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!

Poppin' My Collar

Hey Preps!


Do you "pop" or "upturn" your collar?  If so...when did this habit begin for you?  Today, I would like to go in depth about the origins of the upturned collar, and why it is now popular in the preppy world.  Let us begin:


Before the 1900's, men and women alike wore some type of upturned collar.  The materials were usually linen, cotton, or lace...and covered then entire neck until it slightly braised the ear lobes.  Many men wore detachable collars that were stiff and stood straight up.

Upturned detachable collar

This all changed when WWII began, and America started producing shirts in an efficient and low-maintenance way.  Collars were then attached to lower costs and increase production rates.  


Upon the advent of tennis shirts, the upturned collar once again sparked interest in 1929 as tennis star (and clothing designer), Rene Lacoste, a 7-time Grand Slam achiever decided that the stiff shirts worn to play tennis were just not suitable.  Instead, he designed a loosely-knit pique cotton shirt with an unstarched, flat protruding collar and a longer shirt-tail in back than in front. This came to be known as the tennis shirt. However, the collar was made stiffer than the rest of the shirt.  Lacoste did so, because this allowed him to "pop" his collar up to prevent his neck from getting burnt by the sun.  

In 1980, Lisa Birnbach published The Official Preppy Handbook, in which she extolled the "virtues of the upturned collar." According to Ms. Birnbach, rather than being a sports innovation, the upturned collar on a tennis shirt was simply a signal that the wearer is a "preppy". Despite this obviously tongue-in-cheek characterization, Ms. Birnbach did correctly identify that one was more likely to view an upturned collar on the beaches of Nantucket than one would in middle America.

Popularity has now increased to an extent.  It might not pass the Vogue style test any longer, yet is found to be very popular to those who grew up wearers of the prep school uniforms.  However, it is now up for judgement of other Americans and truly is considered a "preppy" statement.  We see companies like Polo and J. Crew supporting the popped collar.  It is up to the individual whether they find it acceptable or not.

As for me...my collar will always be popped.  Regardless of the scorn I most endure!

Max and I on my 20th Birthday...in a red Lacoste polo,
Collar Popped!

Westy Wednesday

Hey Preps!

Max thinks we can compete with Jen

This picture was used for a previous post of mine.

Check it out!

Max and Kalyn here! Literally...he is currently nuzzling into my laptop.  Begging of course for the yogurt I'm eating.  A little bit ago it was broccoli out of all things, but he ate it (more like inhaled it) to my surprise when I gave him a little piece.  I mean how can I resist those eyes? Could you?

In need of a haircut 

Sleepy pup

As you can see here...Max needed a haircut.  We are both happy to announce that he now has a fresh new do complete with all of his shot updates as of today.  The vet even commented that Max has the "best Westy coat she has ever seen".  Probably due to the fact he gets lots of stimulation thanks to my constant scratching and puppy massages that he demands.

However, he was feeling a little let down after the vet today when he approached a German Shep and got rejected with not only one but multiple ferocious growls.  He didn't mind waiting on Momma's lap after that.  He now has a new plaid scarf on today and knows he looks irresistible.

But it is bed time for us now, but we must say good night! For the original Westy Wednesday, be sure to check out Desperately Seeking Seersucker's Dear Louis!  Hope you all are having a warm and blessed week!

Did You Say Supima?

Hey Preps!

It's "What I'm Loving Wednesday"!  Today I came across Brooks Brothers' video for their new Supima (cotton) Collection.  I found it to be completely charming, and pretty much want every piece shown.



Also, since I couldn't find a way to add these pictures to my blog, click HERE to see their new Catalogue online.  I think the photography and composition of it, is just perfect!  Stay tuned for Westy Wednesday in a bit!

It's Spring, Wear Pink and Green

Photo Credits: Amy Sapalio
(Dress: Vineyard Vines, Shoes: L.L. Bean
Headband: Lacoste)

Hey Preps! 

It is finally spring, and we had a glimpse of that today with mild temperatures here in Pittsburgh.  Sadly, not warm enough to be wearing my beloved polo dress in the picture above...but thanks to a friend's fun photography project, a few of my friends and I got to play together shooting pictures.  We shot at one of the world's most well known country clubs...it is gorgeous there, with lots of brick roads and old covered bridges.  Very rustic feel.  Anyways, I thought I'd share one with you!  

This outfit is one I will probably abuse this spring because of it's lack of effort and comfort entwined with a casual yet girly feel.  I am pretty darn excited for warm weather, and will keep praying that the cold streaks that are expected end soon!  I mean let's get serious, how excited are you to whip out your spring attire?  I have been aching to do so since November! 

Regardless, I am very thankful to now officially be in Spring!  My mood cannot be changed from anything except positivity at this point in time!  Anyways, back to the studying and projects...just thought I'd share.  Sorry I have been slacking lately on my posts, just lots of catching up to do after the cruise!  Hope you all had a blessed second day of SPRING!

Spring Shoes!

Lilly Pulitzer sundresses, and plaid Vineyard Vines pants
God Bless you warm weather!

Hey Preps!

How good does it feel to say the word, "spring"?  Gosh, I think I thoroughly abused it today.  Although it was a rather mild temperature here in Pittsburgh, I still managed to wear pink via my new light pink boyfriend blazer.  However, the fact that wearing white, pink, and green all at once just thrills me.  Thrills me to the point that I just want to whip out all my sundresses, and wear them this whole week, just to honor my favorite "word of the day".
 Sadly, that is not possible given the fact it is expected to snow yet again later this week.  How horrible is that? So instead, to give the first day of spring full credit, I came up with a list of shoes that are a must have in the warmer months approaching!

• Thou must have flats.  

This particular pair is from J. Crew, and are rainproof! How practical is that? Plus the remind me of Jellies, which I practically grew up in.  Love the peachy color of these!

Another pair of flats are Allez! Flats found on Eliza B. 

What is so neat about these, is you can personalize the colors, patterns, and fabrics of them! So go check them out and play around on her website to make your favorite color combination! 

• Thou must have boat shoes.

These are probably the most practical shoe I own.  A few posts back, I discussed the history of Sperry Top Siders.  Within the history, you will find that these shoes are made to ensure traction against all elements (such as wet and slippery surfaces of boat decks).  The sole is flexible and this shoe is comfy...and can be worn with an array of different outfits from casual shirt dresses to bermuda shorts.  Also, I recommend a Madras pair! I posted about mine earlier...but you wouldn't believe the compliments I get from them!

• Thou must love espadrilles (particularly wedged).

 

Espadrilles that are wedged...found on J. Crew's website.  I think wedges are perfect with chino shorts or a sundress.  I wore mine daily on the cruise! I also recently caved in, and bought myself a pair of TOMS shoes.  I'm not sure if they are considered preppy or not...but they are so comfy and help a good cause.  

• Thou must go back to the days of saddle shoes. 

I have mentioned this before, but as a little girl, my mom always had me wearing saddle shoes.  You know, the ones Madeline wears in her books!  I am particularly fond of them due to the fact I learned how to tie my shoes while wearing them.  18 years later, now they are back! In a little bit of a more sophisticated way...they are called Oxfords now...and take after menswear in my opinion.  However, something about them still makes me reminisce of the good ole days.  I like this pair in particular because of the cut out part...giving them a little bit of a sandal like feel.  

• Thou must LOVE penny loafers.

My first day of Kindergarten was a success thanks to these pups paired with a plaid jumper (uniform).  I used to hate them when I was younger, because they were required of me to wear.  However, now I definitely have a loving relationship with them.  These definitely can be worn both spring or fall.  In the spring I tend to pair them with khakis or chino shorts.  I also have an oxford polo dress that they look adorable with!

• Thou must have flip-flops

Particularly a pair of Eliza B.  personalized flip-flops!  This is a pair I bought last year.  I play college lacrosse, and love pink and green...so these couldn't have been a better fit!

• Thou must keep one's feet dry on rainy days.

Isle Jacobson rain boots and Wellies will be what I use to keep my feet fashionably dry this April!

Minus a few other spring favorites of my own...this list makes up what you will be seeing me in the warmer months!  I am more excited to wear spring shoes than anything else, and cannot wait to break mine in...today!  Hope you all had a great Monday (this post was meant for yesterday)!  What shoes are you dying to wear this spring?

The Nights Went by Too Fast

Hey Preps!

Hope you are having a relaxing Sunday! It's beautiful here in Pittsburgh today, so have spent a lot of it outside with the pups and washing the car! How nice! However, I am now back in school mode, and between studying tonight will be working on a post I have been dying to do since the cruise! In the meantime, I thought I'd share with you a little clip of Pat and my adventures in the Caribbean!

Let me know what you think!