The next stop was P.F. Chang’s. This was my first time dining at  P. F. Chang’s and I was immediately impressed: elegant decor and yummy food. An attentive wait staff  brought out a variety of tasty treats including Chang’s Chicken Lettuce Wraps,  Spring Rolls, and my personal favorite, the crispy Crab Wontons. I am looking forward to eating here again.

delish lettuce wraps

Perfectly cooked crab wontons

After P. F. Chang’s, I headed to Stoney River Steak House for some delicious appetizers including Jack Daniel’s Whiskey Shrimp on Toast Points,  Ahi Tuna Roll, and my favorite, Mountain of Bleu Cheese Chips. I enjoyed Stoney River’s friendly, relaxed atmosphere, a great restaurant for date night.

Appetizers at Stoney River

Finally I topped off a delightful evening by sampling cheesecakes at the Cheese Cake Factory. So good!

mmmm.....cheesecake

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

Hi Preppy Girl,
I am a young prep that is, of course, fashion obsessed. I love to take risks to show my taste and love for fashion but there is one thing I’m stuck on. In many preppy ads there are women wearing ties. It looks fabulous in the pictures but I am unsure of how this could be done in real life (especially without looking too masculine). Also, is it even appropriate for women to wear ties?

Thanks!
Thinking about Ties

Dear Thinking about Ties,
That is a great question, I have also noticed a trend in fashion for women wearing ties. It looks fabulous in photos, but in real life, I think you run the risk of looking like one of the girls from The Facts of Life. I have never seen a girl on the street who actually looks good in a tie, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be done. Try transforming the tie to belt; however, knot it closer to your hip in an undone bow. Try wearing the tie loose around your neck like a scarf or draped around the lapels of a preppy blazer. I think its appropriate for women to wear ties, but only if they can “pull it off” with confidence.

Good Luck!
-P.G.

Check out these laces!

This is one of the few times of am jealous of men’s fashion. Stolen Riches is a brand of men’s dress laces that come in bold colors, giving our guys a little fashion freedom. Unique colors like Moville Green, Buster Purple, and my favorite, Isolar Silver (named for David Bowie’s production company) brighten up an otherwise boring dress shoe. Made in Canada using a special nylon core, Stolen Riches has been carefully crafting premium shoe laces since 1915. I was particularly impressed with their packaging, which comes complete with a nifty lace tying guide.

Silver Tipped Isolar Silver Laces, love the packaging

• 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

• 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.