Party With Preppies

Me- Dress: Vineyard Vines Shoes: Tory Burch

Mikey- Shirt: Gap Pants: Gap Tie: Gap 

Pop your collar?

Ever since the '80's its been the preppy thing to do to pop your collar. In the summer, when your sailing, the best way to prevent sunburn is to pop you collar. This look with sailors caught on with kids in prep schools and members of country clubs and I couldn't love the look of it more. 

It's not supposed to be perfect, but kind of messy in a styled way. 

Personally, I say yes, pop your collar. 

My Uniform

I have so many clothes in my closet and dressers that some days I don’t even know what to wear. We usually go for the most comfortable thing on these days, and I call that my uniform. It’s the outfit I go to when I cant think of anything else to wear.

This outfit consists of jeans, khakis or cords paired with L.L.Bean boots, a button up or flannel, and a sweater over that. This outfit is so simply classic and can be worn virtually anywhere. I love wearing this to school because it’s collegiate and put together without being uncomfortable or overdone. Plus classrooms are always freezing and the layers help you stay warm. 

Kiel James Patrick and Sadie Zucchi perfected this look. 

Staying Organized

Staying Organized

When your calendar is always full it can be hard to keep track of what is going on in your life. The most important thing to do when you are so busy is to stay organized.  Everyone has his or her way of doing this; my way is by keeping a Lilly Pulitzer agenda.

 

 This year I decided to purchase the large agenda in the print ‘Jellies Be Jammin’. I thought the pattern was so cute, but more importantly it was the perfect size.

It is important to keep track of all the events happening in your life from social events, to work, to school events.

The Lilly planner is really helpful because at the beginning of every month is a lay out of the whole month, calendar style.

This is where I write down major events to get an overview of the month. I can easily see what days I will be really busy and what days I have free.

Whenever I write an event in, I color code that event. So for example I try to keep all social events in a bright pink gel pen and all school events in a purple gel pen.

When you flip to the next page after the month overview, you have a more in depth calendar that is a weekly overview. This is where I write exactly what is happening that day or what needs to get done.

Color-coding your classes during the school year is an easy way to see what needs to get done for each class without getting confused. Highlighting the really important things like tests and quizzes will also keep you on top of things.

When you aren’t in school, it is still good to use your agenda for events like work, parties, doctor appointments and smaller tasks that need to get done. I still color-code to separate work and social events and keep things organized. I use my agenda everyday to keep myself organized, and make sure I never miss out on anything. 

My Current Stack

I love jewelry as much as any girl does, but I really love bracelets. I’ve been wearing the same Cape Cod bracelet for nearly 4 years now.

 It compliments all my outfits and it’s so classically timeless. I’ve summered on Cape Cod ever since I was little and its grown to be like a second home to me.

Over the summer I purchased two other bracelets that I’ve completely fallen in love with. They are both from the Red Owl Jewelry and Gift store in Cheshire, CT. They are both nautically themed, much like my style and also my way of living.

Being a competitive swimmer since I was 6 my love for water and all things ocean inspired began at an early age. I also lifeguard and teach swim lessons along with helping out at the middle school swim team practices locally. The bracelet I most recently purchased, which relates back to that history, is also from the Red Owl, by a brand called Chavez for charity.

They are a company that donates 25% of money made from the bracelet to a certain charity. I, of course, chose a charity that went towards water.org. My bracelets looks almost like water droplets and a little dove charm hangs from it. The bracelets are $10.00 each which is a small price to pay to really help out a good cause. 

Vineyard Vines 2014 Holiday Collection

Vineyard Vines products are always top notch. Not only is their saying ‘Everyday should feel this good’ but it seems to also be ‘every time we put out a new collection Erin goes broke”. The 2014 Holiday collection is no exception. Since I check their website weekly for new items, as soon as the Holiday collection came out I fell in love.

Fair isle prints, cashmere, fleece and tartan fill this collection and make it complete. Now last year, I became obsessed with a wool Fair Isle printed scarf completed with lobsters that I received as a Christmas gift from my parents. This year, anchors replace the lobsters making this scarf earn a spot on my Christmas list. If you love something, buy it in every color, right? (Or every print in my case.)

The one thing that was really the icing on the cake for me was the abundance of tartan. I’m OBSESSED with tartan. It has been a pattern made for the preppies of the world that seems to be given to us by God himself. Yes, its that good.

The tartan ankle pants completed with a bow near the ankles actually sold old before I could even type in my credit card number into the check out on the website. Have no fear, instead of tartan pants; I purchased a tartan strapless dress.

After receiving this dress in the mail, I decided that Shep and Ian have really outdone themselves. My obsession with Vineyard Vines got even worse (if that’s even possible) after I got this dress.

Of course the men’s collection is just as good as the women’s with cashmere ¾ zip jackets that can be paired perfectly with any of their Murray shirts and the right tie/bowtie.

This combo with cords looks so classically prep, you’ll be the best dressed at any holiday party you got to.

Once again Vineyard Vines has baffled me with yet another perfect collection to add to my closet. I know I’m already going to have to start saving my money for the spring collection. 

Ordering Online

Homecoming was exactly a week and a day away, I still had no dress. The only logical thing to do was order something online (except not because what if it didn't fit or I hated the length or it was totally the wrong color). Something I'd never seen in person before, never tried on before, but fallen completely in love with. 

I grabbed a tape measure and measured myself accordingly. I was between sizes. Picking up the phone, I dialed Vineyard Vines number, which is where the dress is from. 

I talked to Craig who I told my measurements and he told me exactly what to do. This all happened Monday. I ordered the dress that night, (along with a few other items that had been sitting in my wish list long enough). 

The dress came Wednesday. I anxiously opened the box and there it was. It was completely perfect. I loved it even more in person.

 But then came the moment of truth. I had to try it on. I unzipped it and stepped in and zipped it up, and it fit PERFECTLY. I don't think I'd ever been so happy about something fitting me, now I just can't wait to wear it! 

Tartan

It comes in blazers, pants, pajamas, scarves, stockings. To me, tartan is the print of holiday season. You can find it virtually being tied into everything making that item a little more festive for the holiday season. 

This year especially I've seen a number of wool tartan pants that I've fallen in love with. Along with sport jackets for men in this festive print. That sport jacket paired with red or green cords would look good enough to put on a Christmas card! 

Vineyard Vines came out with a strapless dress made of tartan that is so classically preppy and timeless.  I plan on wearing this dress to a ballet and banquet as well as Christmas Eve. Paired with navy tights and flats, a red sweater tied around my neck will complete this look perfectly.
Tartan is classically known as a holiday print and I know I will be seeing a ton of it this holiday season.

I Actually Saved Money?

I like the big glass double doors that are opened for me. I like the overpriced clothes. I like the pretentious attitudes of the people who work at the stores I shop at and how we instantly bond when I decide to purchase one of their items, as if we have this special bond because we both will dish out $300.00 for a pair of ballet flats. I like that they offer me Diet Coke when I try things on. Not only do I love what they have to offer but; I love the attitudes of these stores, the atmosphere.

So you can see how when I walked into TjMaxx (easily since the doors were mechanic) I was bewildered at the low prices and polyester pants (I’m still cringing, ew). The fluorescent lighting made me look washed out and when I went to try something on, the woman handed me a number, not a Diet Coke, as if I was some commoner.

Then I started to look, really dig deep (like really deep) in those hangers of label-less clothes. I felt something that was far from polyester. It was WOOL. I pulled out the garment, barley containing my excitement. I looked at the tag, as I always do, to see a little pink whale, my favorite brand, Vineyard Vines. It was almost too good to be true, and it got even better. This red, white and navy wool fair-isle printed sweater that was originally $225.00 was now only $80.00! I couldn’t even remember the last time I spent less than $100 on any piece of clothing I own.

Sure the sweater was from last years Christmas collection, but like any good Vineyard Vines item, the style is timeless. I couldn’t even believe it was still there, people really don’t know a good deal when they see it.

            I triumphantly walked to the register and paid for my sweater in all cash, I didn’t even need a few credit cards to split up the price!

            My first experience at TjMaxx was definitely a success. Even though I didn’t get a Diet Coke (yes I have a Diet Coke problem) and no doors were held open for me, I saved money, which was actually a good feeling. I’m excited to go back and see what I can find next. 

Vermont Weekend Essentials

Get ready to hop in the car for 3 1/2 hours with your loud family and annoying dog, because were going to the cabin! A weekend trip to Vermont is nothing but fun, but I dread the car ride more than anything in the whole world. Don't get me wrong I love my family and my dog but that long in a car is pushing it. Since your probably going to have to turn around and go home about 3x because someone forgot a pillow, toothpaste or phone, make sure your packed and ready to go so you can just sleep the whole ride. These are my Vermont essentials;

Vineyard Vines Shep shirt

L.L.Bean boots

Wool socks

Leggings

Black watch plaid flannel

Columbia/Patagonia fleece pullovers

A quilted vest

Hats 

Gloves 

Mittens

A plaid scarf

Ear muffs

Fair isle wool sweater

Corduroys

Hunter boots

Fisherman sweater

Ski's and ski gear

UGG moccasins

Fuzzy socks

The First Step into Winter

Its November, that means L.L.Bean boots and wool socks, Vineyard Vines pullovers and leggings, and  mittens and scarves. The snow is going to start falling soon here in New England, and my weekends are going to consist of trips up to my cabin in Vermont for skiing and family time.
There is nothing I love more than pumpkin cookies and hot apple cider by the big fireplace there (Yes apple cider. It is WAY too early for peppermint Starbucks, let me enjoy my pumpkin).
With Thanksgiving right around the corner its time to break out the cords and fisherman sweaters. You can put the fleece inserts into your favorite boots, and start layering up. Its going to go from no coat to no CHOICE but a coat.
So don't let your toes turn blue, and keep your hands toasty, its about to be winter in New England. 

One of Those Days

It's rainy and dreary and you keep hitting the snooze button. You finally pull yourself away from the comfort of your bed and the only thoughts in your head are negative ones. We all have these days.

Your hair feels messier than most days, you can't get your makeup done the way you want it and your clothes aren't falling how you expected them to. Let's add humidity into the mix and now your skin is on it's own personal vacation, sweat leaking from your pores and your hair feels like string cheese.

7 outfit changes later and you're now walking to the bus. It begins to pour RIGHT when you get to the end of the street, drenching you from head to toe, good thing I left my umbrella at home and wore my pea coat that doesn't have a hood.

Sliding into school on slippery wet tile floors, you roll your eyes at the sight of people; you don’t think you’ll be able to deal with human interaction today. Leaving your headphones in so you don’t have to talk to people, you feel like your skating all the way down to your locker. When the bell finally rings, you know it’s going to be your worst day ever.

   But hey, at least your 7^th outfit of the day is cute. 

Sweater: Loft// Skirt: Loft// Tights: Loft// Boots: Hunter// Sunglasses: Urban Outfitters

Ugh

"You try way too hard"--something I am told way too often. Although I can't walk ten feet down the school hallway without getting compliments on my outfits, there will always be those people. "I know" has become a more common response than "thank you."

 What I truly cannot grasp is how wearing a sweater with elbow patches paired with corduroys and Hunter rain boots is trying too hard. Do we really live in a world where sweatpants and sweatshirts have become an expectation? I object to that.

There is NOTHING to apologize for when it comes to being well kept and presentable. There is nothing to apologize for when it comes to fashion. I am fed up with how people present themselves in today's society.

When I go to a store, I buy what I love and what I feel the best in-- it's as simple as that. When I leave my house in the morning, I make sure I love the way I look. If I don't, I feel gross all day and I'm unhappy.

So to those who say I try too hard, why don't you put some effort into the way you look? Unless you're going for that 'starving artist' look which, by the way, you are doing wrong, too.

A Tribute to Oscar De La Renta

"Fashion is a trend, style lives within a person." Just one of the many quotes said by the famous Oscar De La Renta, designer who impacted the fashion world immensely.
"My job as a designer is to make a woman feel her very best." He truly cared how a woman felt and he wanted them to feel amazing in his designs. Pure class and a true gentleman he was loved by many.

http://lulufrost.tumblr.com/post/100590633670/be-the-designer-of-your-own-destiny-oscar-de

http://nostalgiaandserendipity.tumblr.com/post/100560999818/k-issess-rest-in-peace-oscardelarenta-forever

http://kateoplis.tumblr.com/post/100597301069/goodnight-oscar

http://fashion-runways.tumblr.com/post/100568453291/oscar-aristides-de-la-renta-fiallo-july-22-1932

Snapchats From Last Weekend

Snapchats From Last Weekend

Being Columbus Day weekend, I naturally went out and swiped a few credit cards! 

Here are a few of the high points of my weekend featuring me in my natural state...

I was in a Very Serious Relationship...

It was about a year ago I fell in love. It was love at first sight and I knew nothing could make me as happy as he did, no one could give me more confidence than he did. Tan, comfortable and absolutely perfect in every other way, yup those Sperry's had my heart. 

We went to school together, went sailing, visited the beach, we basically traveled New England together. He got along so well with my closet. We were inseparable. He fit me perfectly at first. Soon enough complications came to the relationship.

We didn't grow together. That's when our relationship started to crumble. Soon we didn't fit together anymore. I was growing and maturing a lot faster than he was. I wore him out. Sometimes we just grow out of the people we love. 

Instead of moving on, I replaced him, my new love looks just the same. Although he doesn't hold all the memories of my old love, I can now make new memories with someone who is younger, and not worn out. For some reason I have a bad habit of wearing them out, sometimes too quickly. We'll see how long he lasts in my life. 

Yesterday was a great day to shop for 7 hours, and that's exactly what I did. We started our trip at one of my favorite gift stores in Cheshire, Red Owl Jewelry and Gifts.

I saw these lobster cuff links and thought they were the cutest things ever. They are so different than what you normally see and can add a little bit of New England to any formal outfit. Paired with the silk sailboat tie and you have a classic preppy look.

This Daniel Wellington watch is a newer piece of jewelry that is going to be super popular. It is seen a lot on Instagram and Pinterest. The watch is modeled after the oldest Rolex in the world. These timeless watches are guaranteed to be flying off the shelves.

No shopping trip is complete without dining at one of my favorite post-mall restaurants. Brio is a great restaurant inside the Westfarms mall that offers amazing food and service. Its the perfect way to replenish all those calories after hours of shopping.

You can never leave the mall with empty hands of course. 

Navy is my Neutral

My monogrammed necklace can be paired with virtually anything. The angle of the navy blazer looks clean with the stripes.

 The gold starfish bangle and pearl bracelet with an anchor clasp complement each other nicely and carry out the nautical theme of my outfit. My blazer is lined with a thin pinstripe while my dress is larger darker stripes, I really liked the contrast between these two pieces as well. 

To finish off the outfit, I wore navy Jack Rogers to keep the same color scheme. I wear Jack Rogers religiously in the summer and spring. 

Necklace: Newbury Place LLC//Bracelets: Kiel James Patrick, The Red Owl Jewelry and Gifts//Blazer: Gap//Dress: Gap//Sandals: Jack Rogers