for basic tanks, cardis and ts). The Preppy Princess sells darling preppy accessories.

For more on preppy style check out Preppy Style 101

Best!

Preppy Girl

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

Dear Preppy Girl,

First off, I love your blog! It’s my last year of college and I’m in love with the preppy style. I was wondering what are some preppy college essentials. I want to buy some clothes before school starts, but I can only afford so much. So, I was thinking maybe some articles of clothing that I could mix and match? (tops, bottoms, shoes, etc.)

Thanks so much,
College Prep Chic :]

Dear College Prep Chic,

Thanks for reading my blog! That is such a great question. My sister and I are at the beach and have spent the past 2 days discussing your question. We came up with a long “wish list” of items that will take you from fall to winter. I hope it helps!

Fall Trends:

• Camel – It’s really big this year, look for a cute camel colored skirt and a camel colored coat, they go with everything and will be great for college and beyond.

• The Great Outdoors – Designers are really into the outdoorsy look this year. Think warm winter woolens: chunky sweaters, shawls, & tie front cardigans, socks, scarves, hats & mittens. Mittens are so cute and are supposed to be really big this winter. Chunky heeled boots with wool socks & leg warmers. Look for classic colors, tweeds, and hand-knits.

• Sweater dress – Looks great with tights & boots

• Vintage Jewelry – Check out second hand stores for great jewelry & handbag finds

• Layer it – Layer tanks & tees with cardigans

• Wide leg trouser jeans (dark)

Preppy Must Haves:

• Skinny Jeans, Khakis, & Corduroys

• Cardigans – Shrunken cardigans are great and can take you from class to going out with your friends. You can easily change their look by adding jewelry and accessories.

• Shrunken Blazers – So cute!

• Ballet Flats & Kitten Heels
• Sperries

• Button down shirt – Looks great with rolled up sleeves

• Headbands
• Nautical Stripes (for early fall)
• and finally…a Monogramed L.L. Bean Tote (more inexpensive than Longchamp, the preppy ideal)

Have fun shopping!

-Preppy Girl

Outlets in the Rain

Two words you don’t want to hear on summer vacation. I rolled out of bed this morning, spied the rain and promptly went back to bed. Sometime after 9a.m. I was awakened with the magic words “outlet shopping.” Piling into the family SUV with my parents and my now-married sister brought back memories of vacays past. My sister and I cracking jokes in the backseat as we slowly approached our destination: the Rehoboth Beach Outlets, tax free shopping at it’s finest.

After parking the car in a lovely gravel pit, the fam split up. My dad bolting to Orvis, eager to buy a new fly rod, mom and sis joining the masses at J. Crew, and I trying hard as hell not to spend any money. After an hour of poking around Wedgewood and the discount shoe stores, temptation caught up with me. Student loans be damned, consumerism is calling my name. I wound up buying some inexpensive jewelry and a lovely pair of purple Ralph sunglasses.

The Spoils of Outlet Shopping

You’ve got to love those family shopping trips!

School Uniform Blahs

Three little words that still make me shudder. There is nothing worse than after a long summer of fashion freedom to be stuffed back into the often conservative and confining school uniform. Oh, but wait, there is a small glimmer of hope. Even the strictest of uniform codes…and I am talking no ankle socks, nuns measuring the length of your skirt, allow for a little room to express yourself. You just need to get a little creative.

Girls – Layer it!

• Sweaters: If you don’t have to wear a gross polyester blend from the school uniform company, sweaters are a great way to express your individuality. J. Crew, Old Navy, and Land’s End have many styles of cardigans to choose from. Cardis are great because you can even customize the buttons.

• Shoes: I had to wear saddle shoes—yes ladies—saddle shoes. But many schools who are more lenient in the shoe department. Most department stores carry cute styles of oxfords, flats, brogues, and penny loafers. I am sure you can find at least one pair to your liking…and who said you had to wear white crew socks?

• Jewelry: Whether you love traditional styles like signet rings and pearls or if boho jewelry more your thing, bracelets, rings, and earrings are a great way to show off your fashion sense (and comply with your school’s dress code.)

• Watch: Everyone is allowed to tell time, aren’t we? From silver to grosgrain, watches come in a variety of sizes and styles.

• Hair: Hairbands and barrettes just to name a few hair accessories. Time to try some new styles.

• Nails: Many schools do not have a rule about nail polish, so stock up on all of the fun shades.

• School bag: Who said you have to carry a traditional backpack? Try a stylish tote or a funky over-sized purse instead.

Guys – Color it!
Guys have it so much easier than girls in the uniform department. As long as you have a tie and a buttoned down shirt, you are golden. Many schools do not specify what color shirt or tie to wear, if that is the case at your school, you should take full advantage of it. Try pairing unexpected color combinations like a navy blue gingham dress shirt with a green tie.

• Sports jackets: Brooks Brothers, J. Crew, Jos. A Banks, Nantucket Reds, take your pick. Spruce up your look with a fancy handkerchief and a funky needlepoint belt.

Do you have any helpful tips on how to make your school uniform more fashionable? Send it here.

Ok, who doesn’t own at least one polo shirt…one in every color!

Lacoste: The Original Polo Shirt

Polos are the brainchild of the 7-time Grand Slam champion, René Lacoste. Called “the Crocodile” by his fans, Lacoste was unsatisfied with the stuffy and confining tennis attire of the 1920s. He took matters into his own hands and designed a short-sleeved, breathable piqué cotton shirt, which he premiered while playing in the 1926 U.S. Open. His meticulously designed shirt had thoughtful details ensuring comfort, wearability and style. For example, the shirt featured a longer shirttail to stay tucked-in and a stiff collar to protect his neck from the sun. In 1927, Lacoste placed a crocodile logo on the left side of his tennis shirt, ushering in the dawn of the Lacoste and logo clothing. Upon retiring from tennis, Lacoste formed Chemise Lacoste, a luxury sportswear company, who manufactures the ever-popular crocodile tennis shirt.

…but how did it get its name?

Preppy Prince William plays polo in a polo shirt. Photo by Simon Taylor.

Tennis players were not the only athletes dissatisfied with their athletic wardrobe. Disgruntled polo players took the field in long sleeved buttoned-down shirts called polo shirts. Hearing about Lacoste’s fabulous tennis shirt, the players tried it. Before long, Lacoste’s shirt was the standard garb for playing polo and referred to as the “polo” shirt. A young Ralph Lauren included the polo shirt in his fledgling 1972 clothing line, Polo.

Forty years later, and the polo shirt is still going strong. Hundreds of clothing companies have created polo knock-offs, but nothing can beat Lacoste, a true preppy original.

Since the dawn of time, preps have used monograms to personalize their belongings. From cuff links to cozies, everything looks better with your initials. The nuns even required our high school gym uniforms to be monogrammed. Besides being functional, monogramming is a great way to spruce up your stuff.

Here are a few of my favorite monogrammed items:

Sweet Pink Plaid Pillow by Letter Perfect Designs. $62

Preppy Pillow:
This perky pillow features dozens of rose pink buttons and was handmade by Letter Perfect Designs. The pillows can be customized for any letter.

Personalized Key Ring from Paige's Pastime $8

Cute Key Ring:
Never loose your keys again with a personalized key ring from Paige’s Pastime. Its the perfect gift for all of your preppy friends.

Monogrammed Duffel Bag from The Lazy Daisy Children's Shop $23

Delightful Duffel:
This adorable green and pink duffel bag from The Lazy Daisy Children’s Shop is great for your tweens. The bag can be personalized with 1, 2, or even 3 initials.

Personalized Vinyl Car Monogram by Southern Belle Boutique $10

Coolest Car:
You can now even personalize your car with a vinyl monogram from Southern Belle Boutique.

Monogramming Guidelines:

• Traditional three letter monograms feature the last name in the center of the design. The first name initial appears to the left and the middle name initial appears to the right.
• Married or engaged couples can use either a two letter monogram or create a new three letter monogram using their shared surname.
• Monogramming etiquette for the married couple varies according to the item being monogrammed. For example, bed linens place the woman’s initial first, followed by the couple’s shared surname initial, and then the man’s initial.

Source: Wikipedia

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

Hi Preppy Girl,
Just wanted to let you know that I absolutely adore your blog! Well, I’m going into the eighth grade in a month or so and I really want to know what sorts of clothes I should wear to school?

Love,
Excited for Eighth Grade

Dear Excited,
Thanks for reading my blog, I am glad you like it! Tween preppy is about classics mixed with vintage 80′s or boho elements. Here are a few suggestions to start your school year off in style.

• Basic polo and khaki skirt with fluorescent Ray-Ban knock-off sunglasses, metallic flip-flops (or bright colored sandals of any kind but nothing that matches the sunglasses, no matchy-matchy. Cool always looks unstudied.)
• Graphic print skirts, simple crew neck or v-neck t-shirt with TOMS slip on shoes.
• Go nautical, Old Navy! Try a cute dress with leather boho sandals and a wrap around scarf.  H&M is another great place for preppy stripes at a reasonable price and don’t forget the boat shoes!
• Try a more colorful take on classic polo or button-down: bright hues that pop paired with either basic khaki, white, or black. Or if you are more daring, pair with other bright mismatched tones for a very confident and bold look.

Accessories are really important, they make preppy look more funky, edgy, and fun.

Arms & Ankles:
More mismatched string bracelets, sillybands, beaded bracelets, the better (gives the impression you’ve been trading, swapping, or sharing a good time at camp/vacation/wherever). I like to wear my pastel pearl bracelets with my sillybands, I think it’s a fun mix, the fluorescent with the pearl and it’s a conversation starter.

Shoulder:
Tote bag, either the classic L.L. Bean, or a more boho-ish version, for example any of the nicer “reusable grocery bags” double as purses. This is a trendy look that can amp up a preppy outfit and it’s origins are decidedly upper-crusty.

Fingers:
Nailpolish! This is hugely important if you can wear it at school. Hot colors: light lilac, light blue, or electric blue. Hot pinks are always cool.

Hair:
No fuss hair, for example a loose bun, tousled-look, or headband with ponytail. Long, long hair is in for girls…keep it simple though!

Good luck with school next month!
-P.G.

Don’t fret, you didn’t miss the prep school dance. This little white dress is not your thugly graduation gown. Everyone from Michelle Obama to Kate Bosworth has been spotted this summer wearing the little white dress or LWD. This preppy style has been popping up at parties all over the east and west coasts. Think short, modern and clean and Lilly has about a dozen styles to choose from. The best thing about the LWD is you can pair it with anything: from sky-high heels and thick bangles to grosgrain belts and polka dot purses.

Kuku Strapless Ruched Cocktail Dress with Bubble Hem. Photo by Andeshita

Despite the farm equipment, I love the ruffles on this little white dress

Dalia MacPhee LWDs

For more summer prep fashion check out Preppy Summer Staples and Perfect Summer Dresses.

Whether cooling at the country club or chilling on the beach, here are a few preppy essentials to get you through this summer heat.

Franklin+Gower Coastal Cool

For Guys:

1. Nantucket Reds – Critter shorts, pants, polos and more
2. Retro School T’s – Preferably of the Ivy League
3. Lacoste – Great for those hot weather tennis matches and golf games
4. Shorts – F+G makes the coolest customizable bermudas
5. Seersucker – Why don’t more men wear seersucker suits?
6. Vineyard Vines tie – A staple at preppy summer weddings
7. Madras – It goes with everything
8. Grosgrain, needle point, & club belts – Can’t leave home with out one.
9. Boat Shoes – Ahoy!

Lilly Skirt and J. Crew Grosgrain Ribbon Flip Flops

For Gals:

1. Lilly – Skirts, dresses, bathing suits, you name it, Lilly makes it pretty.
2. A little white dress
3. Madras patchwork skirt – A summer essential that never goes out of style
4. Navy Blue anything
5. Plenty of polos
6. A classic tote bag ala L.L. Bean – Perfect for storing your snacks, books, and beach blanket.
7. J. Crew flip-flops – Simply the best
8. A floppy straw hat- A must have for the beach
9. Jackie O. Sunglasses – The bigger the better
10. Sailor Stripes: H&M, J. Crew, Old Navy, everyone is making them this year, it’s a perfect time to stock up!
    

    Stripes Galore at H&M

For more preppy fashion check out Preppy Style 101: Dressing the Part and Preppy Essentials.

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

Dear Preppy Girl,
So I was at the mall yesterday and I saw a sign saying all ballet flats were 40% off. Naturally, I could not resist. However, the flats I bought did not get the sale price. What’s the difference between flats and ballet flats?

- Confused in Connecticut

Dear CC,
I am sorry to hear about your shopping faux pas. Just the other day, my friend Cheryl, the fashion expert, was telling me the difference between flats and ballet flats. Here are a few things to looks for:

Ballet Flats

• Ballet flats are a classically styled shoe, dating back to the 16th century and are always rounded in the toe.
• Ballet flats can come in a variety of colors but they are typically made from a soft material, like silk or suede.
• Ballet flats do not have a heel.

Flats

• Unlike ballet flats, regular flats can have small heels, think 1/4 of an inch.
• The toe can come in a variety of shapes, it may be pointy, square, open, or even peep toe.

Happy Shopping!

P.G.

the real ballet flats