Fall Trend: Bright Colors...Old News In the Prep World

Hey Preps!

Today I was browsing through some magazines my momma had around, and saw a common fall theme trending...bright colors.  I scanned a few pictures of this trend, and was indifferent with what I saw.  Sure, fuchsia heels are every girl's dream, yet in my opinion, preps rock the colors better.

Especially when it comes to fall apparel.  From reds like burgundy corduroys to the classic Nantucket red chinos, I absolutely love preps in the fall.  They look like leaves.  Ok, perhaps that's a tacky comparison.  However, when I think fall classic wardrobe, I think reds, blues, yellows, and greens.  I am not talking about canary yellow...I am talking camel and mustard.  Greens can be hunter or perhaps a military green.

Here are a few examples of what I am talking about:

"Meet the Hilfigers" in Tommy Hilfiger's Fall 2010 Ad Campaign has the perfect combination of the Nantucket/burgundy reds, camel, and navy.  No one does it better than Tommy when it comes to fall brights...matter of fact, I just bought a pair of Nantucket red chinos from Tommy.

Once again, "Meet the Hilfigers" by Tommy Hilfiger, but a year later for his Fall/Winter 2011 ad campaign.  In this ad we see a little more greens and navy...but he still sticks to his classic ways by keeping slight amounts of his bright reds and camel...and a dash of bright yellow to twist things up a bit.

Lands End Canvas is a brand I highly recommend.  I absolutely love all of their pants. I have a pair of every shown above.  Yes, obsessed...I know.  In this ad the greens are worn perfectly.  I love the combination of the military green wrap sweater combined with the straight chinos.  The shoes in the third picture are a perfect hint of the military green added to the bright red skinny belt, and gray chinos.  Finally, the slouch chinos are perfect in military green!

For the gentlemen, Lands End Canvas has some great colors in the chino pants.  I especially like the blue and green ones shown above.

Below are a few examples of my own for fall brights:

Pat wearing Nantucket red chino pants combined with a navy sailboat tie from Vineyard Vines

Combining caramel cords, a navy blazer, and a red and navy plaid button down.

So...who is ready to whip out the fall brights?

Sweaty Made Preppy?

Hey Preps!

Do you ever have those days where the hairs on your head are just not agreeing with you?  I do.  Daily.  During the school year I usually throw those feisty hairs into a braid or tease them into a big bun.  It all stems from the fact that with everything going on in my life, I sometimes just don't have time to flat iron my hair.

In the summer I tend to let my hair air dry.  It has a pretty neat wave to it and it I put a little of shaping gel in it, I'm good to go.  However, in the colder months I tend to shower the night before and when I wake up...my hair is a nappy mess...regardless of what I did to prevent so.

My dad and sister are currently in Cincinnati watching my dad's favorite tennis player, Roger Federer take on the Cincinnati Masters...and my sister sends me a text: "Google Sweaty Bands".  Okay.  Sounds a little weird, but I did it...and this is what I found:

"We’ve turned perspiration into a fashion sensation! Sweaty Bands are the ultimate sports and fitness headband, uniquely designed for women and girls who want to show their style, even when they sweat a while! Slip into one today and become a Sweaty Bands believer."
-Sweaty Bands Website


Cute, comfortable, headbands that keep your disagreeing hairs out of your face.  I am a little bit obsessed.  


Here are a few of my favorites:

Nautical themed, this would be fun to wear with a simple navy and red color scheme

Pink, Green, Navy...my favorite colors...and argyle?  I die!

This was inspired after my puppy, Max.  I know it.

What East Coast Preppy could pass this one up?

Pink and Green Lobsters

American themed...perhaps a good accessory for a Navy Game?

I think I prefer the blue over the red of the Nautical themed Sweaty Band

Aren't these just the greatest?

Shoes for the Collegiate Girl

Hey Preps!

Summer is quickly coming to an end, and in between organizing my life for the upcoming semester, and saying goodbye to friends as they depart for their last year of college...I think it is important to also take inventory of my closet, and prepare it for the upcoming school year.  One thing I have become over my past three years of college is a "OCD note-taking, planner living, overly organized freak".  Everything in my closet is organized by style and color...everything is ironed...and you bet I make my bed every morning.

For a college student, this is not normal.  Not at all.  Unless you go to Navy and are an even bigger weirdo than myself like Pat.  Who is currently not speaking to me because he just loves school so much.  I'm not even kidding.

So today on the agenda of my organizing fun has been my shoes.  Fact is, I have way too many.  So, I went through, got rid of a few pairs of beloved flats (that I have been in denial that they have had their time to shine for about a year too long), polished my loafers, waterproofed a few pairs, and came up with a list I thought I would share with you...

Every college girl is busy.  Regardless of where you go to school there will be times where you have to dress up, dress down...and especially for the northern college ladies, there are sadly too many times where weather is a factor in what you must where on your feet.

I don't even want to think about snow...yuck.  I seriously just got sick to my stomach.  (Does anyone else think their campus is a constant wind tunnel that funnels the cold directly to you?  I swear my school's weather hates me)

So, as the days get shorter and fall is on it's way...I made a Polyvore of the shoes I find the classiest, sassiest, and most convenient for every college girl with explanations of each below:

Fall Shoes For The Collegiate Preppy by pittsburghprep featuring leather shoes

1. First on the list are Sperry Top-Sider Anglefish Loafers.  Last fall, my sister told me that my classic boat shoes looked like man shoes.  Great.  Thanks sissy.  I still love my traditional boat shoes, but the Angelfish Loafers are a tad bit more feminine, not to mention they have great support and traction.  I wear mine several times a week.
2. Penny Loafers.  Boy did I hate them when I was little.  I went to a private school, and every morning before school, it was a fight with my mom.  She practically would choke me as she rolled down the top of my turtleneck, and she insisted I wear Penny Loafers instead of Mary Janes like all the other girls were wearing.  To this day, I still hate when anyone touches my neck thanks to those dreaded turtlenecks...however, my mom is so pleased that I now am in love with Penny Loafers.  They look good dressed up or dressed down.  I wear them with casual skirts, jeans, chino pants...you name it.  I'm hooked.
3. Hunter Boots saved me last winter.  They have great traction, and also have great wool inserts you can buy to keep your feet toasty.  I probably shouldn't tell you this, but I wear my Hunter Boots daily...just around the house in gym shorts.  They are just so convenient and look great with a preppy wardrobe.  I just feel so adventurous in them.  Just call me nature girl.
4. Before I start, these are my favorite shoes. Ever.  Sperry knows how to do things right when it comes to their Shearwater Boot.  It is waterproof, has great traction, comfy, and has fleece inside! Perfect for winter weather!  I love the plaid pattern of them too, you wouldn't believe how many compliments I get from these suckers.
5. Sperry Top-Sider "A/O" 2-Eye Lace Leather Boat Shoes.  That's a mouth full.  But I love mine.  Some people have shared their mixed opinions with the white soles of these shoes, but I like them.  They are something a little out of the ordinary and look great with fall colors.  
6. This style of Sperry is a more classic color.  These are the man shoes my sister refers to.  They are the 75th Anniversary inspired boat shoe, and I wear these more than any other shoe.  
7. Ugg Moccasins.  SO WARM.  I am one who tends to get cold very easily, like right now...These are a lifesaver.  It's like sitting by a fireplace the whole time you are wearing them.  Wish I had mine on right now.
8. Tory Burch Leather Boots are my splurge.  I baby them.  Only wear them when they won't get wet.  It's terrible.  But they are such a classic boot, and great to wear with an oxford button down, a blazer, and skinny jeans.
9. L.L. Bean Boots.  Duck boots also have been something I have grown up in.  They are great for facing any element of weather, and are a classic staple in every wardrobe.  Just check out Tommy Hilfiger's Fall 2010 Ad Campaign.  The obsession is not mine alone.  
10. Oxford Ballet Flats are a trend that I have fallen for.  J. Crew and Lands End Canvas offer great options for these.  Flats are a great way to make a casual outfit girly, and can be a great way for a preppy girl to add some differentiation to her outfit.
11. Okay, please seriously take my recommendation on these shoes.  L.L. Bean Coastal Skimmers are fabulous.  They are every prep's dream.  Waterproof, feminine, classic...I am so glad I have a pair, truly great for any type of weather, and I wear mine with anything from dresses, to jeans.
12. The new "ballet" Ballet flat trend has really caught my eye.  Last spring I was browsing around Gap, and found a pair of these that you can stick in your purse on a night out.  They literally fold up and get fit in very small spaces...and if any of you are like me, I can only do heels for so long, so these types of flats are great to have on a night out.  
13. My new favorite shoe? The Sebago Spinnaker Boat Shoe.  Complete tradition with a twist.  I just bought these, and have been sporting them everywhere.
14. Remember how I was jealous of those Mary Jane wearers in grade school? Not anymore.  These heels remind me of the Mary Jane days, but still keep to the classic basics.  I really struggle with finding heels, I don't like mine super high...I have narrow feet so a lot of heels fall off of my feet, so the straps on these heels are great at making sure I don't have any huge falls (even though I tend to trip regardless).
15. Once again...you can never have too many ballet flats.
16. Did any of you wear saddle shoes back in the day? I sure did.  Learned to tie my shoes on them.  The new oxford shoes remind me of them in some ways.  However, I'm not sure if I can pull of the oxford shoes in the flat version...so I am gonna see if I can pull them off in a heel... my only issue is I am not sure what I will wear with them yet...

So there you have it...my shoes are ready to go for this upcoming school year...regardless of whether I am or not.  Do you guys have any fall shoes you are dying to sport?

P.S. Like me on Facebook!

College Football Season: Brooks Brothers Finest Fifteen

Hey Preps!

This summer, it was brought to my attention that Brooks Brothers would be releasing a collegiate line of clothing.  They strategically picked fifteen schools:

University of Alabama
Auburn University
Boston College
Colombia University
Cornell University
Georgetown University
United States Naval Academy
New York University
University of Notre Dame
Ohio State University
Princeton University
Stanford University
Vanderbilt University
University of Virginia
Yale University


Given that Navy is on the list, I excitedly posted about the anticipation of this great collection...which you can find here.  I am happy to say that the collection has been released, and just in time for the start of one of America's favorite past times.  COLLEGE FOOTBALL!

(Photo courtesy of Brooks Brothers)

So who will you be rooting for this upcoming season?

So what could Navy Midshipmen be sporting during away games (Second and First Class only)?

United States Naval Academy Chevron Tie

United States Naval Academy Guard Stripe Tie

United States Naval Academy All-Over Logo Tie

Perhaps one of these fine ties?

Or maybe your choice of a wool Crewneck or V-neck Sweater for a colder game?

Or maybe a button down with the Academy's insignia on the sleeve?

As my senior year of college begins...and football season starts...Brooks Brothers once again raises the bar.  Who's ready to play ball?

Celebrating All Year Long

Hey Preps!

Finally my computer is fixed! I have been carrying it around so tenderly like it's a newborn.  It feels so good to be back!  So, as I am now punching out post after post, I thought I'd take a break to do a quick post on what I was doing last weekend...

Pat is a big boy now! A whopping 21 years old! So you bet we all celebrated!

I also got him some pretty dandy gifts, and thought I'd share in case anyone else is on the lookout for a great gift to give a 21 year old guy:

Every guy needs a koozie to keep his brew cold.  I found this one appropriate for Pat since he is a Midshipman.  Anchored Style is a great company, and I love supporting them.

An original beer mug I found on Etsy perfect for his special birthday

A flask to hold several shots that is pocket sized...American themed of course.

Vineyard Vines tie with Beer Mugs on it.  

Smathers and Branson Beer Cans Needlepoint Belt

Do you like what you see?  

Hope y'all are having a great week!

Sunday Quotes

Hey Preps!


My laptop is still in the shop.  It is expected to be back Wednesday, so I will finally be able write a legitimate post then.  As of right now, I am currently trying to figure out how to use my Dad's computer, given that it isn't a Mac.  I keep clicking on things and it just is turning out to be an epic fail.  Grrrrr just clicked. 


So, given that my tolerance of using this computer is currently at a minimum, I thought I'd share a few of my favorite quotes with you.

Switchfoot:

[Yesterday is a wrinkle on your forehead
Yesterday is a promise that you've broken
Don't close your eyes, don't close your eyes
This is your life and today is all you've got now
...And today is all you'll ever have
Don't close your eyes
This is your life, are you who you want to be?]

C.S. Lewis (The Four Loves):
[To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, and irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable.]

Colossians 3:12-14:
[Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.]

1 Peter 3:3-4
[Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight.]

Emily Giffin, Love the One You're With:
[But maybe that's what it all comes down to. Love, not as a surge of passion, but as a choice to commit to something, someone, no matter what obstacles or temptations stand in the way. And maybe making that choice, again and again, day in and day out, year after year, says more about love than never having a choice to make at all.]

Nicholas Sparks, The Rescue:
[In the end, it’s worked out because we both want it to. As long as you two have that, you’ll be able to make it through anything.]

Mike Yaconelli:
[Give me a Jesus who meets me in the rushing, crashing waters of my questions. Let me stand precariously close to the dark menacing skies of doubt, so I can hear the fierce and gentle loving voice of my Jesus who drowns out my fears and stands just beyond my questions with open arms]

Tuesdays with Morrie:
[So many people walk around with a meaningless life. They seem half-asleep, even when they're busy doing things that are important. This is because they're chasing the wrong things. The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.]

Wendall Berry:
[Be joyful-though you have considered all the facts]

The Perks of Being a Wallflower:
[There's nothing like the deep breaths after laughing that hard. Nothing in the world like a sore stomach for the right reasons.]

Friday Night Lights:
[Maybe the whole is greater than the sum of it's parts.]

The Perks of Being a Wallflower:
[I think the idea is that every person has to live for his or her own life and then make the choice to share it with other people.]

Helen Keller:
[So much has been given to me, I have not time to ponder over that which has been denied.]

Mother Theresa:
[Spread love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.]

Fireproof:
[Fireproof doesn't mean the fire will never come. It means when the fire comes that you will be able to withstand it.]

Ralph Lauren:
[I've never wanted to be in fashion, because if you're in fashion...you're out of fashion]

Anthony Robins:
[Some of the biggest challenges in relationships come from the fact that most people enter a relationship in order to get something. They’re trying to find someone who’s going to make them feel good. In reality, the only way a relationship will last is if you see your relationship as a place that you go to give, and not a place that you go to take.]

Rule No.8 of Being a Lady:
[Keep your heels, head, and standards high]

AGAPE

Thanks for hanging in there with me guys as I haven't been writing due to my computer, and haven't been able to check up on all of y'alls lovely lives!  Have a blessed Sunday!  So thankful for you!

My Computer...Strike Three

Hey Preps!

So it's been a week...and let me tell you why...

My computer likes to break a lot.  Especially when I am doing something important...perhaps writing a lab or organizing files I must keep.

So she's currently in the shop...and I am currently computer-less.  It's kinda nice except for the fact that I have some great blog post ideas that I can't write currently.

Anyways, check these out:

These are the Spinnaker Boat Shoes 

from Sebago

I am buying them.  Right now.  On Ebay.

Retail Therapy due to my separation anxiety from my computer.

It happens. 

Hang tight, I will be officially back asap!

Hope y'all have a blessed week!