Hurricane-spiration

So students just got evacuated from the College of William & Mary on Thursday afternoon because of Hurricane Irene, which leaves me boarding at my roommate's house (which we lovingly refer to as "the Burrow") in Richmond. The storm is currently upon us, and all I hear over the chit-chat with my roommates is the whipping wind and buckets of rain. I figured the perfect rainy day activity (as long as there's power) would be to do a post of completely random images that I'm loving right now. Here it goes, and stay safe during the storm!


Marie Antoinette-themed plates at Anthropologie


Art-deco tortoise and rhinestone necklace from J.Crew


My roommates (from left) Hannah, Erin, and I photographed in the Richmond paper while evacuating the College


Jack Wills Winthrop Sequin Dress


Eloise's room at the Plaza in NYC (which happens to look a lot like my dorm room will in a few weeks...)


Delta Gamma sisters in the 1960s

Can Hair Feathers Be Preppy?

Yes, I've decided to blog about the controversy that is feather hair extensions. And yes, I have them. I got them earlier this summer on a whim (though they can get a bit pricey)- a skinny royal purple and a slightly thicker lavender. Right after I got home from Nantucket, they started to slide down my hair so I just took them out. But today I just couldn't resist- after I got my hair cut and highlighted I had them- and a third striped purple feather- put back in (for free this time!). I also invested a dollar in five more beads so if they slide out I can fix them myself with my jewelry plier. But how on earth could these uber-boho accessories ever look good with a crisp blazer and riding boots? Well, I think that's just it- the mix of boho and preppy just works. This combo obviously doesn't work in all cases (I wouldn't advise wearing a polo pony-emblazoned cable knit sweater over a hippie maxi skirt, for instance), but in the case of a few feathers, I think it goes.
The feather trend, unlike classic preppy clothes, should definitely be reserved strictly to the younger set (i.e. twenty-somethings and below), and it's that young vibe that makes it okay to wear them with an oxford shirt. Obviously, the more neutral the colors, the more versatile they are. My purple ones are definitely a little more out-there, but a brown or beige feather makes me think of Ralph Lauern's iconic "Santa Fe" collection, right. And was that not the original morph of preppy and, well, not?
So if you decide to don these hair feathers, here are my top tips:
1. Pick your color(s) wisely. If you decide to go with a brighter color, keep the feathers all in the same family (shades of purple, as opposed to a purple, pink, and blue).
2. Make sure they're appropriately placed in your hair. If you have a job or have some upcoming interviews, sticking the feathers right in the front of your head is probably not the best idea. Try placing them underneath so they peek out for a pop of color.
3. Buy extra beads and a jewelry plier. In case they slide out and you want to put them back in, pick up a few crimp-able beads and a plier at your local hair supply store so you can avoid going back to the salon.
4. Have fun with them! The best thing about being young is that you don't have to take fashion- even preppy fashion- too seriously. Make preppy cool again with unexpected touches, like these feathers.

Time Flies

Afternoon, prepsters! Get ready for a plethora of preppiness to get you ready for back-to-school. I only have a week left in merry ol' New England til I hit Williamsburg, so I've been trying to pack, order books, and get in a few last days of tanning outside before I'm caught up with classes and such. First off, I would like to comment on Ralph Lauren's new line, Denim & Supply. Looking through the fall collection online, I am reminded very much of Ralph's Rugby line. Denim & Supply is definitely more utilitarian and all-American (while Rugby is more classic with more British-y tailoring), but it is pretty similar- except in price. D&S is definitely at a lower price point, which might mean Rugby taking a hit in sales. I hope that's not true because I really love Rugby, but I could definitely see that happening.





The Rugby dress, left, is definitely more feminine with the lace sleeve and more flouncy skirt, but is it similar enough to the Denim & Supply look, right, to be interchangeable?





Next, let's talk about how in love I am with the new Jack Wills fall line. Two words: tweed blazers. I love them. All of them. Fortunately I just picked one up at their New Haven location on sale a few weeks ago (it was over $100 off the original price!). Mine is a simple brown herringbone tweed, with unexpected yet oh-so-JW touches like pink and blue striped silk lining and pink wool when you pop the collar (which, in case anyone was wondering, I will definitely be doing). I plan on wearing it with everything this fall, from dresses to sweaters and jeans. My other top picks from the back-to-school collection? The appropriately-colored pink and navy Calverly Wool Scarf and the gorgeous Winthrop Sequin Dress, which I've already decided I'll be sporting at my 21st birthday celebration in January, regardless of where I am.

Finally, I'd like to end with a note on my trip to Nantucket last week. I had a great time hitting the beaches and the shops and got to meet JW Seasonnaire Red Rainey at the store (where I bought a black floral dress from their summer line and a cute keychain). I also hit up the Lilly Pultizer "Midnight Madness" sale (which actually started at 11 am, not midnight) and picked up (for unreal prices) both a casual maxi in pink and green and a jeweled mini dress that I'm going to wear to Delta Gamma formal next spring. The rest of the trip consisted of a lot of Juice Bar (Watermelon Cremes to be exact), picture-taking in 'Sconset, and redoing the stickers on my laptop case with classic Nantucket ones from The Hub as well as a Something Natural flower and a Vineyard Vines whale. Now that my summer vacation is pretty much over, it's back to the old grind in a week and a half. In between bio, physics, and chem and my new position as Fashion & Beauty Editor at Her Campus W&M, I'll still be posting all about my preppy escapades, so keep checking back!


From left: my brother, me, and my cousin at Sankaty Lighthouse in Siasconset, Nantucket.

Fog Happens

With my Nantucket getaway a short three days away, I've been running around after work trying to figure out what to pack. Oh, how I miss the days when I would pack my little duffel for the next year's trip the day after I got home (granted all I had to worry about were little toys and a notebook and colored pencils). This year, I am a bit behind- I usually have a whole checklist typed out of outfits, bathing suits, accessories, and other essentials I plan on taking. I do think my wardrobe is coming together, with the help of Nantucket vacation-worthy finishing touches.

1. Essie nail polish in Mint Candy Apple

I'm literally obsessed with this color (it's definitely the new Lilacism). I saw it while catching up on one of my favorite blogs Cupcakes and Cashmere, and I ran to the mall after work today to pick it up (we have a store that literally has every Essie polish). The best way to describe it is a slightly paler, slightly greener version of a Tiffany box (which should already be up there on every girl's favorite colors list). I'm thinking of doing this shade on my fingers with a neon orangey-pink on my toes to give a fresh, young vibe to the ever-so-preppy outfits I'll be donning in ACK.

2. Big straw bow hat

This is by far my favorite straw hat I own. It was my mom's in the eighties or nineties but I have since commandeered the topper, and wore it most recently to the Brimfield Antique Show in Massachusetts two weekends ago. The oversize bow on the back makes the hat playful and not so up-tight as a lot of more conservatively-styled hats appear. This hat will make it everywhere from the beach to church on Sunday, I'm sure.

3. Jack Wills hoodie

The perfect thing to throw on when you're chilly on the ferry or walking around downtown. Of course the majority of people will be wearing their Nantucket sweatshirts courtesy of The Sunken Ship or one of the other Island gear shops, but the JW hoodies are just too fun (and super soft). Hit up Jack Wills on South Water St. if you're on the Island!

4. Nantucket Conservation bracelet


A common accessory seen on Nantucket, proceeds from the purchase of this bracelet go to the Nantucket Conservation Foundation. It's a chic bracelet with a great cause that helps to protect the fragile ecology of Nantucket Island.


It's almost time for me to set sail from the Cape to the Grey Lady! See you in a week, prepsters, with details of my Island adventures!

Preppy on the Brain

William's polo team winning in Santa Barbara yesterday (while wearing Jack Wills polos, no less).


High top-knots can look chic from the beach to the office.


Chunky jeweled necklaces with oxford shirts add glamour to a classic preppy staple.



Kate Spade's "Cheers" necklace adds the perfect touch of chivalry to any ensemble.



Neon party decorations, courtesy of Martha Stewart.

Nantucket Magazine's Gatsby-Inspired Shoot

Images via Nantucket Magazine

Sorry, BRB, G2GPS

As if things couldn't get any preppier, now even text and IM abbrevs are getting their dose of WASPy-ness. True Prep, the 21st century spin-off of the original Preppy Handbook, now has a jewelry collection featured online. The pieces include a crest-emblazoned gold medallion on a leather cord bracelet, a silver necklace boasting engraved riding boots, and, admittedly my favorite part, rubber abbreviation bracelets. Ever want to show your best friend some appreciation? Give her the ILYLAAS (I love you like an argyle sweater) cuff. Tired of that prep school uniform you have to wear everyday (or had to, for those of us who have since graduated from the uni)? Wear you heart on your sleeve and proclaim your disdain with the IHTU (I hate the uniform) bracelet. Do you constantly get cornered by friends and foes alike right when you're in a hurry? Tell them you're sorry, but you G2GPS (got to go play squash). And at prices of only $10 for the abbreviation bracelets and $28 for the more traditional pieces, these are definitely the PPOTM (preppy pieces of the moment).

The Best Of: Jack Wills Varsity Polo 2011

Every June I anticipate the day that the Jack Wills crew puts up the Varsity Polo pictures on Flickr. This year did not disappoint; in fact it did quite the opposite. I decided to post my favorite shots with comments and then compile a "get the look" list for those of you who, like me, yearn to stomp the divots at JW Polo.


Love the aviators, sweet smiles, and chunky men's-inspired watch and neon nail polish on the girl in the middle.


Aviators again (looks like the of-the-moment shade)! I also love the micro-minidresses with more menswear-y pieces like blazers, fedoras, and structured leather shoulder bags.


Florals, lace, and open knits all look great with denim jackets and a jolt of color.


The girl in the middle has such effortless style- I love the lace tee.


Liberty print florals and tweed- a match made in Jack Wills heaven.


This photo is like the epitome of fun- everything from the flower chain headband to the swirly straw in the mini champagne bottle is so wonderfully carefree. Preppy can be a little undone yet still be prim and proper (the party girls are still in their blazers!). I love the simple bow sandals and the bright Wellies in the middle and to the left, respectively, as well. Bonus points to the brunette girl who seemed to share a brainwave with me this past weekend and wore a white eyelet dress under a blue blazer (right)!




And congrats to Yale for beating Harvard (gotta have home state pride)!

Get the look:
- Aviators
- Lace tees
- Menswear touches
- Short dresses
- Liberty prints
- Blazers- from heavy tweed to lightweight linen
- Chunky watches
- Headgear (aka floral headbands or fedoras)
- Effortless straight or wavy hair and simple makeup

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

The latest on my wishlist of things I'm currently coveting or recently purchased.

1. Michael Kors stainless steel watch

I absolutely love this thing! I just bought it last night (bye bye, paycheck) and it's so timeless yet modern. The chunky size and big face makes it a bit like a men's watch, but the classy Roman numerals and white face keep it feminine and fresh. I know it was expensive, but I'll definitely be wearing this for years to come so it was worth it. Michael has a bunch of other great watches, including a clear one that's a bit more trendy but still classic.

2. J.Crew neon gingham oxford and white chino shorts
My new favorite outfit by far. Neon is very of-the-moment, brightening up preppy basics like oxford shirts. The gingham lends a more whimsical feel to the shirt as well. The white shorts are the classic J.Crew 3" inseam ones that they have every summer, and I love them. I have them in three other solids and two prints, and they are a great-looking short.

3. Quatrefoil jewelry

I'm obsessed with anything quatrefoil-shaped lately. I have a pair of mother-of-pearl and sterling silver chandelier earrings with two quatrefoils and they have become my go-to earring this summer. I also just purchased a simple gold bracelet with a single diamond-studded quatrefoil in the center at T.J. Maxx for $20 and I haven't taken it off since.

4. Straw fedoras
I just got one of these from one of those cheap accessory stores in my local mall. I have yet to wear it, but I'm sure it'll be making it to the beach at least. They're another more trendy item, but with a sundress and wedges or an oxford and jeans they can add just the right amount of flair.

5. Lilly Pulitzer "Daphne" dress

This dress/print combo is SO adorable. The blues and white are crisp, and the shell- and anchor-adorned print is perfectly summery (and Delta Gamma-y). The beaded placket on the front adds sparkle, taking this dress from a daytime soiree to a nighttime party. This will definitely be my Nantucket Lilly purchase this year!

That's So Collegiate

Never think Lilly would go to a frat party? Think again! Lilly Pulitzer has just come out with a new summer print adorned with typical college-y things such as playing cards, Sperrys, ping pong balls and paddles, and, yes, the infamous Solo cup. How on earth could those things be made into a cute, preppy print suitable for a sundress, you may ask. Well, the print geniuses over at Lilly have made it happen by keeping the print simple and fresh so you don't have to be afraid to return to your college roots this summer while dining out in Nantucket.

Surfin' USA

In between jobs, internships, and summer classes, there has to be time left over for some fun in the sun. And where better to spend that time than at the beach lounging on the sand and cooling off in the ocean? That's what I'll be doing on Friday (weather-permitting), and I can't wait to break out my new suit and get a nice golden glow to start off summer. My bathing suit obsession this summer is definitely the preppy suit (so luckily I can blog about it here). Despite my recent purchase of a tie-dye Lucky Brand bandeau bikini (if it makes any difference, it is pink and green), I'm all for stripes and mix-and-match Lilly tops and bottoms. In keeping with the all-American theme of this past weekend (and all-American is very preppy- hello, Ralph Lauren!), I bought the infamous Old Navy triangle-top bikini on which one half is navy with white stars and the other is red and white stripes. For only $10 (yay sales and coupons), it'll look pretty cute for the 4th of July. Personally I'm more of a bandeau fan as opposed to a triangle top, but brands like Jack Wills let you decide which top you prefer. Mix-and-match capabilities are great, because they let you pick which top and bottom, plus hardly anyone is the same size in both. This brings me to my most-coveted bathing suit of summer 2011: the mismatched Lilly Pulitzer. I love the idea of a print and a solid, and what better way to sport that than with a solid-color bikini top (save cash and grab one at Target) and a printed Lilly bottom (you need the real deal for this one). Simply adorable!

Beach cover-ups and accessories are also vital parts of any preppy beach-goer's attire. Preps from the Cape to Palm Beach sport a range of cover-ups, from Lilly or Tory Burch caftans to local t-shirts and denim cut-offs. I usually aim for the middle of this spectrum and go for a J.Crew cotton cover-up. Tote-wise, I'm a fan of my tried-and-true J.Crew straw tote with the metallic handle, but Sea Bags and LL Bean boat totes work just as well. Straw hats or head scarves are great to protect your face and hair from the harsh sun, but keep any jewelry to a minimum unless you want an odd tan line or you're one of those die-hard New Englanders who wears a Nantucket rope bracelet all summer long (of which I may or may not be guilty). This proves that you can have your tan and look good too, just don't forget your sunscreen (as an aspiring dermatologist I feel morally obligated to say this)!

One final note from your Jack Wills William & Mary Seasonnaire (aka me): be sure to check out Jack's Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard stores if you're on the Islands this summer (see you on ACK in August, Jack!) and if not, pay a visit to the Boston flagship or one of this summer's new stores in New Haven, CT, Southampton, NY, Newport, RI (all recently opened), and Charlottesville, VA (coming soon)!

Jack Wills's Best Summer Job in America

This summer, Jack Wills will be searching for one US college student to be part of the Best Summer Job in America. The person chosen for this role will be shipped off to Nantucket in peak season to live and work with our Nantucket Store Seasonnaire, Red Rainey. Parties, days on the beach, and nights in town will take up most of their time as they help to make Jack Wills Nantucket the best store on the Island. When the winner of the ‘Best Summer Job in America’ isn’t representing Jack Wills on the Nantucket beaches they will be flown around to some of the other seasonal locations including Newport, Southampton and Martha’s Vineyard, as well as taking part in two huge Jack Wills summer events- one in the UK and one in LA. And here’s the kicker- they will receive $20,000 towards their next semester’s tuition fees!

Sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me! Apply by June 20th on the Jack Wills Facebook page by filling out the application and submitting a 60-second video explaining why you should be chosen. Good luck, prepsters!

Lazy Days

Since getting home from college a week ago, my laziness has definitely taken over. At school I'm always put-together for class and meetings, but during this two-week hiatus between school ending and work starting, I've literally been doing nothing but shopping, lunching, and catching up on Gossip Girl and The Real Housewives. Last Saturday I went to the Jack Wills New Haven store launch party and had a great time- the store looks fabulous and I couldn't leave without buying the liberty print Larkhill dress and a coordinating pink and navy striped belt. The early part of this week I spent putting away all (emphasis on "all") of my clothes, which I'm still finishing up before my weekend trip to Bucknell to watch my cousin's graduation. But yesterday's trip to New Canaan (while wearing simply a J.Crew denim shirtdress, Rugby leather belt, and plain leather sandals) was what inspired me to keep this no-frills lifestyle going all summer; after all, summer is all about relaxation. After my purchase of Nantucket reds skinny chinos at Rugby and my delicious lunch of an open-faced turkey, avocado, and tomato vinagrette sandwich on wheat at Le Pain Quotidien, I decided to keep this effortless look going all summer, starting this weekend.

As I attempt to pack, I'm just pulling clothes that can take me from event to event with little modification (though I'm sure my old ways will creep back in and I'll end up wearing five or six outfits over the course of three days). My Nantucket reds chinos are my favorite item at the moment, and they'll be perfect for the evening barbecue tomorrow with my navy anchor-printed JW Tithby top and sandals by my other favorite Jack (Rogers, that is). Lilly will have to make an appearance for the ceremony itself, but I'm thinking of throwing on a more casual sundress for the afternoon and dinner Sunday night.

The key, I've found, to effortless dressing is to try to steer clear of being too matchy-matchy. The nouveau-prep is not one of perfectly pleated pants, a matching blazer, and a crisp shirt. Sun-bleached chinos and a slightly wrinkled oxford are much more modern. So give your iron a rest (at least on the weekends) and sit back and relax. And maybe enjoy a buttered lobster roll or some fried clams while you're at it.

"Summer" is a Verb

It's officially one week until the last day of classes (appropriately dubbed by W&M students as "Blowout") and the royal wedding (hello, 4 am wake-up call!), which can only mean one thing: summer is on my mind. I keep getting bursts of excitement for sun, sand, and working (yay?) in between the bursts of fear I suffer from thanks to my looming final exams. Thankfully I think the prospect of summer will be enough to carry me through the next few weeks of constant studying and complaining with my classmates. To kickoff the best season of the year, here is my top three things I'm excited for upon my return to Connecticut from good old Virginia.

1. More Jack Wills stores!



The British are coming, and not just to Massachusetts anymore. Thanks to my inside scoop from JW and Women's Wear Daily, I've been getting pumped for the New Haven, CT, Newport, RI, and Southampton, NY stores opening in May and the Charlottesville, VA store in June. New Haven is dangerously close to my homebase, so I'm sure I'll be frequenting the store quite often this summer on my days off of work when the weather's not good enough to hit up Compo Beach in Westport (the JW Westport store doesn't open til later this year). And of course, I'll be hitting one of the original US stores in Nantucket when I'm there in early August. Luckily, I already have my wishlist picked out (including the liberty print Larkhill dress).

2. Polo matches.


Jack Wills Varsity Polo in June is such an awesome event, even from watching it on my laptop across the Pond. Hopefully I'll get to go to a polo match in person again this summer in Greenwich with some friends (and hopefully it doesn't randomly thunderstorm in the middle of the match like last year). Getting dolled up in floppy hats and sundresses is pretty much a favorite summer pastime of mine, so I'll be jumping at the opportunity to watch some polo.

3. Beachy luxury.


I don't think I've ever looked forward to going to the beach as much as I have been recently. There's just something so glamorous and preppy about walking onto the sand with your Jack Rogers in one hand and your Vineyard Vines beach tote slung over your shoulder. But bathing suits and beach blankets aside, I'm loving walks on the beach at sunset (don't care that this is the cheesiest thing ever) and even glam dinners where the surf meets the sand. The idea of wearing a Lilly maxi dress with some chunky statement jewelry while dining on the beach is just too fabulous for words. Floppy straw hat not optional (this classic one is from J.Crew).

(Jack) Wills & Kate

As both a Jack Wills seasonnaire and a know-it-all of all things royal wedding-related, it should come as no surprise that I've discovered the limited edition Jack Wills royal wedding commemorative mugs. A witty play on words allows the mug to boast both the names of the brand and Britain's most talked-about couple. Looks like I know what I'll be drinking my morning tea out of while watching the ceremony! Cheers!

A Prep's Guide to Spring Break

With spring break 2011 just around the corner (or happening now for those of us at early bird schools like William & Mary), you're either going to one of two places: a warm destination with your best friends to have some fun in the sun and return to campus tan, or home to melting snow and mud with temperatures barely hitting 50 (I still love you, New England). Either way, spring break is spring break and the only thing on everyone's mind is rising temperatures and breaking out the sundresses and chino shorts. Here is my list of current obsessions for the upcoming sunshiny days.

1. A cool carry-all:

Just as perfect for toting a towel and sunscreen to the beach as for holding your wallet, camera, lip gloss, and a sweater, a tote is a spring necessity. I'm partial to the anchor on this one from Sea Bags (yeah, Delta Gamma!) but they also make totes with numbers, stripes, or a lobster claw out of recycled sails- it really doesn't get much more nautical than that! Other cute totes I'm loving are Lilly Pulitzer, Rugby, and, the New England classic, Vineyard Vines.

2. Preppy technology:

I'm DYING to get my iPhone when I'm due for an upgrade in April, but in the meantime I've been thinking of ways to make my phone scream me. Thankfully I had to look no further than Lilly yet again for the cutest iPhone cover ever. They also have iPad covers, laptop bags, and more. I just can't wait for people to roll their eyes followed by a "you would" when I finally have my iPhone, complete with Lilly cover.

3. Neon (yes, neon):

Usually pastels come to mind before highlighter shades when someone mentions preppy attire. Nantucket Reds and powder blues aren't going anywhere, but the young set of prepsters are sporting more vibrant hues with their polos and Sperrys these days. Thanks to brands like Jack Wills, jolts of glowing colors are showing up on everything from dresses to underwear (party pants, anyone?). Jack's "Butterton" dress is the perfect mix of classic and cool, with shocking pink stripes placed next to crisp white on a flouncy mini dress. J.Crew is also hopping on the neon train, boasting surprise neon details like zippers on unexpected pieces like floral skirts. Just be careful not to go overboard with the brightness- too much will look too costume-y. Subtle touches like nail polish (I'm loving lime at the moment) can also be an easy way to incorporate this trend without looking like you're searching for a textbook to highlight.

4. Frat glasses:

Yeah, they're cheesy and you might get yelled at for not wearing your real Wayfarers you begged for last Christmas. But they're perfect for the beach (you don't want your real Ray Bans to get all sandy) and they double as advertising for whatever organization or company stuck their logo on the side.

5. The Royal Wedding


I CANNOT wait. Yes, I will be waking up at 5 am on April 29th to watch William and Kate get married live, followed by a day of absolute nonsense since it's Blowout (William & Mary's infamous last day of classes that's basically a 24-hour-long party). I already have my outfit picked out (a floral frock adorned with English roses) so the anticipation is already heightened!

So whether you're in Cancun or Connecticut, warm weather is on it's way. Happy spring break!