Thursday, March 31, 2011

April Showers brings Wellies!

Happy Pink and Green Thursday....or actually....Friday!  It's April Fools Day!  I need to be planning out some pranks on my victims!  Any ideas?

It's finally April, and we were welcomed with SNOW here in Pennsylvania.  Lucky us!  Yet with April now here, there is a gleam of hope that I am grasping on to.  Despite the crummy weather, April does have the reputation of rain.  Which to me means WELLIES GALORE!

Here is a picture I found that I thought perfect for Pink and Green Thursdays...welcoming the start of April!


Such a busy week!  So sorry I have been slacking! Hope you all have a great weekend!

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Classic Rolling Rock (Not the Beer)

(Wearing: Polo Buttondown Oxford, Polo Nantucket Red Chino Shorts
Sperrys and Woven Belt from Talbots)

Hey Preps! 

It's only Tuesday!  My week has been crazy, so I apologize for posting so late...and for not being able to read as many as your posts as I would like!  Lots of studying this week, and on top of that I decided to pick this week to move.  My little car is loaded up with all my clothes, and the moving begins tomorrow!  I'm excited, but stressed beyond belief for my To-Do list that seems to keep getting longer before I can check things off!  Enough of my complaining though.

Last week, I posted an outfit I would be wearing a ton this spring.  Well here is another one!  I love chino shorts!  J.Crew and Polo always have great ones.  I'm obsessed with Nantucket Red, making these chino shorts my favorite.  

This is definitely an outfit I would wear to class when the weather agrees with me.  It's easy to put together, and is timeless.  Not to mention it's extremely comfy.  Especially the shoes.  I'm a huge fan of comfy shoes...so if you ever have suggestions...please let me know!  

As for Buttondown Oxfords, I really have way too many.  In various patterns and colors.  They are just easy, and work with so many different outfits...like skirts, trousers, chino shorts, jeans, chino pants...you name it.  I wear one at least twice a week.  It's usually out of laziness.  Best part is that you can't tell I just woke up!  Sneaky!

Anyways, these pictures are taken at Rolling Rock Country Club.  One of the most well-known and prestigious clubs in the world.  The prep school I went to was very close to this club.  We had dance lessons, events, and formals at the Club.  It is completely unique from it's hunting (fox hunting, fishing from their own hatchery, clay pigeons, pheasants) to it's unique dining, history, and sports (polo, pony club, swimming, tennis, golf).  It is also gorgeous, tucked pack in the hidden woods or Pennsylvania, with streams running through it, and abundance of wildlife to observe.  

I may be a tad bit biased though, for it's where I grew up.  


Hope you all are having a blessed day!  

Monday, March 28, 2011

East Coast Preppies (Menswear)

After weeks apart, Christmas break flashed by.  January came and the day I dreaded all break, the day Pat had to go back to Navy was here before I knew it.  I sat in my car as he drove us down to Annapolis.  I sulked.  However, I could not contain myself when Pat looked at me, extremely serious, flared his nostrils as he inhaled, and said: "Do you smell that? I smell the crab cakes already!".

I died.  I'm not sure if it was the flared nostrils, or his completely random comment...but it definitely made me about 0.0001% forgetful of the goodbye ahead.  

What does this random moment have to do with my style blog?  Well, I agree with Pat.  There is something about the East Coast that is just admirable.  Annapolis is quaint, yet sophisticated, and surrounded by a bay that just is perfection in my mind.  The fashions can be described like so as well.  From the popular Sperrys to Brooks Brothers' colorful chinos, the fashion is completely undeniable.  Especially among the Midshipmen.

Let's have a look shall we:

Pat and his shipmate Ty.
Ty has a blog, which is one of my top reads.  I highly recommend it:
Check it out!

(Tie: Vineyard Vines, Oxford: J.Crew,
Chinos: Vineyard Vines, Watch: Lacoste)

Plaid and Tattersall (Ty wearing tattersall)
Tattersall is very popular on the East Coast
It can be preppy, country, and looks great with a tie
and a tweed blazer


Brooks Brothers galore!
Pat wearing Lobster Chino Shorts from Brooks Brothers
Matt wearing a Brooks Brothers Oxford and Chinos

East Coast style can be described as Southern Prep with a Northern Flare.  It has a lot of the loose cotton feels found in the south, but there is something unique about it.  Here are some of my top picks for menswear this spring:

  • Sweaters:
Supima Place Stripe Button Mockneck

Mariner Striped Crewneck Sweater
from 
Brooks Brothers




  • Oxfords and Polos:





  • Pants and Shorts:
Pat has these!
Vineyard Vines

Vineyard Vines

Brooks Brothers
Vineyard Vines

  • Ties:


Vineyard Vines Ties

Brooks Brothers Bow Tie
(You know how I feel about Bow Ties)

I also made a Polyvore to show some more of the East Coast Styles...Hope you enjoy!
Vineyard vine
$90 - vineyardvines.com

Brook
$85 - brooksbrothers.com

Brook
$129 - brooksbrothers.com

Brook
$129 - brooksbrothers.com

Leather shoes
$88 - amrag.com

Lacoste strap watch
$95 - nordstrom.com

Ray Ban oversized wayfarer sunglass
$145 - nordstrom.com

2 Eye Boat Shoe
$75 - needsupply.com

AEO Braided Rope Bracelet
$4.12 - ae.com

Vineyard Vines - Golf Course Printed Tie
$75 - vineyardvines.com






Hope y'all are having a great Monday!

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Award!

Thanks to A Note at the Screen Door, I have received my first award ever! It is the Stylish Blogger Award!
I am beyond ecstatic, and would like to thank her for sending love to my blog!  Please check hers out because it is just the cutest, and so amusing to read!


Here are the rules with the award:

  • Thank, and link back to the person who awarded you
  • Share seven things about yourself
  • Award 5 recently discovered blogs
  • Contact them letting them know about their award!
__________________________________________________________________________________
Seven random facts about Kalyn:

1.   I am currently a college junior majoring in Biochemistry with a minor in English at a small liberal arts college outside of Pittsburgh.  My first two years were spent at a southern school in which I was a Division I athlete.  It was a tough decision for me to leave the south, but with injuries and being burnt out on my sport...I decided I could no longer deal with early morning practices and six hours a day revolving around my sport.  So, here I am...missing the south, the weather, and my friends...Yet having an absolute blast spending time in Annapolis, D.C., and my beloved Pittsburgh.


2.   As many of you know, I am pretty crazy for this boy named Pat.  However, how we met is quite humorous.  Read it here...I promise you will laugh...plus there is Nautical Fashion found within.

3.  I have a huge obsession with dresses.  As well as only wearing them a few times after purchasing them because I have too many.  This year when I moved back to colder climates, I had to force myself to shy away from them.


My Coastal Skimmers!

4.  I love duck boots.  They are my favorite shoe, hands down.  I can't really explain my love for them, except for growing up in them...and how convenient they are.  I highly recommend L.L. Bean's Coastal Skimmers.  They are flats, with a convenient duck boot feel, and are ridiculously comfy.


5.  The sports I have been involved in:  Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Tennis, Cross Country, and Swimming.

6.   If I get lazy and oversleep before class you will find me wearing:

  • Polo oxford
  • Skinny Jeans
  • Sperrys
  • Hair in a messy bun
Sad to say, this happens more days than it should.  I blame it on the fact that I have no one to impress (other than my nerdy science professors who prefer lack of personal grooming) given the fact Pat is on lockdown until the weekends.


7.  I love my pup!

__________________________________________________________________________________

My 5 bloggers I am awarding this to:


  1. DC GOP Girl
  2. A University Gent
  3. Life Through Preppy Glasses
  4. Miss Southern Prep
  5. Washington Prep

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Love My Midshipman

Hey Preps!

Usually I don't blog about political things.  However, something has really hit close to home, and I have to get this off my chest and vent.  This week has been crazy for me.  In a good way, with starting the moving process into a new apartment, landing a new job, and a summer internship.  Yet, even though my positivity seems to always overcome my stress...there are times where I just need to write my emotions out.  This is one of those posts.  Just warning!

So, those of you who have been avid readers of my blog, know that my boyfriend, Pat, goes to The United States Naval Academy.  I am extremely proud of the person he is, and what he has decided to do for our country.  This is going to sound mushy, but he is my hero.  I have never met anyone more focused, goal oriented, and humble.  He is a very grounded person, and is never one to complain or talk about himself.  What he is doing for our country is unreal.  Every single day he is in some way, being prepped to be an Officer in the Navy.  Whether it's early morning formations, briefs, or the homework that is never ending...in some way, I feel like it does make him prepared for his future.

His summers are spent on cruises (not the fun kind...like on submarines or carriers) and working at internships.  Last summer, he had a week at home.  That's it.  Let me tell you, I see him a lot more than I used to, yet I still cry every time he leaves.  You think you will get used to them leaving or being gone, however I have had countless drives home from the airport where I have cried knowing I was once again counting the long days until I got to see him again (for less than 48 hours of course).

Looking at what I have endured in our relationship, from being lonely and missing him, to his busy schedule, and not being able to talk to him very much...and comparing that to the 3-9 months that he will eventually be deployed.  I cannot imagine what military wives have to go through.  I know I am strong enough to be without him for that long.  There is no doubt in my mind that my love for him is unconditional.  Yet I know my struggles will be with the strains of missing him, sometimes not having contact with him, and worrying about him.  Although deployment isn't for at least two more years for him, I am already dreading this event.

Which leads me to Pat.  Can you imagine being on a submarine or a carrier for 3 to 9 months without your loved ones?  I would go insane.  Not to mention putting your life at danger all times of the night and day.  This is just beyond me, and I am truly not brave enough to do so.

Here is where my venting comes in...

Today I was at the gym.  I heard this group of colleagues discussing the military and Libya.  Of course I too, do not think we should be going into Libya.  Why?  Because I don't want Pat anywhere near Libya or preferably out of the country, unless it's on a nice little vacation with moi! However, their conversation continued to the point where they were bashing enlisted soldiers.  Saying it was dumb to sign up for the military.  It could definitely be summarized as zero support for those in the military.

My family can be defined as very patriotic.  Not because of Pat, although I am sure he has increased the pride my family has in the military and our country.  I can relate and understand those who see what we are doing in foreign countries as pointless and unending.  What I cannot comprehend is the increased LACK OF SUPPORT for those who are serving our country.

I like my coffee mixed with chocolate milk.  I prefer hot pink toenails.  I love my church, and the community I have in it.  Even the little freedoms we have, we can thank to the veterans and those presently serving our country.  Sure, we may not agree with a president or our overseas missions.  However, the least we can do is love and support our military.  The brave men and women who willingly would give up their lives so that Kalyn can have chocolate milk in her coffee and blog about Lilly Pulitzer and Tommy Hilfiger.

We are all so beyond blessed to have the freedoms, belongings, and community that we do.  It is thanks to those brave enough to defend everything that is dear to us...

With that being said, I am proud to say that I support our troops.  I support what they are doing for our country, and furthermore, I love my Navy Boy with my whole heart.  My support for him is unending and I could not be any prouder of someone in my life.  He truly is my hero, and my role model.

Here are some pictures I found, that show how I feel when Pat leaves...and that are great reminders of all those who are overseas  (as well as some pictures of Pat and I...I couldn't help it!):

The window the girl is by is a Naval Officer in his dress whites
This reminds me of my goodbyes with Pat :(

Adorable.

She's wearing his cover.
If you put on a soldier's cover...rumor has it they have
to kiss you to get it back!  Needless to say, I always
like putting on Pat's cover as an excuse for him to kiss me!

International Ball right before Pat and I were officially dating

At one of my fashion shows...after not seeing each other
for a month.

Once again, after not seeing each other for a month.  Garden of the Gods.
Colorado Springs.


Flight 93 Memorial on 09/11/10
Shanksville, PA
Honoring those who died on the flight...
and were brave enough to stand up against terrorists.
This really hit home for me (it's about 10 miles from my home),
especially with Pat being there this year.

Please Support Our Troops!