Must One Be A Royal To Pull Off A Kilt - by Richard

Preppy Girl Theatre - by Richard

A Cream Sweater Always Looks Good Under Tweed - by Richard

Spring Layering - by Richard

Sometimes, spring suits and sport coats can be boring without a splash of color. Take the khaki cotton suit for example. Without a little color, people like myself with Casper like complexions look ghost like when wearing them. However, when adding some pink, green, blue, or yellow, you can add some character.

Preppy Girl Theatre - by Richard

A Real Man - by Richard

In today's political world, we certainly lack men with spines. Regardless, of your political affiliation, you have to admit that Teddy Roosevelt was a real man. He took on the monopolistic corporations, lead the "Rough Riders" in gun fire, and killed wild beasts on African safaris. He was even shot during a speech, and he pulled his shirt to the side to show the blood stain and said, "it takes more than a bullet to stop a bullmoose". What a human being, wow! If we only had someone like him today!

Preppy Girl Theatre - by Richard

WASPy Dogs~by Kipp

 I am getting a puppy in the very near future and so the discussion of our WASPy companions has been on my mind. I am currently searching for a reputable breeder for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, as I think that will be my pick.  Cavaliers have a repertoire of being a regal dog and are very elegant and lovable. I am also thinking about a minature beagle. Both dogs have a very WASPy tradition and have been favorites of the royal families. Other favorites of mine are corgis, and of course, Richard's adorable little dachsund! What do you think? What is your choice of companion pup? 

A Wonderful Combination ~ by Kipp

Sometimes it helps to think of your closet as individual items. We have a tendency of seeing things in the same combinations which leads to redundancy in outfits. If you think of them as individual pieces it is easier to come up with new pairings that you have not thought of before. Each piece of this outfit is very versatile and classic and would go with anything. However, they go perfectly together! I am particularly smitten with the polka dotted dress. I would change out the RL cable knit for a BB cashmere one sans a label. 

I challenge you all to take the pieces you always wear together and get creative!

From The Manor ~ by Kipp

Spring Weddings ~ by Kipp

Weddings are one of my favorite events. This weekend I attended one of my first weddings of the spring and it was the perfect chance for me to wear one of my favorite cocktail dresses. This wedding was in the early afternoon so I was able to wear a more casual dress. With wedding attire one must be very aware of the time of the event and the season. There is nothing worse than someone wearing an eggplant or olive colored dress at a spring wedding. You would also not wear the dress above for a fall wedding; people often over look being season appropriate.

Of course I adore this dress because of the bow. This color is a lovely and went perfectly with nude accoutrements. My purse is much larger than I would normally wear with a cocktail dress, however, the bride requested I take additional pictures so I had to carry my DSLR.

I wish you all a wonderful wedding season!

Prep School Blazer Unleashed - by Richard

Later this week, I plan to unleash my Brooks Brothers Prep School Blazer upon the world, and attempt to not look like Harry Potter. I believe I have found the correct balance, and we may post photos. Till then......

From The GARR - ijj

Apparently, The Hoodie Under A Sportcoat Dates Back To 1980s

I recently found this old Polo advertisement, and to my surprise, Ralph Lauren was placing hoodies underneath jackets back in the 1980s. However, this older chap somehow makes it look more tolerable, but it is a look from which I will abstain.

A Moment With Lady Crawley (and Sisters) - by Richard

Things Have Changed Since 2008 - by Richard

A lot has changed since 2008 when we began our humble blog. In the beginning of the preppy/trad/WASPy movement, there were only a handful of blogs out there discussing the subject. Just to list a few, there was the Ask Andy Forum, The Trad, and yours truly, WASP 101. Ask Andy and the Trad are not exactly my cup of tea, but they fall in the same vein. Since then, there have been others to join the fray, but many of them fell by the wayside quickly. We will spare naming them because blogging can be a tough business. Probably one of the most annoying newcomers was Chensvold at Ivy Style. Some of his posts are interesting, but I don't truly consider him an expert on the subject of Ivy League Style. He is just tapping into the popularity of the subject.

But now, we have a whole new host of bloggers out there. Young kids are starting Tumblr sites, and more and more preppy blogs keep popping up. There are literally hundreds on the net, and they certainly make for good competition. However, I still think the one's who started it all have the best blogs. However, we must accept that the Tumblr and Pinterest generation will probably win out in the end. Kids today are just not interested in dialogue. They prefer the instant gratification they get from looking at photographs alone. Regardless, we will keep carrying on.

Preppy Girl Theatre - by Richard

A Kipp Approved Trend

Everywhere we look we see women on trend with brightly colored skinny jeans and pants. Now preps have always enjoyed a bright go to hell pant, but now they are a bit on the skinnier side. I love the pop of color that a very bold bottom will give to an outfit. Especially for spring I suggest stocking up on every color!

However, keep in mind that skinny jeans are very tricky for everyone, except Audrey, of course! J.Crew has some great options in jeans and pants, my favorite being the Minnie pant. They are more versatile than jeans and fit exceptionally well. They come in some wonderfuly strong colors like the vibrant red!

From The Manor ~ by Kipp

An Older Schoolgirl ~ by Kipp

I came across this image of a more mature schoolgirl outfit. You still have the classic elements, but it has a more refined and polished finish. This woman's outfit is perfect, except for the choice in handbag. She is wearing a black handbag with a navy sweater. I am still of the opinion that one should always try to match shoes to handbags. At least the color of the handbag should not clash with any of the outfit. However, this look shows that a classic khaki skirt, button down, and sweater don't have to look childish if done properly.

Just because you're no longer in boarding school does not mean you can not wear khaki and navy!

I Hope He Is A Chip Off The Old Block - by Richard

I certainly hope that Ralph Lauren's son is a chip off the old block. He does appear to have timeless style, but I must say that I worry as to what will happen to Ralph Lauren's company when he passes on. Of course, he is only in his early seventies, and he could live a healthy life for many more years. However, he is the great visionary of the empire, and when visionaries pass on, something is usually lost. Hopefully, his son was bewitched by the plaid fairy at some point in his life, and he will carry on the company for many more preppy years to come.

From The GARR-ijj - by Richard

I May Have Packed It Away Too Soon - by Richard

Lately, I have been enjoying very brisk spring evenings sitting by the fire pit with a fine cigar, and having delightful conversation with my chums. Infact, it has been pretty chilly of late with temperatures barely reaching 45 degrees a couple days. Could I have packed away the winter tweeds too soon? Well regardless, I have been wrapping up in spring looking sweaters, but this Harris Tweed Suit from Ralph Lauren makes me crave cold wintery weather (that we did not have this year). This suit appears to be custom, and it invokes visions of things to come.

Preppy Girl Theatre - by Richard

WASP 101 Is On Spring Break - by Richard

I am going to take this week off, and get my batteries recharged. Basically, I am going to sit around the house, take brisk walks, and think about all things not related to work or blogging. See you next Monday!

White & Seersucker ~ by Kipp

Not only is Easter a wonderfully preppy holiday but it also signals the return of wearing white and seersucker! Everyone knows that before this day it is in poor taste to wear either of these shades. I simply adore my white pants, Jack Rogers, and BB seersucker blazer.

All three of these models are perfect dressed for spring. I am very happy to see that the woman is also wearing a pocket square in her blazer! Women frequently wear blazers but never think to add a pocket square. Personally, I find it another great way to personalize an outfit.

I hope you all enjoy the return of white and seersucker!

Happy Easter - by Richard

Off to church tomorrow and then the Easter feasts of ham and green beans begin. We here at WASP 101 wish everyone a Happy Easter.

Preppy Girl Theatre - by Richard

Classic Striped Blazer - by Richard

Blazer by Ben Sherman

This is an example of a really old school preppy blazer. Back in the old days of preps, it was a common sight to see gents and ladies wearing a striped blazer (most likely with school colors) with brass buttons, and possibly a crest. Ralph Lauren and Ralph Lauren Rugby have produced remakes of this old school preppy classic for several years now. Basically, you just wear it like you would a normal blazer, but certainly, keep all other items conservative. Pastel pink and green pants can only be worn with the most conservative of blazers, and that is of course the exoskeleton navy blazer with brass buttons.

Preppy Girl Theatre - by Richard

Carolina Cup 2011 - by Richard

It took a couple days to retrieve these photos because Kipp's friend (not pictured) took the photos and she had to retrieve. I made the journey with a couple of my friends, and we happened to run into Kipp and her friend "C". My attire for the tractor pull includes:

Polo Ralph Lauren Blazer
Pink Brooks Brother Trousers
Polo Gingham Shirt
Madras Brooks Brothers Bow Tie
Plaque Belt



Sweet Tea in hand with "C" making a funny face behind me. Thanks, "C".

Preppy Girl Theatre - by Richard

Lilly Done Properly ~ by Kipp

Since last week I stated that Lilly could easily get out of hand, I wanted to show some examples of Lilly done properly. These two ladies have used a bold Lilly print perfectly. I especially adore the one above. The trick is to have a bold seperate and even it out with a solid colored top or bottom depending on which one is the Lilly print. Note that both have also left the accessories to a minimum which makes the eyes focus on you and the bold print!

Repp Stripes in New Places ~by Kipp

For those women that love a repp stripe ties but are too afraid to wear one themself, Brooks Brothers has come out with a gorgeous line of repp stripe items for this spring. The clutch and the ballet flats are my favorites and are going to be a necessary addition to my wardrobe! Navy and pink is one of my favorite color combinations and I love the contrast with the brown leather on the clutch. Of course, the flat encompasses almost all of my favorite things; bows, ballet flats, and silk ties. There is almost no way to go wrong with either of these items and I love the creative approach Brooks has taken with the material. It is this kind of creativity that keeps style fresh yet still traditional and preppy!

There Might Be Hope - by Richard

Apparently, Nickelodeon has a British kids show called House of Anubis where kids are in attendance at a boarding school. From the photograph above, I approve of the kids attire, and maybe, just maybe, there is hope for our kids today if they are exposed to shows promoting manners and neat dress. However, I can't fully authorize the show since I have never seen it, and probably will not since it is on a kids network. But again, from the picture above, it has to be better than the rest of the shows on the network.

Preppy Girl Theatre - by Richard

The Carolina Cup - by Richard

This past year, I decided to take a pass on the Carolina Cup. In previous years, I went to this drunken pastel party, but I always spent my time in the adult section, if such a section really existed. My recollections include frat boys who truly didn't know how to dress, and girls wearing Lilly Pulitzer with gigantic hats. Some even found themselves in the mud with handcuffs on them, or running alongside the fence in an intoxicated state chasing after the horses when they passed.

For me, I am just too old for this type of behavior, and I must give a thumbs down to the Carolina Cup. It is not the place for aspiring young gentleman, or well to do young ladies.

Preppy Girl Theatre - by Richard