More on Kiel James Patrick

So I caved yesterday and ordered something from the Kiel James Patrick site.  I'm holding strong on the bracelet... I am all for female empowerment but there's something fantastic about wearing jewelry someone gave you.  Most of my "good" stuff is from Michael, because lets face it, who shops at Tiffany or Pandora for themselves!!  (If you do, good for you!  But I just can't bring myself to do so...) anyway, I bet I'll cave in for the bracelet soon (which one!!!??? ALL?) but instead I am satisfied with these:

I am in love with these adorable earrings!  There are various colors and motifs (whales, anchors, lobsters...) I'd love the whales too, but the navy with pink Elephants were irresistible to me.  I've loved elephants always, but far more since Michael gave me the most adorable card with a pink elephant for me and a blue for him... I was sold on elephants after that.  At a very reasonable 22.00 USD for hand made silk button earrings with silver posts, how could I say no?  Plus, shipping is free and you get five dollars off if you sign up for their newsletter... LOVE IT.

Plus, I think Kiel James Patrick is adorable and hysterical.  I love his little blog with Sarah Vickers (they are totes adorbs together!!) and in my browsing I stumbled upon his personal blog in which he describes how gangsters scared him by calling him a cracker... seriously, can't make this stuff up!  How nice to buy hand made (in the US!) stuff by a really interesting character!  Love it...

PS. To anyone who loves me... I love everything on his site.  Seriously you couldn't go wrong... hehe!

xoxo B

Kiel James Patrick Rope Bracelets and Belts:

I'm currently lusting after a Kiel James Patrick bracelet.  I love the look of rope bracelet's, but his are so beautiful with fabulous color combinations, lined on the inside with soft fabric and it can be buttoned on and off!!!  They're 40.00 which may be a bit much for a rope bracelet, but they'd last forever.  I'm dropping hints about this one...

He makes belts too... I love them!  

Longchamp Le Pliage: The french tote

Another bag brand I adore other than Vera Bradley and LL Bean is the french brand Longchamp.  I purchased one of their shopper "Le Pliages" about three years ago at Nordstrom and I still adore it.  At the time I wanted a "nice" bag and at 125 USD I certainly spent a good chunk of allowance (ah, the good old days...) on it.  I chose the medium/small (there is a smaller size unsure of proper term) with long handles in graphite.  I used it constantly and it has held up very, very well.  the bag itself is a pretty simple tote that zips and has leather straps and a flap that snaps.  The bag is made out of very tough Nylon.  It holds up very well to weather and time and is only just starting to develop small holes in the corners.  I cannot praise it enough, it folds up neatly for storage/travel and can fit however much you need.  They are plain and simple but I think they are very classy.  I also appreciate Herve Chapelier's totes, also a french nylon tote, but there isn't any leather on them.  I just have a small little black one, I think it's very dainty and cute.  And, I love that they are french.  As pro-America as I am, I do enjoy things that are made in france and are perhaps a bit more stylish... Kate Middleton has been spotted with Longchamp...

My "Mini" Chocolate Longchamp that is folded up... perfect for travel and storage.  Photos of KM with this exact bag are around!!  I found this one on ebay and it's in fabulous condition.

Here I am carrying it, it's pretty large to fold up so neatly, I can fit all I need in there quite easily!

Who knows why Lisa Birnbach only included Herve Chapelier in her list of Prep bags, but I think they fit in wonderfully well into a preppy woman's wardrobe.  I hope to acquire a bright pink one someday...

XOXO B

The end of Summer...

There are only a few weekends like this left... I can feel it.  I love every minute of the time spent relaxing in the mountains, it helps me get through the beastly hot, busy days in Charlotte.

He really looks at home there...

This photo is too funny... No idea what I was intending to do, but what a ridiculous jump to have caught on (well not film...) camera...

Haha!  Half-way done with a dive!

Under water!!!  

We had a great time on the boat (Mummy sat out this time) so it was just the three of us, the water was perfectly warm and even though it stormed a bit all ended well.  Days like this make me so happy, I will certainly dream of them during the cold months.

XOXO B

Flat Rock: WASP central (and where I grew up)

I love driving up the mountains from Charlotte.  It may not be far, but it feels like another world up here. One where I don't have to worry about traffic, or anything that may stress or worry me.  Here I can just relax, spend time doing wholesome things like apple picking!  Or Cards!  Or Boating!  Or visiting old houses of wonderful family friends (love you Miss Sara!).   We even had the pleasure of a photo shoot at  a historic home thanks to Miss Sara, a wonderful photographer and dear friend!  Oh it's been so lovely, I think more and more how I prefer this more simple, slow-paced living to Charlotte.  Having a home here someday (especially for the summers, and for golfing) will be essential to our happiness.

Taken at Carl Sandburg's

I love it here.  Feels like home to me!!

XOXO B

Preppy Influences

In examining one's personal style, I find it important to consider how it developed.  I find that I have had a lot of influences in my life that has shaped who I am today, and of course how I dress.

My Lovely father has dressed the same way my entire life.  He is to me the classic example of prep.  His hair has been the same... he wears oxfords, chinos, and boat shoes and this look has not wavered since he was in high school (perhaps earlier).  He has been told before "You Remind me of this guy I knew..." and it's him, because he hasn't changed one bit.  I remember being amazed by his consistent devotion to clothes that fit perfectly and always look the same.  He would refuse to wear jeans, or a sweater that wasn't crewneck.  Now that I am grown I understand it.  I understand the many LL Bean polo shirts he would present me with... and now he is very pleased that I understand his fashion sense... 

This is a silly Photo, but it display's the essence of my Father, an awesome guy :)

Another influence, perhaps a more recent one (not life-long!) is my fantastic boyfriend.  His love of preppy style certainly influences what I buy and love.  He also has a lot of opinions about it all!  I know I wouldn't be half as well dressed if it wasn't for his helpful opinions!  (Love ya babe!!!)  

XOXO B

A Few Fall Shoe Wants:

Both Shoes from LL Bean.  The first are "Portland Penny Loafers" that retail for 89.00.  I think they're lovely, but admittedly I wonder if I'll get enough wear out of them to justify the purchase... the ones on the bottom though which are bean boot rubber mocs for 69.00.  I think I would rock those all the time.   I already have a pair of duck boots from Sperry for when I need the actual boot.  But on rainy/messy days those could be seriously lovely.

These are LL Bean's Casco Bay Boat Mocs.  I'm LOVING the red, though navy could be nice too!  I definitely would get my money's worth out of these.  I love my Sperry Topsiders, however they've given me blisters at a few crucial moments (such as at the Masters this year... sigh.) 

And FINALLY:

I love the look of Hunter Boots and I love how practical they seem to be.  I've tried them on and they fit my thin calves surprisingly well.  They retail for 125 which seems a bit much, but a friend found a pair on ebay for 29.00 hopefully I can do the same!  

Any shoes you're dreaming of for when it's no longer sandal season?!

XOXO B

Things I Love: Vera Bradley

Let's just start with my saying that I have a love affair with Vera Bradley.  I adore the prints and many styles of bags that she offers.  I also adore that there are ALWAYS new patterns coming out, it's fun and very addictive!  I enjoy wearing "seasonal" colors, Vera is very good with providing that for me!  I'm not one who wears prints too often on a daily basis (I like simple solids a lot!) so the bags provide a great preppy pop of color.  I also appreciate how durable and un-fussy they are.  They are washable for one!  It's nice to not be worried about your bag when you go about your day.  I also do appreciate the cost.  The average Vera is around fifty to sixty dollars, or as little as thirty dollars.  To me this means that you can have a nice variety of bags to match your outfits.  It's certainly my preference to wear a simple, pretty bag that doesn't cost a fortune!

Vera Bradley has come a long way since the classic preppy pattern like this one!  This is bees, one of the patterns I loved in high school, sadly my nantucket navy bag did not survive.

I prefer a larger bag these days on my working days I haul quite a bit with me.  This is a villager in the fall 2011 color "Happy Snails".  I love this pattern, it's so cheerful to me, and I think the baby's breath around the pocket is just adorable.  Some preppy purists miss the oldschool vera, and I do too, but I do appreciate the new prints (SOME of them).

Vera Bradley now makes a variety of bags!  I fell for these two super preppy styles right away.  The red one even has cute leather detailing.  The blue one is made out of canvas and is just so adorable!

Any thoughts on Vera?

XOXO B

What I Wore: My Cousin's Wedding.

So I just wanted to post a quick photo from the wedding!  I didn't get too many photos because I was busy socializing grr!!  I realized I didn't get one with my parents or with Michael--and we coordinated!!!!  Oh well, I got ones with my cousin's which is the most important!!  It was a really cool wedding, it was at the Mint Museum here in Charlotte, which was a new experience for me!  I'm more of a classic southern wedding gal myself, but this wedding was perfect for my cousin, she's always been very unique and off the beaten path.  The venue worked surprisingly well I thought!!

I was worried about what to wear for a six o'clock wedding, black tie?  But I learned when in doubt... ASK!  So I did, and I certainly would of been overdressed in a cocktail dress!  I found the dress I wore at Vineyard Vines.  Normally I find it pricey, but the dress was reduced from 165 to 57... So YES I needed it.  I love the blue madras, and I think the laceyness around the color and hem dress it up.  Paired with pearls, my white Jack Rogers, and a Vera Bradley clutch, I was pleased with the result!

Plus my cousin looks beautiful, as does her brother!  Love them!

Hope you're having a nice week so far!!

XOXO B

Things I love: LL Bean Boat and Tote

I LOVE my LL Bean Boat and totes... I use my medium zip top the most.  I can't live without them!  Some say there isn't a preppier bag out there, and this very well may be true... (They look SO cute with a polo, sperry's, and chinos, they pretty much look cute with anything!!) 

If you're looking for a useful tote for hauling books, beach/pool stuff, a change of clothes, or just extra stuff you need during the day, I can't think of another tote I can use so consistently.  I would love a pocket or two, but I can live without that for such a reliable, sturdy tote...  

It's been a long day for me!!

XOXO B

LL Bean Signature Fall Look

I was pleasantly surprised when browsing the ll bean signature site this afternoon.  Some of the fall looks are too trendy to me, but some are stylish "reach" looks and just ideas I could make my own somehow.  The video they have just screams FALL to me, and since I have fall on my mind, I enjoyed it!

I adore Bean Boots (or Duck boots) these ones are hunting boots maybe?  They're taller than the standard ones, but with skinny jeans they really seem to "Prep" the outfit to me.  And I love the Flannel top, it's feminine and classic, so cute...

The adorable sweater and skirt look PERFECT together.  I am in love with this outfit.  Plus the backdrop is great!

Here is the Video

XOXO B

Is it fall yet? Is it fall yet?

The wedding was a lovely occasion.  I have never been to a wedding of two people so clearly able to show their love for each other.  The love was in the air, it was a wonderful feeling!  I hope the two of them have a fantastic life together, currently living in Glasgow Scotland!  What lucky ducks they are, thinking about the climate they'll be returning to has me dwelling on this North Carolina weather... how hot it is and how ready I am for fall to get here.

I am personally not one for extreme weather... I live in boots and sweaters in the winter (I live in the south...) and in the summer when the temperature rises above 85 I hate to be outside, it feels like a Sauna half the time around here.  I do love the feeling in spring when you can finally wear shorts one day, your white legs hardly know what to do with all the freedom, and when you finally wear a pair of sandals you don't even know what to do with yourself!  However, it's getting old.  I'd like to wear a sweater thank you...

The only way I can cope with the heat and enjoy being outside is on the water...

Without peaceful days like this on the lake, I don't think I could get through the hot southern weather!  

xoxo B 

It's wedding season!!

Oh how a preppy girl loves a good wedding, plus all the festivities that come with it!  Yesterday I had the pleasure of attending my cousin's bridesmaid luncheon + rehearsal dinner!  How fun!  I met lots of new people, lots of cousin's from "the other side" haha, and various people who knew my late Aunt (cousin's mother).  It was lovely!  And today is the big day!  I hope to have some fun photos of the event!  And I'll get to catch up with some family members I haven't seen in a while!

It got me to start thinking about preppy wedding outfits/accessories.  There's certainly a range of dress and style at weddings, so what is proper style for a preppy southern girl?

Easy!!

The outfit should be simple and classy.  (No brastraps, or cleavage showing please!) A simple shift dress or a classic dress with a lovely classic pattern such as seersucker, madras, or florals will do the job.  Add a Cardi, pearls, and Jack Rogers Navajo sandals and you're good to go!  It's an easy look, and a flattering one.  Looking classy at a wedding is super important, after-all it's the brides day!!!

Have a great day!  I'm off to watch my cousin get married!!!

xoxo B

Everyone Likes a Prep

It's true, isn't it?  Everyone loves preppy style, and a classically preppy girl or boy regardless of age?  Maybe not everyone, but I'm just going to go off that assumption!

This blog is intended to be a place where I muse on fashion, (of the preppy sort) as well as various other things I may decide to include!  And so, I begin!

This photo took place before our sorority and fraternity house was bulldozed this week to make room for progress at our alma mater... we went to say goodbye.

Rather than getting to wordy about myself I thought I'd include some photos before I begin posting blog posts (something I have wanted to do for some time now!).  I live in the south (so hot at the moment...) in the beautiful state of North Carolina!  I am an member of Phi Mu Fraternity, and a lettered lady of Pi Kappa Phi!  I love life, family, fashion, color, my boyfriend, Phi Mu, Vera Bradley, Lilly, VV, and so much more.  My love of all these things is overflowing and it's time for me to have a place to write about it!!

I also love America, can't forget that!!

XOXO