Tag Archives: preppy

Getting Fashion Inspiration from TV

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It’s no secret that “Pretty Little Liars” is one of my all-time television guilty pleasures. But as much as I live for the drama of the plot, I’m obsessed with the wardrobe put together by costume designer, Mandi Line. (You may recall her work from MTV’s “Faking It”, Abc Family’s “Greek”, “The Clique” movie, Lifetime’s “Drop Dead Diva,” among others.)

My personal style as inspired by PLL: I’m mostly a Hanna or a Spencer, though Aria has some pretty cute pieces.

Here’s what Mandi Line said about our favorite Liars’ signature looks:

Aria’s (Lucy Hale) eclectic, trendy style

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“Aria wears trends but she doesn’t do it because they’re cool, she does it because likes them.”

Spencer’s (Troian Bellisario) old-school, preppy style

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“I want to make sure her story looks like she stole something from her mom’s closet, yet she went shopping and topped it off with something classic. I always say Spencer is classic with a twist.”

Emily’s (Shay Mitchell) athletic, simplistic style

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“Emily (Shay Mitchell) to me has had the biggest arc of all the characters because when she came out with her sexuality, she also came out with her strength to speak what she was feeling through her fashion.”

Hanna’s (Ashley Benson) trendy, girly style

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“Hannah, or Ms. Ashley Benson, is probably the funniest and most wild one I have. She always wants shorter, sexier and higher heels. Over the seasons she has gotten more risky.”

Check out Mandi Line’s full interview with Huffington Post here: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/01/07/pretty-little-liars-best-dressed_n_4549404.html

The four girls have very distinct plot lines, something that is shown through their wardrobe. Hanna is very glamorous, trendy, and girly. Spencer is classic preppy. Aria is the eclectic risk taker when it comes to fashion (i.e. wearing multiple prints and making it work). Emily is the athletic tomboy, which is the polar opposite of Shay’s real-life glam style.

Which Liar are you most like? An Aria, Hanna, Spencer, Emily, or a mixture?

My new favorite Lilly looks!

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With the recent reveal of the 2014 Fall line of Lilly Pulitzer, I thought I’d reveal my top Lilly looks:

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“Windsor Strapless Pull-On” is perfect as a summer staple. Love the print and dress shape!

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The “Madeline” sunglasses are perfect! LOVE. A summer must.

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The “Augusta shift dress” is gorge. I love it. It’s the perfect summer Lilly dress.

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The “Emmett strapless maxi dress” is a summer must! Love the color.

What summer staples are on your must list?

 

What I Like (Regarding Style and Fashion)

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I’m a preppy girl. But here’s the thing, at my school, everyone is preppy (both the girls and the guys.) Our campus could easily be an ad for Vineyard Vines or Lilly Pulitzer. And while I love being a Lilly girl and being J.Crew-level preppy, I also don’t feel like I stand out. A reason why I always choose unique Lilly pieces, or unique preppy staples, is because while it’s still preppy, it feels like more like me (not just another face in the crowd).

Growing up, I didn’t really have a set “style,” I kind of just wore what I liked. At my elementary, middle, and high schools, there were definitely the popular “preps,” the “jocks,” and my friends–the ‘quirky,’ smart kids who didn’t really fit a mold. So, I wore what I liked, and sometimes I fit in with my friends and other times I fit with the other cliques.

Now in college, I realize how important it is to be me. I don’t need to prove who I am through my clothes. It’s MY personal style, and that’s exactly how I act. Honestly? I’ve walked into the Vineyard Vines outlet near my school and have only gotten one thing (and I’ve been there many times). I’m not interested in being the cookie-cutter preppy girl that everyone else is (not that there’s anything wrong with that), but it’s not me. Also, cost plays a huge factor. I’m paying for four years of college right now, how can I afford to have a complete head-to-toe J.Crew or Lilly wardrobe? Most of my designer staples have been purchased at outlet malls, and no one knows the difference. While at times I think it’d be nice to wear more Lilly or preppy pieces, it’s just not practical right now, at least not until I’m finished with college.

My first year in college this past year, I admit I sort of struggled fitting in. I thought I had to up how preppy my wardrobe was to fit in at my Southern school. I went with a group from my school on Taglit Birthright earlier this summer, and it wasn’t until then (and coming home) how much time I thought about other peoples’ clothes and how I fit in. We all wore athletic clothes together, saw each other at our grossest (hiking and sweating does that to a person), and it still didn’t matter–they’re my friends, good friends: like a family. It goes to show you how clothes can’t determine who you are. They should merely be a reflection of what you see in yourself. And me? I see a preppy girl whose individualism is clearly shown, in my personality and in my wardrobe.

Style-is-a-way-to-say-who-you-are-without-having-to-speak-quote-by-Rachel-Zoe

I’m sorry for that little rant. It’s just been something I’ve been thinking about recently. xx

My Favorite Things (Pinterest Edition)

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Pinterest is easily one of my favorite social media sites. I love pinning fashion ensembles, beauty tips, crafts, hairstyles, jewelry, shoes, and much more. So, read on for a list of my all-time favorite pins.

Screen Shot 2014-07-13 at 2.53.31 PM  I’d love to wear this to class this fall. #perfect #preppy

Screen Shot 2014-07-13 at 2.54.31 PM Gorgeous! The gold peplum and the necklace–love.

Screen Shot 2014-07-13 at 3.03.08 PM Summery and preppy = one of my fave summer looks.

Screen Shot 2014-07-13 at 3.03.17 PM Love. Can I wear this to the Kentucky Derby? #prep

Screen Shot 2014-07-13 at 3.05.44 PMLOVE. Lilly dress looks perfect with the hat and necklace.

Screen Shot 2014-07-13 at 3.10.22 PM Valentino heels, my new fave shoe obsession. #perfection

Screen Shot 2014-07-13 at 3.12.15 PM Her hair accessory! Love it.

Screen Shot 2014-07-13 at 3.16.50 PMTwo words: GLITTER MONOGRAM. #yesplease

Screen Shot 2014-07-13 at 3.17.37 PM Custom Topshop dress? Uh, yes.

Screen Shot 2014-07-13 at 3.18.27 PM Marchesa. Gorge. Can I go to the Oscars in this?

Screen Shot 2014-07-13 at 3.21.13 PM Or this Marchesa one? #redcarpet

Screen Shot 2014-07-13 at 3.19.24 PM I’m obsessing over this headband. Very grecian. Love.

Those aren’t all of my pins, but these are what I love the most. Very preppy, very stylish, very me.

What to Wear: Internship

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As I’m working as a Communications Intern this summer, I’m tasked with finding outfits to wear to the office that’s both professional and cute (i.e. something that I’ll want to wear.)

1. Obviously, you don’t want to wear something flashy or loud, that will distract anyone in the office from seeing how professional you are, which can ruin any potential contacts in your future.

2. Also, anything you’d wear to a club or party scene is out. That leaves out crop tops, super-high heels, tiny dresses, miniskirts, and anything way too tight.

3. Shoes: I know all girls love our heels (me included), but if you’re working a full day– you cannot wear heels unless you can be able to walk in them ALL DAY without complaining. For days at the office, flats (or even wedges) may be your best bet.

4. After your first day, see what the other staff are wearing (especially with shoes!) It’ll help you see what’s appropriate for you to be wearing!

5. A good blazer is an internship staple. (I have three of the same blazer in different colors.) A blazer is an easy way to make your dress, skirt, or slacks look professional.

6. If you’re not interning at a high-powered firm, then most likely a business casual wardrobe will suffice. Think blazers, modest sundresses, ballet flats or professional-looking wedges or small heels, and simple makeup and hair.

EXAMPLES:

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This is a great option. I love the blazer, necklace, skirt, and nude flats. (Nude pumps or heels are a must-have wardrobe staple.) It’s a great business casual option. If you don’t work for a high-powered organization, this is something you could wear any day to the office.

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This is business casual yet trendy. The chevron top and necklace go well with the black skinny jeans, but it’d be more appropriate to wear with a black skirt. And if you substitute the jeans for a skirt, nude heels or wedges would go better that flats, in my opinion.

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This is perfect for a day at your internship. However, the heels are way too high. (You’d be in pain by lunchtime.) So, I’d go with flats. But, I love the printed pants with the peplum top, blazer, and statement necklace. A good statement necklace is an easy way to add some fun to any professional outfit.

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A great choice. Dresses like this one is perfect for a summer internship, and the blazer, necklace, and heels help make it more professional.

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A perfect outfit for summer, and the blazer and wedges make it appropriate for a day at the office. One of my favorites from this post!

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Here’s a very preppy internship option. It looks cute, and it’s office-appropriate for a business casual firm.

When dressing for your internship, it’s important to be confident in what you wear, but also to remain professional, because you never know where this internship may lead.

My Personal Style

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As a follow-up to my last post, I thought I’d discuss what it is I actually like (as opposed to current trends).

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In my small suburb AND my Southern university it is evident that I’m a preppy girl. Lilly Pulitzer, Jack Rogers, Vineyard Vines, monograms galore, pearls: all staples in my wardrobe. But, I’m also a huge Topshop fan, or as I refer to it as the ‘trendy’ side my style.

EXAMPLES:

Here’s the preppy version of me. (Such a Lilly girl.)

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And my trendy self. (These are from Topshop.)

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Some days I feel like being the prep I am, and others I want to feel like I’m sashaying down a catwalk (a girl can dream, right?)

The point being: it’s okay to be both. It just shows how there’s many layers to my personality, as reflected in my style: girly girl preppy and hip or trend-setting fashionista; they’re both my taste.