Shoe Thing

Since as far back as I can remember, I have always been fascinated by shoes. Growing up, I never felt like an outfit was complete without the proper tennis shoe or sandal, often driving my parents crazy with my endless request for a new pair. Although my style has evolved over the years, my addiction to footwear has remained, often leaving me lusting after styles found on blogs like Classy Girls Wear Pearls. Below are some of my top shoe recommendations perfect for long summer afternoons strolling through the quaint streets of the Vineyard.

Sperry Topsider: A stylish mix between a moccasin and a tennis shoe, Sperrys are a quintessential summer staple for any preppy New Englander. Originally produced with avid boaters in mind, these shoes have a unique anti-slip sole and are the perfect mix between a loafer and a tennis shoe. Recently making a huge comeback on to the fashion scene, Sperry’s are sold in a wide variety of colors and styles making finding a pair that fits in with the rest of your wardrobe very simple. Being the bargain hunter that I am, I’ve been lucky enough to purchase both of my pairs for far less then retail (around 40 dollars) and am happy to report that they definitely stand up to their fair share of wear and tear. For anyone seeking a similar deal I would recommend looking through the "sale" section on the Sperry website or even checking out stores like Marshalls that often receive shipments when there is a surplus of a certain model. I actually got mine at the annual "tent" sale that s shoe store in my town holds every summer, so definitely be in the lookout for local events as well! Although the Bluefish 2-Eye is probably the most popular among most college girls, my personal favorite is the all leather 2 – Eye in brown and navy. Their vintage appearance brings a pleasant blast from the past to any outfit, while adding a nautical touch to a very casual look. My personal favorite is a pair of cuffed jeans with a navy and white striped top- basic yet very chic.

Stripes & Sperrys

Hunter Rain Boots: Despite the fact that as summer approaches, most of us are hoping for an end to grey skies and plenty of sunshine in the forecast, there is no doubt that there are a fair share of rainy days ahead—this past week it rained 6 out of 7 days! In order to be prepared for these sudden fronts, and still look stylish, it is essential to invest in a great pair of rain boots and Hunter’s are definitely the best choice. Like Sperry’s, these rubber boots come in a wide variety of colors and styles, with lengths ranging from short to tall (which hits just below the knee). Although the bright pinks, blues and metallic shades are fun to look at for a little while, I would definitely suggest purchasing a pair in a navy or hunter green, as these colors will never go out of style and match almost any outfit. In all honesty, these boots are pretty expensive, with the tall pair costing around $120, but they are totally worth the investment as they can stand up to anything from a light afternoon shower to a morning spent bird watching on some fairly soggy marshland. Another thing that makes these shoes so appealing is the fact that they have been being made in Edinburgh, Scotland since 1856 and even have the official seal of approval from her Majesty The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh. Below is an example of an outfit I put together centered upon these royal favorites- trench coat included.

Hunter Rain Boots

Trench & Sailor Dress

Jack Rogers Navajo Sandals: The preppy girl’s Birkenstock and a country club favorite since their release in 1960, these chic, comfortable sandals look as good with a simple t-shirt and shorts as they do with a formal sheath dress. Functional because of their flat soles, yet stylish due to their dynamic color selection and stich detailing, you will never regret investing in a pair. As with Sperry’s and Hunters, they tend to be on the expensive side- averaging out at around $100, but will pay for themselves, quickly becoming your go-to choice for any summer outing. Recently, the company has even expanded to include monogrammed options as well as styles inspired by the school colors of several prominent colleges and universities. If you are still a little bit nervous about spending that much money on one pair of sandals then I would suggest purchasing a knock-off pair at a department store like Marshalls. I recently came across a very well-made mock at Tj.maxx that only cost $30! Getting a cheap "trial" pair is a great way to test out how well the look integrates into the rest of your wardrobe (something to consider for Sperrys and Hunters as well). If you end up loving the fake then there is little doubt that making the decision to get the real thing will be a mistake. To get you inspired, here is a simple summer look centered upon my new favorite sandals- knock-offs included.

Jacks and Shorts

Summer Essentials

As the weather heats up (or cools down in New England’s case—85 to 20, what?) the promise of summer is at the forefront of my mind. Because I will be graduating high school this spring, I also get out of school almost a month earlier than usual and I could not be more excited. An extra-long vacation means plenty of adventures, the opportunity to make more money (I will be working as a nanny) and of course, lots of new fashions to go around. The exact opposite of winter, summertime in New England tends to be extremely hot and humid, and a lot of the time, my outfit choices are more focused on staying cool then looking super stylish. Recently, however, I have discovered several key pieces that make it easy to stay preppy, without dying of heatstroke.

J Crew Summerweight Chino Shorts


Available in a wide variety of colors and lengths (3, 5 and 9inches) J Crew Summerweight’s are perfect for lazy summer days. Unlike denim, the style is constructed with warmer climates in mind, composed of a crisp blend of lightweight cotton and just a little bit of stretch- making them both fashionable and functional. The shorts usually retail for around $50 but it is possible to get them on sale at the store or at an outlet, especially once May begins to roll around. Last Spring, I was lucky enough to come across a periwinkle blue pair in a 5inch length for around $30—a great deal considering how much use I have gotten out of them. Because I bought them a little big (always size down at J Crew), I usually wear them with a braided belt and a looser style top tucked in. The crisp blue shade is easy to pair with white, yellow and coral and accessorizing with gold jewelry really ties the look together. Below is an example of a summer outfit I put together centered on these shorts.



J. Crew Summerweight Chino Shorts & Braided Belt



Ruffled Blouse



Sun Dresses

If putting together a full outfit seems like too much effort on a summer morning, or you wake up late only to realize that you have to be at work in 10 minuets, light and airy sundresses are a great option. Not only will they keep you cool, but a great dress will help you to feel put- together without looking like you tried too hard. In order to ease your worries about appearing to formal, stick to dresses in light weight cotton and jersey materials. A great collection of simple summer dresses can be dressed up or down with accessories and are a welcome addition to any girl’s wardrobe. When looking for these styles, I tend to drift towards less expensive stores like H&M and Forever 21, so I can invest more in complementing shoes and jewelry. While shopping I like to stay true to my preppy roots, picking out styles in navy, white and also seersucker—this makes it easy to combine items I already own with new additions. Below are examples of two outfits, one formal and the other casual, perfect for work (and fun) in the sun.



Lace Dress with Cardigan and Sunnies (Casual)




Lace Dress with Layered Necklace (Formal)

Crop Tops
Although many people still tend to associate this trend with the 80’s, these airy shirts have made a dramatic comeback over the last few years and I can finally understand why. Last summer, after a few days of 90+ degree weather, I caved to the style while strolling through a department store. I had seen them before, at stores like Urban Outfitters, but since I refuse to spend more then $10 on half a shirt, I never considered making the purchase. That particular day, for a ridiculously low $5, I opted to take a risk and buy the piece, and I could not be happier that I did. On super hot and humid days, nothing is easier and cooler, to throw on than a pair of shorts and a comfortable crop top. Just remember to wear the piece with high wasted shorts or pants—they are not belly shirts. Below is an example of a casual outfit featuring one of my favorite $5 dollar finds.

Grey High Waisted Shorts



Crop Top



What are your summer essentials? Feel free to comment back and let me know!

Thriftting

As mentioned in previous posts, I am an avid bargain hunter and do not like missing a great sale. Although shopping the clearance racks at stores like J.Crew can be rewarding and worth the trip, the best way to find truly great bargains is to flip through the racks at local second hand stores. Usually associated with moth balls and shoulder pads, thrift shops have really improved over the past few years as more and more people have started to realize the benefits that can come form recycling favorite styles. At the beginning of each new season, I devote a few hours to looking through my closet and picking out the items that I no longer like or want to wear. After some contemplation, I either donate the pieces to the Salvation Army or bring them to a consignment boutique like Second Time Around where I can earn credits for future purchases. This "cleanse" not only frees up my closet but also allows me to spread some good "recycling" karma—a major plus in our "go green" culture." Below are examples of a few great pieces that I have come across during my thrifty adventures:

Ralph Lauren Button Downs: Retailing at around $90 these classic oxfords are a staple in any prep’s wardrobe. Wrinkle resistant, and easy to pair with jeans, shorts or a skirt, these versatile blouses add an instant dose of "class" to an otherwise bland look. Hoping to save myself from the "sticker price" I opted to do some research and found that most second hand stores carry a large amount of button down tops from brands like Ralph Lauren at very reasonable prices. After a great deal of patience and a few trips around the Boston area, I finally came back with three of these styles all in different colors and fits, and none costing more then $8!

Ralph Lauren Oxfords

Shorts: One item I absolutely hate spending a lot of money on are shorts. Now I’m not talking about the adorable patterns turned out by Lily every spring, but plain denim or khaki that you throw on for a day at the beach or an impromptu afternoon bike ride. In order to save myself (and my wallet) from the sea of outrageous prices, I take to the racks of local consignment boutiques where I often leave with styles from companies like Gap and J. crew for around $10. Because most purchases made at thrift shops are non-refundable and the sizes on the hangers can often be deceiving, I would definitely suggest trying on the shorts before you buy them- nothing is worse then getting home and realizing your new find is two sizes too small (or big). Also, don’t be afraid of making your own adjustments! There have been several times when I have purchased a pair of shorts in a long length that I later cuffed or cut to create a whole new look.



Nantucket Reds (J. Crew) Khaki (Gap)

Oversized Sweaters: A quintessential look for any High School or College girl, an oversize sweater paired with leggings and a favorite pair of boots is the best way to feel comfortable without sacrificing style. Since most of us don’t like dishing out a lot of money for a an extra large top that you might only wear on rainy days, looking around for these items at consignment boutiques is the best solution. Recently, while browsing at one of these shops, I came across an adorable Ralph Lauren sweater with a sailboat emblem that helps me to feel nautical without looking overdone—an ideal combination that only cost me $17!

Ralph Lauren Sweater

Despite the fact that "thrifting" definitely takes more effort then heading to the mall, the extra searching time is well worth it for the deals. In order to get the most for your money it also helps to know how your particular store handles sales—often times items will be discounted after a certain amount of time on the rack and their tags are color coded so the final selling price is easier to calculate. Hopefully these tips inspire you to do some hunting—happy summer and happy thrifting!

NYC Shopping

Last week, faced with the prospect of spring vacation, my friends and I opted to spend a day shopping in NYC, in hope of taking a much needed break from all of the colleges stress that has been taking up a large majority of our free time. Being a "city girl" at heart, NYC is one of my favorite destinations, and the fact that it is only about a 4 hour car or train ride away, makes it all the more desirable. Hoping to get as much time to shop as possible, we took off around 7 on Sunday morning, making it to the city around 11, just when most of the stores were opening for the day. Although NYC has plenty to choose from in terms of major retail shops, like H&M and Urban Outfitters, it also has its fair share of street vendors, and other unique "gems", such as China town’s Canal Street. Below are some of my favorite shopping destinations, both indoor and out, perfect for finding some great additions to your urban attire.

Century 21: A glorified Tj. Maxx unique to the New York area, Century 21 is a huge department store filled with plenty of great designer deals. Although the "floor" may appear overwhelming at first, taking some time to dig through the racks is definitely worthwhile, especially if you are looking to save some money. Despite the fact that we didn’t make it here on our last trip, my friends and I have all collectively purchased a few items from the retailer in the past, all of which have grown to become welcome additions to our closets—like my friend Diana’s Lacoste tennis shoes. In addition to less "prominent" brands, the store also carries some very high end goods including Chanel and Dolce and Gabana. To my disappointment, these pieces are still fairly pricey, but if you are looking to invest in a really special item, then you should definitely opt to check out this section as everything is marked down from its original retail price.



Century 21 NYC image via batteryparkcity.com

Canal Street: As a frequent NYC visitor, I believe strongly that there are a few things one must "experience" upon their first visit to the city, China town’s Canal Street being no exception. Bustling with the sound of anxious street vendors herding clients into their makeshift "boutiques", while the scent of Dim Sum lingers in the air, simply walking through this crowded mecca for just a few minutes is an event in itself. Although to some, the description above may make the tourist hub seem a little overwhelming, it’s certainly worth a visit, if not for the atmosphere, then definitely for the merchandise. Most commonly known for its large selection of counterfeit Rolex watches, the "underground" shop also sells a great deal of designer handbags, sunglasses and jewelry. Regardless of the fact that I am not usually one to support knockoff goods and apparel, I can not seem to pass up the idea of bartering for a like-new Tory Burch wallet or a pair of Ray-ban sunglasses. The key to shopping off the record is knowing what to buy, how much different items are worth and most importantly, what you are willing to pay. Keep in mind that no matter what the vendor says, there is always room for a little negotiation, and never get tricked into buying the very obvious fakes that are set out on display—just ask to see the pieces in the back.


Canal Street NYC image via dguides.com

Anthropologie: Although in recent years, this retailer has expanded across the United States, I find that locations in large cities, like NYC, usually tend to have the best selection and the most items on sale. Owned by Urban Outfitters, the unique store sells a wide variety of women’s apparel, accessories and home goods, that provide a nice change of pace from more typical styles found at most chain shops. Although I could easily fill a cart with delicate cardigans and dainty bow blouses, my favorite items to browse through are definitely the dresses, which vary greatly in style and cut making finding one that appeals to your personal taste that much more simple. Unlike Century 21, most items at Anthroplogie tend to be fairly expensive, ranging mostly from 50-300 dollars, but sales are fairly generous, especially right after the holidays or at the end of a season. Despite the fact that this is a fashion blog, I can’t help but say a few things about the lust worthy home décor selection, which features chic and well made bedding, hand crafted furniture, and adorable mugs perfect for a cup of afternoon tea.

Anthropologie image via santanarow.com

Fashion Don'ts (New England Style)

Fashion Don’ts (New England Style):

Despite its common association with crisp, ivy inspired styles, New England, like any other region, is certainly not exempt from all fashion faux-pas. Don’t get me wrong, I’ve also had my days, graphic tees and flared jeans are not a cute look, but recently, with the arrival of warm weather, I have noticed a sharp increase in questionable styles. Below are some examples of common errors that need to be addressed before they continue to spread any further…

Overboard Sports Gear

I’m not going to lie to you by saying that I’m a huge Red Sox fan, or a major sports fan for that matter, but considering the fact that I’ve lived near the city for all of my life, I definitely hold a significant amount of pride in the team.  Although I appreciate the enthusiasm many individuals have for the game, I do not understand some people’s desire to burry themselves in head to toe paraphernalia. Speaking from experience, nothing is more of an eyesore then a large crowd of excited ticketholders making their way down an escalator in North Station, covered in a sea of red and white tones. Not only is this tacky but also pretty expensive—prices for Sox t-shirts start at around $20 and that’s a good deal! The best way to solve this problem is to pick one or two of your “favorite” items to wear at the game and then coordinate the rest of your look based on those colors.  If your shirt is red and blue, and you have a navy baseball hat wear those items together and then add jeans or denim shorts so you’re still supporting the team without looking like a walking advertisement for Olympia. 



Sports Gear via welldressedsportsfan.blogspot.com



Socks and Sandals

When the weather start to warm up, nothing is more tempting then putting away your trusted bean boots and pulling out your favorite flip flops or sandals. Although this is a welcome sight after a season of blustery Nor Easters, combining socks with a pair of open toe shoes is never a good option. Apart from looking really unattractive, thick socks paired with shoes designed for leisurely beach excursions are also a walking contradiction—paradox  anyone? In order to avoid making this undesirable statement, pay attention to the weather, and if it’s too cold for bare feet don’t wear sandals! I mean really, would you wear socks to the beach?



Flip Flops and Socks via viawondercafe.ca



 

Running Shoes and Skirts (or anything else that doesn’t belong at the gym)

One thing needs to be made very clear right off the bat. Shoes that you wear to the gym or to go for a run should not be worn unless you are fully engaged in some form of exercise.  Now I’m not talking about a cute pair of Keds or even for those few of you that can pull it off, some Converse low tops, but New Balance or any other athletic brand does not belong walking through the mall a restaurant or even worse, a dinner party. Furthermore, this type of footwear should never be worn with anything other than pants or shorts. If the occasion is formal enough to require a skirt or a dress then it is not appropriate to show up with your trusty gym companions—even if their coloring complements your attire perfectly.  



Running Shoe via altrec.com



As harsh as these suggestions may sound, I don’t mean them in a negative way—yes, these types of looks should be avoided but all of us, me included, make mistakes and the best way to get through theawkward stages is to laugh it off… and maybe take a trip to the mall!

Blog Feature: Sarah Vickers (Classy Girls Wear Pearls)

 Classy Girls Wear Pearls
As most of you can probably infer from my overcrowded side bar, I have a slight blog addiction and could easily spend months on the Internet in search of a new favorite. Recently, while on a quest for some mid-winter style inspiration, I happened upon “Classy Girls Wear Pearls,” the photographic chronicles of Sarah Vickers, an adorable Rhode Island native with a brilliantly preppy sense of style. Apart from a lust-worthy wardrobe filled with colorful Nordic sweaters, perfectly pressed corduroys and chic wool jackets, Sarah is also a savvy entrepreneur, and co-founder of the New England based company, “Kiel James Patrick.” Fed up with the dwindling amount of thoughtfully constructed American goods currently available to the general public, Sarah’s boyfriend,  Kiel, began designing colorful fabric bracelets, made from scarps of vintage ties and blazers, to sell at fairs and other local events. Quickly, popularity of these simple novelties grew, inspiring Kiel to expand the team, establish a website, and move operations out of his parent’s garage, and into a large factory located in his home state of Rhode Island.

             Hoping to connect with fans worldwide on a more personal level, Kiel and Sarah established a Twitter, Facebook page and of course, “Classy Girls Wear Pearls.” In perfect harmony with KJP’s firm commitment to quality and style, Sarah’s chic and perfectly polished outfit choices never cease to impress, constantly inspiring me to take risks with my own, often predictable, fashion choices.  Since, as I have come to realize, dressing for late winter can be challenging, below are some tips and tricks for refreshing your current look, all inspired by the lovely, Sarah Vickers.

Light Layers (from Essex Docks, Gulls and Ducks):
            Although March can be quite warm (this week we hit 70 in New England!), most days are still chilly enough to require a light jacket. In this look, Sarah embraced the late afternoon sun with a navy blue wool coat, cherry red sweater and effortlessly cuffed taupe corduroys. To top off the look, Sarah added a vintage, Dooney and Bourke shoulder bag, a pair of “old school” brown penny loafers and of course, a braided Kiel James Patrick belt. Simple yet stylish, this outfit serves as an invincible companion to any (very) early spring day, providing just the right amount of warmth without making you look like you’re ready for a blizzard. Because it’s mostly composed of popular “basics”, recreating a similar look at home is actually very easy. To give the outfit your own unique flair, consider adding an infinity scarf, a strand of pearls, a headband or even a few “mismatched bracelets.” If you’re not a fan of corduroys, jeans, khakis or even a tweed skirt could all serve as equally fashionable, potential substitutions. 

From Essex Docks, Gulls and Ducks photo courtesy of Sarah Vickers

                               

Contrasting Shades (from Mysterious Atlantic):

Striped shirts, are without a doubt, an essential element that every preppy girl should have in her wardrobe. Easy to dress up with accessories, the simple pattern adds a nautical touch to any look, while helping you to feel polished without looking over done. In this ensemble, Sarah dressed up a navy and green striped sweater with a strand of pearls, a Dooney and Bourke bag, boat shoes and some Kiel James Patrick bracelets. In an effort to remain faithful to the casual essence of the style, Sarah added a pair of light washed, cuffed skinny jeans. Although I tend to wear dark denim, the color of the jeans in contrast to the dark tones of the sweater works well, helping bold elements, like Sarah’s red boat shoes, stand—out even more. If stripes do not appeal to you, solids can achieve a very similar aesthetic—just be wary of skin tight styles, in the end sizing up is always cuter, and more comfortable! As much as I love boat shoes, if the weather allows it, feel free to replace them with gladiator sandals or ballets flats—it helps you feel “springy” without going too overboard- no pun intended.



From Mysterious Atlantic photo courtesy of Sarah Vickers

  

Bold Colors (from Duck Duck Goose)

To me, nothing screams spring like a pair of tailored, coral pants. For a while, I was convinced that there was no way I could pull off the “wild “slacks but last year, during a can’t miss sale at the Gap, I took a leap of faith and purchased my own pair.  Surprisingly, this seemingly daring piece is actually very easy to wear, and looks especially good with crisp whites and blues, as depicted in Sarah’s outfit. Her periwinkle Ralph Lauren oxford is also a perfect complement to the chunky floral necklace and emerald green Dooney and Bourke, $300, she   chose to accessorize with. To offset the bold colors, Sarah also opted for a pair of simple brown ballet flats, a skinny belt and single gold bracelet. If coral is too adventurous for your liking, feel free to replace the pants with navy khakis, but remember that sometimes taking a risk, in fashion or in life, can lead to great results!

From Duck Duck Goose photo courtesy of Sarah Vickers

As an aspiring small business owner myself, Sarah and Kiel motivate me to continue pushing forward with my goals, while helping me to realize that style does not have to be sacrificed for success. In the coming months, I will continue to keep up with “Classy Girls Wear Pearls”, bringing you monthly “style files”, all inspired by my favorite East Coast blogger, Sarah Vickers.

Boston Basics

Even though I don’t actually reside there, I consider Boston to be my true hometown. Much like NYC,  the city is full of life and of course, a traditional accent that is more than a little fun to impersonate (what's so bad about pronouncing your R's?) Whether I’m watching a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, exploring a new exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts, or simply window shopping on Newbury Street, I can’t help but feel captivated by the city’s vibrant energy and lifestyle. In an attempt to escape the monotony of school and work, my friends and I often venture into the city for extended day trips, hoping that a momentary change of scenery will alter our perspective on the seemingly endless school year. With each trip also comes a fresh style aesthetic, most often inspired by the urban, laid back essence emulating from the city’s tired sidewalks. Because my style is traditionally preppy and classic, spending time in Boston is the perfect excuse to branch out from my comfort zone and incorporate some trendier pieces into my wardrobe.

Although our reasons for boarding the train remain fairly consistent, the way we choose to spend our time while in the city could not be more varied. From concerts at the House of Blues, to shopping trips in Harvard Square, every event calls for a new look. Recently my friends and I embarked on three of these adventures, each inspiring a unique outfit choice.

Friday Night Concert (House of Blues)


Allison and I outside of HOB Boston
Photo courtesy of Diana Russo and Allison's Blog

 For this trip, I choose a laid back, yet classic look perfectly reflecting the easy going and "cool" vibe of the House of Blues. Because it was an evening event, I opted to pair black leggings with a navy blue oxford shirt and a black leather jacket. I tied the outfit together with my favorite brown riding boots and fun, pink scarf with a touch of sequin detailing. Attending concerts at the HOB is a great excuse to channel some bolder style choices (like a leather jacket) while still staying true to classic staples, like boots and oxfords. The best way to experiment with your clothes is to build up a wardrobe of favorite basics while investing in the occasional "special piece". This way, when the time comes, you will be ready to mix and match your items, creating an interesting and timeless ensemble. Allison also chose to top off her outfit with a caramel leather jacket and some authentic cowboy boots (so jealous)!

Sunday Matinee


Galaxie, Diana, Allison and I at Shear Madness
Photo courtesy of Allison Russo

 This outfit is the perfect mix of classic staples and pretty, feminine styles. An afternoon performance demands a little extra effort, which is why I choose to pair a simple black skirt with a solid colored blouse and a ruffled cardigan. The central focus of the outfit is a mustard yellow peacoat and dark plum, bejeweled ballet flats. Like the leather jacket, this peacoat is one of my "special" pieces-- only fitting for a stroll through the stylish, fashion forward streets of Boston.

Shop Till’ You Drop



Photo courtesy of Allison Russo




photo courtesy of Allison's blog

 

A few weeks ago, Allison, Diana and I spent a Saturday in Boston to celebrate their closely linked birthdays (one day apart!). The day was mostly devoted to shopping and eating so I opted for a comfortable yet stylish pairing of dark wash jeans, a pink oxford and riding boots. No classic preppy look is complete without accessories and for this particular day I chose a quilted jacket, a worn in cross body bag and a simple strand of pearls. This outfit was a perfect sampling of New England basics and it definitely made me feel authentic. Because each piece was so versatile, the ensemble flowed seamlessly from an afternoon on trendy Newbury Street to an evening spent walking and indulging in some delicious, yet pricey,  Belgium waffles in Harvard Square.