Goodbye 2011!!

Another year has just flown by... It's hard to believe tomorrow will be 2012.  I graduated May 2010... wow!  And this year I will turn 25 on 12/12/2012!

I don't know about you but I find new years resolutions a little silly unless they are something one already wishes to do!  There's plenty of goals I should have in general for this year not just because it's a new year, but because they are good goals... but I was contemplating what I would say if asked and this is all I could come up with:

Go skiing ASAP (I used to be an instructor, and it's now been four years since I was last on the slopes.  This must change, my poor skiis must be sad...)

-Finally find a bermuda bag.  You know, the kind with the wooden handles and changable bags.  I have always loved them.

-Do more crafts

-Look into buying a house...

Any resolutions??

Pippa says: "Happy New Year!!!"

XX,

Brooke

GH Bass (a new love!) + a bit about me

I first remember hearing of GH Bass in relation to Bass Weejuns.  My parents both wear Weejuns, and I remember thinking that they looked very nice, and confusing the brand a bit with the outdoor/hunting Bass brand.  I thought of Bass Weejuns again when reading True Prep, and first getting into preppy blogs last year around this time.  Just prior to that, my friend gave me a book: I <3 Your Style, How to Define and Refine Your Personal Style by Amanda Brooks.  I really enjoyed reading this book and truly considering what my personal style actually was.  Everything Brooks listed as Classic I loved (Blue Blazers, white OCBD, shift dresses, fair isle sweaters, sweater sets, etc) this was what I liked.  After identifying strongly with this style, and realizing I also enjoy the more extreme of classic: prep.  I enjoy bright colors, pink and green paired together, pearls, pearls, pearls, and bows.  Once I realized this I sought to eliminate other influences.  Purging my closet of unworthy articles, and trying new things, and often, new brands!  For instance, I wear a number of things from LL Bean now, and previously I had forgotten about it since my days of ordering uniform clothes from there.

Most recently my new brand love is GH Bass!  There is a bass outlet here in Charlotte!  And boy does it have fabulous prices!  Located right near carowinds in a shopping center I had never explored.  Very near to Michael's house, it was once the main source of their shoes, forgotten for years, his parents rediscovered it in time for Christmas.  I received an adorable blue argyle sweater and these:

I think they're pretty cute, and very comfortable.  The fleece is super soft and cozy around my ankles, and worn under pants on a cold day they add a little extra warmth.  In general they are just solid well made shoes, something I don't have too much off, I feel.  So I ventured to the outlet to see what I could find.

My very own weejuns!  At first I felt they were a little masculine, but that may just be the nature of these sorts of shoes.  I wore them today with a simple outfit of Jeans, a red plaid shirt (also from Bass) and camel sweater.  I enjoyed them a lot and wish I had snapped a photo of the outfit (but I am not one to often do that, perhaps I should get in the habit as that is popular among blogs...)

Sweaters I found at GH Bass, for crazy prices of twenty or under.  All marked down from 69.00+ and they are comfortable, and seem to be made well.  I was happy to advance my sweater collection.

Vintage Dooney bag I'm carrying!  Borrowed from my future MIL, and I adore it.  Inspired to wear vintage dooney by the one and only Sarah Vickers (of KJP) and boy have I gotten loads of compliments.

XX,

Brooke

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After Christmas Shopping!!!

Oh how I adore hitting up the Christmas sales... perhaps the best part about knowing that Christmas is over--knowing I can score some major deals at the sales!  I haven't found too much this year.  A plaid wool skirt at the gap that is O.K... and a lavender polo at RL outlet.  I went in search of pants... Jeans, chinos, cords.  And am wondering if I should give up on jeans altogether since none I tried fit very well.  Thoughts?

Also there are things I don't really need that I'd like to spend my X-Mas money on...

I think I'm becoming addicted to Kiel James Patrick Products... This is from the new archer wraps collection in "Lelslile Tartan" and I think it's absolutely adorable!!  I know I don't need it... in fact Michael got me TWO bracelets and a headband for Christmas!!

See?  And I LOVE these and have been wearing them daily.  Previously I just had the bracelet with pink elephants on it, and the earrings to match.  But I adore nearly every KJP Bracelet, headband, and belt... and really appreciate those adorable clip on earrings they just released... ADDICTION!!!

Another thing I dearly want is a pair LL Bean duck boots.  I have a pair made my sperry, but they are just not the same!  They are plaid, and difficult to match with things I find.  I am torn between wanting the moccasins or the 6 inch boots...

So freaking cute.  I don't know how practical they are in the winter time, but either way these boots are ICONIC!  And I need a pair very very soon.

XX,

Brooke

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas from Pippa and I!

It has been a lovely day... My parents came to Charlotte yesterday and we have been having a great time!!!  Japanese food on Christmas eve, Mass this morning at a beautiful cathedral here in town, irish potato soup for lunch (I made it!), PRESENTS PRESENTS AND MORE PRESENTS, beautiful Christmas dinner and Harry Potter movies!  Plus a fire in the fire place :) and lots of marzipan, eggnog, and leibkuchen (Traditional German Christmas cookies).  My mother is half german, and my dad is half Austrian so we love German food and traditions!  

It has been a wonderful day, it has always been just the three of us, and I am blessed with two wonderful parents whom I love and adore!  Michael is in Wilmington, and I miss him dearly, but our Christmas' apart will be ending soon, so I appreciate it in a way.

Merry Christmas she says!!! 

My Pandora Bracelet, and a new KJP bracelet from Michael.  My bracelet has been filled up a ton this birthday/Christmas.  My parents surprised me with a sleigh charm with a garnet... I am in LOVE with it. I loved wearing it on my bracelet today :)

Santa was so good to me this year, I am still in shock!  So much pearl jewelry from my parents and charms, sweaters, polos, accessories and girly wonderful things!  I am so lucky and blessed and thankful for everything!  But most importantly I am grateful for the birth of our Lord, and for my family.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!!

XX,

Brooke

It's finally here...

Merry Christmas!!!!!

I hope it's a wonderful day for you and yours!  I'll be spending it with my parents, cooking up a storm and watching Harry Potter movies :).

XX,

Brooke

Recipe: Trail Chili

One thing that I find in common with many southern women is a love of cooking.  My friends from the north typically prefer to go out a good bit more, and don't enjoy it as much as my southern cohorts.  This is of course not true across the board at all, but I do find it to be a theme of conversation among southern women!  Another thing we all have in common is a love of SIMPLE yet DELICIOUS recipes.  I have slaved over super complicated recipes that have taken me hours... and yes, they usually turn out well, but they are exhausting, and who has time for that?

So, one of mine and Michael's favorite things to eat is chili.  He is always wildly happy when I make chili. Texting me all day how he can't wait until dinner time!  So I thought I'd share the recipe I've been using this year.  It's a slow cooker chili, and it's yummy!!

Now, we like to add fritos on top of ours, but that's just our preference!  It is yummy btw if you haven't tried that!!

Trail Chili

(Original Recipe by Jeanne Allen--Mine is modified)

1lb ground chicken

1 large onion, diced

28 oz. can crushed tomatoes

1 can rotel diced tomatoes and chilis (original)

1 16 oz. can kidney beans, undrained

1 cup water

2 garlic cloves minced

Season to taste with: chili powder, ground cumin, pepper, salt, and garlic powder

1. Brown chicken (I season with italian seasoning)  Drain and place in slow cooker.

2. Stir in remaining ingredients.  

3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours.

I hope you enjoy it, it's really very easy, just taste it along the way and make sure it's turning out how you like, or add more seasonings!  I love tweaking recipes, I may try to add beer instead of water and see what kind of flavor that brings next time!

XX,

Brooke

Simple Preppy Accessories

Simple Preppy Accessories by thissouthernprep featuring a clutch wallet

Amidst all my holiday shopping I was dwelling on the fact that it is hard to be preppy on a budget.  I think this is mostly because staples of a truly preppy wardrobe can be rather pricey!  Due to preppy clothes being made of nice materials and constructed well.  A suit from Brooks Brothers is not cheap, but the owner will have it for a lifetime...  I appreciate and understand all this, however it at times can be frustrating to have a budget in mind when shopping!  So I find a few options that help me... Having preppy accessories can make you feel cuter, even when wearing a simpler outfit.  As well as cute little unexpected preppy touches.  For instance I have a monogram sticker on my car with a matching monogrammed keychain.  I love this, it makes me feel girly and preppy and I get to enjoy it every time I get in my car!  

My Lilly tumbler always makes me feel so cute.  It's perfect for driving, so easy to sip my arnold palmer on the road!  And it's sooo girlie and cute!   Mine is the green with tulips!  I love it!  My tumbler and my Lilly agenda are always with me in the car (Agenda in Nice To See you) and though so cheap I enjoy them daily!  Also, these sorts of things make wonderful gifts!  Cheap and so satisfying!!!  

I may be one to shop the sales racks or ebay, but there are ways to enjoy preppy things for not very much money!  I think it's worth investing in some real jewelry as well, to really freshen up your outfit.  Pearl studs, and necklace, as well as a classic necklace from tiffany's or similar can do wonders and can be worn every day!  

XX,

Brooke

Christmas Wish List

Christmas Wish List by thissouthernprep featuring vera bradley bags

Gift Ideas for women

Gift Ideas for women by thissouthernprep featuring sterling silver bangles

Leather boots
$185 - topshop.com

Sterling silver bangle
$100 - tiffany.com

Gold jewelry
$825 - tiffany.com

Tahitian pearl earrings
$7,150 - purepearls.com

Women's Ralph Lauren Childrenswear Oxford Shirt
$35 - neimanmarcus.com

Carry It All Wristlet | Vera Bradley
$40 - verabradley.com

Preppy Gift Ideas:

Do you have a Prep in your life who you still need to find the perfect Christmas gift(s) for?  Or perhaps you are just curious as to what gifts Preps like to receive... Anyway, here are a few options at a reasonable price point...

For Mens:

LL Bean Fleece Lined Slippers.

These slippers are at the top of my list, because I think they are Michael's favorite gift from me ever.  He would not stop raving about them and I gave them to him in the beginning of November.  The best part is that he can even wear them out and about... they don't look very slipper like!  At 39.95 They are a very reasonable gift, that will last far longer than cheaper attempts.

A Tie.

This is easy.  Preppy men love ties.  They accessorize far better than regular men... and need many ties for many occasions.  This is a classy looking tie, perhaps a bit springy, but I'd want to wear it if it were me... This one is from my favorite Kiel James Patrick.  

Here's a little gender neutral gift option that's sure to please any prep on your list.  In fact, Michael's brother got this for me for my birthday!  I LOVE IT.  How funny and cute, it can be found at Vineyard Vines.

I will provide more gift ideas soon!!!

XX,

Brooke

A new love: Kate Spade

So, Monday was my birthday, and it was a lovely day.  Michael took the day off to be with me, and I only worked for about an hour, and can I call it working?  HA!  Anyway, he took me to out favorite breakfast place and then I wanted to run over to the mall.  South Park Mall is dangerously close to us anyway, full of ALL the fancy stores you could want.  I had a top to exchange that I wanted to wear, and I also sadly needed a new cell phone case... My Lilly one was peeling!!!  So sad, so I decided to try a new brand...

I walked into Kate Spade for the first time and fell in love.  What an adorable little store!  So full of color and patterns, I found everything in there to be happy and cheerful.  I had no idea how much there was to Kate Spade, and there are quite a few things I wish Santa would bring me!!

Now I kind of want this one as well, but I almost always go for a classic pink... we'll see... both are adorable but I'm very indecisive!

I love this bag for winter.  It's called "Dazzle Dot Treesh" and it is very subtle but still colorful!  I feel like it would go with pretty much anything... And I love the idea of a wool bag.  So cute.  Are you listening Santa?

And then I love this wallet to go with.  So happy and cheerful, the Lacey in "Live Colorfully".

And Michael spied this cute coat.  He also spotted a cute pair of green heals with stripes around the heal... For about five minutes he can be very helpful if there are things he approves of in the store!!  I'd rather he care and have an opinion than not...

Anyway, just some things I liked from Kate Spade!  I might try and find something from there to splurge on with birthday money... maybe hitting up EBAY or rue la la... we shall see!  More on that later :)

XOXO B

A little Holiday Lilly...

Lilly Pulitzer - Agatha Dress

I love the idea of this dress for a holiday party... with black tights? Too cute! Why do we think dark colors are necessary for winter? I say NO!!! Pink is even more important when it's gray outside... <3

This is my favorite option.  I adore this dress, it is Lilly's "Elias" Dress and I think it is so beautiful!  So feminine and glamorous, I love the sheen to it, but it would stand out so well in a sea of black dresses.  Seriously beautiful, I would own it if it wasn't quite so pricey!  But hey, a Lilly store is coming soon and I will be watchful for end of season sales... so who knows!

XOXO Brooke

I'm 24!!!

Among other things that have happened in the past month, I turned 24 yesterday!!!!

Do I look any older?!  Ha!  These photos were taken at my friend Courtney's birthday party in uptown Charlotte!!  (I also nanny for her, how nice is that??)

My birthday was fabulous, a love filled weekend and then the actual day, spent with Michael and friends was great!  He was vying for the best boyfriend of the year award for sure... took me to breakfast and later dinner with friends!!  How lovely :) 

He gave me a Tiffany Bean necklace which I LOVE SO MUCH!!!  Plus TWO pandora charms (A snowman and a kitty!!)  And many festive socks (a joke between us) what a great boyfriend!  I am so spoiled!!!  Friends and family gave me lovely things as well, it was such a nice occasion!!!

Oh, and before my birthday there was thanksgiving in Jekyll Island GA which was lovely :), as well as a new addition to the family...

Pippa.

Our little bundle of love!!!  She is a truly fantastic little cat, LOUD, and affectionate as all get out!!  I believe she is part dog, or noone told her that cats are normally aloof... Either way, she is kind of my reason for living!  Ha!

Anyway, getting ready for the Christmas season!  And more posts to come :)