Preppy In Pittsburgh: East Coast Preppy

Showing posts with label East Coast Preppy. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Anchor Yourself to Something Great

Hey Preps!

Kitty always has to sneak into the pictures...

He thinks he's a dog...I swear.

What are your goals? Do you ever think about them? Sometimes I think we all have dreams that we are too scared to follow. We get scared we will miss the mark, and fall flat on our faces. Americans are great at making excuses, and putting on a front of who we want people to think we are. We are all guilty of it...we want the perfect resume, and are scared to admit failure. Worse than admitting failure, some of us are so scared to fail, that we don't even try to reach our dreams. It's really heartbreaking to see.

I will be the first to admit that I hate failure. I have slight OCD and really hate when I don't achieve a goal the way I wanted to. Therefore, I feel as if I sometimes shortchange my dreams, and exchange them for second best. Why?

Furthermore, I constantly struggle with talking about my real dreams. I am terrified that if I talk about them, put them out there for all to see...that if I do fall short, I will look like I failed.

So today, I am going to put a few of my life dreams out in the open. Hopefully this will inspire you to do the same, and give you the heart and motivation to keep striving.

This past weekend, I was at a Women in Business Conference at Colombia University. We listened to a panel of entrepreneurs speak, and it was incredibly rewarding. I have always wanted to own my own business. I have no clue what that business would be due to the fact I am passionate about so many things in life. Regardless, I have the heart to be out there in the real world making my mark. I love working with people, and I can't imagine sitting stuck behind a cubicle desk my whole life. Actually cubicles terrify me, and I am pretty sure I would be incredibly unhappy if I was squished in one for a career.

Maybe I am not a normal human being. I have no clue, but I hate being in solitude. I would chose a room full of people over a cubicle any day. Considering these characteristics about me, I know I need to apply this to my future career. Where do I start though? I have no clue.

However the uncertainty is almost exhilarating, and I know that if you give me something I am passionate about, I will ensure that it becomes a success. Sure I may fail a few times, but through failure, we grow. Failure allows you to step back and look at yourself or your business and see where it is lacking and improve.

If we always look at failure as something that can help us change for the positive, maybe we would be more vocal about our faults. Additionally, we might be able to be held accountable to our far fetched dreams.

Sure, life doesn't work out the way we planned...but in my experience it works out in better ways than we can imagine. So, my advice to you today? Find something you want to achieve, something you are passionate about...and go for it! Anchor yourself to the positivity of doing something you love...and forget about the possibility of failure!

(Outfit of the Day: Sweater: Polo Ralph Lauren, Pants: Tommy Hilfiger Chinos

Sperrys, J.Crew Critter Bracelet, Etsy Sailor Bracelet)

Have a blessed day y'all!

Sunday, November 20, 2011

Making Camo Heroic AND Fashionable

Hey Preps!

Would y'all look at that?

Caught. Red-handed...macking on my ridiculously debonair boyfriend.

He's wearing a bow-tie. How could I even resist?

There truly is nothing a guy could wear that 'woos' me like a bow-tie. I truly have an admiration for those who make the effort to wear them. Think about it: a lot of guys don't know how to tie a bow-tie. So they never wear them. The guy who takes the time to learn, and wear an accessory that stands out above the norm...must have a gentleman's heart beneath his fashion statements... or at least I hope there is.

A particular company, that I was introduced to within the past year...has stolen my heart when it comes to bow-ties. I have written several posts on this company in the past; the last anticipating their Fall/Winter 2011 Collection of bow-ties (or beaus as they so rightfully call them). Starboard Clothing Company is an up and rising clothing line, out of Annapolis, Maryland.

How fitting considering that my bow-tie wooing boyfriend goes to the Naval Academy right?

To find out more about Starboard Clothing Co. feel free to read my posts about them by clicking here or there.

So, the anticipation has finally ended, and Starboard Clothing Co. released their new collection last week (just in time for Christmas)! I am quite impressed with the creativity and fabrics of the new beaus...as well as the selflessness, owner/founder, Mr. Meredith, shows through his new collection. Let me explain, and show you the new collection. Sound peachy?

(all photos courtesy of Starboard Clothing Co.)

CPL. SPIRES DIGITAL CAMO BEAU

Selflessness is shown through Starboard Clothing Company's honor of our military. This beau is inspired after the Digital Camo worn by the USMC, and a dear friend to Starboard Clothing Company, Corporal Travis Spires. A portion of every beau sold will be donated to the Wounded Warrior Project. What a great way to honor our veterans, and our troops currently serving. Not to mention that this beau is quite a standout from the crowd, and would be fun to buy for any veteran, serviceman, or hunter on your Christmas list. SUPPORT OUR TROOPS, in a really fun way!

BASKERVILLE HOUNDSTOOTH BEAU

So here's the thing...I am in love with Houndstooth check patterns. I have headbands, flats, and a skirt in this pattern, and find it incredibly fun to wear in the winter months. What I find alluring about this beau is the classic yet incredibly 'go to hell'-ness of it that screams prep, as well as gives the impression that the one wearing such a beau is a good time. Talk about good first impressions...

CHRISTMAS PLAID 2011 BEAU

Listen up folks, this beau is Limited Edition. Why? It is an exclusive beau just for the Christmas season. Let's get real gentlemen...why wouldn't you want to be rocking a beau like this during the holidays? I am a huge sucker for flannel and plaid. To have a thick flannel-like material combined with this perfect Christmas plaid...I'd have to say this is my favorite of the group. Ladies, how fun would this be to give as a gift to your man? It makes me just want to tie one of these around Pat, throw on a huge chunky sweater...and curl up by the fire...too much info? Sorry, I miss him!

POLLITT PLAID BEAU

Another Limited Edition beau, that I ensure will sell fast...this beau is perfect for any occasion. It can be worn in many versatile ways given the look you are going for. It would be perfect with a navy blazer, but could be worn just fine with a casual button-down and sweater as well. It reminds me of the pattern of a school jumper I wore as a uniform back in grade school. Maybe why I am so fond of it?

HOBBES PLAID BEAU

Aren't y'all just loving all the plaid? This beau is rightfully named after the famous philosopher Thomas Hobbes...whom of which I recently studied in a philosophy class. How perfectly ironic! The maroon, navy, and cream found in this beau are a lovely combination, and I would be proud to be in the presence of any gent who was wearing this beau.

WINTER MADRAS BEAU 2011

I already miss summer. I miss the beach, the barbecues, and the madras. Apparently, so does Starboard Clothing Company. They found a madras that works great in both the winter and summer months...just as I was losing hope of ever seeing the sun again...this beau gives us that glimpse of the light of summer at the end of the wintry tunnel.

So, gents...woo those ladies with a creative classic beau from Starboard Clothing Company!

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Beautiful Beaus for Winter

Hey Preps!

A little eye candy for you...

(from left to right: Rob, Gray, Ty, and Pat at Polo for Kids 2011)

...yes, I am occasionally graced with their presence...and fashion sense.

As you can see, they are all terrific at rocking the late summer/ early fall 'prep' look. Each wearing colorful chino pants, and classic Vineyard Vine/ Southern Proper ties and bow ties. However, it is time to transition to my favorite time of year for my wardrobe (not my weather condition preferences)...late fall/ early winter.

So what's a handsome gent to do? If you fine men don't mind, may I make a suggestion (even though I will anyways)?

This summer, I came across a rising company based out of Annapolis, Starboard Clothing Company. If you want the fine details, you can go to my earlier post by clicking here. Long story short, Mr. Meredith knows how to rock the classic look with his creative bow ties that have unique names (one even named after the Naval Academy...The Midshipmen Beau), and has turned it into a successful business.

With plans to release a Fall/Winter 2011 Collection soon, I thought I would show you a few of Starboard Clothing Co.'s 'retired' beaus that have lead to my great anticipation of the upcoming collection:

(all beau photos courtesy of Starboard Clothing Co.'s website)

Harvard Classic Tweed Beau

I am such a sucker for tweed, this beau is perfect for the winter, and is a very fun and polished addition to any classic wardrobe...no wonder why it is sold out!

Meredith Private Tartan Beau

Named after Mr. Meredith himself, this beau is my favorite of the retired. I love the colors within the beau as well as the woven wool material that makes tartan so unique. This is old school classic. I am in love.

Rudolph Christmas Plaid Beau

It sure will be a Merry Christmas with a beau like this one around your neck...I love the festive colors entwined in this plaid flannel beau. A FLANNEL BOW TIE. Need I say more?

So, keep your eye on Starboard Clothing Co.'s website for the release of their collection! I am anxious to see what unique beaus Mr. Meredith thinks of next...and gents, do yourself a huge favor and invest in one of these!

P.S. Like me on Facebook!

Monday, September 12, 2011

Polo...Ringing in Fall

Hey Preps!

Currently I am eating chicken fingers. It's almost midnight, I just finished all my homework...and Pat would be so mad right now if he saw me sitting here, stuffing my face with breaded fattening chicken and getting crumbs everywhere. Crumby sheets. Pretty gross... My excuse? Commiserating over my three tests that I had today. On the tenth day of school, how is it possible to already have tests? Not to mention that my history professor decided to keep us twenty extra minutes today...to talk about pilgrims.

Okay lady, Thanksgiving is in November, bring up the pilgrims then because everything you said in the killer twenty you kept us was not recorded by anyone in the class. However, we all dislike you now. If you expect us to be timely to class, we expect you to be timely in letting us out of class? Understand?

So yep, chicken fingers in bed is just hitting the spot right now. Please don't try this at home.

On a positive note, this past weekend was a lot of fun. Not so much academically productive, but worth the sacrifice I would have to say. It involved eight midshipmen coming up to my house from Annapolis, four great friends, my family, food, alcohol, and...POLO.

Fall for me is always brought in with the early September event of Polo. This year the Polo match was set up to sponsor the YMCA Kid's Scholarship Foundation that allows kids with less fortunate circumstances to enjoy the YMCA programs, sports, and day camps they offer. What a great cause.

So do you wanna see pictures from the event??

The gents showing off their colorful chino pants!

Never a dull moment...

What a colorful group!

The two men in my life...my Daddy and my Boyfriend :)

"Stomping the divots" during halftime

Some pictures from the match itself

Rolling Rock Hunt

Pat stomping more divots

Group photo!

So who's coming next year? Second weekend in September!

P.S. Like my new Facebook page!

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:

The Hunter Hampton Collection

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: