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.