Friday, May 13, 2011

Urban Prep

Mr. B and I recently returned from a trip to Palm Beach, a locale known for its prep appeal.  In college, I often sported the prepster look.  In fact, my sorority's "uniform" was a mixture of popped collars, pearls, boat shoes, and oversized sunglasses.  As we get older, I think clothing becomes less of a way to associate with a group or type and more a form of personal expression, so over time I've shed my preppiness a bit and embraced more of a classic urban look.

However, prep has classic appeal, so as I was packing for Palm Beach, I found myself mixing in a bit of my former looks with my current.  I pulled out my brightest dresses, craziest patterns, and flirtiest frocks...then mixed them with vintage jewelry and more structured accessories.  I often get chilly at night while at the beach (it's that mixture of a tad too much sun and the sea breeze), so I like to pack a sweater or jacket.

The look below combines the easy breezy prep of Palm Beach with the classic modernity of urban chic to show that you can pull many influences into your style without looking costume-y.  There are two shoe options -- one for the more daring and one for the more traditional.  Either way, you would certainly look preppy chic.

Lilly Pulitzer stripe dress
$298 - zappos.com

Rag Bone black blazer
$495 - forwardforward.com

Tory Burch thong sandal
$195 - nordstrom.com

Kathy Van Zeeland gold shoes
$89 - endless.com

Sequin collar necklace
$88 - nordstrom.com

AK Anne Klein tortoise watch
$65 - amazon.com

Bounkit post earring
$75 - charmandchain.com

H M straw hat
6.99 GBP - hm.com

Urban Prep

Rag Bone black blazer
$495 - forwardforward.com

Tory Burch thong sandal
$195 - nordstrom.com

Sequin collar necklace
$88 - nordstrom.com

Bounkit post earring
$75 - charmandchain.com

H M straw hat
6.99 GBP - hm.com

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

"The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize."

Leave it to Steal Magnolias to perfectly capture a little truth about life.  Whether through fashion, home interiors, tablescapes, or events, accessories - the little details of life - matter.  Accessorizing is an art; accessorizing is fun; accessorizing adds a dash of spice to an otherwise vanilla day.

My friends have long commented on my accessories.  I often hear "oh, I could never wear that" or "how do you think to put those things together?"  Admittedly, I love to add a little panache to an outfit more than most.  Sometimes I hear the voice of Coco Chanel (and my mother) in my head and decide to take one item off, but other days I like to bling it up.  The great thing about accessories, like all fashion, is that you can use them to express your personality on any given day.  My day job is not exactly in a creative field.  I work in finance; however, I use outlet such as painting, interior design, and of course daily fashion to express my creativity.

Think back to your childhood.  Sure, there are many outfits and items we wore as children that should have never graced our persons.  Neon socks?  Scrunchies?  Jelly bracelets?  (I used to pretend my jelly bracelets were braces...anyone else?)  But we weren't afraid of color and pattern and mixing texture.  True, as we get older we should become more knowledgable about what works for our body type, what exudes classic appeal, what is on trend.  However, we also become increasingly self conscious and aware of others' perceptions of us, so we grow more timid when it comes to truly expressing ourselves.  I think all most items require to be worn is a boost of confidence and awareness of what works.

I love getting dressed and I love helping others piece together an outfit.  I love decorating my house.  I love hosting a party down to the tiniest detail or theme.  I love setting a table, even if it's just for a regular Wednesday night dinner.  I love adding spice and glamour to the ordinary in life.  Though I am no expert, I appreciate the individuality and uniqueness in all people and enjoy finding ways to take an individual's style and sprinkle on a bit of polish and pop.  So I hope that this blog will provide me with another creative outlet and in turn provide others with a fun and fresh look at fashioning a stylish life.