I just finished reading The Beautiful and the Damned, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s fascinating tale of a society couple, whose life becomes entangled by the trappings of money and alcohol. The book follows the young life of Anthony Patch, a spoiled prep and supposed heir to his grandfather’s fortune, as he navigates through a rocky relationship with his beautiful wife Gloria. Though rather dark, Fitzgerald does an excellent job describing the energy and social scene of New York in the early 20s.

Preppy Rating: 3 bows

Just finished reading Kate Chopin’s The Awakening, which details the personal journey of society woman, Edna Pontellier. Chopin’s exquisite descriptions of Louisiana coupled with her intriguing characters are enough to keep the pages turning. I was a little disappointed with the story’s resolution, but all in all, a good summer read, filled with romance, discovery, and descriptions of the old South post-Scarlet O’Hara.

Preppy Rating: 3 bows

Julia Roberts stars in the film version of Eat, Pray, Love which will be in the theaters this August.

Preppy Rating: 3 bows

I love the Jersey Shore, it is quickly becoming my favorite reality TV show.  Blame it on the cold weather and beach withdrawal, this show is totally addicting. It makes me want to book a trip to Seaside Heights and hook up with some guidos. The anthesis of everything preppy, who can resist watching the latest drama unfold with Snookie, Sammi, JWoww, Pauly D, Vinny, Ronnie, and “the Situation.” The show airs every Thursday at 10pm on MTV but you can catch full episodes here.

Preppy Rating: negative four bows
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(four bow entertainment minus the preppies)

Read more preppylife reviews here.

• License to Chill: Jimmy Buffet’s first country album featuring songs like “Boats to Build” and “Hey Good Lookin.” You know you secretly downloaded it from i-Tunes
• Risen: O.A.R’s album of breakup music featuring “Untitled” and “Night Shift”
• Vampire Weekend: Played at every preppy party along with the Killers and My Morning Jacket
• The Black Album: Jay-Z, Frat Party Galore!
• Speakerboxxx/The Love Below: Outkast’s double album featuring 2003′s inescapable song “Hey Ya!”
• Stand Up: Dave Matthews Band – the “last” “good” Dave Matthews Band album
• Room for Squares: Preps love John Mayer
• FutureSex/LoveSounds: We love JT!
• Brushfire Fairytales: Jack Johnson’s soundtrack to preppy love, “Bubble Toes”

Thoughts on any albums I left out?

What other tv program screens potential brides with innocent questions such as “Are your wedding preparations getting out of control? Are you struggling with the cooperation of your wedding party, fiancé or in-laws?” I would love to be a fly on the wall at a Bridezillas casting call.

If you are as entralled with this show as I am, read bios of the brides on WeTV’s web site.  Watch the new episodes on Sundays at 9pm– even better, Bridezillas HD on demand.

Preppy Rating: 2 bows

So I finally got around to watching Grey Gardens, on an ironically gray, Saturday morning. The film features Drew Barrymore and Emmy-winning, Jessica Lange. They did an outstanding job portraying the eccentric mother and daughter duo of Edith Bouvier Beale; the aunt and first cousin of Jackie Kennedy Onassis. The film documents the eccentric lives of Park Avenue princesses who have withdrawn from New York society. They refuge in each other and their beautiful Long Island summer home, Grey Gardens. I thoroughly enjoyed the film, but then again, I enjoy any movie that involves chasing your dreams and living in a gorgeous beach house.

Preppy Rating: 3 bows

Round up a bunch of preps and what’s the one thing they have in common excluding their keen sense of style? Jimmy Buffett.

That’s right, Jimmy Buffett. Jimmy is the common denominator that binds all preps together. Think about the last time you were in a bar, singing with a bunch of strangers. Chances are a Jimmy Buffett song was playing. Who can resist a rousing rendition of Fins or Pirate Looks at Forty? His romanticized views of sailing and island living have inspired many a prep. Best known for Margaritaville, preps come out in full force when a Jimmy Buffet song comes on.

A favorite urban legend surrounding Jimmy Buffett, is the claim that every preppy knows someone who knows him. The next time you are sitting in a bar and you hear a Jimmy Buffett tune, ask away, its guaranteed that someone knows him. The cute guy in the green polo shirt’s mummy is from Mobile, she is friends with his sister. Ask the bartender, she used to bar tend at the bar where Jimmy performed in Alabama.

So the next time you seen a bunch of preppies standing in a line, jump in, you might be missing your chance to buy Jimmy Buffet concert tickets. That…or gain entry to a Brooks Brothers secret sale, which wouldn’t be a bad thing either.