Happy New Year - by Richard

Another year has come and passed, and we here at WASP 101 want to wish you a Happy New Year! It is hard to believe that I started this blog back in 2008, and we are still going strong and continuing to grow readers. I also want to thank the author of Preppy: Cultivating Ivy Style for giving our blog a positive reference in their new book.

The year 2011 was a unique year for the blog. We started off slow due to my busy work schedule, but we were able to revamp the blog this past fall. We started by posting on nearly a daily basis again, changing our sites design, adding two new authors, and ridding ourselves of the anonymous gang.

So, here is to another wonderful year in 2012, and thank you for being a loyal reader.

Ralph Lauren~ by Kipp

Ralph Lauren is without a doubt one of my favorite designers. Every time I enter the stores on Madison it is a new adventure. Here are some of my favorite pictures from this last visit. Enjoy!

Across the street for the ladies....

On the fourth floor of the women's store is the home section...

On the Upper East Side ~by Kipp

I never need an excuse to head in to the city, but this Christmas my best friend came in for a visit from her home in Provence. Our schedules rarely overlap so it was nice to spend the holiday together.

She and I both share a love of the finer things in life and our trip left nothing to be desired. There is something about spending an afternoon strolling on Madison Avenue with a great friend, shopping at some of the most incredible stores in the world and indulging in our favorite Ladurée macarons, that can make everything else in the world just disappear.

One of my outfits for a day of indulgence:

(Sadly, the black and white herringbone of my skirt does not show.)

Soon to come…. my pictures from Ralph Lauren: for men, women, and home!

Braving The After Christmas Returns Crowd - by Richard

Today, I braved the after Christmas returns crowd to help Mrs. Richard return a couple movies she already had. I tried to convince her that we should simply wait a couple weeks, but she would not listen.

Therefore, I took the opportunity to wear some of my new Christmas gifts:

Polo slim fit tattersal shirt
Polo Shawl Collar Fleece
Polo slim fit flannel trousers (off the rack with no cuff, but I will allow it since I love the fit)
Argyle Socks
Cole Haan Penny Loafers......I love these shoes!

Kipp is back in our home state, and I can't wait to see her report from New York..........

Emotions - by Richard

WASPs are not known for showing emotions or public displays of affection. For yours truly, some have described me as a heartless animal. And though I agree with these sentiments somewhat, I do not desire to harm others or cause displeasure for anyone. Harnessing such malice is certainly not healthy. With me, I just don't show many emotions, and I have always been notorious for bottling them up.

So, perhaps one of my New Years Resolutions will be to show the occasional emotion. Now, don't get me wrong, I will not start crying on command. I don't cry period! But, I will at least make the attempt to smile more!

"Kipp" Is On Assignment, Or Christmas Vacation :) - by Richard

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas Day, and as for me, I will continue the celebration into the New Year! I was very fortunate to receive some very nice gifts, and I will be sharing them as the New Year begins.

Kipp, is currently on a vacation of sorts in New York, and she is crashing in the upper east-side. I can't wait to see her photos which she will post here on WASP 101.

Take care, and continue to enjoy the holidays!

Merry Christmas From WASP 101

"Kipp", Crawford, and yours truly (Richard) wish all the readers of WASP 101 a Merry Christmas. Please be safe in all your travels, and we will see you back on December 27th, 2011.

A Lovely Christmas Dinner With Mr. & Mrs. Crawford - by Richard

Last Friday, before Mrs. Richard and I headed to Alabama, we had the pleasure of dining at our home with Mr. & Mrs. Crawford who publishes here at WASP 101. Crawford is without question my best friend in the world! Yes, I am actually closer to Crawford than my old chum Worthington who never writes and is probably chasing crumpet somewhere in Europe. Mrs. Crawford is also very delightful, and I always love spending time with her as well. She is without question my favorite wife of all my friends.

In the photos:

On Richard:
Polo Cashmere DB Blazer
BB Plaid Pane Trousers
BB Ascot

On Crawford:
Vintage Tweed Sport Coat
BB Christmas Critter Blackwatch Plaid Pants
Napkin for pocket square _ He's awesome like that!



Here are pictures from last minute Christmas shopping, and Sherlock Holmes movie today:

BB Tartan Blazer
Polo Critter Khakis
Polo Plad button down

Cable Knit Sweaters~ by Kipp

Pulling on a cashmere cable knit sweater at the start of fall is one of the warmest and coziest feelings that can be created by an article of clothing. Normally I prefer variety in ones clothing, however, cable knit sweaters and OCBDs are two items that you should buy in (almost) every color possible.

Like many preppy staples the cable knit is a piece that can easily transition between very masculine and very feminine. As always, it all depends on how you style an item. Look for cable knits in bright colors, especially like the red that the woman is wearing above. The brighter the colors the more feminine, and the more you can play with what you pair it with.

So, on that note, I am off to sit by the fireplace in a hunter green cable knit sweater, a glass of cabernet, and my loved one. I suggest you all do likewise!

Christmas Day - by Richard

Dressing for Christmas Day is always a fun experience for my household, and to me, nothing says Christmas like plaid. The outfit above is an appropriate outfit for Christmas morning, and it has inspired me to wear one of my tartan blazers Christmas Morning. Merry Christmas....the countdown has begun!

Throwing the Pigskin - by Richard

Though more appropriate for Thanksgiving, this photo would still come into play for Christmas family parties in warmer parts of the world. A lot of families in the United States love to have touch football games when they commune, and the photo above demonstrates appropriate attire for such a game. However, I would remove my polo coat because if anyone happen to tackle me while playing, I would have to hurt them.

The Cloche Hat ~ by Kipp

I hate to continue to use Blair Waldorf as an example, but she really does provide great images of womenswear.

I have always had difficulties in the winter with hats. Though very necessary, they can easily be disastrous and unattractive, like those horrid little beanie hats. This year I have decided to return to the 1920s and wear a cloche hat. Make sure you purchase one made out of wool for it to be functional as well as a beautiful addition.

If you took my previous advice and purchased a brightly colored peacoat, I suggest you stick to a darker cloche. I recently acquired a gray one similar to the one above and an adorable black one with a cream band and bow. Do not make the mistake of thinking these hats dated. They are flattering on most everyone and are the best way to keep warm in the winter! However, the style of hat is not purely for winter. Change the materials used and you have a perfect hat for your next derby or polo match.

Understated Elegance ~ by Kipp

There is so much that I love in this outfit. It is well put together, but not overdone. I enjoy a go to hell item as much as Richard, but there is something wonderful and elegant in this understated ensemble.

Ruffles are probably my favorite accent on a blouse and this lavender cascade of ruffled fabric is not a shy accent. Although capes are not my favorite type of jacket due to their untailored and awkward angles, this woman has been able to pull it off properly. Capes seem to have made a slight come back this season; however, I always prefer a peacoat.

Although individually these pieces are not a likely combination, they come together and create a sense of fluidity and unity. Do not make the common mistake of making the same outfits out of your clothing. Take them out and mix them up. You will see new combinations and possibilities that you never would have before!

Katy Perry Prepped Up For Christmas - by Richard

More Prep School Blazers - by Richard

The other night, I went out to one of my yuppie bar hangouts, and I tested the prep shcool blazer out with a casual look. I paired the blazer with a pink university stripe oxford cloth button down, jeans, and brown velvet slippers. And, believe it or not, I was complimented by several young ladies. I wish I had taken a photo of myself wearing the getup, but I just didn't have time. Thumbs up to the casual getup with the blazer.

Here are more photos of prep school blazers. One for the guys and one for the ladies! Enjoy!

A Work Of Art ~ by Kipp

Although I always prefer painting to photography as an artistic medium, this image is simply stunning. Every time I revisit it I notice a new element and I am fascinated. The environment of an auction itself is invigorating, the thrill of not only acquiring a new piece but knowing that you outdid your opponents.

Of course, this image is sartorially fantastic. The men are impeccable, and the woman's dress is something that I covet today. I wish gloves in general were used more, they are such a versatile addition. The use of driving gloves has made a bit of a return, but never to the full impact that this accessory could have.

Another aspect that I love about this image is the power of the lone woman in a sea of men. She has her own card and placing her own bids. She stands out from the men not only with the sharp contrast in her white dress but with her beauty as well.

It Arrived - by Richard

Well, it finally arrived, and I couldn't be happier! The jacket is absolutely perfect, but I can honestly say it is tough to wear. The image above looks appropriate, but I do look like I just walked off the campus of a prepatory school (not sure that's a good thing). I guess that is why they called it a prep school blazer. However, I think the jacket would look great at university parties or even a regatta. In addition, the jacket would look more appropriate for adults with jeans or khakis, and ditching the tie. The yellow piping is very loud, and one could easily go wild with this jacket. So, be forgiving.....more to come!

The Prep School Blazer From Brooks Brothers - by Richard

If there was a good thing that came from the publication of Preppy: Cultivating Ivy Style, it was the reminder to the world that Brooks Brothers once made a really cool prep school blazer. And fortunately, Brooks Brothers decided to remake this blazer. If I am not mistaken, this blazer was first introduced to the United States in the 1940s, and fortunately, I was able to secure one this week. I absolutely cannot wait for this jacket to arrive! It is prepped with a Milano Slim Fit, no darts, and 3/2 roll. Stay tuned!

Tweed Run Slippers - by Richard

I really hate that I missed out on buying the Tweed Run Slippers featured in the middle at Rugby this year. I honestly just couldn't stomach spending $500 on a pair of slippers I would seldom wear, but I must say they are beautiful. Perhaps, I can find a pair when the beginning of the year sale begins, but it is doubtful since they are no longer available on-line.

However, I was successful in acquiring one of the prep school blazers featured at Brooks Brothers. The blazer is a remake of the blazer featured on Preppy: Cultivating Ivy Style. I literally got the last blazer they had, and fortunately, it was a 40R. I cannot wait to feature it on the blog.

Getting In The Christmas Spirit - by Richard

Today, I took presents to all the kids who live in my neighborhood, and of course, I have to make my annual donation to the St. Jude Children's Hospital. However, a funny thing happened today when one of the kids greeted me at the door by exclaiming, "you are not Santa Claus!" My response to the child was, "you are correct, I am not Santa but rather his preppy brother Richard." The kid replied, "Santa has a brother." Yes, I replied and Merry Christmas :)

Outfit:

BB Harris Tweed Fitzgerald Cut Sport Coat
Polo OCBD
BB Gray Flannel Trousers
BB bow tie
Polo Croc Camp Loafers

The Cost of Going To a Christmas Party - by Richard

Brooks Brothers Olive Tweed Herringbone Sport Coat - $398
Brooks Brothers Oxford Cloth Buttondown Extra Slim Fit - $69
Brooks Brothers Crested Slim Fit Tie - $69
Brooks Brothers Milano Fit Burgundy Corduroy Trousers - $98



Polo Ralph Lauren Crocodile Camp Mocs I have lusted over for years and finally nabbed a pair - $400



Catching the dog on the couch he isn't supposed to be on during all the chaos of getting ready for the party - PRICELESS

What do you think ? ~ by Kipp

I haven't worn a bow in my hair like this in ages. However, seeing this image of a velvet bow has made me wonder if I have neglected a potentially very useful accoutrement.

I think I shall give it a go this holiday season!

Christmas Wear ~ by Kipp

Christmas season is naturally my favorite time of the year. The decorating, the parties, the concerts, and mistletoe; what more could a girl want! Along with the increase in social events comes a need for special holiday items. Not that I need an excuse to wear tartan, but this season makes it even more exciting to pull out your favorite prints. The skirt above is one of my favorites. Although it does not have much green, with the appropriate accessories it can become very festive.

Normally, since this is a longer skirt I would have worn heels, however, the event I attended was a bit more conservative in nature and seeing as I went without hosiery, heels would have been too much. I also paired this with a red double banded headband to add a bit more color to the ensemble.

Although I have a fond love of tartan, remember, with such a bold print like the skirt above everything else must be toned down. Adding a solid color, like the navy sweater over the shoulder breaks up the monotony of the white shirt and completes the style.

So just because what you're wearing isn't green and red does not mean that it is not festive!